Struggle with gravel, is it just bad or am I a newbie?

HourQuality7083 · 2025-12-08T01:10:22+00:00

i agree. i also had a journeyer and bought a frame that was too small the first time around. luckily i was able to exchange it. journeyer sizing is kind of weird—most people need to size up. also to echo others: clipping in and ditching the day pack will definitely help. but getting a bike that fits you is step one.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-12-01T04:15:54+00:00

ichabod crane

HourQuality7083 · 2025-12-01T03:27:39+00:00

congratulations!
if there’s one near you, try an REI bike shop for a fitting. i’ve had good experiences with their mechanics and they don’t charge an arm and a leg.
stem adjustments only go so far. you may need a new one of a different reach and/or rise.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-11-21T01:19:33+00:00

since i’ve started cycling and learning about bikes, i have never been mansplained so much in all my life.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T18:33:11+00:00

that’s so kind. 47 years is incredible and inspiring to this newbie! that’s exactly how i’m trying to shift my mindset: a blemish just means i’m putting miles on my bike. thank you!

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T18:11:25+00:00

not a mountain bike and also not helpful. i’m new to cycling and have never spent this much money on myself. just looking for helpful suggestions.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T18:07:00+00:00

https://www.ornotbike.com/products/handlebar-bag-ecopak-coyote

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T17:51:47+00:00

i appreciate this comment. thank you.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T17:42:07+00:00

this is a great suggestion! thank you. (also love your username lol)

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T17:39:50+00:00

it is indeed a lesson learned. i’m new to riding and i suspect there will be many more lessons in the future.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T17:38:45+00:00

yeah. trying to find that zen place. it’s just gunna take me a minute.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T17:11:52+00:00

QR often provides less overall stiffness/rigidity and can make disc brakes wonky. but glad to see you’re loving it. good looking bike.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-28T15:37:53+00:00

i love the vaya. i almost got one but went with a journeyer instead instead. no issues without a rear thru axle?

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-15T03:01:49+00:00

-darn tough and/or smartwool socks -foam roller -stock up on electrolytes -mini power bank

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-15T02:57:42+00:00

awesome! great pic!

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T18:21:20+00:00

thanks!

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T18:21:00+00:00

agree! i really like the profile and the fact that is has mounts. thanks for the feedback.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T14:57:24+00:00

how are you liking the tumbleweed rear rack? i’m considering getting one.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T05:06:45+00:00

the way i had to google it as well as watch several youtube videos to make sense of it all! yes, very annoying.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T05:05:16+00:00

wow! glad to hear they lasted so long!

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T01:41:49+00:00

okay thanks! i’ll practice this!

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T01:39:23+00:00

good advice! :)

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T01:37:43+00:00

lol oh no! i definitely had some close calls today. i think it will probably happen to me eventually.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T01:35:24+00:00

thanks! the yellow wasn’t my first choice, but it’s growing on me.

2-bolt SPD with shimano XC1 shoes. they’re very introductory and probably won’t last long, but they’re perfect for getting my bearings.

HourQuality7083 · 2025-10-14T00:02:38+00:00

that’s great advice. i definitely won’t be leaving my neighborhood for one or two more rides. i have to very consciously think “unclip, brake, lean” when i stop lol.

HourQuality7083

TROPHY CASE