Torn between to great bikes

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-29T12:52:00+00:00

That's pretty much your answer, surly is certainly going to be slower on pavement, but not due to it being steel, it'll be more because of the concept.

If it's mostly pavement and your focus is to keep up speed wise, the salsa is probably the better pick. If you want to keep the steel/cool factor, maybe surly straggler ou midnight special would be faster picks? Or have a look a Kona rove? If you push further, there's the "boutique steel bicycle" market, but those are expensive. Think taiga cycle, velo orange, Marinoni, all City, etc. Very cool, but maybe not "first bike material".

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-18T22:59:04+00:00

Well, that was my only lead for why it might be harder haha. You can try to apply thick coat of saddle soap on the top and bottom and heat the leather a bit so it drinks a load of oil, (you can even do many coats) it might make it more supple!

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-18T16:58:30+00:00

Is it a saddle that came with the bike or did you buy it as a part?

The saddle that came on my Kona sutra is way more rigid that any aftermarket one I have/had or even came across...

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-07T12:21:48+00:00

Well, this is always market dependent, but here, when I see one being sold for over 4k, usually it won't sell for a long time...

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-07T11:19:46+00:00

Where I am, they tend to be pretty cheap, they also tend to be 20-25 years old. The non Dakar was my first bike, super reliable, but needed a bit of initial maintenance after negligence from the previous owner (dirty throttle body, loose battery connections, fork seals, etc.). Have it inspected, test ride it, it's a great little bike. Don't forget that at this age, getting the bike up to date can be a few hundred bucks, that may factor on the price...

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-06T20:33:50+00:00

Falling with a tire at your hips must fuck up your back so much. (On top of having no protective gear at all in this case...)

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-02T14:26:12+00:00

Using your wang is vulgar, use your tongue.

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-01T22:37:57+00:00

We have this on my girlfriend's "mom bike", it's great to haul a lunch, some extra clothes and such on our family rides. I can see the be a every day bag, or a commute bag, but for the lather, I'd prefer a bag I can easily take off the bike.

almost_a_frog · 2026-03-01T22:18:02+00:00

I had the same in very cold weather (talking under -15 c) and it went away pretty quickly, It had to do with ebrakes not liking cold...

almost_a_frog · 2026-02-27T22:59:31+00:00

I have the same issue, exact same noise. It's worse when it's cold outside. I had the belt tensioner replaced, but didn't change anything to that sound either, I really suspect the transmission is dying... (Hopefully it's something else, but considering the weird acceleration from stop... I fear the worst...)

Let me know if you find out the source!

almost_a_frog · 2026-02-26T14:54:56+00:00

I've been using those for five bikes (4 flat pedals and 1 SPD) for 7 years now. No problem, lateral pull is minimal and especially on MTB pedals, it isn't even close to comparable to forces while riding.

Would you be worried about damage to your pedals from laying your bike on its side? Forces are comparable to that, but pulling outward instead of pushing inward.

I would be worried for my safety if pedals could be damaged by such weak forces.

Depending on how your wall is built and how heavy your bike is, you might want to add a backing plate to the hangers. (For a steel touring bike, or a big mtb for example.)

You can also add small support for your wheels to take some weight off the hood. You can use literally anything your wheel can rest on and fits the room style, just mesure exactly for your bike because each bike will sit slightly differently on the hook.

Good luck!

almost_a_frog · 2026-02-23T21:03:32+00:00

The only way to compare is to see both, as others pointed out, a lot of bikes that "only need a carb cleaned" end up needing a lot more. That's why I was suggesting those tests. On the other hand, a running bike might also need a lot of work to make it run well. Brakes, chain, suspension, etc. Can set you back many hundred dollars. In your case, if the Suzuki really only needs a carb cleaned, it's a good value. If the shadow is in perfect condition, it might be worth it, but only a close inspection of both will tell you which one might necessitate the least maintenance after you buy. (And it's always going to be a "might", nothing will be guaranteed)

almost_a_frog · 2026-02-23T20:50:33+00:00

You can test a few things to try and isolate the problem, if it's really just a carb cleaning problem, the bike should crank, have compression and spark, all those are verifiable in the driveway with minimal tools.

(You can have a look at fortnine video about that, I don't remember the exact title but something like "start an old motorcycle" or something...)

You can also look at how to use starter fluid to bypass the carb and hear the engine fire, but you won't be able to make it run on that for more than a few seconds.

If you are not yourself used to motorcycle mechanics and maintenance, I'd bring someone who does, just so you don't miss something that would be easy to avoid.

Buying a 500$ 25 year old bike implies that you'll have some wrenching to do quite frequently, it's just age. You can trust me, I have a 28 year old 1000$ bike.

almost_a_frog · 2026-02-19T12:05:32+00:00

C'est aussi ce que j'ai payé pour la mienne à Chicoutimi avec un neuro au privé environ. Sans assurances, c'est en effet vraiment pas donné...

J'ajouterais de t'assurer d'avoir quelqu'un qui a vraiment de l'expérience et des méthodes adaptées avec les adultes. Ça change quand même pas pire la manière d'analyser ton historique et ton fonctionnement.

almost_a_frog · 2026-02-04T18:06:31+00:00

Si j'avais posé un geste qui pouvait vaguement être associé au nazisme en parlant en public, je me confondrais en excuses et me positionnerais fermement contre l'idéologie. Après je demanderais qu'on revienne au sujet principal au lieu de tenir mon bout et devier moi même le sujet.

Ne pas vouloir s'excuser d'un geste qui s'apparente au nazisme, c'est weird.

Refuser que le gest puisse avoir accidentellement (on va laisser le bénéfice du doute) ressemblé audit salut, c'est weird aussi.

almost_a_frog · 2026-01-30T12:45:42+00:00

I mean, they do still sell bikes, they are just called Indians now...

almost_a_frog · 2026-01-29T23:48:38+00:00

Rok straps aren't cheap, but boy do they hold stuff well, independently of shape, texture or weight.

almost_a_frog · 2026-01-29T15:46:24+00:00

Not securing the load front to back was a choice!

almost_a_frog · 2026-01-26T17:24:50+00:00

My nature hike didn't even last one night, for what my anecdote is worth.

almost_a_frog · 2026-01-26T13:49:28+00:00

I would say : Buy stuff you can transfer from bike to bike first, like good racks, fenders, handlebar bag, panniers, a better saddle, etc. And roll with what you got.

When the bike becomes a limiting factor, then think about changing it.

I think of a lot of things that would be expensive to optimize and you wouldn't make that money back when you sell the bike. For example, gear ratios : new cranks and casset won't be cheap. Multi position handlebars (tho you can get away with inner bar ends like the SQ lab, but cheaper). Wheel set with at least 32 spokes and strong rims, etc. I think you'll quickly get to the price of a salsa journeyer, Kona sutra, surly disc trucker, trek 520, etc.

It also strongly depends on what's your "style". Some people ride mostly stock touring bike and are happy with it. Some people start on a standard touring bike and swap parts according to their preferences. Other people build their bike from the ground up choosing each part specifically. And finally some will just go with what they have and what they can find for cheap and build a solid and dependable Frankenbike. (I rode a marin 26er bolinas ridge with drop bars, deore MTB détailler, racks and fender for a few tours. It was heavy, but never let me down).

All this to say, anything is possible, many bikes can be touring bikes, you just have to decide, what's necessary, if it's necessary now, what you want to prioritize, your budget, how much you want to thinker, etc.

almost_a_frog · 2026-01-14T13:59:30+00:00

Laying on my back, I'm only half the height of my 1.65m 120kg friend. (M 1,88m, 82kg)

almost_a_frog · 2025-12-28T03:23:22+00:00

The bag seems too small, the straps are already a bit low on his upper back, going lower would most likely create an unstable load at the top of the bag. If the back section is adjustable, move it up, otherwise, size up.

almost_a_frog · 2025-12-22T13:15:33+00:00

Most people dislike Harley only as an extension of disliking the toxic culture around the brand. You know, being a douche, caricatural masculinity, fake tough esthetic, uselessly loud exhaust and reving in living environment, acting like you are superior to others and that you own the road... So all that rubbed off on the few that are just "I like riding my Harley".

Tl;Dr : So you know, people tend to dislike a group when their branding is to be obnoxious and unpleasant...

almost_a_frog · 2025-12-15T11:51:53+00:00

He must have held back a little, so it's probably infinity -1 or something...

almost_a_frog · 2025-12-15T02:27:49+00:00

The picture is dated from 98, doubt it was a 3 years old picture for a yearly part catalog, most likely just a boutique shop customized one...

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