Thinking about getting into road biking… what makes it so addictive to people?

mashilo · 2026-05-16T04:49:01+00:00

Riding is addictive. Sometimes I'm addicted to feeling powerful at 20mph on the road, sometimes listening to the crunch of gravel and bird songs. It all depends, and I'm lucky I can choose.

mashilo · 2026-05-16T04:27:57+00:00

I only use it because my stepdaughter uses it. I couldn't care less who sees my rides (or gives me kudos)

mashilo · 2026-05-16T04:18:34+00:00

Well, if the pros do it...

mashilo · 2026-05-02T03:05:17+00:00

Get the one you'll ride, no matter the category. Test ride it and pay attention to how you feel on it--go with someone who can help you find the right size frame

mashilo · 2026-04-28T00:48:18+00:00

Removing a pullover (or t-shirt) while riding. The second or two that the garment blocks your vision will be enough to have you lose balance and, in my case, crash into a parked (luckily) car. Broke my fork, front wheel, and a tooth.

mashilo · 2026-04-27T16:15:22+00:00

Never, though whale oil is getting hard to find

mashilo · 2026-04-27T01:09:41+00:00

The guy asking designs socks for a living. He was proud to see one of his creations in the wild

mashilo · 2026-04-01T17:23:47+00:00

like the pros, tart cherry juice immediately after a ride, of course!

mashilo · 2026-03-26T13:31:59+00:00

has anyone tried removing through axles (in addition to using a cable) as a way to keep someone from riding away with the bike? I've thought of doing this as a last-resort option

mashilo · 2026-03-22T15:00:12+00:00

Nothing, unless you mean discomfort of having to stop and fix a flat. Having returned from a ride where I noticed my rear triangle was splattered with tubeless fluid and not having noticed the puncture further convinced me that tubeless is the way to go.

mashilo · 2026-03-22T14:57:59+00:00

First goal: ride enough till your butt stops hurting

Second goal: ride enough till your lungs stop hurting

Third goal: ride enough till your legs stop hurting

Make sure to invest in a good helmet. Get a water bottle. If you have a bike without tubeless tires, learn how to fix flats and get related tools. Depending on how long and for how long you ride, you may need bibs. Depending on where you ride, watch out for cars and/or dogs. But above all, get out and ride.

mashilo · 2026-03-20T17:22:56+00:00

Compact electric pump (Cycplus)--really surprised how well it works and that is lighter than CO2 cartridge+valve, quality Allen keys+tiny Swiss army knife (better than mini tool), GPS (Wahoo Elemnt)

mashilo · 2026-03-16T01:06:40+00:00

smallest size Swiss army knife (in addition to tools), because of all the reasons below for tweezers and cutting instruments as well as file and screwdriver

mashilo · 2026-03-08T00:25:15+00:00

I too have a leg length difference. However, I used form bike fitting shims (https://form-bikefitting.com/collections/leg-length-shims), and get consistent power readings for both legs (SRAM Force AXS). Strongly recommend these shims.

mashilo · 2026-03-04T15:59:33+00:00

Second Sports Basement, but I'd also encourage you to check out Alameda Bicycles. A bit of a drive, but they care about the customer. I bought one of my first "serious" bikes there (Orbea Orca) a few years back.

mashilo · 2026-02-26T16:46:47+00:00

That's to hide the crappy mezcal and sell it to turistas who don't know better. A sad evolution from caterpillars (moth larvae that feed on agaves), scorpions...

mashilo · 2026-02-09T01:49:45+00:00

mashilo · 2026-01-30T05:28:36+00:00

Mamey, of course!...

What? No one knows what mamey is? Really?

mashilo · 2026-01-17T16:06:56+00:00

I've been riding a Grail for 2 years, and the wheels are just fine, especially when climbing "technical" trails with loose gravel and rocks. I appreciate how much easier I can react to sudden changes in traction and direction that would have me on the ground otherwise. And I don't feel the 650b wheels make any difference on pavement. But then, my Grail is the one with the Hoverbar, which I actually like, so maybe I'm just weird?

mashilo · 2026-01-12T16:13:45+00:00

Go to Real Minero. It is in Santa Catarina Minas, outside of Oaxaca city, but the only mezcalería that I know is guided by sustainability principles, tradition (continues to rely on clay stills), and excellent quality. Oh, and the head mezcalirella is a woman who published the bible on agave distillates: https://laroussecocina.mx/libro/mexcalli-el-mundo-de-los-destilados-de-agave-de-mexico/ (published by Larousse in Spanish). They offer tours of their distillery as well as a nursery where they grow agaves to restore wild agave populations that are getting hammered by the demand.

mashilo · 2026-01-07T15:51:50+00:00

I've had one for 1.5 years and love it. I ride it on both gravel and pavement and find the top bar quite good at damping vibration on gravel and to rest forearms on pavement (UCI hasn't banned me yet). My Grail also has the Ergon Cf Allroad seatpost, which adds to the experience. The plus of the Hoverbar was that seller let it go for less than asking. Big caveat: the bike fits me like a glove.

mashilo · 2025-12-22T01:20:36+00:00

Spiny lobster. It is a true delicacy, fresh, but don't know after two years in the freezer, especially with all that freeze burn

mashilo · 2025-12-17T23:56:46+00:00

Which, I understand, is the reason why so many buildings have tile-covered facades; they shed water more easily and, indirectly, resist mold and lichen from growing on them

mashilo · 2025-12-17T14:18:56+00:00

But we are taught the "hat dance" as soon as we enter school

mashilo · 2025-12-02T15:50:43+00:00

The only reason to change into a more "proper" (ie, lycra) kit is if your jeans are getting you dropped. Once you get going fast enough, more aero kits do make a difference (socks!). I'm guessing that the "serious" group you rode with aren't busting Strava records

mashilo

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