All Posts By

Andrew Van Til

Blog Featured February 8, 2021

How long should a device last?

Rechargeable batteries have a finite lifespan. This is an unavoidable thing. Of course it’s possible to manage that lifespan to extend it a little, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s going to die, and it’s probably something that is going to happen in 2-3 years. Knowing this, is it responsible for a company to build a device where the only course of action is to throw it away and buy…

Featured Review February 4, 2021

45NRTH DILLINGER 4 – 27.5 x 4 120TPI Studded Fat Bike Tire

I look at studded winter tires the same way I think about a helmet. 100% optional. Unnecessary weight slowing you down, right up to the point where you need them. While they aren’t cheap, neither are collarbones or dental work :).…

Blog February 3, 2021

The seatpost clamp bolt cries out for justice…

YouTube dream builds are a guilty pleasure. One that, given that Gee has 706k subscribers, is shared with quite a few people. There are quite a few reasons why I like watching them, but it’s mostly for the articles… er… I meant tips on how to build a bike. THAT SAID, not all the builders are of equal skill. There are many time where i just have to shake my head at…

News February 3, 2021

Can you trust a gravel bike review from someone who wears baggies and drinks beer from a can?

Let’s get one thing out of the way. If the choice is between beer from a can and no beer, that’s not a real choice. We can do better than that. Seriously, your stomach, and taste buds will thank you. With that business out of the way, we can talk about bikes. In this case the Fuji Jari, as reviewed by Cycling Tips. While I can’t speak directly to the validity of…

News February 3, 2021

Hiplok Jaw & Ankr Mini

Storing multiple bikes can be a PITA, and there are myriad solutions to assist with that. But, I haven’t seen a product like the Hiplok Jaw yet, and it’s pretty clever. Simply attach the Jaw to the wall, and stick the front tire in, and it grabs hold of it, and the wheel (depending on how much sidewall you’re showing). There’s even a pass-through to use one of Hiplok’s other clever products…

News February 2, 2021

Riding Fixed

The last time I rode a fixie I was a child, and frankly I don’t see the point; unless you’re a hipster. In which case, grow that beard, and enjoy your leather saddle :). All kidding aside, I really don’t see the point. My knees are bad enough as is, but, I’m happy for others to ride a fixie if it leads to content like this. Pretty cool that State Bicycle puts…

Blog February 2, 2021

Mack’s Bike and Goods – An Awesome LBS

I’ve been at Mack’s a few times now, and every time I have an awesome experience. While I love working on bikes, there are still a few tasks that I’m not comfortable doing, or haven’t been necessary frequently enough that I’ve broken down and bought the tool to get it done. For these things, I always try to go to there first because Sam Mack knows bikes in that effortless way that…

News February 2, 2021

Strava Improves Virtual Segments By Euthanizing Them

There’s really only one Zwift/Strava segment that I care about, so this doesn’t impact me personally, but I do have to wonder why Strava cares so much about the segments for Zwift that they felt the need to only allow one authoritative source. How is this different from the real world were the more popular pop to the top, and the less end up at the bottom of the list? Don’t they…

News February 1, 2021

Something about wireless Dura-Ace 9200

I debated posting about this when I saw it pop yesterday because it’s clearly speculation around something that may, or may not be, Shimano’s upcoming Dura-Ace 9200 [potentially wireless] groupset. Ultimately, I think the value of the comments around wired vs. wireless shifting that Keith drops in the there make it interesting enough to warrant some noise.…

News February 1, 2021

TDLW; tighten your thru-axles

Don’t know that I’ve ever really thought about how stiff my hub clamping device is, but I have definitely enjoyed the repeatability that thru-axles provide when it comes to cassette and disc rotor insertion. The video is interesting, but technical, and so it’s worth noting that if you get nothing else from it. Tighten your thru-axles, it’s important.…

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