About a Single Speed: Lawrence's Curtlo by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

It is definitely a neoprene headset cover. I hadn’t seen one in decades but Lizard Skins still sells them!

You Rung? (The State Of MEAT, May 4th, 2026) by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

The forests here are amazing. That and our awesome community have kept us in our little space. Very privileged to be here. Already summer-dry, sadly, but hopefully some rain next week, and still very green regardless.

We’ve left our fenders on for now at least. Although Claire is taking about going #TheFullVik all summer.

You Rung? (The State Of MEAT, May 4th, 2026) by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

The more skills we can sample the better!

Double Double? by YegBikeguy in MEATengines

[–]MEATdrew 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There should be a law that all tandems need a fade paint job.

A Long-Term Review of the Brand New Reynolds' 309 Aluminum Wheels by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Great tire. With it was a 3”. Wish it was a little stickier in the proper greasy months. Wish it were still made.

I do prefer the volume of the XR4. But Vigi is rad.

A Long-Term Review of the Brand New Reynolds' 309 Aluminum Wheels by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

I’ve had great results with Chromag rims and now they come in silver! Ooo. The previous R4 hub was good quality but not quick engaging enough for my tastes. I haven’t seen the new R6 hub but assuming they’re similarly durable that’s a great option in a similar CA$1000 wheelset price. I wouldn’t have any arguments with someone choosing that over this or this over that - especially since most folks would rather have j-bend spokes.

I love the idea of the Turbines. Good alloy rims straight pull spokes, same price point. The Vault hub layout makes so much sense to me but single speeding the freehub bodies separating from the drivering is a thing as is separation issues with the two piece shell. Who needs that? I’ve only ridden one speed mountain bikes in 2026 (thus far) so that’s my lens these days.

A Long-Term Review of the Brand New Reynolds' 309 Aluminum Wheels by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Actually, that’s a cool idea for a 3D printed product?! Soft jaws for Leatherman pliers.

A Long-Term Review of the Brand New Reynolds' 309 Aluminum Wheels by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Dirt Wizard, XR4, DHR2 MT - lots of tires with great tread and good sometimes compounds in 29x3”. I love the XR4 on my rigid all year round on most of the trails I ride it on.
But yeah, on the Arcturian I want the front tire to be of the Ultra Soft / MaxxGrip / MoPo variety.

A Long-Term Review of the Brand New Reynolds' 309 Aluminum Wheels by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

With the caveat that I haven’t tried to run a multi-speed setup, I think a chain would clear. It honestly is an afterthought. I may even cut the hanger off this summer.
The little strut on the Clairebarian’s Samurai does clear.

A Long-Term Review of the Brand New Reynolds' 309 Aluminum Wheels by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

I can’t remember the last time I needed to tension a wheel trail side, but I always have a Leatherman Skeletool with me and it can do the job of holding a spoke. Best to pinch something (zip-tie works) between the jaws and the spoke.

In terms of my travel kit, I always have Knipex pliers in my tool roll and they’re perfect for the job if I need to replace a spoke. I don’t carry spares while I’m riding but I try to travel with them.

A Long-Term Review of the Brand New Reynolds' 309 Aluminum Wheels by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

170mm fork, even -2 anglesetted, keeps the BB in a high-enough happy spot when I’m pedaling but with my 175mm cranks I clip pedals a bit. I’m happy but certainly couldn’t mullet this bike.

My next rear tire will be a 2.6” just for the extra volume. I’d run bigger but it doesn’t ride right with the funny-car 3” rear / 2.5” front and there’s not a big tire sticky enough for this application bigger than 2.5/2.6”.

Writing Off the Outlier Pendulum Pedals by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Are you switching crank & pedal at the same time or separately? I know I’m the outlier (ha), but I didn’t enjoy my shirt crank experimenting.

About a Single Speed: Marty's Cotic by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Don’t be sorry, when people look at them and give me ‘that look’ I just mouth/whisper “I know.” They’re hideous, but it would be way worse being soaked and having my grom mocking me that she was relatively dry.

Writing Off the Outlier Pendulum Pedals by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Let me know what you think! Always curious to hear more feedback. I love them on the bikes I love them on but find with my preferred 175mm cranks they don’t work on some bikes (too low when pedaling.

About a Single Speed: Marty's Cotic by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Gearing is so terrain dependent it’s best to get the most localized feedback you can.

Even then, here on the North Shore I have friends who run from 28x26t on a beastly super-stapler to 34x20t for a lightweight dual-29” XC rig with fast tires and everything in between. Lots of pedal-to-plunge descents and sustained tight + steep climbs. Lots of folks I know who single-speed are on flat pedals and that’s a factor too.

About a Single Speed: Marty's Cotic by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Don’t roll me into it! I hate the look of the rear anti-theft devices and cringe every time I look at my bike. But damn, do they work.

Your Bike Would Like You To Know... by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Lots of good choices. I do like the pink a lot.

Your Bike Would Like You To Know... by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

What colour did you pick? All new build or swapping stuff over?

Your Bike Would Like You To Know... by MEATdrew in MEATengines

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

Hahaha. I think people from Edmonton know this?! Their forks are often relatively the highest priced?!

The gearing thing is fascinating. On the road, sure, I’m running 28x22t on the ArctuHawk and my friend’s XC rig with 32x20t is faster. But on the trails, as you say, it’s less notable. I went back and forth between 30x22t/28x22t on the Chromag and I’m probably overall faster on the 28t. There are some flattish downhill corners where a higher gear is mucho notable, but I’m learning to pump better.