throet

51 minutes ago, AustinBike said:

Then either a 12-speed is the way to go or consider staying with an 11 and getting a 30T for the front just for that trip. The cost of a ring and a chain would be less than $50. It would be a simple way to deal with real mountains by only having to change the cheap components.

Haha I went from 30t to 28t in an attempt to remedy the situation for my CO trip! I did actually think about a 24/30 dual chainring up front. Wouldn't even need a front derailleur - just a manual swap to the small ring when needed 😆

2 minutes ago, brokenrazor said:

@throet thanks. that helps. My doc told me I can ride, but the big bad interwebs only has horror stories that freak me out. That’s why I wanted to here from someone in a similar situation. I am a cautious rider already, so hopefully I can shake the fear and enjoy riding as much as I used to. thanks again.

No problem man - get out and enjoy that new bike! If you're ever up north and want to share stories, I'm out riding on Brushy 4 times per week. My biggest fear with these modern anti-coagulant meds is my co-pay coupon expiring!!!!! 

25 minutes ago, AustinBike said:

Man, if I had 11 speed I'd stick with that. 12, for riding around here, is overkill. The 50T that I have is hardly ever used, I spin too much. In the process of replacing my front ring with a 32T (long story on why it is not done yet) and I am thinking that in the future I might consider a 34T for the front because the 50T is kinda worthless for me. A 34T up front might change that dynamic. Ultimately 11sp would have been a better choice but the bike came with 12.

Shifters seem to last forever for me, I chew through derailleurs about ever 18 - 24 months, go through cassettes about every 24 - 36 months. But shifters never wear out for me. If I replace them it is because I misjudged a tree gap.

I had a friend that went wireless. She loved it. Then one day she forgot that she was charging the battery and ended up with a singlespeed and could not get it into the optimal range (I am sure you can...) I'm an old guy, I'll stick with cables, I don't trust technology that much (as a tech person).

Yeah I hardly ever use my lowest gear around here even on my 11-spd. However, I'm planning at least 2 trips per year to destinations that require much more climbing. That is why I'm considering options. Colorado kicked my ass last year on the 11-spd!   

1 hour ago, brokenrazor said:

Hey all. Recently found out I will be on blood thinners (xarelto) the rest of my life. Right after buying myself a new bike for my 50th. I really want to ride again, but cant get my mind off how an even minor fall could be serious or deadly now. Anyone else on them and take a spill?

I'm on Eliquis and probably will be for life. Initially I was kind of freaked out about aggressive mountain biking, but over time have settled into my normal routine. In fact I've gotten much more aggressive with my riding. Not sure what you've been told, but I don't agree with the "minor fall" scenario. I think it would take some really serious trauma to put you at greater risk, especially internal bleeding and head trauma. I've been to the ER for stitches while on blood thinners, due to a minor laceration, and it was no different than similar situations when I wasn't on blood thinners. I've also hit my head on a low-hanging branch hard enough to cause a severe concussion with no life-threatening effects, although I did get a CT Scan as a precautionary measure knowing that I was taking the anti-coagulant.       

The key I think is to just be super confident in knowing what you can and can't do, and always erring on the side of caution. Freak accidents can happen, but if you're calculated in assessing risks, then you're probably more likely to suffer trauma in an auto accident than on your bike. This is just my view of course. 

On 1/21/2022 at 5:32 PM, ATXZJ said:

Totally agree. Budget Shimano 12spd is WAY better than SRAM. The upper end stuff from SRAM is better,  but that's just my crap 2c

 

Since it's time to replace my SRAM 11-speed cassette, I'm once again considering drivetrain options. One thing I'm trying to factor in is the useful life of derailleurs and shifters. I'm sure there are many variables, but I've been using the same XX1 setup since 2016. The clutch failed once after a year or so, and SRAM replaced the derailleur under warranty. Everything has worked flawlessly since then. A shop guy told me that once you get past 3-4 years of heavy use on a derailleur, you've gotten your money's worth. If that is true, then I'm running on borrowed time. What's been your experience with useful life on shifters / derailleurs?

In terms of options for upgrading to 12-spd, I'm seeing a lot of good reviews on the XT 12-spd setup (mechanical). Anybody had experience with both SRAM and Shimano 12-spd? I rode a buddy's GX AXS 12-spd and honestly wasn't that impressed. To me there was an ever-so-slight delay between pushing the button and getting a shift, whereas on my XX1, the shifting is instantaneous and incredibly smooth. I haven't completely ruled out wireless shifting, but based on my one experience, I'm not sold. In fairness, I've only tried it on pavement.  

12 hours ago, Chief said:

Did they explain as to why it's unrepairable? 

I didn't ask but I will when I pick the bike up from the Trek Store. Fox completed an overhaul on the rear shock but couldn't do anything with the fork. Of course I'll be getting the story second-hand, but still good to know the reason.  

Rode Snail and Double Down this evening and everything was bone dry except for a couple of low spots on DD just east of the PicnicX cutoff. I was pleasantly surprised since I really didn't know how much rain came through in the early AM hours. It was nice being out with not another soul in sight. 

On 5/28/2021 at 4:13 AM, throet said:

What's really sad is that my other bike also has a Fox Fork that needs service. It's an even older non-boost 2014 Evolution Series fork that's also been serviced locally over the years. Would it be worth taking it over to Cycle East for an inspection vs. having it sent to Fox?  

My old 2014 Evolution Series fork came back from Fox as unrepairable. Looks like I'll have to find a non-boost replacement. Seems there were some recommendations for cheapish replacements on another thread from last year, but is it still reasonable to purchase a non-boost fork? The other option would be to replace it with a boost fork and use one of those boost wheel adapters. Any thoughts? 

If the damn thing still moves up and down, I might just put it back on the bike and keep riding it. It's on my backup bike and I really don't want to spend a lot of money on it.   

2 hours ago, AntonioGG said:

Doesn't he like pumpkin ales?  😄

Who doesn't?

3 hours ago, quixoft said:

I rode the whole 28 mile loop for the first time this morning and I'm so glad I did the south side first. That trail is no effin joke. Brutal but fun as hell.

I started at Tejas and went counter clockwise. Really fun ride and I saw no one outside of some hikers and a couple bikes around Cedar Breaks and Tejas.

If you like 20 miles of cheese grater rock gardens and tech climbs this is the trail for you. Bring your patch kits! I didn't get any punctures and I was shocked considering how sharp some of the rocks are in the gardens. 

 

You must have added almost 2 mi somewhere because the full loop is just over 26 mi. I ride a lap at least once per year, and love it. Still, I would never consider a second or third lap in a single day like they do in the DragonSlayer. One lap is plenty enough punishment for me. I've also only gone clockwise. I need to try a counterclockwise lap one of these years.  

23 hours ago, ATXZJ said:

gonna have to give that one a try then

Pick up some of these too

Shiner knocked it out of the park with this one!

On 10/23/2021 at 10:38 PM, Barry said:

@throet have you gotten over to Oak Liquor Cabinet? Add then to the rotation if not. That's the last place I picked up Willet Rye. And I'd bet they currently have Pikesville on the shelf. (Although maybe not since the Heavem Hill worker stike has slowed production.)

Finally got over to Oak Liquor Cabinet and was amazed by the selection! I could have easily knocked 4-5 sought after picks off my to-try list. Ended up settling for the Evan Williams Single Barrel and the 1792 Full Proof Single Barrel Select, both of which are excellent and unique relative to everything else I've tried. These will remain firmly in my rotation as long as I can keep getting them. The folks over there are very courteous and helpful too! Best news is that it is literally 2 minutes from my new office location. 

Still available and still only used one time - $100. 

1 hour ago, TAF said:

A mostly closed riding venue.

I sure miss those ride days you used to host out there. The route at the time was only around 7 or 8 miles, but it was some of the sweetest single track around. Two or three laps followed by cold beer and some eats always made it worth the trip! 

On 2/28/2022 at 12:01 PM, AntonioGG said:

Nice! This thread needed a lift. At first I thought it was a Vega. 

Suppose I should be concerned when my drinking posts outnumber my biking posts, but what the hey!

Settling into a nice whiskey rotation, but there is still much to try. I'm a bit limited given my $60 max per bottle, but I finally got around to picking up this one that's been on my list based on reviews I've seen. It's definitely good and different, but at $59 I would have preferred either the WT Rare Breed Rye or the Russel's Reserve Single Barrel Rye. In fact, I could have grabbed a Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye at 115 Proof which I haven't tried, but suspect would be more to my liking than this one.   

17 hours ago, RedRider3141 said:

Anyone here at Brushy this afternoon and see the guy riding a quad trying to force his way onto Peddler's Pass?

I wouldn't even expect to see one in the park let alone on PP. I did ride PP yesterday afternoon and didn't see anybody on a quad. I did see a dude on what looked like one of those folding eBikes. He was stopped on PP and talking to somebody on who was on a regular MTB. They both ended up walking their bikes off the trail into the park area. Wasn't sure what was going on there.  

I've gotten used to going down on the left here where there used to be a stack of rocks. Yesterday though I got to the edge and noticed that they were completely gone. Luckily, I got my feet down before plunging over. Anybody know if that was an intended change? I don't have a problem either way, but given that they've been there for the past five years, it becomes a hazard when they just suddenly disappear. 

All through Fall and Winter I've been drinking mostly just Amber / Red / Brown Ales. Got a bit burned out on IPAs and other strong stuff that brings a buzz quite quickly. Seems most of the beers I've been getting lately are in the 5-6% ABV range. Here's a couple of really tasty treats. If I want a buzz, I'll reach for my whiskey. 

@ATXZJJust for you buddy! 

1 hour ago, gdog-1992 said:

Another time was zippers froze because I didn't clean them enough and they got frozen shut with salt.

This is starting to happen to one of mine. Their website says do this - "use mild soap like Nikwax Tech Wash, warm water and a soft brush to clean zippers often to prevent them from failing". As much as I'd like to just get a free replacement, I suppose I should at least try my best to remedy the situation, if it's not already too late.

Who is doing this and how often? 

On 1/19/2022 at 9:08 AM, ATXZJ said:

Bartender making us DIY oak smoked whiskies. Bisbee is awesome sometimes😎

You don't see that every day! 

I'm really diggin' Line#6 on Snail. Big props to whoever laid down that new track! I'm not a big fan of skinnies, but that one is really well designed. It's wide enough to limit failures but high enough to make you pay the price if you do fail. I haven't actually tried it yet but I've been really enjoying the obstacles on the alt line to the left of the skinny. Love the little rock stack feature further down as well, right before you drop into the little dip. And then that massive G-out towards the end is exhilarating. Nicely done!