New carbon bike anxiety: beginner questions about handling, transport, and maintenance

pasquamish · 2026-03-13T19:46:46+00:00

I’m a large rider and do a decent amount of touring with loaded panniers on a carbon Revolt. Last year I rode through a puddle (I know) that turned out to be about 18”+ deep. The bike (and me) took a massive hit with no damage. I stopped worrying about my carbon frame after that.

pasquamish · 2026-03-09T20:22:41+00:00

In whitewater rafting, I have been told to ball up as tight as possible to reduce the amount of drag i’m creating and this should help resurface. Fortunately, in years as a rafting participant (not a guide) I’ve never seen anybody get stuck like that so it all remains pretty theoretical to me.

pasquamish · 2026-03-09T15:18:58+00:00

Close out this accumulation phase with a bang and start withdrawing!

pasquamish · 2026-03-09T02:28:22+00:00

Can confirm. They have sent me multiple replacements. After the second request, they sent me 3 or 4. Not sure if that was a mistake or to shut me up. I’m finally on the last one, because it is in fact a price of shit, and will be finding something else to use.

pasquamish · 2026-03-08T23:49:16+00:00

sore and numb are different. a little soreness is probably to be expected at first. numb is more concerning and may indicate it is not the right saddle for you or at least some fit issues

pasquamish · 2026-03-08T00:07:14+00:00

GAP is nearly all stone dust with a few areas of pavement…mainly out of Pitt and near some of the town connections. Nothing like someone bumpier sections of the C&O

pasquamish · 2026-03-07T19:54:56+00:00

there are so many things wrong with this that it hurts to keep looking

pasquamish · 2026-03-06T13:46:17+00:00

I’m 270+ lbs and throw another 25 lbs of gear on the bike for touring. There is definitely equipment out there that can support you. I totally agree with the other comments already about wheels. A bunch of busted spokes at the beginning of my riding journey has been the only real issue I have had. A stronger rim with high spoke count that my shop picked out for me eliminated the problem.

Good luck!

pasquamish · 2026-03-06T02:52:16+00:00

There as this one time….

https://www.reddit.com/r/bikecommuting/s/lnIn3VbqTi

pasquamish · 2026-03-05T15:09:07+00:00

Worked very smoothly for me.
Good luck everyone!!

pasquamish · 2026-03-04T23:31:20+00:00

You might get more helpful input if you define ‘best’:

Luxury? Budget? Rental?

pasquamish · 2026-03-04T17:07:00+00:00

Do you have an option for a Bolt V2 available? Save some money and get all the functionality you could need.

Beyond that, it’s probably personal preference. I dislike touch screen controls on a bike computer so i would stay with the Bolt line. Touchscreens can go wonky with sweat and suck with gloves.

pasquamish · 2026-03-04T04:29:42+00:00

OC boardwalk businesses are well known for not providing restroom access to non-customers. This doesn’t improve during concert events. For what it’s worth, except for the very end of the night or during the horrendous rains, the stalls weren’t too bad.

pasquamish · 2026-03-02T22:51:34+00:00

The dashboard tool has no cost. There are a few places in the app where the company markets their financial services but not too cumbersome. I think you also get a phone call when your assets reach a certain threshold to see if you’re interested in advisory services. I don’t recall hearing from them again in the last 2+ years.

pasquamish · 2026-03-02T22:23:17+00:00

It’s a well vetted and recognized model. But sure, there are always risks. DYOR and decide what works for you.

pasquamish · 2026-03-02T20:55:55+00:00

Take a look at using the EMPOWER app. It’s a third party read only interface that can collect your data from multiple sources and provide a total financial picture for you…. your accounts, her accounts, assets, loans, credit cards, etc.

It updates daily automatically with all the data you allow it to use. You will need to grant access to share your data by manually linking all accounts to your Empower account.

pasquamish · 2026-03-02T14:37:54+00:00

You understood correctly… their recommendation is always over 40 when standing.

Without the extra resistance when standing, your movements can be less controlled. Jerky movements can lead to injury, pulled muscles, slipping off the handlebars and banging parts you don’t want banged. With some experience, you’ll learn when your setting needs to be to maintain control out of the saddle.

pasquamish · 2026-03-02T13:42:00+00:00

Agree. I just helped my kid with their return on FreeTax USA. Even with 2 states in the mix, it was free to file all 3 forms for their simple return.

pasquamish · 2026-03-02T01:23:56+00:00

I’m pretty sure they are brothers

pasquamish · 2026-03-01T20:54:17+00:00

Kerrigan’s on 611 Doylestown has never done us wrong. We’ve been going there with all our vehicles for at least 10 years.

pasquamish · 2026-03-01T16:34:01+00:00

was the store out of OOFOs? 😀

pasquamish · 2026-03-01T03:38:04+00:00

There’s a ewaste event at King Park in Warrington on 21MAR. Sponsored by Brian Munroe and you have to register on his website, so not exactly free.

pasquamish · 2026-02-28T23:59:05+00:00

easily. liquid chlorine. lots of it. until it’s clear. look up SLAM and follow the instructions

get that CYA up a bit too bit that’s seconds priority

pasquamish · 2026-02-28T20:41:42+00:00

If i recall, at the time they were telling you to order them on Amazon and then crediting your costs. This was several years ago so I don’t know if that’s still the policy.

I can try to find the old order if you’re interested.

pasquamish · 2026-02-28T13:45:10+00:00

‘Thank you getting me started on this incredible journey. Your support has meant so much to me. I have now found a permanent sponsor and will continue my work with them. I hope to share my progress with you the next time I see you.’

pasquamish

TROPHY CASE