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Search: Posts Made By: zen_
Showing results 1 to 50 of 231
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Forum: Road Cycling
01-06-24, 07:09 PM
Replies: 9
Views: 807
Posted By zen_

Left to my own choice I will usually end up with...

Left to my own choice I will usually end up with a metal frame for better or worse, but I want to consider all options for sure on this one. What Fuji do you have? The Grand Fondo 1.3 was also on my...
Forum: Road Cycling
01-06-24, 05:50 PM
Replies: 9
Views: 807
Posted By zen_

Budget Endurance bikes, 2024

Think I'm going to punch out on an older Madone that is still a great bike, but I barely ride it because the fit and handling is a bit too aggressive, and I'll never get used to it given the amount I...
06-01-23, 07:14 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 1,382
Posted By zen_

It would definitely be a little better if they...

It would definitely be a little better if they switched back to BSA, or moved to T47 like many manufacturers are. However, the press fit BB is less problematic in alloy frames (harder for the shell...
06-01-23, 11:45 AM
Replies: 24
Views: 1,382
Posted By zen_

Polygon makes really nice bikes for the money,...

Polygon makes really nice bikes for the money, but their gravel bikes are a bit lackluster in my opinion. The Path has an absolutely massive stack height, and they used an 11-30 cassette with 105...
05-30-23, 05:19 PM
Replies: 2
Views: 1,355
Posted By zen_

I think it's because the Trek H2 geometry runs a...

I think it's because the Trek H2 geometry runs a little big, their 52 is more like a 53 or 54 for most bikes.

After consulting with Lynskey I think I will go with the medium, was just being...
05-29-23, 07:33 PM
Replies: 2
Views: 1,355
Posted By zen_

Lynskey Sizing

Looking for a little help sizing a GR300 for a 5'9 rider /w 30-30.5 inseam. I have a 52cm Trek Madone 4 series that fits perfect that I would like to get close to on the GR300. Chart below also has...
11-26-22, 06:23 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 3,369
Posted By zen_

There's enough of those Sensah groupsets out on...

There's enough of those Sensah groupsets out on State bikes and plenty of reviews. They seem very good for the money filling a void in the market that SRAM and Shimano don't even cater to. Would...
11-18-22, 10:26 AM
Replies: 166
Views: 28,711
Posted By zen_

Definitely still seems to be some parts that are...

Definitely still seems to be some parts that are hard to get, but I think we may be entering a phase where there is a glut of complete bikes with recession fears and consumers pulling back on...
11-15-22, 09:56 PM
Replies: 16
Views: 851
Posted By zen_

I don't say this to be a contrarian, but I can...

I don't say this to be a contrarian, but I can definitely tell the difference between 2 psi, possibly even 1, to the point where I spend the extra 30 seconds use the Topeak digital gauge to get it...
11-11-22, 07:02 PM
Replies: 69
Views: 3,338
Posted By zen_

Polygon (sold by bikesdirect in the USA) is...

Polygon (sold by bikesdirect in the USA) is probably still the king of the price to quality ratio with modern bikes. They have a really good selection of mountain, road, and hybrid bikes, but the...
08-23-22, 06:46 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,205
Posted By zen_

I would wait for GRX 2.0 personally, but both...

I would wait for GRX 2.0 personally, but both groupsets will be equally unavailable for purchase.

Having said that, the Rival eTap 1x and 2x drivetrains are both right on the money as far as...
08-14-22, 05:18 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 4,823
Posted By zen_

I admit to not reading through the whole thread...

I admit to not reading through the whole thread here, but you can get Megaexo (FSA's smaller spindle) Omega cranks from FSA's website directly for $145 looks like without changing out your BB or...
06-19-22, 04:44 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 4,402
Posted By zen_

+1 for Blackburn 2 stage, I just carry that in my...

+1 for Blackburn 2 stage, I just carry that in my jersey pocket now for all bikes. It replaced two Lezyne pumps that were well-made and serviceable, so probably would have lasted decades, but there...
05-25-22, 07:58 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 1,096
Posted By zen_

Zipp XPLR 70 is one of the few gravel bars with a...

Zipp XPLR 70 is one of the few gravel bars with a small amount of flare (5 degrees) so the shifters don't get ridiculous, but with more outsweep on the drops. Reach is 70mm, drop is 115mm, but the...
05-22-22, 06:29 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 1,618
Posted By zen_

I have been adding 50g of PTFE powder to 1 pound...

I have been adding 50g of PTFE powder to 1 pound of wax (the powder comes in grams, the wax is just Gulf canning wax in 1 pound bricks). In the interest of being more environmentally friendly though,...
05-21-22, 09:05 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 1,618
Posted By zen_

2 quart with 1 pound of wax = 2, maybe 3 chains...

2 quart with 1 pound of wax = 2, maybe 3 chains when the wax is full.

Having multiple cheap chains is a great way to do the waxing so you can just kinda assembly line a bunch (right now I have 3...
05-19-22, 08:19 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 1,188
Posted By zen_

YMMV with the durability of any electronic...

YMMV with the durability of any electronic device, but I have not noticed any drop off with the Dice 50 TL from two years of heavy use. I still use the 150 HL regularly as a day light commuting, or a...
05-19-22, 05:34 PM
Replies: 56
Views: 3,276
Posted By zen_

Still not seeing a lot of good used bikes in my...

Still not seeing a lot of good used bikes in my midwest market at reasonable prices, and I have had trouble selling parts on FB marketplace / CL that should have been easy sells.

The bike shop...
05-19-22, 05:20 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 1,188
Posted By zen_

Without knowing anything more, I recommend the...

Without knowing anything more, I recommend the Cygolite Dice 50 + Dice 150 pair to start. The Dice rear is the only light you'll ever need for that, and the front one is nice as a day light, low...
05-15-22, 08:15 AM
Replies: 92
Views: 14,273
Posted By zen_

Meant to respond to this earlier, but the problem...

Meant to respond to this earlier, but the problem is usually the tires. When I ran Gravel Kings I always had to use two layers of gorilla tape (which is thicker than actual rim tape), and I thought...
05-02-22, 06:56 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 5,569
Posted By zen_

I disagree, even a standard carbon seatpost (like...

I disagree, even a standard carbon seatpost (like the $40 Satori post I previously mentioned) takes a nice amount of buzz out of the saddle. No-brainer when a generic alloy post is $20.
04-30-22, 09:03 PM
Replies: 90
Views: 4,879
Posted By zen_

Every ~2,000 miles. I had a cable break in the...

Every ~2,000 miles. I had a cable break in the body of a Shimano STI lever at around 2,500 miles (I think the 105 5800 shifters were notorious for this), and after having to drill holes in the...
04-28-22, 06:57 PM
Replies: 8
Views: 3,228
Posted By zen_

Trek bikes hold their value pretty well, and the...

Trek bikes hold their value pretty well, and the casual models like the Marlin are super easy to sell, so I would just cash out $400-500 rather than upgrading a bike that has QR axles, a straight...
Forum: Road Cycling
04-21-22, 08:05 PM
Replies: 93
Views: 7,403
Posted By zen_

I don't do a ton of road riding, but where I live...

I don't do a ton of road riding, but where I live the shoulders and low traffic roads are jam packed with debris, which was causing a puncture like every other ride even on tires with a puncture...
04-20-22, 07:40 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 5,569
Posted By zen_

I have been really happy with Satori carbon...

I have been really happy with Satori carbon seatpost and handlebars to add compliance and save weight over alloy w/o spending a ton of money, or worrying about generic Chinese stuff. Looks like you...
04-08-22, 05:38 PM
Replies: 1,161
Views: 312,717
Posted By zen_

Can confirm that the pro version last a LONG...

Can confirm that the pro version last a LONG time. I have ~4K miles on a rear that looks like it still has thousands left with no degradation, no punctures, no issues. By 2.5-3K miles a rear Gravel...
04-06-22, 08:11 PM
Replies: 5,442
Views: 3,868,650
Posted By zen_

I might consider one of those, looks like it...

I might consider one of those, looks like it solves the look problem of a threadless adapter sticking up with no spacers.

The Crosspoint was the fourth 90's steel bike I have converted, and I...
04-05-22, 07:22 PM
Replies: 5,442
Views: 3,868,650
Posted By zen_

Better cash in my steel gravel bike chips while...

Better cash in my steel gravel bike chips while they are hot...the only thing better than one, is two! Haven't decided whether to go with an old style silver quill stem on the Schwinn, or just use a...
03-28-22, 07:16 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 2,363
Posted By zen_

What new cyclist should spend $ on: 1. A...

What new cyclist should spend $ on:

1. A professional fit + anything you need to adjust for fit (saddle, stem)
2. Good cycling clothing that fits right, assuming you don't plan to lose...
03-20-22, 07:42 PM
Replies: 61
Views: 6,748
Posted By zen_

A couple others to consider, in addition to...

A couple others to consider, in addition to what's been mentioned:

1. Ribble CGR 725
2. Brother Mehteh
3. Singlebe custom (I was quoted $3,200 euro for a GRX 810 build in 2020)
4. Jamis...
03-19-22, 07:52 PM
Replies: 61
Views: 6,748
Posted By zen_

State Bicycle 4130 checks all those boxes except...

State Bicycle 4130 checks all those boxes except sliding dropouts, and is pretty much the only good value bike left. My LBS actually just started selling them since their usual distributor has...
Forum: Commuting
03-08-22, 09:00 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 1,348
Posted By zen_

I still think Garmin has the best ecosystem...

I still think Garmin has the best ecosystem (Connect), so the Edge 130 for a budget computer. I have used a Bryton computer in the past too that worked just fine if you're on a tighter budget, but it...
02-27-22, 05:45 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 925
Posted By zen_

You can use a 38T SLX or XT chainring on the...

You can use a 38T SLX or XT chainring on the Deore direct mount arms, or as you already discovered, there are some aftermarket AliExpress 40T direct mount rings available. I have used the cheap...
02-20-22, 07:52 PM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,144
Posted By zen_

Try things like tire inserts with the lowest...

Try things like tire inserts with the lowest possible pressure and a redshock stem to make it more tolerable before buying a whole new bike just for one section of one race. I have to ride my MTB...
02-20-22, 02:17 PM
Replies: 55
Views: 20,397
Posted By zen_

They are not hard after you have done a few and...

They are not hard after you have done a few and have the tools, but it's still more difficult than the HY/RD setup, which is possibly the easiest brake in the world to setup since it has the ease of...
02-12-22, 05:00 PM
Replies: 55
Views: 20,397
Posted By zen_

The HY/RD's are super simple to setup and...

The HY/RD's are super simple to setup and maintain, and they work almost as well as fully hydraulic brakes with compressionless housing and cables in good order. The only problem with them really is...
02-06-22, 07:40 PM
Replies: 39
Views: 3,852
Posted By zen_

The Pathfinder and Sawtooth would both both be...

The Pathfinder and Sawtooth would both both be excellent choices. A lot of people seem to write them off because of the weight, or maybe the brand, but they roll fast, are durable, setup easy, and...
01-05-22, 06:18 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 4,671
Posted By zen_

Not uncommon for people into watches to wear a...

Not uncommon for people into watches to wear a "real" watch one wrist with a fitness tracker on the other. I did that for years before selling my mechanical watches to buy bikes!

If you're going...
Forum: Road Cycling
01-03-22, 08:03 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,322
Posted By zen_

Gray market groupsets from AliExpress are cheaper...

Gray market groupsets from AliExpress are cheaper because Shimano sells the parts much cheaper to manufacturers in Asia, and some of them end up on the market with no retail packaging as such. I have...
01-02-22, 04:36 PM
Replies: 41
Views: 11,914
Posted By zen_

Sorry, you're not a real gravel cyclist unless...

Sorry, you're not a real gravel cyclist unless you run 45c+ tires, wear flannel, have a mustache, run at least two bags that are empty, take a huge backpack on a 1 hour ride, and have a bottle opener...
Forum: Road Cycling
12-28-21, 10:18 PM
Replies: 74
Views: 4,458
Posted By zen_

First gen (I think) of Giro helmets with MIPS...

First gen (I think) of Giro helmets with MIPS were less comfortable than the non-MIPS models (I had a Synthe and Foray), but I have two Aegiles helmets now that are far more comfortable, and that's...
12-26-21, 09:02 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,258
Posted By zen_

105 or Ultegra calipers + compressionless brake...

105 or Ultegra calipers + compressionless brake housing will dramatically change the brake feel and power with the stock pads, which may also have some room for improvement. My Trek came with generic...
12-22-21, 07:13 PM
Replies: 17
Views: 2,223
Posted By zen_

The Scirocco freehub is pretty quiet.

The Scirocco freehub is pretty quiet.
12-21-21, 07:31 PM
Replies: 36
Views: 2,374
Posted By zen_

I'm 5'9" too and would never buy a large; learned...

I'm 5'9" too and would never buy a large; learned the hard way with an internet buy a few years ago that even a "medium large" was too large. Like other have said though, it's going to vary a lot...
Forum: Road Cycling
12-18-21, 03:58 PM
Replies: 34
Views: 2,055
Posted By zen_

I have also been very happy with dhb bibs....

I have also been very happy with dhb bibs. specifically the basic Aeron line. The fleece (Roubaix) lined ones are really nice, the fit is consistent through all the various basic Aeron models...
10-31-21, 06:49 PM
Replies: 42
Views: 5,428
Posted By zen_

I have always had this opinion, but I think it...

I have always had this opinion, but I think it makes even more sense now with the new bike price inflation + ongoing shortage, and that is more people should be considering flat bar gravel bikes for...
09-13-21, 11:21 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 4,236
Posted By zen_

I have a 54cm. The 56cm frame is 2.2kg, while...

I have a 54cm. The 56cm frame is 2.2kg, while carbon frames are generally in the 1.2-1.4kg range, and an alloy is somewhere roughly in the middle between those numbers. If you're racing that weight...
09-11-21, 01:17 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 2,444
Posted By zen_

I have had to use a tube twice on my gravel bike,...

I have had to use a tube twice on my gravel bike, but both were my fault. Let the sealant volume drop too low in the summer once (it evaporates faster with higher temps), and didn't have enough left...
09-11-21, 03:37 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 4,236
Posted By zen_

The 2x S1 Renegade I built up this year was right...

The 2x S1 Renegade I built up this year was right at 22 pounds with a mixed groupset. 105 hydraulic levers, 105 FD, Ultegra RX RD, Ultegra 11-34, FSA Gossamer 48/32 crank, Spinery GX wheels, 43c...
09-06-21, 05:26 PM
Replies: 36
Views: 5,358
Posted By zen_

WTB's gravel tires are pretty underwhelming in...

WTB's gravel tires are pretty underwhelming in general. The actual width installed on many models is way off, problems with sidewall weeping, and they just don't do anything better than the...
Showing results 1 to 50 of 231
 


 
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