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The most popular Products mentioned in /r/gravelcycling:
The most popular Services mentioned in /r/gravelcycling:
Ride With GPS
Komoot
AllTrails
Facebook Marketplace
GeoGuessr
Pixlr
MapMyRIDE
Microsoft Forms
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The most popular reviews in /r/gravelcycling:
You can get the caps by themselves to put on Camelbak bottles.
CamelBak Podium Mud Cap, Black, One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGSJ4K9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_71VPYR8G1GBKFQTY3WVA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
We had a 104 mile route planned but decided to cap it at 62ish yesterday. (plus 4 bike path miles each way from the parking lot to ferry) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37164237
just a note if you do this route, don't bother with the beach detour south of Edgartown, it shows a trail but it's literally deep-sand beach.
These have been around for awhile.
Sun damage destroys tubes pretty quickly, so it would only be a race solution as far as that goes, and then there's grit. Something to limp 3 miles back to your care like the mountainbikers use it for, maybe, but the tube you need 40 miles in to an out and back? No.
You can get a saddle bag that's pretty damn small these days.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37206543
This is more or less the route we took. We ended up adding about 30 miles for just random detours and the like. The section from Pinecliff to Ellensburg was extremely rough gravel coming down off the climb. I rode my SuperSix Evo with 32mm tires and had to walk down most of it.
This is the entire gravel climb. I intended to take the right hand fork where I ended the route I shared (and in the image) but it quickly turned to rough dirt and looked overgrown and not maintained and I didn't see if it was passable, but I've been told you can connect it down to HWY 9. I came down the west side from Bellingham and wanted to loop around the south end of Lake Whatcom but ended up just doing an out and back of sorts. Anderson Mountain Climb
It's a very personal choice, but I think gravel riders tend to be more cautious and take extra drinks compared to road riders, so there's no shame in bigger bottles. I ride with 32-35oz bottles (one bottle on a normal training ride, two on a longer ride somewhere remote) - but how much do you need to drink on your rides? That depends on personal factors like weather and physiology and ride distance.
After an embarrassment last year - I took 2 bottles on a new route, misjudged the route in a remote area on the hottest day of the year, ran dry, and had to stumble down into a stream to top up my bottles - I started carrying a water filter on more remote rides. It may seem dorky, but it's a much more convenient insurance policy than carrying an additional 2 litres of water Just In Case.
Oh, and some emergency cash folded up at the bottom of a toolbag, just in case there's a nearby café.
Yeah, the shortest one is 90 mm, so you’re unfortunately out of luck if you need something shorter.
It’s the entry level aluminum sora (carbon fork). I was just getting back into cycling when I bought it almost a year ago, so I stayed budget friendly. I wish I had known at the time that it would become an addiction! If I’m still putting on the miles at this time next year (once stock is replenished), I will likely upgrade.
Super cheap Amazon purchase:
LE LED Bike Light Set, Zoomable Bicycle Headlight, Cycling Taillight, 200lm, 3 Lighting Modes, Front Rear Light Set, AAA Batteries Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M312UM0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sjkoFbF7TZYEB
Northampton you say? Hit me up if you want to ride sometime (road, gravel, or both)
This should keep you busy
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/28913?privacy_code=dlkNfA8yl5RJqxB9
Gravel map sucks in our area btw
One trick I learned is to get one of those sealant syringes and use that to remove sealant before popping the tire off the bead.
Here’s the process:
- hold the tire vertically so the valve core is at the bottom (6 o’clock position). Let out the air slowly to avoid the bead popping off suddenly, it’s okay if it does though
- Remove the valve core using a core removal tool
- press the syringe plunger all the way in and insert it into the bottom of the tire through the valve core (you might need someone or something to hold the tire vertically)
- pull up on the syringe to extract the sealant and put it in a cup or something to either reuse (if it’s like-new) or dispose of. Repeat until you can’t extract any more sealant
- pop the bead and tire off, wipe down inside of tire and rim with a towel
This has made swapping tires a much cleaner process for me. I usually tried pouring sealant out of the tire or soaking it up and would make a huge mess every time.
Here’s the syringe I use: KOM Cycling Tubeless Sealant Injector Syringe and Presta Valve Core Removal Tool by Designed for Stans No Tubes sealant and Other sealants … https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FDY4XR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S99EE1WZW1SDENMFKKDZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Even if its the gel coat only that's cracked, the CF is compromised. take it to a shop to have it xray'd or otherwise diagnosed. Also - consider getting one of those little bars that goes around the seat tube and stem that avoids clamping the top tube... like this thing...
It is def for dogs, haven’t used it but nice having it right there. Link below
SABRE RED Cyclist Pepper Spray with Adjustable Bike Strap, 45 Burst, 10 Foot (3 Meter) Range, Tear Away Velcro Design for Quick Access https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EDOGW0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_965aGb9487EHM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
HGG has a good list of routes around east central and east Texas.
Lots of rolling farmland around Washington and Austin Counties (Chappell Hill, Bellville, Industry, New Ulm).
Piney forests in Walker and San Jacinto counties (Sam Houston National Forest, Huntsville).
Supposed to be a lot of good riding around Davy Crockett National Forest.
I really wanna try this monster one of these days.
Sure thing, here is the link. It is just north of the San Marcos river before 183. It’s a great short little route with a covered bridge. Watch out for a few dogs along the way.
There’s Gravelmap, and around here Trailforks has some listed, but if you’re in the suburb of a big city there might not be much close by. There’s always the easy singletrack too
Edit: I forgot about Ride With GPS. Just do a search within X miles of your location with the keyword gravel. That’s a good app to have on your phone too. A free account gives you a lot of features
I think my bucket list got a new entry.
Looks like an amazing hiking/cycling loop with "bothies" along the way where you can sleep. Some parts look very rugged. Check out the link above for some amazing photos.
The guys on GCN did this. https://www.komoot.com/tour/72774251?ref=itd
I have found some routes on RideWithGPS. I have been looking as well, although I am in the process of selling my gravel bike and getting a new one.
I ride with these because it's nice to have the flat option on one side also just for a quick trip to the store or with the family without fully gearing up in my shoes.
SHIMANO PD-EH500; SPD Bike... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FTB9MCW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Second Squirt. I ride in SoCal mostly sandy and dusty trails and Squirt is my go to.
Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube 4oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ANNR15G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_722DTVKWC67DD3BGJCXT
Fid-locks are the best. I have them on both my gravel and mtb.
$40 is a lot for a water bottle but these things are solid. I will fall off the bike before they do lol.
Fidlock TWIST Bottle 600 Set- Bike Water Bottle Holder with Attached Bottle - Cage Free Magnetic Mount - Smoke https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T3PMBJG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_aIB.FbYB3J0TF
The travel mug I have is also to skinny for a regular bottle cage, but it fits nicely in the hot take holder from PDW. This is the mug I have: https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SM-KHE48BA-Stainless-Steel-Mug/dp/B00HR0WZP4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2C4CZJJSRBEFU&dchild=1&keywords=zojirushi&qid=1610150702&sprefix=zoj%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-1&th=1
Fellow Radar owner here. I’ve used the Handleband for years now and think it’s a near-perfect design. No special case required and a wickedly secure hold on the phone. I bought a second one 3 years ago but my original is still going strong. https://www.amazon.com/HandleBand-Universal-Smartphone-Handlebar-Mount/dp/B078LXVZZY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Handleband&qid=1552276235&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1
It’s about ~6 miles out to the dam, and it’s out and back so right at about 12. Past the dam you can get on the Colorado trail but it gets pretty technical for a gravel or road bike. Best way to ad mileage is with the high line canal trail which starts just past the parking lot.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/waterton-canyon-trail
Kind of this https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35152061. I headed up the switchbacks and down the gravel, the viewpoint is just before the trail comes back into the road! I hopped off there and headed back down the road, the trails are incredible rocky and brutal.
Very nice! Could I inquire more as to your route? We were out on an Ocoee loop Saturday (This loop, specifically: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33330954 ).
This is Kitchen Creek Road, which leads you right to Mount Laguna. One of my favorite rides, but its mostly pavement with Kitchen Creek being fire road.
Depending on your fitness level, here's the loop I recommend.
Park at Park n Ride Lot #29 just off I-80.
Head towards Guatay on Old Hwy 80. Follow Old Hwy 80 for a ways until you hit Kitchen Creek Road. You'll cross under I-80 and follow pavement for a ways until you hit a "dead end" where the road is no longer maintained and you hit this gate. Follow Kitchen Creek all the way up until you hit Sunrise Highway. Here, you can turn left and head back down to your car to shorten the ride OR turn right and head up to Mount Laguna.
Follow Sunrise Highway all the way to State Highway 79. Turn left towards Lake Cuyamaca. At the lake you can stop at a lakeside diner for some grub, famous apple pie, coffee/beer.
Take state Hwy 79 all the way back to your car.
Its a beautiful and tough ride. 62 miles and just under 6,000 ft gain.
You might try Ride With GPS
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34732288 On the c-2714 right off 2710. It transitions from gravel to a grassy single track @ mile 23. At least it was not a cougar. I would have found a different way. I made a bunch of noise including turning on phone and playing music as loud as I could. Seemed to work as animal was definitely moving fast to run away.
Ah around Harrisonburg. I know there’s some good gravel right around Reddish Knob.
Check out this Ride With GPS route I found on the interwebs.
Also this Gravel Map has a lot of the Virginia gravel roads mapped on there.
Not OP, but looks like the Crown-Zellerbach Trail. You can ride to the southern trailhead from NW via Hwy 30.
You can also check out the SBT VRTL PDX routes. The Black route will take you to CZ. NW Skyline from Germantown to Cornelius Pass is not very pleasant right now, since CPR down to Hwy 30 is closed for construction.
The route below is the standard route. I modified a little to leave from Roanoke which also reduced some of the repeated roads. I also took a few detours to hit more gravel.
Here is a pretty close version! I deviated a bit in the beginning so that I could go up pratt corner rd, and a true end a trail just stopped so I had to figure something else out. But here is most of it!
Some of the stuff out of Banks or NW Portland would probably be pretty accessible. Check out the OMTM route library:
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/4561?privacy_code=PpynzgUYjE3kpijc
Here's a simple search of what you're asking for. Don't forget that you can use the google earth tool on some of the routes. Narrow things down some in the left sidebar, but just know Asheville is the MECCA.
You guys should vote here if you want to continue to ride in Epping forest and Wanstead flats: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=zVjmn82zVkCFGTIi_6lr6FHz-VXQ8QpPhL2SiL8yXXRUN0lURTNPM1NWVlc1SU9OTVQ5Q01FSDNRNC4u
Starts in New Ipswich. I modified a ride that a guy in one of the local clubs was doing over the summer. Added a 6 mile detour so there is one convenience store at roughly 36 miles and one at 62 miles. Made it so I can just bring two 22oz bottles and not worry. Original didn’t have a stop until mile 56.
Since the ride doesn’t start anywhere near my house, here’s a public RideWithGPS course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31065201.
RideWithGPS shows only 6400 feet of climbing, but I’ve done this route twice now and came up with 7400-7500 feet across two different devices (Edge 830 and Forerunner 945) on both trips.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30623799
Not sure if that link works. You can also search for the Pan Mas route which goes through Georgetown-Rowley up to Newburyport.
Search "gravel" at 20miles around Ipswich. Lots of good routes on there.
Here you go: https://www.komoot.com/tour/488553431?share_token=aWW8Z4hALyQ9h4dyLYnyI4kEUnV3cM8ol1GLCOd1pGPINe6A0T&ref=wtd
This version has about ~30km of highway between castlegar and trail. It is a nice road with a large shoulder, but there is also a single track trail on the east side of the river. The track is a bit tough on a gravel bike and will add some more elevation, but it's doable.
Usually everything marked as a „yellow“ hiking route can be driven with your gravel bike. Some „white-red-white“ hiking routes might work as well but there you need to be extra careful when planning if you don’t want to carry your bike instead of riding it.
I don‘t know Schweizmobil but Komoot tends to be pretty good in finding good gravel routes in Switzerland. MTB trails marked as „S0“ should be doable with a gravel bike, I would be more careful with the ones marked „S1“ or higher, but I guess that also depends on your definition of gravel.
In short, there‘s no shortage of gravel routes in Switzerland but I think the more you‘re looking into driving fast and in an alpine off-road environment the more I would go for an MTB.
I just installed an oval chainring a few weeks ago on the same bike and CAN’T understate what a great improvement it was, especially for the price!
(also went with a narrower handlebar because I felt like a flying squirrel during headwinds with the flared one).
Pedal harder! I think the same thing sometimes, but I also regularly top out on gearing on descents so I stick with the same chainring. I believe you can roll a 46 cassette like this with the Rival mech, (I have the same bike in a 58 in black) Bibike 8/9/10/11 Speed Bike Cassette 11-40T/11-42T/11-46T/11-50T Mountain Bike Cassette Compatible with Shimano Sram(Except Sram XD) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NYQVQR2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QSDTSAHWB92DNF9X8YYC?psc=1
I run Gravelking slicks 32c on my Scott Addict endurance bike on light gravel / rail trails and it's great!
Tubeless at around 50 psi (I weigh 80 kg) and it's smooth and fast
https://smile.amazon.com/panaracer-GravelKing-700-Folding-Tire/dp/B01MXZT9V6
Carrying a spare tube or two is a good idea. (those linked will fit pretty much any gravel tire in the realm of 28" rims).
The benefit of cycling-specific shoes is their soles are very stiff - some people get foot burns when riding with flexible-soled shoes like sneakers.
Many also ride with clipless pedals which require shoes you can bolt cleats on. For gravel use, mtb shoes and spd pedals are a common choice.
Gloves can offer a tiny bit of padding, protection in crashes and sun, and will help prevent your shifter hoods from becoming disgusting.
Padded cycling shorts or bibs are a nice thing to have as they reduce chafing and eliminate any seams in the area you'll be having most of your weight on. If you don't feel comfortable wearing spandex in public, just chuck a pair of looser shorts on top - you'll still get most of the comfort and all of the chafing-protection.
Cycling jerseys tend to have pockets in the lower back - super useful.
You can continue to use those wheels in the same 15mm thru configuration by adding a simple 15 - 12mm axle adapter - which can be found for $10 on Amazon ....
Unfortunately I only discovered the white Nalgene bottles after getting this one. I am considering just shelling out the €12 for the other bottle though. I normally run a 750ml bottle on that bottom cage, so I’m familiar with the dirt problem. I specifically use a bottle with a protected cap (https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Vaude-Drink-Clean-Bottle-Clear/dp/B00LL4F5KO) for the dirt.
I actually pulled my b-rad off while I was mounting this cage. I normally have a b-rad on the seat tube to lower the cage far enough for a 1L zefal magnum bottle. My thinking with this tweak was to increase bottle size and get another 500ml in without using more frame space.
When I test-mounted the Mojave cage and Nalgene bottle on the seat tube the bottle interfered with the cage on the top of the down tube, and I was just going to start adjusting the fit when I realized that I might be able to just throw the whole 1.5L down below the bottom bracket.
It’s just a phone mount. It’s rather bulky but adjusts great to different diameters and fits perfectly well
MORPHEUS LABS M4s Carbon-Fieber Bike Mount V2, https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08NHGSMNB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Y2F5SESFDKB006BN4YBD
It’s a little bell I got from Amazon here is the link if you’re interested Trigger Bell - Unique Safer Brass Bike Bell (5th gen) - Ring your bicycle bell while braking, turning and changing gear while in full control and on all bikes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NZVQ49M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0647S93G1BER303W7ZJ3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
edited ... but here too - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NTZ6HWK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you're not American you might have to search a little more: https://www.albanesecandy.com/all-gummies/sour-12-flavor-gummi-bears/
https://www.amazon.com/Albanese-Flavor-Gummi-Bears-Ounce/dp/B074PWQF3M
Have you tried toe warmers? I use these on the tops of my feet outside my wool socks. HotHands Toe Warmers - Long Lasting Safe Natural Odorless Air Activated Warmers - Up to 8 Hours of Heat - 6 Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPKYI3W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_wFo9Fb6N859Y5
For the rear, I've been trying out the Drift Ghost X. Link To Camera.
The best thing about these is the battery life. The standard battery lasts 5 hours. For $25 more, I got the extended battery which lasts 8 hours. I go on long rides and no other camera has this kind of battery life. GoPro has much better video quality, but the battery life is barely over an hour. Unlike a GoPro, this is not an action cam, it's more of a safety cam. Video quality isn't great, but it's more than enough to catch cars and license plates.
After testing it out for a few weeks as a rear camera, I just purchased another one to use in the front. I've been using a GoPro and carry several spare batteries, but that got cumbersome.
There's also Cycliq, but their reliability and support is horrible. Mine broke down after 10 months, had to pay $30 shipping to return it to Australia, they confirmed it's defective and under warranty, but don't have any more to replace it. They sent me a coupon to buy a new version for 50% off. So basically, they don't honor their warranty. Stay away from Cyliq.
Cheers man .. it’s an Amazon cheapy job and if I’m honest the mount is a little flimsy but I took a gamble as it was so reasonably priced :) EBUYFIRE Rechargeable Bike Lights Set, 3000 Lumens Bike Headlight 【Upgrade Mount】,Super Bright Headlight Front Lights,3 Light Mode Fits All Bicycles, Mountain,Road (3 LED with rechargeable taillight) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081SPFP5L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_CI92FbRXHYA2Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I reversed the mount to under so there was room up top for the computer
After a year of daily commuting I'm extremely satisfied. I had to make some minor modifications to install my front pannier rack and they weren't compromised at all.
riding around 0°C (sometimes with rain) in NE Pennsylvania I just wear 3/4 or full length bibs (usually marketed as those autumn/spring type), a sleeveless summer baselayer and again one of those autumn/spring jerseys.
If I wear a jacket, after cycling for a couple of minutes I get so warm I start sweating buckets so I now I just cycle without a jacket. It's only cold at the very start but once I get to the main road and build up a bit of speed, my body stays warm.
Then I also just have a regular thin general purpose neck tube / scarf type things to cover my nose and ears from direct wind. If it's really cold or windy then I'll get out this balaclava instead.
The only thing I've yet to find are good enough gloves. They either do nothing (wind cuts right through it) or are so disgustingly hot—nothing in between so far that I've found.
Two Moosetreks handlebar bottle carriers, combined with other suggestions. Some people run a camelbak bladder in the bag under the top tube.
55PSI is the high limit stated on that tire. I'm surprised you didn't have trouble with the rear.
https://www.wtb.com/products/riddler700c?variant=15412794436
A tube like this would probably work for you (assuming presta sized hole in your rim):
Think it's a Nite-Ize Wraptor. Same one I have, it holds well enough for my needs, and it's easy enough to get the phone in and out.
Just stay hydrated. It’s an all day thing.
I actually ordered one of these: BUZIO Vacuum Insulated Stainless...
To take on my longer rides with me.
Got one of these to strap it to my bike: Blackburn Outpost Cargo Water...
I suspect you could pick up a MicroSHIFT Advent and experiment a bit. For $55 it's not a terrible investment even if it ends up not working out.
Thanks, I love that bag. It's not custom but it fits so perfect that you would think it is. It's this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moosetreks-Touring-Road-Frame-Medium/dp/B07CXDV2CL/
It's amazing how much better a long ride is when I'm not carrying a backpack.
Light and motion urban series with go pro adapter is the ticket for me! Even has “cockpit” side lights. light and go pro adapter
In that case, for summer id recommend trying out a clipless sandal:
Exustar E-SS503 Bike Sandal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJMGR0M?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_WRVYC0AB5E552791899Y
Or something like the clipless Five Ten Kestrel.
For pedal any mtb eggbeater like shimano M520 should work if you don’t like flats. Don’t bother with the a530 or any combo pedal you probably won’t like them they have low grip on the flat side.
I believe this is it:
From this video:
Around the four min mark.
I was going to order those but decided to try these first (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P9Q1SNZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) since they’re a bit cheaper.
I am still trying to figure out socks to go with them. In 30F weather, my thick Darn Toughs make my feet sweat, and my thin Giro cycling socks aren’t enough fabric. First world problems I guess! What socks do you pair with your overshoes?
I use these on my winter bike and love them:
Really stable platform for my flats, and great clip-in for when I’m in any of my cycling shoes. They also comply with the law for cycling in the dark with the reflectors.
They ain’t cheap, but worth every penny in my opinion.
Do you use SPD shoes on the occasion?
These are hybrid pedals, quite useful if you change your mind later or use SPD on other bikes
I won't say it's never happened, but I worked as a bike mechanic for years and never ran into housing that failed from rubbing on the frame.
I'd get some nail polish that matches the frame fairly well and touch it up. Then put 3M helicopter tape on the area (turn the handlebars back and forth to see all the area the cable hits) and you'll be good. Another good spot to put some tape is on the crankarms where your heel brushes them, and on the top tube if you're going to run a top tube/bento bag.
Here is the one I used. Honestly I don’t care what paint you have gravel dust will scratch anything. Good luck.
It's this one: Grefay Fahrrad Handyhalterung,... https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07GQLYPZZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Can't recommend it for a drop bar tho. The bar is to fat and I had to improvise. I think I will switch to a Garmin Navigation anyway.
I have a medium and ran into the same problem. I got these off of Amazon. problem solved. I have the right hand one on the down tube and the left hand one on the seat tube. That way I can access both from the right. I use camelback podium dirt series bottles and the fit no problem. https://www.amazon.com/Gazeer-Ultra-Light-Bicycle-Brackets-Cycling/dp/B08M9KN9CS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1YGDW0CJN2V0X&keywords=carbon%2Bfiber%2Bright%2Band%2Bleft%2Bbottle%2Bcage&qid=1669162864&sprefix=carbon%2Bfiber%2Bright%2Band%2Bleft%2Bbottle%2Bcage%2Caps%2C763&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1
Pedro’s for tire levers. I’m also a big fan of the Kool Stop tire bead jack Kool Stop Tire Bead Jack, Black https://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Tire-Bead-Jack/dp/B001AYML7K/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=TH8586L6UD92&keywords=kool+stop+tire+bead+jack&qid=1669016854&sprefix=kool+stop+%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-2#
I've been real happy with this pair: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074W4N8NQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
fuck yeah, welcome to the All-Road 4130 club. unless you got the new fancy XPLR AXS version of this bike, may I humbly suggest these as your first upgrade?
Just a tiny, cheap waterproof frame bag I use for my MTB! It’s great for all my repair needs.
Also, I found this https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/311248763587183 very interesting custom Ora Engineering road/gravel bike, and it seems tempting, as I talked the guy down to 2,200. I'm slightly concerned that the lack of any suspension will be uncomfortable even with large tires, but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?
It's mainly this loop. You can easily extend it an extra 10-30 miles by linking it with other trails around too.
So that’s the top of the Bobcat & Marincello trails. It’s a great loop and there are plenty of route options worth exploring in the headlands check the trail loop here.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/trail/us/california/miwok-marincello-and-bobcat-trail?u=i
I've been running this guy for awhile and it's been pretty solid:
Sure, why not? Obviously will be easier if you live in a flattish area. Keep in mind if you find a good deal on a geared bike, you can make it singlespeed with a conversion kit. (Or, you know, just keep it in one gear and never shift it!)
You should think about carrying at least an Israeli bandage. Works as a clean gause and compression if you need it. Covers most lacerations and you can use it to secure a splint if need be or support a splint. They are pretty compact and weigh very little. You can clean the wound with a regular water bottle which will be fine until you get back to civilization most times.
https://www.amazon.com/Israeli-Dressing-First-Aid-Compression/dp/B003DPVERM
If you're OK with shorts instead of bibs, I've had excellent results with two oddly-named discount brands on Amazon: Rahhint, and AngelCitiz.
https://www.amazon.com/Rahhint-Cycling-Breathable-Lightweight-Quick-Dry/dp/B0997ZDN2Y/
Yeah, it was a huge pain. BTW, these polishing wheels are a pretty nice addition for small parts. I’d like to see how they compare to a flap disk.
cheap carbon 0 setback seat post
I’ve heard people say the cheap carbon post is a bad idea, but I’ve only put a few hundred miles on it and it’s been a revaluation. I have like 200mm of expiated seat post and the added compliance is amazing. Probably the best upgrade I’ve made other than thicker bar tape.
as an avid mountain and gravel biker, i swear by these. i've got two for my gravel bike and the outside will get absolutely rekt but the lil' muck guard over the top brings me both peace and refreshing, clean water.
Just get a good pair of mtn bike booties to start and use your regular shoes. At $20 it was a whole lot cheaper.
I'm still very partial to a good set of trail runners and MTB pedals. I have cheap single sided SPD pedals (MTB with 6 pins on the flat side) and never use my SPD shoes.
I guess the few times I've used the SPD side I felt that it was marginal gain for recreational riding and NOT worth the 5-10 seconds to unclip.
YMMV
Trail runners FTW!
ive had both nite riderz and lezyne lights - great for winter road riding and for short to medium charge
for long gravel/forest riding i went super bright and with a much more powerful battery. test route cables first and use your existing to be seen, these to see
I have dual pedals (flat on one side and clipless on the other)and shoes with a recessed SPD clip. I normally ride gravel clipped-in but if I’m entering a particularly hairy section of road I unclip and flip the pedals to the flat side in case I need to bail at any point. Here’s the pedal and shoe combo I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Five-Ten-Hellcat-Mens-Mountain/dp/B07PQ9BSC3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TT4767R?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
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And they're on sale!
I ordered it years ago from chain reaction cycles. I looked it up but it's no longer available. It's similar to this though: https://www.amazon.ca/TSKjinc-Toseek-Straight-Bicycle-Lightweight/dp/B09NFC8ZBS/ref=asc_df_B09NFC8ZBS/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=579210764115&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5776754781989856849&hvpone=&hvptwo=&...
I was looking at those, the reviews put me off, seemed to be random quality and potential ride noise.
I do really like the aesthetic of them though.
I can't see the amount of mixed reviews being totally bogus, maybe worth a shot though.
I ended up being a cheap bastard, went with this off brand set. It was cheaper then the single, for whatever reason. But they are silent, ring loud, and match my frame.
Just a update, I found this guy!
Zefal Spy Bicycle Mirror Black
It has a acceptable for the price strap mount, I'd much prefer something that fully encases with a sturdy strap + bolt, not rubber.
But it is cheap, and it works wonderfully.
In action: https://imgur.com/a/04m3PdT
Anti-slip tape can also help, in some situations. (But if you're not still, if you often rub your hand over it, not so good).
I use this on my aero bars.
My frame bag is permanently on my bike and I carry:
Tube repair kit
Extra tube
One tire lever
Pump (wrapped with ductape)
€20
Multitool
Battery pack
iPhone charger cable
Mini-USB cable (for lights)
Wallet with a Victorinox Swiss Card that has been incredibly handy on SO many occasions.
A windbreaker
And obviously, all the snacks.
How has the amazon cassette held up for you some months later? I used one very similar in construction for my 1x12 mtb hardtail build, I did the 11-52 option in this BiBike one. Recently I found loose pins on the intermediate cluster, the rivets holding the steel cogs to the alloy spider were working loose after a year of use allowing one of the cogs to shift around.