The Mountain Bike Thread
- Thread starter Josh
- Start date
a Bianchi 10 spd was my daily escape ride when stationed at Travis AFB in 70'-72'. Once my Air Cargo shift was over it was a quick change into shorts from my locker and onto the bike for the next two hours spinning the back roads before a return to base and a cold beer.
As to gravel...used to have an ongoing race against an LT who drove a bathtub Porsche with the top down, we both got off at the same time, both used the east gate leaving the base. He was restrained by the base speed limit he was always pushing, I had the shortcuts.
So I'm flat out heading into the last turn before the east gate exit, can heard the Porsche behind me, a contract road crew had been fixing potholes on base, apex of the turn I hit spilled blacktop gravel, down and into a long slide...Porsche goes around me with a honk and wave, I take my road rash from hell to the infirmary where they clean it up and pick gravel bits out of my leg and elbow.
As to gravel...used to have an ongoing race against an LT who drove a bathtub Porsche with the top down, we both got off at the same time, both used the east gate leaving the base. He was restrained by the base speed limit he was always pushing, I had the shortcuts.
So I'm flat out heading into the last turn before the east gate exit, can heard the Porsche behind me, a contract road crew had been fixing potholes on base, apex of the turn I hit spilled blacktop gravel, down and into a long slide...Porsche goes around me with a honk and wave, I take my road rash from hell to the infirmary where they clean it up and pick gravel bits out of my leg and elbow.
wanderingrichard
Life of the Party
Thought of you guys when I saw this.
BriGuy
Life of the Party
There aren't even batteries there.. just the cardboard!Those AAA Duracell batteries aren't going to get you very far.
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
I payed $1,000 for this used bike. The original owner paid over $8,000, and never rode it. It seems ridiculous to pay so much for a bicycle, but people do. They truly are a blast for (younger than me) thrill seekers. I could install a mid-drive electric motor for about $1500 ( complete with battery) and have a bad ass E-bike. The only thing holding me back is the thought of possible hospital bills.
Attachments
Nice find!! Yeah, I can't ever imagine paying more for a mtb than any of my dirt bikes I used to own. And it's not even a e-mtb!! Must have some really nice suspension and components though!
So, just an fyi. In my research before and while I built my e-mtb, the topic of suitable space for a motor was pretty hot. And your frame type was the main attraction...in a bad way. There's just not a good spot for a motor on that frame.
There are a couple issues-
1- Cables. Looks like you have at least 2 running right thru main street down there.
2- If you re-routed the cables you'll still be left with a very rounded frame that may not work well with the motor. The best frames for a motor have sharp angles, not round ones.
3- If you tried to go inside the frame, there probably isn't enough space and you lose your water cage spot.
With a bike that nice I would just enjoy it as a peddler. And, the e-mtb is actually meant to keep you out of the hospital. Haha! I'm able to keep my heart-rate lower up hills and I don't stall on an awkward uphill and high-side back down the hill.
Congrats on the new bike!
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
Very wise words skyriver. I have always cringed at the idea of "destroying" this very competent MTB to make a mid drive E-bike (but it would be bad ass).
If I commuted on a bike I would definitely get one.. but I don't plan too. Would also make a good shuttle vehicle too, if it didn't get stolen or vandalised!
Semper_Fly
Steelhead
Getting this one ready for Port Angeles adventures tomorrow. Should be a good time. Winds won't make tomorrow favorable for SRC fishing so this this'll have to do.
Semper_Fly
Steelhead
This number seems overinflated by a lot. Not to be disrespectful. Guessing he might've been trying to boost his sale. Is this a 2010-2014 Specialized FSR?
Last edited:
ThomasM
corvus ossifragus
N+1 strikes again...
Just ordered my 60th birthday present to myself, a new gravel bike, a Parlee Taos. Looking forward to the clearance to run 50s.
Times change, when I bought my first gravel bike in 2019, 38's were the standard and looked huge.
I've got over 1,000 miles so far in 2025 but only about 60 outside. I really start getting mentally tired of Zwift this time of year. A 3-hour ride on a trainer puts my weak mentals at their limit. Looking forward to 'training camp' in Tucson next month to dial up the miles.
Just ordered my 60th birthday present to myself, a new gravel bike, a Parlee Taos. Looking forward to the clearance to run 50s.
Times change, when I bought my first gravel bike in 2019, 38's were the standard and looked huge.
I've got over 1,000 miles so far in 2025 but only about 60 outside. I really start getting mentally tired of Zwift this time of year. A 3-hour ride on a trainer puts my weak mentals at their limit. Looking forward to 'training camp' in Tucson next month to dial up the miles.
Last edited:
Semper_Fly
Steelhead
That's a looker right there. I think I'm running 38/39's on mine if that dates my gravel day adventures. Doesn't get much use these days. More of a commuter since dad life began (+4 years).
With the longer days coming and warmer days ahead, I'm sure you'll break in that new new in no time.
BriGuy
Life of the Party
Nice ride! My 60th birthday present to myself was getting my retina reattached. ☹ I'd have much preferred a Parlee.
Three hour trainer sessions? You're a sick puppy.
Popular high-power electric bike brand announces shutdown
E-Cells, an e-bike brand in the US known for its all-wheel-drive fat tire e-bikes with extremely high performance, has announced...
electrek.co