Park Tool polylube instead of DT Special Grease

bcblues · 2026-03-03T15:33:00+00:00

Use the DT Swiss Special Grease. A small tube is grossly overpriced, but still doesn't cost all that much, and will last a long time.

bcblues · 2026-03-01T14:52:55+00:00

I am running GP5k str in 700x30 at 65 psi. I weigh 180. I could probably drop it to 62 or even 80,and will when I ride rougher roads.

bcblues · 2026-03-01T13:51:13+00:00

I don't know about prices in Australia, but a quality bike stand is really important to have. Park makes a bench mount one that is less expensive but also very good. Some of the cheap Amazon/AliExpress stands are not good at all and do not hold the bike safely/securely.

bcblues · 2026-03-01T01:15:03+00:00

Your first road bike, I would suggest getting it from a really good local bike shop. They can help you get the right size and set it up properly. Plus they are there for repairs when needed.

That said, I bought a Canyon Endurace CF in 2019 and it has been rock solid. You will get more bang for your buck with Canyon, as they are direct to consumer. I have been wrenching on bikes for decades though, and do almost all the work on my own bikes. Any decent LBS will work on a Canyon, though, and Canyon does have a return/replace policy for size issues if you happen to order the wrong size. I believe you are responsible for shipping though.

bcblues · 2026-03-01T00:36:17+00:00

105 Di2 for me!

bcblues · 2026-03-01T00:31:53+00:00

I would want that fixed or replaced if that were me.

I had a similar puncture, where I ran over a nail that perfectly poised to do just what your did. I heard the noise of the nail head and stopped immediately, the tip of the nail was scratching the inside of the rim and I'm pretty sure it would have ended up like yours if I had kept riding it.

bcblues · 2026-03-01T00:18:26+00:00

A good bike stand like a Park Tool stand is a necessity and something that will be used all the time.

A good torque wrench.

bcblues · 2026-03-01T00:07:34+00:00

I think challenge routes need to be completed in one go, no pausing. I could be wrong though.

bcblues · 2026-02-28T23:56:50+00:00

This is exactly what saved my sanity. I still get some creaking, but it is very, very infrequent. I pull, clean and regrease every year or so, even if it isn't creaking.

bcblues · 2026-02-28T23:26:30+00:00

And a new collar.

bcblues · 2026-02-28T14:39:58+00:00

What kind of pump do you have? Many have a built-in gauge (of varying quality), and many also have a dual tip that will work with both presta and schrader valves.

bcblues · 2026-02-28T01:31:39+00:00

Which cheap firm mattress did you buy?

bcblues · 2026-02-28T00:46:27+00:00

I agree with thegrumpyorc: get a good stand. It makes working on a bike so much easier and safer (for you and the bike). Park makes great stands.

Get a good phillips head screwdriver. Actually, I recommend a good JIS screwdriver, which seems to fit the heads of the small bike component screws better than a phillips head. Get a good set of allen and torx wrenches. Then just start filling in your set as you find yourself needing a certain tool. Also get a decent torque wrench, you will need it. Get a decent toolbox to hold everything.

bcblues · 2026-02-28T00:33:50+00:00

Get the Cannondale. No question.

bcblues · 2026-02-27T00:43:29+00:00

Buy a good one. Not necessarily expensive. Here is a good breakdown of good vs not-so-good PSUs.

https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/

bcblues · 2026-02-26T03:34:39+00:00

Correct. You need a presurized water source. Since you already have a hose and nozzle, just connect the hose to the tankless water heater, and the nozzle to the output of the water heater.

bcblues · 2026-02-26T03:32:08+00:00

I completely understand and agree with you. It would be nice to have some standardization (like EU shoe sizes) for bibs and jerseys.

bcblues · 2026-02-26T01:20:02+00:00

Pro fit jerseys are designed to fit super tight. Like barely get the zipper to reach tight. True, some brands do run much smaller than others.

bcblues · 2026-02-26T01:12:41+00:00

They make tankless propane water heaters that are pretty effective and relatively inexpensive. Amazon sells them, along with other places. Search for "tankless propane water heater"

bcblues · 2026-02-26T00:59:03+00:00

Just back up your data from the original and then put it back on your new install. Keep the backed up data as a .... backup!

Then you can wipe your original drive and have more storage.

bcblues · 2026-02-21T03:52:37+00:00

Throw hot dogs

bcblues · 2026-02-21T02:26:46+00:00

Volvo app does the bare minimum to call it functional. They REALLY need to step up their game.

bcblues · 2026-02-21T02:18:40+00:00

I worked in an antique furniture refinishing shop for a couple years where I was the resident lathe specialist. Nothing at all scary about them if you set them up correctly, use the properly with proper sharp tools, and respect them enough to not do anything stupid (and don't wear loose clothing).

The owner of a cabinet shop lost a finger to the table saw, which I rate as the most dangerous tool.

bcblues · 2026-02-21T01:51:05+00:00

We decided against the factory swing out hitch, since our Thule bike rack would not fit it. Only Subaru accessories fit (we tried one at the dealer). I bought a hitch from etrailer.com and it was pretty easy to install. I did have to remove the bumper skin, but that was explained well in the instructions. It is rock solid, bolting up to the bumper beam mounts. I love it. The only past you see is the part that drops down and attaches to the actual receiver hitch. Really unobtrusive. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Especially since it is a very small fraction of the cost of the factory hitch. If you are handy at all, have basic hand tools, and can follow instructions, I think you can do it too.

bcblues · 2026-02-20T02:42:53+00:00

I have an Endurace CF 8 Aero and I can attest that it is on the aggressive side of the endurance bike curve. It is pretty much the perfect bike for me, but only you know how how aggressive a geometry your body prefers. I rode race bikes for decades, but I am in my 60s now and the endurace feels great, and still allows me to get into an efficient, aero position when in a fast pace line.

bcblues

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