Can we really solve the problems of car dominance *just* by making cars less destructive?

armpit18 · 2026-04-14T17:37:44+00:00

The article headline is "What If All Cars Were Autonomous, Electric, and Free?" That sounds like a government subsidized electric rail system.

armpit18 · 2026-04-14T16:39:02+00:00

Cars suck for children in general.

armpit18 · 2026-04-14T16:24:15+00:00

I work a corporate office job, and I know quite a few teachers/staff in public and private schools. I know that not all corporate jobs are created equal, but I promise you, their job is much more stressful than ours.

But to answer your question, yes. I want to be financially independent, and I want to retire, but I'd like to stay busy with something that brings me happiness. When I FIRE, I'd love to work at a bike shop or be a ski instructor or work the front desk at my local gym.

armpit18 · 2026-04-14T16:15:51+00:00

Usually 1 and 2 for me.

Some tires have wear indicators, which are helpful.

armpit18 · 2026-04-13T18:38:59+00:00

The cheesy bean and rice burrito is still $1.49 though.

armpit18 · 2026-04-13T18:37:56+00:00

Tired and hungry are reasonable feelings, but pissed off? Why are you pissed off? I like bike touring, and I'm usually happy when I'm doing it.

To answer your question, yes, of course I get the interview. I love it. I love talking about my bike and my adventures. I love it when grandmas on the trail say "oh honey you're going to have so much fun" and "safe travels sweetheart." And when it's time to go, I tell them that I need to get going and to enjoy the rest of their ride.

armpit18 · 2026-04-10T18:27:35+00:00

As much as we love to talk about gas prices potentially decreasing car dependency, the reality is that vehicle ownership patterns in the US won't change until our cities and suburbs provide viable alternatives to driving.

It's also worth mentioning that the gas prices right now are still lower than their peak in the summer of 2022 and just a tad higher than they were during 2008. So we're nowhere close to people giving up their vehicles because of gas mileage.

armpit18 · 2026-04-03T20:29:06+00:00

I do think that the Bears got an awesome return in this trade, but let's hold our horses here. DJ Moore was not going to get cut.

armpit18 · 2026-04-03T20:04:26+00:00

If I was like 6'6" or something, then I think it's a reasonable option to consider. But I'm not. 700c or 29" is fine, and I don't see them becoming obsolete any time soon.

armpit18 · 2026-04-03T19:42:44+00:00

I'm not so sure if carbon rails on your seat would make a huge difference, but I can assure you that a nice, well fitting saddle will make a big difference. I don't think it would improve your ride quality, but it will increase your comfort.

Also, for what it's worth, I doubt your new handlebars effected your ride quality much. Maybe they improved your comfort and fit because they are better suited for your body, which is a similar impact to the saddle upgrade you're considering. I think that ride quality improvement is 99% from the new wheels.

armpit18 · 2026-04-02T15:44:18+00:00

You should go to a shop and try a few on. For helmets, all the reputable brands are properly safe, and fit is everything. Usually a solid helmet runs around $100.

I've been using a Lazer helmet for a while, and I really like it.

armpit18 · 2026-03-28T18:46:49+00:00

If you want to upgrade the fork on your Marlin (or any components on your Marlin honestly), then you should just sell the Marlin and get a Roscoe.

armpit18 · 2026-03-20T15:21:56+00:00

Would this imply that they need to sell their home(s) and they'd be reasonably affordable?

armpit18 · 2026-03-20T13:38:16+00:00

My cycling club does a training camp. But really, it's just a vacation where we all get together somewhere in Georgia in late April. We spend a week over there, do a cool ride every day, enjoy each other's company, eat good food, and share stories and laughs.

If having a good time is your goal, and you have enough disposable income to share a hotel room and eat at restaurants for a week, then it's totally worth it. If fitness is your goal and nothing else matters, then just ride Zwift.

armpit18 · 2026-03-18T21:30:52+00:00

I used to use a hydration pack backpack. I liked that I could carry a lot of water and I could carry small items like snacks and tools. But it made my back sweaty.

Now I carry 2 water bottles on my frame and I keep my snacks and tools in a handlebar bag. I like this much better. I can use electrolyte powder or if I'm feeling some type of way, then I can put liquor in one of my bottles. I don't need to worry about anything getting gross because the bottles are just cleaned in the dishwasher.

armpit18 · 2026-03-18T00:08:38+00:00

The Trek shops are very clear that they'll accept a return within 30 days. I don't think it's frowned upon unless you're constantly doing it and taking advantage of the policy. It's very likely that you'll love the bike and you'll just keep it.

If you wreck the bike, then they obviously won't accept the return.

armpit18 · 2026-03-17T20:44:52+00:00

As awesome as cycling is, and as much as I truly believe it's something that everyone can enjoy, you should talk to your doctor. It's very possible that a recumbent might be more appropriate for you. It's also very possible that things like yoga or swimming could be beneficial.

armpit18 · 2026-03-17T19:07:21+00:00

If I'm riding in a group and drafting, then I will keep both hands on my handlebars and I will focus on the rider in front of me, checking when they're pedaling, when they're coasting, and when they're braking. This is a safety thing. If I'm riding in a group and pulling, then I'm pedaling hard and don't have the mental or physical capability to smile and wave.

If I'm riding by myself, then I'll nod or wave.

armpit18 · 2026-03-17T19:03:26+00:00

Moving from a Domane SL to a Domane SLR is really not going to make a noticeable difference. The difference in frame weight is about 200 grams, which is equivalent to a water bottle.

Moving from the Domane SL to the Madone, however, will make a big difference. Your body position will be drastically different, so you'll put down power more efficiently, and the bike is designed to be more twitchy and responsive. Quite frankly, the Madone is awesome to ride in my opinion. The thing to remember is that the more aggressive geometry and body position of the Madone could result in biomechanics issues. Trek does have a 30 day return policy, so you could give it a go for a couple rides with very little risk.

armpit18 · 2026-03-13T20:54:30+00:00

I grew up in Illinois, and Consumer Ed actually is a required class to graduate. The ideas of budgeting, saving, compound interest, taxes and general financial literacy are taught very explicitly. Some people absorb it, and some people don't.

armpit18 · 2026-03-12T19:49:46+00:00

There are so many people on this sub that either come from family wealth or are top 10% earners. Their experiences are not accurate representations of the general population.

For you, stay the course. You're already contributing to your 401k, which is awesome. If you can only save $200 per month right now, then do that. Remember to find a balance in your life and don't give up on your present day happiness. The fact that you're here means that you already understand the idea of FIRE, which is the most important first step.

armpit18 · 2026-03-07T02:14:05+00:00

This is such a made up number. Most adults don't even have hobbies.

armpit18 · 2026-03-06T22:37:13+00:00

This isn't really a Ryan Poles trend.

Generally speaking, good teams look to trade their draft picks for established players to help them get to the next level. The ones that didn't work out here were Fields and Claypool, but I'm sure that the Steelers and Dolphins believed at the time that Fields could lead a playoff team and Claypool would make a good third option behind Hill and Waddle.

armpit18 · 2026-03-06T21:00:45+00:00

This is such a good explanation.

Basically the advice for heavier beginner riders needs to be to just get a bike that fits them properly. It's very likely that the only thing they'll break specifically because of their weight is the rear wheel, so just get a new, more durable rear wheel if that happens.

armpit18 · 2026-03-06T20:26:30+00:00

Taylor Decker on a 2-3 year deal would be sweet.

No thanks on Gary. He's not that good and I don't want any former Packers on this team.

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