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

Yup friction paste is great for spots that are torque sensitive but I’ve never felt the need in stem/steer tube interface, that said I’ve never run carbon stems which would change my opinion prob. Pro tip, valve lapping compound works in a pinch and is easily available at about any auto parts store.

 

are these them?
https://www.villagecyclesport.com/p...control-ii-bar-ends-164131-1.htm#.YyM2hHbMKUk

picture looks the same, but they could ship the newer ones instead?

 

Wow, good find. Thanks! I’ll call first to confirm since the newer ones are much less contoured and don’t have the cool design.

 

good luck. looks like they are. the other ones are a separate listing on the website.

 

I can't speak to Velocirax but Alta racks has these offset racks that carry up to 4 bikes and allow easy access to the back of a van or truck camper. My buddy has been running one on his truck with an AT overland camper for a few years and I just added one to my van. It makes it really easy to climb in/out without a swing-out.

 

Thanks for the info. That looks nice, but looking to carry more bikes. We have a swing-out 2-bike hitch rack we plan on using for less bikes. I want to get this one for shuttling trips and just want to make sure I can get to the bed and it won't hit the camper with the wheel baskets. I understand it won't be the most convenient to get in/out...

 

Got it. On that note... Alta Racks has the "XL hitch" which isn't a separate hitch extender but it's just a longer hitch arm than standard. That's what my buddy has on his F250 and it clears the tailgate, so that would definitely clear a tacoma tailgate.

If you're interested in the Alta Racks at all, just reach out to them. The owner is super responsive and loves talking this stuff!

 

#carbonbikeproblems



In reality, I'm just jealous but my aluminum bike has no headset noises

 

Trust me, don't be jealous of carbon bikes. They're blingy but only save about 1-2 pounds and exponentially more expensive

 

I'm on the fence about them. I do like my aluminum bike, it fits me well and I enjoy the heck out of it. I also look at the nice 'love marks' on frame and wonder how carbon would have fared with the same impact. Until I can choose better lines, I'm probably better suited for aluminum. That was my rationale with wheels also, still rocking alloy rather than carbon hoops. There's a carbon bike I keep finding myself drooling over though, that Alchemy Arktos

 

You aren’t wrong with your statement. But as to the topic of creaking and noises, I see that as really just a bike problem/reality. Not quite something that is specific to a frame composition.

I suppose one material might be more prone to creaking than the other, but I’ve def had metal and plastic bikes develope noises that required some TLC to quiet them.

 

but how can I be a better bike rider with an inferior product? spend more, bike better - simple science!

 

So why again do you want a carbon bike?

 

Funny because that logic is everywhere with every hobby!

 

Ha! @Pugga just reminded me why I need to stick with alloy frames…. my lines suck! And, I don’t need a carbon MTB.

I’ve been browsing lately, looking at the Stumpjumper Evo, the color that catches my eye comes on a carbon frame - and although I know it’s not the bike for me with how I ride, it sure is cool! As are a number of others!

But…my Stumpy Comp Alloy is suiting me just fine…..just need to resist the temptation!

 

Gotta up my game! It'll be a little bit until I get another bike. I bought a Polygon, it's relatively entry level but has decent components for what it is. I've spent some money upgrading the components that made sense to do so. Question for me is, for the next bike, is the next bike going to be another aluminum or carbon. Right now, it's just the upgrade itch, some of those carbon bikes are sexy!

 

Definitely some crazy pricing from the boutiques these days. $4k+ for a frame is absolutely laughable. How often do you see a $10k bike getting thrown down a trail anyway? Not often in my experience, those owners are usually found in the parking lot gabbing.

 

They got cheaper! Market is getting colder.
Compared to other boutique brands these are "good" deals.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/we-are-one-announces-arrival-170-updated-arrival-152.html

https://www.weareonecomposites.com/arrival-2023-170

 

oh. my. god. 170 arrival. that would be amazing to ride. and it's just. so. beautiful. I love the first comment on there. "WAO is like mclaren. beautiful but i can't ever afford one"

 

Gotta go with something showing off a bit more carbon...
Pagani