Introducing Matt, Our New CTech Editor

September 30, 2011

Photography:

Everyone knows I'm a bit of a gadget freak and I enjoy posting the odd product review and news just as much as I love reading about it. Cycling is a sport that has a massive product industry built around it and there are some fascinating things to talk about.

Unfortunately product reviews have been tarnished and people are often skeptical that they’re paid advertisements. This is detrimental for both the publisher and the product manufacturer. Reviews are sometimes meaningless and there are always a question marks around how legitimate it is. There are definitely credible magazines out there, but I’m finding it increasingly difficult to find good reviews on the wild-west of the web.

It’s getting hard to keep up with all the products sent to me (and Mrs CT is starting to crack it with our spare bedroom being full!). I also foresee a need to separate the task of handling relationships with advertisers and reviewing their products in order to remain credible. Last month I put the call-out for a Technical Editor and received an overwhelming response. I spoke with many people very well suited and one man stood out amongst them all. His name is Matt Wikstrom. He’s fanatical about bikes and has a very scientific mind but a fun outlook. By day he’s an Immunologist, but insists we don’t call him Dr. His love for all things bike related is something really special and I’m excited to have him take on the role as the Techical Editor. This will include tech news, product reviews and interesting snippets of all things product related. Matt is a wealth of knowledge and I’m excited to have him on board.

Enough from me. Here’s Matt with a brief introduction:

Introducing Matt Wikstrom…

I’m the new guy in the bunch and we all know what that’s like. I feel like I’m pedalling squares and I’m bound to bump into someone, while the guy behind me is bound to worry I’ll cause a crash. Best thing I can do is roll through, take my turn on the front and let the road take over. I’m sure I’ll find my rhythm soon enough…

I’ve been in love with bikes since I was 7 years old (which makes for three-and-a-half decades of punctures). I’ve owned all sorts of bikes, raced them, crashed them, repaired them, and sent a few to the grave. As a professional mechanic, my hands have known a whole lot more, 15 years worth, from absolute junkers gasping for breath, to gleaming beauties that I’ve had pleasure of assembling from the ground up, including the wheels. I’ve never grown tired of working on them; if anything, my passion is burning brighter than ever. It inspires my riding, and my riding feeds my interest in all things bike, so it’s a positive feedback loop of desire upon desire.

With so many bikes assembled or repaired, and thousands of kilometres behind me, what is there to look forward to? More bikes, of course, to build and repair, and more roads to travel (plus, my ongoing dream-bike project, which evolves to keep pace with the market). One item that has been high on my cycling bucket list is to work as a tech editor, so here I am, at last, crossing that off the list in the name of CyclingTips. It’s an awesome opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with Wade, sampling products, and sharing my thoughts with you, the CT bunch.

When I look at a bike, I see it with the eyes of a mechanic. I take in the little things, like a missing cable end, a brake caliper that needs to be centred, or a tire label that is not sitting over the valve stem. There’s also the automatic diagnosis of maladies, like jockey wheels that need fresh grease, a wheel that needs truing, or a creaking bottom bracket. And when I come across a new innovation, the first thing I’ll wonder about is whether it’ll have an impact on the serviceability of the bike. It’s that same eye for detail that I hope will serve me well as CT’s tech editor. I’m not blind to a bit of bling and I have a deep appreciation for the art of bike design, but I am a pragmatist with a preference for function over form. (In the interests of transparency and full disclosure, I have to admit to one bias: when it comes to cycling’s holy groupset war, my sympathies are decidedly Italian.).

So where is the tech coverage at CT headed? I don’t want to duplicate the efforts of others; I’d rather refine CT’s approach so as to develop a distinctive voice on product news and reviews. Perhaps the key lies in our interaction with the CT bunch. CT enjoys a high level of feedback from you, the readers, and without fail, your comments expand and enhance the content of any post. I hope my posts inspire the same level of interest, and in fact, you can help me out now: tell me what you have liked about CT’s product reviews and where you think they can be improved. What do you expect from a product review, and how much interaction would you like to have with our tech posts?

Feel free to have a word with me in the bunch or drop me a line after the ride ([email protected]). I’m lousy with names but I’ll always remember your bike.

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Sven Nijs

Welcome Matt! Looking forward to your articles.
Jase

Welcome :) I have the same arm warmers as you..! They’re fantastic..
Jase

Welcome :) I have the same arm warmers as you..! They’re fantastic..
Camreeves

Welcome Matt, looking forward to your technical reviews, as well as any tidbits you have on servicing your bike (*hint hint*).
BRW

I’d love to see an article on after-market brakes. Seems we all just use the brakes that come with the gruppo, but I have seem some pretty cool after market ones. Have always wondered if they’re worth the dollars?
BRW

I’d love to see an article on after-market brakes. Seems we all just use the brakes that come with the gruppo, but I have seem some pretty cool after market ones. Have always wondered if they’re worth the dollars?
http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips

Maybe a Casetelli arm warmer review Matt?
http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips

Maybe a Casetelli arm warmer review Matt?
http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips

Maybe a Casetelli arm warmer review Matt?
CTech

I’m still searching for the perfect arm warmer, so I’m willing to try anything. My biggest problem is that they have to be long and fit a skinny arm snugly. The Castelli’s come close but I’d prefer something that was fleeced-lined for snuggly warmth.
norm

Welcome Matt. Keep it real and honest, which I don’t think you’ll have a problem with.
I’ve enjoyed the previous reviews on CT precisely because they feel like an honest assessment rather than the typical corporate mumbo jumbo.
http://www.facebook.com/nikos.andronikos Nikos Andronikos

Seconded. Tips on servicing that is.
Anonymous

this is the GOLDEN RULE – the reviews have to maintain their honesty, otherwise they’re not worth the paper they’re written on.

Good to have a campag man on board – and a dead ringer for Brad Mcgee too!
20at6pc

Hi Matt, it’s only fair that you start with an explanation of your Italian groupset bias… if we are to believe you can remain objective..
http://facebook.com/brad.priest1 Priestie

Welcome aboard Matt, looking forward to your reviews, great intro btw.

Always willing to take care of any surplus samples. ;)

We will need to sort out something with the arm warmers tho. ;))
Matt

I am in a similar situation (long, skinny arms) and have been through many an arm warmer. With just about every brand I tried (admittedly I never tried Castelli), size L would be long enough but too loose to stay up, while size M would leave an excessive amount of wrist exposed (and sometimes still be a little loose). I’ve finally settled on DeFeet ArmSkins – top marks for warmth and comfort, and size LG/XL easily has the necessary length whilst remaining snug enough to avoid any mid-ride wardrobe malfunctions.
Anonymous

Welcome, Matt. Never mind the arm warmers, I have the same bike :)
http://facebook.com/brad.priest1 Priestie

…. out of interest could David tell us what brand of bikes are in the header pic?

Smokin’ lines.
http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips

I think good product reviews aren’t objective and on the fence. If that was the case, then we may as well put down the tech specs and let everyone decide for themselves. I think it’s healthy to be subjective in product review, as long as it’s not influenced by $$ or politics.
Timo

The problem with most review sites is that all the reviews are positive. I suspect it’s mostly because no one wants to annoy potential sponsors.

Do us a favour and don’t hold back on the hate.

Also, your arm warmers appear to be on the wrong arm(opposite) sides in that pic. The logo should be the right way up and facing out. They actually have a slight taper in them. I found they didn’t move around as much when worn correctly. I know this because I also have skinny-long-arm syndrome.
http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips

That’s an interesting point Timo. The one thing that I’ve found is that if I receive a product that’s rubbish, I usually won’t print anything about it at all. I don’t really want to waste 3hrs to take photos and write it up to give it any attention.

If I find something that deserves attention but I have problems with, I’ll contact the manufacturer to get their thoughts and explanations. You can see in my speedplay pedal post where I did this. There are often reasons behind the design where people automatically assume “the product is crap” when it’s not the case. That’s not to say there aren’t poorly made products out there (there definitely are), but often I don’t want to waste my time on those things. It would be very different if we had 5-10 tech editors with lots of time on their hands.
20at6pc

that’s a fair point and Matt’s disclosure upfront was great. But I do think it’s fair to expect an explanation for the bias so we can evaluate the merits of the argument against our own needs/desires. For example, if it is Matt’s technical/mechanic experience that suggests Campag is superior, I may weigh that differently to if it is aesthetic or ergonomic reasons. It’s a pretty big thing to put out there straight away!
20at6pc

that’s a fair point and Matt’s disclosure upfront was great. But I do think it’s fair to expect an explanation for the bias so we can evaluate the merits of the argument against our own needs/desires. For example, if it is Matt’s technical/mechanic experience that suggests Campag is superior, I may weigh that differently to if it is aesthetic or ergonomic reasons. It’s a pretty big thing to put out there straight away!
20at6pc

that’s a fair point and Matt’s disclosure upfront was great. But I do think it’s fair to expect an explanation for the bias so we can evaluate the merits of the argument against our own needs/desires. For example, if it is Matt’s technical/mechanic experience that suggests Campag is superior, I may weigh that differently to if it is aesthetic or ergonomic reasons. It’s a pretty big thing to put out there straight away!
http://twitter.com/ankush83 Ankush Agarwal

Welcome Matt! Look forward to your articles
http://twitter.com/ankush83 Ankush Agarwal

Welcome Matt! Look forward to your articles
Matcalabria

Welcome Matt ( pardon the pun)…anyway as well as keeping it real and honest, can you keep it simple for the newbies that are like sponges…

Cheers and all the best
Steve

Rapha for armwarmers.
Steve

Rapha for armwarmers.
jules

while i look forward to Matt’s reviews, i’ve found some of the previous, judgmental comments on CT product reviews to be a bit hard to digest. it’s a product review – take it or leave it. it’s not like you paid for it.
CTech

Ahh, to explain a bias in cycling, that’s a real challenge. Why do some like white socks and others coloured or even black? White handlebar tape or black? Clinchers versus tubulars?

There’s no debating that any of these products work, and they will always work no matter the colour or design. Groupsets are the same. For the record, I like my socks black, I tend to use black handlebar tape, I’ve never owned a set of tubulars (though I was schooled by a european master on their installation), and I prefer Campag over Shimano. However I doubt there is anything I can say to convince you of their superiority. In fact, I make no claim for their superiority, I’m just declaring my preferences.With all that said, I have a couple of sound reasons for my preference for Campag: first, the Italian drivetrain takes a lot longer to wear out ,and second, I can service my ergolevers to replace any worn or broken parts and return them to near new operation. Not enough for a claim of superiority, but reason enough for my bias. Camapag definitely has its shortcomings, like the brake pads and the poor power of the single pivot rear brake, but it’s not enough to break my faith…
Don

Or Noret if you can find them
Echidna_sg

its the upcoming neilpryde TT bike shown at interbike (I think).
more than a touch of the current shape of bmw’s to it – funnily enough, guess their design partner….
Echidna_sg

its the upcoming neilpryde TT bike shown at interbike (I think).
more than a touch of the current shape of bmw’s to it – funnily enough, guess their design partner….
Anonymous

Really looking forward to reading your articles. +1 for the servicing tips. This might be pushing it for a tech editor but would also be really interested in articles on any technologies that are health/sports physiology related and could take advantage of your medical knowledge. Cheers
Anonymous

Really looking forward to reading your articles. +1 for the servicing tips. This might be pushing it for a tech editor but would also be really interested in articles on any technologies that are health/sports physiology related and could take advantage of your medical knowledge. Cheers
Mshamilton99

As a cyclist we are all massive tech heads and I’m looking forward to these articles, there is no honestly left in product reviews. As mentioned above, if somethings no good let us know. I know its hard to do one post saying something is no good, but in my opinion is a certain source only post raving positive reviews they loose a bit of credibility.

If I had any advice for you guys it would be;
- Previous reviews on this site have been for top kit, and of course its going to be great it’s top of the line expensive kit, I wouldn’t mind reviews on slightly lower spec things that can be compared to higher end stuff. Like products that wouldn’t be considered and not overall popular
- I like the ‘top gear’ style of reviews, how most of the time they review 3 or more products at a time, point out whats great and whats crap as they move along with the review. If I was going to buy a pair of racing tubulars I would be looking into all brands at the performance and price point and I think if reviews look at comparing more than one thing they are very effective

Thats my 2c
Keep up the great work
Mad Marsupial

Definitely the Neil Pryde Bayamo TT
bikes, or the prototypes there of. I saw some interbike photos that were not cropped as tightly.

They have two different steerer options (traditional and a full aero/integrated job) which is cool.
PhotosofchickspleaseVeeral

Matt can you review ladies chamois’s please!
Gurmesh

I second that – a review is so much better if it’s comparing two things. You might piss off one manufacturer, but it does provide a better idea of which product is better.
Gurmesh

I second that – a review is so much better if it’s comparing two things. You might piss off one manufacturer, but it does provide a better idea of which product is better.
Puppet

I would fully support the tick for rapha – being tall with skinny arms these are by far the best I have come across
Notso Swift

Nanoflex?
Sort of warm, better than standard lycra, but not quite Super Roubaix
I am open for someone to find something for someone who is lanky, with spindles for arms
Notso Swift

Nanoflex?
Sort of warm, better than standard lycra, but not quite Super Roubaix
I am open for someone to find something for someone who is lanky, with spindles for arms
http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips

How did this take off into an armwarmer review? Well, if I may…Rapha has some great new merino arm warmers coming out. I can tell you, they’re awesome. If I had my choice, I wouldn’t wear anything other than merino.
Notso Swift

As long as you concede Sram is uber light but unacceptable in its wear/change we will get on fine… even though I am a DA man and can buy a brand new brifter for the cost of those parts ;-)
(Re Brakes, I even still run old 7700 as they are the best brakes I have EVER tried)

But DUDE! get on some tubs, never look back
Tricky Dicky

Sportful. If you’re skinny – and you need to be – I find them an amazing brand. Not had a disappointing product yet once you get the sizing figured out (assume that S is for midgets (skinny ones that) and then work from there). Their arm warmers are the first I reach for. Love em.
Rickf

I agree… I have the Sportful No Rain arm and leg warmers. They’re comfy, snug around the arms and do the job. However, the usual medium size are pretty long on me. So, you long and lanky folks will be mighty pleased with these me thinks.
Andy

As a fellow skinny arm, I can attest to the snug fit of Pearl Izumi…
Rickf

I think any issue of bias is a moot point.

I’m sure that most of the readers here have seen David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz reviewing movies. We want their bias to come into the review because we can measure our own opinion against it. I know that if either one of them really likes a movie but the other hates it, I’ll probably hate it. Now, if David likes it but thinks its silly and Margaret says something like, “Oh David, you can’t be serious. Half a star.” Then I’ll probably like it…So, I guess the point is that you should probably get Margaret Pomeranz to do the reviews with you… or, maybe not… but please, at least have an opinion (bias) or else it’ll be like reading an instruction manual for a potato peeler with lines like, “While it has been designed to work best on potatoes I feel obliged to let all you carrot-eaters out there to say that it does work perfectly well with carrots too.”
Mike Hayward

I’m in the exact opposite category, short arms and big shoulders biceps. Arm warmers either cut off circulation at the top, or have to be bunched up at the wrist, or both.
Any other circus freaks out there have any suggestions?
Mike Hayward

Welcome Matt,
maybe you could help me review my “CT TdF edition” BORA Ultras;
just as soon as I unpack them
How are yours Abdu? et al
Notso Swift

Well if only we knew some one to provide them at a good price?

Completely off topic when do we expect to see the Rapha edition CT gear LOL
Abdu

+1 for the sportful arm warmers, and I’m very much average (not skinny). My Rapha ones are warm, but Medium is too big & baggy for my dwindling insect arms.

Thosee De Feet fluro green sock/shoe covers have got to be the 5 minute fashion must have, they’re already so 5 minutes ago that those guys wearing them (you know who you are TKM) have probably chucked them in the bottom of the drawer now that they are starting to pop up more and more..

How did this become a discussion about clothing, or a dissection of Matt anyway…?
Abdu

Problem is the smell of the merino gets the Kiwi Cyclists in the bunch too excited and crashes occur.
Abdu

Ha! My CT TdF edition Bora Ultras run really well, I was out on them this morning on my Cippolini RB1000 smashing off the front at about 50km’s/hr…then I woke up.
Todd!

Should be on opposite arms to keep the sponsors happy with their logos appearing the right way to the crowd!
Hardo

Matt…. all I know is…. you are going to cost me a #%$& load of money and my wife is going to hate you.
CTech

Sorry about that Hardo. I’ll add her name to the list.
CTech

Sorry about that Hardo. I’ll add her name to the list.
Rasmussen’s twin

When I read your post about Speedplays I got them impression you were saying that Speedplays are crap. But it came across as “Speedplay are crap but their customer service was so good I dont want to say anything bad about them”.
I would love it if reviews could be very black and white about a product. What I would want to know as a consumer is if a product is worth buying or if it is better than another.
If, for example, I was in the hunt for a set of wheels, then there are a multitude of great options out there. So it would be excellent if someone could honestly say “this is the best” or “this is just as good as everything else but 40% cheaper” and not beat around the bush.
Newbie

Welcome Matt. Love your bike. I just got a Ridley myself!
As a relative newbie, please don’t assume that everyone reading the reviews has years of experience.

+1 for any bike servicing tips!
Newbie

Welcome Matt. Love your bike. I just got a Ridley myself!
As a relative newbie, please don’t assume that everyone reading the reviews has years of experience.

+1 for any bike servicing tips!
Newbie

Welcome Matt. Love your bike. I just got a Ridley myself!
As a relative newbie, please don’t assume that everyone reading the reviews has years of experience.

+1 for any bike servicing tips!