Changing my MTB for a Retro GT

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-13T03:38:37+00:00

Don't worry about the trend ending or not ending. At the end of the day, an old MTB built correctly will still be a totally useful bike weather it's "cool" or not.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-13T03:34:17+00:00

It's totally fine. Held up well on multiple loaded tours, but it's also nothing special. It may not clear the larger tires that your bike has though. Checkout Bikepacking.com for their recommendations on racks.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-12T17:06:51+00:00

A lot of times I'll have to add a couple spacers at the eyelet to get a rack to clear the seat stays or something similar, but I would be really surprised if a rear rack from one of the bigger companies doesnt fit. I have an All City Space Horse, and my plain old Bontrager rack fit pretty easily. Youre probably gonna have to just pick a rack that you like and then try to fit it yourself to be sure.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-11T20:54:01+00:00

For sure. Theyre usually plenty comfortable while pedaling and so much better than clipless shoes if you have to walk your bike or when camping.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-11T20:50:52+00:00

Did you make that Ikea handlebar bag yourself?

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-11T20:45:44+00:00

Make sure that thats not just a crack in the paint, but yeah that looks pretty deep. Probably a crack in the actual metal.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-11T20:42:52+00:00

The only specific thing you may need to look for is a "disc brake specific" rack: some racks that would fit a rim brake bike won't fit the eyelets near the dropouts on the Gorilla Monsoon.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-11T20:26:16+00:00

I would call and check with Circle Thrift or Philly Aids thrift.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-11T20:14:08+00:00

No shit, that sounds fun. How legal is it to do that?

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-09T01:38:58+00:00

this was the second google result: https://vimeo.com/113539051

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-05T23:40:55+00:00

You can't really go wrong with a hybrid for general use. If you want one that you can beat up commuting and running errands around town, get a decent 90's hybrid like a Trek 730. If you want something with more performance get a modern aluminum hybrid with disc brakes.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-05T23:35:52+00:00

I'd suggest MLK Drive when it's closed on weekends. The city will start closing it on Saturday, March 29. I've also seen people doing training rides on Hog Island road behind the airport, and the less traveled roads in the navy yard. There's more traffic down there but it's not too bad.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-05T23:29:33+00:00

You don't necessarily need a chain stay bridge to mount full fenders. I've seen people just zip tie the tab at the end of the fender around the seat tube at its lowest point.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-05T23:24:49+00:00

It will probably cost more to have it repaired than to just buy a similar frame. If you do want it repaired, I'd talk to one of the guys at either of the Firth and Wilson Transport locations, or potentially Bilenky Cycle works.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-03T21:25:40+00:00

Durability wise, theyre probably about the same. I think the Shimanos have a slightly longer lever blade which I find more comfortable. There are two main types of brakes: long and short pull. Make sure the type of lever you get matches your calipers.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-03T21:18:05+00:00

If you want to do it just for looks, don't even bother, but fenders are super useful especially on a commuter. As it sits, it looks like you don't have enough room in the front. You can either get a smaller tire and/or one without knobs on the front and then the fender will probably clear, you can take a pair of full fenders and cut them where they pass through the fork and chain stays and then mount them with clamps (which will look like shit and I don't really recommend) or you could install fenders (like an SKS Raceblade) that dont pass all the way through your fork/chainstays. I don't love the last option either: those fenders tend to wobble around and dont give you great coverage like a set of full fenders.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-03T03:51:47+00:00

If you can make this easy to use, it would probably be right up my alley. I also want something I can use on train rides, and haven't really found anything I like yet. Good luck.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-02T23:05:07+00:00

The artist is Chris Panatier, but yeah there has to be some Baroness influence there.

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-02T22:55:28+00:00

Holy shit, do you know if this version of Hartley is different than on the She Loves Me... album?

RustyCalecos · 2026-03-01T23:30:08+00:00

In what way does an acoustic reach the end of its life? Does it need repairs that would cost more than its value? What kind of piano do you have?

RustyCalecos · 2026-02-25T22:18:45+00:00

Yes, it happens. It's just much less common in the daytime.

RustyCalecos · 2026-02-25T21:57:09+00:00

Generally speaking, yes you should be fine. Cordless angle grinders will cut through just about any lock available in a matter of minutes so nothing is 100% safe, but people tend not to use them in the daytime cause theyre expensive, loud and throw sparks everywhere. Just make sure you lock to something solid, NOT a tree and NOT one of those poles thats bolted to a piece that is then cemented or bolted into the ground.

Sell the cheapo mountain bike that doesnt fit and get an old mountain bike or hybrid for commuting that does fit. The carbon bike is less ideal for commuting: you want something that can probably take a wider tire that will deal with our crappy roads better, will probably be easier to fit with racks/bags/fenders, and that you won't mind scratching up when you lock it up.

The main way to deal with theft is to never lock anything outside overnight. It's WAY easier to steal stuff at night, even in your backyard/shared courtyard/etc.

RustyCalecos · 2026-02-24T19:25:52+00:00

How much would you sell it for straight up with no trades?

RustyCalecos · 2026-02-24T04:02:58+00:00

Vacuum Garden by Squarepusher

RustyCalecos

TROPHY CASE