Three Bikes - Three Hundred Miles?!

[@shawn595]

Your videos make me want to come visit OH. Thanks for taking us along!

[@TimFitzwater]

I love to hear that! Cheers!

[@davidcawthorne7115]

Nice work. Not sure where the 1x obsession comes from. It seems to be another way for average cyclist to end up with a bike not suited to their needs.

[@Cycling_Brian]

Agreed on the 2x vs 1x! I’ve converted my 1x bike to a wide/low 2x and love the increased gear range! With my setup, I stay in the big ring most of the time and ignore the front derailleur. I’m glad it’s there when I need it!

[@anniebikes7002]

I have both my touring bikes set up 2X and they're perfecf.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup! It does depend on the bike and range how I use the small ring. On my ATB it is more of a bail out gear but on my gravel bike I use it for starting and stopping too(traffic lights and all that).

[@christopherwebb3517]

"Uncle Tim. Did you bring that 40 piece weight set I asked for?"

[@TimFitzwater]

😅

[@MLRomo]

I definitely enjoyed the long form content! 👏

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Maybe the podcast is a good idea.

[@hoboesque_]

I like the soundtrack to pretty much all your videos, but this one is particularly Stellar .

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!

[@markday1714]

The long run time worked really well ! also enjoyed the alternating music and monologue, great content, thanks again

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks you! In years past this would have been at least 4 different vids - because I tend to watch shorter vids.

[@glennpettersson9002]

As a kid I had head winds riding to and from school and to this day I find them soul crushing, love a good tail wind though 😂😂

[@TimFitzwater]

I'll take it all calm please!😎

[@ccwweeman3385]

Love your channel tim keep up the good work buddy 🚴‍♂️...colin.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks so much!

[@someofthebeans1814]

Bravo, best one yet Tim.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!!

[@TheBane1979]

I often push it right in with me, I've even stuck the front wheel in the door and left it open

[@TimFitzwater]

Certain places - me too.

[@metroaviator]

I was surprised to hear you talk about uncomfortable saddle position on the last bike you rode. I myself have 8 bikes in my fleet, and all are set up with the same saddle to include position and height. If my main go to has a flat or other mechanical, I can jump on any one of the others without issues. Love watching your videos, keep em coming!

[@TimFitzwater]

I took the saddle off of that bike to put on one I was riding more and threw the French saddle on there. It would have been fine with a slight tilt adjustment. Leather saddles are affected by how worn in they are so you just can't quite set them all perfectly by site. I almost always test ride anything I'm setting up. Most my other regularly ridden bikes would have been fine set up wise - I just didn't want to ride something into the winds on this day that didn't have drops and reasonably fast tires.... any other day - plenty of bike to choose from! Cheer - thanks!!😎

[@madisondeans5566]

I believe he said it was a loaner bike!

[@TimFitzwater]

two things - one was a loaner and the one at the end I didn't take any time to set up right.

[@Saguache]

Well done Tim. Yeah, there's no shame in living to ride another day. Last year I didn't make any resolutions, rode and walked a whole lot less than I should have, and ended the year feeling fat and dumpy. This year I'm committed to doing something every day. I'm really looking forward to the days getting longer.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Good luck to ya! (yes - I am always looking forward to the days getting longer!)

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Great way to move forward and definitely looking forward to the longer days...👍

[@bobtilton3024]

Hanging out with the black cat wins! Priorities! While watching this vid, our vet called to inform us that our older cat tested negative for hyperthyroidism! My last two days of the RF500KM really killed me. I had to bang out 150 miles total! Glad I did it as I had a shit year for health so I needed to feel a sense of accomplishment! Thanks for sharing this year's experience and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[@TimFitzwater]

Congratulations!! Nice! Happy New Year!

[@rockeastwood]

You just killed nearly 45 min of cardio @ gym for me. Thanks! You certainly didn't fail. I'm impressed! I watched all -- every peddlestroke of Terry B. 500km stream (s) that's a lot of riding. A lot. Forget about the #'s. You nailed it.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome and thanks so much! I missed a decent amount of Terry's when I was out riding - I've watched a bit on YT playback though. Cheers brother!

[@johnnydoe66]

I have used the helmet "lock", but dropping the chain off the inside is a better method if you think you're going to be away from the bike longer than you want and you don't have a dedicated lock. I really need to get back on the bike, but with the holidays and now a work related injury it's been alot of couch time watching others ride...😊

[@TimFitzwater]

If I need more then the helmet lock I am just locking my bike. I always carry my little "honesty lock" and them will nring a bigger one if the bike is really going to be out of sight. Heal up quick!

[@btp98w]

Great video! Amazing biking infrastructure in Ohio. 🍻

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! We have a lot of great trails and paths - the road infrastructure still needs a lot of work.

[@TheRickurb]

I'm just gonna say it, this could be the best one yet. Well done even if it wasn't

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Didn’t know if people would watch something like this.

[@TheRickurb]

@@TimFitzwater dont go by me, im an old freak

[@Cycling_Brian]

I always loved the look of those vintage Trek road bikes, but many of them do lack quite a few features that we take for granted on modern bikes.

[@TimFitzwater]

Mine is a mix as it’s an early 80s frame but I have 9 speed Shimano components and wheels. The brakes are trash though - really need to replace them!

[@tonywmckinney]

Never seen the helmet lock trick. Thanks for sharing!

[@TimFitzwater]

It’s a nice “lock of last resort “. 😎

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Well done Tim, we don't mind the longer videos, it's always great to get a little insight in to how others feel about their rides, bikes, aims and outcomes 👍 The festive 500? Not even a consideration for us but never say never...

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Yeah - the Festive really depends on your life situation and if it is even worth that kind of effort regardless. It’s an interesting challenge - glad I went for it even though I fell short.

[@neildrabinski3330]

12:49 lol

[@TimFitzwater]

I think I saw a meme - someone needs to make a shirt.

[@FollowThomas]

I didn't know about this challenge. I guess I'm gonna try that next Christmas 👍

[@TimFitzwater]

First year since I tried it I didn't pull it off. Still glad I attempted it though. Rapha actually started it - "Rapha Festive 500". Cheers!

[@jonathancrincoli6263]

What’s the first song 🎵?

[@TimFitzwater]

Night Tide - Bright Lights, Big City

[@jonathancrincoli6263]

What a shame this band isn’t bigger or this song isn’t more well known. It definitely slaps.

[@ericanderson9989]

Great Video. I had s similar experience in an ultra running event in December where I chose to drop out. Its important to do hard things and push yourself but we should also have fun doing it. I sometimes take it too serious, that's the beauty of your cannel is showing the joy that bikes can bring. Plus side you got in double or triple the miles you would have.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! 100% Challenges are great but fun and staying safe and healthy are key too. Cheers!

[@jered2177]

I love old barns

[@TimFitzwater]

Same.

[@Ey_up]

Happy New Year!

[@TimFitzwater]

Happy Nee Year!

[@conniehoyle2669]

My county dog warden advised against pepper spray, because she said a dog attacking will run through it ,and you risk having it come back on you if a breeze is not in your favor. I purchased a stun gun ,and the airhorn which both are ready to use with my trusty Valero. Plus that airhorn I have used with cars . lol

[@madisondeans5566]

Great video,nice long run,really felt inclusive & fun,which I think you excel at,very comfy! Happy New Year😉✌️🚴🏼‍♂️🚴🏼‍♂️🚴🏼‍♂️

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Cheers! Happy New Years!

[@conniehoyle2669]

Looks so nice . You are so lucky

[@TimFitzwater]

Cheers - thanks!

[@DmitryKoupriyanov]

No challenges but was super happy I was able to get out for a ride on the 24th and 26th.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice!

[@randyhale4181]

I've been doing the helmet lock for quite some time now, I also take the chain off the front chain ring and I lock out the rear derailleur.

[@borderlands6606]

I undo the front quick release. Hopefully it confuses runaways sufficiently to drop the bike. Or faceplant. Just remember to lock it again. Thought the handling felt funny one time and was about to brake..

[@TimFitzwater]

If I go that far I'm just going to lock it - but I see why you do it.

[@BricelynTowne]

Very motivating!!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome- cheers!

[@andyw3091]

Great video Tim, enjoyed the longer format 👍

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!!

[@kervilou5905]

très intéressant !!!! very good film, vive les vélos !!!!!!!!

[@TimFitzwater]

Merci!

[@trevgrooves]

Fun riding! I would like to build up a Midnight Special, but my main bike is a Straggler, which is very similar. Who knows… Good job getting those miles in. ✌🏻

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I guess the Special would be a little more aggressive toward the road in geometry. Always room for one more bike?!

[@evanloudenback3700]

Great video! I think the whole point of challenges is to get you out and doing more - mission accomplished 👍 I definitely need more motivation, am planning to sing up for the NOMBS series this year. I found it on Lanky's channel, looks like fun.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks - and 100% Events are a great way to stay motivated!

[@jonathanbenn2241]

My 1X bike is a great ride, except for the 1X...I missed my annual mileage goal by 575. I try for 6,214 (10,000Km) each year. I fell short by a bout an hour of riding time a week over the course of the year. Changes at work, and lots of rain in upstate New York made it tough. New year, so watching your long video is helping launch a new quest for 10,000 Km.

[@TimFitzwater]

There are always things that are unpredictable - which is why I keep a goal in mind but having fun is always the true goal. One of my main issues with 1x is really missing the two handed operation - being able to drop a bunch of gears at a sudden obstacle or even traffic light is great! Good luck this year with the goal!

[@TheJoePavlik]

bikes, dude.

[@randyhale4181]

Those wooden bridges get saturated with water and it produces slime on top ask me how I know😅 you doing a great job Tim keep it up

[@TimFitzwater]

Oh man! Hope it wasn’t too bad! Thanks!

[@rvssellcarson]

I started off pretty ok with this challenge but half way thru I got flu which really did a number on me.... still not back to normal. Anyway, great vid and great effort.

[@TimFitzwater]

Oh - that sucks - heard of a lot of people getting sick over the holidays. Would definitely not be riding with the flu! Thanks and happy New Year!

[@Jmz555]

Love the vid!!!

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! 😊

[@nickwichhart7327]

Do u have a video of what u use to record ur rides. Mainly GoPro accessories?

[@TimFitzwater]

Not really - I’ve talked about it here and there on livestreams. But in a nutshell it’s a GoPro 11 with a Pro Standard mouth mount and wind screen. I’d imagine in the studio(like at the end of this video) I’m using a Canon R5 and shotgun mic. I do sometimes use wireless Rode mics too.

[@christopherwebb3517]

37:30 - I see what looks like a vintage BMX bike behind you. You should have done that 50 miles on the BMX bike. That would have been great content!

[@TimFitzwater]

That thing is a boat anchor! A friend gave it to me and my goal is to get it in someone’s hands who just wants to fix it up.

[@goonstroke]

This was a great "fail", thanks for talking about the goal and the experience and making it real. Also, you can be longwinded about tires anytime, who doesn't want to talk about tires?

[@TimFitzwater]

I need to do a dedicated, produced video on tires - its a topic we get into more often on the livestreams. Cheers!

[@ronhoover5516]

Tim, I noticed you don't ride clipless pedals, why is that? I'd like to hear your thoughts on clipless vs. cages vs. flat pedals. Thanks!

[@TimFitzwater]

Flat pedals win medals .

[@robertsuede1122]

what is the black vest you are wearing ????

[@TimFitzwater]

It’s made by Chrome. (I had an affiliate link but YT marked it as spam for some weird reason). But I’ve been wearing this one for years so I don’t know if they still make it.

[@pisto_run_cycling]

I got 2 questions. Probably dumb.. what tires exactly did you say you have on your bike.?. the 44s.. also.. are go pro mounts the same type that computers use?.. i think that some bike lights use the same but im not sure. Planning to get some of that stuff and id like for all the mounts to be universal..

[@TimFitzwater]

They are the Rene Herse 44s - all there tires are named by size - so whatever those are called. GoPros and computers use different mounts - but you can find tons of adapters or mounts that can hold both. Easy search on Amazon for your computer and GoPro.

[@pisto_run_cycling]

@@TimFitzwater cool.. Im going to check out those 44s for an older trek that I have. And ill look into those mounts. Thank you

[@BigRon-e4k]

I loved this video. I can relate to almost all of it. Sorry that you didn't get all your miles. Btw, last year you did the most miles/year that you ever did in your life. How did you do in 2023? Btw, how is the Gravel Badass? Is she coming back anytime soon? BigRon092. Yeah, KZbin killed my channel with over 310 subscriptions.

[@TimFitzwater]

It turns out 2021 was my biggest year - 7250 vs. 6700 this year. I had the most fun and most unique experiences on a bike in 2023 though so I wouldn't trade for those miles. Erin sees the doctor next week again so we will have an idea then of when she can get back on the bike. Dang - sorry you lost your channel!!

[@chrismorg31]

Tim: what name of tyres did you say are fast on the road?

[@TimFitzwater]

I like Rene Herse tires - grip off road and still fast on road. Hurricane Ridges are the 42’s. (They are pricey)

[@conniehoyle2669]

Have you ever had a problem with dogs on your rides? We live in the country scary sometimes I stay off the roads now. A dog almost got me big pit . I almost got hit by a texting idiot also . A lady county over three pits tore her up she lost her leg almost her life . I ride trails now kinda boring. I love the variety of the places you ride .

[@madisondeans5566]

Get "Halt" it is a cayenne spray w/a 12ft.projectile spray,won't harm dogs,but they will haul ass after getting in eyes & nose it works great!I'm an avid cyclist for 50yrs.and I recommend it!

[@conniehoyle2669]

Thanks

[@conniehoyle2669]

⁠@@madisondeans5566my county dog warden advised me to get a stun gun ,and small air horn have it ready while riding . I did that ,and with my lights ,and air horn ,and flags I look like a freaking ambulance on my trike . She stated she has a very strong pepper sprayer from the police department,and they found with very aggressive dogs that is going full attack it just pisses them off . She was hospitalized for 6 months where a German Shepherd went through it. I love Tim’s videos I have never have seen a dog That’s where I want to ride . He is probably too fast I’m slow I guess I’m an easy target, , and I sit low . The Dog Warden said if a dog comes out on the road ,and is aggressive I’m in my right to shoot , because I could be killed . The pit that attacked me I was lucky I kept my two wheeler between me ,and their dog. They were home , and never heard me screaming. He just stopped ,and I slowly moved off ,and called the police once I was safe . They fined her for no tags ,and letting her dog roam free . The dog warden said one bite I could have bled out before I was ever seen. I love dogs, but they can be dangerous. I still have shoulder pain I should have gone to the hospital ,and sued them. Stay safe and Trike harder ,and faster that’s my mission.

[@TimFitzwater]

I personally have not had a serious run in with a dog - but I've heard plenty of stories. We have started to carry pepper spray on the country gravel roads.

[@the_original_dane]

Gosh I miss Swedish fish.

[@TimFitzwater]

They're so good! 🎏

[@rorynugent2512]

Glad I'm not the only one irked by Strava's "year end" nonsense coming out before the end of the year. I need every possible minute of every possible day to achieve my mediocre and unremarkable results.

[@TimFitzwater]

Its everything these days. Nothing gets its season - its always onto the next thing. Stats for the year means the year - people yell at midnight on New Years because that is when the new year starts and the old one ends - not some time in December.