MexicanDragon

CJ, I know some people who use the Lemond setup for saddle height. Grab a book, or a level if you have it, and then put that up to the groin area with about the firmness you'd feel sitting on the bike. Take this measurement (inseam) and multiply by .883. This should give you the approximate seat height from the center of the crank arm spindle (bottom bracket) to the top of the seat, measures along the angle of the seat post. It may seem a little high, but you've probably been riding too low for most of your life (most people have.) If you don't have a stand, try hanging the bike by the front of the seat over a sturdy tree limb. Not ideal, but you should be OK for some light tinkering. Does it look as good in person as it did online? **BRENT**

Pix or it didn't happen. **BRENT**

So Specialized is running a May offer at their LBSes. BOGO Free on the tires below. Those S-Works Turbos in 26c for 55$ seems like a great deal for a pair; or maybe a fat All Condition Armadillo Elite for the tough-on-tires crowd for the same 55$. Espoir Elite are 35$ for 2; Roubaix Pro for 40$ for 2. **BRENT**

He's probably grown 6 inches since we got it... in February. It was an HDR shot so the legs are going to be off. Chris, what do you think about fitment? The height range for this bike goes up to 5', and he's still a bit under that. We tried out some stuff and the 650c/26x1 inch bikes were what fit best. It has a crazy short stem, and it's probably a bit more upright, but he feels comfortable on it. I'm wondering if the crank arms are a little long, though. **BRENT**

Nice, CJ! Hate that it's an issue but that's quicker than the original ETA, no?

Went to a Minor League AA baseball game. Zoë was awarded an academic thing along with kids from other schools, where she took a lap around the ballpark. Her mom dropped her off and Xavier and I stayed for the game and had a blast. It was our first baseball game together, and pretty sure we made some awesome memories tonight. Xavier is the age I was when I lost my dad, and want to make sure we have as much quality time together as we can. Slight seat upgrade. We also had quite the dinner tasting menu over the course of 5 hours, including ballpark hotdog, pulled chicken nachos, Mexican rice, and some sliders. Amazing night sharing a game I've loved with my son. **BRENT**

Heh. Woulda been here sooner, but our Uber driver almost got pulled over as she was picking us up, for running 2 red lights. We could've gotten another, but figured we should make Xavier's first Uber an experience. **BRENT**

There are these magical metal birds that will transport you to the land of headphones. Look into it. They have them in both Boston and Atlanta. **BRENT**

Nah. Actually at a baseball game with Xavier. Wanna go at 1130?

Prolly. **BRENT**

I just spent the past 2 hours swapping pedals, helping Xavier install his own cleats in his new shoes (the 2014 version of this,) got the trainer all adjusted for a 650c bike, adjusted the pedals a click at a time to get him to be able to get in and out consistently. He has been wanting to get on the trainer for months, but we didn't since we were riding a good bit. Since he is trying out clipless, though, and we have a big ride on Wednesday, getting him on the trainer made a ton of sense. He's been going a good half hour for his "workout" and clipping in/out practice. He'll be tearing up the race circuit (which I need to look into) soon. I <3 this kid. **BRENT**

You're insane, Tom. I love it! **BRENT**

Keep me in the loop; Maple Street Biscuit Company needs my patronage. **BRENT**

Chris, are you autocrossing tomorrow? I'm trying to make brunch plans, and need to decide between chicken and waffles, or all the fucking biscuits in Chattanooga. **BRENT**

Tell them that isn't acceptable and that they will need to send out the bike you ordered. **BRENT**

Heh, man, I love instant gratification. Jeff can attest to how frustrated I was this weekend when I ordered something from Amazon before noon on Friday, and it wasn't delivered for free on Sunday. How rude is that!?!? **BRENT**

One week isn't horrible, I mean, you got free shipping, no tax, and 50% off. I wouldn't complain about that at ALL. They probably won't let you try on shorts, as they are to be worn on bare skin; doesn't hurt to try, though. That said, 10% off is nothing for buying proper bike shorts. You're going to be looking at 45-90$ for shorts if you buy locally, with 10% off. Get a fabric measuring tape, measure, then look at charts online. Jersey fit is going to be more varied than shorts fit, from what I've noticed. **BRENT**

This would be better: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spaghetti-Os-Cycling-Jersey-Canari-Size-X-Large-Perfect-Shape-Loose-Fit-/381591942155?hash=item58d8a6f40b:g:LUYAAOSwUuFWw2Kp Also, you probably won't be in a Medium in a jersey. Take a look at the sizing charts for anything you get. **BRENT**

When did they change it to be legal to make modifications to be able to adjust the shocks through drilled holes? Man, if that's legal, stock class got a bit more interesting. **BRENT**

Don't worry about the goo, just call a car service to finish taking you where you need to go and have someone pick up the X5 and repair it while you're at the pub drinking. Responsible. Jesus. What's going on with this place? **BRENT**

Pars, for CJ, I think 50$ is worth it for the time he'd have to invest while in med school; I believe that's largely the reason. I've been on 23s because that's what came stock on my bike, and I haven't been in a position to spend $$$ to upgrade until I wear those tires out. The Vittorias wore well, and I didn't log enough miles, so still here. I've definitely wanted to move up to 25s or 28s, but 100$ on stuff I don't necessarily need is tough to justify, when I hadn't even had a flat on these tires since I got the bike. Bright side, I have a good trainer tire for this fall/winter. **BRENT** Edit: Pars, you said you don't know what I weigh. I've recently lost 39 pounds, but I'm still about 2x of the smaller/medium sized pro cyclists. I figure I'll go to 28s next year as long as finances allow.

The Fugees - The Score 20th Anniversary Edition **BRENT**

Gorillaz - Gorillaz **BRENT**

You're going to need a multi-tool anyways. You can get by without a seat pack if you always have a backpack or something with you to carry your stuff in, but you need a tool, patch kit, spare tube, CO2 or mini-pump (or both.) I got some Sugoi shorts a couple/3 years back for like, 17$. I checked to see and they're back up to 50-75$ now, but we can always find some deals somewhere. But yeah, bike shorts make a HUGE difference. I was almost in tears after 20 miles one ride when I was supposed to pick up new shorts at a ride, but they didn't come in, so I had to go without padding, and this was with tons of nerve damage. With some proper shorts, it's nothing. CJ, I'd also recommend getting a lock if you can't take it inside with you to an office or something. You could easily build it yourself with a tool, but 50$ for pro assembly is a good deal, IMO. You can get the important stuff -- helmet, shorts, tool, pump, and patch kit -- for now, and add along as you go. I think the 14$ light set I linked is worth it, as was mentioned above, visibility in the daylight (there are still shadows + 80 year old drivers) is important.. Then, as far as building/maintenance, just do the adjustments yourself as you need them. That way it won't be as overwhelming, and you'll know from the start what it feels like to feel "right." I'm excited for you, man. Also, pix. This thread has too few pix lately. **BRENT**

On the bright side, the meet is in a month, not right now, so you have plenty of time! **BRENT**