Three flats this week on the new bike. The Surly Knard 700x41cs aren't very puncture resistant. Picking up some of these from Wiggle.com for commuting:

http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_mondial

May throw the 41's back on if I'm doing strictly single track but these should be a great all round tire.

10/10/2015 8:12:26 PM

^^ Yeah I see your point for the off-road vs. road touring. Admittedly, I do mainly road touring, and some decent fire roads, so my setup is adequate. I also bungee cord my panniers down so they don't go bouncing off. I use my old Axiom commuter panniers, because they hold less and are truly waterproof.

My gear is comprised of:

1) hammock, and sleeping bag if cold, sheet if hot
2) change of clothes (usually pants, button down shirt, t shirt, wool socks, rain gear, sandals)
3) stove and fuel
4) food (burritos and single serving nut butter, bagels, dried fruit, tuna, etc.), coffee, beans in a box, eggs because I can, avocados)
5) bike repair kit
6) water bottles (bug if needed)
7) cooking stuff (French press, camping pot, cutting board, spork)

My camping buddy usually carries half the gear, so we're mainly carrying food and clothing. We eat like glorious champions each night.

We usually ride to destination, find camp, set up hammocks, gather firewood, swim if daylight left, tuck in to cooking, have bonfire, stay up way too late, I get up and make coffee, make breakfast, go hiking or ride back that day.

10/11/2015 4:31:36 PM

That sounds glorious.

Quote :

"1) hammock, and sleeping bag if cold, sheet if hot"

Do you use a pad or under quilt? I need one or the other or it simply gets too cold. I imagine if it's >70-75 then it's not a huge issue.

Quote :

"7) cooking stuff (French press, camping pot, cutting board, spork)"

After I started bringing the french press camping the mornings were so much better. Some people even bear the weight and bring a bialetti for the strong coffee.

You use a Hennessy or Eno? I nerded out on my Hennessy and converted over to whoopie slings and dutch clips. Much easier to set up now. I also switched to a hex fly tarp with (for a few more ounces) gives me a huge amount of room underneath the hammock. I imagine it would be great for a couple bikes for bad weather.

10/11/2015 4:39:08 PM

FUUUUUUUUU goat heads:

10/12/2015 1:32:11 PM

Anyone have any good tips for cold weather/winter biking? I picked up some waterproof cycling gloves, shoe covers, and leg warmers. I also have a balaclava I may start using when it gets really cold. Sometimes when it's really cold I get the cold cough a lot of people complain about. I'm hoping the balaclava will help with that. I've reading breathing through your nose more often helps as well.

10/26/2015 11:51:32 AM

[Edited on October 26, 2015 at 12:59 PM. Reason : .]

10/26/2015 12:56:58 PM

I forgot to mention I commute via bike. So while I do enjoy the occasionally trainer indoors it doesn't help me get into work in the morning.

10/26/2015 1:40:29 PM

I ride a lot during the winter. Depending on how cold it is, I either wear a balaclava or a combination of a long neck cover and a fleece headband that allows me to modulate the amount of coverage while riding. The only real I problem I find riding with a covered mouth is that you'll breathe a lot of moisture into the cover, then have to deal with that moisture getting cold.

10/28/2015 3:31:09 AM

^Thanks! Yeah I wore a balaclava this morning as it's starting to get cold (was 29 on my ride in). It helped a lot with the cold air. I also got some leg warmers that you can wear with any biking shorts and they were great as well.

10/28/2015 10:14:01 AM

1) Goat heads? Wtf are those?

2) Re: camping: I guess you could bring a quilt or undersheet if it gets cold, but I usually just wrap up in a wool Army blanket over the sleeping bag and I'm burning up in no time. I'll report back when I go to the Eno on Sunday.

3) I use a Hennessy. I left my straps and carabiners in Concord on the CNC, so bought the Eno easy-strap setup with quick snaps.

4) I return to full time bike commuting for my full-time nurse gig so I'll be applying all these concepts. Fenders, waterproof bags, rain gear goes a long way towards happiness. Wool and synthetics are your friends.

For example, if < 30 and raining, I might wear sports bra, base layer, jersey, armwarmers, fleece or down vest, rain jacket, scarf, fleece gloves, 2 pairs of wool socks, silk thermals, wool cycling capris, waterproof booties, my bigger cycling shoes.

5) Smc appears to have a large cycling butt from that photo!

10/29/2015 11:10:51 PM

Quote :

"1) Goat heads? Wtf are those? "

I posted a pic 7^ up. Nasty fuckers. Basically thorns that are common in the fall in dryer states. They're essentially like road spike strips. They will destroy your tubes unless you have multiple layers of protection.

Quote :

"2) Re: camping: I guess you could bring a quilt or undersheet if it gets cold, but I usually just wrap up in a wool Army blanket over the sleeping bag and I'm burning up in no time. I'll report back when I go to the Eno on Sunday. "

I've found that in temperatures under maybe 60 you'll get really cold unless you have insulation under your hammock (so either a pad or under quilt that hangs beneath the hammock). The act of sleeping on a down bag actually makes the down you're squishing not effective as an insulator any more. I found this out the hard way thinking I could hammock camp with a 15 degree bag and it was only ~45 degrees. Did not work.

Quote :

"3) I use a Hennessy. I left my straps and carabiners in Concord on the CNC, so bought the Eno easy-strap setup with quick snaps. "

Hennessy's are great!

Quote :

"4) I return to full time bike commuting for my full-time nurse gig so I'll be applying all these concepts. Fenders, waterproof bags, rain gear goes a long way towards happiness. Wool and synthetics are your friends. "

I think I'm finally coming along with all the wet/winter gear. I just converted to panniers as well! While I loved the backpack as it gave my bike much more maneuverability panniers are the way to go and they save your back.

Quote :

"For example, if < 30 and raining, I might wear sports bra, base layer, jersey, armwarmers, fleece or down vest, rain jacket, scarf, fleece gloves, 2 pairs of wool socks, silk thermals, wool cycling capris, waterproof booties, my bigger cycling shoes. "

Wouldn't it usually be snowing if it's < 30? As it's gotten colder here I've gotten down to about 29 with regular bike shorts+leg warmers, shoe covers, jersey+jacket, gloves, and a balaclava. When the sun comes out though it's handy to be able to quickly take off stuff. It's supposed to be a low of 14 Wednesday here so we'll see how that goes.

Also just got my Schwalbe Mondial 35's. They're awesome:



Currently I carry on my commute:

1. Laptop + various adapters/chargers
2. Tablet
3. Breakfast + lunch for the day
4. Work clothes
5. Rain + winter gear
6. 2 spare tubes, minimal tools, pump

I found it's key balancing the weight on the panniers. If there's 5+ pounds on one it's quite noticeable especially standing up or turning.

11/9/2015 10:46:34 PM

You need some fenders so you're not slinging up grime all over yourself once the snow and sludge begins

11/10/2015 8:45:44 AM

Yeah the rear rack is solid and sorta acts like a rear fender. The front wheel hasn't been much of an issue in the rain in the past. We're supposed to get 3-6 inches here tomorrow so tomorrow morning I may see how it does without additional fenders. Based upon that I may pick some up.

11/10/2015 9:32:43 AM

Rode in 2-3 inches of snow on the sidewalk (bike lane was getting splattered by cars). Really no splashes above my ankles. The waterproof boot covers were a necessity and AWESOME. Other than that it was sweet. Tires did great. Rear rack protected my back and my frame bag protected any splatter from the front tire. I like riding in the snow.

[Edited on November 11, 2015 at 10:04 AM. Reason : bag not back]

11/11/2015 10:03:26 AM

Little fuckers aren't even native to the US:

http://www.goatheads.com/home/gh1/page_41

Quote :

"OTHER COMMON NAMES: Ground bur-nut, caltrop, goat head, bull's head, Texas Sandbur, Mexican Sandbur. NATIVE RANGE: Eurasia and Africa. ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES: The seed pods of the plant probably contaminated the wool of sheep imported from the Mediterranean region into the Midwestern United States. Puncturevine was first reported in California in 1903. INFESTATIONS: Worst infested states: Puncturevine is widespread; the worst infestations are in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. Habitat: This plant is found most often in crop lands, pastures, along transportation rights-of-way, and in urban areas. Impacts: The spiny burs can cause injury to the mouths and digestive tracts of livestock, are a nuisance to people, and diminish the value of alfalfa hay and wool. "

11/12/2015 11:51:06 AM

Anyone have experience with dynamo hubs? I really really want a dynamo hub and a pair of those sexy german dynamo powered lights:

http://www.bumm.de/produkte.html

http://imgur.com/gallery/y8ztf

Charging lights every few days is annoying.

11/20/2015 3:53:48 PM

Anyone still commuting in here?

1/27/2016 5:47:04 PM

I have not been to TWW in a long time.

Yep, still commuting. Rode through that last storm we had here in NC. Did sweet fixie snow skids home on the snow and ice, which is ironically the only time I feel comfortable to practice skidding. Normally I'm a very cautious handbrakin' kind of girl.

Took my Snowpocalypse bike out of the garage on Sunday and used it to get to the bar. A little teal Nishiki MTB with huge crusier fenders and like 2.5" tires. I might have rolled over some dead bodies too with it, not sure.

2/2/2016 11:59:42 AM

AntiMnifesto said:

Quote :

"I have not been to TWW in a long time."

[Maury]Your posting history determined that that was a lie.[/Maury]

2/2/2016 12:26:03 PM

Holy crap. I've been tired of not being able to ride after/during snow due to all the ice (snow isn't a huge deal) so I picked up some 700x40 Nokian Hakkapeliita tires and took it up and down the ice skating rink that is the street behind my apartment complex. Wow. I had to hit a pretty good turn at near 45 degrees before they even thought about slipping!



[Edited on February 4, 2016 at 12:27 AM. Reason : s]

2/4/2016 12:25:53 AM

Just started cycling and bought my first bike (Fuji) in November.

Commuting is not realistic, but I try to run most of my errands by bike (or foot). Later today I'm biking to my car (it's getting work done), which will be my longest solo trip. Hopefully the winter weather holds off - otherwise I'm walking

2/12/2016 12:52:29 PM

Don't forget a helmet and lights! A rear blinking red light during the day (especially if you're on roads with cars) helps with visibility more than you'd think.

2/12/2016 1:00:34 PM

Lights are charging now

2/12/2016 2:47:47 PM

2/14/2016 8:18:07 AM

Winter riding isn't bad if you get the right gear. I wear insulated gloves and a balaclava under my helmet (total cost: $18) and aside from being a little chilly for the first five minutes or so, it's a generally pleasant experience.

2/14/2016 1:02:56 PM

had achilles tendon surgery back in dec, so I'm currently in the walking boot. Just got the bike set up to do some cycling with the indoor trainer. It'll be one legged for a while, but at least I'm to the point where I can actually do something now.

2/14/2016 1:04:28 PM

^I'm getting foot surgery in late March after ski season and I won't be able to bike for a while. Not looking forward to it. I considered finding a place to rent a handcycle for fun. Hopefully I can get back on the bike after 6 weeks or so.

^^Yeah I've worn my balaclava exactly once this entire winter and it was single digits. Anything above 15 and I'm sweating if I wear an insulated jacket or face mask. The first 5-10 minutes you're cold but you quickly warm up. The key is dressing so you're warm when you're riding not when you first start off. My mornings are usually below freezing and I'm still only in a long sleeve base layer with a light cycling jacket on top. I do have winter riding gloves, leg warmers, and shoe covers though. My feet are usually the coldest thing. I've started riding with foot warmers and it's awesome!

2/14/2016 4:46:40 PM

Taking Jeepin4x4's advice and picking up some fenders. Not much gets flung up at me but the entire drive train and my legs/feet get covered even when the ground is wet. Ordered some of these:

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/fenders/700c/vo-polished-52mm-zeppelin-fenders-700c-blk.html

They'll fit either my 35s or my 40s.

2/15/2016 5:16:00 PM

I picked up a blaze orange, waxed canvas/quilted Carrhart vest from Cabela's. I'm totally in love with it. Blocks the wind and keeps my core warm for rides to work and around, adequate pocket space, sheds rain adequately, and slick enough that hay and straw won't stick to it when I feed my livestock.

I wasn't impressed with the ice here in Durham on the way home from Duke this morning. It was very tacky and easy to ride on, but I nearly slipped out when I stopped at a light. I solved that problem by working on my trackstands. Just keep pedaling!

2/15/2016 11:57:09 PM

Got the Velo Orange Fenders installed!

http://imgur.com/a/1i4Ka

No rattle whatsoever! Which I was worried about with aluminium fenders but they have leather washers that help with that.

2/20/2016 5:42:19 PM

gearing up for an iron man in fall 2016... this is my new baby



[Edited on February 20, 2016 at 8:43 PM. Reason : .]

2/20/2016 8:42:12 PM

I'm not a road biker but that thing is sexy as hell

2/20/2016 11:06:33 PM

I don't know. I can't imagine trying to ride it without pedals!

2/20/2016 11:56:18 PM

Haha ^ I got a brand new pair of speed plays for it

^^ it's my first tri bike, so getting used to having the shifters on my aero bars is going to be interesting

2/21/2016 7:43:50 AM

Putting a feeler out there:

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 (black w/ white accents)
54cm
SRAM Red group, with S-works crankset
S-works post
S-works stem
S-works bar
Jagwire Road Elite Link shift/brake housing (red - http://jagwire.com/products/v/road_elite_link_shift)
KCNC pulleys (blue, http://fairwheelbikes.com/kcnc-ceramic-pulley-wheel/ )
Brand new Roval CLX40 wheelset (125 miles on them)
(2) S-works cages, (1) keg bottle, with tools

To include: extra set of tires, 4 never used bottles, few different saddles, etc.

Shipped for free within US, or delivered between Chattanooga and Greensboro

If interested: mtns2sea@gmail.com

[Edited on February 23, 2016 at 1:13 PM. Reason : ]

2/23/2016 1:01:05 PM

$500?

2/23/2016 1:32:17 PM

Moar:

Extras:
-4-5 brand new, never used bottles
-at least one extra set of tires
-at least one extra set of brake pads
-brand new black Specialized bar tape
-new in packaging SRAM hoods
-few different saddles to choose from
-almost any stem length you could need
-can include basic eggbeater style pedals if needed

Bike has approximately 1000 miles on it, wheels were purchased new before Christmas, probably have 125 miles on them and the tires. Without the keg bottle, total package is right at 15 lbs.

Bike is currently in Chattanooga. Bike is in excellent condition, has been a backup whip for the past year and a half, more of the coffee-shop cruiser.

And no, $500 wont quite cut it

2/23/2016 3:36:09 PM

Seems like a little overkill for a coffee shop bike? I wish I could I'm in dire need of a new road bike. I assume you're looking in the $2-3k range?

2/23/2016 3:52:56 PM

Absolutely overkill for coffee-shoping

But having been in the bike industry for 17+ years, I've got a building full of unnecessary bike stuff.

As for price, you're getting closer, but still a ways off. I'd definitely consider letting it go with alloy wheels for $3200.

The CLX40s are basically brand new.

2/23/2016 5:03:21 PM

those fenders look great

2/24/2016 8:52:58 AM

Thanks man! It was really nice yesterday riding in on the wet/snowy ground and having a completely clean bike and feet.

2/24/2016 10:26:20 AM

As it's getting lighter darker I'm going to try out a new 38 miles commute home expanding upon my 18 mile current one. Basically 99% on 3 greenways.

Also ordered one of these for my new phone:

http://www.amazon.com/Vibrelli-Universal-Phone-Mount-Holder/dp/B010OPQVUS

Based upon rave reviews from a coworker. Getting tired of having to take my phone out of a pocket to check the map.

3/28/2016 2:17:10 PM

Back to bike camping/packing/whatever the cycling industry calls it these days:

April: Lake Michey
May: 5-day trip to the Uwharries
Memorial Day: we might aim for Kerr/Gaston Lake
June: 5 day trip to Eureka, CA. Hoping to get some mountain biking in as well
August: cycle tour to Lithuania
October: CNC (middle route this year)

Needless to say, I'm cashing in my hard earned PTO, stacking my work days, and getting the hell
out of Durham for the summer.

I love being a nurse sometimes.

3/31/2016 11:02:53 AM

That's awesome! I have foot surgery on 4/20 and unfortunately may be off my bike for 6-10 weeks.

3/31/2016 12:09:34 PM

Just started using Strava. Some really cool features. Not really into the racing / competitive aspect of it because I commute on a steel bike with heavy panniers but for personal goal settings it's pretty cool.

4/5/2016 2:25:24 PM

240lb fatass wants road bike, what frames/wheels to look at?

- 240lb fatass.

5/17/2016 11:47:06 AM

What type of riding? 240lbs isn't that heavy to really worry about a specific bike type but in general a good steel frame without suspension would be great.

5/17/2016 1:32:38 PM

Just got back from the Uwharries yesterday. Longest multi-day self-supported tour I've done in a long, long time.

Thursday: Durham--> Goldston 60 miles
Friday: Goldston--> Uwharrie 45 miles
Sunday: Uwharrie--> Jordan Lake (ended up camping at the Robeson Creek canoe access after a wrong turn)
Monday:back to Durham

New things I tried this time around:
1) brought clothespins and rope for a clothesline. Makes drying out kit so much easier.
2) My new knife is super useful for well, everything
3) Eno tie-ups for the hammock work like a boss
4) Hatcheting a cedar log is good entertainment, and burning it keeps the bugs away
5) Ate vegan for 4 days. Bleh. No bueno.
6) Toasted small rocks in the fire, wrapped up in my towel, and took to bed in the hammock for my feet. Awesome.
7) Veggies can be roasted in foil in the campfire for tasty food

Other things:
1) Doesn't matter where I go in NC, I'm apparently always going to camp by some loud assholes that drink shitty beer and carry on till 4 am
2) My best friend will always get a flat, guaranteed, with < 5 miles to go till home
3) My ass will always hurt by day 3 of a road tour

5/17/2016 1:48:33 PM

Super jealous!

If you wanna totally geek out with your hammock check out whoopie slings:

http://www.whoopieslings.com/

I modded my entire set up to use whoopie slings and the dutch buckle suspension system:

http://www.dutchwaregear.com/dutch-buckle-suspension-kit.html

I often go camping with my vegan cousin. If you don't mind backpacker's pantry the vegan Pad Thai is pretty good:

http://www.backpackerspantry.com/pad-thai.html

For the foil in the campfire spices + olive oil help a lot. It's helpful to cut up your veggies prior to your trip haha.

Yeah as far as camping near loud assholes that's why I prefer dispersed backpacking but it's harder to do on a bike. I found that the biggest tip is camp somewhere that isn't accessible by car. You'll filter out 99% of the loud assholes with shitty beer that way. You gotta make sure it isn't accessible by ATV either though. Those are usually a whole different type of loud assholes.

5/17/2016 6:23:38 PM

If anyone uses Strava Premium this is pretty awesome:

http://blog.strava.com/strava-live-segments-11890/?utm_source=strava&utm_medium=mktgemail&utm_campaign=2016_05_16_LiveSegments

Used to only be a feature on Garmin GPSs but now it's on all phones too.

5/18/2016 2:34:05 PM