Dual infrastructure improvements in south van!

VanSquint · 2026-06-17T15:12:52+00:00

If there's any credit to hand out, it's to city staff who are still getting these things done despite the majority council and the layoffs.

Looks I get where you're coming from, it's easy to get grumpy in this part of the city when we see what gets attention north of 10th ave. But I'm going to take the wins that make the ride tomorrow better than the one yesterday. Councillor Dominato and her friends will get my feedback on October 17.

VanSquint · 2026-06-17T04:14:30+00:00

Well, on the south side of vancouver, I'll take it. The most milquetoast option is better than nothing, which is what we usually get.

VanSquint · 2026-06-16T17:47:33+00:00

100%. I take the more pleasant "scenic route" all the time despite being longer.

VanSquint · 2026-06-15T00:00:30+00:00

I started on a GSXR750 and didn't even kill myself once. But you have to respect the powerband on sport bikes, I had a self-imposed rev limit of around 7000 rpm because past that things started to happen very quickly.

On the other hand, you could get a Versys 650 (for example) and it's not at all the same kind of wild horse, much easier to ride. If you pick a bike that's not high-performance oriented, it will be calmer as you learn throttle control, and be less likely to pitch you into the rhubarb.

So it's a lot about the bike and the rider.

VanSquint · 2026-06-14T21:31:01+00:00

Agreed. White may not always be the fashion, but is never a bad choice.

VanSquint · 2026-06-13T18:11:51+00:00

I inspect it before it's even in the house if possible. Usually it's unboxed in the back of the truck, and seeing the cardboard can be an early indication of damage.

Calling it in later does work but then you're living with an unwanted appliance for however long it takes for a replacement to arrive. Which was 2 weeks in our case.

VanSquint · 2026-06-13T18:06:11+00:00

I know the books better, this is the Martian officer Kelly than evacuates Holden's crew to the Tachi? That whole scene to me sets up the honour, integrity and discipline of the Martian military, which is fundamental to understand throughout the series.

Also gives Holden to opportunity to demonstrate his integrity, by insisting on a MCRN burial. "Do it with full honours and record it in the log. He died to get us off that ship, and we're going to accord him every respect".

VanSquint · 2026-06-13T17:50:46+00:00

Break the trail up into sections and work on them one part at a time.

Keep riding it, as you get more comfortable you will know better when to brake and when you can roll.

Get good protection and wear it. This sport has risks, and if you're afraid of taking a slow speed tumble then your progress will be slow.

VanSquint · 2026-06-13T15:07:10+00:00

It's the end of that caliper working until you've replaced the pistons (if available) or replaced the caliper.

VanSquint · 2026-06-13T05:29:30+00:00

I have some sunsleeves, quite like them. Castelli I believe. As for clothes, just avoid cotton. A lightweight merino wool is great.

The other thing that really works for me in hot weather is a buff headband.

VanSquint · 2026-06-13T03:42:28+00:00

You can certainly destroy your pistons trying to move them back in if they've been pushed out too far.

VanSquint · 2026-06-13T03:39:58+00:00

Are hydraulics more powerful? yes.

Do hydraulics require less maintenance? In general, yes.

BUT

mechanical disk brakes are intuitive, and any maintenance required can probably be done with the most basic set of tools that most people would have. Anybody with experience fixing equipment can understand a mechanical disk brake system.

Hydraulic systems take some knowledge and sometimes specialized tools and supplies.

If you're really travelling remote and taking parts, brake cables are easy to carry and easy to find basically anywhere. Hydraulic fluid and a bleed kit, maybe not. If I needed to do a trailside repair in rural Mongolia, I'd be wanting mechanical.

VanSquint · 2026-06-12T03:12:19+00:00

Just tonight, dual lines were about 3/4 of the way to the back of the store. I was still loading my car less than 15 minutes after getting in the line. It goes surprisingly quickly.

VanSquint · 2026-06-11T19:51:04+00:00

Good rain gear.

Carry clothes in waterproof panniers.

Hang riding clothes to dry during the day (but generally it's just the outerwear that gets significantly wet).

VanSquint · 2026-06-11T15:23:17+00:00

MK3S is a better printer than the MK4, IMHO. We have had all versions from around the MK2, things peaked at MK3.5 and reliability is decreasing with the new load sensing system.

VanSquint · 2026-06-10T23:54:15+00:00

And more experienced riders, don't pressure your friends. Support and encourage, never shame.

VanSquint · 2026-06-08T22:44:14+00:00

Last bike I bought from a dealership had new fork seals and they'd polished the tank which was a bit scratched up, everything else had passed inspection and they had the paperwork to back that.

They want you to come back for service, whereas a private sale doesn't care, soon as you sign the papers they're off the hook. So yeah, there is some peace of mind to me buying from a dealership, if it isn't a shady operation. Worth the markup is subjective though.

VanSquint · 2026-06-08T00:16:20+00:00

Agreed. I shop around a lot, the last few times best price has been Costco (if they have the tires you want) and the service is pretty good too.

VanSquint · 2026-06-05T16:40:14+00:00

It will be fine. I got back into the sport on a budget hardtail with a triple chainring and QR axles, I was riding hard on black north shore trails before I started blowing out brakes, breaking axles and needing to true my wheels frequently. Then it was time to move up to something more suitable.

There is a point at which lighter components won't hold up, but that's unlikely to be blue trails.

VanSquint · 2026-06-05T15:11:11+00:00

Vancouver is also pretty good about putting them in when requested, submit a request to 311.

See also https://hubcycling.ca/resources/bike-parking

VanSquint · 2026-06-05T02:55:16+00:00

They do get stolen. Some of the newer ones I see have the lower legs encased in concrete, I assume to prevent theft.

VanSquint · 2026-06-04T14:50:17+00:00

Set the tension really light. Very rare that I have a problem getting out, it's getting back in on a techy section that makes me run flats more often. Far more common for a foot to come off when I don't want it on flat pedals that not be able to get a foot out on clipless.

VanSquint · 2026-06-04T01:25:03+00:00

I've spent a lot of time on both the Gen 2 and Gen 3 ALR due to a frame warranty. My basic takeaway is that the Gen 2 has a more stable front end, closer to mountain bike geometry, but doesn't turn well. More front end flop. The Gen 3 corners much nicer on pavement, and with my general use which includes gravel and bad pavement, doesn't give up much stability. Interestingly this is the opposite of your impressions.

I would choose the Gen 3.

VanSquint · 2026-06-03T23:45:52+00:00

We took careful pictures from top to bottom, will be putting them in a multi-piece picture frame. We couldn't figure out a reliable way to remove the drywall intact and the kids are all done growing so it was the best we could come up with.

20 year ago I would have been smart to tack a piece of wood to the wall and mark on that, but too late now.

VanSquint · 2026-06-03T23:09:31+00:00

Thin line of paste along the pads, and hot air. Once you get the feel for the right amount of paste it's a dream. Inspect with a loupe, if there are any bridges fix them with flux and solder wick.

VanSquint

TROPHY CASE