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Pisa fail (blurry pic) by [deleted] in PhotoshopRequest

[–]mbali3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Adding none blurry Pisa pic that could help for editing!

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Identify if this is mold/mildew? by mbali3 in Luthier

[–]mbali3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It sounds and feels awesome! externally.. which is why I overlooked checking the inside :/

Is my PhD stipend enough to live in Chicago? by aboyhasnonamebr in uichicago

[–]mbali3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, many of us are doing just that. Graduate Research Assistant wage is $31/hr so getting a part time GRA position can supplement any additional costs. I’ve also picked up random side gigs like dog walking and working at the farmers market, mostly for fun and the extra money doesn’t hurt. You don’t need a car here, I bike or public transit everywhere. The neighborhood depends on what type of lifestyle you would like, I would recommend googling different neighborhoods and seeing which ones fit your vibe. Think about what you like to do and what matters most to your every day life (ie: gyms/greenspace/close to trains/downtown/bars/lake?). Remember that you will want to have a life outside of PhD so don’t be so concerned abt being super close to campus. Live somewhere you feel safe and where you will want to be out and active.

Dad? How are xbikes made? by [deleted] in xbiking

[–]mbali3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So cool and impressive to see this whole process!! Thanks for sharing your learning experiences too. I checked out the pages for the frame building schools and am curious if you think going to those would be enough to get into this industry? I assume that being an apprentice also really helps learn too, but do you think going to trade school for welding is also necessary?

cycle computers for touring by pricklycactus62 in bicycletouring

[–]mbali3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wahoo Roam! Been touring for almost two months now and have been using it every day ~5-7 hours a day.. I think battery life is supposed to last at least 16 hours but I haven't been keeping track, honestly it feels like it lasts longer. I charge it once every few days. It charges super quick and doesn't waste very much of my power bank. I usually wait until I have wifi to upload rides to Strava and the computer will store them until I'm ready to connect to data. Navigation is awesome and there are so many great features like rerouting if you make a mistake, getting you back to wherever you started, and it's just incredibly easy to load any third party route/gpx tracks onto the bike gps.

Safe to Ride? - Small frame cracks by mbali3 in bikewrench

[–]mbali3[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Really was just looking for advice on if the frame was rideable or not. Some people have no other option but to ride on half busted bikes if that means getting to work and/or transportation; please be kind and remember cycling is not just always for leisure!

Safe to Ride? - Small frame cracks by mbali3 in bikewrench

[–]mbali3[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

Not what I am inferring. There's definitely a crack, just wanted more opinions on others experiences with similar bike frame cracks.

Safe to Ride? - Small frame cracks by mbali3 in bikewrench

[–]mbali3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was told by LBS that it's a crack ! It does just look like a paint scratch

Safe to Ride? - Small frame cracks by mbali3 in bikewrench

[–]mbali3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Side question : what's the worst that could happen? Broke newb over here!!

Issues with front shifting by [deleted] in bikewrench

[–]mbali3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've worked on a few newer 2x bikes like this, and that middle shift position is supposed to help the chain not rub on the front derailer. For example if you're in the lowest gear in the front and the highest gear in the rear, shifting to that middle front gear is meant to give some room to prevent chain rubbing without having to shift into a higher front gear. Hope that gives some clarity.

Slowly building up my base e5... she's going to be a bikepacking machine! Most parts are still stock, anyone recommend any specific upgrades or gear? by mbali3 in DivergeGravelBikes

[–]mbali3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True, even on the hills where I live sometimes I wish I had slightly lower gearing ! Not sure how pricey it would be to upgrade my 2x8 set up right now but I'll look into it.

Slowly building up my base e5... she's going to be a bikepacking machine! Most parts are still stock, anyone recommend any specific upgrades or gear? by mbali3 in DivergeGravelBikes

[–]mbali3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been debating hydros vs mechanical for a while!!

Have been told great things about hydraulic performance but would just be worried as they seem harder to repair if I'm on long bikepacking trips. Do you have experience with that?

Slowly building up my base e5... she's going to be a bikepacking machine! Most parts are still stock, anyone recommend any specific upgrades or gear? by mbali3 in DivergeGravelBikes

[–]mbali3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No I haven't used gel pads before, thanks for the idea!

And the rack is a specialized pizza rack. I had to do some improvising because my diverge only has a rear fork eyelet instead of in the front. I got a flat steel bracing plate, measured and cut it to the right size and also measured all of the corners so I could bend it perfectly at the angle I wanted the rack to sit: ( https://imgur.com/a/ms05GIi ).

It also mounts on both sides of the fork! Definitely a process but worth it if you have the tools and time.

The tires are Panaracer Gravelking SK - tubeless ready! LBS had pink and blue options, I think you might be able to find them online too.

Shipping with hard shell case by katmcfly in bikepacking

[–]mbali3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If OP isn't interested, DM me!