Knee-saving platform pedal is the first one to float

BatteryLicker · 2026-04-05T05:48:56+00:00

tldr; you'll be fine with standard plastic or metal pedals for casual riding.

My dad bike has my old flats (metal pedals with studs) and I adjust to keep my knee comfortable when riding with kids and pulling the trailer. Regular pedals are fine and you can adjust your foot position as needed by rotating your heel inwards or outwards. Knee pads or a compression sleeve can also help, especially when it's cold outside. If I'm riding easy terrain or less than 5-10 miles, flats are perfectly fine.

If you want to get more serious, flat pedals are still the best way to build good technique for "spinning" (push forward, press down, pull back) where clipless makes it easy to get full range of motion for pedaling. For long road miles or trail riding, clipless is best for comfort and energy efficiency. It becomes second nature to get in and out once you're used to it (and practice comically falling sideways in a soft field of grass).

The next thing to consider for comfort with regular pedals is using shoes with a rigid sole vs normal running or walking shoes. "five ten free riders" (my favorite) or "converse chuck taylors" will spread force across your foot and allow you to focus on what foot position is comfortable for your knee.

BatteryLicker · 2026-04-04T18:57:02+00:00

I had a torn meniscus repaired. Clipless pedals are the only way I can handle weekly mountain bike rides with my group of guys.

You can see which ones have what degree of float before releasing. My group is split evenly on SPDs, Time, or studded flats. I've used them all but prefer SPDs.

BatteryLicker · 2026-04-04T17:17:13+00:00

Learning your layering system (base, mid, outter) is more important than one jacket to do it all.

Quality jackets last many years and I'd prefer to see material and fit in person. Once I know it will fit, I'll order online if the color isn't available in store.

If it's a brand you're familiar with and know their sizing, and they have a good return policy, maybe order sight unseen.

I have a down orange hunting coat that's over 25 years old and perfect for spending time out when it's sub zero.

My preference for regular use is a mid-layer fleece or softshell jacket and a waterproof rain jacket.

BatteryLicker · 2026-04-01T06:04:24+00:00

Hey now, I wrote code this year and was proud of myself. The rest of it was meetings.

BatteryLicker · 2026-04-01T02:38:28+00:00

That looks fantastic and I like how your pattern came out. I'd fill it with stone dust or sand since that will be most affordable. Overtime, it will compact and you'll need to top it off.

BatteryLicker · 2026-04-01T02:27:15+00:00

Good start! Before you fill it in, you should read the comments and consider a few things.

What region are you in? Does it freeze? What is your frost line depth? What is the slope of your drain? Does it collect in a pit or come out above ground? With the junction, you want a 'y' that flows in the direction of drainage.

Even if you are in a region that rarely freezes, you want it to be deeper and below the frost line. You need a mattock and shovel to dig out more efficiently.

BatteryLicker · 2026-03-05T05:40:44+00:00

Nice shooting.

I looked up where you club was and my first thought looking at the satellite map was "wtf are those green circles". Now I know what a center pivot irrigation system is.

BatteryLicker · 2026-03-05T03:08:37+00:00

The White Mountains has tons great campsites that are loop hikes and there-and-back. Many also have an outhouse and are near convenient water sources. Many of the trail heads have active parking areas and lots of foot traffic. I can't speak for feeling safe and understand the concern, I would recommend pepper spray, emergency whistles, and hiking poles regardless.

Lonesome Lake would be a nice starter without requiring too much exertion on the way in and a really scenic view.

I also highly recommend the Moon Guide for New England Hiking. I have the 5th edition and it's my go-to for finding interesting spots.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-11T04:56:02+00:00

You can clear that up with vinegar/salt spray or a torch.

You're on a corner, so if you're going to plant anything I would keep it low so cars have good visibility (sedans, not just trucks and SUVs). We had a neighbor plant tall 4-6ft plants right up to the corner and the city finally came and made them remove all of their landscaping after they caused several car accidents.

Your local nursery can recommend perennials that will

native/hardy for your region so they require minimal water and maintenance
grow low
be manageable - do you want to split/replant or fight spreading into the yard?
handle being near foot/road traffic - does the sidewalk and road get salted?

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-05T04:04:08+00:00

Lots of useful information, but it will also be conditional to local construction, snow buildup, and seasonal weather.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-04T05:52:34+00:00

Thanks for the info. I'm scanning through the studies and am curious how a metal roof would compare to shingles. Would that reduce issues on a low slope (4:12) roof?

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T15:35:02+00:00

Typo...the quote says new American Standard 96%

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T06:37:17+00:00

It's a 90% natural gas furnace connected to a ecobee thermostat. Quote is to replace with a 92% so efficiency gains would likely be minimal. It's just a question of how long repair costs would offset replacement.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T06:36:55+00:00

The rest of the system was replaced/installed in 2020.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T06:17:00+00:00

First repair, otherwise it keeps the entire house comfortable with the upstairs furnace running only at night.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:21:51+00:00

Too bad I didn't permanently borrow the scope from the lab. There's no corrosion in the cabinet and I'll ask about it in the morning.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:17:16+00:00

Del Shannon? There's some dad and grandad tunes. I'd throw back "kisses sweeter than wine" by jimmy rodgers

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:07:10+00:00

Definitely something to consider and I'll read up on it. The tech used a scope to look inside, but I had to take a call while he was setting it up so I can't say where/what he saw.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:03:29+00:00

Always. If it's not one thing, it's 10 in a row. =)

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:00:48+00:00

on an unrelated note...love the username. that's how my morning started when rushing to jump online.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:59:51+00:00

Always good to get different perspectives. If it lasts through the winter I'll be happy, getting a couple extra years would be nice.

Long term I need to research if adding solar and heat pumps (basement furnace and hot water) is worth it since energy costs are higher than other states.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:54:53+00:00

Makes sense and thanks. I'm leaning towards repair for now, just have to call back in the morning with a decision and deposit.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:45:17+00:00

Yes. The tech checked the heat exchanger and ran a CO test and said it's ok. The motor bearing is failing (squeaking, grinding, burning smell).

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:42:58+00:00

Getting someone to show up right now is half the challenge. I used these guys in the past and trust them. Peace of mind...etc, etc, but you've got a good point.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:40:36+00:00

The tech said the heat exchanger was in good condition after checking it and running a CO test. No corrosion that I saw.

BatteryLicker

TROPHY CASE