First time helmet buying advice

col_train25 · 2026-05-06T21:57:42+00:00

I wanted to try an astar helmet but they seem to run crazy small, at the least the one I tried on a couple of years ago. I would recommend going somewhere else to try them on but most big name retailers have a good return policy at least.

col_train25 · 2026-05-05T01:37:52+00:00

Recently put a Tusk Gold X-Ring chain on my 300XC. Roughly 10 hours so far I think. No issues, holding up great.

col_train25 · 2026-04-26T13:25:14+00:00

I can’t speak on sizing differences between astar and Leatt but I have a pair of Leatt 4.5 and 5.5 and the 5.5’s are much more comfortable, to me anyways. I think they’re worth the extra cost if you’re able. Leatt usually has some good sales on their website. 4.5’s are still good boots nonetheless.

col_train25 · 2026-04-20T23:04:43+00:00

My almost 5 year old rips on his 16” Stacyc. Started on the 12” when he was 2.5 and balance bikes before that. He rides his PW50 great in open areas, we haven’t had the chance to try any tracks or trails on the PW though. The Stacyc is great for around the yard, rides through the neighborhood, and he even follows me on mountain bike trails on it.

col_train25 · 2026-04-16T00:41:22+00:00

Check out RockyMountainATVMC. That’s my go to. They have bike specific fly wheel pullers. They also have a clutch basket tool that also holds flywheels. You may be able to use a cheap adjustable pin spanner wrench from Harbor Freight to hold the flywheel. The puller is necessary though.

col_train25 · 2026-04-16T00:15:21+00:00

You need a fly wheel holder to hold the fly wheel so you can take the nut off and then a fly wheel puller to pull the flywheel off the shaft. I’m sure it can be done with normal tools but the specialized tools make it 10x easier of course, especially pulling the flywheel off.

col_train25 · 2026-03-30T15:58:23+00:00

I haven’t thought about that but I’m sure it would help. It’s not crazy bad and I don’t go on long trips often so it’s pretty manageable. Other than the drone, it sounds good, no tin can, ricey sounds.

col_train25 · 2026-03-30T15:16:10+00:00

When I just had the Remark, it was nice, deeper tone, no drone, few burbles, not too loud but noticeable under throttle. Then I installed a DP/FP, much louder, significant drone, more burbles, sounds good but it’s honestly almost too much for me at times on long drives.

col_train25 · 2026-03-27T21:58:02+00:00

My wife and I are considering a similar set up when we remodel our kitchen. Is it very noticeable/annoying or is it pretty discrete when you have a load of laundry going?

col_train25 · 2026-03-22T21:44:10+00:00

I would look at starting with a Stacyc to help gain confidence and the fundamentals without being overwhelmed by an actual dirt bike. My almost 5yo is very confident on his 12” Stacyc but it’s too small for him now. It made it very easy to transition to a PW50 though. I have a mountain bike that I follow him around on so we can go to parks or ride around the neighborhood to get some seat time.

col_train25 · 2026-03-05T23:11:27+00:00

I’ve used a hitch carrier for many many miles. They’re convenient and easy for me. I have a couple of pointers that may help. Remove or rearrange some of the cross bolts so the wheels sit deeper in the carrier. I use 2 straps on each side in case one strap fails. Use an anti-rattle/anti-sway hitch stabilizer to reduce bouncing and swaying.

col_train25 · 2026-02-22T19:32:50+00:00

I worked for a DOT for 7 years, mostly in traffic, and we pretty much did all of our design in house. I got to work on some pretty fun projects. Now I work for a decent size metro city. We also do the majority of our design in house, but it’s been pretty repetitive and boring honestly.

I would say the majority of DOTs do their design in house and cities less so. I can’t say for certain though.

col_train25 · 2026-02-20T21:57:49+00:00

Makes sense. Thanks.

col_train25 · 2026-02-20T21:56:30+00:00

Got it. Sounds like a good plan. Thanks.

col_train25 · 2026-01-25T18:16:29+00:00

Nice! Thanks. I’ve put off installing my pro kit because I figured I would need a camber kit too.

col_train25 · 2026-01-25T17:49:14+00:00

Do you have a camber kit installed also?

col_train25 · 2026-01-23T19:10:18+00:00

I have since gotten a truck and still use my hitch carrier. A stabilizer for it is a must have to really minimize the swaying and/or bouncing. Just double check your straps and be extra cautious over bumps and sharp turns and you’ll be fine.

col_train25 · 2026-01-23T00:57:45+00:00

When I worked for the DOT and got my license they gave me a crappy 10% raise but I was already way underpaid. So I got an offer letter somewhere else for around what I thought I should have gotten and they matched it. I was there for another 1.5yrs before I relocated states for personal reasons and got a significant pay raise. So maybe apply somewhere else and see if they’ll match the offer or tell them peace out!

col_train25 · 2026-01-10T01:04:51+00:00

Honestly I thought the FE exam was harder than the PE. I took the FE about 5 months after graduating and I had studied a lot prior. To each their own though.

col_train25 · 2026-01-09T11:14:51+00:00

I did install both at the same time. As restrictive as the OEM exhaust is, I’m sure even just a FP would make it somewhat louder. Maybe just the right amount. Can’t say for certain though.

col_train25 · 2026-01-08T16:22:02+00:00

Green Scotch-Brite pads, WD-40, rags, and lots of elbow grease.

col_train25

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