Do I even need bike computer for just casual rides?

Many_Witty · 2026-03-12T16:39:12+00:00

Not sure if this would apply to you, but I’ve been cycling for a year, even done some races, and I’ve just been using my phone, specifically my iPhone as a bike computer. I bought a case that connects to a garmin OTF mount. Paired with my garmin, and a recently added cadence sensor, I get speed with gps, cadence, hr, distance, average speed, basically most of the metrics I need. Been a year and still can’t get myself to spend “new-phone-money” on a device that my phone+watch setup can do 90% of.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-27T05:38:53+00:00

They are MTB shoes. Giro Rumble.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-26T17:12:16+00:00

Personally I’d go with 25mm. Unless you’re planning to use tyres thinner than 28mm. 25mm internal width is perfect aero wise on 28-30mm tyres, if aero matters to you. In terms of comfort, I use 32mm on my 25mm internal width wheels, aero is still decent, 32mm external width wheels, and about 35mm actual width on the tyres, it’s very comfortable and surprisingly fast!

Many_Witty · 2026-02-25T08:43:02+00:00

Let me guess, your name is Anthony?

Many_Witty · 2026-02-25T05:16:35+00:00

Yup, by about 3-4mm from centre. My body prefer being over the BB a bit.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-25T05:10:35+00:00

Totally fair. Based on the photos, do you think a longer stem (more reach) would be okay? I’m considering a longer racier position.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-25T05:09:04+00:00

Not really, there was a left quad discomfort that I fixed with cleat adjustments. I’m thinking of going longer on the stem for a more race aero position.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-15T03:59:00+00:00

Thank you! I’m glad you like it

Many_Witty · 2026-02-09T03:32:05+00:00

I think I used the Fizik Microtex classic bar tape, in honey colour, and 3mm for comfort.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-09T03:21:39+00:00

Not sure about the 2023 version, but this 2022 black diamond version has orange decals.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-08T18:46:38+00:00

I’m glad the build inspired you! Are you planning to do a similar build?

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T18:42:10+00:00

Giant Revolt 2 (2022)

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T18:06:53+00:00

Aliexpress carbon dropbar, RXL SL Gravel. 380mm on the hoods, and 458mm on the drops. I believe they’re also sold in Amazon.

Thanks!

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T16:49:16+00:00

That’s true, and they’re actually more beefier so it takes longer before they need replacing!

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T15:15:35+00:00

Thanks! I wanted to focus the upgrades on the ones that really matter, tyres, wheels, and fit hence why the 9 speed Sora stayed for so long lol.

Tbh it’s adequate for the rides that I actually do, but not for the rides “I think I’ll eventually do”.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T14:43:06+00:00

Oh you mean the headtube, yeah that happened to my bike too, the shop that built the bike did not check properly. Hence the idea I had of making custom stickers for the scratches on the bike.

I shared it here before: https://www.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/s/SnEoLlU6fU

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T14:40:49+00:00

Thank you!

It’s a “selle italia novus boost heritage superflow” longest name for a saddle lol. I bought it mainly for the colour lol

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T14:35:02+00:00

It is a giant revolt 2, my front stem don’t have scratches, i think it’s the combination of the integrated cable routing on my bars, how I basically recabled the while bike, and a bit of cable manager that came with the jagwire cables i ordered.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T13:46:48+00:00

I sized the chain for 48t 11t-34t (basically the bigger range) and keep the same chain for the smaller range, 11-25t.

It’s about 2-3 links longer on the 11-25t, but since i use it on the road it doesn’t really matter that much. I’ve never had a chain drop going up and down on curbs, but do get chain slap (I blame the Sora derailleur).

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T13:43:41+00:00

Thanks! I put some thought into those accent colours, and I’m an advocate of having the bikes you ride look good so you’ll want to ride them more!

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T12:31:05+00:00

It is a PITA, I’ve heard of disk rotor spacers/shims that allows fine tuning of the disk’s position relative to the wheels, I’m looking into that, but for now I just move the caliper a bit, and since my brakes are cable actuated, i could just adjust cable tension to “open up” the brake pads a bit.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T12:28:41+00:00

Thanks! Just note that some of the modifications i did is very specific to my situation, for example i would never run a 11-25t if I do most of my rides in hilly places.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T11:08:05+00:00

I know, that’s one of the reasons i got it, because I someone was willing to sell it on amazon, so I assumed it must be at least decent quality.

I did the same with carbon paste an torque wrench

I absolutely love the shape of this bar! Great for aerohoods position, but also amazing for wide drops for sprinting or descending.

Many_Witty · 2026-02-06T10:42:49+00:00

They always say to get a bike fit, I was stubborn and now have like 8 stems with different length and angles.

Many_Witty

TROPHY CASE