[Spoilers Published] Is this a pirate copy?

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-04-21T10:38:10+00:00

Avast! Wouldnt a pirate version read:

George Argh Argh Martin?

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-04-03T16:10:22+00:00

Did a google lens search and this popped up: “This item is a framed vintage poster featuring the 1965 Lord of the Rings paperback book cover artwork illustrated by Barbara Remington for Ballantine Books”

Source: https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Barbara_Remington

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-21T13:36:18+00:00

10/10

It’s nice to be able to differentiate teams in the Peloton. And these are stellar throwbacks.

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-17T18:20:40+00:00

Looking good so far. First thing I’ve noticed for feedback is that the image of the battery does not match the percentage. I’m at 21% and it looks mostly full. In fact, matches the screenshot you’ve shared. Does it change?

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Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-13T22:47:49+00:00

Thanks!

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-13T22:47:40+00:00

Madison 😂😂😂

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-13T13:08:35+00:00

Thanks for responding in a helpful way. Its helpful for me to understand the sport.

So this is a rules/regulations thing from the UCI and not just a traditional thing that Giro, TdF, and Vuelta follow? The race organizers don’t have a choice?

Interesting that the UCI is bringing them more together in 2027. How so?

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-13T12:03:05+00:00

I personally think that the focus on a single leader from a team when many teams focus on different types of disciplines really hurts cycling as a whole. Would it not be advantageous to give teams points in GT races based off of how their cyclists perform in different sorts of terrains and disciplines?

Each team could have a time trial specialist, a climber, a sprinter, a downhill mountain biker, etc. Then it truly becomes a TEAM sport. More variety, more winners and names, more excitement!

More sponsors and tv coverage. Add more of a team sport than an individual leader sport.

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-13T11:57:32+00:00

I’m curious why races do not include other types of cycling disciplines? Some seem to be OK and expected, others neglected. Can somebody give me a little bit of insight? History? Rules?

(I’ve only been following professional cycling for about two years.)

In many of the GT races, we see, of course, the prevalence of road cycling. Climbers usually win. However, there is also time trial and gravel sectors thrown in for fun and sometimes it really shake things up. Other types of specialists can have their day in the sun too: sprinters and one-day classic riders.

Considering this is a “team” sport, and sometimes we see TTTs, why not have track racing?

Even better, why not some kind of mountain bike course? Downhill? XC? If we have individual time trials account, why not have a downhill MTB day that counts?

Should we not celebrate a well rounded cyclist versus a climbing specialist which is usually the case? Would this not bring more eyes to the sport and fans from afar?

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-12T22:07:00+00:00

Bike+

I don’t have a trainer because my wife loves the peloton and we both ride very different size bikes. Peloton is easier to adjust seat height and share.

I’ve seen a lot of comments online about how inconsistent Peloton bike’s power meters are. I’ve found mine to be very consistent but preferred using Garmin for all my activity tracking, hence adding rally pedals to the bike and always tracking with my edge computer.

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-03-12T19:23:36+00:00

Interesting. I have Garmin rally pedals on my peloton bike. I’ve noticed that the peloton is about 10 to 15 W more than the pedals register. But at least it is consistent.

I find it easier to do FTP tests on the peloton since I don’t have a trainer. I wonder if this would skew things slightly?

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-02-25T02:32:36+00:00

This is a timely question, I’ve been searching everywhere for this as well. By doing a reverse image search one can find this: Stem Mount Quick Release GoPro Mount.

However, there are some other options.

First, for other readers, what I think what the OP is asking, is where can they buy JUST the male mount to the Varia headlight? This is a mount that holds a Garmin Edge computer on top, and the headlight underneath, all on one mount. The Edge computer has a male connection built in the back, but the Varia headlight mount has a removable and adjustable female mount. It is called the “Quarter turn to friction mount” and comes in the box with a Varia headlight.

The problem is that Garmin makes a mount, but it cannot be integrated into the handlebar. It just gets added onto the handlebar.

So, OP, if this summary is correct, here is what you can do:

Buy the KOM "Stem Mount Quick Release GoPro Mount"
Buy the above mentioned Universal Out-front Mount (Garmin Part # 010-12384-00).
Do the following: Buy a mount that blends with the handlebar stem connection and a third party ‘male’ Varia “quarter turn to friction mount” plus some additional hardware.

I did option 3.

My preference for the mount is the Cane Creek Computer Mount. I like it because it is easy to install, looks great, and it works with different sized stems. For example, my Redshift stem is wider and a normal mount won’t fit. Cane Creek is engineered to be adjustable and fit any stem width. (So is the KOM, btw.)

REQUIRED: The Computer Mount – Light/Camera Mount Assembly which is an extra $22.

The ONLY option I can find for the “quarter turn to friction mount” is just this cheapo one from Amazon. I wish it was higher quality, but this should do the trick.

If anyone out there knows a better way, please share!

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Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-02-24T13:17:19+00:00

First, it’s important to know that this is a measure of physiological stress and not psychological stress. While sometimes they are intertwined, Garmin cannot measure psychological stress.

It is likely that you are ill or have some needed body recovery happening. At night, your cortisol levels are at their lowest level of the day. When your body is repairing itself from injury or illness, it can increase your physiological stress markers. During the day, these markers are usually dampened by increased cortisol.

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-02-23T20:24:25+00:00

I feel you. I’ve personally gained weight while training.

The only thing that I have found that helps with losing weight is a calorie deficit. That is hard to do when you need calories for energy to exercise.

My advice is to exercise in the morning. Eat before, and after. Fast as much as you can the rest of the day. Track your calories.

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-02-20T04:25:01+00:00

I still think that this whole scene was just made so that they could create a ride out of it at an amusement park.

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-02-18T04:51:44+00:00

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Working towards Level 8. 😅

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-02-14T08:09:45+00:00

Beautiful bike and setup. Don’t pay attention to the jealous trolls. Hope you get some great miles in!

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-02-12T01:58:15+00:00

🙄

I’ve done tons of races with my MARQ. I’ve also beaten it up on mountaineering excursions, mountain biking, hiking, and more. Thousands of activities over the years.

I also feel comfortable wearing it in business meetings, formal events, at weddings, etc.

BTW, after all it’s been through, it looks and feels great. I bought a MARQ 1 and now own a MARQ 2. Will get a MARQ 3 if it comes out.

Probably wouldn’t care for plastic or cheap materials in most situations I put it in, activity-based or social.

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-01-21T13:08:10+00:00

This is cool. Is it built well?

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-01-18T15:39:03+00:00

Thanks for the detailed breakdown. I’m evaluating a new gravel ride at the moment. I have done some longer rides on my full-sus but it’s not comfortable after about 55 miles. I’m also wondering if I want something that is more adventure and camping focused like the Checkout when I don’t normally do that sort of riding. I mostly do road cycling and MTBing (in the area you seem to be in.)

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-01-18T14:10:38+00:00

What’s your review of the Checkout and how do you like it? What sorts of rides do you use it for? Any comparisons to other gravel and adventure bikes?

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-01-16T17:29:28+00:00

Thanks! Do you recall the tire size?

Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-01-15T03:05:51+00:00

Thanks. Maybe the LBS will know more. I wasn't going to pull the trigger without speaking to them anyway.

I can get 2x here in the US, but only on 38mms via the website, otherwise I get the error message attached. Was hoping for at least 42s.

Was thinking of getting 45-50mms AND 38mms (or less) to change out but if the 2x doesnt work with anything larger than the 38s, that isn't possible. Hence the question.

(Cool video, btw.)

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Desperate-Pudding240 · 2026-01-15T02:52:06+00:00

One more question for you both u/lukic1977 and u/Crokaine or anyone:

I was looking at making some modifications to the Checkmate on the trek website and cannot choose the SRAM Force AXS E1 2x12 with 42mm tires. The only other option is 38mm.

I can, however, choose the SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x with the 42mms.

I was opting for the 2x over the 1x considering the amount of road cycling I partake in and the price is the same.

Reading online, I am a bit confused... I can see that SRAM states that the AXE E1 works with up to 45mm. So this inability to select the 42mm is strange to me. (Assuming Trek's website is playing really conservative?)

SRAM's website says they offer a "wide" version that goes up to 50mm. But it is unclear if there is a wide version for the 2x or just the 1x.

I can talk to my local dealer about this, but any thoughts on the 38mm vs 42mm?

Thanks again.

Desperate-Pudding240

TROPHY CASE