AntonioGG

This was on an 8 speed chain and with solid pins. I don't do this on the 9-11 speed chains. I recycle 9 and 10 speed links, but not the 11 speed link. I've had a new 11 speed link fail on me (the thin lip upon which the pin locks just sheared off) so I don't mess with 11speed. Until this last experience, my only chain failures were not related to pins: bent/twisted link (not sure how that happened on a road bike when putting maximum power down at somewhere over 40mph...scary!) and the failed 11spd SRAM power link in the first lap of the Dirty Dozen last year. Brand new chain and link too.

I've been re-using pins forever, sometimes on the trail (before powerlinks). This is the first time it got me. I still have a bag of new 9-speed Shimano pins. I should use them on my road bike next time I replace the pins, and save the quick link as a spare.

I got this new ultrasonic cleaner, and I thought I'm going to save a bundle on chains. So I threw my $16 PC850 chain that survived RHR24 mud, then Dirty Dozen mud, but was still showing under 50% (even though the mud looked a bit metallic at times). After cleaning I found a split side plate. I replaced it with the cutoff pieces I always save from new chains (not with a power link but with a pin I didn't fully push out). Last week when I tried to ride Peddlers (to see how this 70°HTA SS compares to my FS bike), it snapped...right at the pin I re-used. It would have been fine but I did not have a power link with me.

I just got a chance to use my Bahco Laplander 7" folding saw and I'm very impressed with how easily and fast it cuts. It is very well reviewed and has a locking mechanism.

My SS feels faster (tried to do a fast lap but broke the chain right at the start) but I think it's because of the steep head angle. It's also smaller overall I think. I'll try to get back out there this week and compare. I'm really curious about whether it just feels fast or whether it is.

Which fingers go numb? All 4 and your thumb? Pinky and ring? Index middle and thumb? Depending on which, you can figure out where your nerve is getting pinched. I love Ergon grips but you also have to set the levers properly. Go ride around with a 4 and 5mm wrench and play with lever position. For the creek, it's hard to power up it with slick wet tires. It's more of a body English, build the speed and stand up as you go down, then lighten the front as you go up and bring your butt down as you push the bike forward.

That might make me sign up right there!

Yeah. I ride down those roots 100% of the time. I'd never noticed the drop in question!

Is your bike's front pointing toward the root drop? Edit: wait, are you standing at the root drop?

That's very interesting reading for me right now as I'm trying to figure out why my P29er feels much faster than my Czar in the really tight and twisty sections at Peddler's Pass. Would it be too much of a generalization to conclude with: if you're a tweener as far as frame size, then go with the larger frame? It used to be thought that going with the smaller one was better.

When I have a creak I can't find, I will ride with a small bottle of light oil. I will apply to spots until the creak goes away, then remedy the problem once I get home. Right now I have a creak on the front of my bike, and I've taken the headset bearings out and lubed them and it's still there. I hope there's not a loose cup or crack in the frame.

No bluebonnets, just another rite of spring in certain trails: fallen limbs/trees, and poison ivy/oak (by the front wheel):

A friend who owns a junkyard--I mean an automotive recycling center--tells me one of the cheapest ways to ship large items is through Greyhound. I've never looked into it, but he uses them for his business so I think it's worth a check.

I've been wanting to build a steel walled and roofed bunker and some magnetic books so I can walk upside down.

Wow! The "fork" flexes a ton on some of those bikes. Since on some others it seems the flex is less, am I really noticing the frame flexing? Also, check out the handlebar flex. Pretty cool video.

I have all my woodworking stuff out. I could try to fab something out and leave it stashed somewhere in there and see what you think of it.

I actually made it through the last time I rode it and I did the exact thing you said. It's a no-hesitation type of feature.

Harden and Aldridge will not deliver in the playoffs as usual.

This is one of the spots, where I enjoy the challenge, but the large wound on the oak in the right makes me sad. If it weren't so narrow already, I'd say armor the tree. Edit to add: I'm not the one unblocking. I just wanted to make that clear.

Fluorescents will cause trouble too. IR gate tachometers also need either sunlight or incandescent light.

I'm the opposite. IDGAF as to the geo of a bike, but I notice the subtleties when I ride them or when I make suspension setup changes or some cockpit change. Which is weird because I'm generally obsessive when it comes to technical things (I'm bi-curious: a EE with ME aspirations). Same with wine, I know what tastes good, don't care where it's from how much it costs or all the terms to describe it.

That's awesome. This is something I often wonder about. I love the challenge tricky roots and tree gates in some place but I feel bad that some oaks are getting damaged in trails. Thanks for all the hard work and making the tough calls!

I had to test select from all my spacers to find the thinnest ones for my last BB installation (Shimano) on my hardtail.

I run 100mm and don’t do any big drops, but I have seen a huge improvement in handling in going from conti race king 2.2 to Specialized Ground Control 2.3 front and back.

It was like that yesterday. Just remember to close your mouth when you cross the creek. It stinks terribly.