GregHoge said:

Anyone have any recommendations for commuting backpack?  I'm looking for something that can fit a 15" laptop, some clothes, and most importantly, is breathable to minimize back sweat.

Can you consider a rack and paniers? 

For backpacks, I would recommend anything Timbuk2.
https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks

Their "commuter" bags will have a meshy back that can help manage sweat -- that said, no one will sweat thru a backpack, so there's only so much you should expect in this regard.

Likely you just have to figure out the size you want. They are pricey, but should last a lifetime. There's a store in SoHo (actually in NoHo) that can help you decide.

100% get a backpack, and not a messenger bag.

The other player in the space, of course, is Chrome bags, who also have a SoHo store.

I like my Black Hole backpack from Patagonia. Laptop sleeve, waterproof, very simple. I think all the "breathable" stuff is bunk. No matter how breathable it is you'll sweat, and let's face it you're going to pedal harder than you need to because #bikes

I'm a fan of Deuter backpacks

https://www.deuter.com/us-en/shop/backpacks/c27783-bike

I totally agree with Eloy to skip messenger bags.  Over the shoulder bags are used because the cavernous bag shape allows all sorts of weirdly-shaped things to fit inside.  They suck for regular riding as they flop around.

I concur with Jules' premise that you should expect sweat.  But I do think the right back and straps can reduce sweating somewhat.  

I'm a fan of Deuter backpacks.  most of their models have relatively airy shoulder straps and all have some kind of sweat-reducing design.

https://www.deuter.com/us-en/shop/backpacks/c27783-bike

They have an 'air' back for several models, which features a frame that keeps most of the bag from sitting directly on your back.  While the design is better than most bags I've experienced for limiting sweat, the design means th bag isn't great for fitting a laptop.  

I'd also suggest looking at larger MTB-oriented backpacks.  

If there's something to keep in mind, it's that the larger the bag, the more  you'll feel you can get away with carrying, and the more you'll typically carry.  

eloy said:

GregHoge said:

Anyone have any recommendations for commuting backpack?  I'm looking for something that can fit a 15" laptop, some clothes, and most importantly, is breathable to minimize back sweat.

Can you consider a rack and paniers? 

This. I spent too many years using various messenger bags and backpacks and then found the magic of a rear rack & paniers and it changed my commute game forever.

I don’t use it on a daily basis , prefer on bike storage options , but I have the Chrome barrage back pack , which is pretty good waterproof wise , lap top sleeve and has these foam mounts to raise the bag off your back , which works better than  anything I’ve used in the past 
however , got days , heavy bags= sweaty back what ever your using 

Does anybody leave in an apartment and have a bike repair stand? Is it a must have? Which one specifically?

I don't think is a must have. But I got one decades ago, and use it for any real repairs, specially adjusting gears, changing brakes cables, etc. 

Got mine from performance bike, the standard hold your seat post. The ones that lean on the bottom bracket could be a better choice for modern bikes.

I am sure redbeard can hook you up.

Remy Forgues said:

Does anybody leave in an apartment and have a bike repair stand? Is it a must have? Which one specifically?

I've had a stand in all my apartments.  Not that it should be seen as a necessity; but it does make home wrenching much easier.

When our first-born was coming along, I upgraded to a stand that was both more stable and could compact smaller.  And could fit in a bag in a closet.    

https://www.feedbacksports.com/product/ultralight-repair-stand/

The big advantage for when our kids were small was that they couldn't pull a bike in the sand over onto themselves.  

@GregHoge I have two backpacks from Chrome Industries and love them both. They're really well made - I've had one for 10 years and the other for 6 years and never had a problem with either. Highly recommend as they're super versatile too - can hold so much stuff

Anyone who bought the new Wahoo Elemnt Bold - how are you liking it? My V1 Bolt just died and am looking at new computers. Heard the new Bolt isn't great keeping GPS signal though and some other issues. Curious on what anyones experience has been like so far!

StephenAschkenes said:

Anyone who bought the new Wahoo Elemnt Bold - how are you liking it? My V1 Bolt just died and am looking at new computers. Heard the new Bolt isn't great keeping GPS signal though and some other issues. Curious on what anyones experience has been like so far!

Jumping in to recommend the Hammerhead Karoo 2.

Up to today (November 30th), you can trade in an old computer for a $170 credit. Also, Redbeard is a dealer.

Been riding a karoo2 for a few weeks now, and it is head and shoulders better than anything I've ever used or seen.

Navigation is, well, truly world class, with more data and detail than I would never imagine.

The touch screen is crazy sharp, honestly better than even my iPhone.

Like it enough that I find myself taking photos of it (some below)...

Full disclosure, as some of you know, I have consulted with Hammerhead over the years, and am today part of their ambassador program.

I just want my Bolt to remind me to Look Sharp! every now and again.

@eloy How does the touchscreen cope with sweat/water? 

I had an 820 for a few years, and my biggest complaint was that if sweat dripped on the screen it could cause the unit to move through the data screen; a huge annoyance when you're in the middle of a hard interval.

@eloy--thanks!  I'm going to make the jump to the Karoo 2.  Have resisted others but the trade-in deal + world class navigation + better live strava segments has me convinced.  The navigation on the bolt is a liability and I've read where the karoo is good about routing you back on track if you stray.  

GregHoge said:

@eloy How does the touchscreen cope with sweat/water? 

I had an 820 for a few years, and my biggest complaint was that if sweat dripped on the screen it could cause the unit to move through the data screen; a huge annoyance when you're in the middle of a hard interval.

Have not had any problems with water or sweat -- it has never generated false triggers.

Granted, got the unit a few weeks ago, during autumn, so yet to sweat over it.

Did ride as it snowed, and rained, even raced as we got fluries last weekend. Zero false triggers. In fact, was surprised that the snowy water seemed to make the screen more responsive, as if it had more "traction"

The unit also has four buttons that allow to do most of the basic things you would want to do during a cold or wet ride (start/stop/pause/change screens, etc) 

Alternatively, the buttons also allow to lock the touchscreen, so only the buttons work, which would help solve anything similar to what you describe.

SammuelAuld said:

@eloy--thanks!  I'm going to make the jump to the Karoo 2.  Have resisted others but the trade-in deal + world class navigation + better live strava segments has me convinced.  The navigation on the bolt is a liability and I've read where the karoo is good about routing you back on track if you stray.  

Awesome!!!

To be fair, I think the Bolt navigation is pretty good.

The Karoo 2 navigation is infinitely better, it is able to reroute on the spot if you stray or make a mistake, or frankly, just wanna explore that unexpected cool road. It also draws the reroute as a different color, so you can always get back to the original route if you want. It is pretty awesome.

The hammerhead trade in trade up program for a Karoo 2, is extended until January 6th 2022.
https://www.hammerhead.io/pages/trade-in-trade-up

Cross posting from Kit Connoisseur...

Hey all, I'm giving away some new / nearly new Kissena gear ... available for pickup in Clinton Hill or GAP. 

* 3/4 Fleece Bib Shorts Size M (New)
* White Sleeveless Base Layer Size M (Basically new)
* Long Sleeved Shell Jacket Size S (Basically new)

Please send me a DM on the forums if interested...

A small project I've been doing for the past month or so: made a modular bike stand with 3D printed parts for my Brompton.

That's pretty cool

@eloy Question about the Karoo 2. I am interested in the trade in program, but am curious about the quarter mount adapter. I am hesitant to try it as my bike mounts are all for the wahoo and the adapter seems to be for garmin. DO you have to switch out mounts does the adapter work with the wahoo mount?

@PatrickGrehan I too went from Wahoo to the Karoo 2. Currently use the quarter mount adapter.

Almost all after market mounts allow to be turned from Wahoo to Garmin, simply unscrew the head, turn it (a quarter), and screw back. That's what I did to my mounts, so far it all works exactly as expected. 

I did put in the Karoo laynard for my cross first race, but again, didn't need it, so far all ok. 

Wheels question: I want to upgrade from my current basic alloy wheels to deep carbon next season, and run them tubeless, and ride in good weather only (racing and training.) For my current level of development, I'm only budgeting around $1000, +/- 30%, not including tires.

I'm Cat 5 and am prioritizing crits, PP races, and time trials for this season and for these wheels. What do you guys recommend? What do you think of Neugent Cycling wheels - I heard about them through the Kissena sponsorship and with the discount they're right in my budget wheelhouse and they look very promising. Any other recommendations?

Hi David. I went tubeless this year, and wanted a wheel set that would make a good all-rounder (CX, Gravel, Road), I could 100% trust from a safety perspective, and didn't cost a small fortune. I did a fair bit of research (read: days in internet holes) and decided to go with the Zipp 303S. They are not inexpensive at 1,300 but just about would be in your budget. You may even be able to pick up a used pair in good condition.

I'm sure there's also many happy customers of other brands like Neugent, Hunt, etc. 

I know a number of people who are happy with Hunt wheels. You get a lot of high quality wheel for the money. They offer similar quality and aero benefits as the more costly wheelsets but you are not paying for them to sponsor worldtour teams. 

I've had a couple of Neugent wheels over the years. Good bang for the buck and quality. Not familiar with his current offerings

I have 3 sets of Hunt wheels , huge fan , great customer service 
I have an aero road carbon
a carbon gravel set and an aluminum MTB wheelset
i run all tubeless 
the free hub is a little loud when coasting 

Haven’t used it , but love the packaging 

next level marketing...

Stages is offering factory install on GRX Crank for $228.00 I run Stages on both my road bikes and track bike. I have GRX crank on my CX bike, and this seems like a good price to get power on my CX bike. Plus while it's down for the count (Di2 wire issue - I had to pull my downtube cable out and give it to Amy since her bunny chewed hers on her road bike) for a few weeks, and I'm not heavily using it right now, this would be the time. So any thoughts if it would be beneficial? I've always though of Cross as 700W, 0W, 700W, 0W, 700W, 0W... etc, etc...