# @scotti_moody on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CVbG_TdFJiq
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70163-scotti-moody-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/87ee1dc5e4.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-10-24T19:45:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** scotti_moody (@scotti_moody) — https://gondola.cc/scotti_moody

## Caption

I’m not mechanically inclined and always prefer Ernie to work on my bike. But I do know if I intend to race solo, I’m responsible for understanding the basic way something moves and works. 

Some major items on my “learn” list included:

1. mounting, seating, patching, and sealing my tires and tubes
2. learning how to break my chain and make the bike into a single speed, in case something happened to my rear derailleur
3. running through how to diagnose the basic issues of Di2 systems, including understanding all the junction points and how to replace an e-wire should one get damaged
4. how to remove a broken spoke and attach a “fix-a-spoke” should something happen to my wheel

During my first ultra cycling event @silkroadmountainrace I knew I never wanted to use mechanical shifting again. I promptly switched to Di2 after and haven’t gone back since. 

Di2 saves my hands — my left hand, especially. When riding hundreds of miles over rough terrain, shifting to the big ring with a muddy front derailleur cable caused serious hand cramps from the strain.

During this year’s @arhighcountryrace I swapped Di2 batteries around mile 450, then again toward the end, I had to charge the depleted second battery in a hotel room while I slept. (I shift a lot!) One time while replacing my front light, I accidentally pulled a Di2 wire out of the junction box and didn’t know it. That caused confusion but was an easy fix (bc I had my e-tool!)

The other problem was the rainy weather’s wear and tear on my drivetrain. I’d kept my chain freshly lubed about 2x a day up until the final day, when the rain + gravel = a very crunchy drivetrain. About every hour, I’d stop, run my chain through a microfiber towel to get grime off, then re-lube it. 

I got really lucky on flats and only had that one weird flat issue I already talked about in “Strange Men” Episode 2, where I had 20-30 small pinprick sized holes — fixable by adding more sealant. I got off easy compared to some! If you want some good High Country tires, I highly recommend the 2.2” 29’er @conti_mtb Race Kings (I’ve used them 2 years in a row and only flatted once). I am not sponsored, just a fan.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 658
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 13

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Kai Caddy | @kaicaddy | https://gondola.cc/kaicaddy | Photographer |

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