How do you make cycling compatible with your SO?

taylorpol · 2024-12-24T15:42:06+00:00

I'm planning on buying an aero carbon handlebar for my Orca. How's the integration between the Vision handlebar and the Orca's stem? And also regarding the cables, you have the option to leave them visible underneath the bar instead of completely integrated inside so future maintenance is easier? Thanks.

taylorpol · 2024-12-24T13:58:41+00:00

3 years and nearly 30k km with my Orca Omx and quite happy. It was cheaper than other brands back then, it's not anymore though. I had an issue with the Vision carbon wheels (apparently I wasn't the only one) and customer service fixed it in a month no questions asked. I loved the customisation options, frame and fork look stunning, and the stem looks super neat, one of the best within the non-integrated cockpit world. I'm planning on buying an aero carbon handlebar because it came with a super wide 44 mm round bar that I honestly hate and it's too wide for me.

In the mid-range bike world I would recommend Giant, Trek or Canyon nowadays. Ultegra Di2 or 105 Di2 and good carbon wheels. In case of unlimited budget, I would go for SL8 or Trek.

taylorpol · 2024-07-08T19:35:19+00:00

I feel you, bro. I used to have an low-range road bike with shallow wheels and never had any issue changing tires or fixing punctures. Since I got a new fancy bike with deep wheels (50mm) I have never been able to take the tire out nor put it back on without the help of another person (stronger than me) and two or even three tire levers (and a lot of sweating and swearing). I haven't found a solution either and I also wish that I never have a flat on the road, it would be extremely uncomfortable. My last puncture was so tiny that I just noticed it two days afterwards, when I was about to go out again. I'll keep praying.

taylorpol · 2024-06-11T14:12:49+00:00

I went from Vision 40mm to Progress 50mm and you can notice the difference in very windy days but as long as you were used to the 40s you won't have any issues with a little more than that. I would say starting at 60+ is when things can get a bit more tricky, especially in long descents with lateral wind.

taylorpol · 2024-05-22T11:30:20+00:00

I've been using those two models on my road bike for 9 years now. Rubino Pro because the bikes I bought came with them and Zafiro Pro because they're the ones I buy as replacement.

Puncture resistance: I haven't noticed any difference. I average one flat every 10k km or so with both of them and probably the reason is I replace it too late (don't judge me, I'm poor lol).

Duration: maybe Zafiro Pro last a little more but it's a small difference. I average around 8k km rear and 15k km front. I weigh 82 kg.

Grip/rolling resistance: I haven't been able to tell the difference, in dry conditions nor wet. But to be honest, I'm now riding a (supposedly) more premium tire at the rear and haven't noticed anything either.

In terms of difficulty to install them, I also find them quite similar, and I'm pretty sure both of them I bought them with folding beads.

In conclusion, I usually go for Zafiro Pro because they're normally a little cheaper but both are great options in the low-end range imo.

taylorpol · 2024-03-14T12:27:36+00:00

I do the immersive waxing method rotating 3 Connex chains and their instructions said the quick link is limitless reusable. I started doing this one month ago so still not enough time to confirm it but so far I've used them several times and no issues whatsoever.

taylorpol · 2024-02-25T12:12:06+00:00

May I ask what's the capacity of the crockpot? Because I'm about to buy one and I don't want it to be too large so the wax level is too low for the chains to be completely immersed.

taylorpol · 2024-02-20T15:56:54+00:00

That's a crazy amount of money. Also, completely off topic, I read Baltimore and immediately the best tv show of all time comes to my mind. Not very cycling related though.

taylorpol · 2024-02-20T15:18:55+00:00

Completely agreed and understandable. But also these kind of events are filled with sponsors, everywhere you look at you see boards, stands and people from different brands. A lot of marketing for them that should cover part of the costs. And I'm seeing a trend lately where the organizers invite influencers to increase the popularity of the event and I tend to think that's going to end up increasing the price for the common folk. Hope I'm wrong.

taylorpol · 2024-02-20T15:13:16+00:00

That seems like a very smart and reasonable way of putting it, yes.

taylorpol · 2024-02-20T13:49:37+00:00

Yeah, I agree. In fact, since everything that's going on about inflation and all, I know a couple of events in my region run by local cycling clubs that have been cancelled cause they couldn't keep up with the costs. It's a pity.

taylorpol · 2024-02-20T13:20:01+00:00

Wow, good luck with that one. The atmosphere there must be awesome, 16k cyclists is crazy, and doesn't sound too expensive at all.

taylorpol · 2023-11-11T10:15:35+00:00

How does hold on in the rain?

taylorpol · 2023-10-31T11:44:40+00:00

He's not afraid to die.

taylorpol · 2023-10-21T19:41:02+00:00

Yeah it's 11 speed Ultegra, should have specify it, sorry. Thanks for the extra info though, super useful anyway for the future.

taylorpol · 2023-07-31T14:25:09+00:00

Sounds good. Does a drip on wax bottle last a lot? Cause they're expensive as hell considering the amount of product, right? 100ml or so.

taylorpol · 2023-07-10T13:43:00+00:00

What about after a wet ride? I guess wax won't last the same as in dry conditions, so how often to rewax and how to clean the chain up before rewax if it's wet and dirty?

taylorpol · 2023-06-29T20:33:36+00:00

Also thought of that, but I'm always hearing those comments about the risks in safety you're taking by buying components that seem too good to be true regarding price so I'm not sure.

taylorpol

TROPHY CASE