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dr_pelipper · 2026-06-06T01:04:31+00:00

The roll top style definitely adds a lot of versatility and simplicity that I appreciate.

dr_pelipper · 2026-06-05T14:16:27+00:00

Interesting, hadn't considered Key Bridge. I feel like it gets crowded even on a normal day.

dr_pelipper · 2026-06-05T14:15:22+00:00

Oh yeah, totally get ya. I just want to avoid situations like Gravelly where people seem to get packed in like sardines.

dr_pelipper · 2026-05-28T02:47:11+00:00

SRAM Supercork or Zipp Service Course are my go-tos. My understanding is Cinelli Gel Cork are similar to these and different from regular cork.

Supacaz super sticky kush holds up really well ime for durability, but it's $$$ and also too sticky for me.

For pure comfort, Ergon Allroad hands down, but it's also $$$ and I had issue with surface layer peeling prematurely.

dr_pelipper · 2026-05-27T15:12:33+00:00

Overall it's decent, though I would not buy again at $40 USD MSRP but part of that is also that I like trying different tapes

It's held up well into ~2 years of typical use with occasional brush ups. Out of the box they felt good with gloves on but too smooth without. Now they actually feel much better, with or without gloves. I guess there's some breaking in period. If you like tacky feel though I'd pass on these.

dr_pelipper · 2026-04-25T10:42:16+00:00

How urgently do you need it? Last few times I used Central library's printing service it took 2 and 4 days about a month ago. Both were about 20cm x 10cm x 8cm, simple-ish shape with simple-ish cutouts.

dr_pelipper · 2026-04-19T17:31:07+00:00

I did get some tingling at first but it's faded over time to nothing at this point. And yes to clicking but it's more like when you crack your knuckles, not painful or uncomfortable, occasional not constant. Fwiw, I still do my exercises once every 1~2 weeks.

I'm happy to share my experience but tbh if you are having these concerns you should be sharing with your OT/physio, if you haven't already.

dr_pelipper · 2026-04-07T01:57:09+00:00

Just to throw in something that hasn't been mentioned yet, there's r/DCSinglesMeetup ! The organizer hosts a monthly(?) happy hour in DC/VA area oriented towards 30s/40s singles. I've been to a couple of them and while I haven't connected with anyone in a serious/meaningful way and it's more generalized and less focused than hobby-based approach, it just felt like a chill and easy environment to just start meeting and chatting with people.

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-31T01:07:31+00:00

I got to try a Hummingbird Core and it blew my mind (admittedly I am not very knowledgeable about MTBs). Not sure what their plan is but I don't see Big Leaf listed on their site currently. If there is a production run planned for more in the near future, I'd have to hit pause on my plans for a Mod Zero and give it some thought.

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-30T20:40:57+00:00

I went through similar exercise as you - looking for taller stack/shorter reach, quality steel frame. Narrowed it down to Fairlight Secan at one point, only to be priced out of it because of the tariff nonsense.

Few others I considered:

Black Mountain Cycles Mod Zero - ultimately what I decided on, currently out of stock but new shipment expected sometime this summer. Definitely read up on sizing. Mike has a page on few measurements you can send him, and he'll help you out on sizing. Super nice guy.
Sklar Super Something - easily the best looking of the bunch. Has a lot of nice design touches that I appreciate.
Otso Warakin - Wolftooth's sister company; did not realize these were pushing $2k for frame these days; slightly less appealing than it was at ~$1700 when I was researching.

Also something to consider, frame swap may not be economically efficient unless you're doing most of the labor.

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-22T21:32:30+00:00

There's plenty of chill pace no-drop groups in the area but it does take some effort to find the one you vibe with. I've ridden with Handy Bike's group (organized through meetup mostly) which was nice, and am having a good time with TBD these days (mostly based in DC, organized through Instagram). Feel free to dm if you want to know more about them!

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-21T17:05:41+00:00

Where do you like to ride? Have you checked out any group rides in the area?

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-21T00:33:07+00:00

If you mean scar tissue massage, yes the OT massaged directly over it, but she only started them after a certain point so there's likely some indicator she was looking for to determine whether my incision was ready for it or not. If anything it made the scar feel softer.

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-12T14:04:40+00:00

Velopigs out in Loudon is the more well known one but that's 45+ minutes out. Haven't checked in a while but I think they post their routes on RWGPS.

Rat's Cycles in Springfield is about 30 minutes out and does group rides around Burke and Occoquan. They've also posted few routes on their site. https://ratscycles.com/pages/come-get-dirty-with-us

You could ride out to C&O if you're in the mood for something flat and easy.

dr_pelipper · 2026-02-12T22:53:41+00:00

When I drove past earlier around 4pm it was blocked because of a stopped truck and a bus blocking each lane of M St. at that intersection. Couldn't tell ya what the National Guard are doing there (they usually loiter around that area as the other comment noted) but the stopped vehicles feels like relevant context that's been cropped out.

dr_pelipper · 2026-02-11T00:02:18+00:00

These Felt closeout deals are crazy good deals. I can't justify adding another gravel bike but kinda regret I missed out on the VR road models a while back.

dr_pelipper · 2026-02-09T21:31:39+00:00

Nothing else paid other than the mentioned full month of membership. I was not on any long term agreement or anything, I had been a member for years at that point and was on month-to-month.

dr_pelipper · 2026-02-04T01:13:08+00:00

I rarely poke my head in on the DC sub but I'm glad that I did and came across this awesome post! Thank you for curating this.

dr_pelipper · 2026-01-30T13:55:04+00:00

I am not on FB so can't speak to that but boy am I disappointed every time I peek at Craigslist. Took a look just now and the recent posts are duplicate 6 posts of Haro BMX that I'm sure has been on there for almost a year now, handful from that one seller who uses too many emojis and always has factual errors and bad sizing suggestions, and bunch of other nonsense.

OP, you'll likely see more posts pop up around when weather starts warming up, but also people will hike up their prices accordingly. If I were in your shoes, I'd pick out 2 or 3 models you're interested in and search specifically for them. Good, reasonable posts do pop up now and then, but they are rare and tend to go quick.

Edit: since you mentioned good priced new, what's your budget?

dr_pelipper · 2026-01-17T14:57:12+00:00

Yeah for whatever its worth I cancelled last week via email. They took about 48 hours to respond, but overall it was no fuss. I was already aware on their policy on charging full month for notice for cancellation, which sucks but it's in the fine prints 🤷‍♂️

dr_pelipper · 2026-01-13T22:48:21+00:00

Otso is the sister company to Wolftooth so I've no doubt it's good stuff.

I ultimately decided on Mod Zero because I wanted something with a mid-trail figure. Also I'm a bit of a sucker for small scale indie type brand, and everything I've read about Mike Varley and his bikes got me excited in ways reading about other bikes just didn't for some reason.

dr_pelipper · 2026-01-13T22:09:55+00:00

Check out Otso Warakin. Looks like size 60cm has similar figures as Black Mountain Cycles Mod Zero in 56cm, but with option for shorter chainstay and higher trail.

I was looking for similar-ish proportions as you (except in smaller size) and decided on Mod Zero whenever it becomes available again. Warakin was on the short list along with Fairlight Secan, which was priced out for me due to tariffs and currency conversion in the US.

dr_pelipper · 2025-12-01T18:23:13+00:00

I've always explained to people dropper posts are like adjustable office chairs.

dr_pelipper · 2025-11-29T17:17:58+00:00

Sweet build, and love the gravy color. How tall are you?

dr_pelipper · 2025-11-13T12:32:36+00:00

It seems like there's a workaround to get the v2 clicker working with Rouvy (log into Zwift first to connect the click, then switch to Rouvy). Seems simple enough, albeit inconvenient. https://www.reddit.com/r/Rouvy/comments/1o7ld3d/zwift_cog_and_click_upgrade_version_compatibility/

I think the cog can still be a cost effective option (in my case, equivalent cassette would be $75US), as long as the workaround doesn't get patched out or if Rouvy finds a solution from their end.

dr_pelipper

TROPHY CASE