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

This is the American Way! In all seriousness, as a wrench, the consistency of AXS and the minimal maintenance needed (outside of charging the battery) is almost worth the scratch.

 

Not gonna lie, between GX AXS and a waxed chain on my gravel bike, it has been the easiest drivetrain to maintain. No wondering whether I should lube the chain or not, if it’s shifting like shit swap chains and good to go.

 

If you want even lower maintenance, try Maxima Chain Wax (the aerosol, moto can). Apply, wipe off excess and you're good for a month + of quiet riding.

 

PSA, don’t overlook the button batteries in the controllers when it gets chilly. A few dudes at Pisgah Stage Race this year that we’re camping and leaving bikes out overnight we’re frantically trying to warm up the controller batteries to get them working well enough to do their job before a couple stages. Seems people mostly focus on the derailleur’s battery but if the controller can’t control you got the same problem.

 

Had mine die this year. Now I keep a spare watch battery on me.

 

I've never had issues with AXS in the cold. A reasonably new coin battery should be fine in the cold. People tend to change them since they last so long.

I always have a ton of 2032s around though. I buy them cheap at Ikea. Between HR straps, power meters, shifters, etc it never hurts to have extras.

 

my very tired brain read that as "I have a ton of 2023's".....I was like, "what? 2023 hasn't even started yet! what's he mean he gets the year cheap at ikea?"
Oh. 2032...batteries. pftsh. duh!

 

Figured the gang here would appreciate the gift my daughter and her boyfriend gave me last night…. First cocktail was one of my favorites, an Old Fashioned.

 

What are you guys using for small, handheld trail pumps? I have a Lezyne that I had mounted alongside my water bottle on my Polygon, but it won't transfer over to the Specialized. The Stumpjumper has the new SWAT box, the Lezyne is too big to get in the frame and it doesn't mount along side the water bottle because of the swat box (and I'd rather just get a smaller pump and keep it protected inside the frame). Not looking for a CO2 option, looking for a small, manual pump. What do you have that's been working for you?

 

Oneup. Done

 

Agree wholeheartedly. Ive currently got 3 mini pumps that have been acquired/in use over the years, including a Zefal that’s like 20 yrs old but still going. OneUp is the only one I’ve grabbed for a ride since I got it.

 

Future Dentist

 

Yep no-brainer. Best quality pump out there (and holds tools). I've got one on every bike

https://www.oneupcomponents.com/collections/edc/products/edc-pump

 

Like the others have said Oneup is probably your best option. I got a Crankbrothers Klic HV and I don't hate it. It came in a Vital MTB Gear club box but if I would have needed to buy one it would have been the Oneup.

 

Thanks all. the One Up 70cc looks like it'll fit. The 100cc is about the size of my current pump so I don't think it'll fit in the frame. Appreciate the advice

 

Damn cuz. Shoulda texted me about the Mac ride. Could have sent you the Shotgun Pro seat I’ve got for cheaaaappp.

Enjoy this time in life

 

I believe I have this one: https://www.topeak.com/us/en/product/379-RACEROCKET-MT

It's fine, not bad, not great. it can be a little finnicky but does the job. I carry CO2 so this is an absolute last resort or if I don't have a floor pump in my truck. The major perk is that it is pretty short, it fits perfectly in the two top tube bags I have.

The other thing I have been seeing from Dave Rome (@romeandstuff on instagram, former Cycling Tips tech editor) is the fumpa mini electric pump, may be worth a shot: https://www.fumpapumps.com/products/minifumpa-bike-pump

 

When you forget to fully tighten the bleed nipple.

 

That USB pump is interesting... Not a fan of relying on a battery, but a cool concept!

 

Anyone use different shoes in the winter?