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Post by dgaddis1 on Mar 10, 2016 10:03:29 GMT -5
Trail is in fantastic shape right now. Also, MAJOR KUDOS to Drew from AJBW and the crew he assembled to work out there recently to re-open Razor's Edge. There's two reroutes, and they did a great job of keeping the feel of Razor's Edge. It's tight, a little sketchy, but totally rideable if you're paying attention. I rode it last night, first time riding it in a few years I guess, and it was like catching up with an old friend. I rode it three times, and only made it through clean once, on my first time haha. It still needs a little more work, but it's 95% now, and mostly it just needs wheels.
It's fun, go ride it.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 14, 2015 11:25:03 GMT -5
Yeah, the expansion got it. It also fell into disrepair before it was demo'd. It was in a bad location. Well, it was in a GREAT location (lots of tree cover), but it was hidden from view, and not in an area many people were, so no one really knew it was there, and it didn't get much use.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 7, 2015 9:27:19 GMT -5
Anything I don't do myself because of lack of tools or desire/time to mess with it, I go to Nate @ Andy Jordans.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Nov 23, 2015 8:20:02 GMT -5
I am 190lbs, and have tried 24-30 lbs. I am currently using 28 rear and 26 front, on Stans Arch wheels setup tubeless. The Ikon is definitely worn, perhaps it needs to be replaced. I use clipless pedals and pull up on the handlebars putting my weight towards the rear of the bike and my pedals. The Ikon has great traction, but it seems it just can't pull it off I'm really pedaling hard. Yeah sounds like it's just worn out, your tire pressures sound right on. Also try and smooth out your pedal stroke when going hard...I know I tend to get sloppy and pedal squares instead of circles when really pushing it up a climb!
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Post by dgaddis1 on Nov 18, 2015 15:21:37 GMT -5
I'm currently using a Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.25 tubeless. I've tried multiple different pressures. It works fairly well, but for climbing in areas like FATS, Boyd Pond, etc, it just doesn't cut it traction wise. This tire is fairly worn and could use to be replaced anyway. Does anyone have any suggestions for a tire meeting this criteria that would excel in an area like FATS? Thanks in advance. The Ikon is the go-to tire for a LOT of local riders, and it works very well all over the southeast. Try and keep your weight back so there's more weight on the tire. A lot of people tend to get way over the front tire when out of the saddle climbing, and doing so greatly reduces traction. You have to find that sweet spot where there's enough weight on the rear tire for traction, and enough on the front wheel to keep it on the ground. It could just be time for a new one if it's worn out. What pressures have you tried, and how much do you weigh?
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Post by dgaddis1 on Nov 3, 2015 14:36:12 GMT -5
I think there are cameras already on the market (and kickstarter?); some of which incorporate a blinky too. Regardless, you might have more takers if you try the road riders. I thought the same thing at first, but after looking at the survery I think the product is more like a review mirror that uses a camera instead of an actual mirror. Survey makers - I've got some suggestions for the survey to better the questions, shoot me an e-mail if you're interested. SouthernWheelworks at gmail dot com
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Post by dgaddis1 on Sept 17, 2015 12:19:53 GMT -5
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Post by dgaddis1 on Sept 15, 2015 7:49:27 GMT -5
I'd recommend a thru-axle fork, 15mm. It's WAY stiffer than a QR fork. After I rode a TA fork for a while, when I went back to a QR I stopped several times to check and see if the QR lever was loose, it felt like the wheel was folding over sideways. That's the same frame and wheel, just the fork was different.
On a rigid fork, the QR axle is fine. But with suspension, it makes a big difference. You have to consider if the wheel can be converted or not too, not sure what hub you're using.
For lower cost options, I really like the Manitou Tower Pro fork I had for a while. It was about $550 new and worked GREAT. And it didn't leak oil like the $900 Fox fork I also had...
You can also look for a used fork, but be prepared to spend some money getting it rebuilt and whatnot.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Sept 10, 2015 6:18:38 GMT -5
He bought my Niner EMD with Stans Arch rims -- he should be good to go. Might want to add a front suspension fork... Sweet! Suspension is totally optional.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Sept 9, 2015 12:28:33 GMT -5
That Trek is definitely not a MTB, and you're right to be concerned with the fork/wheels/tires. The tires will have very little grip and volume, which will leave the rims vulnerable to getting hit when you bottom out the tire. The rims aren't made for that kind of abuse, and the wheels in general aren't going to be stiff with only 20 spokes each. I would ride very gingerly till you can get something more suitable. I'd stick to Bartram personally, it's a lot smoother and flatter.
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ORAMM
Jul 16, 2015 15:05:52 GMT -5
Post by dgaddis1 on Jul 16, 2015 15:05:52 GMT -5
Hey EddyG, sorry I'm just responding to this, I dont get on here as much as I used to.
There is a LOT of climbing. On the descending rarely will you need or want to pedal, it's STEEP. I used an old school 3x9 and used my granny gear a good bit. So my recommendation - use the smallest chainring you've got!
I don't know your fitness or what your time goals are, but if it's your first time, conservative gearing is a wise choice IMO.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Jun 9, 2015 15:30:03 GMT -5
Listing this for my friend Dave. For sale - 2009 Specialized Sequoia road bike, size 54cm. Aluminum frame, carbon fork. Shimano 105 drivetrain. Specialized Toupe Gel Saddle. Bike has approx. 5,000 miles and has been professionally maintained. Original MSRP was $1250, he's asking $800.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Jun 1, 2015 6:25:51 GMT -5
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Post by dgaddis1 on May 29, 2015 8:02:21 GMT -5
Bike is sold!
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Post by dgaddis1 on May 27, 2015 6:55:15 GMT -5
Doing a gravel/pavement ride this Saturday, leaving from Key Bridge at 9am, and doing a 50 mile loop. Here's the route: www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/717711083 You can always shorten the ride if you don't want to do all 50 miles. There's no rest stops or places to buy food along the route that I know of, so come prepared. I'm sure we can find water somewhere though if needed. Ride will include: -Short section of Turkey Creek trail -Mix of dirt and paved roads -Some rake-and-ride singletrack between two gravel roads -Cool bridge crossing -A water crossing around mile 33. The water crossing may only be a few inches deep and easily rideable, or it might look like it did last time:
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Post by dgaddis1 on May 27, 2015 6:26:00 GMT -5
I've got a new bike coming in this week and need to make some room in the garage, so I'm putting my Raleigh up for sale. It's a basic steel frame/fork, has medium reach brakes which allow room for either fenders or CX tires, and it's got a built in lighting system. It's a perfect commuter, and is what I mostly used it for. It also works great for riding dirt roads since it will fit larger tires than race-type road bikes. I've had the bike for a few years and done lots of upgrades along the way. It's been ridden a lot and is not in pristine cosmetic condition. Mechanically and structurally it's perfect however. The frame has some scratches and cable rub spots and normal wear and tear, but no dings or dents. It's original MSRP was $1400ish, I've got several hundred dollars in it in upgrades. I'm asking $500, and price is firm. The wheels and lighting system alone are worth that. Stats: 2012 Raleigh Clubman Size - 57cm Steel frame and fork Tiagra 10spd drivetrain Tektro brakes Full stock build spec, and geometry, can be found here: archive.raleighusa.com/archive/2012-steel-road/clubman-12/UPGRADES: - Custom tubeless wheels/dynamo front - Shimano 105 rear hub, SP Dynamo front hub, Pacenti SL23 rims, DT Rev spokes, alloy nipples
- Dynamo lighting system - Lumotec Cyo IQ Premium front light, I forget what the rear light is. Wiring is internal through the frame and fork. Never needs charging, always ready to grab and go.
- Portland Design Works fenders - aluminum, wide, full coverage - keeps road spray off you and the bike, makes riding in the rain a complete non-issue
- Thomson stem and seatpost
- WTB Volt saddle
- Planet Bike rear rack
- Salsa Cowbell bars
- Wheels Manufacturing angular contact bearing bottom bracket
- Reflective tape for improved visibility when riding in the dark
Bike has NEW: -Tubeless 28mm Hutchinson Sector tires -Kool Stop salmon color brake pads -Shift cables and housing The chain, cassette, and bar tape are fairly new.
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Post by dgaddis1 on May 12, 2015 10:25:28 GMT -5
Yes, the color code is the same that was used for the AJBW jerseys. Different monitors display color differently. Cool. The proof looks peach to me on both a PC and iPhone screen.
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Post by dgaddis1 on May 12, 2015 8:21:18 GMT -5
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Post by dgaddis1 on Apr 2, 2015 8:07:36 GMT -5
Woo-hoo, I'm actually available for an ETTR! Me and a few others will start with the main group, but will also be adding Mistletoe to the ride. AKA, we're doing the Christmas Party Ride. Anyone interested is welcome to join us. It's a 25 mile ride and will take about 3 hours, probably a bit more if we do much stopping for socializing/regrouping/etc. It'll be a no-drop ride, we'll regroup at any intersections or turns to make sure no one gets lost.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Mar 22, 2015 12:30:50 GMT -5
Longest ride I've done in a while and I was WHIPPED at the end. There was a 50k trail run going on as well, so stopping for those guys and gals slowed us down a good bit the first 2hrs or so of the ride. Brian and Ross rode part of the route with us, and Dean and I did the whole thing. Both Dean and I were on 29er single speeds, but he was using a monster 32x16 gear!! I made some pretty awesome rice cakes. Andes mint chocolate with either strawberries or blueberries. Very tasty. I didn't take many pics on the ride. This is at the Mistletoe State Park office, 40 miles down, about 22 to go. Rain earlier in the week filled up the creeks. There's a few like this you can usually ride, but when they're wet, they are insanely slick. I got to see my kneecap once when I slipped and fell walking one similar to this... Solid day on the MTB
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