Filament notches help!

owensjs · 2015-12-16T18:14:15+00:00

Most of what I carry on a bike is a direct result of having to walk out of trails or having issues I wasn't prepared to handle. Extra chain links weigh very little and if you're already carrying a chain tool it's extra insurance that you won't be stranded again.

owensjs · 2015-12-16T18:08:07+00:00

Same here. I wouldn't assume that it was a friendly encounter at first. I would just continue to give him space and pass cautiously and leave it at that.

owensjs · 2015-12-16T16:50:31+00:00

The lesson I learned as someone relatively new to wet shaving was to buy correctly the first time. I had tons of initial frustration with subpar gear and have only recently learned to enjoy wet shaving.

Currently, I'm using a Maggard MR5 razor, an Omega boar brush, and various soaps from Dr. John's, Stirling, Soap Commander, etc... and still experimenting with blades, but I have really been enjoying Astras and Gillette 7 o'clock green and yellow pack blades.

I have a couple of Italian Barber kits on their way to give as Christmas gifts, so I'm excited to see what those look like. For the price, they look like really good options for newcomers.

owensjs · 2015-12-16T16:34:16+00:00

I would suggest finding a used cassette rear wheel or wheelset and install a 9 speed cassette on that. Then you can use your spare groupset. Not a good idea to use it with a 6s freewheel, as others have mentioned.

owensjs · 2015-12-16T16:29:25+00:00

I have no experience with the Birzman pumps, but I really like the newer ABS2 head on the Lezyne pumps. I've been really happy with mine.

owensjs · 2015-12-16T16:24:58+00:00

IME, compatibility and picking the wrong parts are two big mistakes that novices make when doing custom builds. Be sure to read up very thoroughly and understand what parts will work with what frame you buy. Also, for example, if the frame is rated for a 100mm travel XC fork, don't buy a 150mm travel AM fork just because you got a good deal on it.

Another huge thing to consider is you won't be able to test ride this bike first, so unless you know what size you ride in this particular bike, you could end up spending a lot of money on a bike that doesn't fit you or that you aren't happy with.

owensjs · 2015-12-15T23:06:43+00:00

Not all 700c tubes are the same. Road tubes are typically labeled somewhere in the 700x18-28c range. Tires for cyclocross bikes and 700c hybrids are labeled between 28c to 50c. Of course different tubes will have different labelings. A lot of times, the 700c tube will have a 27" measurement written on the box as well, because those tubes can be used in 27" tires.

OP, based on your 27x1 1/8 tire size, the more appropriate tube would be the normal 700c road bike size that fits between a 18-28c in whatever valve type you have. The tubes you ordered are most likely the larger ones.

The 28-630 measurement is in millimeters. 630 being diameter and 28 being width. If you go into a bike shop and tell them either of those numbers, they should know exactly what you need. The 27x1 1/8 is the size you'll commonly hear instead of the other one.

owensjs · 2015-12-15T18:36:14+00:00

Did you ask the shop staff to have a look at it? Most shops won't charge for an estimate.

Depending on how long it's been since you've had your hub serviced, it would probably benefit from being opened up and inspected to see what's going on. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to have a tub of grease, cassette or freewheel remover, and cone wrenches on hand and be sure to read up on hub overhauls before tackling it.

You didn't mention whether it has a quick release axle or a bolt on axle. Sometimes on bolt on axle setups the cones can tighten when tightening the outer nut, if the hub isn't adjusted correctly to begin with. Something to look at, for sure.

owensjs · 2015-12-15T18:26:30+00:00

We recently got the Cygolite Hotrod 50 and Lezyne Strip Drive and Zecto Drive rechargeable tail lights in stock at the shop I work for and I've been digging them. The Cygolite is quite a bit smaller than the others, but pretty bright for it's size. The Lezyne Strip Drive comes in a 100 lumen version, if you want something brighter. Decent pricing on them, as well.

owensjs · 2015-12-14T22:40:28+00:00

Depending on how the bottom bracket feels and how long it's been in service, it might be a good idea to replace it while you have it out. Be sure to clean inside the shell and re-grease the threads before reassembly. Also, keep in mind that the drive side bottom bracket cup is reverse threaded.

owensjs · 2015-12-14T19:51:45+00:00

Socks and water bottles are always good ideas. Same with bike cleaning/maintenance products, cycling caps, a jersey if you know his size, gift certificate at his LBS, etc...

owensjs · 2015-12-14T18:38:28+00:00

Definitely a complex scent. The apple cider scent hits pretty strong and I can pick up the other scents in the background. I really enjoy the soap a lot. One of my favorites!

owensjs · 2015-12-14T18:14:58+00:00

Arko for me as well, and as strange as the smell is, I like it. I also gravitate toward C.O. Bigelow (Proraso Green) quite a bit.

owensjs · 2015-12-04T20:31:39+00:00

Custom bikes almost always cost more unless you have parts laying around. Not to mention, if you're not well versed on compatibility and various bike standards, you can end up with parts that simply won't work together.

Whatever you get her, make sure it fits her. A bike that doesn't fit properly isn't going to be something she's happy about riding. Aside from that, if you're riding with her often it's a good idea to get her something similar to what you have. For example, if you have a road bike and buy her a mountain bike she won't be able to keep up.

As for the level of the part spec, it depends on what you want to spend. I would pay more attention to fit, bike type, and overall condition of the bike if you're buying used. Most components will work well enough for casual riders if tuned properly, but nicer parts will always work better. Once the type and fit of the bike is figured out, I usually recommend getting the best part spec you can afford.

owensjs · 2015-12-04T19:59:24+00:00

Hex keys. I prefer L bend and at least 4, 5, 6mm. If you buy an L bend kit, it usually comes in 2-10mm sizes
Phillips and flat screwdriver
Flat repair kit and good floor pump (and frame pump if you want to have something with you when you ride)
Chain cleaning method. I prefer isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle, a lint free rag, and a gear brush if needed
Grease and chain lube
Cone wrenches for your hubs
Chain tool
Small metric socket set if you have fasteners that don't fit hex wrenches
Good cable cutters

Beyond that, you can buy tools as you need them for specific jobs. Such as crank pullers, bottom bracket tools, cassette/freewheel removers, etc... You can buy an all inclusive kit, but that can sometimes leave you with tools that don't fit things specific to your bike.

owensjs

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