Challenge Accepted!

After a bit of a slump, today was a game-changer—my new ride is finally complete! I scored those sleek Hunt wheels and dove into the world of wheel setup. Spoiler alert: rookie mistake—hand pumps and tubeless tires do not mix unless you’ve got some special magic up your sleeve!

Alright, bike nerds, let’s geek out over my upgraded ride! I started with a solid aluminum frame, the Trek Emonda ALR 5, and carefully upgraded it with top value parts after what my wife would call endless market research. Picture this: The rims needed a Shimano 105 CS-R7000/CS-HG700 (11-speed, 11-30) cassette paired with a Shimano RT-CL800 (160 mm) braking disc to be complete. Add in Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tires (28-622) with the crema side walls for tubeless and style glory and a waxed Shimano CN-HG901 chain (11-speed) for smooth, efficient power transfer. The Shimano PD-ES600 pedals are ready for action, and with deep section Hunt wheels and aero bars, this setup is both slick and speedy. It’s gonna be awesome! 🚴‍♂️🔧💨

With just 35 days to Swissman, I’m ready to conquer those mountain passes. Even if I’m slow, I’ll be stylish!