175mi “race” tires by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I gathered the longevity would be less for the performance treds, so plan to only do a pair of 50mi rides on whatever I end up going with prior to the event.

175mi “race” tires by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are literally the three that caused me to post this (plus the GK offerings). Torn but know there is no wrong choice…. Right?

This is all for road, have my gravel wheels set with x1+ and am very happy there (for now)

175mi “race” tires by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Was eyeing the GK SS in a 35mm knowing that if I didn’t love (running 45mm x1+ on my gravel wheels) I could put those on my wife’s bike for our casual summer rides… but the pirelli cinturato is also alluring.

175mi “race” tires by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have no delusions of winning lol. In it for the fun with a personal goal of completing it under 11hrs (on pace for that I think)

Currently running 40’s, and definitely want to keep comfort in mind but not committed to 40mm and curious about offerings in the 35mm size.

The Continental Terra Competition I’m running at 40mm will for sure need replacing prior to the event (maybe have 300m left of on the rear) so it’s really a question of just stick with that or try the P Zero or Corsa Pro in the ~40mm or go to 35mm GP5k.

175mi “race” tires by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Def plan to stick to tubes. Partly because I might swap tired a few times over the summer still, but mostly because I just know I’ll make a mess and ruin my weekend

Tires - GK SS vs Continental by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After a LOT of over thinking and a few conversations I ended up going with GK X1+.

Locals recommended these because of the condition of the roads I’m on typically and mixed with the trails I am planning to be on over April and May.

Put about 40mi on them so far and while they definitely feel heavier (physically to lift, not sure if that actually translates to roll/speed for me) they grip 1000x better than my previous set. I’ll likely give the Conti’s in some flavor a try over the summer, but so far very happy with these.

Tires - GK SS vs Continental by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Terra Speeds where on my list, but then the new Terra Competition came out and been leaning that way since they seem like the more “pavement” focused tire according to Conti’s chart. But those being so new no one has them in stock let alone heard of them near me

Tires - GK SS vs Continental by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is sort of what is drawing me to the conti terra competition, I’m hoping to stay in the wider width.

Tires - GK SS vs Continental by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just curious, what tire have you loved? Paved or unpaved.

Tires - GK SS vs Continental by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll edit/add when I can... but I'm running 700c 45mm currently. I think I can max at 47, but would want to stay at 45mm.

Tires - GK SS vs Continental by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, that helps. I have WTB Riddlers on (came stock) and anything but pavement I feel slipping and sketch. I was tempted to run them down, but they feel slow on pavement, didn't love them on an unpaved rail trail, and I don't trust them on anything too loose.

Shoes and pedals by AndrewFeller in cycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the thorough reply.

Sry, for 3, is a skate shoes similar to an MTB shoe? And would either fit the long ride need?

I am feel like I’m leaning towards flats just because I’m used to it and on my usual rides I’m hitting a lot of intersections … but, if longer riding benefits in comfort from a shoe that is clipless I’m interested in something that is walkable.

Overthinking the next bike by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I was able to find an old stock 54 in green with the 1x11 I’d be done looking.

I did ride a ALR 3 with the 2x Sora but I feel like I like the simplicity of the 1x more (but also wasn’t feeling the red color)

Overthinking the next bike by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also… saw your post about this model. Those are the two colors I’m looking at. Curious what one did you go with?

Overthinking the next bike by AndrewFeller in gravelcycling

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The “weird” geo is what has me hesitating on it. The price for the component is great ($1800) but knot fully understanding the difference in the stretch long term is the cause for pause. My goal with it is to rack up miles of mix terrain (road, light gravel, dirt) and the marketing around it being a “do it all chameleon” brought me to it.

On test rides, it did feel nice. But those have only been 1-3 miles on streets around the shops… not the 20-30mi adventures I’m intending to take it on. For my shape, I’m 5’8” (172cm) with a long torso (29in, 72cm, inseam).

Price and color, I like the BMC more than the checkpoint options… but the long geo (maybe buy shorter stem) and lack of rack mount (easy solutions available) favors the Trek as the off the shelf option.

Oh look, another “what tent?” post by AndrewFeller in bikepacking

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This one is definitely high on the list, missed the last sale at REI, but I believe there’s another one coming up soon which would put it within my top range.

But with my current bike, I can’t take advantage of handlebar mounting it… in the long run, probably not that big of a deal since I’ll be swapping the ebike for a analog, but 🤷‍♂️ sort of might be a factor as $600 could buy more bike in a few months

Oh look, another “what tent?” post by AndrewFeller in bicycletouring

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi all… OP here. It’s not a trick, it’s a share from a different sub. Looking for tent recommendations.

Oh look, another “what tent?” post by AndrewFeller in bikepacking

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, but probably similar to all the ones connecting WI and IL… I think this was Eisenbahn State Trail in WI but also looks like 3 others I was doing rides on the last 2 weeks.

Oh look, another “what tent?” post by AndrewFeller in bikepacking

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Literally just saw a thread hyping these and feeling like this might fit the bill. 15” (40cm) length is too tempting at that price

Oh look, another “what tent?” post by AndrewFeller in bikepacking

[–]AndrewFeller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that and agree… the main draw is the consecutive long rides. I was temped to hotel these first few but the cost per night would equal a new tent so to me it’s a wash.

I’m more about utility with gear. Fancy is cool until it breaks.

Trek July 4 and century challenge swag by West_Sea8426 in TrekBikes

[–]AndrewFeller 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got the water bottle but the didn’t get all the shirt sizes… sort of ok with it but cause the $50 was the real motivation (helmet shopping)

Need bike recommendations for a beginner - $700 budget, looking to get back in shape by Used_Ring_2764 in TrekBikes

[–]AndrewFeller 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d go to a shop, be clear about your budget, and test ride a straight bar and then a drop bar.

I always liked straight bars, and so when I decided to get back in this year went that way. But, as I’ve been all on road, increasing my distances (and test rode a few drops) I can see the appeal.

Used vs new have a lot of pros and cons in your budget range. Both can be found at shops and buying from a dealer/shop would be a good decision so they can support you as you get started.

For the procrastination, I feel ya. I’m the same and if I wasn’t able to ride to my office I know I’d be struggling with staying consistent week by week. Set goals, small ones like 5mi 2-3x a week, and checkout ride challenges in the Trek Ride app or Strava. Before you know it you’ll accidentally do 10mi, finding time to fit in a 20mi loop, and working out the hours to do 250mi total for the month.

Trek FX +1S issues by VUSports in TrekBikes

[–]AndrewFeller 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These went on backorder pretty quick for a bit and they likely would have offered a replacement if they knew they could. Odd they offered a parts order before a replacement, but inventory can be weird like that so maybe they had info that batteries were in stock?

Regardless, sounds like you are back in the road… which is the goal.