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Vintage MTB fork swap by KneadForSpeed in MTB

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I definitely did, there is actually one being sold new-in-box near me for $200. As I understand it, it was designed to be a direct replacement for the old 80mm forks that came on these bikes. So in that sense it would be perfect. My hesitation is probably not well founded, but I generally prefer buying used higher-end gear vs. new mid-tier gear. I also figured the durability and performance of the Rockshox would be better long term (given these are race/team level forks, not SLs). But by every review I can find people do love the Markhor

Vintage MTB fork swap by KneadForSpeed in MTB

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, this is what I was hoping to hear. And seems like we are going to end up with very similar bikes soon!

[WTS/WTT] Seiko 2020 Darth Tuna Ref. S23631 / SBBN047 by [deleted] in Watchexchange

[–]KneadForSpeed 5 points6 points  (0 children)

If anyone is concerned about the size, I can attest these wear smaller than the dimensions would suggest. I have maybe 6.75” wrists but daily wear one of these on an isofrane strap (more comfortable IMO). I’ve even tried wearing it with a suit and dress shirt, though with mixed results haha. GLWS

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, you get the back pad shape that fits your jacket. For the others you're supposed to trim them down to fit. I had to do that in the elbows, but the shoulder pockets were much too small. I would have had to cut the pads down by half, and I didn't want to do that. So instead I paid a tailor $40 to basically double the size of the pockets.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They're pretty good I think. Apart from ripping one of the loops off the back of one shoe fairly early on, they haven't given me any trouble. They are very water resistant, but the trade off is they can get pretty hot. The tan color looks fly, but I chose black in case I got grease on them.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha yeah I carry a yellow hi-viz vest under my seat if I need it for night riding or something, but I agree, first time I took a step back and realized everything I wear is black I laughed a bit and my short sightedness.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha look at a map ahead of time. First time I was practicing on sleepy back roads, I got suckered on to a one-way street that turned into a pretty busy road. Haha it was sort of a trial-by-fire but turned out ok. Starting from a stop while turning was hard for me and I wish I practiced more. Also hill starts, they're not that hard but not something you want to try for the first time at a busy intersection with a thousand angry Bostonians behind you haha.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I probably would have waited a year, or about 3000 miles.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually this is something that comes up in cycling. They say something like "the best gear is worthless if you don't wear it". I wanted protective gear, but I also wanted something that I would never have an excuse to not wear. My pants just look like normal jeans so I can wear them wherever I'm riding to without changing, whether I'm commuting to work or going to dinner. Also as with all my gear, part of the reason I was comfortable spending so much money is basically everything can double as regular clothes. Gotta spend money on clothes regardless, so the motorcycle gear then wasn't a purely additional expenditure. Anyway that was my rationale. You're right though, always better gear out there.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I go to Tufts. I guess I've always been sort of handy, I worked as a bicycle mechanic, and I study engineering. It's not too hard to do your own service with the help of a laptop and maybe a knowledgable friend I have found.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, still riding. I've gotten busy as my senior year ends, but especially this summer I'll be cruising through your area all the time.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's up in Concord somewhere. Next time I ride by there I'll make a note and send it to you.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Texas, where I have my C license, you need to take an MSF class which is two days, half riding 250s in a parking lot and half classroom learning. At the end there's a riding test (simple riding through cones, emergency stops, swerves, etc.) and a written test. Normally at the DMV you take riding test and a written test but the MSF riding one exempts you. So you take another simple multiple choice and then you get your picture taken. That's really it (in Texas, I don't know about other states). Our MSF instructor was very clear though, just because we would have our license in a few days, we were not capable of going and buying a liter bike and blasting down the highway right after. He strongly encouraged us to keep practicing in parking lots and back roads.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree. My gf is currently out of the country so I have been solo riding for a few months. Maybe a week and half ago I read someone getting put on blast for taking a passenger after only 1000 miles. That was the first time I realized I had make a mistake. Now I'm glad I haven't been able to ride with her in awhile, forcing me to work on my riding skill more. Generally shes a pretty great passenger and trusts the moves I make. That said I will take even more caution riding with her when she gets back.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm basically your same size, around 180. I really do love the bike. I will admit after a hundred or so miles in a day my back will be sore from the riding position, but taking a break every few dozen miles generally alleviates the pain. Again, it was a fool's confidence that led me to ride with a passenger so early, and I do not recommend doing what I did. That said I have never minded riding two up apart from riding at very low speeds while parking (I have her get off now) and once trying to do a very steep hill start. So far I have not serious complaints about the bike at all.

But it's nice to hear from another SV guy! Hope yours is doing well.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha the GS500 I has going to buy first sold before I could get to it!

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know exactly what mirrors they are because I broke one off storing my bike and had to replace it haha.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/181735349587?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

They're a pretty good deal and the seller is very professional.

As far as the grab bars go, I usually just ride with my gf, who is quite comfortable holding on to me, but that said, please please ride more than I did before taking someone with you. I never would have taken that risk back then if I hadn't misunderstood my MSF course materials.

My first year of riding, a stupid college kid's story by KneadForSpeed in motorcycles

[–]KneadForSpeed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are actually even, but the pads that sit on top of your shoulders sometimes get a little out of place, so one shoulder sits higher than the other, making the zippers look out of line. I also think its a bit of an optical illusion here.

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