wallowls

Hi Jamie,

If I were you right now, I'd be overwhelmed trying to sort through all of these questions (~850 in 30 minutes.) I've also read about how you've been involved in a lot of different pursuits over the years. How do you keep from getting overwhelmed by an ever-increasing flow of information coming at you and keep cool enough to run a tv show, among so many other pursuits?

Hi Josh! Thanks for taking questions with us!

Honestly, what was your first reaction when you saw Javier's haircut on the set of No Country for Old Men?

These guys are famous in the bicycle industry for cutting every corner possible. It's not ignorance, it's the highest priority component of their business model. They know it sucks and they don't care.

As a mountain biker (and fat biker), I have to say disc brakes are in a league of their own. I've felt some parallel pull xt v's that came close, but even the shittiest Juicy does a much better job with modulation and control on descents than rim brakes. Not to mention, fat bikes don't have any other option.

Also, while rotors are pricey, they're usually cheaper than a new rim. My touring bike has single digit 7 linear pull and after 10 years the rim is turning concave. Not a huge concern (10 years is a long life) but something to consider.

That said, I completely agree with you that on every other kind of bike they're completely unnecessary and can be a pain in the ass.

I'd look for something used. Is there a bike co-op in your area? If not, check ebay for a Shimano Sora or 105 rear derailleur (Shimano makes cheaper stuff, but I wouldn't go any lower. My shop sells last year's 105 derailleurs for $10)

Your damaged derailleur is a long cage, but from the photo it doesn't look like you need a long cage. The length of the cage determines how much chain slack the derailleur can tension--longer cages are designed for bikes with large differentials in gear ratios (22-48ish on the front, 11-34ish rear). Your bike is a double on the front (I'm guessing 42-52?) and 11-28 rear, which is a small differential. You might want a medium cage, but if you find a good deal on a short cage I'd jump on it.