Tube, No Tube - gearing up

The experiment with the tubeless went exactly half as hoped but I don't consider it a fail. I have first hand experience that there are many factors to consider if converting to tubeless. The front wheel (Mavic) is tubeless and is doing well. The rear wheel (Velocity) sadly had two issues going on and has a tube in it. I couldn't get three of the 106 studs to stop leaking air. No worries, live to fight another day.

I am in the process of lacing a 9 speed cassette hub in my Syncros rim for the Voodoo. It will see some life again and be able to play a little this winter. I'm setting it up 1x9. Other than that it is virtually unchanged.

I got a few new pieces of gear that I am enjoying. My wife bought me a pair of Manzella Hatchback gloves. They have a convertible windstopper mitt to cover the fingers. I rode with them on Friday and they are pretty awesome. They make it easy to regulate some temps by pulling the finger in and out of the mitt. They roll up and store in a flap when not needed.

Next, I got some new booties. I tried this route last winter and didn't have too much luck with the zippers. These (Gator) booties are spec'd as mountain. They fit my shoes a lot better and I hope they hold up. Friday's ride was sloppy and they kept my feet dry which clearly wouldn't have happened without them. Warm too!

Last but not least, I bought a 10l drysack for my handlebar bag that I ordered from Porcelain Rocket. I have Scott making my bags for the Tour Divide. The handlebar bag is designed where I can put everything in the drysack and then place it in the bag on the bars. The concept is to pitch the tent and take the drysack in to the tent where I can remove my sleeping bag and anything else that I would want to protect from the elements. I hope to have a few of my bags by the end of February.