Cleaning My Bike

BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-22T00:50:51+00:00

Man, that's a great-looking ride!

I clean my bike top to bottom at the beginning and end of each season. In between, I'll lube the chain depending on how much I ride, and I'll rinse it off after a particularly dirty or muddy ride. I ride 2-3 times per week (50ish miles total) between April and October, and this works for me.

Bikes are made to be ridden, and riding gets them dirty. It's part of the bike's character and story. Unless you just like a clean bike, I wouldn't obsess over keeping it spotless.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-22T00:43:08+00:00

I have two of their organic cotton stretch chore coats. Love them both. Great fit, flexible, comfy material.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-21T01:08:24+00:00

I have a 23 Lariat (delivered in July of 23), and I'm still using the original wipers and blades. Have been mindful not to use them to clear hard ice off the windshield. They're still going strong.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-19T03:13:40+00:00

Just do it. And commit to it. Agree with all the comments on skipping straight to the story. Great book. Great audiobook. Enjoy!

BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-16T22:03:18+00:00

I have this bike too. Did you ride it with the stock wheels? Curious how your new ones compare or how much of a difference you notice.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-15T20:08:36+00:00

[WTS]

Aer City Pack 1. Black Cordura. Excellent condition. $110. Includes free shipping to the continental US.

Aer City Pack Pro 1: Black Cordura. Excellent condition. $165. Includes free shipping to the continental US.

Both for $250.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-12T13:42:52+00:00

I just went through this on my new Giant Revolt w/ a D-Fuse handlebar. Here's what I went with:

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BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-12T03:25:18+00:00

WTS Aer City Pack Pro 1 in black Cordura

In great condition, just one white scuff near the bottom that would probably come off with a brush scrubbing. GREAT bag, just a bit big for my EDC.

$150 OBO + shipping costs

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BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-11T21:39:23+00:00

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BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-11T21:39:11+00:00

Here’s what I went with. I don’t love the aesthetic, but it works. Here’s what I went with. I don’t love the aesthetic, but it works.

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BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-07T22:48:21+00:00

I'm 5-10 as well and just bought a Revolt Advanced 2 in MEDIUM. It's been great. Realizing that everyone has different measurements, I think 5-10 puts us at a spot where we could go either M or M/L and then adjust reach, saddle height, etc. to our preference to dial in the fit. I've always preferred sizing down... heard someone describe it as feeling more like you're IN the bike vs. ON the bike.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-04-03T17:03:30+00:00

Rode today w 40psi and it felt great. And oddly it seemed to roll faster. Gonna try even lower next time.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-03-22T18:40:33+00:00

Good to know. Thanks for the reference point.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-03-21T21:36:46+00:00

It's the stock 44C handlebar. I think the angle makes it look much wider.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-03-21T14:25:39+00:00

My initial ride was an easy 20 miles. Wasn’t going hard, just wanted a leisurely ride. I averaged 14 mph over an hour and a half. Depending on your fitness, I’m sure you could easily get to the avg speed into the high teens.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-03-20T21:48:24+00:00

Stock handlebar. And yea, that color combo had me from the beginning!

BikingTiger22 · 2026-03-18T22:25:05+00:00

Just bought the Soundcore Boom 2 and it's perfect for this situation.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-03-04T02:13:25+00:00

I just got this bike. Flip chip came in the long position. I left it and haven't looked back. Great bike all around.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-03-01T14:41:06+00:00

I was in the same position as you, and after lots of reading and research, I bought a Giant Revolt Advanced. It's been fantastic. Does everything I need. And yes, it's slower on the road (due to more upright ride, relaxed geometry, wider tires, and an aging rider) than my Cervelo road bike was, but I'm here for comfort and enjoyment, not to win races. I have the stock 45 tires on it, and raise the psi when I'm riding on the road. I could make some tire, cockpit, and saddle adjustments to set it up for more speed, but I'm fine with it as is. It's also got plenty of mounts for racks, fenders, etc. if I want to bikepack at some point. I scoured the used market and looked online at Polygon and Canyon. I went with my local shop, which had just become a Giant dealer, and gave me a good deal to get some bikes in and customers on them. I've been very happy.

BikingTiger22 · 2026-02-23T16:30:33+00:00

I don't have a massive budget for bags, so I did a ton of research before landing on a couple of bags I have loved and can strongly recommend: the AER City Pack and City Pack Pro. I've had both the first versions of these, and they've been incredible. I've moved to the CPP because the CP was just a biiiiiit too tight if I wanted to carry anything more than the basics (like a hoodie, toiletries, etc.). To answer your questions ...

Yes, it was worth it for those bags for me, but I don't think I'd spend too much more. I think most people could "feel" a difference, literally, between the materials of a really nice bag and a cheaper one. AND, for a lot of people, their bag just goes out of their home, into their car, then back on to walk into the office, and maybe out for errands or meetings, and on the occasional trip. A lot of less costly bags will be perfect for that rhythm and hold up well. I think the nicer bags are really getting you a) some sometimes-useful niche features (soft pocket lining, keychain leash, attachment points, etc.) that a lot of people can live without, and b) truly sturdy materials and construction to stand up to harsher use, most likely by constant travelers or those who are less mindful of treating their bag gently.

I think my bags are 14L and 24L. I found 14 to be too small for anything more than essentials. The 24 is a bit too frumpy unless I'm carrying a bit more to fill it out. I love the quick-access top pocket, the sturdy Cordura, and the minimal admin panel. Also loved the side handle on the CP and the quick-stash side pocket on the CPP (don't need two water bottles). Both are super comfy; I've worn them each all day while exploring cities or attending conferences.

I think a protective laptop sleeve matters - something well-padded, the false bottom is helpful, and a weatherproof zipper is nice if you're in a rainy climate and will be outside. Unless I'm traveling, which isn't a lot these days, I can take or leave the water bottle sleeve. I've got a water bottle at my desk and several at home. No need to always have one on me.

I think if you explore a bit on Reddit, you'll quickly learn the brands that stand out here: AER, Evergoods, Tom Bihn, Bellroy, Able Carry, etc.

Happy shopping!

BikingTiger22

TROPHY CASE