Gravel lessons learned last weekend
08-04-20, 08:15 PM
#26
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Nice ride! I've been spoiled riding around here. Well maintained gravel roads in our county. I've been making longer journeys on gravel roads towards that ultra-rural setting. If you're not on a designated 'farm to market' gravel then yikes! I'll be eyeing 650b wheelsets for my bike (I can fit 47mm 650b).
For cheap you could snag an older xc hardtail? That's what I use in winter. I thought about converting mine to drop bar. It's a 2011 with a 70.5* HT angle, 1-1/8" straight steerer, QR rear with disc. If it was one size smaller it'd work really well.
For cheap you could snag an older xc hardtail? That's what I use in winter. I thought about converting mine to drop bar. It's a 2011 with a 70.5* HT angle, 1-1/8" straight steerer, QR rear with disc. If it was one size smaller it'd work really well.
08-05-20, 07:32 AM
#27
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Nice ride! I've been spoiled riding around here. Well maintained gravel roads in our county. I've been making longer journeys on gravel roads towards that ultra-rural setting. If you're not on a designated 'farm to market' gravel then yikes! I'll be eyeing 650b wheelsets for my bike (I can fit 47mm 650b).
For cheap you could snag an older xc hardtail? That's what I use in winter. I thought about converting mine to drop bar. It's a 2011 with a 70.5* HT angle, 1-1/8" straight steerer, QR rear with disc. If it was one size smaller it'd work really well.
For cheap you could snag an older xc hardtail? That's what I use in winter. I thought about converting mine to drop bar. It's a 2011 with a 70.5* HT angle, 1-1/8" straight steerer, QR rear with disc. If it was one size smaller it'd work really well.
Since I’m 6’4”, I can’t practically see myself going 650b for gravel or mountain biking, seems 29” to 29+ is the sweet spot for me. Found a local Craigslist add for a nice $ deal Surly Krampus but frame size is Large, I really need an XL.
Wife is holding the checkbook pretty tight right now (with good reason). Will probably wait till 2021 29” hardtails come out this fall and get exactly what I want. This will gopive me a little time to shop and be picky. I’m a little concerned prices will skyrocket in 2021...
Thru axles only for me going forward. All my bikes have them now and love them for wheel swaps and that feel of axle rigidity beeing a Clydesdale.
Might do the SterilIowan this weekend if it stays cool, TBD. Would probably do one of the shorter routes. Did this back in May too and was an easier gravel route with more pavement.
08-05-20, 08:52 AM
#29
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My favorite new cycling term - varied terrain!
Great lessons, sorry about the toe. +1 on a Salsa recommendation. I would keep the Jamis and set it up for racing and then get a Fargo for the varied terrain adventures.
Great lessons, sorry about the toe. +1 on a Salsa recommendation. I would keep the Jamis and set it up for racing and then get a Fargo for the varied terrain adventures.
08-05-20, 06:36 PM
#30
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Definitely keeping the Jamis Renegade, love the bike. Wonderful as a touring, commute, Joy-riding, light trail and light gravel bike. My first steel frame and love the feel.
08-05-20, 11:59 PM
#31
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Sandals?? The thought would never even enter my mind, but then again, I use SPD pedals.
Sand can be tough, I've had it yank my front wheel a few times and scare the crap out of me, but thankfully was able to stay upright.
If you need that much tire, sounds like you need a mtb, most gravel bikes top out at 47-50mm.
Sand can be tough, I've had it yank my front wheel a few times and scare the crap out of me, but thankfully was able to stay upright.
If you need that much tire, sounds like you need a mtb, most gravel bikes top out at 47-50mm.
MAX OUT YOUR DAD POINTS. You won't even need to change your pedals. You're welcome
08-06-20, 02:34 PM
#32
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https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/infor...pd-sandal.html
MAX OUT YOUR DAD POINTS. You won't even need to change your pedals. You're welcome
MAX OUT YOUR DAD POINTS. You won't even need to change your pedals. You're welcome
Oh my gosh, this is hilarious since I live in Iowa and ride RAGBRAI. I didnt realize the SPD sandal craze was something relatively unique to Iowa, I just assumed it was a relatively common footwear everywhere.
Ive never used sandals to ride, and have a distinct fear I would somehow shred the skin off my toes the first time I try sandals, but given the popularity its tough to say that are bad. They for sure arent for me, but to each their own.
I see a lot of Nashbar branded sandals(pre bankruptcy) and lots of Keen SPD sandals. Makes sense why so few Shimano sandals are out there- they had stopped making em.
08-06-20, 03:26 PM
#33
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Sandals are a niche product, but not so niche that you have to live in Iowa. I know some New Jerseyites that wear them. Both SPD and infinite float (platform)
08-07-20, 08:42 AM
#34
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Likes For mattscq:
08-07-20, 08:52 AM
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These are the ones I use, actually cover the tors pretty well, my big toe decided to skip out just enough...
Like these better than the Shimano ones, they've also lasted longer.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJMGQWQ...p_mob_ap_share
Like these better than the Shimano ones, they've also lasted longer.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJMGQWQ...p_mob_ap_share
