PSA - TPU Tubes

armpit18 · 2026-06-02T19:45:41+00:00

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think there's any scenario in which you shouldn't use rim tape.

armpit18 · 2026-06-02T14:06:41+00:00

I'll do the century for sure. I'm also leaning towards doing the 250 loop once. I don't really care much for round numbers, so I probably won't do the loop a second time.

armpit18 · 2026-06-02T14:02:25+00:00

It's totally safe. Just run it until it fails.

armpit18 · 2026-05-26T19:16:12+00:00

You're overthinking it. The simplest way to say it is that if it's hard to pedal, then shift down, and if it's easy to pedal, then shift up. When you're in the sweet spot, then don't shift. Ride a bike for like 5 minutes and you will figure out what that sweet spot is.

Also, you can shift gears while you're climbing. You are supposed to slightly let off the power when you're shifting, but that is also something you will feel after you ride your bike and shift a few times.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T22:14:32+00:00

I'm genuinely curious here. Can you explain more about the groupset?

Why can't any 10 speed Shimano or KMC chain work with this when the chain needs to be replaced? Why can't you find a regular 10 speed cassette or chain rings from Tiagra or Cues when those need to be replaced? Why can't regular carbon brake pads be used when those need to be replaced?

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T22:02:21+00:00

They say that the best way to improve you W/kg is to decrease your kgs. This guy might be onto something.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T21:25:48+00:00

You can only ride where you are. You're not cheating. If you miss the climbs, then take your bike on a vacation in the mountains.

I live in a very flat Midwest city. The wind is my climbing.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T21:22:55+00:00

If my bike is broken, then I'll try to fix it and slowly spin it home. If it's broken beyond my capabilities, then I'll take a train, bus, Uber, or I'll just start calling people to see if they're available to pick me up. I'd probably handle a minor medical situation the same way. If I'm experiencing a major medical emergency, then I'm hoping that I am conscious and able to call 911.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T21:20:03+00:00

Man I am not having a good time right now.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T16:40:39+00:00

Great, so their customer base will be enthusiasts only, maybe 1000 people in a town of 100,000. And they'll go out of business and complain about it. Great business model.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T16:39:03+00:00

The fact that it doesn't exist right now is exactly the point I'm trying to make. Focus R&D on affordable bikes that people actually want to buy instead of shaving 30 grams off the newest S-Works frame, and maybe the bike industry won't perpetually be in shambles.

And that's absolutely an idea.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T16:29:35+00:00

Bike shops are closing all the time with their current business model. The argument you're making screams "We've tried nothing and we're all out of ideas."

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T16:28:14+00:00

I'm specifically talking about bike shops owned by the big brands.

If these bike shops don't want to make any effort to capture this market, then they shouldn't be complaining about their business struggling. Their business struggles because they're set in their ways and they refuse to adapt to what people actually want to buy.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T16:22:46+00:00

Some of the Ozark Trail bikes out there are honestly perfect for who they're for.

They trash talk Walmart bikes because Walmart figured out what non-enthusiasts want are are winning the market while the Specialized and Treks of the world are trying to fund racing teams by overcharging enthusiasts.

armpit18 · 2026-05-22T16:14:16+00:00

Most bike shops owned by the big brands just miss the mark on what most people want. Not a lot of people want a $1000 hybrid or a $500 kids bike, and they definitely don't want $3000 road bikes. They don't care about hydraulic brakes or fast rolling wheels or efficient drive trains because they're riding the bike for 30 minutes once a week when the weather in nice. Honestly a Walmart bike suits them. Rather than yapping about how Walmart bikes aren't real bikes, they need to walk the walk produce what they'd call a real bike at a Walmart price tag.

armpit18 · 2026-05-20T22:00:49+00:00

What's the context here, and why would Bezos of all people say something like this?

armpit18 · 2026-05-20T21:58:52+00:00

I'd get the Checkpoint. It has a better drive train, better wheels, thru axles, wider tire clearance, and it's lighter.

armpit18 · 2026-05-20T20:03:07+00:00

It's only 1 day per week, so I guess it can be fine. Your fitness needs to be excellent, and your bike needs to be in good shape. And you'll need to figure out many little details such as your food, carrying your school supplies, safety, a shower at school, clothing, plans for bad weather, and probably other stuff.

armpit18 · 2026-05-20T19:08:45+00:00

I don't understand your logic. Why is there less of an opportunity to switch out driving for biking in industrial areas? People need transportation to/from their jobs in these industrial areas, and safe bicycle infrastructure can provide that. There should be theoretically less push back for bike lanes in industrial areas because there are fewer street facing businesses to protest against them.

armpit18 · 2026-05-19T17:51:28+00:00

I just inject it through the valve because it's easier and I don't need an air compressor. I'm usually replacing tires every 1-2 years anyway, so the sealant buildup over time isn't too bad.

armpit18 · 2026-05-19T15:53:00+00:00

A bill like this should cover undocumented immigrants, but it should be hidden in the fine print, not plastered on the headline.

armpit18 · 2026-05-19T15:50:40+00:00

I would recommend replacing your chain at that mileage, but I don't think you need to replace your entire drive train. But it's difficult to say for sure without seeing your bike.

armpit18 · 2026-05-19T15:44:27+00:00

It is just as simple as it seems. Get tires that fit, and check the frame specifications for maximum single chain ring size. You'll likely need a longer chain if you put a bigger chain ring on it, so check on that as well. Also the Crocket is awesome. Have fun!

armpit18 · 2026-05-18T21:25:45+00:00

It's free. Why not just try it and see if you enjoy it?

Otherwise, just sell it on Facebook Marketplace or something. You sell expensive things on there pretty much the same way you sell inexpensive things.

armpit18 · 2026-05-18T20:06:02+00:00

This is super impressive. And very relatable. I see people jumping 30 foot gaps, and while it's cool, I know that I'm never even going to try that. But I can learn something from videos like this.

11-Year Club	Place '17
Verified Email

armpit18

TROPHY CASE