[dauw]

I’ve been using a Garmin eTrex Legend for a couple of months now. I just attach it to my Camelback and let’er track. I’ve had no problems with it, except an erroneous trackpoint once in a while when riding in valleys. It does everything I’ve asked for a low end unit since I mostly use basic GPS features and don’t look at it while riding. I download with MapSource, convert, and submit. We’ll see how well it lasts. 😆

[dauw]

Sounds like a decision was made on the wheelset. But since we’re on the subject… I bought a set of Mavic Crossrides last fall as a backup wheelset. Well, I tore up my WTB Laserdisc Lite rear hub – massive skipping, and broken teeth after only about 200 mi. I’ve had the rear Mavic Crossride on since, for about 800 miles. It’s slightly out of true, there sometimes is noise coming from the hub, and only sometimes it skips a cog before engaging. Since it doesn’t always skip it seems like a grease weight problem, though I haven’t looked into it yet (I’d rather just keep riding). So, they don’t seem very durable, but then again I only paid $200. I’ve ridden some with the front Crossride on, and it lacks some lateral rigidity, even when fairly new. I’ve also ridden some stock Sun Ditchwitches that came on my Specialized Hardrock Pro, and they’ve been bombproof on 4-5 foot drops. They are HEAVY!!

I’m about 230 lbs, and have had problems with Shimano Deore, WTB LaserDisc Lite, and Mavic rear hubs. I’ve decided I”m just hard on them.

It seems like there were a few larger guys on this post. Have any of you had good luck with a mid-grade hub. I’m looking for that perfect one – cheap, light, and durable of course.

[dauw]

I had a few cool mongoose upgrades (when mongoose was still cool) and “snake belly” tires.

This is off the topic, but I would argue Mongoose has regained its coolness. Mongoose has been developing some good rides lately and have been keeping them affordable (probably due to size of Pacific compared to small bike mfgs). I was planning on buying a Specialized Stumpjumper something for almost 3K. I was able to pick up an ’05 Mongoose Teocali Super with similar components, etc for 1.3K. She’s not the prettiest, but pedals very well, is plush, and still going strong after 1200 miles. I claim it to be a steal.

As for the reckless kids, they get on my nerves but I haven’t decided yet if that was me growing up too and I’ve changed, or they really are worse. Keep pedaling! 😃

[dauw]

My home trail used to be Lake McMurtry, Stillwater, OK. Sweet flowing flatlander singletrack – about 30 miles worth. Four different trails (about 7 miles each) to keep someone interested. There was enough ravines, rock gardens, and short rocky climbs for technical stuff.

I just moved to Laramie, WY. Happy Jack or Vedauwoo will likely become my new home trail because of proximity. Each are great networks that contrast each other and offer about 40? miles of trail combined. However, there are some more trails that I need to check out on the Medicine Bow NF about 30 miles west. I heading there today. Happy riding. 😃

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