BreakRoomBethesda

Author: Franc de Miles

  • 3D Printed Bikes: The Future of Cycling Tech Is Here, and It’s’ Cool 🚴‍♂️🤖

    3D Printed Bikes: The Future of Cycling Tech Is Here, and It’s’ Cool 🚴‍♂️🤖

    Alright, here’s something wild: imagine a world where you can print your bike. You don’t just order it online. It doesn’t just get shipped to your door. You actually have it 3D printed specifically for you. Actually have it 3D printed specifically for you. Sounds futuristic, right? Well, that future is closer than you think. The Argentinian cycling team already raced with them in the 2024 Paris Olympics. And trust me, this tech is about to change cycling forever. 🏅🚴‍♂️

    So here’s the deal: 3D printing isn’t just for making action figures or cool prototypes anymore. We’re talking about custom-built, high-performance racing bikes made specifically to fit the exact needs of individual riders. This means geometry, stiffness, weight, and grip—all tweaked and dialed in to fit you like a glove. It’s not just a one-time process. They can print a bike, let the rider test it, make adjustments, and print another version in less than 24 hours. Mind-blowing, right? 💥

    Take the X23, for example. This custom-printed track bike is created by the folks at Toot Engineering. It has a high-tech alloy frame made of Scalmalloy. It sounds fancy because it is—think aluminum, magnesium, and scandium. Sure, carbon fiber is lighter, but this bike’s design is all about stiffness and performance on smooth tracks. And with 3D printing, you can fine-tune every tiny detail—handlebars, geometry, you name it. They’re printing specific parts in steel, titanium, and even funky materials that are tougher than your typical bike build. ⚙️

    Why does this matter? Because now they can produce bikes that are tailor-made for each rider and course. Think about that: A rider can say, “Hey, this handlebar feels a little off.” Engineers can then tweak the design and print a new one. Boom—problem solved by the next day. That’s revolutionary for cyclists. They are tired of adjusting to the bike instead of having the bike adjust to them. 🚴‍♂️🔧

    And don’t think this tech is just for the pros. Soon, the rest of us can roll into a shop and order a custom-printed bike. Want a bike that’s just right for the climbs on your favorite local loop? Easy. Need something stiffer for sprinting? Done. They’re already working on iterating the design of handlebars. This is to better fit the course a rider will be on. It could be a smooth velodrome track. Or, it could be a twisty, turn-filled road race. It’s like Mario Kart, but real life. 🎮🚵‍♂️

    The whole process is super fast too. A rider tries a prototype, offers feedback, then engineers tweak the design, run simulations, and print the next version. The bike gets tested in a wind tunnel. And—get this—they can even measure vibrations and deformation. This helps them figure out how to make it even better. It’s like getting a bike fitting, but on steroids. 💨🚴‍♀️

    So, here’s why I’m stoked about this: the days of “one size fits all” bikes are about to be gone. We’re moving into an era where your bike can be yours. It will be tailored to fit your body. It will match your riding style and your performance needs. And it’s not just a tech flex for engineers; it’s a game-changer for how we all ride. In the near future, we’ll all have bikes made specifically for us. These bikes will be printed out of crazy materials. They will be optimized for how we like to ride. 🔥

    Sure, 3D printed bikes might sound like sci-fi today, but they’re on track (pun intended) to become the new norm. And when they do? We’ll be riding faster, more comfortably, and more in tune with our bikes than ever before. The future is here, and it’s gonna be a wild ride. 🌍🚴‍♂️

    Stay tuned—because when these custom-print bikes start hitting local shops, you know I’ll be all over it. 💥

  • Bethesda to DC: My 26-Mile Adventure, Near-Death Moments Included

    Bethesda to DC: My 26-Mile Adventure, Near-Death Moments Included

    Let’s talk about one of my recent rides—hands down, one of my favorites so far. I logged 26 miles (my second-longest ride!) and finally connected a sweet route from Bethesda to DC, through the Georgetown waterfront, and back to Bethesda. You know when everything just clicks, and suddenly you feel like you’re getting the hang of this whole cycling thing? Yeah, that was me on this ride.

    But first, shoutout to Terrapin Bicycles—my local bike shop that’s equal parts bike guru hangout and low key beer heaven waterhole. Before this ride, I had them adjust my saddle, and let me tell you, the difference was night and day. These guys are super chill, always willing to help out, and yes, you can actually buy a beer while they tweak your bike. It’s a full vibe. My saddle felt dialed in, which made the ride way smoother, and let’s be honest, way more fun.

    Now, as much as I’m getting better with these longer routes, I’m still getting used to road riding. And by “getting used to,” I mean I almost low-key died twice this week.

    First near-death encounter: cruising along, minding my own business, when some genius with a van decided to run a hose across the bike lane. And this wasn’t a little bump—this thing was half the height of my front wheel. I spotted it just in time to avoid what could have been a very bad day. If I hadn’t caught it, I would’ve face-planted for sure. So yeah, fun times.

    Then, just a couple days later, a guy in a white Mercedes decided to audition for “Worst Driver of the Year” by blowing through a stop sign and almost turning me into roadkill. But the best part? I caught up to him at the next light and gave him the ol’ one-finger salute. It was weirdly liberating. Sometimes, catching up to someone who almost took you out is the real win.

    But back to the ride—it was awesome. I’m finally getting more familiar with the local routes and piecing together paths that I’ve wanted to explore. There’s something seriously satisfying about seeing the same roads you’ve driven a million times, but now you’re cruising them on two wheels, soaking it all in. I’m hyped to keep exploring and expanding my ride map.

    Here’s to more miles, fewer near-misses, and maybe even a few new favorite routes. If you’re local, swing by Terrapin Bicycles—grab a beer, get your bike dialed in, and let’s hit the road.

    Stay safe, keep pedaling, and maybe watch out for hoses and reckless Mercedes drivers. 🚴‍♂️💨

  • Cycling Snacks, Gels, and Hydration: My First $70 Dive into Cycling Nutrition

    Cycling Snacks, Gels, and Hydration: My First $70 Dive into Cycling Nutrition

    Alright, let’s be real—cycling isn’t just about pushing pedals, it’s about what you can stuff in your pockets to keep you going. So, in my quest to level up my rides, I just spent $70 on a bunch of energy gels, bars, gummies, and hydration tablets from a site called TheFeed.com. Why? Because apparently, just drinking water and grabbing a banana isn’t going to cut it anymore.

    TheFeed.com is like the Amazon of cycling snacks, but better, because it actually makes sense for new riders like me. They’ve got everything—gels that claim to turbocharge your legs, bars that somehow pack a whole meal into a bite, and hydration powders that promise you’ll never cramp again. And I thought, “Why not try a little of everything?” So, I did.

    The package just landed today, and unboxing it felt like a weird mix of Christmas morning and a science experiment. We’re talking a wild variety of brands, flavors, and textures—gels, powders, bars, gummies—you name it, I’ve got it. The best part? The Feed’s sample pack exposed me to brands I’d never even heard of. I’m talking all kinds of flavors and forms I didn’t even know cyclists used. This is next-level snack research.

    Over the next few weeks, I’ll be putting these to the test—seeing what fuels me up and what leaves me feeling like I ate a bag of bricks. Expect bite-sized reviews as I try them out. Will the gels make me feel like a superhero, or will I need a dentist? Are the bars actually worth cramming into your back pocket? We’ll find out.

    If you’re curious about what fuels a new cyclist (or just want to laugh at my ride experiments), stick around and subscribe. I’ll be reporting back with the good, the bad, and the “what was I thinking” moments. Let’s see if these snacks really live up to the hype.

    Stay tuned. Let’s ride fast, snack smart, and not bonk halfway through. 🚴‍♂️💥

  • Finding the Right Cycling Gear: My Struggle, My Wins, and a New Favorite Brand Ocean&San

    Finding the Right Cycling Gear: My Struggle, My Wins, and a New Favorite Brand Ocean&San

    Let’s talk cycling gear, folks—the good, the bad, and the downright tight. If you’re new to the sport like me, getting kitted out can feel like navigating a minefield of spandex and questionable size charts. I’m 5’8”, around 210-ish pounds, and I’ve always been more “short and sturdy” than “lean and mean.” By today’s standards , “thick” would be a good word to describe me. So when it came to finding the right cycling clothing, it’s been a bit of a ride in itself.

    Like most beginners, I started with the basics and picked up a pair of PEARL iZUMi Men’s Quest Bib Shorts in XL. Honestly, they’ve been solid—comfortable, functional, and great for my rides, I got another set on the way. But here’s the thing: I’ve got nothing to compare them to. I knew there was a whole world of cycling brands out there, but trying to figure out sizing from a random website is like taking a shot in the dark. One brand’s “XL” is another brand’s “did you mean medium?” It’s enough to make anyone throw their hands up and stick with what they know. So for now I’m sticking to those bibs but I need a top, a cool top…I can’t keep wearing the dry-fit gym T-shirts.

    I wasn’t looking but I found something cool: Ocean&San. I found them on social media, or should I say…their algorithm found me? Either way, I am happy we crossed paths. Their apparel and vibe had a different approach that spoke to me. They were sick of riding to the local coffee shop in gear that felt more suited for the Tour de France than a casual spin. Their ethos? Cycling is about the joy of the ride, not just the race. That was music to my ears.

    Their flagship product, the All Day Shirt, is like a jersey’s laid-back cousin—it’s stylish, comfortable, and designed for the everyday rider – they got limited edition styles too, I am a sucker for limited edition stuff. The brand’s whole vibe just felt right: locally made in Los Angeles, sustainable practices, and gear that’s more about enjoying the lifestyle than shaving seconds off your Strava time. Plus, they had a solid return policy, which is clutch when you’re still figuring out your sizing.

    So, I bit the bullet and ordered two of their All Day Shirts. At checkout, I got sucked into their combo deal—two shirts paired with socks and a water bottle. I went with the shirts and socks($326USD shipping included), and I’ve got to say, those socks are now my favorite to ride in. My package arrived fast, safe, and in some pretty eco-friendly packaging, which was a nice touch. The shirts? Top quality, just like advertised. Only hiccup? I went a size too small. But their return and exchange process was smoother than a freshly paved bike lane, and I’m hyped to get the right fit in my hands.

    And here’s where it gets even better—after I sent them a quick thank you note for the smooth exchange, one of the Ocean&San team members subscribed to this blog. That was such a cool moment for me. It’s little things like this that make the cycling community so awesome—brands that actually care and riders that connect beyond just the bike. Huge shoutout to Ocean&San for being genuinely great people.

    For anyone out there struggling to find cycling gear that fits right and doesn’t scream “race day,” give Ocean&San a look. I’m stoked to support a brand that’s doing things differently, keeping it local, and focusing on the joy of riding. And yeah, I’ll probably be adding more of their gear to my collection soon.

    If you’re new to the game, don’t stress about finding the “perfect” kit right out of the gate. It’s a journey, just like the ride itself. Try different brands, experiment with sizing, and find what makes you feel good on two wheels. And hey, if you’re stuck in gear designed for podium finishes but all you want is a decent ride to the café, maybe Ocean&San is the move for you too.

    And here’s the best part: if you’re thinking of giving them a shot, you can use my referral link: https://oken.do/a7z3hrsf for a little discount. Support a cool brand, get some stylish gear, and look good doing it. Win-win, right?

    Ride fast, live slow. And most importantly, wear what makes you feel like a million bucks on your bike.

  • Wet Roads, Wahoo Woes, and My First Ride in the Rain: A Rookie’s Journey

    Wet Roads, Wahoo Woes, and My First Ride in the Rain: A Rookie’s Journey

    So there I was, staring at the overcast sky, contemplating my life choices—specifically, the one that got me out on a bike in the middle of a drizzle. Today marked my first-ever wet ride, and let me tell you, it was like stepping into a whole new level of cycling. I clocked in 20 miles, and while the rain started as a light sprinkle, by the end, it felt like the sky was trying to drown out my enthusiasm.

    I’ve got to admit, riding in the rain is like the “hard mode” of cycling. The roads were slick, my confidence wavered, and the fear of slipping was real, especially since I’m rolling on road tires that are basically like riding on ice skates when wet. But you know what? The roads were empty, and I found myself pushing harder, enjoying the freedom of not dodging other cyclists or pedestrians.

    Today was also my first ride with my new gadget—the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt. Cool little device, but let’s just say it’s still on probation. At one point, it told me I was doing 50 MPH, which, unless I suddenly became a Tour de France contender, was definitely not accurate. And the climb tracking? Total chaos. It was picking up random inclines that I swear were barely bumps in the road, while ignoring some real hills that had my legs begging for mercy. It’s only been a day, so I’m giving it time, but I’ve got a feeling I’ll be fiddling with settings more than actually riding for a while.

    Another big takeaway from today? My bike fit—or lack thereof. I’m starting to think my saddle and handlebars have some kind of vendetta against me. My positioning feels tight, like I’m trying to squeeze into jeans two sizes too small. I know I should get a professional bike fitting, but those things are pricey, and let’s be honest, it’s not exactly in my budget right now. So, I’m trying to MacGyver my way through adjustments, hoping I stumble on something that makes my rides feel less like a wrestling match with my bike.

    All in all, today’s ride was a mix of “what am I doing” moments and tiny victories. I got soaked, I learned a bit about my Wahoo, and I didn’t end up in a puddle on the side of the road—a win in my book. If you’re thinking about riding in the rain, I say go for it. Just keep your expectations (and your speed stats) realistic, and maybe pack a little extra courage for those slippery corners.

    Ride on, rain or shine. And if you see a guy looking lost on a Giant Defy with a confused expression, trying to figure out his Wahoo settings… that’s probably me.

    Check out my ride on Strava.
    https://strava.app.link/tdpkXvgMYMb

  • Choosing My First Bike: How I Ended Up with the Giant Revolt 2 (and Then Traded Up)

    Choosing My First Bike: How I Ended Up with the Giant Revolt 2 (and Then Traded Up)

    Let’s cut to the chase: finding the right bike was like shopping for a new best friend that doesn’t ghost you on weekends. I started with a budget of $1,400, a vague sense of what I wanted (hello, Specialized dreams), and way too many late nights scrolling through bike forums and YouTube reviews. I mean, at one point, I was practically on a first-name basis with half the internet’s cycling influencers. But Specialized? Yeah, that was a no-go—either out of stock or just slightly out of reach.

    So, I took a detour into Terrapin Bicycles, the local shop that ended up being my knight in shining Lycra. I walked in expecting a standard bike-buying experience and ended up with a masterclass in everything from bike fit to maintenance. They introduced me to the Giant Revolt 2 in matte blue—a sleek gravel bike that could handle roads, trails, and my occasionally questionable sense of direction. They set me up with the right size, tossed me the keys (aka let me test ride it), and boom—I was sold. That first ride felt like it was made just for me.

    In the two weeks I had the Revolt 2, I clocked about 70 miles (thanks, Strava) and quickly realized that, while gravel-ready, my rides were more pavement than trail. So, naturally, I found myself back at Terrapin, half-apologetic and half-excited, explaining that what I really needed was more of a road-style bike. Without missing a beat, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse: turn in the Revolt, pay the difference, and upgrade to the Giant Defy Advanced 2.

    It was a no-brainer. They took the Revolt back like it was all part of the plan and set me up with the Defy. And let me tell you, the upgrade is the best thing ever. The Defy rides like a dream—light, fast, and just begging to eat up those road miles. It’s everything I didn’t know I needed, and I couldn’t be more excited to push my riding further.

    So, no, I didn’t get the Specialized I had my eye on, but I ended up with something better: a bike that fits me perfectly and a shop I’ll keep going back to. Lesson learned? Sometimes the bike chooses you, and the best rides start with a little help from your local shop. Terrapin Bicycles—these guys get it.

    Now, with the Defy Advanced 2 beneath me, it’s game on. Let’s see where this ride takes me.

  • Spandex, Sweat, and Saddle Sores: Why I’m All In on Cyclin

    Spandex, Sweat, and Saddle Sores: Why I’m All In on Cyclin

    Alright, let’s get this out of the way: I’m Francisco, married, in my 30s, and somewhere between figuring out how to remain sane while also doing the whole adulting thing, I decided to trade binge-watching for bike riding. And not just any bike riding—I’m talking the whole kit-and-caboodle: spandex, sweat, saddle sores, and a newfound appreciation for hills (or more like a love-hate relationship).

    So why am I here, typing this up instead of clocking more miles?(I already did check my Strava)Simple: I want to document this fitness ride and share what I learn with people like you—new riders, seasoned vets, and everyone in between. No gatekeeping, no elite snobbery, just honest tips, random observations, and a few “please-don’t-make-the-same-mistake-I-did” moments.

    Whether it’s figuring out how to not fall over when you clip in (painfully guilty), why spandex really is your friend (yes, it matters), or just finding the joy in the grind, this blog is my way of keeping it real. I’m here to help you enjoy the ride, whether you’re dodging potholes in your neighborhood or actually know what watts are (still working on that myself).

    And hey, this isn’t just me talking at you—I’m also building something special with BreakRoomBethesda, our Strava crew for “easy-going” rides, casual vibes, and zero judgment. Think of us as your bike-loving besties who are here to push you up the hill and share a beer(or 2) at the top.

    Subscribe to the blog, jump on the email list, and get biweekly updates straight to your inbox(I promise you won’t be annoyed). I’ll be dropping tips, my riding schedule, and occasionally inviting you to join me on the road. So if you’re down to ride, laugh, learn, and maybe get a little fitter along the way, you’re in the right place.

    Thanks for being here. Now let’s go get sweaty.