Christmas Beavers!

I tore around Cutler this weekend on the 4300.  And boy was it weird to be riding 26 inch wheels.  I think I've talked about this before.... but really, it's a strange transition for so many reasons... but to avoid beating a dead horse, I digress.

There are a couple changes I have wanted to make to the 4300, and after this ride, possibly a couple more.
1. I've been thinking of switching it to a 1 x 8 - to make things more simplistic.
2. New handlebars.  Just not a fan of the riser bars that came on it.  I'm loving the wide bars on the HiFi, but not sure I need that on the 4300.  But definitely looking to get a flat bat.
3. New (or old) saddle.  I love the Selle Italia SLR XC Gel Flow saddle that I got a while back.  I switched it to the HiFi... and put the saddle that came on the HiFi onto the 4300.  It's not a horrible saddle, but it's not the SLR XC... and I like the SLR XC...  so what will likely happen is I'll get a spankin new one for the HiFi and put the gently used one on the 4300.
4. Might play with the stem length... but that will all depend on #2 and how the fit is then.
5. Big difference between the hydraulics and the mechanical disc brakes - as I ride the 4300 more frequently the difference may fade as I get used to them again, but I REALLY like the feel of the hydraulics.

So I think that is about it.  I feel like the front fork is kinda blowing... but that isn't something I really need to mess with.  Do I NEED to mess with the rest?? Probably not.  New handlebars would probably suffice, but even that isn't really necessary...

So, I rode at Cutler, which included cutting through Millenium Park to complete the loop.  And there I saw evidence of beavers.  Not sure why it seemed so odd to me, but it caught me off guard.

Guess he was just working his way on down the line...

I guess I didn't think Cutler was big enough for much wildlife and Millenuim being more of a wide open hill with walking/jogging paths around it... well here, check it out.



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So, holy cow the holidays are just about here!!
It totally didn't dawn on me until today that next week is it before break.  WOW!!  So I've been totally slacking on giving everyone (that is interested in buying me a gift that is) a heads up on what I want.  So when I got home from work yesterday I ran through the internet and made up a quick list.  When Annie originally asked me to give her some things that I wanted my answer was "bike stuff."  And honestly, you get me anything mountain bike related and I'd be super happy.  It was funny how I was kinda stumped as to what I really want when I was looking.  Don't get me wrong, I certainly found stuff.... but I didn't have any burning passion for anything in particular.  I suppose that's a good thing!