I rarely ride more than 10 miles in a day now. It’s mostly just commuting, errands, or neighborhood rides. Robin and I still ride to volleyball on Mondays.
Some of this is mental. I still suffer from depression. Some of this is poor time-management and some is logistical.
I bought the new hybrid (Nermal 2.0?) to make into a gravel bike. I’ve added a rear rack so I can ride it to work. I still needs changes:
- Fatter tires
- Better saddle
- Two-bolt seatpost
- Better seatpost clamp
- Another bottle cage
Once I get those things, I’m prepared for gravel rides. Later, I’d like:
- Different handlebars
- Better brakes, pads, and levers
- Small front rack
- Better pedals
Maybe next year I can really upgrade the bike, to where only the frame and a few parts are still original. I’d add:
- Better wheels
- 9-speed drivetrain (3×9 or maybe 2×9)
- New crankset
- New shifters
All this is nice, but doesn’t solve the root causes. I’m out of shape and depressed about it.
Hmmm…since this depression seems chronic, I wonder if more aggressive treatment is in order? My understanding is that depression can cause one to loss motivation to do things he ordinarily enjoys doing.
May I suggest getting a tyre on the sporty side for a change? Kenda Happy Medium 40? Conti CX Speed 42? Conti Cyclocross 42? Spec S-Works Renegade 29×1.8-if it will fit? Spec Borough XC 45 or CX 42?
Pondero, I’m still pondering what to do. I’ve spent a lifetime “just dealing with it”. It may be time to change… or not.
Barturtle, Tim has offered to loan me some tires to try. I honestly don’t remember what they are. If they fit, and I like them, I’ll pay a fair price. I’ve got to wait until he’s back from tour, and I get back from San Diego first. (I leave Saturday).
I need to get caught up on your blog. If you still want a two-bolt seatpost and you want to try the one from my Moto, I’d happily trade it for one with one bolt (plus cash if you like). I’m not a two-bolt fan.
WRT continuing to just deal with your depression (or maybe not), I “know that feel,” as we have developed a habit of saying around here. I have my own ongoing mood issues, and sometimes (:::koffkoff::: last week :::koffkoff:::) they get bad enough that I really think I should consider medication to manage them, but I have had terrible results with medication in the past, so I don’t. Sometimes it seems like choosing between flavors of misery.
I don’t have any advice for anyone on that subject, particularly, but I guess I just wanted to say, “I know what you mean, there.”