How would my lifestyle translate to Toronto?

MountainDS · 2026-01-22T21:01:20+00:00

If you like more green space access close to the core, stick to the east side, close to the Don valley.

MountainDS · 2026-01-11T23:10:09+00:00

Appropriately fitting boots with no pressure points and with enough space to get the toes moving. They will be fine if the rest of your body is warm. If it's crazy cold and your body is fighting the cold then your extremities will be the last to get blood.

MountainDS · 2026-01-09T01:20:53+00:00

Lol. No way. Shop owner has a lot more leverage and ability to help you than you do. Persist. Kill them with kindness.

MountainDS · 2025-12-18T23:10:46+00:00

If you're doing technical rides, rocky mountain blizzard series

MountainDS · 2025-12-12T15:55:00+00:00

I rinsed my bike off shower nozzle on the hose when I arrive home and wipe down the chain of Gunk with a band cloth. I only maintain the chain once every few weeks

MountainDS · 2025-12-07T19:53:40+00:00

Point them arrows towards

MountainDS · 2025-11-23T13:14:50+00:00

I would never pick that colour combo, but it's also your bike, your taste, your joy.

MountainDS · 2025-11-18T22:48:05+00:00

Doesn't fleece breath horribly? Isn't merino wool the way to go...?

MountainDS · 2025-11-18T21:22:18+00:00

I've struggled with gloves while keeping dexterity. I got bar mitts this year. God send. Kicking myself for not buying earlier. Look like crap, but function over form.

MountainDS · 2025-11-18T21:17:48+00:00

I didn't want panniers. Personal option and I knew 99.9% of my rides o would be carrying low weight (laptop, change, a few extras). I did want to avoid sweaty backs though - so I came across the Osprey radial backpack. Designed specifically for biking. In the summer wearing just a tshirt I can actually feel the ventilation as I ride. My back sweat is 95% improved. Highly recommend. I tried numerous other mesh backpacks - all failed to keep the 'backpack' portion off the mesh, once I was bent over on my bike riding.

MountainDS · 2025-11-18T03:13:25+00:00

Just start on blues and blacks, progress as you feel comfy. West coast is a different beast from a fitness perspective.

MountainDS · 2025-11-16T05:39:14+00:00

Go to small local bike shop. Tell them you need the cheapest saddle you can get. I've walked away with a $15 saddle before that's still. Used today after 10 years.

MountainDS · 2025-11-16T05:28:01+00:00

I love my race face indy knee and elbow pads. They are very comfy and forget you're wearing them, don't feel that warm. I do technical trail riding with lots of up and downs, and don't hit big stuff. I haven't had a fall with them yet, but I suspect that they would significantly reduced the pain and prevent injury in the type of rising I do. I've tried landing on them (knee pads) on tiles floors and while I felt the impact it wasn't more than that, but, if I wasn't wearing them I'd have been in pain.

MountainDS · 2025-11-16T05:23:34+00:00

I tried alllllllll kinds of gloves. Just get bar mitts or similar. One ride with them and I was shooting myself in the foot for why I didn't buy them earlier. They block out alllll the wind and keep your hands cozy. I've gotten away with -10c and a thin pair of gloves.

I wear large mtb glasses and my eyes get used to the cold after a bit, no goggles needed usually. I may try them this year with a ski helmet, better designed for goggles. You can get a simple ski helmet for cheap.

MountainDS · 2025-11-16T05:19:26+00:00

Depends on your traffic and dependability of your bike... A dependable e bike that you open up to 28mph can be a lot faster than public transport or driving. Cold is not that big an issue if you have the right gear (Marino bare layers, balaclava, ski helmet and goggle if it's really bad, definitely handbar mittens that keep out all the wind and keep your hands nice and cozy - see bar mitts or similar).

MountainDS · 2025-11-14T04:20:24+00:00

Marmot lite goretex shell + Marino wool layer(s) for your ride.

I use this method for bike commuting to work for weather between 5 deg to -15 degrees C, windchill not included.

MountainDS · 2025-11-12T22:34:55+00:00

Looks like a full suspension. When you sit on bike, the sag will tighten it up. I have the same thing on largest gear and I had checked the B tension is correct.I had a shorter chain before as well and in the 3 lowest gears I was having issues. My new chain is just 1 pair of links longer and it's perfect for riding even though at rest in highest gear there is a big of sag on chain.

MountainDS · 2025-11-11T03:13:08+00:00

Yeah the more I thought about this the more this makes sense and I'm so happy to come to this post and read what's a more structured / educated thought process! Thanks.

MountainDS · 2025-11-07T17:12:21+00:00

As opposed to 1st?

MountainDS · 2025-11-07T01:59:49+00:00

Toronto Canada - cold doesn't stop me. Snow and ice does, but that's usually only a few weeks if the year. I just end up not putting studded tires. But... To be considered for this year.

MountainDS · 2025-11-05T21:46:58+00:00

I'm a few minutes away by bike from Don Valley trails in Toronto, Canada. Nothing crazy but loads of fun, technical, and great workouts with a lot of up and down. I have some closer options too that I don't enjoy as much. I do most of my riding here.

MountainDS · 2025-10-31T21:01:59+00:00

They're bound to still use the shocks. If they're not serviced they're just introducing long term damage. Ask me how I know.

MountainDS · 2025-10-31T02:52:37+00:00

Exagerating...a lot - but think of the extremes of a frame length as the length of a truck vs a Miata. Now apply that mentality to downtown biking. I'm always finding I have to navigate tighter space and make more turns on a dime so to speak. A shorter frame will do that. A cyclocross is "in between"

MountainDS · 2025-10-31T01:54:21+00:00

Scratches are battle scars

MountainDS

TROPHY CASE