bear

agreed. in this case i don't have to pay to play with it. ( I also needed iOS use experience I wasn't getting by personal choice, so, *shrug* )

I realize it's more and more common for smartphones to accompany backwoods adventures, but i'm still of the opinion that a potentially critical device should be as simple and robust and purpose-designed as possible. I'm wary of things like the Defy because they don't seem to be functional at all without the smartphone, for interactive activities. At least with an InReach (even the Mini that I have) I can easily share prearrranged status and location with designated recipients (starting ride, still riding, need help but not emergency come when you can) in addition to the actual SOS capability, and of course the painfully harder ad-hoc messaging (think back to pre-smartphone mobile T9 messaging). I think I got my Mini for 200$ plus the 13/month plan. I would not be willing to trade off that "field" capability for a one-time $50 benefit. I've already used it a number of times for case 3. I'm not a complete luddite though, when my recent work-issued mobile phone needed replacing I switched from Android to *gasp* and iPhone 14 just so that the emergency sattelite connectivity would become available to me. I don't take that device outdoorsy but my imagination can see times when mobile networks and wifi may not be available and I need to communicate with someone important (not my job). :^)

My upgrade (thanks to Mrs) is your opportunity. 2 yr old (original purchase Nov 2021), minor bezel scuffing, perfect condition otherwise. Battery endurance still 100% (20d+ with expensive sensors on limited use - e.g. PulseOx on-demand and using Sleep Mode at night). I've been typically charging every 10-14 days with pretty much daily activity use ~ 1-2 hours leveraging GPS. Can't speak to how much listening to music off device hits it as I've not used that. Never-used silicone band included (black), steel band included (black, sized for 7" wrist), scuffing on inner clasp from regular wear. OEM packaging and charge cable included. Will ship USPS Priority mail within 1 business day after payment received, electronic payment accepted via Paypal. Will only ship to US address.

I have a personal goal to live beyond August 2065, this includes mountain biking ... under my own power if at all possible ... but I not signing any contracts on that.

I saw that too, I'm curious to see how it ends up competing vs the InReach Mini. The Mini has a brutal but functional capability by itself that the Defy Link I don't think has ... but for majority of consumers I don't think they'd notice. For the peace of mind it gives Maria my Mini is totally worth the 12/month, but that price could be lower and maybe it will over time with the rising competition?

if they're not noisy before the trip they will be after. I had to toss both rotor and pads after a recent trip to DC area because of comtamination picked up en-route. argh.

It's like the habitable zone of earth is narrowing.

your bike must have fit better ... i used to get seatstay wear on my inner knees from the bounce-around. wet/grimy rides sometimes were most "exfoliating."

Happy Near Year's Eve Eve from Raleigh Beach on the River Neuse

Not as lightweight/thing as the g-form but ... i think ... just a bit more protective? I got them for the combination of paranoid protection of knees for some trails, and for winter riding when I wanted a bit of added structure and warmth around my knees as my port-side has become quite grumpy when cold since I almost destroyed it single-speeding in the VT mountains a number of years ago (and, well, age, I guess). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XVPFBGY I've done a number of rides beyond 20 miles with them without issue, some beyond 30. No signs of wear yet, but I've only had them for 4 months.

Part 1 done; it's great when it comes together easily (as new parts often do). Took the opportunity to do a lazy-Bear's hub service on drive and bearings while it was torn down - I don't have a hub tool kit so I just pulled everything apart, pulled bearing seals, flush and lube ... all spins nice with very low drag (for a King). I really like the visual effect of the spoke reflection in the hub. I also appreciate the asym drilled rims bringing the spoke tension in more evenly DS-NDS.

I received a do-it-yourself wheelset ... Stan's Flow Mk4 hoops and spokes to rebuild around my King hubs, for the hardtail. I think she's also trying to give me something to do this weekend of stupid cold and wet conditions while she's crocheting! And to keep us sane she'd also gotten one of these.

^^ that, precisely that. One thing that really got drilled into me during my visit is how much i've forgotten how to be a social animal IRL over the last couple years ... it's kind of nutty, and very sad, and I hesitate to imagine the wider ramifications.

John, I "ran with" your link out of paranoia ... plus it was on 50% off sale since there's a new version, no problems so far on the return trip but good to have "suspenders" to go with "the belt" as it were. Dang, it make me a little sad to leave, so many more people to see (again) and meet (anew) and trails to ride (both categories) unridden. Hopefully it won't be such a gap before I get a chance to come back. I may try for a different part of year though because my allergies did NOT forget their Texas association and within days of being back in town Cedar had my number. Didn't stop me but man I could do without. So, maybe next time, I try ... April or May sometime? Then again, more places to go, so where should the next trip be ... Tucson ? Denver ? Ten Sleep ? Hmmm. Then there's OCONUS ... (a bear can dream) So remember kids, follow the rules #1 - Go To The Trail Head #2 - See rule #1

Assuming you're who I think you are, I agree! Was good to have a few minutes during your SS journey - thanks for your "un-needed" support. @Chongo Loco - you are TOO RIGHT! After I thought about it, the odds of me fubaring something through stupid action after 100+ miles of trail was near certainty! I'm just thankful that it only slowed me down a little. End total for the 8 day run was 8 rides, 136 miles, 12952 ft up. Took 2 trips to one venue to not screw it up. Just to keep things saucy the battery in my car died, so Sunday after the ride there was another round of true OG Mojo support as Nando & Matt schemed on the best way for me to get the replacement and made it possible and it worked out. Now I just need to recover and handle a few days of not biking. Probably my body will appreciate the down time while i'm attending this silly tech conference. Cheers all, until next round!