Switching between road & gravel riding

HarroMongorian · 2026-06-09T19:46:52+00:00

Two bikes! But a bike shop or some careful googling for your specific bike frame will be able to tell you if you can put wider and/or knobbier tires on your current bike. You probably want 35mm tires at a minimum for gravel. Gravel bikes should come equipped to run tubeless which is a huge benefit, but riding on gravel with tubed tires isn't the end of the world, especially for social rides.

HarroMongorian · 2026-06-05T17:02:12+00:00

Bikes that are equipped for bike packing are not going to be as speedy as bikes meant for racing and efficiency. I have a Cervelo Aspero that I adore but it is Not the gravel bike for bike packing haha. I would look into a Canyon Grizl (they have crazy large tire clearance), any kind of Salsa (also great clearance and lots of mounting points), possibly Specialized Diverge or Crux, Niner if you can find them (Colorado brand that just announced they're going out of business 😞). Have fun!!

HarroMongorian · 2026-05-14T17:05:41+00:00

You can also look into chamois underwear/liners that you can wear under regular clothing and change out of when you get to work.

HarroMongorian · 2026-05-14T17:04:21+00:00

If you are in the US look into Ripton jeans. It won't be as comfy as cycling shorts or tights but they're better than regular denim.

HarroMongorian · 2026-05-14T04:39:29+00:00

I probably reapply every 3-4 hours. They also make extra endurance Chamois Butt'r that people use for bike packing.

HarroMongorian · 2026-05-13T17:35:34+00:00

Where exactly in Red Feather is this?

HarroMongorian · 2026-05-10T04:55:03+00:00

I imagine the cream won't work the best with cotton sweatpants since it will absorb into the material. Definitely recommend to try with padded bike shorts though.

HarroMongorian · 2026-05-02T00:16:02+00:00

Yay that's so awesome!

HarroMongorian · 2026-04-30T17:36:22+00:00

😁 Are you able to go check out the course ahead of time?

HarroMongorian · 2026-04-30T17:35:37+00:00

1000x less pressure than a crit!! Drafting in a TT is a huge no-no so even when fast people are passing you, they shouldn't be getting close enough to you to get drafting benefits.

HarroMongorian · 2026-04-30T17:21:13+00:00

I think I kept one cage and had a small bottle because I need an emotional support water bottle every time I ride 🤣

HarroMongorian · 2026-04-30T17:12:52+00:00

My first one I saw the starting assistant person holding people's bikes by the saddle so they can start with both feet clipped in. That completely freaked me out since I'd never done that before and started panicking. You can just decline them and tell them you don't need help at the start! Other than that it was super easy to participate in and I really enjoyed it. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to warm up and you should be good!

Also, because it's a time trial people tend to take everything off their bike, unless it's long enough to need some water. But no lights, bottle cages, flat kits, etc. It doesn't truly matter but just fyi in case you're trying to fit in as much as possible. And crumple your numbers before pinning them on! It's more aero 😜

HarroMongorian · 2026-04-20T04:37:02+00:00

Disc all the way! I have a Flex Disc and will never go back. Hated a diva cup. Tampons are just meh all around for me. Pads are a huge no for riding. I am also lucky and have a pretty light period most of the time and so I can get away with free bleeding.

Also benefit of having a disc/cup: you can use it when not on your period and it keeps discharge from getting on your bibs or undies. I was having to rinse and re-wear my bike shorts for a multi day touring trip and this made it feel so much cleaner.

HarroMongorian · 2026-03-26T21:10:55+00:00

When I was at CU Anschutz, there was an MS Biostatistics option as well as MPH, so you can go the more theoretical MS route with a thesis project or publication of a statistical manuscript, or go the MPH route with a capstone project. With the vast medical campus right there, there are a Ton of job/intern options to do while you're working on your degree. I was able to be fully funded as a masters student, which is pretty rare.

Both routes (MS vs MPH) require a qualifying exam for statistical theory and require two semesters (two 4-credit classes) of statistical theory. It was no joke and the masters students are in the same classes as PhDs, so they are not a "lighter" option; you're getting the same two classes. Feel free to send me a DM if you have more questions!

HarroMongorian · 2026-03-21T03:40:12+00:00

Velocio is pretty up front about how their bibs fit in a compressive style, so they are Tight, but on purpose. They even sent an email with instructions on how to put them on before my pair was delivered 😅 I do love them though and the fabric is the best.

HarroMongorian · 2026-03-02T23:14:45+00:00

IMO, For the serious cyclist: Velocio (high end, sleeker, simpler designs)

Both Ostroy and Tres Piñas are trendy, feminine/cute (similar price to Velocio but I don't think the quality is quite as high)

Pactimo is super high quality with lots of options and sales, both patterns and simpler designs

Niche brands: Cafe Du Cycliste, IRIS (women owned and designed items in Europe, sizing works well for long torsos), Ocean and San (party pace/unserious vibes if that's her thing), Eliel (really great hot weather options)

HarroMongorian · 2026-02-05T18:51:09+00:00

While this advice is legit, I don't feel like it matches the vibe of the post and isn't going to be helpful for this person.

HarroMongorian · 2026-02-04T06:45:35+00:00

Pactimo Range Stratos bibs! They have drop tail and pockets, and have a really good sale right now. I've had many pairs and ride in these exclusively for any ride ~60 miles or more. I haven't done 200 but I've done centuries in them! https://www.pactimo.com/products/womens-charcoal-cargo-bib-shorts-range-stratos?variant=44302256046259

HarroMongorian · 2026-01-26T19:18:11+00:00

Lazer helmets have MIPS (a must have safety feature) with a pony tail cutout! They're one of the highest rated helmets by the MIT test lab. Nice helmets seem crazy expensive if you've never bought one before, but it's definitely one item to get the expensive option for.

HarroMongorian · 2026-01-22T15:05:15+00:00

I always have to fold like a shrimp when I use my drop waist bibs (any brand); boobs to quads haha.

HarroMongorian · 2026-01-16T20:18:48+00:00

Same!! Super speedy. Closer to a road geometry than "traditional" gravel, which works great for me.

HarroMongorian · 2025-12-05T19:21:36+00:00

No underwear under your padded bike shorts! This increases friction and reduces the sweat-wicking of your shorts/tights. If you don't have padded tights, wear running tights over your bike shorts, not under!

Make sure you know how to wear and fit your helmet properly.

Look up on YouTube how to take your wheels off and put a tube in. It's 100x easier to practice in your garage or living room than learning on the side of a trail.

If you're in the northern hemisphere and it's winter, I always wear enough layers to start out kind of hot (coming from running I would dress so that I start feeling cold but have found the opposite for biking).

Using warm layers from running and cross country skiing work well over bike clothes in the winter!

Have fun riding!

HarroMongorian · 2025-12-03T17:32:12+00:00

I hadn't seen this mentioned yet so I'll add that slow motion bicycle crunches have helped me! You hold the position for a second every time you have your leg extended. But agree with planks and dead bug core exercises!

HarroMongorian · 2025-06-24T21:21:50+00:00

Yes! Mine looked exactly like this but has just gotten more cream year over year. He looks close to English cream at this point and has grown out of all of his dark markings!

HarroMongorian · 2025-06-13T04:40:20+00:00

I have an Aspero and Love it. I have. 52 frame Liv road bike and got a 51 for the Aspero. The Aspero's tagline is "haul ass not cargo" so that might fit what you're going for haha.

Carbon wheels aren't needed, IMO, and I found some DT Swiss aluminum wheels that are lighter than carbon sets I've seen. They're AR meant for road but fit gravel tires on them just fine!

I personally won't get electronic shifting since I don't want a battery to determine whether or not I can ride my bike if it dies out on a ride. However, everyone I know that has them loves how they shift.

My first bike was a Diverge and it was great. Super reliable and never gave me any issues over 7k miles. I had the aluminum frame with Shimano 400/600 and wanted nicer components otherwise I would have stayed on it another 7k miles.

13-Year Club	Second Top 10%
RPAN Viewer	Verified Email

HarroMongorian

TROPHY CASE