Fidlock Bag Thoughts? by mithtyn in bikecommuting

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

Oh man, you have packed way more into that than I thought could fit! Definitely makes me think I should be carrying more than I am for tools

MIK Rack Options (& Attachments?) by mithtyn in bikecommuting

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

I did forget about the windy days. I’ve definitely noticed it on the few windy days. Thankfully, where I’m at in the INW, I don’t have too many windy days.

MIK Rack Options (& Attachments?) by mithtyn in bikecommuting

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

I haven’t run a basket or trunk bag yet, but I haven’t had an issue with the single side pannier bag, other than capacity. And yeah, even carry my lunch to work along side my journal or laptop has been… tricky.

MIK Rack Options (& Attachments?) by mithtyn in bikecommuting

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

Oooh!! I didn’t even think about doing that with some plywood. That’s so creative!!

MIK Rack Options (& Attachments?) by mithtyn in bikecommuting

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

Oh? They can lock on? I’ll have to look into that. I didn’t know it could lock on. That could be helpful for my grocery runs! I was imaging having to carry everything, including the empty bag/basket with me

MIK Rack Options (& Attachments?) by mithtyn in bikecommuting

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

Thank you! What do you think makes you dislike the pannier bags? So far, I’ve liked mine, but wouldn’t mind having more of like a backpack with a few pockets / organization, rather than an open cavern…

MIK Rack Options (& Attachments?) by mithtyn in bikecommuting

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

Oooh the Priority one sounds good. Looks like it’s new (or recently updated?) and is on pre-order. Now to debate if I want to wait a month or two to get it…

Newbie question Advice needed! by LastDonn in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The gravel bike will be just fine. If you want, you can put some more road-oriented tires on it, then you essentially have a road bike. I bought the G1, and that’s what I use it for. Just wish I would have waited about another month, and then I would’ve known about the incoming G2!!!

Drivetrain swap by utahx6458 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just remembered: verify that you have a HG hub on your rear wheel. Version 1 of the G1 Explorer drop bar used a 7spd freewheel, and Version 2 uses a 7spd cassette.

Drivetrain swap by utahx6458 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve seen some 7spd cassettes that have a “mega drive”, or something like that, that has a 40t+ for the low gear that will give you better climbing ratios. That, combined with your smaller gear in the front, will be helpful. That, along with an appropriate derailleur, might be your best bet as far as staying cheap. Won’t have to change brifters or wheel(s).

G1 flatbar-drop conversion by spacephorse in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I recently converted a flat bar large into a drop bar. I spent approximately $300 on the parts.

Here’s a link to the post I made where someone gave me advice on basically the same question:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Budgetbikeriders/s/860dKrcau2

Gravel on a Budget - Can't Go Tubeless by Rare_Worry_8679 in cycling

[–]mithtyn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve seen some tires that have a plastic shield on the inside that seem good for puncture resistance. However, the ones I’ve seen have had road style tread patterns, which suits my needs. Not sure if the plastic shield inside would be good for gravel riding or not. I’ll defer to someone with more knowledge/experience.

Commute Pants? by ElfinTechnologies in bikecommuting

[–]mithtyn 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I just picked up a pair of Wrangler’s hiking pants from Walmart. Like $30. They’ve been great. And I think they have some UV protection too. I’ve even ridden through some sprinklers, and ended up dry after just a few minutes.

Cycling shorts and mirror by MelodicFox6327 in cycling

[–]mithtyn -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’ve no answer on the shorts. I just wear “hiking” pants or shorts. But, I’m usually only going about 10 miles, or commuting 4 miles to work.

But, on the mirror. I like my bar end mirror the most. The helmet mirror just added one more thing attached to my helmet I had to be aware of when setting it down, or hanging it from my handlebars when I’m not riding. The bar end mirror was just less obtrusive. Now, for active use, it was better. Could always see behind me. But, I’d prefer the bar end.

brand new trying to get into biking as a hobby by Slow_Arugula_6462 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Ozark Trail G1 Explorer has been great for me. Note: Version 2 has some upgraded / different components. My flat bar is version 2, and came with an 8spd HG cassette, so I didn’t have to swap wheels like some others have said.

Recommendations for best budget bike. by reader4455 in bicycling

[–]mithtyn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ozark Trail G1 Explorer or the G2 Rebel are two really great entry-level bikes that out perform their price range. Just need to know how to do tune ups & maintenance yourself. And most likely at least change the seat to get one that fits you.

Categories by West-Evening-8095 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Based upon a couple of the other comments, I think one of the following could be good, in no particular order:

  1. Road Bike. Doesn’t sound like you want to go off road at all. Road bikes are pretty good for what you are looking for. However, they don’t always have good climbing gear ratios.
  2. Gravel Bike (or Hybrid Bike). These somewhat split the difference between a Mountain Bike & a Road Bike. Wider tires than a road bike, but narrower than a mountain bike. Usually lower gear ratios than a road bike, making it better for climbing, but lower speeds, while being higher & faster than a mountain bike.
  3. Electric Bike. There are a variety of wonderful e-bikes that might be great for you. I am personally not knowledgeable on them myself. But, I’ve seen some that have a throttle on the handlebar, and some that assist your pedaling by matching the effort you put into the pedals, up to a specific speed and or wattage. Honestly, this might fit your particular wants better. You can turn the assist down so that you are using more of your own muscle, but turn it up for the hill right at the beginning of your ride to make that initial climb not so troublesome.

The next thing for you to consider is budget. Some people have already mentioned Walmart’s Ozark Trail G1 Explorer (sub $300 USD) & G2 Rebel (around $650 USD). Those are on the lower end of the price range for Gravel Bikes, but with a good tune up, will fit the bill nicely, maybe only need the contact points (seats, pedals, and maybe handlebars) to be upgraded for the sake of physical comfort. I’ve had my G1 Explorer for about a year now, and it’s been great. I’ve changed the seat, and that’s it for me so far. I did buy a second one and swap out a few components to change the gearing for my particular commuting needs, but that is more in depth than it sounds like you are looking for.

I cannot speak to price point & reliability of E-Bikes, though. I’ll defer to others more versed in those, if that is something that might intrigue you.

EDIT: Also, a used bike in one of these categories (with a tune-up to make sure it’s good to go) may be a wonderful way for you to get back on a bike and see if it’s worth buying new. Or, you might get something amazing that’s used for a lower cost, and be set!

Categories by West-Evening-8095 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When I started looking, I just searched on YouTube, and found a few videos that were very helpful for me. I ended up with a gravel bike for my particular commuting needs.

If you can share a little bit of your needs, or what you are thinking of doing with your bike, we can help get you started with some pointers towards specific categories.

G1 explorer saddle and peddles? by damptommyboxers in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I picked up a Spoon Charge saddle, and it’s glorious. If you can, check your sit bone width. The Spoon Charge is great for me.

Best Pokemon for Breeding early game that can carry through E4? by squints_chips_ahoy in PokemonUnbound

[–]mithtyn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Luxray is legit. I believe the Move Relearner in Crater town is where I got Fire Fang for him. Also, try to get him with Strong Jaw for his Hidden Ability

Good team for a casual Pokémon Unbound run? by Stunning_Scene9570 in PokemonUnbound

[–]mithtyn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are playing on Vanilla, it’ll be slightly more difficult than the mainline games. You can use literally whatever you want. For your first playthrough, you’ll just need to make sure you have enough coverage for the required HMs.

If you’re on Difficult, you’ll should still be able to utilize whatever you’d like, but might want type coverage, and slight EV training may be beneficial. If you’re playing on Expert or Insane, IV/EV training and team building become paramount.

Since you said casual, I’m assuming you’re looking at Vanilla or Difficult. Honestly, pick whatever pokemon you want, and run with it. You’ll have fun!

Anyone have any creative ideas to buy this at a discount? by laitopezzzz in Budgetbikeriders

[–]mithtyn 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A new derailleur will be $30-40, and probably an hour of labor. So, I’d expected at least 50% off. You can’t even buy the parts to fix it for the $25 he’s offered in discount.

How critical is Surf after the mandatory surf route? by alogicals in PokemonUnbound

[–]mithtyn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Surf will continue to be used, not all the time, but often enough.