CBaron

I sorta like it...the bike industry is going to have to evolve and adapt. Not sure this is "it", but its a sign that some people are thinking about it. What I don't like is the Sram NX spec. Ugh...has anyone else ever had their hands on that stuff? I installed a drivetrain onto a local neighbor kids bike after he saved up his hard-earned money for it. Its very pigly, tolerances were not good and I had a very difficult time getting it setup properly. In fact, it was after this experience that I decided to order up the new Shimano SLX 12 spd drivetrain for my back-up bike. I've been very pleased with that purchase. (I know they are not equivalent level components, but I think Shimano is rocking the entry level stuff IMHO) Later, CJB

LOL! Now that I revisit it, I think you may be correct. [shrug] Funny how you read what you want into stuff. Yes, I'd love and extra if you have one. I've been trying to figure out a way to get "air" across my garage. Thanks CJB

I'd like to get in line if one is left over. I just bought a considerably larger compressor and plan to paint some cars. Barry and I are pretty close together and either of us could get them for each other to make things simpler. Cheers, CJB

An understated badass at that. He's low key and just jams it... Chapeau! -CJB

I'd much prefer hot & dry over wet rainy...but don't underestimate Bentonville. It generally drains water well and there are a few trails you can still ride wet (& while raining): Hobbs may be one of the best, there is an actual 'wet loop' on the Back 40, we were recently told Little Sugar (Tunnel Vision) was good when wet. All 3 of those are the bigger rides with some variety of route options. Some places there like Coler would be off limits. Likewise most of the fun smaller simple stuff in town (All American, Slaughter Pen(?), ) don't work when wet either. Cheers, CJB

They did very well all during our trip. It helped that this ride profile was generally downhill. But make no mistake there was real climbing. The initial climb up was legit. I'll try to drop in a few nuggets of info here before you leave. I've got a project I'm working on right now -CJB

Congrats on the new gig! I'm hoping to be doing the same here before too long. Me and my boys rode Rim to 7star last summer. It was very good. We did not loop it back to the beginning (because we road back to the hotel). Seven Star was an amazing decent. https://www.strava.com/activities/3951413139 When are you leaving? Cheers, CJB

The best basic near-town ride is to start at CO Trail head and go up to Gudy's rest, then over to Hoffeins to Dry Fork and back to Gudy's along CO trail. Locals know it as the Hoffiens- Dry Fork Loop. Could be ridden from town too (with about 3 mi of road pedaling each way [up there; down back]). I had 2hrs of steady pedaling. This is always my first initial ride when I get into town https://www.strava.com/activities/4084828259 Later, CJB

My first thought when I ran across this photo is....damn, I'm certain that guy does not have kids. LOL Cheers, CJB

Good eye! I've still got 3 if I recall correctly (2 still in wrapper). But I've moved on to the 3" platform, but can't come to part with my venerable WWLT's Later, CJB

^^^ 100% -CJB

Thats how it works when you have full cooperation from the municipalities and then a multi-million dollar endowment from cycling sympathetic donors. -CJB

Buddy of mine bought Doge back in Jan when Elon was tweeting about it. He's up 1100% right now. He mentioned it to me just prior to Elon going on SNL. I'm down 35% right now. [shrug] Later, CJB

I have an aunt & uncle who live in Maui. I've always wanted to so the haleakala climb. However, I did do Grand Mesa in CO this past fall. It was 7k ft in 25 mi and by far longest climb I've ever done. Can NOT imagine doing it 4x's! https://www.strava.com/activities/4125423382

I'm surprised its taken this long for the Everesting topic to come up. Thats a big no thank you for me. The first I'd heard of it was about 5 yrs ago when @rearviewmirror had mentioned that he'd done it in Australia. Anyone have their take on what would be a good hill for it? I'd say Big View (or maybe low water up to Stiener climb?) Covid really made this a thing with some of the bigger named riders. Phil Gaimon has what I think is the best channel on it. Later, CJB

Man, I think I would have strangled Mr Chatty. His girl is a saint. -CJB

This is prolly the advise you were looking for. Simple. succinct and true. -CJB

I'm going to take some proper photos and put it up for sale, but I've got a POC Octal X that I wore for about 3 months. I then went back to a Bell, they just fit me better. Lrg- Dayglow yellow $100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N026HDD/ref=twister_B08BPBSJHZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Cheers, CJB

I know that these may not be the answers that you've been looking for. However, in my experience MANY riders have a confirmation bias towards their purchases. Its hard (not impossible), but hard, to get quality feedback that may relate 'to you' out of people who may own the bike. This is largely because riding styles, locations and ultimately "why" someone rides their bike makes a huge difference. My specific flavor of riding has centered around longer distance events with a strong mixture of technical riding. Over time, I've found some riders who share my specific proclivity to how I approach 'the bike' and I trust and value their judgement a lot. Much of anything else can come across as noise to me. Good luck in your search. Hopefully someone with a Ripley can help get you more of what you are looking for. -CJB

I ride a hard tail. Everywhere. I have a few friends who ride Singlespeeds, everywhere. Ride what you choose. Underwhelming, overwhelming, is a state of mind. Later, CJB

I've got 4 classic cars at the house that are in a constant state of various work. Its not uncommon to be pouring gas down the carbs to get them primed or started. I REALLY HATE having to do that because even the tiniest bit of gas gets on my hands and I can't get the smell off for at least 2 days of showers (and a multiple hand washes). I CANNOT IMAGE HOW BAD HER HANDS, TRUNK, CAR, CLOTHES, ALL SMELLED OF GAS, not even mentioning the basic danger involved. cRaZy!!! Later. CJB

Its a very good little light. I think @Barry and @Teamsloan also runs them. My family also uses them for camping, walking the dog, working on the car, etc.. Be sure to order the more expensive one, then cheaper one, I think, has less lumens. Later, CJB

Run your Seca 1500 on your bars and this on your helmet. Its what all the cool kids are doing now.... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IHIMJRS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 I own 3 of these (and 3 L&M Seca's too). Its a great setup. This lil Amazon light punches way above its weight class. Its gets tonz of use around the house in multiple applications. Later, CJB

Rain just started coming down. I'm pretty darn close to WC. -CJB

No rain at all as of yet. But I'm not terribly hopeful this will hold out. -CJB