LesterOfPuppets

Topps made a card for the bee guy! OOS on Topps site already dare I look at eBay?

TMonk

What combo are you using? Are both the tire and rim rated as tubeless ready, or tubeless compatible or whatever? Every tubeless rim/tire combo I've tried on MTB has been pretty damn easy.

TMonk

Funny Zwift Race today. Zwift Crit Racing Club "Dutchy Estate", A race, 1st of 3 starters.

We were a group of three until about halfway in when one dude got dropped after some attack/counter attack shenanigans. Then it was me and Mr. Trek, who (screenshot below) did the lions share of the work. And by that, I mean like all of it. He tried to shake me a few times but couldn't do it, and then would just like motor at 5.0 w/kg continually. I just rode his wheel like ummmm.... ok? I'm not gonna get worn out riding 4-4.5 in his draft. He should have feigned some weakness, or at least just not pulled as hard so his attacks would have been more effective.

In fact I was pretty scared of him, until about 2 laps to go (of 6) I could tell that I had more snap and that he wasn't gonna shake me. I launched on the last little hill about 1.0 miles out and he couldn't hold match my attack. I felt bad just camping his wheel the whole time, but hey that's bike racing. He had stronger legs but didn't do a good job at the whole racing part.

seedsbelize2

I got busy and spaced my afternoon cup of coffee. By the time I realized it, it was too late.
Sad

TMonk

Just poured myself a second glass of wine to accompany some dark chocolate after my dinner, and as soon as I sat down, I started hearing some whining through the baby monitor. Damn it, that was a short nap. What does a man need to do to get some peace around these parts???

genejockey 

It's always something.

I am pretty satisfied with the wheels I built, so I was about to install the rim tape I'd bought. 20mm wide. The inner width of the rims is 19mm. So it won't fit. Had to order more, and I'm currently waiting for it.

Then there's the Circuit. The hoods FINALLY arrived from Poland!! So when I got home, I set about switching the levers to the new bars, and swapping on the new hoods. I got all the way through it and I was tightening down the pinch bolts on the brake cables, when I discovered that the threads on the pinchbolt for the rear are stripped. This is a special, short bolt that threads into the caliper arm. And probably the threads in there are also bad. Aw, ****. So, since they come in pairs, I ordered a set of front and rear Sante brake calipers off Ebay.

And now I'm waiting for THEM, too!

big john

My bike came with Maxxis Rekons, 2.8 on 35mm internal width rims. Both TL compatible. They are so hard to get the bead off it's ridiculous. I use tubes and when I inflate them the bead pops on around 40 psi.

I've changed the tube a couple times on a ride and I still don't know how I did it. At home I use a big screwdriver to break the tire loose.

LesterOfPuppets

Stans ZTR Arch EX and Schwalbe Hans Dampf TLR 26x2.35

The second tightest combo I've had. The worst was Panaracer Fire XC Pro tubeless on Mavic Crossmax 26ers.

LesterOfPuppets

Since Flag is so much less thorny than down in the desert I might just keep running tubes up here forever, who knows.

LesterOfPuppets

​​​​​​Mmmm, some vino sounds good, might have to run up and get a bottle after dinner.

LesterOfPuppets

Screwdriver, OMG!

That's pretty wild as all my plus tyres have been pretty easy mount/dismounts. Can't remember if I've had Maxxis on there, seems like it though. Kendas and schwalbes in 2.8 and 3.0 fairly easy. Stans rims, 30mm, kinda skinny for plus tyres but seems to work OK.

​​​​​​

big john

I've tried lots of things, including standing on the tire, trying to squeeze it with Channel Lock pliers, plastic trim tools, and pulling on it until my fingers felt like they would come off. The best way I've found is to leave the wheel on the bike, turn the bike upside down and jam the blade of a large Snap On screwdriver in there and start working around a half inch at a time. Sometimes I have to start with a smaller blade. More difficult to remove than any tire I've ever dealt with.

LesterOfPuppets

Vee dub wheelie OTD

LesterOfPuppets

I've been keeping a bag of decaf on hand pretty steady lately so I can have coffee all day and all night. I usually do half caff in the mornings, decaf only after 1400 hours Currently Peet's Major Whoozit decaf and Bustello caffeinated.

big john

The Knicks eliminated the 76ers. I didn't expect that. Bucks are out, too. Lots of injuries there, though.

DangerousDanR

No, no, no, a thousand times no! I've no doubt that your hands are a lot steadier than mine, but there is an easier and safer way.

I use a ratcheting wood working clamp and a couple of pieces of softwood lumber. It has never failed to get the bead over the lip on the rim on one side or on both. And there is much less risk of damage to tire, rim, or body.

abshipp 

I really do try and be careful, this was a washout where I got mostly road rash (dirt rash?). Most of my MTB crashes are pretty minor, especially because the speed is so much lower. I'd take crashing my MTB over my road bike pretty much any time.

I know that progressing on the MTB involves riding at the edge of your skill level, but there's lots of stuff I will just walk if I don't feel comfortable. Modern MTBs do a great job letting you get away with a lot but it can go pretty bad if you push too far. I'm scared of riding in Pisgah because the consequences of messing up can be pretty significant. Doesn't help that if you get hurt out there you are pretty inaccessible to anyone who could help you, if you can get in contact with them.

Velo Vol 

Area code alert.

Adjust your dialing accordingly.

BillyD

Kudos!

BillyD

The Knicks have been absent from the playoffs for an eternity. Last year’s appearance was just a warmup, but this year it’s “Bring on the hated Celtics”!

indyfabz

Repairs to the Subaru are underway. Estimate is only $3K. Thought it would be much higher. Driver’s insurance has admitted fault, so I don’t have to pay the $500 deductible.

big john

lol, my hands are pretty steady. Car mechanic for 40+ years.

I'm not picturing what you are describing. You are squeezing the tire together to get the bead loose? I've tried to squeeze it and nothing seems to get a bite. Once the tire is flat the beads are seemingly welded to the rim. When I finally get the bead loose it's as easy as any other mtb tire to remove or install the tire from the rim.

indyfabz

I heard about that briefly on the news. Several broke free. One had not been captured.

big john

The Knicks looked pretty good and showed toughness in that series. Now they have to get by the Pacers. The Celtics seem to be cruising and will probably get Cleveland next.

I didn't expect much from the Lakers but the Clippers are loaded with superstars and still struggle.

Velo Vol 

Not sure if there's a way to quantify it, but I'd guess my hands are of average steadiness.