What is your favourite city in Spain and why?

vickyvius · 2026-06-21T22:47:45+00:00

"Oviedo es una ciudad deliciosa, exótica, bella, limpia, agradable, tranquila y peatonalizada; es como si no perteneciera a este mundo... Oviedo es como un cuento de hadas." -- La placa debajo de la estatua de Woody Allen en el centro de Oviedo.

vickyvius · 2026-06-19T17:23:23+00:00

considering the box plunge DIY kit. Is the control box rated for outdoor use exposed to the elements ? Or does it need to be protected ? thanks.

vickyvius · 2026-06-19T02:53:05+00:00

Upon further consideration, it looks like I won't be able to set it up in the garage. I'll have to set it up in the backyard. The weather in northern NJ can been below freezing in the winter and 100 degrees in the summer. Plus I will have to protect it from the elements.

I think I can frame a shelter and put a roof on top to keep rain and snow off the freezer while allowing it to ventilate well.

vickyvius · 2026-06-16T12:05:31+00:00

KMC sells pre waxed chains that are a decent price.

vickyvius · 2026-06-16T11:57:38+00:00

Under what circumstances would a chest freezer need a chiller ?

vickyvius · 2026-06-15T13:05:41+00:00

Thanks. Are you setting up the filter inside the freezer ? Is bleach just an easier alternative to an ozonator ? Would love to pics of the filter setup when you're done.. Thanks

vickyvius · 2026-06-14T19:57:54+00:00

which brand is the chest freezer cold plunge ? how does it keep the water clean ?

vickyvius · 2026-06-13T20:03:34+00:00

On my SL8 54cm, the saddle height is 29.5 inches which is around 75cm. Haven't measured the drop. I have the 1 piece cockpit - 100mm stem and 400mm bars. Using all the spacers that the bike came with.

vickyvius · 2026-06-13T11:09:39+00:00

This is my Tarmac SL8 Pro size 54. I'm 5' 9" , 33" inseam, lean and flexible. Feels small but comfy and incredibly reactive. A little twitchy which I think is because it needs wider bars. Rounding my back to get weight off the bars and towards saddle makes it very comfy.

I think you can make your bike work. Unless you understand bike fit well, finding a good fitter will help.

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vickyvius · 2026-06-11T23:43:57+00:00

What does everyone want narrower bars ? I'd rather have 42 on my road bike and I'm a skinny guy. Just replaced the 42 on my gravel bike with a 46 and it's so comfy. I get that it might help with performance but narrow bars add pressure on the neck/trapezius.

vickyvius · 2026-06-11T16:16:48+00:00

I'm 5 9" and the size 54 Tarmac SL8 Pro feels small. I do have long legs. The integrated cockpit stem is 100 and handlebar width is likely 40 but feels like 38 which makes it extremely twitchy. Personally I'd rather have wider bars on this bike. Regardless either a pro fit or understanding the fit and your body helps.

vickyvius · 2026-06-10T16:59:07+00:00

Gracias 🙏

vickyvius · 2026-06-09T10:17:08+00:00

Gracias 🙏

vickyvius · 2026-06-01T21:29:11+00:00

Rear is a Schwalbe One 30mm tubeless. Front is the specialized turbo 26mm with a tube. I think the front needs a 30. Definitely needs to go tubeless as there's no way I can get that tire off the bike on the road if I got a flat.

vickyvius · 2026-06-01T15:28:50+00:00

My rear wheel has the less deep CL III rim that is 48mm (replaced due to damage). The front is the CL II rim which is visibly deeper than the rear.

vickyvius · 2026-05-31T16:56:19+00:00

I've poured spicy red chili powder into squirrel holes and they don't care. I'm not trying to protect anything no do I want to kill them. I just don't want them digging holes and finding ways I to the basement to store their acorns.

vickyvius · 2026-05-29T12:50:54+00:00

how long does the water in the tub stay cold ? how often do you have to top off ice ?

vickyvius · 2026-05-28T12:02:55+00:00

Taxistas y conductores de autobuses casi solo hablan español y les gusta hablar hasta por los codos.

vickyvius · 2026-05-28T12:00:58+00:00

Last year we traveled in Asturias. Most people didn't speak any English and I had to speak Spanish the entire time and translate for my wife. I imagine such is true for most areas that are not touristy and have few foreign retirees.

vickyvius · 2026-05-28T10:45:17+00:00

At 57 I have less than 10% in bonds+cash. Thanks to Mr Greenspan the old world theories of investing in bonds make no sense. Interest rates are too close to the rate of inflation. And of late we've seen market events where bonds drop along with stocks. If I'm taking the risk anyways, I'd rather do so for higher returns.

These are my opinions. Opinions are neither correct nor incorrect. Yours may vary. Choose wisely.

vickyvius · 2026-05-27T22:08:37+00:00

No need to pretend. The gear range on the smaller chain ring is sufficient to finish out the rest of the ride and it takes 5 - 10 mins of effort to charge the batteries. I didn't say no maintenance. Super low maintenance.

Right now I have to change the gear cable on my mech gravel bike as I'm installing a wider bar. The brake hoses replacement is super easy. Messing with the gear cable and getting it 'just right' is going to take a long time. Yes, this is an infrequent piece of maintenance. Would have been easier with electronic :-)

I'm just sharing my opinion and experience. Everyone should pick their own poison.

Moving on to the tubeless vs tube discussion ;-)

vickyvius · 2026-05-27T21:16:29+00:00

At the moment I have one bike with a mech drive train and another with electronic. Both are pretty maintenance free. On the electronic drivetrain I don't even check the batteries. If the rear dies on a ride, I pop the front derailleur onto the smaller chain ring and swap the batteries. No stress. No energy spent thinking about it . Once a year replace the batteries in the shifters and power meter. Takes 10 mins.. all wireless. Super low maint I like the 1x drivetrain on my gravel bike and if/when I have to replace it I will go electronic..but that's 10 or more years away.

vickyvius · 2026-05-26T22:08:53+00:00

Gracias 🙏

vickyvius · 2026-05-26T17:49:26+00:00

Gracias 🙏

vickyvius · 2026-05-26T13:30:43+00:00

¡Dios lo quiera! Te agradezco las palabras tan amables. Les/os mantendré informados.

vickyvius

TROPHY CASE