Gravel/Bikepack nerds enter...

My biggest gripe so far is how much my mountain biking is taking a hit.

Tough choices:

Load the bike and my gear, drive to the trailhead, deal with the trailhead shit show, go for the ride, come back and hope some jackass didn't smash my window to steal what isn't there, drive home in traffic.
OR
Get dressed, walk out to the garage, check the tire pressure, go for a ride and end up where I started.

Regarding the commuting question, I wore a lightweight safety vest when commuting at night, dusk, twilight, etc.

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Originally Posted by Kevo

Awesome! Hope you continue to enjoy your bike.

I also recommend putting on some Racers Tape on your frame to protect it from the straps on your bag. I use this stuff and I've been really happy with it. It applies really easily with a spray bottle with water.

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Good call. I have some leftover from my MTB.

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Originally Posted by smmokan

Hate is a strong word... I've actually owned two previously. :)

I'm still hell bent on figuring out how to enjoy these damn things, since I know it's the best way for me to get into better shape and put longer miles in when training.

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FWIW I generally hate endurance stuff because I get bored. So far, I like gravel riding because I can listen to audiobooks and podcasts and actually absorb them. Makes all the difference for me.

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Originally Posted by bodywhomper

Regarding the commuting question, I wore a lightweight safety vest when commuting at night, dusk, twilight, etc.

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I use a reflective sash for commuting (aka Miss New Jersey sash), with a second rear-facing blinker attached to the belt. Easy to throw over whatever layers you need for conditions.

This kind of thing: https://rununited.com/amphipod-xingl...ctive-sash-451

Anyone know a good cheap 700 carbon or whatever rim for bikepacking for my Vaya? Lookiing to upgrade from the stock rims (no markings on it, no ide what they are) so I can go tubeless. I don't know what I should pay and I can't set a budget without knowing the minimum I need to pay...Keep in mind the whole bike was $1500 10 years ago. So no $1000 set of rims please.

Realistically you won't find 25mm+ IW carbon wheel set for much less than $1000. Maybe $800 if you find a deal. Used, maybe $600. Don't bother to "upgrade" your wheels if it's not actually an upgrade.

That said, plenty of people bikepack with random shit equipment and have tons of fun. You might also look into "non boost" 29er wheels, which are readily available for cheap. But most will have like 22mm wide rims, and wider is nice for 45mm+ tires and lower pressures.

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Originally Posted by muted reborn

Anyone know a good cheap 700 carbon or whatever rim for bikepacking for my Vaya? Lookiing to upgrade from the stock rims (no markings on it, no ide what they are) so I can go tubeless. I don't know what I should pay and I can't set a budget without knowing the minimum I need to pay...Keep in mind the whole bike was $1500 10 years ago. So no $1000 set of rims please.

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How do you know the current rim is not tubeless compatible? If it’s stock spec look up the bike model and year on the salsa site.

Stock wheels on salsa’s often leave a lot to be desired, so you’ll appreciate an upgrade.

I’d worry about rebuilding new wheels around OEM hubs. I’m guessing it’s a QR in the rear… and maybe 15x100mm up front? so new off the shelf might be a struggle but a 12x142 hub could be converted to QR.

I’d hunt pinkbikes used section (filtering by hub spacing) and see what you can dig up. Nice aluminum would also be a big upgrade. A high end DT Swiss aluminum wheel from a mountain bike could be worth jumping on.

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Originally Posted by muted reborn

Anyone know a good cheap 700 carbon or whatever rim for bikepacking for my Vaya? Lookiing to upgrade from the stock rims (no markings on it, no ide what they are) so I can go tubeless. I don't know what I should pay and I can't set a budget without knowing the minimum I need to pay...Keep in mind the whole bike was $1500 10 years ago. So no $1000 set of rims please.

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Thoughts on the Surly Ghost Grappler?? i'm somewhat looking for a city bike / commuter / bar trips / occasional long distance fall ride / have been bikepack curious. IF i end up hating the drop bars is switching to flat just a total waste of money based on the bike?? I like Surly bikes as i've had them in the past and there are 2 for sale locally i could get for decent deals i think as the season is winding down....

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Originally Posted by Tailwind

Stock wheels on salsa’s often leave a lot to be desired, so you’ll appreciate an upgrade.

I’d worry about rebuilding new wheels around OEM hubs. I’m guessing it’s a QR in the rear… and maybe 15x100mm up front? so new off the shelf might be a struggle but a 12x142 hub could be converted to QR.

I’d hunt pinkbikes used section (filtering by hub spacing) and see what you can dig up. Nice aluminum would also be a big upgrade. A high end DT Swiss aluminum wheel from a mountain bike could be worth jumping on.

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I'm hoping to just replace the rims and spokes and yes they are both QR. If this isn't a simple thing to do I'm not bothering.

I don't understand how a round rim won't work with any hub if all you have to do is match the amount of spokes a rim will take to the amount of spokes a hub can take. But the bike industry is really good at making almost everything frustrating and incompatible, ha.

Thanks all for the advice.

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Originally Posted by smmokan

Hate is a strong word... I've actually owned two previously. :)

I'm still hell bent on figuring out how to enjoy these damn things, since I know it's the best way for me to get into better shape and put longer miles in when training.

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Welcome back to the lame side of biking. Get a pair of earpods (the $18 wired apple headphones) and listen to books on audible or podcasts or music while you ride. I put in the right ear and keep my left ear open to listen for cars.

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Originally Posted by Going Coastal

Garmin makes a taillight with integrated radar that gives you a warning when vehicles (or faster cyclists) are approaching from behind. I won't do any considerable time on a roadway without it anymore. It obviously won't stop someone from running you down, but it's great for awareness and you get way more notice that someones coming and it even shows how quickly they are approaching and how far back they are. The light is also super bright and has a number of flash sequences, so it's not a compromise on visibility.

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My dad is deaf and I got him one of those. It bluetooths directly into his cochlear implant and shows on his bike computer. He now is able to understand if there are cars around him. It's awesome.

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Originally Posted by Sandbox

Thoughts on the Surly Ghost Grappler?? i'm somewhat looking for a city bike / commuter / bar trips / occasional long distance fall ride / have been bikepack curious. IF i end up hating the drop bars is switching to flat just a total waste of money based on the bike?? I like Surly bikes as i've had them in the past and there are 2 for sale locally i could get for decent deals i think as the season is winding down....

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An Ogre would suit your needs better


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Originally Posted by muted reborn

I'm hoping to just replace the rims and spokes and yes they are both QR. If this isn't a simple thing to do I'm not bothering.

I don't understand how a round rim won't work with any hub if all you have to do is match the amount of spokes a rim will take to the amount of spokes a hub can take. But the bike industry is really good at making almost everything frustrating and incompatible, ha.

Thanks all for the advice.

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Your hubs are likely pretty low quality, so spending $3-600 for rims and spokes for them seems... shortsighted. You will be able to find a wheel set that you can make tubeless for mush less than that. Sorry, but outdated stuff is outdated.

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Originally Posted by Kevo

Welcome back to the lame side of biking. Get a pair of earpods (the $18 wired apple headphones) and listen to books on audible or podcasts or music while you ride. I put in the right ear and keep my left ear open to listen for cars.
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I already ride my XC bike (Epic Evo) on the dirt roads in North Boulder a decent amount... 20-30 miles at a time and occasionally I wander up into the mountains on Sunshine Canyon, Fourmile, etc. I have a pair of Shokz that I use to listen to podcasts, but it still gets pretty boring IMO. I just think it's relative to what I'm used to riding on my MTB, which is tough to stack up against.

I just like the *idea* of riding from the house on a gravel bike and doing 3+ hour rides, especially when/if I'm training for something specific. In practice is where my thoughts diverge.

Garmin taillight thingy and reflective sash ordered.

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Originally Posted by smmokan

Hate is a strong word... I've actually owned two previously. :)

I'm still hell bent on figuring out how to enjoy these damn things, since I know it's the best way for me to get into better shape and put longer miles in when training.

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I got a smoking deal on a chamois haggar and I’m getting some quality miles in on the ride to/from work. I, too, have a hard time choosing the gravel grinder over some fun single track, but for a commute the opportunity cost is almost zero for me. Trying to figure out how to take it easy on the way in…. Mostly down hill, but I invariably get the zoomies and try to push for more speed. The way home is a bit of a grind but it sure does clear your head. 10 miles each way is enough to feel like some work and it only adds 15-20 mins to the way in and around 25-30 to the way home.

We’ll see whether I’m able to stick with it long term, but I hope I can make a habit of at least 2-3 days/week.

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Originally Posted by MagnificentUnicorn

An Ogre would suit your needs better


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Fair point. None for sale locally unfortunately.


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Originally Posted by Mustonen

We’ll see whether I’m able to stick with it long term, but I hope I can make a habit of at least 2-3 days/week.

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Awesome, welcome. 5 years will go by in a blink of an eye, it will be your routine that you freak out over missing and you'll realize how much better overall fitness you have year round.

Agreed here.

I proposed some used wheels because I don’t think it’s worth the hassle of rebuilding the wheels. Labor and spokes add up quickly so you’d spend more and the hubs will fail at some point.

To the Op- I would search for a non boost (12x142 and 15x100) dt swiss aluminum wheelset. You can buy kits to convert these to QR and they’ll be easier to find than a true QR wheelset.

Avoid the 1900 series wheelsets from DT but other stuff should be sold. I bet you could find something nice for $300 if you have a little patience.

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Originally Posted by climberevan

Your hubs are likely pretty low quality, so spending $3-600 for rims and spokes for them seems... shortsighted. You will be able to find a wheel set that you can make tubeless for mush less than that. Sorry, but outdated stuff is outdated.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by smmokan

Hate is a strong word... I've actually owned two previously. :)

I'm still hell bent on figuring out how to enjoy these damn things, since I know it's the best way for me to get into better shape and put longer miles in when training.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Going Coastal

Garmin makes a taillight with integrated radar that gives you a warning when vehicles (or faster cyclists) are approaching from behind. I won't do any considerable time on a roadway without it anymore. It obviously won't stop someone from running you down, but it's great for awareness and you get way more notice that someones coming and it even shows how quickly they are approaching and how far back they are. The light is also super bright and has a number of flash sequences, so it's not a compromise on visibility.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by smmokan

I already ride my XC bike (Epic Evo) on the dirt roads in North Boulder a decent amount... 20-30 miles at a time and occasionally I wander up into the mountains on Sunshine Canyon, Fourmile, etc. I have a pair of Shokz that I use to listen to podcasts, but it still gets pretty boring IMO. I just think it's relative to what I'm used to riding on my MTB, which is tough to stack up against.

I just like the *idea* of riding from the house on a gravel bike and doing 3+ hour rides, especially when/if I'm training for something specific. In practice is where my thoughts diverge.

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Have you ever ridden Sunshine Canyon to Gold Hill? It's doable from your house. It's pretty challenging and has some good views.

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Originally Posted by Kevo

Have you ever ridden Sunshine Canyon to Gold Hill? It's doable from your house. It's pretty challenging and has some good views.

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Yep, I ride up there a lot in the spring to get in bigger rides with legit climbing. There's a bunch of options to add in with Logan Mill, Sugarloaf, Switzerland, Flagstaff, Old Stage, Lee Hill, Lickskillet, Rowena, etc.

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Originally Posted by Tailwind

Agreed here.

I proposed some used wheels because I don’t think it’s worth the hassle of rebuilding the wheels. Labor and spokes add up quickly so you’d spend more and the hubs will fail at some point.

To the Op- I would search for a non boost (12x142 and 15x100) dt swiss aluminum wheelset. You can buy kits to convert these to QR and they’ll be easier to find than a true QR wheelset.

Avoid the 1900 series wheelsets from DT but other stuff should be sold. I bet you could find something nice for $300 if you have a little patience.

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I appreciate this and Evan's thoughts too - I am not in the mood to pursue this right now because as the family equipment mamager for 4 I'm overwhelmed with research and purchases for many other bike and camp things- but in the fall I will start looking for used wheels.

Hubs are Salsa hubs so I presumed that meant quality, but again, was hoping for a quick fix and didn't have time to research this all so I came here instead.

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Originally Posted by Mustonen

Trying to figure out how to take it easy on the way in…. Mostly down hill, but I invariably get the zoomies and try to push for more speed.

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I try to remind myself that my 5min of cycling glory will be well outweighed by the next 12hrs I get to spend stewing in my own ball sweat. Needless to say, I find it hard to dial it back and have spent many many hrs regretting my poor choices. At least the urban camping community that cheers on my commute gets to enjoy the mediocre show of athleticism as I try to match pace with an e-scooter for some unknown reason.

Any other decent gravel rides besides Boreas pass around Breckenridge? Thinking about bringing the gravel bike instead of the MTB next time I'm up there

New carbon wheelset question—I’m helping a friend figure out what to buy. Seems that hookless is the future, but they need Tubeless Specific not just Tubeless Ready right? https://road.cc/content/feature/hook...ter-you-306969

When I go to sites like JensonUSA, it’s easy to find tubeless ready but I’m not seeing ‘specific’. Mostly just want to make sure there’s plenty of tire options for these.

Thoughts on 24H front and 28H rear for a sub 150 lb rider?