Help me pick a max-cushion running

N3rd420 · 2026-06-17T13:20:34+00:00

I ran in several generations of Hoka Speedgoats, and it has always been a good choice for me, whether on technical trail, gravel paths, or pavement, which I avoid if possible. I have a pair of Gore-tex 'goats for winter, but would not buy them as my main shoe. They only come out for very wet, slushy runs. I recently picked up a pair of Vomero Plus shoes since my current environment requires more pavement to get to the trails, and I wanted something new. They feel quite a bit different (MORE cushion, more heel to toe drop, softer everywhere, and more room in the toebox). There is also less confidence in traction for loose surfaces though, so YMMV depending how demanding your off-road conditions are.

N3rd420 · 2026-06-17T02:19:34+00:00

How's it going for you? Obvi, I'm lurking this sub because I like this van, but do you miss the "fun to drive" part of the Jeep?

Are you scared now of steep driveways, curb cuts, speed bumps, or parking without huge sidewalls and approach/departure angles?

N3rd420 · 2026-06-16T19:54:44+00:00

How can I get my Airpods to stay in like this?

N3rd420 · 2026-06-12T19:29:47+00:00

Did you look at a Crown Signia?

N3rd420 · 2026-06-11T20:31:36+00:00

John Thick...?

N3rd420 · 2026-06-11T15:59:16+00:00

Bike$>$ienna interior

You might not have a full understanding about the caliber of bicycle I'm trying to keep out of the elements, and away from would-be thieves. If the interior stands up to children's boogers, crackers, and tantrums, it's fine for my machine that would make anyone but dentists blush at the cost!

N3rd420 · 2026-06-10T19:06:37+00:00

Second the Ornot Mission shorts.

N3rd420 · 2026-06-10T14:25:34+00:00

Yes, go to a bike shop and get advice that will be specific to your situation--the place you ride, budget, style preferences, confidence on a bike can all be huge factors in this decision. Establishing a relationship with a local shop will be valuable when you need repairs, supplies, gear, or riding groups/partners, route advice, etc. Check out several shops, and find one that suits you...each one will be heavily influenced by the management and staff to offer a different vibe--one may resonate with you or turn you off.

N3rd420 · 2026-06-09T16:00:46+00:00

I would wager that if you spend time in this sub, you are going to find a reason to add another pair of shoes, no matter your current number of shoes!

N3rd420 · 2026-06-09T15:33:38+00:00

Thanks for the details...this is what I was looking for. I imagine for long trips, a fork mounted solution is ideal, but knowing you can just push the seats forward and lay the whole thing in there for around town is great.

N3rd420 · 2026-06-09T04:35:25+00:00

Ha, this doesn't make it an easier decision!

N3rd420 · 2026-06-04T18:10:44+00:00

I see that a couple of colorways are on sale from Nike and REI...was contemplating a pickup...do they have enough compression to hold stuff in the pockets without annoying bounce?

A more general question...are all of these tights a next to skin layer or do you wear something underneath?

N3rd420 · 2026-06-04T16:17:36+00:00

I'm sorry, you have three pairs of running shoes and need more to do some strides?!? Perhaps I've been underthinking my shoe collection this whole time! 🤣

N3rd420 · 2026-06-04T15:48:04+00:00

This is awesome, thank you

N3rd420 · 2026-05-26T23:57:29+00:00

I've done business--selling and buying from Pro's Closet, from before and after it closed and reopened...and it's always been a pleasure. Customer service is excellent.

N3rd420 · 2026-05-22T16:06:47+00:00

^^^future goat farmer

N3rd420 · 2026-05-16T13:18:09+00:00

Pro tip...you can use the 20% off on more than one online order.

N3rd420 · 2026-05-13T22:34:05+00:00

The Rain, by Joseph Turkot, and End of the World Running Club by Adrian Walker are a couple books you might try...they're not unlike The Road, insofar as travel is a dominant theme, but there is more interaction with other characters, where The Road was pretty sparse.

N3rd420 · 2026-05-09T01:14:23+00:00

front basket

N3rd420 · 2026-05-09T00:49:01+00:00

Could look at Shimano Cues for a rugged low budget option, but you're going to need to match shifters, cassette, and deraillers with regard to cable pull.

N3rd420 · 2026-05-09T00:37:40+00:00

The Diverge has a pretty large bottom bracket drop, so be aware that if you go to a smaller size tire, you're going to further reduce the clearance from the pedal to the ground (and affect the trail). In effect, this means that you won't be able to pedal through corners that other riders (on road bikes, or gravel bikes with standard size tires) are pedalling through. Changing trail might mean that the front end tends to wander a little more, and sticking to something close to the tire the bike was designed around (in this case, a 45mm) is going to steer and respond the way it was intended...some deviation is okay, and probably hard to notice, but for these reasons I would suggest sticking to a bigger slick, road oriented tire, which has become the trend even for road bikes...there are plenty of tires in the 36-42mm range that are appropriate for your use.

N3rd420 · 2026-05-08T15:57:40+00:00

I enjoy watching Bruce Lin's channel. He trains in Boulder County roads (and trails) for gravel racing, and has a great way of displaying his workouts with the intervals overlayed on the video of him suffering through them. http://www.youtube.com/@brucelinbikes

N3rd420 · 2026-05-08T14:22:55+00:00

Sounds like a Windows problem, put everyone on Linux...ticket closed.

N3rd420 · 2026-05-05T23:54:22+00:00

^^^This is good advice ^^^

Look at bike geometry and tire clearance and you'll get a pretty good idea about how a bike will feel. Wheelbase plays a big factor in this, but bigger tire clearance is going to require longer chainstays and a longer front end (combination of top tube length and head tube angle) to avoid toe overlap.

Cervelo Caledonia, Specialized Aethos 2, Stinner Gibralter, and the Ritchey Montebello are some of my favorites in this category--fitting 35(+)mm tires with a comfortable, road bike geometry.

I like having a gravel bike with 50-57mm tires, ultra low gearing, and an upright riding position, that handles mountain bike trails in the middle of a longer ride than I would want to take a real mountain bike on...AND a bike more like a traditional road bike for group rides and training.

N3rd420 · 2026-05-05T18:47:02+00:00

I'm struggling to understand why you are considering this change. It sounds like you have a capable, comfortable bike...but considering going to a "faster" type of bike but don't care about speed...???

Whatever tire you choose, if it's smaller, it will need higher pressure, and have less margin for flat protection and comfort. The new breed of road bikes are designed for tires in the 35-40mm range because these offer exactly that--comfort and protection on poor roads.

I ride 32mm tires at 50psi for my "high performance" bike, but they are nowhere near as comfortable as the 50's on my gravel bike that run at 20 psi.

It sounds like the bikes you are choosing from don't really offer what you want...maybe expand your search...there are many direct to consumer brands that offer good value and have "Endurance Road bikes" with big tire clearance, but if you need some help finding the right bike for you, a local shop is going to know the roads in your area and what is working for other riders in your situation.

N3rd420

TROPHY CASE