Ride Photos 25

This is less about the photos and more about the riding.

After the disaster of rim failure with that expensive bike from Specialized, I decided to take a saner route. I knew that a custom build would be even more expensive, and I am capable of doing most of it myself. So I chose to get a cheaper bike with a really good frame geometry. Frames are warranted for life. I could upgrade the components at my leisure, and would not be pressured to buy the most expensive stuff.

I never understood the obsession with having the latest and greatest drive train components, nor with the debate between Shimano and SRAM. I’ve tested the cheapest and some of the more expensive versions of both, and there’s not that much difference any more. This bike came with a third brand, MicroShift. After doing the research, I opted for a couple of levels higher of the same brand simply because they were far more simple and consistent enough. And 3×8 gears is more than I use, so more is not better. I’m now running MicroShift Mezzo shifters and derailleurs.

I kept the original brake system, but opted for better brake discs. That came when I replaced the OEM wheels (32-spoke) with a tougher 36-spoke pair. The spokes began breaking, and I had not yet done any actual rough surface riding. The new ones are actually on the low end of price, but the reviews indicated they would last a while. I found they were also better at grabbing the tire beads, meaning they were less likely to pop back out during initial inflation. I’ve lost a few tubes in the past because the fit was too loose.

The most recent upgrade was an adapter for the front brake caliper. The manufacturer fitted a smaller 140mm front disc, which goes against all the shared wisdom of riders. The rear was a 160mm, just enough for a duffer like me. So in order to put the larger disc on my new front wheel, I had to order that adapter that pushes the caliber out enough to accommodate a larger disc. They match now. Also, the new rims switched me from Presta valves to Schrader, which are easier to find for this size rim.

On the side of my handlebar bag I added soft bottle carriers. The metal straps around them aren’t load bearing, but simply keep them from tipping sideways, attaching to the side of red bag. The extra bottle cages on the frame are because it can get awfully hot here in Oklahoma and I do sometimes carry up to four bottles of fluids. The little black bag atop the frame bar is a tool kit, and I carry a small tire pump under the rear rack. I’ve stopped a few times to help other people fix their bikes, so I carry a fairly substantial selection of tools I am most likely to use. Under the seat is a cable and lock, because I never know when I’m going to need to stop somewhere and go in a building that doesn’t allow bikes inside. When I need to haul stuff, I have saddle bags that slip right onto that rear rack.

The sad news is that my knees have made it clear to me that I will never be able to ride far enough for bikepacking. That dream is gone. I still plan to ride at least a little on most days of the week, and I still wear the “Bikepacking Oklahoma” t-shirts when riding, but I won’t be trying to fit the bike out for long camping trips.