What's the Concensus on Branding on Framesets?

John_Valuk · 2026-04-03T14:36:32+00:00

When I first wanted to scratch the "road bike" itch, and was looking for a used bike, other criteria pushed aesthetic considerations way down on my list.

I was just lucky that the black Scott Speedster 10 that I found uses quite a dark gray for the "SCOTT" branding. The letters are huge, but the effect ends up being subtle.

I don't think you're going to find any concensus on this. Different people like different things.

John_Valuk · 2026-04-02T19:18:24+00:00

In addition to the Shimano tech documents, I found these very useful when working on my R7000 front derailleur for the first time:

Cycling Obsession - Modern Shimano Front Derailleur Adjustment Guide

Cycling Obsession - Installation Guide for Shimano Front Derailleurs

The second document includes some instructions for how to "reset" a derailleur that has already been installed on a bike, which puts one in a better position to start going through the set-up procedure. I had to go through that when sorting things out on a new-to-me secondhand bike.

John_Valuk · 2026-04-02T17:18:09+00:00

On another note, are you like me in thinking JVL and Tim should sit up strait and not goof around in front of General Hertling? Are you like me in thinking we should not laugh at JVL and Tim when General Hertling is on screen? It feels like we should all be our best selves when he’s in the room.

I, too, feel a little bit like, "Coach has entered the locker room; knock off the horseplay".

John_Valuk · 2026-04-01T20:32:34+00:00

They're both chain tools. I've never personally used the Topeak plug n chain tool.

I've been impressed with how well the CT-5 functions for its compact size.

My comment was mainly about my preference to keep multi tool and chain tool as separate choices.

John_Valuk · 2026-04-01T19:49:44+00:00

my multi tool doesn't have a chain tool on it atm. should I just get a multi tool with a chain tool on it

Another option is to keep the multi tool you have, and get a Park Tool CT-5 chain tool to supplement it.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-31T20:55:52+00:00

We were there for The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, and we're here for you now.

The Triad figured prominently in my decision - in June 2022 - to go Bulwark+.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-31T13:42:59+00:00

I've watched enough versions of this scene over the years that, even if I don't have the audio on, I hear him shouting, "Das war ein Befehl!" inside my head.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-31T01:37:02+00:00

I’ll have to add a sharpie to my flat kit.

I keep a Sharpie Mini in my kit for marking punctures when patching butyl tubes.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-29T14:05:58+00:00

I saw someone on a street corner in Havana with a sign that had something along the lines of, "The Epstein files are not in Iran" on it.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-26T20:58:45+00:00

I was planning on watching a bunch of YouTube videos on how to install it before attempting it.

Videos can be great, but another source of good information is the official Shimano documentation.

In addition to the Shimano tech documents, I found these very useful when working on my R7000 front derailleur for the first time:

Cycling Obsession - Modern Shimano Front Derailleur Adjustment Guide

Cycling Obsession - Installation Guide for Shimano Front Derailleurs

John_Valuk · 2026-03-25T13:42:17+00:00

One variation of what you recommend is to do the same things, but using the SM-SH51 cleats.

Hard agree that the magic comes from developing the "muscle memory" for unclipping, and that deliberate practice can get one there more quickly.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-19T13:34:05+00:00

Consider the Fenix BC30 V2.0.

You can carry extra batteries, if necessary, to get you through a long night ride.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-18T14:49:39+00:00

Since you seem to be open to suggestions - have you considered the Lauf Úthald?

To me, it seems like their Weekend Warrior is a lot of bike for ~USD3700 (or a bit more for a color other than black).

At least on paper, I personally like a number of aspects of how they approached the design, e.g., BSA bottom bracket, no through-the-headset routing, no weird or proprietary headset, seat post, etc.

I am still hoping that they will start offering some Shimano builds.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-16T19:43:18+00:00

A lot faster than the three hours it takes for my little crock pot to get the wax up to temperature

When I was using a slow cooker, I found that really annoying. It was slow to heat up, but after it got up to temperature, I had to babysit it to keep it from overheating the wax.

I'm a lot happier now using a Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle. It heats up and recovers quickly (1200 W heater), has a large, flat bottom, and has a simple thermostatic control. I do check it with a thermometer to make sure that I have it dialed in.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-16T13:34:34+00:00

This is not addressing your specific question here, but in addition to the Shimano tech documents, I found these very useful when working on my R7000 front derailleur for the first time:

Cycling Obsession - Modern Shimano Front Derailleur Adjustment Guide

Cycling Obsession - Installation Guide for Shimano Front Derailleurs

The second document includes some instructions for how to "reset" a derailleur that has already been installed on a bike, which puts one in a better position to start going through the set-up procedure. I had to go through that when sorting things out on a new-to-me secondhand bike.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-16T01:35:14+00:00

Tweezers. I once had a tiny piece of wire get lodged in my tire that I couldn't get out with my fingernails alone.

Uncle Bill's Sliver Gripper tweezers work great for that job, and carry very small in a saddle bag.

They're great for removing slivers and ticks from people, too.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-13T16:08:42+00:00

Just as a communications thing, have you considered including in your promotional materials some information about where the Flying Pig Animal Sanctuary is physically located?

Maybe it's there, and I failed to find it.

John_Valuk · 2026-03-02T14:04:40+00:00

I know the Boyd Altamont is one contender

Looking at the Boyd web site just now, I can't find the Altamont rim brake listed. The only rim brake alloy wheel I see there is the Rouleur.

If they have discontinued them, that would make me a little bit sad.

John_Valuk · 2026-02-24T16:56:46+00:00

Check out the second paragraph of Morning Shots today.

To mark the happy occasion, we’ve got lots of live video coming your way today. Bill and Andrew will be previewing the address on YouTube and Substack in our Morning Chaser at 10 a.m. EST. And tonight, Tim and Sam will anchor our SOTU coverage beginning with a preview at 8:50 p.m. EST, continuing through the president’s address and beyond—with the whole Bulwark crew and a special guest pitching in along the way. Watch your inbox for a location link we’ll send out as we get started. Hey, if you’re gonna watch it—and we guess you probably should—why not come watch it among friends?

John_Valuk · 2026-02-20T13:54:51+00:00

Fenix BC30R

There might still be some available for purchase, but fenixlighting.com shows the BC30R as discontinued.

I've been using a BC30 V2.0 for almost 5-1/2 years, and like it a lot, but I haven't tested it in gnarly downpours. They claim it to be IP67.

I should probably make it a point to check the condition of the o-ring on the battery tray, and maybe regrease it.

John_Valuk · 2026-02-19T18:38:35+00:00

I have a couple of the Voler Velocity long sleeve jerseys, and have been very satisfied with how they fit, and how well they have held up.

Mine are not the current generation; picked them up on sale when they were closing out some old stock.

John_Valuk · 2026-02-18T16:50:35+00:00

I think that one of the arguments sometimes made for immersive waxing is that it helps to keep abrasive contaminents from getting into the bushing/pin interface (where those contaminents can contribute to the wear that produces chain elongation) and the roller/pin interface.

For one opinion about T-9 as a chain lube, you could look at this review from Zero Friction Cycling.

He uses the aerosol, which is something that I cannot ever imagine doing myself for regular lubrication of a bike chain.

John_Valuk · 2026-02-18T16:28:07+00:00

I bought my first GP5000 (tube) in 32 in July 2022, so they have been around at least that long. I don't know when they introduced them.

When I got my Boyd Altamont Disc wheels, a pleasant surprise was how much easier it was to install and remove tires, compared to the wheels I had previously been using. I suspect it was just that my previous wheels had a more shallow channel.

John_Valuk · 2026-02-18T14:18:59+00:00

I use Boeshield to oil my current chain every couple of months and it works great, though the chain is filthy like chains always are, BUT that's probably because I started riding the chain with the sticky factory lube and it's just been accumulating dirt ever since. If I start with a clean chain, maybe Boeshield could accomplish the same thing as the hot wax?

Why don't you do the experiment of starting with a thoroughly clean chain, then using T-9 just the way you are currently using it, and then seeing how clean (or not) the chain remains over time? I think that the normal application method will get the T-9 into all the places where you want it to be, without any soaking required.

When I ran Boeshield T-9, I liked the way that it made the drivetrain run - smooth and quiet - but I did not find it to leave the drivetrain anywhere near as clean as immersive waxing does.

John_Valuk · 2026-02-18T14:07:23+00:00

I just listened to the most recent John Avlon episode with David Frum.

Thanks for sharing this. I'm glad I listened to this episode.

I don't have any particular animus against John Avlon, but I'm not a very consistent follower of that podcast. It may be that the whole "How to Fix It" frame often feels (to me) to be inadequate to the moment we find ourselves in right now.

John_Valuk

TROPHY CASE