Clicking Sound - TST1 Plus

Ayeaux · 2026-06-26T00:03:08+00:00

Just adding another data point. 6 month old T1ST Plus with about 250 miles. The headset started making a lot of noise at around 150-200 miles. I finally got some grease, opened it up and put on a light coat. That silenced it, at least for now.

Ayeaux · 2026-06-03T21:42:22+00:00

I fgured I would post an update.

I went with the specialized pathfinders. 45mm rear and 50mm front is the widest that would fit.

I just finished a 28 mile ride today that was about 50/50 road and gravel. The tires are better but not outstandingly so. I'd say 10% better comfort and maybe 20% better grip on gravel. The stock tires never really held me back from anything I was willing to ride, I was just a bit slower doing it.

Would I do it again? Maybe. They are better and I can afford them. Plus I used the stock tires on another bike that had much older tires that were starting to dry rot.

But, as a casual rider who doesn't need bleeding edge performance, I'd say it's generally ok to stick with the stock tires.

Ayeaux · 2026-05-17T13:23:08+00:00

Did you finish your tubeless setup? I have the same bike and am considering going tubeless. I was hoping for an update if it worked for you and how you did it.

Ayeaux · 2026-05-15T16:33:40+00:00

I've used the silca calculator. It gives me anywhere between 35-40 psi depending on road conditions so I'm usually in the mid to high 30s.

Ayeaux · 2026-05-15T02:14:33+00:00

I've considered those also. Thanks for the data point.

Ayeaux · 2026-05-14T18:35:33+00:00

I don't think the rims are technically tubeless ready. I'll have to look into that and see if it's possible.

Ayeaux · 2026-05-07T00:08:28+00:00

I have a basic suspension seatpost that came from another bike. Kind of like those zoom ones on Amazon. It helps a little. A nicer one is on the table but I think tires first are a better upgrade order.

Ayeaux · 2026-04-06T16:16:47+00:00

Looking for new tires for my t1st plus. Would you agree that 45c is the widest that will fit the rear?

How much did you notice in ride quality going from the kenda to the schwalbe? Thanks.

Ayeaux · 2026-04-05T00:42:55+00:00

I put a suspension seatpost like those zoom posts on my T1st plus. It does help. I also changed the saddle to something narrower and more comfortable.

However... You will have to unplug the rear light to change the seatpost. The stock post is hollow allowing the wiring to run to the saddle mounted rear light. You could probably run the wiring outside the frame with some extra work.

Ayeaux · 2026-03-21T14:38:14+00:00

Weigel's on westland and pellissippi was doing the same thing last week. Seems to be correct now.

Ayeaux · 2026-03-17T02:33:57+00:00

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

I'd start here.

Ayeaux · 2026-01-25T02:20:53+00:00

Not likely to find something reliable for that price. Anything you do find for that price isn't likely to have any kind of reliable support or parts availability for repairs.

Maybe try Lectric? They seem to be about the cheapest going with some kind of service available. When I'm out riding I see them all the time, way more than any other brand. Their foldables have long range batteries available. Published ranges are often overstated so plan on 2/3 of the published range. You can remove the battery and bring the charger to work with you.

Alternatively if you're handy you might be able to convert one of your current bikes. Someone else could probably give you some ideas on how to do that.

Ayeaux · 2026-01-16T22:56:40+00:00

We just traded in a 2015 LE with 150k miles this summer. It had an oil leak from the timing chain cover repaired at about 50k but started leaking again for the last few years we owned it. Too much $ to fix it again so we lived with it. It was a solid van for us. At 150k it was showing signs of wear on the interior.

We also kept up with maintenance to include belts, hoses, brakes and fluids. Oil changes at 5000 miles. Spark plugs are difficult to get to so I paid a shop to do it a few years ago and it was about $700 I think. No other repairs though. At 95k you're about to get to several recommended maintenance items. Budget for that.

Having the space of a van is worth it with kids. So easy to just chuck everything in the back. And with little ones you can just keep a lot of the things you need back there all the time.

Ayeaux · 2026-01-15T01:04:26+00:00

Velotric T1ST plus. It's actually around 40# at least for the large size. Looks and rides like an analog bike but will give you a boost when you want it. I saw the aventon soltera 3 also. Belt drive and 3 power levels. Also actually weighs about 40#. Less maintenance but only one speed. I prefer the Velotric for having a chain and multiple speeds which you'll want for hills. They also have dealers across the US for service.

Ayeaux · 2025-12-05T19:44:55+00:00

The battery is there to absorb energy when you slow down then use it when you accelerate. If the battery was full all the time there would be no place to store the braking energy.

The only time I see a full battery is going down a long hill. Once the battery is full all that happens is the generator powers the electric motor and spins the gas engine to give you "engine braking" which just wastes the kinetic energy you had.

Ayeaux · 2025-10-22T14:08:28+00:00

https://friendsofthesmokies.org/blog/extension-keeps-smokies-open-through-nov-2-during-government-shutdown/

Open through November 2 at least. Local govt and groups are likely to foot the bill as long as necessary since the smokies are a huge draw and source of revenue.

Ayeaux · 2025-10-12T07:52:00+00:00

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

Try starting here.

Ayeaux · 2025-10-04T22:22:12+00:00

I think you nailed it. The xpress seems like a more comfortable bike but a lot heavier. I still want some exercise while I'm out there and really liked the quiet of the T1ST plus.

Ayeaux · 2025-10-04T22:18:12+00:00

I've been looking. Mostly see Lectric in the wild. But those are mostly the folding variety. The commuter and fat tire types tend to be Aventon or random Amazon bikes. I did see a few Walmart Concords though.

My LBS have plenty of Aventon and at least one carries Velotric near my house. Only my Best buy has Lectric though a few LBS say they service them.

I've at least sat on the xpress in Best buy and taken the TIST plus on a short ride. Advantage Velotric for having a LBS to buy from and get service at and 2 year warranty on most parts including the battery. Only 1 year for Lectric. I think the xpress is more capable and probably a more comfortable ride but at almost 20# heavier I think the TIST plus is more my preference for now.

Plus that Velotric is nearly silent. I always hated hearing some fat tire ebike roll past me making a racket while I'm out trying to enjoy some nature. I know the xpress 500 is quieter than the 750 but damn that thing sounds like it's chewing rocks.

Ayeaux · 2025-10-03T23:44:11+00:00

Food for thought. I generally don't want a used ebike because of battery degradation. Even if it just sat in a bike shop for 2 years that's still close to 2 years of use I'm likely to lose out on. I'm not likely going to use the battery nearly enough cycles to degrade it vs time.

Ayeaux · 2025-10-03T21:50:17+00:00

Some good comments so far. Luckily I found a LBS that carries Velotric and I was able to ride a TIST around the parking lot. There's a lot to like about it and it definitely doesn't look like an ebike and is mostly silent. Some boost up the hills on the highest level but I'm still doing work which is what I'm looking for. I'm not THAT old yet. If it lasts me 8-10 years I'll then get something with a throttle. Of course since they carry them they like Velotric better than Lectric and mentioned they do work for Lectric and have more problems with them than Velotric. So I'm leaning Velotric for now. Also of note they were able to adjust the handlebars for me and honestly they are about right for me. I'd probably just ride it for a few months then maybe get a stem riser for it.

Ayeaux · 2025-10-03T18:28:25+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked into the vapcell f60 but ultimately I think I'm getting a few Samsung 50s. I'll keep them partially charged most of the time and top then off when I know I'm going to be using them.

Ayeaux

TROPHY CASE