I swap two wheelsets on my Slate - it’s very convenient. Only thing for me is each time I have to reset the brake callipers, but it’s a very small thing.
Generally people underestimate how much work bike engines and components can do and for how long. If you are focussed on resale then yes, new bike low kms, but you can pick up a slightly older bike for less. Manufacturers refresh the goodies to sell bikes. On the street ABS/Traction is helpful if you ride in cold or wet. But nothing is really necessary, even the fuel gauge (usually unreliable anyway). Buying a bike is a journey to be enjoyed. Keep us all informed about your progress - we are all rooting for you.
Nice - I had been counting the days. The KTM is already doing service. I took the Sled out for a test ride, new Ducati heated grips are wonderful, bike is as lovely as ever. It’s just waiting patiently for its all-black Zard (homologated) exhaust and cat. Due end March (yeh).
When I broke my foot and was in plaster for weeks I was really happy that a friend bought a shower chair for me. I only have a shower, no bath in my apartment. Shower chair plus a cast cover for swimming = happier life. Well, cleaner anyway.
Feel bad for Abe. I had a same conversation with Garmin; it turns out when you buy lifetime maps it means for the duration we decide to support the product, which can have the lifetime of a mayfly and there is nothing they will do, and nothing you can do except not buy another Garmin product.
Haha this I like. Unplugged
Me too. Even though it means ice and slush and wet feet. And not because I own a Yes Typo (reason to celebrate right there). It’s just “yeh - snow!” somehow
I want to say ‚bike‘?
Saves tax and insurance - forces me to use my bicycle or bus/train/tram if icy or far. It’s ok - the time goes fast.
Yep spot on Scrambler Desert Sled 800cc of air cooled joy
Oh it’s my 2020 1290 GT. I know the from the front the fairing makes it a bit wide and maybe ugly but it’s great protection and makes it a super comfortable ride fast or over distance. For everything else, I have my Sled (yeh)
This is a bike to go a long way on. Also its stupidly fast. And it corners and stops - all the good things. Here with rack, bag, and a mattress. Happy days.
Southern Schwarzwald in October. It’s such a nice easy fun bike to ride. More tiring over longer distances as it‘s naked except the dart screen but that’s not what its about.
My other bike really is a Desert Sled. I should have been riding that.
I put season plates on both my bikes 03/11 and I miss some great days like you say. The savings helps to pay for the train fares, but it’s a long wait now until spring.
Dude you have to sing the title (search for that’s amore)
Don’t take this list too seriously - it was only a week. But it felt like a long week.
1 - Spurcycle mini bell (not an aliexpress copy) looks good also sounds nice when getting hit by branches and other foliage 2 - Aeroe bags pricey but tough 8l each. 3 - focus dry bag rack. Had to use p clips to fit to my seat stays. Was fine 4 - sea to summit straps. Better than voile for me - the 60cm straps fit round the Aerobags with plenty to spare 5 - race king tyres. Good tyres on mostly varying gravel sizes and some sand, and a little made road. 6 - wolf creek chain pliers. The little valve core cutout bit saved the day 7 - nemo tensor long wide - tiny quiet comfortable quiet and quiet. And comfortable. 8 - old timey triple chain ring. Used biggest and smallest. Grateful for the range. The winner - mont bell carry bag. See other post for updated pictures
Things to do better: The chain wax I was trying was fine for commuting but wore out too fast with day after day of mud and dust. Def using a dry lube next time and suffer the black gunk on everything. Sadly as the wax is great, clean and quiet.
Things I thought I’d love but were meh: SQLabs bar inner ends. Next time I may try the ones that sit on the outside more like riding on the hoods.
For flying with my touring or hardtail I have the amazing Groundeffect Tardis but I although it folds quite small it still weighs over a kilo. I am cycling over the Alps and into Italy and to return by train the bike needs to be in a bag. I am super excited to find this MontBell bag. It packs to 16x8 and weighs under 300g. It’s really nice quality (although very light so it’s not going to be robust). For my bike i need to take the seat down a bit, wheels off and handlebars loose. This is fine. I will leave the rear dry bags and tool bag on, carry the front roll and seat pack. I am so stoked to find such a small light solution. Not cheap- of course- but as it means my bike is now hand luggage I won’t need train tickets so straight away it will save its own cost. So I wanted to share this with people who will understand why I am excited.