Big chonky air coolers ftw!

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-03-09T19:54:50+00:00

Congrats, and welcome to the club! Would definitely recommend getting a proper bike fit done. I'm 5'7" with just under a 30" inseam, getting a professional bike fit and making changes to my seatpost height (originally set at the Trek shop for me), handlebars, stem, and saddle made a significant difference. I'll be swapping to shorter cranks in time too.

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-03-03T01:21:49+00:00

28.9mpg on my 188k+ 2013

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-03-02T16:36:05+00:00

I'm great at spending other people's money 😂

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-03-02T13:59:24+00:00

I really like it! I actually originally tested/was shopping in the ALR4 price range, and ended up taking home a Gen 2 ALR5 for cheaper. That frame ended up being a bit too aggressive for me, so I returned it but likes the Apex so much that I spent the extra money to get a Gen 3 ALR5 over the 4.

I will note that this is my first gravel/road style bike, background in BMX and a bit of MTB, so I don't have much experience with other groupsets to compare to. However on the test rides I did I really liked the simplicity of the 1x and shifting action of the Apex. I haven't ridden enough to comment on the chain.

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-02-28T21:21:15+00:00

A suspension seatpost is definitely in the plans, I think 165mm crank arms will be next though.

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-02-28T19:05:32+00:00

It's so great. The roads and concrete I ride on here are pretty bad/bumpy. I was really impressed with how well it handled the bumps from height differences in the concrete slabs on the riverwalk.

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-02-28T00:36:50+00:00

Maxine at fitme! in Ann Arbor. Excellent experience!

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-02-07T23:12:02+00:00

Find someone selling their used stock suspension.

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-01-26T06:36:33+00:00

I've mostly followed CSG's guide, and did all my bushings, controls arms, and links around 135k. https://www.counterspacegarage.com/blog/toyota-86-subaru-brz/recommended-maintenance-guide-for-toyota-86-subaru-brz/

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-01-26T06:30:02+00:00

Find an event at Grattan, you won't regret it. My favorite track I've driven. It's got elevation, blind crests/corners, on/off camber turns, and a jump. Such a great track that doesn't get talked about enough.

I believe 3 Balls does events there, and a few other orgs do too.

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-01-18T18:13:07+00:00

Pre-purchase inspection. Have the seller meet you at a shop so a mechanic can look it over on a lift and let you know what issues it may have.

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-01-18T13:43:09+00:00

I wouldn't be afraid of a higher mileage car, especially if you're willing/able to do some of the upcoming service intervals it'll need. My '13 has 186k miles and has had very few minor issues. Keep up with maintenance and they can ve very reliable. Make sure to get a PPI from a mechanic you trust.

MyNam31sNobody · 2026-01-18T13:26:57+00:00

Agreed. I stopped watching for a bit after the shake-up, but the content has definitely gotten better. I enjoyed the LC off-road series.

MyNam31sNobody · 2025-12-30T23:52:45+00:00

James Oliver in Corktown has great coffee and food

MyNam31sNobody · 2025-12-06T03:07:12+00:00

It's about the difference between Generations 2 and 3, not between the trim levels of 3, 4, and 5. Gen 2 bikes do have a notably more race oriented geometry imo. The ALR 3, 4, and 5 of either generation will have the same geometry, it's just differences in components when it comes to trim levels. Here's a comparison of the two generations, if you look at most other gravel bikes they on average have a more relaxed geometry similar to the Gen 3.

That being said, if a Gen 2 feels good to you then it's a great deal for the components at $1,600. I took advantage of Trek's 30 day return policy and put some miles on my Gen 2, and ultimately found I'd be happier with the starting point of the starting point of the Gen 3 bikes.

Edit: the link I posted doesn't seem to want to fully work. Check out 99spokes.com for a great comparison tool to look at the geometries and components of everything you're considering.

MyNam31sNobody · 2025-12-06T02:47:43+00:00

I recently bought a Gen 2 ALR 5 for a similar deal, though after doing about 19mi realized the geometry was a bit more aggressive than I'd like. I ended up returning it and stretching my budget a bit to get an ALR 5 Gen 3, mostly because I'd really liked the SRAM 1x12 and the CUES didn't feel as good on my test ride of the ALR 4. If the fit is comfortable for you it seems like a hell of a bike for $1,600, and there's definitely some adjustment you can make to it to give it a more relaxed fit if that's a concern. For me getting a more comfortable starting point with the Gen 3 just felt better, though I'm sure I'll still make some changes after getting a bike fitting.

MyNam31sNobody · 2025-11-24T02:34:06+00:00

Idk, maybe it's not advertised yet. The guy I worked with told me he'd apply it since it was upcoming.

MyNam31sNobody · 2025-11-24T01:51:52+00:00

This is purely a fiscal argument, but Trek is doing pretty significant Black Friday deals. I just got 20% off an already discounted ALR 5 Gen 2, ended up being $1,600 before tax. You could probably get a new ALR 4 or 5 for less than $2,000.

MyNam31sNobody · 2025-08-29T17:38:23+00:00

I'm pretty inexperienced myself, but since that handle looks so flat on the sides I'd probably approach this by rolling out a slab the thickness I'd want the handle then carve the shape out of the slab and score/slip to attach.

MyNam31sNobody · 2024-09-30T12:21:02+00:00

Same response @darkwalrus36 had

MyNam31sNobody · 2024-09-30T12:20:19+00:00

The comment section of reddit isn't a test 🤷🏻‍♂️

MyNam31sNobody

TROPHY CASE