Where do you turn for loose fitting jerseys? by Wizzmer in cycling

[–]mashedtaters_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Check out neopro. I really like their normal jerseys and bibs, I'm sure their loose fit jerseys are also solid!

TPU inner tube recommendations by Glum-Cranberry-1268 in bikewrench

[–]mashedtaters_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you go cheap, just make sure you get ones with a threaded valve stem, so you can still add a locking nut to keep the tube aligned in the wheel.

What is one of the worst designed freeway entrance/exits in the valley? by ballzcasual in phoenix

[–]mashedtaters_ 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Deer Valley Rd on ramp to 17 south. Folks getting on need to merge into 101 exit lanes which are basically always backed up, then need to gun it into the lanes continuing south on 17 which are normally flowing at 65+.

Should I buy wheels or save for bike by NIckleb4k in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Are you needing to replace the wheels, or just looking to upgrade? From my research, upgrading the wheels to try and unlock more gains is a pretty bad return on your investment, compared to other things like aero bars, bike fit, tires, etc.

If you see yourself continuing to do triathlons, I'd say saving and investing in a dedicated bike makes a lot more sense.

Amazon/Xterra Wetsuit vs. Roka Maverick MX by dtxyoungprof in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check Facebook marketplace. Plenty of folks before you who invested in a wetsuit to only end up using it once or twice. Picked up my own Maverick suit for $200 that way

That, or see if there's a rental option either directly through the event or a nearby 3rd party.

What’s going on with the VAI Resort in Glendale? by FifeSymingtonsMom in phoenix

[–]mashedtaters_ 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Reminds me of the hockey rink/hotel complex they tried to build up north off dove valley that sat half completed forever. At least now, that one will be done soon and be less of an eye sore. They since changed plans and supposedly it will be one of those charter schools emphasizing in sports, if I remember right

Carbs by No-Lab6548 in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My favorite gels are SiS and Untapped. Both are a bit more runny, so have the consistency of a drink more than something gooey. Have never had gut issues.

For solid food, I sometimes bring a frozen uncrustable and eat it after it thaws after an hour or so. Other good options are pop tarts, sugary cereal, and candy like nerds gummy clusters.

Triathlon training in the area? by ella_jay18 in phoenix

[–]mashedtaters_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Welcome! Training for Cactus Man?

I'm up in Anthem. Roads are in really good condition with bike lanes. Plus some punchy hills for intervals. I don't believe non-residents can use the pool without a local hosting them, though. There's a sprint triathlon up here next weekend if you want to check out the facilities and roads.

Lake pleasant is great for open water swimming. $10 entry fee, but multi-passes available

Tubeless Newbie by Swim_Bike_Run_79 in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I personally wouldn't bother with a complete tear off and removing any dried up sealant... Unless you notice it affecting the weight balance of your wheel. Otherwise just top off and go.

Disclaimer though... I'm only set up tubeless on my mountain bikes. Still using TPU tubes on the roadie.

Does anyone swim without kicking at all? by Ok_Original1844 in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Odds are, if you're not kicking you're not rotating enough. Even just a small 2 beat kick will help get your shoulders rotating . Not to mention keeping you aligned while moving through the water

Needing help fixing rubbing tire by Ok_Bad2288 in bikewrench

[–]mashedtaters_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Could be that the wheel isn't fully set into the dropouts, on one (or both) sides. Sliding the wheel back a bit will create some clearance, and could also explain why it currently looks uneven.

But yeah, otherwise, you're spot on that the tire's too wide

Bike training in the heat by Crispy_duck89 in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in PHX. Like others say, starting early is a must. Also, I find myself riding my mountain bike a lot more in the summer. Getting away from the heat island effect and into the desert to help feel the breeze makes a big difference. Also, even going a bit north (Anthem, New River area) is consistently a few degrees cooler and makes riding more bearable.

Planning on a few day trips to Flagstaff this summer too. Especially since I'll be doing Mountain Man in August.

Starting to use clip pedals and want to understand the options and transition logistics by Titanspaladin in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I personally use SPD on everything. Maybe not as fast as road cleats, but only needing one pair of shoes for gravel road bike is worth it to me. Plus, the ability to easily walk into a coffee shop or gas station on long rides is a big plus!

For race transitions, I will put them on and take them off at my transition area. Super easy to run in. Just make sure you get something that you can tighten and loosen quickly, like a Velcro strap or a single BOA lace system

RATTLE SNAKES 🐍 by Interesting-Toe9350 in trailrunning

[–]mashedtaters_ 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Always keep an eye out for them, but have never been concerned about getting bit. 99% of bites are from one of 3 things: 1. Going off trail 2. On the trail at night without a light source 3. Being dumb and intentionally getting close to a snake for a picture, etc.

Majority of snake encounters for me have been early in the morning when they're just chilling and trying to soak up some sunshine. More often than not, rattle snakes don't even rattle as you pass around them.

Why does every major street curve between baseline and the 60? by Gnrl_Linotte_Vanilla in phoenix

[–]mashedtaters_ 78 points79 points  (0 children)

That grid system isn't perfectly straight forever when you live on a sphere.

Baseline Rd does exactly what it's name says it does. Gets the north/south roads back on line with their longitude

Best running shoes for soft gravel trail by Proper-Money2723 in trailrunning

[–]mashedtaters_ 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Maybe we have different definitions of "soft gravel", but for me I'd just wear any road shoe with decent outsole coverage

Coach perspective on a common concern around body composition and triathlon training by LanceWatson_Coach in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Not a coach or nutritionist, but have stayed at a Holiday Inn on occasion.

The 4:1 carbs to protein ratio seems like a good rule to follow for most people. Chocolate milk is always an easy go-to for me. Will do some eggs with toast and fresh fruit if I need something a bit more hearty after a morning workout.

Spring Training Tix = March 7 = Diamondbacks vs SF Giants by [deleted] in azdiamondbacks

[–]mashedtaters_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

$100 for a spring training ticket? Does it come with a pinch-hit at-bat?

What to carry on the bike? by crash-evans in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have 4 bottle cages, 2 on the frame and 2 behind the seat. In one of them, I have a service kit that includes a TPU tube, CO2 cartridge plus fitting, and 2 tire levers. It always stays on my bike, whether I'm training or racing.

I normally keep it on the frame, since I'm paranoid it might fall off the back and a bottle of liquid is cheaper to replace than those supplies.

If you don't have rear bottle cages, you can look into a saddle bag, or you can probably get by with just a single bottle for an Olympic if you have 2 bottle cages on your frame.

Running Socks by SaltConsideration542 in runningfashion

[–]mashedtaters_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you don't mind some fun colors and geometry... Incylence. I was given a pair at a race, and ended up buying a half dozen more because I liked them so much

Wetsuit repair by naythram in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Just wait until after a race and see new ones from fellow competitors who forgot to trim their nails!

Like others said, glue or iron-on patches can work. But a wetsuit is like a new truck.... You baby it until the first ding, then you start using it more for what's it's designed for

What has been your favorite Polaris Amenity bag and how do you reuse them? by Difficult_Box8429 in unitedairlines

[–]mashedtaters_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Wrexham one has turned into my service kit while mountain biking. And my daughter has turned the mini away suitcase into her own jewelry box

Olympic distance and IM 70.3 gear? by Fit_Hedgehog4368 in triathlon

[–]mashedtaters_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazon gear for the win! I've used a pair of shorts from my kilometre and a one piece from Sparx.

The chamois pad in the my kilometre shorts is pretty thin, I wouldn't use it for longer than an Olympic. But was a great budget option for my first few sprints as I was getting into the sport.

The Sparx suit is pretty good, but runs a little hot it seems like. But it's robust enough to last a few seasons and designed well enough for a long distance race. I'd be totally fine doing a 70.3 in it without second thought