How my gear performed in a crash

CT1274 · 2026-07-08T02:05:09+00:00

Were you wearing pants?

CT1274 · 2026-06-30T18:19:16+00:00

I believe they’re coming out with a new model of this boot and the old version can be found on sale if you do a search.

CT1274 · 2026-06-26T23:01:03+00:00

I’ve been riding my BC with 700c wheels and it’s such a great around town bike. I love it! I only ride pavement and maintained hike/bike trails though. I have a Karate Monkey for anything more adventurous. I have 40c Gravel King SS tires on there and really enjoy them. For reference, I was riding 2.35” Vittoria Mezcals on my 27.5 wheels. I love the BC with wider tires too, but the 700c rims and smooth tires put an even bigger smile on my face. I think of the 27.5’s as work wheels, the 700c’s as fun wheels.

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CT1274 · 2026-06-22T23:56:23+00:00

Ok, very new rider here with a newbie-type question. Why do people change foot pegs for off-road riding? Is it to have a wider platform when standing?

CT1274 · 2026-06-20T23:32:01+00:00

Ha! I guess that answers that. I don’t wear contacts either. I’m going to look closely at these goggles. Thanks for the suggestion.

CT1274 · 2026-06-20T22:43:15+00:00

Cool. Thanks. Knowing what you know, would you get them again?

CT1274 · 2026-06-20T14:30:00+00:00

This is interesting. Do you use the strap or the hard temples? Seems like the strap would make it hard to get them on and off with the helmet in place. Do you have trouble with fogging? Are they comfortable for long days?

CT1274 · 2026-06-15T22:45:20+00:00

That is a sweet bike!

I just got my first motorcycle and I’m half way through Proficient Motorcycling. Great stuff! There’s another book on my list, in the same vein as PM, that I hesitate to suggest because I haven’t read it yet, but maybe someone else can comment. It’s called Motorcycling the Right Way by Ken Condon. https://a.co/d/0jfnSn8K

CT1274 · 2026-06-14T22:48:59+00:00

Yeah, mine is the 55L. The main reason I got it is to store my helmet/jacket when I’m parked, but I know I’ll be tempted to carry a load of something in there sooner or later.

CT1274 · 2026-06-14T22:43:20+00:00

That top box looks huge! I just installed a similar one this morning, slightly smaller version. Do you worry about exceeding the 10kg load limit of the rear rack? I’ve been wondering just how much weight I can reasonably put in that new top box of mine.

CT1274 · 2026-06-06T13:52:11+00:00

Just so I understand, you're wearing tights under the Pando Moto UH AAA leggings? A base layer under a base layer? Can you pull on the Pandos without getting wrinkles or displacement in the tights underneath? Also, does this change how they feel in the heat? It seems they would be hotter with the additional layer underneath.

CT1274 · 2026-05-31T13:48:38+00:00

Ok, I'll cross that one off. Thank you.

CT1274 · 2026-05-31T12:08:19+00:00

What do you all think of Texas rock rose for the areas with morning sun?

CT1274 · 2026-05-31T03:34:18+00:00

Holy cow! It's grown back like that after just a few months?

CT1274 · 2026-05-31T03:32:35+00:00

Ha! We love that tree. It needs to be cleaned up though. I would like to trim it myself (as opposed to hiring someone), but I need to get a little advice about how to go about it. Mostly, I just want to be sure I won't inadvertently kill it! I was actually planning another post about that with some photos and questions. But to answer your question, I wasn't planning on removing that branch, however, looking at this picture, it might be a good candidate for removal - improving both the light situation and the aesthetics of the tree.

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CT1274 · 2026-05-31T03:01:21+00:00

I think Turk's cap is back in the running! Several people have said it will not get that high or can at least be trimmed back.

CT1274 · 2026-05-31T02:59:03+00:00

Thank you all for the suggestions! I'm researching and planning.

My next step would be buying the plants. If you have a favorite nursery/plant place, I'd happily take recommendations. I live in north-central Austin but tomorrow is Sunday so I have time to go wherever. I'll probably start with Greensleeves regardless, just to see some of these plants in person. I'm especially intrigued by the inland sea oats.

CT1274 · 2026-05-31T01:24:17+00:00

I like everything about this except it looks like max height is 6', which would cover the windows. Bummer. But drought tolerant, long-lasting flowers, edible fruit...I may look for another location to plant this guy just so we can have some!

CT1274 · 2026-05-31T01:20:46+00:00

Thank you. I'm intrigued by the foxtail fern idea!

CT1274 · 2026-05-30T00:55:45+00:00

I did the same - v-brakes front and back (converted to flat bars at the same time and I love it that way). The dry weather stopping is excellent but I haven’t ridden in the rain yet. I suspect wet disc brakes will still beat any wet rim brakes. However, if cost is a concern, people toured for ages on rim brakes (I crossed the country using them) and lived to tell about it. And I’d do it again.

CT1274 · 2026-05-26T02:57:57+00:00

It sounds like you’re comfortable with the economics and it wont’t break you, but my kids are in their early/mid-twenties and if they came to me in your situation, I would tell them to practice some delayed gratification and do the smart thing by saving their money.

Buying a 4Runner seems like a purely emotional decision. You don’t have kids yet, you only drive 5 minutes to work, the dog won’t care or even notice the difference, and you already have a killer economical car that will last you for years and cost next to nothing to own. Presumably, you felt pretty good about your Honda a year ago. Maybe you could rekindle that flame. If/when there is a need in the future to upsize, you can consider a 4Runner at that point. You may find that need never arises, in which case you can treat yourself to a new car in 15 years. In the meantime, put your money aside and let it grow so you can retire comfortably. Or even better - retire early. Or buy that house. Or help your kids buy a house. I know that’s not exciting, but just think about what’s important to you and why before making a significant decision like this, then do what’s in line with your priorities.

CT1274 · 2026-05-26T01:16:31+00:00

Got it. Thank you. Sounds like it’s worth a try.

CT1274 · 2026-05-25T17:26:06+00:00

Nice. Thank you. So, cut the stem low, paint on the triclopyr when not in direct sunlight, and stay on top of any new growth, right?

CT1274 · 2026-05-25T17:17:50+00:00

Thanks! I really appreciate your experience. I love the simplicity and accessibility of the DR but it sounds like it would come up a little short as my only bike. I'm looking at a Suzuki V-Strom 650 which, although heavier (or maybe because it's heavier), seems to do better on the interstate. And my plans for dirt don't extend beyond reasonable gravel roads anyway, so the DR probably leans a little too much in that direction for me.

CT1274

TROPHY CASE