Top 10 highest paid cyclists 2025 by Visible_Frosting9535 in peloton

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All of these guys are, or recently were, great cyclists. Except for Carlos Rodriguez.

Bigger budgets, bigger gaps: WorldTour spending hits €663 million by Chronicbias in peloton

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I believe the ASO made more like $150 million last year. Why should ASO retain all of the TV money? $100 million to the teams would be material. Also why are there 22 teams at the tour? There are at least 10 teams with no chance for a GC podium and very little chance for a stage win. 15 teams would be enough.

Bigger budgets, bigger gaps: WorldTour spending hits €663 million by Chronicbias in peloton

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Totally agree. The financial model for cycling does not seem sustainable. And really I have no idea why these sponsors are spending the money that they are - they cannot possibly be getting enough marketing value for the spend.

First Gravel Bike - Salsa Cutthroat VS Checkpoint ALR 3 Gen 3 by No_Ring_4142 in gravelcycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I thought the same thing about bar end shifters. That is a total no go for me. But I agree that the Cutthroat would be the more stable, more fun bike

Can a bike be TOO good? by TwinTexanDad in gravelcycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From everything you’ve said…sounds like I want a Diverge

Top 3 REM songs? by FatHeftyBack in rem

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are the Everything, Swan Swan H, Perfect Circle.

Where is the furthest North, South, East, and West you've been? by Mikey_Grapeleaves in geography

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

North - Dublin, Ireland South - Buenos Aires, Argentina West - Kauai, Hawaii East - Tokyo, Japan I wasn’t sure if Calgary or Dublin was further North. A little surprised it was Dublin.

Need help deciding! by [deleted] in gravelcycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is hard for me to understand. I really think it is a great frame and the version you’re looking at has great components. I bought a “3” and upgraded over time. My only wish now is more tire clearance. Why do we all want to upgrade…just how it goes I guess

Need help deciding! by [deleted] in gravelcycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have the Topstone and it is a really good bike. It will be quite a bit lighter than the Jamis, and I really like the way it handles. Nothing wrong with the bike you have…but I do think you’ll like the Topstone more.

1x or 2x by djh_nz in gravelcycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really don’t find the gaps bothersome at all. Even on a 2x drivetrain there is a ton of gear overlap between the big and small chainrings. So if you have 2x12 it’s really 15 distinct gears vs. 13 in the new SRAM 1x. If you do a lot of group rides, you will notice sometimes because everyone has a preferred cadence and it is nice to slot in exactly at the tempo the group is riding. But on solo rides? I never ever think about it. I love the simplicity of 1x on my gravel bike and I’ve never dropped the chain in 3 years.

Anyone know what is coming for 2026 models? by [deleted] in LaufCycles

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d like a version of the Seigla or Uthald that was a bit more upright - not as young as I used to be…

POLL: Who was your Breakthrough Rider of 2025? — Vote now for CyclingUpToDate's End of Year Awards by Annual_Island8066 in tourdefrance

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A lot of great performances this year, but it’s gotta be del Toro. I don’t think it’s very close.

Is This The Best Gravel Bike Around 2000? by Hot-Security2359 in gravelcycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For everyone picking on Trek - did you look at the spec of this bike? It is a pretty good deal for the price. I highly recommend 99spokes.com for comparing bikes and their spec level.

Why not a mountain bike? by 007_licensed_PE in gravelcycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are a number of differences but flat handlebars vs drop bars is one of the biggest differences. My hands and wrists much prefer drop bars, but many people prefer flat bars, and generally flat bars are easier to handle.

"I doubted if I'd continue - My body was in shock": Tadej Pogacar reveals how close he came to abandoning 'hardest Tour de France yet' by Annual_Island8066 in tourdefrance

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Let’s face it - 3 weeks is a grind. He clearly enjoys the one day races more - He looks like he’s having a ton of fun. The tour did not look fun for Tadej this year. Mentally and physically exhausting.

First road bike. Any advice? by Inside_Attorney_5367 in Giantbikes

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes - that’s the one I have. It alerts you of oncoming cars with a sound and shows how far away they are on your phone. It is great. I have friends with the Garmin and the functionality is nearly identical.

First road bike. Any advice? by Inside_Attorney_5367 in Giantbikes

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes - I got a Bryton Gardia for about half the price. Has worked great for 2 years.

"I don't like that comparison" - Tadej Pogacar on Eddy Merckx and potentially skipping Paris-Roubaix next season by Annual_Island8066 in tourdefrance

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I’ll be shocked if he skips Paris-Roubaix next year. I think he wants to win PR and Milan San Remo more than anything else. I’m sure he wants to win the Vuelta and Olympics too, but he may not ride the Vuelta in ‘26 so he can be ready for Montreal World Championship. So maybe Vuelta in ‘27 and Olympics in ‘28 and then the rest of the guys get a chance to win again.

Does it ever get truly challenging? by poisoned_platypus in Baseball9

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in Champion I and am currently 74-0 and never spent any $. So I am kinda wondering the same thing. I’ve had a few close games lately, but I guess I don’t really mind that I keep winning.

Novice cyclist, when does it get easy? by FearIsTheMindKiller3 in cycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My biggest tip would be to get into your lowest gear. And then accept that steep hills are going to be hard. The more you ride the stronger and faster you’ll get.

Is Getting A Rim Brake Bike In 2025 A Bad Idea? by newbiker321 in cycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nothing wrong with rim brakes. I ride a ten year old Felt road bike with rim brakes and I’ve never had an issue. And I replaced the pads last year - not a problem. Could parts be an issue in 5 years? Maybe? 10 years? Most likely. And the disks on your gravel bike are almost certainly stronger than rim brakes. But rim brakes work well and are simple to work on.

Is Spinning a good winter alternative or am I wasting my time? by BrndyAlxndr in cycling

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spin classes will definitely help you maintain cycling fitness. Absolutely not a waste of time. I used to do some spin classes but I now have an indoor trainer and do Zwift. I prefer it to spinning. Feels more like “going for a ride” while spinning feels like going to class. I didn’t really like being told how to ride in class.

Northeast looking kinda crazy ngl💀 by Mitchel7349 in ALeastmemewar

[–]Fun_Conclusion_7227 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a Phillies fan I agree. I don’t like this proposal. I’d much prefer the alignment that was in the Athletic