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

Get the new White Cloud. 8 foot rod. Perfect for bluelining.

Here is my rig.

 

So. Much. Want.

My Cascade is an 8ft. That model didn’t stick around in the lineup long. Guess I’m the only person that liked it

 

These little panfish are fun on the White Cloud.

 

Always catch and release...

 

FWIW, I picked up a set of I9 wheels and hubs, they are used, but they are awesome. Made a world of difference. Engagement is near instant, and I’m never lacking for putting power down. $600 used price was way better than the 1300 new price. It was still pricey, but may be the best purchase I’ve made for the bike.

 

Nice tires! I’m also rockin the wildpeaks, super good tires.

I’ve also been seeing this ford transit built out at the trailhead. I keep meaning to talk to the guy but he’s always gone before I get a chance.

 

I’m scheduled to go pick up a 2018 carbon Apex 1 salsa Warbird from CL this afternoon. Almost too good to be true, an even thou for a $2600 bike that hasn’t seen much use. I’m gitty. Almost bought a 2015 Raleigh Willard 105 this week for $800 and would have to of bought gravel tires so $900+ really. I generally just ride MTB in NW NC but currently have a borrowed entry level trek road bike with 30c cross tires. It rides like shit and is too big for me. Really hoping this deal pans out.

 

I'm still way out of shape and a total rookie at riding trails (grew up on BMX/skreet, but that was a LONG time ago), but I rode this on Friday and it was fun af! Top pic is the drop that I finally grew the balls to ride off of and the second is the little kicker thing it leads into. New tubeless tires seem to be holding up too (thanks, All things bikes and tacos thread)! *first pic is recent, second and third are old but of the same feature set (they're sturdier than they look (kinda... probably)).

 

I feel like I just got away with a crime. I left this guys house with a carbon gravel rig barely used, egg beater pedals and s-works shoes (need boa rebuild), ritchey lightweight stem, shock pump, sram xx1 10-42 cassette ($280), and Kuat nv rack ($600).
I gave him $1350. Cannot wait to ride this damn bike.

 

Ride it like you stole it, cause ya basically did .

I bet it's been sitting in his house for 6+ months after being ridden once since he bought it and his wife nagged him into finally selling it.

 

Nah I think he’s just so MTB that he didn’t like the drop bar stuff. Used to race, had tons of gear and is moving to California. Literally liquidating.

 

Anyone ridden the MegaTower?

 

I was just about to write if anyone has experience megatower vs hightower

 

Last couple hours to get Hightower or Megatower at Mikes bikes for 10% off. I’ve been holding strong against the urge to buy new.

 

I have not, but 29” is more better I’ll say no more.

 

Driving home from Whistler - Crankworxs today and this 3rd Gen was in front of me.
This guy looked like he had a good time.

 

@flipnidaho @backcountryj If either of you are going to be at the WesternNC Bikes 'n Tacos meetup you should bring your rigs. I plan on bringing mine as we will be surrounded by some great trout water. Might could get in some bike fishing while we are at it.

 

Buy the best bike you can afford. Being a rental/demo at a bike shop means it's been really well taken care of, but ask the basic questions anyway:
1) How many hours has it seen?
2) What kind of suspension service for the fork and shock has it gotten?
3) What's the condition of the bearings (headset/pivots/bottom bracket/wheels)?
4) Shape of the tires (maybe they can throw on new ones)?
5) Wheels true and tensioned before sale?
6) When was the last brake bleed done, can one be done before sale?
7) Pedals included?


Buying used from a shop is usually a great deal. You should:
1) Check EVERYTHING made carbon.
2) Cycle the suspension and listen for creaks, parking lot test works.
3) Move the bars left/right check for play or and not-smooth feelings.
4) Take the chain off and spin the cranks, checking for smooth operation of the bottom brakes.
5) Check chain wear.
6) Spring the wheels, are they spinning smoothly?
7) Check the brakes, should be smooth and have the same lever travel and position from the bar.
8) Ask for a service with the sale.

Good luck!

Yep, quick engagement can help with that. But honestly, don't underestimate what good suspension can do for you both up and down in terms of confidence, comfort, and speed. A good setup can transform your bike and the way you ride.

Be mindful that bike shops usually run a low-margin business. They will (most of the time) try to get their customer the best deal they can, hoping that you'll return to buy smaller items and service. I'd ask for some service support after the sale rather than lower price. They want to build a relationship with you, and that help you both. You can also see if they offer a lifetime discount. Many shops will offer you a lifetime 10% off on anything, which adds up very quickly!

Project 321 makes a near silent very high engagement hub. Love mine, but I like the louder buzz.

 

2019 Taco with 2018 Yeti SB5+ converted to "Lunch Ride" specs.

1UP Heavy Duty Rack.

 

Riding one of my favorite fast local trails yesterday and pulled this off... railing a berm that exits to a bridge and hit it just a little too hot. Dusty conditions pushed the front tire just off the edge of the bridge and I went down like a sack-o-potatoes. Luckily my hip, shoulder, knee, and shin took most of the hit, but gripping hard on the bar when it made contact on the wood caused a sudden and unexpected disassembly and bruised my left palm nicely. All crunchy, crunchy under the ESI grip...





Also, if you're ever near Greenville, NC and someone says "Hey, it'd be fun to go ride the Bicycle Post trails"; your first reaction should be to punch them in the thigh as hard as you can... not enough to send them to a doctor, but sufficiently hard enough so that every time they think of riding those trails; they recall that pain and it changes their mind about pedaling...

Horribly signed, one trail dead-ended into a clear-cut field covered with new undergrowth, existing trails were so overgrown you felt like you were riding through a tunnel of ivy vines and weeds, bridges missing planks and moss covering many of them, sketchy teeter I refused to attempt while solo, and ROOTS everywhere.

Did find one cool tree once I finally figured out how to exit... had to stop and zoom out my GPS to figure out where the hell I was in relation to where I'd started.