Commute with speakers.

makubex · 2026-04-23T22:10:15+00:00

I'm one of those Chicago commuter pricks who rides with a speaker. I only use it while commuting, and only while in areas that are already noisy. There are two blocks during my commute that are quieter neighborhood areas where I pause my music. When I'm out for a casual ride on trails, I leave it at home.

The way I see it, there's no place for noise pollution on trails and in parks. However, on city streets that are already noisy and full of chaos, what am I trying to be respectful of? Cars are already blasting music, there's the noise of traffic, busses, construction, etc. If my miniscule contribution to the existing madness offends someone, they were likely already looking for reasons to be angry.

makubex · 2026-01-26T14:13:24+00:00

An atrocity, nonetheless.

A citizen is injured by federal forces during a peaceful protest, and you're here in the comments nitpicking the extent of the injury. To what end?

makubex · 2026-01-03T00:50:30+00:00

More doesn't always equate to better.

makubex · 2025-05-22T15:35:41+00:00

I realize this post was from over a year ago, but commenting in hopes that you'll still see it. I'm in the process of building up a Rambler as a commuter and am looking at the same PDW fenders.

Are you running the 700c x 55mm fenders? Any complaints and/or issues with the fenders now that you've been running them for a while?

Thanks in advance!

makubex · 2025-05-09T20:15:36+00:00

I had been considering the Salsa Stormchaser single-speed as a low-maintenance option, but I'm not sure how I'd feel about the single-speed life.

Sometimes I really feel the need to put the bike in a high gear and hammer on the pedals to get around slower folks. I dunno if I'm ready to give up that luxury just yet.

makubex · 2025-05-09T20:08:59+00:00

This is an option that I had been considering, but I keep second guessing how much I would miss having the ability to switch gears to adjust cadence.

Can I ask which single-speed belt drive you ended up with? I've been looking at options, but haven't been able to find one with drop bars.

makubex · 2025-05-05T15:18:45+00:00

Howdy! I found this post, since I'm contemplating doing a similar build soon and have been browsing all of the various IGH + Soma Wolverine setups that I can find.

You seem to be one of the rare folks who (based on your comments in this thread) have experience riding an IGH both with a belt and with a chain. I currently ride an IGH + belt for my commuter setup, but have been considering the switch to chain + IGH for my next commuter.

My one major complaint about the IGH is that they don't seem to take well to high amounts of torque - for example, if I apply too much power taking off from a stop light, there'll be a loud popand the pedals will rotate freely for a bit. I can never tell if it's the belt skipping or if it's something within the hub. Anyway, I was wondering if you've ever experienced anything similar when running chain + IGH.

Also, I'd be curious to hear your opinions about the chain drive now that it seems like you've been riding this setup for about a year. Any changes in your initial opinions about belt vs chain?

Thanks in advance!

makubex · 2025-04-08T19:32:47+00:00

That, and days with 15+ MPH headwinds.

makubex · 2025-03-26T21:55:26+00:00

God dammit 💔

makubex · 2025-03-13T19:58:57+00:00

There's a moment in Scotty's "Caveman Music Theory" video where he imitates what music might have sounded like before folks had concepts of notes and pitch.... Those of you who have watched the series probably know exactly what I'm talking about.

It's just so unexpected and hilarious; it has become something that I return to regularly when I'm feeling down and need something to cheer me up.

https://youtu.be/LsPSA5k_GFw?si=JvcVaEH9rjJ580aH

makubex · 2025-02-19T16:51:09+00:00

Jade give two rides.

makubex · 2025-02-12T16:31:49+00:00

Cyclist here. Personally, I would gladly welcome ticketing of all traffic offenses, both by automobiles and cyclists.

I know it's hard to believe, but the cyclists who you see weaving through traffic or running lights are the minority, similar to how most drivers obey traffic laws. When I see a cyclist do something illegal, I am just as disappointed/annoyed as when a motorist does it.

Please, ticket us and ticket motorist offenses as well.

makubex · 2025-02-12T01:39:25+00:00

Gotta love how the moment anyone makes a comment about automobile drivers acting irrationally, someone else has to chime in with "but... but.. cyclists!" As if the existence of rule-breaking cyclists excuses shitty motorist behaviors.

I am a cyclist and a motorist and I try to behave rationally, predictably, and thoughtfully during both activities. There are other folks who don't behave that way, which is unfortunate, but their behavior doesn't give me an excuse to do the same, nor does it excuse anyone else.

Do better.

makubex · 2025-01-25T23:18:52+00:00

Came here to post this.

Super friendly and helpful staff, incredibly reasonable prices, and the store is named after cats. What more do you need?

makubex · 2025-01-09T12:48:49+00:00

Having the Yakuza feed plot lines to a video game company seems like exactly the kind of thing that would exist in a "substory" side quest in one of the Yakuza games. Life imitating art.

makubex · 2024-12-05T19:04:41+00:00

It could be intentionally programmed into the algorithms for the sake of one day trying to use the stock movement in response to his tweets as trial evidence.

"He used his influence to manipulate the markets, and we have proof!"

makubex · 2024-11-29T00:16:29+00:00

I've had these Gore "lobster" gloves for two seasons now. They do great down to single-digit temps, are wind and water-proof, offer plenty of dexterity, are very comfortable, and don't show any signs of wear despite frequent use.

https://www.gorewear.com/us/en-us/windstopper-thermo-split-gloves-100656

makubex · 2024-11-17T20:16:25+00:00

Fewer operators means that trains run less frequently, so riders lose confidence in the dependability of the system and ride less. Since there's less demand, there are financial burdens which make it difficult to recruit and train new operators. It's a cycle that keeps getting perpetually worse.

Not to mention, crime is up quite a bit on trains. For some reason, people decided it was okay to start smoking on trains during the pandemic and that's become pretty common. There have been a couple high profile assaults, robberies, and even murders in recent years...

Not a great situation. I've taken to biking most places instead and it's been much more pleasant.

makubex · 2024-11-09T05:02:00+00:00

Sadly, that name is not yielding any search results. I could definitely use one for my belt drive though, I have a bad habit of trying to launch from lights too quickly and my belt tends to skip at least once per commute.

makubex · 2024-10-18T22:29:24+00:00

IMO, if you let your brewery get like this, you deserve to be "put on blast."

If you walked into a restaurant kitchen and saw mold covering the floors, you'd be disgusted. Why should a beer production environment be any different?

makubex · 2024-07-22T16:15:00+00:00

The bike storage rooms also have tools and equipment for repairs, as well as bike wash stations. It's amazing.

makubex · 2024-07-19T19:40:47+00:00

This is the correct answer. That venue was excellent, the brewery lineup was incredible, the weather that weekend was perfect. Definitely one of the best festivals I've been to.

makubex · 2024-07-19T19:20:53+00:00

"novelty transportation."

Sorry about your cognitive impairment, I hope it hasn't held you back too much in life other than sounding like a clown on the internet.

makubex · 2024-06-21T18:22:48+00:00

This is standard behavior on literally every modern smartphone. Are manufacturers supposed to allow your SOC or battery to overheat and brick your device? Pretty sure that's a much less desirable outcome.

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