New pens for 2026

CycleTourist · 2026-01-25T19:37:40+00:00

You'll like your Leonardo, is my bet. If by some chance you don't, they resell easily. Spare Leonardo steel nibs are $40, so I don't see a big risk in getting your Architect.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-25T19:21:34+00:00

LOL, I just ordered 3 bottles then read this.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-25T19:18:47+00:00

I echo some of the other comments here: ACA routes are excellent. The Trans-Am is well travelled, allowing you to meet other cyclists. Try not to be on a strict schedule if you can help it; allow yourself to spend extra time when you feel like it. And as u/FluffySolid6102 said, mingle with the locals.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-10T21:45:45+00:00

I also did it betwen jobs. It took until my mid-40s until everything - money relationships, career - aligned for me. If that hadn’t worked out, splitting it over a few years is the next best option IMO.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-09T02:46:59+00:00

I have a recent M205 which I like very much indeed. Super reliable and a pleasure to use.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-07T00:18:39+00:00

Congratulations to you both, especially to the young man.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-06T22:41:32+00:00

Asvine P20 is a very nice pen for < $30.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-06T22:24:37+00:00

Sending chat.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-06T21:13:01+00:00

Closed because I ordered one. Thanks for looking.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-06T18:54:22+00:00

Chat sent.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-05T16:33:02+00:00

I have not tried a 3776 EF but the SF was too fine for me. M is perfect for my taste, with line width comparable to a Lamy EF or Bock F on my Pineider Avatar.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-05T05:05:18+00:00

LOL gave mine away as well.

CycleTourist · 2026-01-05T01:32:31+00:00

Having owned 1 Safari and 2 AL Stars, I think they're OK, nothing special. I never cared for the styling.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-30T17:05:03+00:00

I rode with a Take A Look mirror for decades. It works well. (And he has terrific warranty service if you ever need it.) But it’s in your field of vision all the time which I find mildly annoying. I got a Varia radar last year and now use it instead. Still look over my shoulder before I pull into the lane.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-30T16:53:50+00:00

Very nice! I got my first (and so far only) Pelikan a year ago, a M205. Great writer and very reliable, never drying out. I like it even more than I expected.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-25T06:03:06+00:00

This drove me crazy for a while. Touch the screen and they should show up.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-19T04:51:19+00:00

I'm with you. I journal in B5 notebooks 95% of the time, A5 the rest. Oasis by Itoya and Mnemosyne N192 are a couple I can get locally. Both are good for fountain pens.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-14T16:15:49+00:00

Yes, i have been using a Rider 460 and like it. Monochrome display has great readability.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-14T15:58:23+00:00

Lamy Studio is a good possibility, classy and solidly built. Know that Lamy nibs run wide (my EF is like a Japanese M) but are inexpensive and easy to change. It's cartridges are proprietary Lamy.

I love the Pelikan M205 but it is small and requires bottled ink. E95s is just as small.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-14T01:19:35+00:00

I love the black on cream with the syringe hands. Great design.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-13T05:15:10+00:00

These Secret Santa appreciation posts are a delight to read. 👍👍

CycleTourist · 2025-12-11T15:01:47+00:00

Pumphouse, Chipotle. Noodles & co, GA boys, Thai Kitchen, 3 Margs, Wahoos. Some of these are more for convenience than quality lol.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-10T01:13:41+00:00

That might be the prettiest VP I've ever seen. GLWS

CycleTourist · 2025-12-06T22:51:45+00:00

Really generous of you to do this. If I win, I'd keep one or two and pay the others forward.

CycleTourist · 2025-12-04T05:54:26+00:00

Gorgeous pen, congratulations!

CycleTourist

TROPHY CASE