gdog-1992

I got some of these from REI when they had them.  Not as cheap but not super expensive either if you get the molded pins.  Boys like them so far as their feet stay on pedals much better than stock pedals on kids bikes.  

https://www.treefortbikes.com/iSSi-Thump-Pedals

Essentially new OneUp V2 dropper. Asking $180 as only used 2-3 rides. Accidentally bought wrong diameter (needed 31.6) so used this with seatpost shim while waiting on new post. They don’t take used returns so selling this. It’s only the post so you’ll need remote but it can be operated with any cable actuator. It does include barrel for cable, grease, and shims unopened from new post. Dropper length is 210mm that can be shimmed by 10 or 20 mm. 210mm is perfect for me as I’m 6’6” and it gives me full travel. OneUp post has very small insertion length so will fit it most frames but double check at their website. Can ship as needed in original box but shipping costs will be passed on.  Available for pickup locally in southwest Austin. Venmo preferred, cash accepted for local pickup.

55 minutes ago, TAF said:

I've a feeling that both Copper Tank and Lovejoy's were brewing prior to the Bitter End, although the Bitter End was by far better beer. Also, the Draught House has been brewing since at least the 80s, and NXNW was an early starter too.

Waterloo downtown (4th & Guadalupe?) was also brewing around that time but I can't remember who was 1st.  Too many Wednesday nights at Copper Tank for $1 beers.

5 minutes ago, notyal said:

And right on queue, I just got the reply from Giro saying they are not going to replace it. Guess I won't be cross-posting this one over to the "good customer service" thread. 

For the Bontrager, I did see that they would replace for FREE in the event of a crash in the 1st year.  Don't know of any others that do that, most of them are just wholesale price for crash replacement.

I'm not in the search boat too and I'm in the dreaded 59cm head size that seems to be right where the sizes change in most brands.  I tend to like to ride the chunk, do fast (for me) descents, and am working on jumps (not very good) so I want more coverage than a general XC helmet.  Something more in the trail/enduro range.  I tried a POC Axion (shipped from REI) in XL/XXL.  It was super comfortable and love the style of it but it just sat too low on my forehead where it blocked some of my vision on descents and wouldn't fit with goggles either.  I ordered a POC Tectal from Amazon in the M/L size (yes pricier but that was only POC in that size) but the shell was too tight on side of my heads where it would be uncomfortable long term.  So looks like POC is out for me.

I just ordered a TLD A2 (M/L & XL/XXL), a Smith Forefront 2 (L), and a Fox Speedframe (M) from Amazon (thank god for Amazon card and free returns so I can order all at once and return whatever doesn't work).  So I'll be doing sizing/feature checks on all 3 in the next week or so.  I'm coming from an original Smith Forefront (2015) in L so I'm guessing the Smith will fit but want to check out how it varies in features and fit as it's been awhile.  I'm right at the upper size of the M range for the TLD and Fox so we'll see how they fit.  There were no L for the Fox to be found anywhere so I may be out of luck on that one.

As a side note, I did try on a Bontrager Rally Wavecell at REI (they had a few in each size) and the L fit well.  Just not sure about the Wavecell tech and breathability.  It was also a bit heavier because of that too but at least it's a backup to try, if needed.

Welcome to other suggestions in case these don't pan out.  I can also update if anybody's interested.

I was at Hobbs State Park many Thanksgivings ago.  They have the nice flowy trails cut into the ridge so speed was great but they were covered with leaves so it was hard to see the trail.  Upside is when I accidentally clipped a tree with my bar, they were nice and soft to land in.

Kuat customer service has been great for me.  I had the old NV 2 (previous generation) for a few years.  One of my wheel straps broke and they replaced it for free.  Last year, I had a rear collision (no fault collision in parking lot where we both turned and backed into each other without seeing the other) that bent one of the front wheel trays and damaged the support tray.  It was still usable but I needed to replace it at some point.  Plus I had the 2-bike setup and needed to go 4-bike as my younger kids bike is too big for sticking in back of vehicle now.  I emailed them and they replied that they didn't sell the add-on for the 4-bike setup anymore but that I could get all the parts to assemble it on my own.  I could also get replacements for the damaged parts.  when I finally decided to go through with it, they actually asked me to call them.  They then let me know that they were starting to run low on the old NV2 parts so they offered a loyalty discount (~40%) on replacing with the new NV 2.0.  I just had to put the old NV2 out of service by pulling some springs where it can't be reassembled and take a picture.  They even gave applied the discount to getting the 4-bike add-on.  When I ordered, they didn't have the 4-bike add-on in stock, just the main NV 2.0 for 2-bikes.  The rep made sure it got sent out that day though so I would have it by the weekend (I think I ordered on a Monday or Tuesday).  Didn't pay for the add-on until it shipped as well.

On a semi-bike related, Thule customer service has also been great.  Had an old Thule cargo box (at the time it was 10-11 years old so earlier generation) that developed some cracking in the plastic around where it attached to the roof rack.  I took pictures and emailed Thule just hoping to maybe get a wholesale deal on an old one.  I got an email soon after that said they were sending a brand new cargo box (current model), no questions asked.  The new one was a huge upgrade from the original and even one of the higher end models (not highest end but higher end).  It came within a few days.

I went to donate but fundraiser already reached it's goal in 2 days.  Pretty Awesome!

I may have one but am out of town right now so not sure.  I can look and see if Seth can't find one.

I used to wear G-form but found the elastic just wears out too fast and rips.  Also not as much side knee protection as I would like.  I've switched to some 7iDP Sam Hill knee pads and they are really good.  Comfortable enough to wear all the time but sturdy enough.  Easy to take out inserts and wash the salty parts.  I'm in the camp of someone who always wears knee pads too.  Made a stupid mistake on a flat section at Walnut not wearing them and my knees paid the price.  Wear them every ride since except when going slow with kids.

Muleshoe rents kayaks, maybe you can rig a bike to a kayak and do multisport.  Seriously, there should be someway to cut across near Spicewood airport.  The southeast corner of Grelle (Fox Run on map) is just off Soda Creek Rd but looks like it might be blocked by private property and likely a fence.

Grelle-Recreation-Area-Map.pdf

I would also check REI stock.  They do curbside pick-up if in store and returns are as easy as Amazon.  Unfortunately they don't carry Bell or Giro anymore.  They have just have SMITH, Bontrager, POC, and TLD though POC is $$$.  The TLD A1 MIPS is in your price range but not sure if it's what you're looking for.

1 hour ago, Chongo Loco said:

REI Gateway used to have a decent pile of Smith helmets. I had a credit and blew some bucks on a Forefront before a roadtrip last summer. Then after realized no vent openings for my light and got a Venture. Very similar fit, the forefront is a bit lighter and cooler, but probably not worth the extra cost in the long run.

 

I was a bell head 30 years, but the Super’s never did quite fit right. The Smith fits me much better and I can adjust the knob one handed while in motion riding.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

FYI, for anyone who has the Forefront, you can get a camera/light mount for $15 directly from Smith.  I have the mount for my older Forefront and it's pretty convenient.  https://www.smithoptics.com/en_US/helmets/HB16-BHCLMK.html

28 minutes ago, The Tip said:

Well poop. It's set to "everyone" can see. Disappointing.

I posted a ride yesterday too. Can you see the pictures on that ride? Maybe there are too many pictures on the one I just posted.

I follow you on Strava and can see the pictures.  Maybe that's what's needed for others to see.

Rich Drew explains it well - 

I've also found House Fire in SATN to be a great place to practice this.  You can do an intermediate speed to practice and then ramp up the speed as you get more comfortable.

For the SATN trails, many of those sprinklers are for draining retention ponds.  Probably similar for Brushy.

3 hours ago, AustinBike said:

The two pair of 700mm tires that I tried were not working on my rims 😞

For reference this is what I am thinking about now, ~$55 delivered from the UK for a pair:

https://www.merlincycles.com/schwalbe-big-ben-plus-urban-performance-tyre-29-163068.html

But then I am back to tubes...

Those look like slightly narrower version of Big Apple - you can get them here (in US) for cheaper - https://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/schwalbe-big-ben-plus-hs-439-29-tire

They also have the Big Apples if you want to compare.

I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for but I use Schwalbe Big Apple's on my commuter (rigid 29er).  Smooth tread for decent roll but big volume to give some cushion for urban riding (sidewalks, etc.).  They're Kevlar-lined.  I ran over an industrial staple once and it got stuck in tire (noticed metal clanking noise as it hit frame) but it didn't puncture tire.  Never really got a flat when I was doing 10 mile commutes through center of town. 

2 hours ago, mack_turtle said:

A bit off-topic: how useful are modern GPS computers for navigating trails? I have a GPS watch, but it's only useful for mapping where I have been, not where I want to go. Could I load a trail route on one and use it to follow a specific route? I could do that with my phone but I don't want a $800 phone strapped to my handlebar, and pulling it out of my pockets every five minutes is a PITA.

Clearly I am not cutting edge!

I haven't tried it yet but my Garmin Instinct ($300) will let you enter a breadcrumb trail to follow as you go.  I know the higher end Fenix's add being able to show a route on an actual map as well but those start around $600.

Can't remember exact year but it's 2015/2016 Kids Hotrock with 16" wheels.  It's a coaster bike but it's got an added front handbrake (bmx v-brake) to allow my kids to learn how to use the handbrake.  Some minor scrapes from use but still in pretty good condition.  All original parts (except handbrake).  Chain is original chain, still decent condition but could be replaced for better operation.  Tires are in good condition but original as well.

Asking $75 for it but negotiable.  I live near Circle C but could meet somewhere.

3 hours ago, The Tip said:

I took pictures of both entrances, the Self Storage driveway and the brush blocked jeep track, on the 1826 side yesterday. Neither entrance is posted with a no trespassing sign. I'm pretty sure there are no postings on the Slaughter Ln. side either.

So I am going to continue to use that cut through until they do put up signs. I can't think of what other trails we would be jeopardizing by doing so. I am certain that the jeep track is on the storage companies property. The brush blocking might be done by the homeowners that butt up against the jeep track acting on their own volition. 

Not sure how accurate land boundaries are on TCAD, but if they're fairly accurate, that jeep road - at both ends - belongs to Stor Self Storage and not the homeowners.

12 minutes ago, mack_turtle said:

What's going on at the far south end of Meridian? I see construction going on. Are they going to cover every square foot of that area in McMansions?

If you're talking about the construction/road building area that's just east of the end of Gorman Springs Rd, that's the final sections of Avana being built out.  There are also rumors they'll connect Avana to Gorman Springs Rd to allow access to 1826 from the neighborhood (Cal Atlantic/Village Builders own that connecting stretch) but I haven't been able to get confirmation of that (haven't really tried hard to be honest).

And just for spouting irrelevant facts, the R-C Ranch that's just south of Meridian and W/SW of Avana is owned by the Buc-ee's founder.  Sadly, no rumors of a store being put in on the property.

6 minutes ago, The Tip said:

And don't forget the wild and unabandoned trampolining that happened there.

And yes, Strava is having a hard time distinguishing between the runs. They are just too close and too similar to each other.

Yes, there have been some interesting "items" left over in that area.  There was an oven out there for awhile and quite a few other random household things.

Totally understand the concerns.  I was just curious because Strava makes it really hard to figure out the exact runs and not sure I'm hitting everything so just wanted a rough sketch so I could figure out what was what a bit better over there.  Feel free to PM me one if you want.

I think the biggest thing is just be courteous and don't be a dick when you're riding through "sensitive" areas.  There has been other stuff in that area that homeowners/neighbors have had to deal with (late night 4-wheeling and outdoor parties in the area between Meridian/Avana/Golf Course) so maybe MTB can be seen as a better option if we act as solid citizens.

5 minutes ago, 2112Greg said:

Here's an image of the trails 'almost' as they are today.  There is one new little trail that goes from the bottom of Up or Down, across The Ski Lift and down a pretty big/fun ditch, then up to Rim Shot (take a right to go to the bottom of it...going up Rim Shot sucks, it's doable, but it sucks).  

Off of Four Ledges, there are 3 new little pieces that provide another way down the hill.  And I think those are the parts that Carl's most concerned about.  You can now session the two smaller drops on Double Drop and the bigger one on the right (as you go down DD) by going up and around Up or Down.  There are tons of different ways to put all these segments together. 

From the highest point on Four Ledges to the bottommost point, I'd say it's about 85 feet, so you'll be doing some climbing if you do lots of laps.  Totally worth it...

There is also a fun jump off a big flat rock by taking the second spur off Four Ledges down the hill.  You land on a slight decline, so it's pretty sweet...you can bypass the jump easily, as well.

Thanks Greg!  That is really helpful.  I've been over there quite a few times already so this all makes sense.  There is also access from Avana (where I live).  It's hard to explain but there's basically a trail entrance on a culvert near the intersection of Bernia & Mundomar (entrance is on west side of Mundomar).  You then take that to some jeep roads and ride the jeep roads to get closer to 1826, where the jeep road that turns into Ski Lift begins.  If I could figure out how to post a Strava image, I'll post a track.