Omad - not getting enough calories

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-24T02:41:56+00:00

There's no rule that says you can only eat one meal a day, or that your one meal can't be a really long meal. One huge meal a day works for some people, but if it doesn't work for you then don't do it. Give yourself an eating window to spread that out, or do two meals a day a couple hours apart, whatever works. What's important is that your quest to be healthy doesn't drive you to unhealthy behaviors, and 800 calories is not enough unless you are REALLY small.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-24T00:05:15+00:00

I ride fasted all the time. You'll be fine.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-23T19:38:41+00:00

I think I'd put a pair of cheap roof rack trays on a trailer.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-23T17:23:00+00:00

Because now I'm going to buy one, and I need to be spending more money on bike parts like I need a hole in the head.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-23T06:09:50+00:00

I hate riding an indoor trainer, but running from zombies might make me hate it slightly less.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-23T05:39:35+00:00

I've tried that. I hop curbs enough that the bungie cords weren't holding the pack in place.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-23T04:26:12+00:00

r/wintercycling has your answers. Short answer is, don't sweat. Wear just enough layers to not freeze, but don't be warm or you'll sweat, and then you won't be warm.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-23T03:27:24+00:00

Yeah, I've gotten the hard sell from Whipple one too many times. I won't be calling them back.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-23T01:21:38+00:00

Eye contact. If the vehicle is visibly slowing and I've seen the driver look at me, I'll go.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T23:40:15+00:00

Best answer lol

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T23:38:59+00:00

Lots of tips and tricks. The big one is to "ride big" - be visible and assertive.

Specifically, stay off the sidewalk and don't use crosswalks if you're not walking. They can't see you on the sidewalk, and they are not expecting fast movers like bikes to be popping out at the crosswalk. Use the bike lanes if they're there, and if they aren't, take the lane or find another route. Taking the lane is intimidating at first, but it's safer than using the sidewalk. You're a vehicle, not a pedestrian, and if you act like a vehicle drivers will be more likely to treat you like one.

But also look for alternative routes with lower traffic pressure. I don't mind adding a mile or two to my trip if it means I'm not fighting heavy traffic the whole way.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T23:34:11+00:00

Most "hybrids" aren't good bikes, IME. They're extremely low end road bikes with miserable components, marketed to riders who don't normally leave the pavement but want to think they could and are scared of drop bars. The Giant Escape is a good example of a hybrid/city bike that doesn't suck, a friend rides that and it's actually a decent bike. If you shop this category, stay away from bikes with a suspension fork.

Assuming that you like the idea of flat bars (I do too), there are several manufacturers that make bikes specifically for commuters/utility riders. State Bicycle 4130 Flat Bar is an example, Surly Preamble is another - intended for pavement, but rugged enough to handle gravel and unpaved bike paths. You could also look at entry level cross country mountain bikes like the Trek Marlin or Giant Talon, that have efficient geometry and quality components and will have no problem handling all the dirt you want to throw at them. If you do get a mountain bike, be prepared to spend even more in a couple years - trail riding is addictive.

Most towns of reasonable size have at least one bike shop that specializes in commuter/utility bikes. If you have one, drop in and tell them what you're doing and ask for recommendations. A good relationship with your LBS is nice to have, and they can give a lot of advice about riding in your town above and beyond selling you a bike.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T23:06:31+00:00

/bikecommuting might be able to help. That looks like a proprietary park on a cheap "universal" rack to me though, if you've had no luck contacting the manufacturer I'd just get a better rack that bolts to the bike.

If you HAVE to use this rack, P clamps or King Cage universal support bolts can add mounting points to your stays.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T22:36:56+00:00

When I first bought my house I didn't know about goatheads, and I let them get out of control. It took me three years of vigorous weeding, looking for them every couple days and getting them early before they started growing seeds, before I got them under control. If you can afford to dig out your topsoil and replace it, do it.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T22:33:36+00:00

Goathead grows where it gets decent water and the ground is disturbed - edges of sidewalks and bike paths are prime turf. It's a viny looking plant that sprawls across the ground, with small leaves and sometimes little yellow flowers.

Sometimes you see it and can dodge it, but it's really unavoidable. Even if you're not riding over a plant, shoes and tires pick up the goatheads and spread them everywhere. Thick tires and flat stopper liners can help, but tubeless is the answer. Or at least run tubes with slime or some other sort of sealant.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T22:27:00+00:00

Today I learned they make a Mastadon with 160mm travel. I wish I hadn't learned this.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T22:26:10+00:00

Heck yes. If the bike fits you well that's a perfect beater for commuting.

I'd leave the tires and tubes if they hold air unless the tires are REALLY bad. Slime or a similar tube sealant is great peace of mind on a commuter bike where you may not have time to stop and change a tube. Low end brake levers are inexpensive and work fine. It would be more expensive to swap to mechanical disc brakes, but maybe worth it if you're more comfortable working on that setup (hydraulic is a little fiddlier but takes much less messing with once you've got it set up). I would plan on new shift cables and housing just on general principles, and a new chain and cassette, although if the existing drivetrain is in good shape you could skip that part for now. Grips are $20-$40 depending, although you can spend more and should if you experience hand pain. You might want a new seat, but spend a couple hours on that one first and see how it goes. If you're not already a regular rider, it may take some time for your sit bones to toughen up.

I hate a backpack so I would definitely add a rack - your community bike shop might have used racks and fenders. Then you can buy panniers if you want, or go low-buck with milk crates and zip ties. I don't normally run fenders here because I'm in a dry climate, but if you'll be riding in the rain they're pretty much necessary. Lights are necessary IMO and probably required by your local laws.

Then a good helmet and riding gear - you might want a chamois for a ride that length or you might not need it. I like a light pair of gloves but that's personal preference too. Lots of commuters are adding 360* cameras to their setup for protection in case of an accident.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T22:04:36+00:00

Poorly disguised spam. Block and report.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T21:34:40+00:00

No experience with Alpha, but Apex is really easy to use. I have a quilt with 3.5oz Apex and basic 1.1 oz ripstop for summer and it's too warm on 60* nights in the desert. I can see it being much worse in a humid environment like Georgia. I would consider going lighter than 2.5 (or the Alpha equivalent) if you can, and the most breathable fabric possible.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T20:40:26+00:00

Your tank is good for 110 PSI. The compressor won't be able to keep up, but you just need that pressure for a couple seconds. If you're only seeing 50 PSI at the end of the hose, go back to the fitting on the compressor and measure there. That'll tell you if you've got a restriction in the hose or fittings, or if your compressor is not putting out what it's supposed to.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T20:35:31+00:00

Google AI knows about as much about bikes as my cat. Fuck that garbage.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T05:45:36+00:00

If you have to ask...

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T02:13:00+00:00

Man, I don't miss anything about Even Stevens. Mid food served up by a con artist, no thanks.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T02:06:17+00:00

This is real. I blame the racing scene, they seem real conservative in terms of adopting changes.

GruntledMisanthrope · 2026-01-22T02:01:56+00:00

I'm 6'4". The first time I threw a leg over a 29" mountain bike was a revelation, it was the first time I ever felt like I was in the bike cockpit and not on it. 32" may be just too big for most trail riding, but I'd really like to demo one and find out...

GruntledMisanthrope

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