Hyppy wrote: ↑Tue Mar 25, 2025 2:10 pm … with some AA batteries with built-in charging ports.

I still need to work out if using these and a powerbank to recharge makes any more sense than carrying a pair of batteries per day for the eTrex, as ultimately you still need to carry enough 'mAh' to see you through but it certainly seems a neater solution. I tested over the weekend and got over 18 hours from them, including far more messing about with the unit than normal.

IMG_0995.jpeg

I've been using these batteries for around 4 years, they are brilliant and charge from an Anker powerbank quickly too.

Following up on the Santiago frame post, the extra thru Axles and FSA Orbit headset also arrived yesterday:

...but, the headset didn't have a top cap and looks like I've been sent two lower frame inserts, meaning the logo is upside down when fitted. I'm finding this a bit triggering if I'm honest, so havent fitted it yet. Presumably it shouldnt be like it (or should it?) Would you send it back? FSAs website suggests the logo should be the "right" way round when both lower and upper cups are fitted...

Presumably it shouldnt be like it

It should not and yes you have 2 lowers. Functionally i doubt it matters but I would be returning/ moaning etc

A very large parcel containing a moby grape colour Stooge speedball plus extras. Looking fabulous.

Finally got round to replacing the wildcat tapered dry bag that got chewed on by a mouse. I'd forgotten that they'd been bought out by Stolen Goat.

faustus wrote: ↑Thu Apr 03, 2025 12:16 pm A very large parcel containing a moby grape colour Stooge speedball plus extras. Looking fabulous.

Please share build photos. I love my Speedball and really should ride it more

Thanks, I will do!

faustus wrote: ↑Thu Apr 03, 2025 12:16 pm A very large parcel containing a moby grape colour Stooge speedball plus extras. Looking fabulous.

excellent stuff

I knocked them down to just £25 plus postage for this brand new Columbia Outdry Titanium jacket from Vinted.

A bit of everything from the range from the Australian MTB cycling clothing brand which you've never heard of (until now)

Great prices, cheap shipping, ultra breathable, 4 way stretch, to be that breathable they are a bit too thin (for me) for these spring cold mornings, but they work great when used as a layer, or single skin for temps over 7 or 8 degrees.

Website https://crofto.com.au/
I spoke with the owner David Crofton after the delivery and he offered me and my friends a discount code, so use Johnc20 to get another 20% off all their items apart from clearance lines

Dropped off a couple of IRC Boken Plus 650b tubeless tyres from Bananaindustries.co.uk. fairly heavy but thought worth a punt at £20 each. First went up with track pump and still holding air without sealant, 2nd seemed a bit misshapen so now sitting in the warm with a tube fitted to see if this helps....fingers crossed it does and I'll add sealant later. Re: the fsa Orbit headset from Alpkit 8d posted about above, they replaced it with a new one the next day and threw in a top cap and star nut so one less thing to acquire for the Santiago build. Now fitted, fork steerer cut down, stem and bars on. Maybe attempt to finish the build this weekend (first time fitting hydraulic drifters and calipers...)

Some bits for an upcoming trip
- bearings for my bottom bracket. which have been fitted and seem to be working very nicely
- OMM core sleep socks. Giving them a try as a lighter, less warm alternative to my Montane Fireball Footies, why are ace
- Couple of dehydrated meals
- Rab mythic down jacket - which will hopefully also come in useful for an Alps trip and a lapland trip later this year

…and dropped off a restrap bar bag for an upcoming road trip, an exped pillow for bikepacking and knog bar light to finally replace the one I lost on a Welsh hillside a couple of years ago

...with an Ergon SR Allroad saddle for the gravel bike.

PDW light Nug for possibly putting front light on the fork to avoid clashing with bar bags.

Some nice used silver XT parts for the stooge build. M770 cranks and M785 brakes, both lever body and calipers in silver (these silver XT brakes seem to be rarer in silver). Just a few more bits and it'll be ready to complete...

NBD = New Bars Day. Replacements for Kyotes which I learned don't play nicely with cables and handlebar cradles/rolls/bags.

oooh - I was looking for a silver pair of those! Where did you get them?

faustus wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 3:43 pm oooh - I was looking for a silver pair of those! Where did you get them?

Online but Keep Peddling in Manchester. They were the crazy wide 840mm version but I've trimmed them down a tad. And they're the 20º ones so less sweep than the Kyote which I think and hope will be bob on for me.

Hyppy wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 9:02 pm

faustus wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 3:43 pm oooh - I was looking for a silver pair of those! Where did you get them?

Online but Keep Peddling in Manchester. They were the crazy wide 840mm version but I've trimmed them down a tad. And they're the 20º ones so less sweep than the Kyote which I think and hope will be bob on for me.

Funnily enough I've just tried a set of Kyotes on the Jones for something with a bit less sweep than the loops and wider. At first they felt spot on with a very short, high stem but after a few hours my wrists were killing me. Back to the loops for now but I quite fancy trying a set of these. £120 though

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 10:25 pm £120 though

Don’t. I think it’s the first pair of bars I’ve bought new in about a decade, so seeing it as a treat yo’ self splurge.

Velo Orange Seine bars in silver arrived yesterday, a bit more of a palatable price than the tumbleweeds, and a similar-ish bar.

Pretty much ready to finish off the build of the stooge now, will post some pics on the 'what you done to your bike' thread soon...

...With a pair of Cintuarato Gravel M 700 x 45 tyres.

And brought a replacement Laplander folding saw for the one I left/lost on WRT….