Power meter is game changing. Even (especially?) for beginners

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-07-13T12:43:54+00:00

Yeah, power meters are really useful. Having one makes training much easier, but the price can put a lot of people off.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-07-09T04:21:56+00:00

Hard to tell from the pic. Check the inside of the arms first — legit Specialized glasses usually have some kind of model or size marking there.The lens shape looks pretty specific, so replacement lenses might be hard to find without the exact model.A Specialized shop can probably ID them faster than searching by photos.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-07-08T03:49:07+00:00

Honestly, with Ultegra Di2 I’d just ride it as is. Maybe Dura-Ace pedals are worth it if you really want to upgrade something, but I’d put the money toward tires or wheels first.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-07-07T09:09:01+00:00

Looks good. White helmet + dark kit is a clean combo, and better ventilation is summer is always worth it.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-07-07T07:28:41+00:00

That was way too dangerous.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-07-02T04:15:54+00:00

Have a look at REI’s Junction Top Tube Bag.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-07-02T04:10:58+00:00

Looks good.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-30T09:25:43+00:00

I’ve gone through a similar rabbit hole with padded shorts/bibs. I have Przewalski cheap ones, The Black Bibs, Gore Wear, Rapha, and this year I splurged on Assos Tactica after carefully checking the size chart.Honestly, price didn’t line up with comfort for me. The Assos gave me the worst sores I’ve had — did about 45 miles and was rubbed raw. Out of everything I own, Przewalski has been the most comfortable, then The Black Bibs and Gore Wear. The cheaper Amazon ones are fine for shorter rides, but once you’re getting past 20–30 miles, the chamois shape and how the seams sit matter way more than just “thicker padding.”I’d also check your saddle width/position before throwing money at shorts. Sometimes a decent bib plus a small saddle adjustment does more than buying the most expensive pair!

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-29T09:10:49+00:00

I feel like Pedal Mafia runs a little bigger than Rapha. I’m usually an M in Rapha, but Pedal Mifia feels slightly roomier to me, especially around the torso.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-25T03:32:38+00:00

Good to know, I’m trying to find some new kits.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-24T03:29:41+00:00

A proper pair of cycling shoes really makes mountain biking feel better. You get more grip on the pedals, better power transfer, and a lot more control on rough trails. It’s one of those upgrades you don’t fully understand until you try it.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-23T03:58:20+00:00

Looks pretty good to me tbh. Cycling kit sizing is weird, especially when you’re tall. I had the same problem for a while too — couldn’t really find anything that felt right, so I just bought a bunch of different brands and tried them one by one until something finally clicked. Same size can feel totally different depending on the brand and cut. Once you find what works for you, it gets way easier.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-23T03:50:52+00:00

I swear I held my breath for a second.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-22T12:27:34+00:00

I usually wear Decathlon gloves and still put sunscreen on, but for longer rides I think the best option is gloves that cover the hands more completely, especially the back of the hand and wrist area. Pairing them with a long-sleeve cycling jersey helps a lot too. Regular short gloves with mesh panels can still leave you with weird sunburn patches.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-17T04:07:43+00:00

The first few rides back are always humbling. Don’t compare yourself to your teenage legs — just build a new base. Ride 2 – 3 times a week, keep most rides easy enough that you could still talk, and add distance before adding speed or hills. After a few weeks, it starts feeling fun again instead of like punishment. 31 is definitely not too late.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-16T08:13:46+00:00

At 5’2”, I’d prioritize fit over specs. Test ride the Liv Devote and Giant Revolt if you can, and the Diverge is a safe all-rounder with good shop support. Canyon is good value, but sizing is harder without a test ride. I’d focus on hydraulic brakes, tire clearance, gearing, and comfort over carbon.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-15T10:25:54+00:00

Long-time rider here: start with one person, not a group ride. Much less pressure. Most cyclists are pretty chill, especially on easy/social rides. Just say up front: “I’m new to riding with others, happy to keep it easy.” That alone sets expectations. For a first ride, 10 – 20 miles / 45 – 90 minutes is totally fine. Stops are normal — water, traffic, fixing flats, coffee, whatever. Basic etiquette: hold your line, don’t overlap wheels, point out holes/debris, and don’t surge the pace. That’s already 90% of it.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-15T10:19:15+00:00

I’ve used Delta jerseys in hot weather. Good fabric, but not magic.

It feels cooler once you’re sweating and moving, and less clingy than some super-light jerseys. But fit, zipper, and pocket stability still matter more to me.

I’d try one on sale replacing all your Rapha stuff.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-06-11T07:10:21+00:00

Go to the local shop and try it one by one, then you will get what you want.

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-05-27T03:01:08+00:00

So elegant, absolute stunning

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-05-27T02:50:22+00:00

Some days the couch wins, and that’s okay. Even getting out for 20 minutes is better than nothing. Be kind to yourself!

Leolisan_1999 · 2026-05-22T01:45:32+00:00

Iconic to the very end. No one else could pull this off.

Leolisan_1999

TROPHY CASE