All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Going to be there in September for the World Cup? Tix were posted today I think. $40 for the weekend

 

I've gone between packs, hip packs, and frame only. Now I run either frame only, or combo w/hip pack for longer days or riding in iffy weather. My hip packs is a camelback Palos LR4. It has a mini bladder, very well organized, and room for all my stuff plus a rain coat.

Once again, OneUp is the answer here. They make an awesome pump (I don't use CO2, plus if you burp a tire or have a puncture that loses some air before it seals, you just need a few pumps to back back on trail) which stows their even more amazing multitool inside it (the tool has all the bits you need, plus a chain breaker and quick link holder). If you don't want the pump, they make a topcap stow for the multitool which is also awesome. I run the pump on the frame with the tool inside it.

Overall, the less weight on may back the better. I've found very little difference between a bike that weighs 32 lbs and 33 lbs, but that extra lb on my back is noticeable.

Totally agree here. My tool list is small: Tube, a couple zipties, OneUp pump and multitool, and a good tire lever. On longer rides I have in the hip pack extra valve, bacon strips and plug, and different sized zipties.

Rock-n-Roll is the bomb. I use Gold most of the year, but Blue is also awesome. The stuff is impressive, keeps everything smooth, not dirty (actually cleans), and you can buy a big ass refill bottle to cut down on waste and never worry if you'll run out.

 

I actually already had the pump fired up and ready to go in my Jenson cart. Just deciding on size, 70cc vs 100cc, but they are both currently out of stock.

 

I was good with the 70, but the 100 can fit the tool and a co2 or other stuff. I'm sure you can find it elsewhere (looks like REI has it).

 

I use White Lightning Epic Ride. Great all around lube for the mostly dry, dusty conditions I ride in Southern California. I just drip it on as I spin the chain, and then let dry or wipe off excess before each ride (I usually ride a few weeks apart, if I rode consecutive days or even within 2-3 days of each ride, I would probably only lube the chain once every 2-3 rides depending on length and conditions).

 

Another question, do you guys have any recommendations for chain quick links, that aren't $10+ each?

 

Paperclips...

 

These are what I was potentially gonna order. Still ~$5 each though, before shipping

https://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-SM-CN900-11-Speed-Quick-Link

 

I rocked a Hot Laps for a good while. Solid recommendation.

A patch kit is like the size of a few stamps. Doesn't hurt to have. Plus I'll hand a stranger a patch long before I give them my spare tube.



I ditched the fanny pack for a frame bag VVV It's a life changing experience. Love riding my fat bike cuz I have a full size frame bag on it and I can bring a 40oz hydroflask and a jacket and fit it in there plus a spare fat tube and pump plus tools.

 

any recommendations for a set of paperclips? Maybe some carbon ones to save weight?

 

That's still half the price! and its Shimano, so at least a brand I trust. I'll order 1 or 2 of that and be set for a while!

 

Oh yeah, def bring a tube still. So many people get a tire eaten riding the whole enchilada and need a tube. Pretty common practice to bring 2 spare tubes for a TWE day. I usually bring 3. Thankfully never had to use one, but once you lose tubeless and go to a tube, people start to pinch flat a lot.

SCC Slick Tech. It's a little pricier than others, but it is truly one of the best bike related things I've ever bought. I've had a sample bottle the size of an eye drop container and it has lasted me almost a year. It's super viscous and penetrating, so you only need to apply very sporadically compared to most lubes.

 

Joking aside; I only use Wipperman master links now. They are, by far, the easiest to clip and unclip for maintenance, trailside repair, etc... though they are directional. Haven't seen 'em less than $10 though... but how often do you really need a set of spare links? Maybe get a set of the Wolftooth chain pliers that has magnetic receptacles for two sets?

 

I rode mine in Corner Canyon last night (SUCK IT @paleh0rse !) and I forget how fun my fattie is on the daily. I actually PR a lot of stuff just from the sheer monster truck style momentum.

 

My taco and cujo 1

 

I'll never forget Ann's Tail... err, I mean Trail.

Climbing Clarke's Trail was a pain in the arse, though. You can keep that one.

It's also rattlesnake central out there!

 

Did you decide on the stache?!

 

I'm sure this question has been asked on here before but is there a preferred (quality) hitch rack to maintain the most of your departure angle? I run a RTT on the bed and the only other option I can think of is the outboard bike attachment for my MaxModular rack but I hate how far to the side it puts the bike and the fact that the front wheel has to come off.

 

I'd say the best hitch mounted rack you could get to maintain departure angle would be any type of vertical hanging rack.
The platform style racks are much worse in terms of killing departure angle, except for the 1UP which stacks higher and higher the more bikes you add on.

Just bought a Lolo rack, but Recon, NS, and Alta will all be similar

 

1up or the vertical style @betterbuckleup suggested.

Or you could look into these if you’ve got money to blow.
https://www.isi-carriers.com/features.html