Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Best Touring Wheelset

« on: October 19, 2017, 10:16:50 pm »

you've probably already heard of this, but I've had some friend's mavic's start cracking and experiencing the spokes pulling out of the rim (pulling through the rim).

So you are probably on the right path when it comes to looking for a new build

2

General Discussion / Re: bike rental, amsterdam

« on: July 26, 2017, 10:53:20 am »

Just had some friends get back and they rented a couple of hybrid bikes from one of the tourist traps (I think their hotel made the arrangement for them). The totally loved it.

One of the things that stood out to them was the etiquette. Everyone was anal about obeying the rules of the road. Here in America, cycling rules are never enforced and so people tend to be unpredictable.

3

Food Talk / Re: Best Foods for Training

« on: July 24, 2017, 02:57:38 pm »

A midday shake of protein, milk, frozen fruit and this stuff I bought on Amazon called "brain octane oil" does wonders for me in stopping carb cravings while keeping energy up on a low carb lifestyle (trying to lose weight, here).

4

Urban Cycling / Re: commuting by bike

« on: July 24, 2017, 02:54:10 pm »

haha. We've kept this thread going for 9 friggin years.

Just wanted to share that I've started riding my bike to the coffee shop 10 miles up the road. I'll sit and work from the laptop for 4 hours and then bug out and bike home before their lunch rush starts.

I've got to watch the heat right now on the way home, but it is a pretty painless way for me to get my mileage in.

Plus the riding helps me recharge the creative juices in the brain.

Not sure if it is the antidote to coffee, but it sure enhances it.

5

Gear Talk / Re: Fatbike...for touring or just trails, gravel, commuting etc??

« on: July 24, 2017, 02:42:25 pm »

Even though I am a fan of fat bikes, I wouldn't want to do a long tour on it. The tires are extremely sluggish on gravel and asphalt (my opinion), and if you do end up with a ruined tire, it's gonna be a pain to make sure you find a shop that can fix it. 

That said, there has gotta be less chance of broken spokes with that wheel width to carry the load.

How are you liking the pugs?

6

Routes / Re: Another way to cope with dogs

« on: July 24, 2017, 02:30:58 pm »

Had to outsprint one while bonked this weekend.

Never a fun experience. I just want to ride.

7

General Discussion / Re: 2017 General weather forecast: North America?

« on: July 24, 2017, 12:29:04 am »

turns out the midwest is having EXTREME heat. Local cyclists bonking right and left.

Be careful. Go slow. Stay hydrated.

8

General Discussion / Re: Bicycle Dynamo Charger

« on: July 24, 2017, 12:27:28 am »

Based on customers I've worked with, you have dyno people ("dyno-ites") and you have non-dyno people.

The non-dyno people we're always quite hesitant about the ordeal and end up cursing the dyno for slowing them down.

The dyno-ites get giddy watching their stuff charge and it motivates them to keep pedaling. It ends up being a game for them.

Frankly, I think the dyno is worth it (I hate not having backup systems), but you've got to be willing to play the head game.

9

Gear Talk / Re: Tent ground cloth?

« on: July 23, 2017, 10:51:21 pm »

I prefer to run sans underlayment. Less weight. With an inflated mattress, I don't miss it.