The "I need to brag about a gear purchase" thread--Cycling version

[Andy Mink]

There's a gear purchase thread for skiing. Now there's one for cycling. As a newb in the mtb/ebike world, I like seeing what others are getting, for whatever they're riding. My latest purchase? Chain lube. This thread has to start somewhere!

 

[luliski]

24c for front, 26c for rear after sidewall split on front tire on a road ride. I had 6000 miles on the old tires and I do ride gravel/dirt occasionally, so replaced with same except for width for rear. I got a discount on them due to some bike shop confusion.

I have a long list of bike-related purchases I’ve been contemplating (some for a long time)

 

[firebanex]

Can I just wave at my bike stuff in general? I thought I spent lots of money on ski stuff, then I got into riding bikes a couple years ago... boy was I mistaken. Today I bought a XX1 chain for my fat bike.. Been using the same GX chain for 5 years now. Since it only see's winter riding it's prolly still okay just a little rusty.

Didn't buy it.. but I made it last week! Half frame bag for my 2023 Driftless ALR Checkpoint frame.. which is also new along with the Hunt X-Wide Gravel wheel set, the blue Panaracer GravelKings, and that lovely Bontrager RSL carbon seatpost.... Bars, stem, brakes and drivetrain all came off my CX bike that I was using as a gravel bike for the last few years.

 

[Tom K.]

I recently bought this:

For a little project I should be posting about in the next few days!

 

[skibob]

Was awhile ago. But Tannus inserts for my gravel bike paired with 40mm gravel kings. Bomb ride and traction. Punctureless.

 

[cantunamunch]

Was awhile ago. But Tannus inserts for my gravel bike paired with 40mm gravel kings. Bomb ride and traction. Punctureless.

Did you try the tubeless version?

 

[cantunamunch]

I recently bought this:

View attachment 176473

For a little project I should be posting about in the next few days!

Wait, you bought a crown race but not a frame... something from the project stash?

 

[Tom K.]

Wait, you bought a crown race but not a frame... something from the project stash?

Close. I bought a crown race, for a frame that I'm building up......getting close, stay tuned!

 

[cantunamunch]

Close. I bought a crown race, for a frame that I'm building up......getting close, stay tuned!

Taking PR lessons from the Audi F1 team, I see

 

[skibob]

Did you try the tubeless version?

I have not.

 

[Tony Storaro]

Oh man, this is gonna be a long thread indeed.

Last week only purchases:

and some other stuff...

Cycling is a black hole just as terrible as skiing and fishing.

 

[cantunamunch]

I've used the tubolitos, how are the scorpions?

 

[chris_the_wrench]

Close. I bought a crown race, for a frame that I'm building up......getting close, stay tuned!

Oh sweet! You finally order that E assist unicycle that somehow has a headset.

 

[Tony Storaro]

I've used the tubolitos, how are the scorpions?

Absolutely no idea. These are only to be used as back up, take-me-home solution in case it goes awfully wrong with the tubeless setup or just wrong with the butyl tubes on our bikes.

 

[Tom K.]

New Toy Day!!!

Replaces the pure race Supercaliber with a light, racey trail bike in the form of a Top Fuel.

Deets:
XL 9.8 GX AXS "starter kit"
Fox 34 Grip @ 130 mm
XT brakes
Bonty carbon post
Astral Serpentine wheels
XR3 front/Racing Ralph rear

Felt fast and nimble on the quick shakedown ride. Exceptional pedaling. Two-thirds Fuel EX and one-third Supercaliber.

TBD: Can I get the stuff from the Speedsleev (best saddle pack ever) into the down tube's storage locker? Almost certainly. But where does that leave me when I'm riding my beloved OG Slash?! Cue Ray Lamontagne's "Trouble".

 

[Tony Storaro]

New Toy Day!!!

Replaces the pure race Supercaliber with a light, racey trail bike in the form of a Top Fuel.

Deets:
XL 9.8 GX AXS "starter kit"
Fox 34 Grip @ 130 mm
XT brakes
Bonty carbon post
Astral Serpentine wheels
XR3 front/Racing Ralph rear

Felt fast and nimble on the quick shakedown ride. Exceptional pedaling. Two-thirds Fuel EX and one-third Supercaliber.

TBD: Can I get the stuff from the Speedsleev (best saddle pack ever) into the down tube's storage locker? Almost certainly. But where does that leave me when I'm riding my beloved OG Slash?! Cue Ray Lamontagne's "Trouble".

SAWEEEEEET! Congrats man! Do tell more about that saddle bag.

 

[firebanex]

Wait wait wait, where is the dropper post?

I really liked the XR3's on my Top Fuel a couple years ago, surprising amount of grip with how short the tread blocks are.

 

[wiread]

I just ordered my first Ebike. A Specialized Vado 4.0, should be here Wed or Thursday. It's a bit of a step up from my 1995 Trek 930 that's in surprisingly great shape considering it's use. Though the past couple years I've found it too uncomfortable and since I was just towing toddlers in a trailer I used my wife's bike. Of course our old Thule isn't really rated for weight of an ebike, so I also ordered a new T2 Pro XTR and gave the old Thule tray rack to my parents.

 

[Tom K.]

SAWEEEEEET! Congrats man! Do tell more about that saddle bag.

Speedsleeve. A size for every need, and a compartment for everything so no rattling. Easy and quick on and off. No seatpost loop, so very dropper post-compatible.

Bike Saddle Bags - Multiple Sizes - Snug Fit | Speedsleev

The ultimate bike saddle bags for minimalist riders. Versatile pack that holds all essentials for short rides or long-haul adventures. Waterproof ballistic nylon shell keeps tools & emergency gear dry no matter what.

speedsleev.com

Better pics:

SpeedSleev Ranger: A Minimalist Saddle Bag That Holds Everything You Need

Time to start paying attention to what’s underneath your saddle

www.bicycling.com

Wait wait wait, where is the dropper post?

I really liked the XR3's on my Top Fuel a couple years ago, surprising amount of grip with how short the tread blocks are.

No dropper personal preference.

XR3 is great. For max effect, it wants to be leaned, to get the XR4-sized side knobs engaged. Once we start getting regular rain, an XR4 will replace it.

 

[Tom K.]

On a much smaller new purchase note, due to sweat generation and exertion levels, I've never found a helmet that allowed me to ride with glasses in the summer when training hard or racing.

Now I can: https://wickflow.com/product/2-pack/

Was very skeptical, but these are flat out unbelievable.