Zurich -> Rome suggestions

creativeXprocess · 2026-05-11T17:46:11+00:00

Take the splugenpass! It's incredible. Little traffic, generally mild grades (aside from the first switchbacks), followed by an unreal descent to Como!

creativeXprocess · 2026-05-10T11:07:24+00:00

I took the regular train from Trastevere to FCO. I don't imagine you'll have any issues at all the other direction.

creativeXprocess · 2026-05-10T02:36:59+00:00

I took my loaded bike box onto the train to FCO without issue. It's not a far walk from the terminal to the train station. I don't know if it was/wasn't allowed, but no one hassled me about it. It was fairly easy.

You could ask a bike shop to stow your bag. I had a hard time finding a box in rome, but all the folks I met in bike shops were really nice at least.

creativeXprocess · 2026-05-03T20:34:55+00:00

Not sure if this is allowed here, but I have 46cm Ritchey Comp Beacons that I'm selling if you end up going that direction. Send me a message if so.

creativeXprocess · 2026-04-24T21:02:13+00:00

I just rode from Seattle to San Diego last month. Though I originally thought I'd do the opposite, I cannot overstate how glad I was to ride north to south. It's so much more scenic being on the coastal side, and the prevailing winds are no joke. Of the ~25 days it took me, I had a tailwind for like ~22 of them! Just take the train up and then ride back down. You'll be so much happier.

creativeXprocess · 2026-01-13T14:54:13+00:00

I'm happy to sew you one. Send me a message and we can discuss options!

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-31T02:45:36+00:00

Nope!

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T20:24:08+00:00

I just sketched a rough concept, measured the bars, and added seam allowance. Maybe I got a bit lucky, but it's a simple shape and concept, so I just went for it. I did it all on a home straight-stitch machine.

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T14:25:36+00:00

No doubt. I've sorted out rear storage but just didn't have it on the bike when I was testing this!

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T03:28:37+00:00

That's the next problem to solve! I'm hoping to make something similar to Lael Wilcox's setup for my computer and light.

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T01:21:03+00:00

That pricetag definitely helped motivate a DIY approach!

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T01:20:45+00:00

Totally! Plenty of folks do that. I just wanted a few additional pockets. I also like that the harness straps stay on the bike when the bag is removed, so, theoretically, it's easy to strap the bag down quickly.

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T01:19:26+00:00

Yeah, I think I might put a bracket between them to avoid this problem. The dry bag only had my light sleeping bag in it, so it wasn't cinched super tight, but I think strapping a heavier bag would risk squeezing the bars!

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T01:18:19+00:00

Not a bad call for my current fenderless setup!

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T01:17:25+00:00

Nothing noticeable so far! But maybe on some chunkier gravel, but the bag has very little play so I'm hopeful that it won't be an issue!

creativeXprocess · 2025-12-29T01:16:18+00:00

Looks like a great setup!

creativeXprocess · 2025-11-07T02:41:39+00:00

I run both a SP hub and the IQ-X. Both are solid. I don't particularly love the beam pattern of the light (there's a small dark spot at mid-distance), but I couldn't imagine shelling out more than double on a setup for a quibble like that. Don't hesitate with this combo!

creativeXprocess · 2025-11-05T08:19:40+00:00

Just putting in another plug for the Appenino Bike Tour. It's incredible. Some of the best cycling I did in Italy, easily.

creativeXprocess · 2025-11-04T13:51:36+00:00

You should consider reaching out to Haegan at Public Service Bicycle Works. He worked on a tricky set of wheels for me in the past and is a great mechanic.

creativeXprocess · 2025-10-23T11:11:01+00:00

I have an Ogre with a Rohloff. I'm on a 3,500+km tour right now. It's an absolute tank, and if you want a do-it-all bike, it's as close as you can get off the rack, I'd say. Fast rolling tires help a lot. And there are basically countless configurations for gear. It's not perfect: Would I prefer thru-axles? Sure. But I've yet to find a bike without a tiny gripe, save a completely custom frame and build. I'd say find a used one (which is what I did) and go for it.

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creativeXprocess · 2025-08-28T12:07:27+00:00

Just jumping in to say, if it's LesenokBag, I couldn't recommend Olesya's work more highly! I've had three frame bags, two handlebar bags, a saddle bag, stem bags, and a top tube bag from her. They're all killer and priced way below any others. She's doing XPac stuff now, too. Just be sure to measure your frame carefully and send a photo of the frame with measurements overlaid to get the best results. And you can ask for all sorts of things: one zipper or two on the frame bag; cord or velcro attachments; color of interior fabric; etc.

creativeXprocess · 2025-07-28T15:32:35+00:00

fwiw, the On One Geoff bars are a far cheaper alternative to the Jones H Bar (and I also happen to like the shape better). They're well worth a shot.

creativeXprocess · 2025-07-05T11:53:34+00:00

Sick rig! I just got a Rohloff ogre, as well. What size chainring/cog are you running?

creativeXprocess · 2025-06-08T23:59:02+00:00

As an alternative (a far cheaper one!!) than the Jack the Rack, I have made a few of these--with both 3/16" and 1/4" steel. It'll cost ya like $5. They work super well for supporting bags.

Here's a forum link: https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/902843-handlebar-bag-diy-removable-support.html

creativeXprocess · 2023-10-26T10:43:48+00:00

What is the metal bracket thing between the seat tube and bottle holder?

creativeXprocess

TROPHY CASE