Any recommendation on a good strong long/mid reach brake caliper?

Hey Scrod,
I am looking at either getting the Cinelli Vai Palm or the Hood-rat bar from you, They seem to be similar bars with the Hood-rat having less drop and a tad more reach. I just want to switch to a more compact bar than what I have right now that has a drop of 140 and reach of 120. I like the price of the Hood-Rats but wanna know if the Cinelli is a better option quality/comfort wise. Thanks for your help.

Hey scrod, always wanted to ask, what are some of your favorite hardcore bands?

The top section on the Vai Palm is a lot bigger/flatter than on the Hood Rats.

hey scrod do you think this is correct?

Nope.

Am I becoming a retro grouch?

Maybe. I know I am.

Hey Scrod, first post so go easy... I'm about to start building up my first fixed gear for commuting and getting fit. I used to do a lot of Downhill MTBing so although I know a bit about bikes generally there's also a lot that's new for me with these bikes.
I weigh about 195lbs (give or take 5lbs on any given day) and was wondering how many spokes I should be getting for a custom wheelset? I won't be putting out any serious power but I also want a wheelset that'll last for a long time. Cheers!

What are the normal sizes for cone wrenches? I need a set for my hubs, but I dont know what sizes to get.

Edit: Nvm, I remembered there was such thing as google. 13, 15, and 17mm?

Sealed or loose ball?

Loose ball for now. Once I get new wheels for my leader, sealed, but I dont think I'm going to need to adjust those that often.

Keep it easy - 32h front and rear laced either 2X or 3X will be bomb proof even if you choose a lightweight rim.

13, 15 and 17 are most likely the only sizes you'll ever need.

Keep an eye on eBay. I've seen a few used sets go for pretty low prices.

I was just gonna get them from amazon prime. its 26 bucks for the 3 if I get park tools, 19 if I get some other brand thats still prime eligible.

Oh, right on. That's a decent deal.

Scrod, do powergrips work well with GR9s, or is it not an effective setup?

Hows the weather in mass?

Don't do it.

Cold, rainy and windy.

Alright, thanks Scrod!

Thanks!

Winter riding:
- I have tights. Comfortable to ride in. I always run kind of hot so they keep me warm enough unless we get hit by some crazy arctic ****. They're not exactly great casual wear for work.
- I have jeans. I ****ing hate riding in jeans.

Recommend pants that i can ride in comfortably and I can wear all day at work, etc.

I know i can just ride in tights, carry jeans in bag, change at work. Just trying to skip a step or two.

I'm bad at cold weather gear. It seems I'm always overdressed because I hate being cold, then I end up being a sweaty pig.

Lately I've found that wearing a pair of thermal leg warmers beneath my regular pants (which are typically Dickies or Red Kaps) does the trick because they are easy to put on/remove without needing to change.

Can you leave a pair of pants at work? I leave a pair of jeans at work to change into. Whatever I wore to work, usually knickers, needs to air out and dry for a while. Usually has a bit of funk on it too.