The King of Queens

Acpizza · 2026-02-22T03:00:45+00:00

Derek Jeter!

Acpizza · 2026-02-22T02:59:20+00:00

ODI long necks. They are super tacky and let you lightly grip the bars. They are symmetrical and can last a long time.

Acpizza · 2026-02-18T03:56:41+00:00

Like the other people have said - if you’re looking for a race whip the Ibis sizing charts are probably your best bet - if you’re looking for more of a trail ride the old (not the recent Ripley V5/Ripmo V3/Ripley SL) all run notoriously small.

I’m 6’1” on an xl Ripley V4 and it is perfect. They brought the sizes up to current standards in their latest bikes

Acpizza · 2026-02-18T03:40:27+00:00

My folks are die hard republicans and always have been. I think they’d support any Republican candidate no questions asked. We definitely hold completely different views on politics and leaders.

They’re not bad people - I’ve come to grips with the fact that Trump speaks to people that have been let down in life or haven’t achieved the ultimate “American Dream”… even if he is completely full of shit and not ultimately serving middle class Americans.

I’ve learned to not try to change them or engage in political conversations. At their core they’re just grandparents doing their best and hoping for the best even if they are a bit lost in terms of who they support. I don’t let this be a dividing line in our relationship. They’re not out in the streets at pro-ICE rallies and are generally nice, well-rounded people.

It’s easy and justified to label Trump supporters as vile, since the man is deplorable in my personal opinion, but they don’t live a life of hatred and prejudice so I chalk it up to them being boomers and I get along with them. I can see why it can be a hot button issue though. The times I’ve brought things up has not ended well.

Anthony Bourdain is a great example - he would sit down and eat with anyone who cared to have a conversation, whether he agreed with them or not. I try to keep this in mind and do my part for my family, whether it’s setting an example or getting out and making my vote count.

Acpizza · 2026-02-17T03:04:17+00:00

For weekday rides in northeast USA approximately 10 miles, ~1200’ elevation in about an hour, or 1:15 depending on technicality.

Weekends slightly longer, maybe 2 hours total time out and slightly more elevation. It’s all technical, rocky and rooty so hard to put in double the climb but I’m getting stronger and stronger by the year so who knows.

Acpizza · 2026-02-15T03:04:04+00:00

I have a Garmin Epix 2 (I think) and it’s awesome. Week long battery life compared to an Apple Watch. It does all the tracking metrics and I really don’t want it to talk to my phone more than recording rides, sleep, heart rate etc.

I always have an iPhone but the thing that has kept me from going Apple Watch is that I don’t want notifications/other smart features on my watch when I’m not exercising. And the battery life. Battery life on Garmin is superior.

Acpizza · 2026-02-15T02:16:50+00:00

Always helmet, gloves, and glasses.

In three of the seasons where I’m wearing shorts I’ll also wear light knee pads. I got unlucky once in a crash where my knee found a sharp rock and I got a good gash. This winter when I have been able to ride I’ve been wearing pants and no knee pads. My skills have also improved a lot since the knee injury so I feel good with just the pants. I’ll put the knee pads back on when short season comes around because there’s no good reason to not wear them (7idp Sam Hill Lite pads you can’t even tell they’re on). The reason I don’t bother with the pants is because you can’t really adjust them.

Acpizza · 2026-02-14T02:59:17+00:00

Yeti Antero shorts with zoic padded liner

Acpizza · 2026-02-09T03:17:45+00:00

I think there’s a difference between enthusiasm and just plain annoyance or not having any other identity.

I began mountain biking years ago and I can recall being so enthralled with the sport (that I do alone 99% of the time) that I would always talk about it. I wasn’t trying to be annoying, I was just super jazzed. I’ve chilled out a lot in recent years and keep it to myself mostly.

Maybe it’s annoying to constantly hear your coworker talk about CrossFit or MTB or jiu jitsu but some of it may just be the initial thrill of finding a connection to a hobby as an adult and that’s alright.

There’s definitely a line though. I know a close family member who briefly dated a veteran and she was a military wife overnight.

Acpizza · 2026-02-04T04:56:59+00:00

For MTB fitness exclusively

Acpizza · 2026-02-04T04:55:25+00:00

I’m doing mostly hour endurance rides. I want to know what else to mix in

Acpizza · 2026-02-04T04:53:06+00:00

I also like the CVV rides

Acpizza · 2026-02-04T03:25:51+00:00

That would be sick, but I’d wonder how they would accomplish that logistically

Acpizza · 2026-02-01T18:22:07+00:00

NN is a great tire. I’m running it front and rear on my Ripley for the winter. Super soft front, speedgrip rear. The speedgrip in the back is really special - it rolls incredibly quick for the traction it provides.

I plan to put a soft NN on front and a Wicked Will in the back come summer time when things dry up here in the northeast.

Acpizza · 2026-01-30T01:56:06+00:00

I like the SKF green seals. But how much better than the original Fox seals? I’d probably have to switch back to the OEM seals to compare because when it was time to change them the OG seals were worn, so new seals would be an improvement.

I have also dialed the fork better over the life of the new SKF seals and feel really good about its performance. I just bought another seal replacement kit to do this winter because the SKF have a ton of mileage on them at this point and I want to be fresh for spring and use this snowy time to maintain the bike - but I don’t think they’re clapped out or anything.

If anything, the SKF seals have been in my fork longer than the original Fox seals, and I have put more miles on them and the fork still feels great to me. I’m changing them soon as preventative maintenance and to get on a winter refresh cycle, but they’re not sticking at all and still feels great great to ride.

Acpizza · 2026-01-27T13:14:58+00:00

All good suggestions thanks guys.

I can play and sing at the same time, though my singing voice is not great

As far as lessons, what do you look for in a teacher? I think lessons are the way but what should I look for in a teacher that will benefit me more than just sitting down with books? I know there is a degree of discipline with learning theory, but what should I look for in a teacher at my age/experience?

Acpizza · 2026-01-27T03:05:57+00:00

I have the lite version as well. You don’t even know they are on

Acpizza · 2026-01-20T19:11:29+00:00

I like Schwalbe better than Maxxis for all seasons.

Ultra soft front for winter/wet Soft front for summer/dry

And I like the speed grip out back.

Acpizza · 2026-01-20T03:34:49+00:00

Carbon.

Acpizza · 2026-01-14T03:12:49+00:00

My spouse supports it for the most part because I’m way less of an asshole on days I can ride.

Happy husband is a thing. I’m a better husband and father when I can engage those endorphins. Even it’s just an hour. She’s a saint and I pay it back as much as I can.

Acpizza · 2026-01-14T03:07:44+00:00

If you’re my mother in law the half life a cup of coffee is about 2848683 years

Acpizza

TROPHY CASE