medic75

I just had my LBS order a Stache 5 for me. I really wanted a Stache 7, but couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $600-$700. In an attempt to get the low gearing similar to the Stache 7, I am having him install a SunRace 11-46T cassette. He offered to set me up tubeless at no cost. Is there anything else that should be upgraded before I pick it up?

FWIW, even stock, this bike will be a significant upgrade for me. I am coming from a 17 year old Trek 4500.

grubetown

eshew

Save your money until you get a few long hard rides in. Pedals, grips and seat can make a big difference in comfort and therefore enjoyment. After those are figured out the next upgrade is tires for me, assuming the stock ones usually aren't perfect for my riding

eshew

Of course tubeless would be top of the list as well.

medic75

Thanks.

The LBS offered to set me up tubeless at no cost. I am assuming that means labor and sealant because the bike is supposed to be tubeless ready. I have never done tubeless, as I have never seen a need to. My gravel bike is tubeless ready, but I have never had a flat or seen a need to run lower pressure, so tubeless just seemed like more of a hassle than anything else. I figured I will try it, but I also know that the LBS is probably counting on future sales of sealant.

I have been considering Jones h-bars as longer rides with flat bars usually result in my hands going numb. I can only imagine that this will be exacerbated by the wider bars of the Stache. Time will tell on that because I am not ready to dump that kind of $$$ on bars just yet and apparently people like them because I can't find any used ones for sale.

clydeosaur

Have the shop set you up tubeless & just ride it for a while. The weak point on mine so far has been the rear hub. Grenaded it after a few months. Other than that, it has been great.

Leebo

The Jones bars have lots of sweep, 40 degrees? My sweet spot is 15-20. Very comfortable on the wrists. Salsa bend 2 bars come in 17 and 23 degrees. Tubeless is great, lower pressure, lots of grip. I recommend getting a 0-30 psi gauge and use it.

qclabrat

congrats and welcome to the 29+ party!!!
have him save the inner tubes for you as backup
Ride her lots and have fun
If you plan to bike pack, check all the choices

mpls85

The 45 degree sweep of Jones bars will reduce reach, so keep that in mind if you are interested in those. The few times I've used them, I've had to compensate with a longer stem, otherwise it felt like the handlebars were in my lap. Like someone else mentioned, there are bars with varying degrees of sweep that you could consider to get your wrists in a more comfortable position. Ergon has a bunch of grips that can help there as well.

Well set-up tubeless isn't a hassle at all in my opinion. Topping off sealant every few months (can vary depending on your climate) is not a big deal, especially with removable valve cores, which eliminate the need to break a tire bead to add sealant. Buy a big bottle of Orange Seal or Stan's and it will last you a really long time if only used to occasionally top off one bike's tires.