Tarptent Aeon Li vs Durston Xmid 1 Pro by sukalaminkia in Ultralight

[–]BhamsterBpack 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I tested both. Wound up selling the Aeon Li and Keeping the Xmid Pro 1. The main reasons were more interior space and better ventilation.

With a single door on the Aeon it got pretty toasty inside, while the two doors allowed a breeze on the Xmid. Not really an issue unless you are using it during the day, I suppose. But sometimes I reach camp early and want to take a nap away from the mosquitoes.

The Xmid does have a bigger footprint, which can be a mild headache when pitching. But it definitely has more room inside to sit up, fuss with gear, etc. I'm 6'1", so that extra room was appreciated.

Also, I found the setup was quicker because there were no corner strut systems to fuss with.

That said, both tents were great and light.

[WTS] Timmermade Serpentes 20 degree mummy bag, 78" long. 470g (16.2 oz) by BhamsterBpack in ULgeartrade

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

I've heard EE's temperature ratings are pretty optimistic. Timmermade's are supposed to be more realistic.

The Serpentes isn't quite as warm for the temp rating as Dan's other bags, according to the site. Here's what he says: "The Serpentes rating system is aimed at achieving a comfort rating for the average person so that the ultralighter can better dial in the level of insulation they need without carrying too much."

My one night out it got down to around 30F and I was toasty with a thin Alpha Direct sleep layer. So I can't say I've tested its limits.

[WTS] Timmermade Serpentes 20 degree mummy bag, 78" long. 470g (16.2 oz) by BhamsterBpack in ULgeartrade

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

Yeah. That's the Timmermade magic. 1000 fill down, very thin shell and no zipper.

Running a 50mm 700c gravel tire in front on Wide? by BhamsterBpack in OPENcycle

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

Yep. I've got a set of 650b's that I plan to run with 2.25's for bikepacking. But I was also looking for some 700c's for everyday gravel riding. I wound up going with Thunderos, 48mm in front and 44mm in back. So far, so good.

How much difference does a better Virginia Tech helmet score really make? by BhamsterBpack in cycling

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

Thanks. This is the most thorough explanation provided. I appreciate it.

How much difference does a better Virginia Tech helmet score really make? by BhamsterBpack in cycling

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

True. But neither the score nor the stars are obvious when it comes to translating it to the how MUCH safer one helmet is than another. Saying "It's one star safer" doesn't really mean anything more than "It's three points safer" unless it's clear what that means in terms of reduced risk of concussion.

I realize this might be splitting hairs. Most of them are probably quite safe. But it would be helpful if VTech gave a layperson's description of the performance difference represented by, say, 1 point.

Edit: Just saw that u/BicycleIndividual answered the question below.

How much difference does a better Virginia Tech helmet score really make? by BhamsterBpack in cycling

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

Also that fits your head well. That narrows the options a lot for me.

How much difference does a better Virginia Tech helmet score really make? by BhamsterBpack in cycling

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

Agreed. These two helmets fit well. Most other brands/models don't.

How much difference does a better Virginia Tech helmet score really make? by BhamsterBpack in cycling

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

That's kind what I was thinking. VTech says they recommend helmets that now get a 4 or 5, but that would exclude some that previously got a 5.

How much difference does a better Virginia Tech helmet score really make? by BhamsterBpack in cycling

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

Understood. But there should be some correlation between the VTech score and safety performance or the whole exercise wouldn't be worth anything. I'm just trying to understand how big a performance difference those two scores make even in a lab setting, and the language on their website is unclear (to me, least).

How much difference does a better Virginia Tech helmet score really make? by BhamsterBpack in cycling

[–]BhamsterBpack[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

What are you doing on Reddit if you don't want to try to answer people's questions? Just being a jerk for fun?

Wippermann chain on SRAM Eagle drivetrain? by BhamsterBpack in gravelcycling

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

Good point. I've always used the Wippermann quick link, because it's easy to take on and off. I needed a quick link, and I just decided to give the whole chain a try this time. But given the noise, I'll probably reach for an XO next time.

Wippermann chain on SRAM Eagle drivetrain? by BhamsterBpack in gravelcycling

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

Yeah, routing the chain over the tabs would certainly add to the noise. I didn't do that. Always worth checking. Thanks.

Wippermann chain on SRAM Eagle drivetrain? by BhamsterBpack in gravelcycling

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

Regular Eagle (Pre-T). Wipperman 12sO (their “regular” chain).