I suppose I was referring more to the rear end of the bike, short stays, etc. Which you answered there.

You've got all sorts of geometry attributes all goofed up. A smaller main triangle does not have any impact on the ride quality. How the top tube slopes is irrelevant. It could be tied in a knot like a pretzel and it wouldn't matter.

A 44 mm head tube is a diameter of the tube, not the length. That is designed to achieve a larger/stiffer/lighter steerer tube, ideally to accommodate a steerer with a taper.

All seat tubes are angled, how much is really only varied slightly.

Thru axles make for less flex at the hub/dropout.

I never said 44mm was the length. I meant more angled seat tubes, probably not written the best way.

Compact rears are all the rage right? Short chianstays, sloping top tubes, angled seat tubes, and bigger headtubes. I get the idea, they are more fun, quicker, nimbler etc. But does this compromise comfort over long days in the saddle? I understand that longer wheelbases make for more comfortable rides, but do 44mm headtubes and thru axles help compensate for the tighter geos?

Thoughts?

Leaving Again by Worn Treads, on Flickr

35c, not much tread. Hoping to hit up some gravel/dirt roads in the Adirondacks, was hoping for Alleghany (might actually happen).
I've jammed my Cross Check on a lot of dirt, usually with my friend Manny, who is crazy and goes down gnarly trails. Here's another shot from a camp trip with 40c Mondials (more tread)

A Dubiously Easy Manny Mission by Worn Treads, on Flickr

I want to check out all these new Gravel Grinder tours and also the new Compass 40mm tire when I'm done touring.

Didn't look at the weight and pack size, thanks.
Could be a good MYOG project though (for those actually skilled at that stuff).

Also: http://www.uniqlo.com/us/men/outerwear/ultra-light-down.html
Cheap, light weight, and from what I've heard, warm.

So we all know the tricks on how to lighten backpacking kits and one of the best ways is to have multifunctional things. That being said I saw this thing on the Poler website. It looks sort of strange, half sleeping bag half jacket. It looks like you can cinch it up to your waist. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these or opinions on these goofy looking things. It looks like it might be useful to be able to stop at the end of the night and just lay out a bivvy, uncinch and lay down.


Thoughts?

http://www.polerstuff.com/collections/camping-stuff-1/products/the-napsack

This looks entirely doable on a wider tired road bike...dang. Wish I had seen this earlier, I may have considered attempting it. Some other time maybe. I like gravel riding a lot.

I took painkillers for knee and foot pain. Joint pain, not muscle pain. I could definitely feel it weighing on my stomach. After a few days it passed and everything returned to normal. I also got to listen to This American Life talk about how acetaminophen kills you, even though it's better for your stomach. Well shit.

Can't actually believe anyone can stomach caffeinated gels. Gels alone make me wretch. Caffeine ones are awful! Horrible bitter taste!

I lived off Cliff Mocha, they are about the only ones I can manage (okay and their double espresso)

My routine in the Trans Am was pretty standard. Cup of coffee as soon as humanly possible (sometimes this was rolling over to a gas station others were 40 mile slogs to the nearest joe), ride to the next town or 40+ miles, get more coffee, throw a pop in my bag and roll. Drink pop, replace, replenish, caffeinate caffeinate, caffeinate, then on the ride I met another rider chewing on some No-Doze.

I had thought about this before hand and for whatever reason, it felt like cheating. I know it's over the counter, but it still feels like cheating. Advil seems alright, but No Doze doesn't.

Am I the only one who feels this way?
Who else uses caffeine pills?

Hey I finished this race! I wrote about the first 1/3, the 2/3 will go up tomorrow and the final bits on Monday!

www.worntreads.com!

There's also some prerace stuff. Oh and steel is in fact real ya'll!

Good to see I'm not the only Surly. I am convinced people will be on faster bikes, but meh, I'm just aiming for a hella light pack and Time in the Saddle (T.I.T.S.)

Is it just me or do people keep going in and out of commitment? This is a hell of a journey and I think it's alright to have a bit of fear and respect for the road.

Downloaded maps last night. Final bits and bobs are in the mail. Doing a 24 hr. Fleche this weekend, hoping that I can get a test pack/ride next weekend. This is coming up fast!

(So are people planning on riding from Portland? Looks like I might do the same. Also what are accommodations like in/near Astoria? Are people planning on camping before it?)