[1112] New Bike Build

So I mentioned I have a new dream bike frame in a recent post, the Ritchey Outback Break-away frame that you can disassemble and store a lot easier for travel. Here's my latest gravel/all-road bike build list, including some explanation why I chose these parts. Take note that since you can disassemble the frame this bike will be using cable actuated brakes (and shifting since I'm not a hardcore cyclist who can see the value in wireless shifting).

I'll be adding the price of the product as of today.

1. Frameset, Ritchey Outback Break-away USD 2399. On sale for USD 1999. Like I said, the biggest reason I'm liking this frame now is because it's collapsible and thus easier to pack for travel. Not that I travel. Based on their website my size would be small because I subscribe to Bikefit James' thinking of getting one size smaller. If not, medium is my recommended frame size. Though at my age, flexibility, and proportions small might be safer. I can always buy longer stems and seat posts but I can't shrink a bigger frame.
2. Wheelset, Mavic Allroad Disc USD 350. On sale for USD 294.98. I was originally thinking of getting the Allroad S but that only has the centerlock option for brake rotors. I'd rather have six bolt locking. The 23mm inner rim width would be more than enough to handle the tires I want.
3. Tires, Panaracer Gravel King SK USD 65 each, I think. I'm a fan of Panaracers. I'm not a gravel racer. I just want to ride a bike with a tire capable of handling both road and off-road. 35mm width would be a good balance for road and off-road, I think. With tan sidewalls.
4. Inner tubes, Tubolity X-Tubo-CX/Gravel-All USD 26.40. Tubeless set up is pricey and needs constant maintenance. I rarely ride my bike so it's not practical to go tubeless. Tubolitos will hopefully be durable enough to avoid flats.
5. Handlebar, Salsa Cowchipper USD 55. 38mm Cowchipper gives me a relatively narrow top with a flared drop that's wider than the Salsa Cowbell.
6. Stem and seatpost, Redshift ShockStop Suspension System USD USD 333.98 - USD 463.96. One of my "luxury" components simply because I'd like to have some form of suspension should I go through patches of bumpy surfaces. I think the Redshift system would be enough for me. I would most likely need a shim for the handlebar if I read the Cowchipper's specs right.
7. Brake calipers, TRP HY/RD flat mounts USD 149.99. I was also considering the Yokozuna Ultimo but they're almost, or over double the price of the TRP. Plus like I said, I don't ride that fast so this should be fine.
8. Brake rotors, Shimano RT66 6-bolt 160mm USD 29.99. On sale USD 23.99. Stopping is important but honestly I think these will do.
9. Groupset, Microshift Sword 1x10 no price on their website. Ideally 165 mm cranks, 42T chainring, and 11/48 cassette. I saw one being sold locally for PhP 19,500. That one though has 170 mm cranks, 40T chainring, and 11/48 cassette.
10. Pedals, Shimano PD-T421 USD 80. This might be a good compromise between a flat pedal and a clipless pedal. It doesn't look too flashy and might pass for a normal plastic flat pedal.
11. Cleats, Shimano SM-SH56 SPD Multi-release Cleat w/o Cleat Nut USD 19. Of course you'd need Shimano cleats to work with the pedals.
12. Saddle, Ritchey WCS Cabrillo Saddle USD 100. From the bike fitters I follow I do know that Selle Italia saddles are their go-to. But as far as I know they're expensive. So hopefully the Cabrillo will do. It does seem shorter than my saddle now but hopefully it is more than enough.

And there you go. A more detailed bike build that basically covers everything you need for a functioning bike. I'm not including accessories like bike lights, bottle cages, and bags.

Out.

[1111] New Dream Bike Frame

You read it here first. I have yet again changed my mind on what my dream bike frame is. This time it's back to Ritchey and their Ritchey Outback Break-away frame.

Why the Outback Break-away? Well, the biggest reason would be portability. It's already designed to be collapsible. It comes with its own carrying case that doesn't look like a bike carrying case, and it's a Ritchey Outback similar to my earlier dream bike frame. Only this time, you can dismantle the frame for easier transport.

This would lessen the need for having a rear or roof mounted bike rack. You would just need to disassemble the bike and keep it in the case and put it in either the trunk or second row of your vehicle. I've seen a few videos how to disassemble the bike. It looks challenging but probably worth it in the event I need to travel with my bike.

The biggest downside to this would be the price. It's currently priced as USD 2399 for the frame set alone. I'd need to spend even more to get other components like the groupset, brakes, handlebars, wheelset, tires, and so many other things.

However that doesn't mean I can't dream, right? I may just make another blog post with a more detailed build centered around the Ritchey Outback Break-away.

Out.

[1110] Highly Improbable Christmas Wishlist

Obviously a filler blog post, but still somewhat relevant. Christmas is just around the corner and here's a list of things I'd want to have, but I doubt I can receive as a gift. Simply because they're either too expensive or too hard to find. Mostly the former. So here we go.

1. A nice two-bedroom condominium unit with two car parking slots. I've been doing a lot of browsing for condominium units here in Metro Manila and currently the best bang for the buck location I can think of that is relatively closer to where my wife works and where my daughter studies is some location in Pasig. Pasig units are around 50 sq m or so for the same price as a 40 sq m or so unit in Makati or BGC, and this is a big reason why I think Pasig is the way to go. I just don't know how bad traffic is going to and from the place.
2. Another car. Yes, we already own a Toyota Wigo G. Number coding is still in effect here in Metro Manila and I think we still need a relatively bigger car for road trips and when the Wigo can't be used. I've already blogged about options, and they still haven't changed. My dream choices are either the Toyota Avanza 1.5 G CVT (because spacious, relatively affordable, and fuel efficient), the Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT (because hybrid), and possibly the Honda BR-V VX CVT (because Honda, similar size to the Avanza, and looks nice).
3. A new, custom gravel bike built to my specs. I'd rather not blog about this now but I do want a more modern gravel bike using through axles and the more well-known brands. This also makes my current bike a full-time bike trainer. On that note.
4. If I can't get a new bike then one of those smart bike trainers would be nice. Maybe I can afford a Zwift subscription or one of the other well known virtual bike apps. It might help me spend longer times on the bike trainer.

That's it actually. Just stuff I know I can't afford, and stuff that's basically a luxury and not a need.

Merry Christmas.

Out.

[1109] The Weather

During November the Philippines has been, or will be, hit by six typhoons. We've been fortunate enough that Metro Manila hasn't been hit dead on by the typhoons passing the Philippines.

That doesn't mean all is good, since other places in the country are suffering from strong winds and huge amounts of rainfall. The place where I studied, Naga in Camarines Sur, had already been devastated by Typhoon Kristine (international name Trami) earlier in November and is also feeling the effects of the current typhoon known locally as Pepito.

So far based on news reports I've read it's mostly been the Bicol Region and the northern Luzon areas being hit by the typhoons. Apparently, based on the first link, the increase in the number of typhoons is because of global warming.

As I grow older these things become more anxiety inducing since I do worry about the safety of my family, as well as the safety of friends and of course material things. Hopefully everyone can stay as safe as possible.

Out.

[1108] "Toy Car"

I know it's stupid to own a "toy car" (aka project car) when I can barely afford taking care of one car. I still want one, and it doesn't hurt to dream.

So with that being said, I've always blogged about a Japan surplus kei van. Chatting with my friend, who also happens to be a car guy like me, always brings me back to reality. For the price of a Japan surplus Suzuki Every specced out to my preferences it would probably be more practical to get a used, locally sold car that I like.

Cars like the gen 1 or gen 2 Honda Jazz, the gen 2 Toyota Yaris, heck even the Suzuki Swift. Notice I'm still looking for a "small car" to own. Because that's probably the best I can afford if I could save up another batch of money for a car.

I have checked out different cars on FB Marketplace. I was seriously considering the old Toyota Echo Verso (aka Yaris Versso) that was briefly sold here in the Philippines in the early 2000s. I just don't know how other people can still own twenty-plus year old cars without them having major issues like what's going on with our 2001 Toyota Rav4 now. Maybe it's because we never did proactive maintenance and only did oil changes, I honestly have no idea.

Anyway, yeah. I still want a small hatchback to be my toy car if I can ever afford to buy and maintain one properly.

Out. 

[1107] Really Crazy Japan Surplus Idea Part X

In an older blog post I wrote about basically transplanting the innards of a Japan surplus kei van into an existing body of a locally sold Suzuki Super Carry. Well now I have yet another crazy idea.

It basically involves buying a Japan surplus DA17 Suzuki Every Van. Then adding a roll cage.

That's basically it. To compensate for the structural integrity. Though I've seen an FB reel/Tiktok video saying there are different classes of Japan surplus kei vans so I guess the higher the class the less the structural integrity is affected?

Anyway it's just that. Buy a higher class Japan surplus Suzuki Every Van (or Wagong depending on budget and preference) and add a roll cage inside or outside. And yes, it is a crazy idea.

Out.

[1106] I Am My Own Worst Enemy

As I grow older, and watch lots and lots of motivational videos (whether accidentally or intentionally) on social media, I come to the hard conclusion that I am my own worst enemy.

Some videos say that it is up to yourself to control how you feel and how you respond to your day-to-day situation. Sad to say I am very much a negatron. I am aware of this and I am doing my best to improve, though.

I do try to change perspectives and find something that'll make me improve my thinking, but it is a daily challenge. There are days I can overcome it, and being human, there are days I cannot. I guess that is normal. What I'm trying to build upon is to consistently try not to be frustrated and not be so emotionally reactive. Take a chill pill, Will, as I used to say in high school.

Out.