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Above 1200 Sq/FT The Suburban Working Garage in VA...now building the Highland House in the Teton Valley

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.

gba2331

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Joined
Sep 22, 2021
Messages
754
@Nolift911 I love all the glass and the views but after our NoVA cold spell I’m wondering how cold it’s gonna be near those huge panes in the winter? Granted new windows are not leaky like in days of old, but they still have a very low insulation value. FWIW I’m also considering a build with large glass but this issue is in the back of my mind.
 
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Nolift911

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May 16, 2011
Messages
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Location
Lansdowne, VA
@Nolift911 I love all the glass and the views but after our NoVA cold spell I’m wondering how cold it’s gonna be near those huge panes in the winter? Granted new windows are not leaky like in days of old, but they still have a very low insulation value. FWIW I’m also considering a build with large glass but this issue is in the back of my mind.

Yes - so all the windows are an aesthetic thing but they are still somewhat efficient for those cold Teton Valley winters.

We keep our house at 62 in the winter and 70 in the summer months. We do not expend a ton on heat in the winter months.
The plan is to have two 1000 gallon tanks sunk on the property. That will work the radiant heat system with two boilers and electric HVAC for "backup"

Yes - propane is expensive.

The windows themselves are spec'd as follows:

Via Pella - Contemporary Reserve​

Unit TypeU-FactorR-Value
Fixed Glass (most units)0.27R-3.7
Awning (venting)0.28R-3.6
Standard Sliders0.30–0.31R-3.2–3.3
Large Multi-Slide0.33R-3.0

Is it pushing R values of 4? - no - but close. Triple pane were almost double cost with barely getting to 4 in R values.

So there are different types of argon gas fills for each part of the house and different e-coatings based on sun exposure so I think that helps. Pella Reserve Contemporary products are typically built as high-end wood/aluminum-clad windows — often exceeding ENERGY STAR and standard code U-factor performance - or so they say. First -20 morning blowing 50 will be the true trest.

But yeah I get it - winter in the Teton Valley. Not too concerned with it. I may dabble in solar per @badonk with the extra property.

In other news -

Got back on the bike this past weekend thanks to @Grant Gunderson - rolling times not great at 12 and distance at 33 but that will get better. Been 4 years but had a blast - snot rockets and all. I have a shifter issue on my Madone, Dura- Ace I think - shift up but not down easily. Need to figure that out for the next ride. Also thinking of gong from a 23 to a 28 on the tire. I'm old - need some bounce.

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I ride the W&OD trail - which is great. 45 miles paved, was mostly cleared of snowcrete. It turns to farmland pretty quick out of Leesburg.

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Was cold - not too cold, but I did throw the booties on just because when do you complain of your feet being "too" hot?

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Loudoun is quickly becoming recognized as "wine country" of the east in VA. Not a wino so no comment. What I can say is that they have distilleries out here also - Catoctin Creek is one. That bourbon is for cooking not drinking. Sorry.

Watched some killer hockey - if you followed the Gaudreau saga this pic says it all, those are his daughters: sad/happy in one pic.

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We got a storm here and it snowed a little - my kid was like "lets get the Onewheel's out when it first starts to snow". Great idea - I am like 3 bourbons in:

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I actually thought I broke my arm. I quickly realized that not getting body slammed after 10-15 years was just a wake up call that I was old and my 57 year old chassis does not bounce and/or rebound like it used to.

So it was just a reality check and no broken bones - I was at 13 mph when I went down, yard sale - helmet, gloves jacket in one direction - board in another, cars swerving out of the way. Its just me, no worries, don't mind the old dude. Onewheel is fantastic with metrics and dashboards in terms of laying out all of this for you to see in the app of exactly how you f'ed up. I basically ran out of talent. Limped home 4 miles. Drank more bourbon.
 
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jake28

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Joined
Aug 28, 2018
Messages
481
Location
SF, CA
Kudos for getting back on a pedal bike after a hiatus. The first ride is always humbling. Gift yourself some wider tires and lower tire pressure. It makes a world of difference. The pro peloton rode skinny tires through about 2010 when riders realized they were often better off and ultimately faster and more comfortable on 28s at 50-70 psi.

I ride 30s on my road bike at 30 psi and I’m a happy camper. Your fork and calipers will be the limiting factors.
 

cccoltsicehockey

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
1,371
Location
Charlotte, NC
Not sure what my internet did but missed the second half of your post yesterday when I was reading. My Madone has been collecting dust for like 10 years now. After I moved I don't trust any of the local streets around me to ride. I really should find some place to drive to that has good paved paths.
 

gearhead1960

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Mar 21, 2019
Messages
1,769
Location
Manassas, VA, a small blot in history
My Madone has been collecting dust for like 10 years now. After I moved I don't trust any of the local streets around me to ride. I really should find some place to drive to that has good paved paths.
@cccoltsicehockey I agree about riding the local streets. I've taken to only doing group rides as I'm afraid if someone runs me off the road, they might not find me for days....

As far as tires, @jake28 I replaced my POS Bridgestones (32s) on my Trek Domane with Pirelli 35s and run 60psi in them. It's taken me a while to mentally accept the lower air pressures, but it really does make a difference.
 

SKFengineer

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 5, 2018
Messages
45
Location
Macungie, PA
I will add to the larger tire width comments. I fought the wider is better trend for a while and I still do a little but their are exceptions. I have a Surly Pacer so as the fork on the bike says, "fatties fit fine". I've had 700x25, 700x32 and 700x32. I'm a bigger guy over 45 years of age that rides 1,500 - 2,000 miles a year so your mileage with this information may vary. At any rate I'm still most comfortable with the thinner tire at high pressure on winding mountain roads with fast downhills and turns. It has to do with the how I feel the tire moving in the lateral direction on turns at higher speeds (25-30 mph) on a downhill stretch. With that said my riding style and location interests have changed I like to explore rural areas more now, I currently have a 700x32 Continental gravel tire on the bike and it's great for those cases were you find a gravel or dirt back country road or are just pushing miles without trying to set a speed record. For me the biggest comfort change came from the bike frame not the tires. The Surly is a CroMoly steel frame, before I had Aluminum and Carbon frame bikes but as Gearhead1960 said I wasn't fast so why crush my body on rides with those stiff frames. The 700x28 might be the best middle of the road tire size but I didn't like the tread design I had with that tire so I kept wanting the 700x25 grip (Conti Gatorskins) back when I rode that tire size. Just the opinions of one guy...
 

givemethewillys

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
173
Location
New Kent, VA
Thanks!

You pretty much hit the nail on the head. Do I need another project? But late 70's F250 Highboy is what I really want. Lots of companies doing resto mods on those and prices are soaring. I definitely want the patina and the cool factor. New F150 is fast and fun and reliable but still more like an appliance. I need something with no rust, great patina (so I don't need to worry about it) with solid drivetrain so I can just get in and go. It will not be a long hauler just trips around town. If I could do that for $30-40k - I would be happy. Also, would put a plow on the front for winter.
I think you can definitely do something decent for $30-$40k, especially if you're willing to put in some work yourself. Take a look at North Country Restorations youtube channel for inspiration, he's building a bumpside Ford on a Super Duty Chassis that's GORGEOUS.
 
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Nolift911

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Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,000
Location
Lansdowne, VA
Last update Feb...now May 1. Trying to keep up with work, kids, this house build is - challenging. I need some two wheel therapy - both human powered and ICE powered.

Anyway - a few updates. House is moving, coming up on rounding third IMO. Target is late summer early fall which means turkey day and holidays in the new joint - looking forward to it. We are about 13-14 months into construction for those keeping score at home.

Where were we? - insulation. Those guys came in for about two weeks and did their thing. Combo of spray, batts, boards etc. They also insulated most of the interior walls as well for sound attenuation.

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This green stuff that is sprayed in is like concrete when dried - about a foot and a half thick - so it has some structural value as well.

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Temp propane tank installed - so the "heat is on" or at least the slab. You can see my 2 post cool areas where there is no radiant...

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More to come -
 
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Nolift911

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Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,000
Location
Lansdowne, VA
Drywall (all 5/8) is up next and plenty of it. I went with level 5 finish through the whole house and level 4 in the garage. The way they do level 5 is wild to me since I dabbled in drywall in high school/college - plus they mix everything from dry no pre-mix - each "waller" has their own consistency and mix to taste.

They slather the entire wall for level 5, not just screws and joints - then sand away for days. Its a process. I was able to make it out there the last week of March for a walkthrough so plenty of pics inbound later.

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They got to work pretty quickly hanging it -

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More to come -
 
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Nolift911

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Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,000
Location
Lansdowne, VA
In other news life marches on - I got the 28's on the roadie - everyone was right about those...1000% winning all around. I really see no point in any tread on these tires - so I opted for none.

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I'm a little rusty changing tires so I burned through a tube or two...they had this nifty gadget at the bike shop for no "pinch" or "puncture" install guarantee. I used to just do these with my hands/fingers but the 28's seemed tougher.

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With the garage full of cars and it raining outside I turned the family room into my makeshift bike shop - I do need a stand.

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Dogs seems impressed with my skills...or at least Disco did.

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28's are tight but just fine.

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If I don't hydrate I get massive headaches on long rides so LMNT to the rescue - no carbs and mostly salt. Works great. I go through 4, 28 oz. bottles on a 35-40 mile ride.

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Bike looks chunkier, like my self to match. Ride is bueno - waaaay more bueno and actually feels faster.

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Haircut or?

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No Tour De...this year but progress.

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fouckhest

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 24, 2013
Messages
1,795
Location
Greer, SC
House is coming along and looking amazing!

Curious why 5/8" sheet rock everywhere? Is that for additional insultation/fire resistance?
 
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Nolift911

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May 16, 2011
Messages
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Location
Lansdowne, VA
Will keep the bike theme - couple of capital investments after a number of rides...

This is the old rear mount bike bottle rack - reason for a change is I have lost two water bottles on the ride - which is beyond odd to me. they just vanish. Obviously they fall off but don't know where or how. **** - gone. My best guess is they are not held tight enough like the frame mounts so changed those up.

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They really don't fit these larger bottles well. Amazon to the rescue for $14.

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Plus black hardware for winning -

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Also added these guys front and rear for old man visibility and those pesky electric bikers doing 35mph with no attempt to pedal and no helmets - insert the obligatory "get off my lawn you damn kids" phrase here.

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These are awesome - like $20, boa system rocks for cold days.

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Nolift911

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Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,000
Location
Lansdowne, VA
House is coming along and looking amazing!

Curious why 5/8" sheet rock everywhere? Is that for additional insultation/fire resistance?

Thanks!!!

I would assume? - via my builder "thicker is better"... which applies to many things not just sheetrock - or maybe its just the ladies that say that or...? - does that apply to ladies too...? I'll just see my self out now... :unsure:
 

fouckhest

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Jul 24, 2013
Messages
1,795
Location
Greer, SC
hahahah!

Got it, the logic makes sense, but I know the drywall guys dont like to hand 5/8", when doing my garage the guys were like WTF, we didnt know you were doing that on the ceiling.
 
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Nolift911

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May 16, 2011
Messages
1,000
Location
Lansdowne, VA
More bike stuff… of the mountain flavor…

A little backstory: I need to clean out my storage unit to save some money and get the Defender out west to free up garage space. So while I have my bikes out, I’m trying to refurbish them. After the mountain bike, the fat tire bike is next (a reject from @badonk).

Then, around June-ish, the plan is to make a trip west with a trailer towed by the LR4 loaded with the emptied contents of the storage unit, while driving the Defender behind that rig in convoy.

My rule: every vehicle headed west needs to be driven — not trailered. Dumb, but necessary.

That means the Yamaha FZ6 (which hasn’t started in about six years) and the 911 will both be their own 2,000-mile adventures.

Anyway, my mountain bike needs some work: tires and the shocks rebuilt.

The shocks have been an odyssey. Most of the local bike shops around me have been bought up — mostly by Trek — so they’ve basically become large Trek dealers. They do service, but mostly basic stuff. I asked about rebuilding my shocks, even if I pulled them off and brought them in, but they just ship them out. Nothing is done in-house.

So I reached out to FOX directly about rebuilding them — nope, too old.

Now, I know this isn’t rocket science, but there are specialized tools involved that I don’t have, and I’d also like them properly calibrated to my weight, riding style, etc. By the time I buy all that, I’m not sure it’s worth it.

That said, I did find a place in Oregon that will rebuild 20-year-old FOX shocks.

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I am going tubeless on these race disks this go round and also upsized the tires a few mm, STANS to the rescue.

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Speaking of bikes found the relic from the past circa 1980 - my pride and joy Race Inc. Can name every component on the beast...still wish I had.

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Almost bought this truck the other day...not sure why.

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fourmotioneer

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Joined
Mar 19, 2015
Messages
198
Location
Ann Arbor, MI
4x28oz for 2.5 hrs is wild! Do you have to drink a lot throughout the day? Migraine issues? My Saturday morning runs are 2hrs without water but I drink way too much water when I’m at work

Edit: nice BMX bike! I used to race at Bumps n Berms in York, PA. White Marsh was the track in MD that I am familiar with. Never raced in VA
 
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Nolift911

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Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,000
Location
Lansdowne, VA
hahahah!

Got it, the logic makes sense, but I know the drywall guys dont like to hand 5/8", when doing my garage the guys were like WTF, we didnt know you were doing that on the ceiling.

Yeah - its heavy in a 12 footer flavor. I do know my builder picked this drywall crew specifically, they knocked it out quickly and he said they don't hang much 1/2 inch in the valley.
 
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Nolift911

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Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
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Location
Lansdowne, VA
4x28oz for 2.5 hrs is wild! Do you have to drink a lot throughout the day? Migraine issues? My Saturday morning runs are 2hrs without water but I drink way too much water when I’m at work

Edit: nice BMX bike! I used to race at Bumps n Berms in York, PA. White Marsh was the track in MD that I am familiar with. Never raced in VA

Well...a few bourbons the night before don't help the hydration so over compensating. I do normally stay pretty hydrated all day. I can drain a few Yeti 30 oz tumblers during the day. When the stomach growls I reach for the Yeti.

I did a few races back in the day - there was a track in Severna Park, MD that I would haunt.
 

legenddc

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 19, 2012
Messages
1,063
Well...a few bourbons the night before don't help the hydration so over compensating. I do normally stay pretty hydrated all day. I can drain a few Yeti 30 oz tumblers during the day. When the stomach growls I reach for the Yeti.

I did a few races back in the day - there was a track in Severna Park, MD that I would haunt.
My wife is from Severna Park. He parent's just moved away from there in November.

House is looking good! Are you sending your Fox shocks out to @Grant Gunderson ?
 

Grant Gunderson

Well-known member
Joined
May 17, 2013
Messages
2,306
Location
Bellingham, WA
More bike stuff… of the mountain flavor…

A little backstory: I need to clean out my storage unit to save some money and get the Defender out west to free up garage space. So while I have my bikes out, I’m trying to refurbish them. After the mountain bike, the fat tire bike is next (a reject from @badonk).

Then, around June-ish, the plan is to make a trip west with a trailer towed by the LR4 loaded with the emptied contents of the storage unit, while driving the Defender behind that rig in convoy.

My rule: every vehicle headed west needs to be driven — not trailered. Dumb, but necessary.

That means the Yamaha FZ6 (which hasn’t started in about six years) and the 911 will both be their own 2,000-mile adventures.

Anyway, my mountain bike needs some work: tires and the shocks rebuilt.

The shocks have been an odyssey. Most of the local bike shops around me have been bought up — mostly by Trek — so they’ve basically become large Trek dealers. They do service, but mostly basic stuff. I asked about rebuilding my shocks, even if I pulled them off and brought them in, but they just ship them out. Nothing is done in-house.

So I reached out to FOX directly about rebuilding them — nope, too old.

Now, I know this isn’t rocket science, but there are specialized tools involved that I don’t have, and I’d also like them properly calibrated to my weight, riding style, etc. By the time I buy all that, I’m not sure it’s worth it.

That said, I did find a place in Oregon that will rebuild 20-year-old FOX shocks.

PXL_20260321_152654487.jpg

PXL_20260321_152714102.jpg

I am going tubeless on these race disks this go round and also upsized the tires a few mm, STANS to the rescue.

My wife is from Severna Park. He parent's just moved away from there in November.

House is looking good! Are you sending your Fox shocks out to @Grant Gunderson ?

I was going to tag our very own Mr. Gunderson!

Thanks guys. Fox stops supporting everything at 10 years. Anything older than that is limited to old stock parts…. Not always ideal when it’s o-rings and high pressure. That old RP23 is almost identical to a newer CTD so seals are generally not an issue. But the old ones can be a real pain to get a good bleed on if they have excessive inner shaft wear as they get charged to 500psi.

On forks if it’s older than a Grip or Fit4 parts also get difficult.

Truth be told unless you are stuck with an obscure shock size (trek) or a straight steerer tube it’s honestly better to upgrade then service anything that old. Everything newer is significantly better.
 

Xti04

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2016
Messages
2,258
Jeff that tire jack is the trick to getting 700c tires on for sure. I use mine for my tubeless tires on my roadie, my current issue is trying to get my front tire to seat the bead. The LMNT pouches are amazing. We use them daily here at my house, and they are definitely good the next day after a bit too much Buffalo Trace!
 

badonk

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 20, 2011
Messages
206
With the garage full of cars and it raining outside I turned the family room into my makeshift bike shop - I do need a stand.

If I don't hydrate I get massive headaches on long rides so LMNT to the rescue - no carbs and mostly salt. Works great. I go through 4, 28 oz. bottles on a 35-40 mile ride.

Bike stand good, so yes, you'll be much happier when you get one. That's a ton of water to drink on a 40 mile roadie ride. One thing my brother does is hydrate before and after (and with different stuff for each phase). Pre-ride bottle. One or two ride bottles. A post ride bottle. Maybe the same amount overall but you carry a lot less. But he trains and races and rides like every day.

Haircut or?

PXL_20260307_200514041.jpg

No Tour De...this year but progress.

For the hair - I like the mad scientist look. How does your better half feel about it tho? She has the right answer. And I can't imagine dealing with that in a helmet. Gotta go up like 2 sizes lol?
 

badonk

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 20, 2011
Messages
206
My rule: every vehicle headed west needs to be driven — not trailered. Dumb, but necessary.

All these bikes are vehicles. Ride them out too with all that time you have! A good way to get fit.

So I reached out to FOX directly about rebuilding them — nope, too old.

Now, I know this isn’t rocket science, but there are specialized tools involved that I don’t have, and I’d also like them properly calibrated to my weight, riding style, etc. By the time I buy all that, I’m not sure it’s worth it.

That said, I did find a place in Oregon that will rebuild 20-year-old FOX shocks.

There's a reason the rebuild parts are dwindling. 20 year old stuff is like night and day compared to what we have now. Hell, my 10 year old Santa Cruz can't touch the Yeti I recently bought and at the time the 27.5 stuff was the shiznit. Geometry has changed and the new bikes are just so good, either mullet or 29" f/r. Looks like 32" wheels are on the way too. Just like with the bigger wheels on your roadie, those 26" wheels don't roll over stuff or run as efficiently as the newer bigger stuff.


Speaking of bikes found the relic from the past circa 1980 - my pride and joy Race Inc. Can name every component on the beast...still wish I had.

Screenshot_20260404-190934.png

I had a Mongoose then a Redline. Epic. Rockville bmx and their mail order catalog...boom. Those Tange forks! Raced the mongoose with motomags at Fairfax VA - Starlite.
 
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Nolift911

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Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,000
Location
Lansdowne, VA
Thanks guys. Fox stops supporting everything at 10 years. Anything older than that is limited to old stock parts…. Not always ideal when it’s o-rings and high pressure. That old RP23 is almost identical to a newer CTD so seals are generally not an issue. But the old ones can be a real pain to get a good bleed on if they have excessive inner shaft wear as they get charged to 500psi.

On forks if it’s older than a Grip or Fit4 parts also get difficult.

Truth be told unless you are stuck with an obscure shock size (trek) or a straight steerer tube it’s honestly better to upgrade then service anything that old. Everything newer is significantly better.

I am happy to replace vs. rebuild - just not sure what fits. Rear seems like an easy measurement on length and stroke. Not sure on the front fork what measurements to take...unless there is a cross-reference somewhere. I want to say mine is an 05 or 06 Trek Fuel EX

I am east coast so not many great trails to ride out here - which means my mtn bike is a glorified gravel bike with some off roading here and there.

Jeff that tire jack is the trick to getting 700c tires on for sure. I use mine for my tubeless tires on my roadie, my current issue is trying to get my front tire to seat the bead. The LMNT pouches are amazing. We use them daily here at my house, and they are definitely good the next day after a bit too much Buffalo Trace!

Yes. They did not have them in stock at the store so I muscle-d it on. Biggest issue is pinching the tube - which I did.

Bike stand good, so yes, you'll be much happier when you get one. That's a ton of water to drink on a 40 mile roadie ride. One thing my brother does is hydrate before and after (and with different stuff for each phase). Pre-ride bottle. One or two ride bottles. A post ride bottle. Maybe the same amount overall but you carry a lot less. But he trains and races and rides like every day.



For the hair - I like the mad scientist look. How does your better half feel about it tho? She has the right answer. And I can't imagine dealing with that in a helmet. Gotta go up like 2 sizes lol?

I stay hydrated for my complexion and skin tone. :) She prefers it longer.

All these bikes are vehicles. Ride them out too with all that time you have! A good way to get fit.



There's a reason the rebuild parts are dwindling. 20 year old stuff is like night and day compared to what we have now. Hell, my 10 year old Santa Cruz can't touch the Yeti I recently bought and at the time the 27.5 stuff was the shiznit. Geometry has changed and the new bikes are just so good, either mullet or 29" f/r. Looks like 32" wheels are on the way too. Just like with the bigger wheels on your roadie, those 26" wheels don't roll over stuff or run as efficiently as the newer bigger stuff.




I had a Mongoose then a Redline. Epic. Rockville bmx and their mail order catalog...boom. Those Tange forks! Raced the mongoose with motomags at Fairfax VA - Starlite.

New bikes are rad. My bank account is not rad. Trying to make do with what I have until I get more rad. Yes the mountain bike needs an upgrade. I will get a downhill bike once I am in Idaho also.

I have a early 90s redline awaiting a full resto in my crawlspace. Seeing your old bmx bike, Im gonna have to pull it out and at least hang it in the shop until its day comes.

BMX art - love it.

I’m currently restoring my sister’s 1986 Schwinn Predator Street Style.

That's awesome - there is a whole sub culture out there for the old bikes which is so cool.
 

Grant Gunderson

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Joined
May 17, 2013
Messages
2,306
Location
Bellingham, WA
I am happy to replace vs. rebuild - just not sure what fits. Rear seems like an easy measurement on length and stroke. Not sure on the front fork what measurements to take...unless there is a cross-reference somewhere. I want to say mine is an 05 or 06 Trek Fuel EX

I am east coast so not many great trails to ride out here - which means my mtn bike is a glorified gravel bike with some off roading here and there.
You need to know your hub spacing, and axle diameter, (hopefully its 15 or 20mm with boost spacing) and your steerer tube diameter. Most forks are tapered steerer tubes these days, if you have an old straight steerer tube, it's going to be more difficult, and obviously wheel size, 26, 27.5 or 29. IF it's still 26, then id just buy a new bike! Fork travel really doesn't matter as thats easy to change by swapping air spring, ie 150 / 160 etc. Try to match what you have already, increasing it too much, will change the bikes geometry and and handling.

Dampers have come a long way in 20 years and anything, even the cheapest base models are most likely better than what you are running. I'd stay with RS or Fox and avoid DVO. You can tend to get linger service intervals with RS and typically they are easier to work in with less specialty tooling.
 

badonk

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 20, 2011
Messages
206
You need to know your hub spacing, and axle diameter, (hopefully its 15 or 20mm with boost spacing) and your steerer tube diameter. Most forks are tapered steerer tubes these days, if you have an old straight steerer tube, it's going to be more difficult, and obviously wheel size, 26, 27.5 or 29. IF it's still 26, then id just buy a new bike! Fork travel really doesn't matter as thats easy to change by swapping air spring, ie 150 / 160 etc. Try to match what you have already, increasing it too much, will change the bikes geometry and and handling.

Dampers have come a long way in 20 years and anything, even the cheapest base models are most likely better than what you are running. I'd stay with RS or Fox and avoid DVO. You can tend to get linger service intervals with RS and typically they are easier to work in with less specialty tooling.

All excellent advice. Hold onto the Trek and in like 30 years it could be a fun restoration project (ala BMX). But for actual riding today, as Grant says, the dampers, suspension/frame geometry, drivetrain and braking has come a long way. Like I said, I was surprised how much better today's stuff is than my gen 1, 10 year old santa cruz bronson even with its 160mm/150mm travel. For now take the money you'd dump into the Trek and keep an eye on the used market. Some people always want the latest (clearly not a problem for you) and I bet you could get something 1-2 years old for less than 1/2 the price of new.
 
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