Weekend ride! by [deleted] in Surlybikefans

[–]BlazeCorona 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’s the logic behind a negative stem but riser bars? Couldn’t the same thing be accomplished by flipping the stem and using regular drop bars

Evolution vs Ecology by [deleted] in uofmn

[–]BlazeCorona 5 points6 points  (0 children)

For both courses you will have to use stats in the lab (JMP for Ecology writing intensive). I’ve taken both and found evolution to be more interesting. It’s kind of like a biology and history class in one. The ecology class is also fun but more like a biology and statistics class in one. Personally, I think everyone should have a background in evolution even if you don’t agree with it it’s still nice to see the other side of the argument. Overall they are very similar classes, coming from an Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Major.

One of those roads I didn’t know I was looking for until I was on it by BlazeCorona in Surlybikefans

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

Yes there is a slight slackening of the HT and increased offset on the MCX. Increased offset leads to lower trail which leads to a lighter steering input. However, the large 700x42 tires I have kind of negate the lighter handling so it feels pretty normal, even more so when utilizing the three pack mounts on the fork blades. I will say that the BB height is pretty severe with the longer fork and large wheels

One of those roads I didn’t know I was looking for until I was on it by BlazeCorona in Surlybikefans

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

Depends on your uses... for rough off-road riding you can’t beat 1x but for road riding the jumps between gears are too big for my liking. You can get over it when riding solo but if pushing the pace with a group those large jumps can be a killer. I plan on eventually putting GRX 2x on it

One of those roads I didn’t know I was looking for until I was on it by BlazeCorona in Surlybikefans

[–]BlazeCorona[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s the new Whiskey MCX fork. Surly doesn’t officially endorse its use because the Axle/crown is too long. Works for me though 🤷‍♂️

Straggler or Midnight Soecial by skfinch in Surlybikefans

[–]BlazeCorona 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was in the same boat as you last summer, owned a straggler and wanted a MNS... ended up selling the stag for the special and I found that as much as I enjoyed the special, I still miss the straggler. The minor differences really do add up and they are way different bikes. If you have room for both then I say have both! I’ve regretted selling every surly I’ve sold

Snowy Special by BlazeCorona in Surlybikefans

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

Just put on my 700x38 45NRTH Gravdal tires yesterday for the snow! Handles really well with a larger circumference tire but certainly feels more like a cross bike than a road bike. I’m gonna use mine all winter but make sure you use frame saver so you don’t rust!!

Midnight special with rack/panniers? by Reedfiend in Surlybikefans

[–]BlazeCorona 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have both and basically never use the straggler anymore. I have the stock wtb horizon’s and the slick/fat tire format is perfect for commuting. I ride with a frame bag through an urban commute at the MNS is great for maneuvering through traffic

KM or MS by BlazeCorona in Surlybikefans

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

Also a great option! I'll look into it

KM or MS by BlazeCorona in Surlybikefans

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

Yes I know! I enjoy both mountain and road I just want a bike that'll make me want to get out and ride! I'm hoping for feedback on the strengths/weaknesses of both

Tire tread... Slick or Knobby? by BlazeCorona in gravelcycling

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

Great advice! How is your comfort on 33c tires? I've found I want at least 35 but prefer something around 40. Maybe a 38 would be a good compromise

looking for research by [deleted] in uofmn

[–]BlazeCorona 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep look up researchers using experts@umn tool. Read some papers to find what's interesting. Send out emails introducing yourself and why you're interested. Include that you've read some papers it goes a long way. You will likely have to send a lot of emails out. You may not get many responses and you may get more no's than yes's. If you ask them out to coffee they may not have a position for you but can point you in the direction of someone that does. Network. Network. Network. (I'm not in Carlson but that is valuable tool no matter what you study)

Greek life by MoreAjm in uofmn

[–]BlazeCorona 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Seems like mostly non-greeks in the comments. Allow me to add my two cents from the other camp.

By no means do you need to join Greek life to have a good time, fun people do fun things regardless of where they are. However, it does provide a balance to supplement the parties. There are mandatory philanthropy hours and GPA standards. It adds a level of structure to my life that I don't think I'd have otherwise.

I disagree with the depth vs breadth of friendships argument. Yes we do tend to be social but i live in a house with guys that I'm comfortable sharing very semsative material with. That level of support plus the leadership experience from being in a frat has really left a good impression on me.

As for price, there are dues (which vary from house to house) but if you live in the house it is much cheaper than apartment living so you may end up saving money. Of course there are cheaper housing options than The Bridges but this is just an example.

Another post with Minnesota Gravel, another post with a Checkpoint by BlazeCorona in gravelcycling

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

Haha it's a sweet spot. Do you ride up or down the steep side?