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March, 2024

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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
I know there are more brown pow lovers on this site, yah there is pinkbike but lets be honest, newshcoolers is wayyyy cooler. so lets posts our rides, questions about components, mechanic questions etc in this thread.

I just bought this beauty and i definitely sacrificed uphill capabiltiy in order to get a beefier dh/park bike. id been on a nomad for a while and it's a huge switch in riding styles for me. definitely getting used to the weight and having to keep speed a lot more.

specs for said beauty, 2011 rc2 dh totem, 2012 dhx rc4, highrollers front and back (gona go dhf front and highroller in the back), mtx 33 wheel set, slx brakes, diablous cranks, FSA 760mm Handlebar, Shimano SLX Shifter & Shimano Deore XT Derailleur.



Alright newschoolers, post your bikes. i wanna see some sexy steeds.
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Jun 9 2014 5:41PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
The Fest Series is coming to Central Oregon! Got recruited as a filmer, super stoked for the event. Went out with Carson and KJ yesterday and shot this little teaser. April 22nd in Prineville Oregon. Come watch!

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/860759/BLACK-SAGE
Mar 3 2017 7:30PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
GANDALFThe Fest Series is coming to Central Oregon! Got recruited as a filmer, super stoked for the event. Went out with Carson and KJ yesterday and shot this little teaser. April 22nd in Prineville Oregon. Come watch!

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/860759/BLACK-SAGE


Sick! Have fun man.
Mar 3 2017 10:52PM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
GANDALFThe Fest Series is coming to Central Oregon! Got recruited as a filmer, super stoked for the event. Went out with Carson and KJ yesterday and shot this little teaser. April 22nd in Prineville Oregon. Come watch!

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/860759/BLACK-SAGE


Looks sweet Doug! Can't wait to watch the whole thing
Mar 3 2017 11:13PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
GANDALFThe Fest Series is coming to Central Oregon! Got recruited as a filmer, super stoked for the event. Went out with Carson and KJ yesterday and shot this little teaser. April 22nd in Prineville Oregon. Come watch!

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/860759/BLACK-SAGE


That's awesome Doug. My buddy Jeff Herb helped organize the Cruz Fest. Those guys are killing it.
Mar 4 2017 2:23AM
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Raz.
Posts: 7456 - Karma: 1,611
Raz.I don't fucking trust newschoolers upload capabilities today because i just tried twice. third try's the charm?

preview swears there's a pic in this post.






alright been on a few rides of varying terrain with this bitch now. i fucking love it. the suspensions about dialed in as well where i'd like it to be and its insane. Handles the downhills like a freeride bike and on the climbs it has a similar geometry/reach to my trackbike oddly so it feels really at home.

10/10 nomad worth the money
Mar 5 2017 12:46AM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
In your guys opinion what is a better deal/bike. I found a used 2015 Giant reign advanced 0 for 3k and a 2016 kona process 153DL for 2400$. Both are in pretty good condition, but the kona is in slightly better condition. No issues with front fork stanchion on either bike, no dents, just cosmetic rubs and scratches on both bikes.
Mar 11 2017 9:58AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
MGKIn your guys opinion what is a better deal/bike. I found a used 2015 Giant reign advanced 0 for 3k and a 2016 kona process 153DL for 2400$. Both are in pretty good condition, but the kona is in slightly better condition. No issues with front fork stanchion on either bike, no dents, just cosmetic rubs and scratches on both bikes.


What groupset are each running? Suspension set-up?

Honestly, if I were looking for a complete as my next set-up, I would be looking pretty seriously at a Process 111 (or other aggressive 29er). I've never been a big Goant fan, but don't have any good reason for it.

I'd go for the Kona and if you need/want some upgrades (definitely a dropper), use the money you saved for that. Or go on a sweet road trip or something.
Mar 11 2017 10:48AM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
saskskierWhat groupset are each running? Suspension set-up?

Honestly, if I were looking for a complete as my next set-up, I would be looking pretty seriously at a Process 111 (or other aggressive 29er). I've never been a big Goant fan, but don't have any good reason for it.

I'd go for the Kona and if you need/want some upgrades (definitely a dropper), use the money you saved for that. Or go on a sweet road trip or something.


Giant: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/reign-advanced-27dot5-0-team-2015

Kona: http://2016.konaworld.com/process_153_dl.cfm

Not really looking for a 29'er
Mar 11 2017 11:45AM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
saskskierWhat groupset are each running? Suspension set-up?

Honestly, if I were looking for a complete as my next set-up, I would be looking pretty seriously at a Process 111 (or other aggressive 29er). I've never been a big Goant fan, but don't have any good reason for it.

I'd go for the Kona and if you need/want some upgrades (definitely a dropper), use the money you saved for that. Or go on a sweet road trip or something.


Giant: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/reign-advanced-27dot5-0-team-2015

Kona: http://2016.konaworld.com/process_153_dl.cfm

Not really looking for a 29'er
Mar 11 2017 11:45AM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
MGKGiant: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/reign-advanced-27dot5-0-team-2015

Kona: http://2016.konaworld.com/process_153_dl.cfm

Not really looking for a 29'er


Just doing a parts comparison the Giant has nicer just about everything AND it's carbon.
Mar 11 2017 11:51AM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
https://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/2062832/ here is the link to the Giant. It seems like a good deal but I can't tell if it's TOO good of a deal to be true. Bicycle Bluebook has it valued for a little more so I can't tell if he just has it super priced to sell or is trying to scam. He has sold multiple bikes before on pinkbike. Does anyone here have any thoughts?
Mar 11 2017 2:53PM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,091
new bike day!

Mar 11 2017 3:57PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
.nastynew bike day!



Ain't nothing better than new bike day.
Mar 11 2017 4:38PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
Could use a bit of a tune-up and she's a bit dirty from a wet ride the other day, but mostly ready for some spring/summer riding.

I wish I could afford to upgrade to a more modern frame with better geometry, but most of my bike funds have gone towards my road bike over the winter. I'm also looking at picking up a single speed/fixie for grocery/coffee runs. The n+1 rule is pulling at me harder than a new frame. Ha ha.

Mar 14 2017 2:53AM
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jblaski
Posts: 5561 - Karma: 1,027
Tore down, cleaned, and re-greased damn near every bolt and pivot on my bike. Ready for another summer.

Mar 14 2017 4:16AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
I am one rear wheel away from a new bike build!
Mar 15 2017 6:22PM
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kim_jong_ill
Posts: 1019 - Karma: 3,147
cydwhitI am one rear wheel away from a new bike build!


What're you building?
Mar 15 2017 6:26PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
kim_jong_illWhat're you building?



On One 45650B hardtail.

Building it up super aggressive:

Dropper Post, SRAM GX 1x11, 150 mm Pike

Gonna use it as an all-mountain ripper and bikepacking rig.

And then I have a full component spec for a CX bike lined up, just need a frame......


So if anybody has a big, cheap, steel CX frame they want to flip, holler at me!
Mar 15 2017 9:02PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
cydwhitGonna use it as an all-mountain ripper and bikepacking rig.

And then I have a full component spec for a CX bike lined up, just need a frame......


So if anybody has a big, cheap, steel CX frame they want to flip, holler at me!


Man I wish I could justify a sick hard tail between my trail bike and my gravel bike. And by that I mean I wish I could justify it to my wife. I'm totally OK doing it.
Mar 15 2017 11:08PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
cydwhitOn One 45650B hardtail.

Building it up super aggressive:

Dropper Post, SRAM GX 1x11, 150 mm Pike

Gonna use it as an all-mountain ripper and bikepacking rig.

And then I have a full component spec for a CX bike lined up, just need a frame......


So if anybody has a big, cheap, steel CX frame they want to flip, holler at me!


That's so awesome. I've been checking out that frame for a while now for a budget hardtail build, but I think I'm going to end up with a road single speed/fixie set up for grocery/coffee runs.
Mar 16 2017 12:11AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
TingaMan I wish I could justify a sick hard tail between my trail bike and my gravel bike. And by that I mean I wish I could justify it to my wife. I'm totally OK doing it.


Hahaha, I've got pressure the other way... "you need another bike so we can ride CX!"

saskskierThat's so awesome. I've been checking out that frame for a while now for a budget hardtail build, but I think I'm going to end up with a road single speed/fixie set up for grocery/coffee runs.


Ahah, yeah, I used to have a SS like that and loved it, but I think now with the On One and a CX bike I'll fill the same hole and still be able to shred trails haha.
Mar 16 2017 10:08AM
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Slush
Posts: 1905 - Karma: 12,901
jblaskiTore down, cleaned, and re-greased damn near every bolt and pivot on my bike. Ready for another summer.



Respect! That's not an easy job!
Mar 22 2017 3:26PM
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Slush
Posts: 1905 - Karma: 12,901
If any of you live near Cleaveland, OH, go visit Ray's Indoor mountain bike park. The place is off the walls fun, look it up on YouTube. Seriously, that place is heaven to anyone who likes mtb/bmx
Mar 22 2017 3:32PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
SlushIf any of you live near Cleaveland, OH, go visit Ray's Indoor mountain bike park. The place is off the walls fun, look it up on YouTube. Seriously, that place is heaven to anyone who likes mtb/bmx


I rode the one in Milwaukee and can say in the middle of winter it was a heck of a lot of fun. Some of the stuff is difficult to ride on a full sized trail bike but it was fun none the less.
Mar 22 2017 7:20PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4702 - Karma: 8,727
cct_222Alright you bike nerds, your boy needs your help/opinions....

Planning on buying a bike in the very near future and I'm pretty set (still open to suggestions) on a used Yeti SB66 on pinkbike. I live and do most of my riding in Florida (yes you can actually ride full suspension bikes here), but I take multiple trips a year to AL, GA, TN, the Carolinas, and maybe up to snowshoe wv this spring.

I've been going back n forth on a few couple bikes and weighing out the pros n cons of each one, but i'm honestly not the best with the whole component/specs/mechanic side of bikes....hence why i'm coming to all you bike nerds for advice. I know a 150-160mm travel bike isn't all that necessary for the riding I'll be doing but then again it'll give me more confidence/bigger balls to not be a pussy and go full turbo. Also a dropper post would be sick, but I wouldn't be upset about not having one right away and buying one later down the road.

With all that said i'm hoping to negotiate prices a little with these bikes and i'm trying to keep it with $1500-1800 range. I'm planning on having this next bike for the next few years and will be making some upgrades here n there. These are a few of the bikes i'm leaning towards, so let me know what you guys think would be the better deal based on parts and whatnot.

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2103997/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2096859/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2117447/


Where in Florida do you ride?? I live in Fort Lauderdale and go to school in tallahassee
Mar 22 2017 9:35PM
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cct_222
Posts: 1526 - Karma: 141
DayManWhere in Florida do you ride?? I live in Fort Lauderdale and go to school in tallahassee


I live in Tampa so i'm at Alafia and Balm Boyette every week, which are 2 trail systems that are right next to each other and about a 30-40min drive from Tampa. I try to get up to Santos in Ocala at least once a month too.
Mar 23 2017 6:44PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
jblaskiTore down, cleaned, and re-greased damn near every bolt and pivot on my bike. Ready for another summer.



you forgot the wheels
Mar 25 2017 6:51PM
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Blynch2
Posts: 480 - Karma: 1,006
SlushIf any of you live near Cleaveland, OH, go visit Ray's Indoor mountain bike park. The place is off the walls fun, look it up on YouTube. Seriously, that place is heaven to anyone who likes mtb/bmx


I live in Columbus and my uncle who lives in Cleveland knows the dude who owns it so I'm able to take a trip there for free. Defo going to make a trip up soon.
Mar 27 2017 11:24AM
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JWillySkeez
Posts: 424 - Karma: 1,095
Anybody got any recommendations for biking (downhill or XC) near slc? Obviously Moab is Utah's big attraction but its a decent drive, idk what park city is like.
Mar 29 2017 2:32PM
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chodo
Posts: 274 - Karma: 918
.nastynew bike day!



What are your thoughts on the X2 on a trail bike? Does it have the climb switch, if so, how effective is it?

Probably going to pull the trigger on one for my high tower in the next couple weeks.
Mar 29 2017 2:42PM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,091
chodoWhat are your thoughts on the X2 on a trail bike? Does it have the climb switch, if so, how effective is it?

Probably going to pull the trigger on one for my high tower in the next couple weeks.


I'll admit I have only gotten one ride on and so far I dig it, feels a lot stiffer even at the same psi than the monarchs I've been used to riding. The only thing for me is that I've never been used to have high and low speed compression/rebound adjustments. I've always just set the rebound a certain number of clicks on the monarch and it felt like I wanted it to. It does have a "climb" switch, although it's more or less just a dial that firms it up a lot for climbing rather than being an actual climb switch.
Mar 29 2017 7:38PM
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chodo
Posts: 274 - Karma: 918
.nastyI'll admit I have only gotten one ride on and so far I dig it, feels a lot stiffer even at the same psi than the monarchs I've been used to riding. The only thing for me is that I've never been used to have high and low speed compression/rebound adjustments. I've always just set the rebound a certain number of clicks on the monarch and it felt like I wanted it to. It does have a "climb" switch, although it's more or less just a dial that firms it up a lot for climbing rather than being an actual climb switch.


Yeah, I'm curious to get in something with so much tuning capability!!

Report back when you get some more saddle time on it! I'm in NE Utah untill mid may for a long term work job so I probably won't be getting anything till atleast then :-(
Mar 29 2017 9:20PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
TingaWhat size is your chain ring? an 11-40 cassette should be enough spread for anything if you're not racing. If you do need higher gears just buy a bigger chain ring.

It's a 1x10-40 tooth... which is nice for climbing, and most trails, but I definitely found myself wishing for one more lower gear when I took it to Fruita for it's first real ride.

GANDALFI like the push up analogy. Makes lots of sense. I'm about 5'8 and am running 780. Could probably go down to 760, but I personally like wider. @thelorax you are on the shorter side yeah? What size bars are on there now?


I measured them today. They're 780, which is WAY too long for how small I am. I also measured my old bars. They're 680. I'm going to try dropping down to 720 and see how that feels.

The referenced post has been removed.


Holy shit, the Factory DPS is infinitely better than my old RP23 shock. Once I got a better feel for the Mojo HD, I feel like I can both climb and descent faster on it. Having a tru-axle on the rear end makes cornering hard soooooo much better. Just gotta cut the bars down, and upgrade the brakes now.


It treated me pretty well in Fruita:
Apr 3 2017 1:42AM
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mike759
Posts: 872 - Karma: 1,949
Is this worth $1000? https://www.raleighusa.com/kodiak-74
Apr 3 2017 8:54AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
mike759Is this worth $1000? https://www.raleighusa.com/kodiak-74


you'd be better off spending $1000 on a hard tail than a full suspension. Unless you buy used.
Apr 3 2017 9:38PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
Anybody have some solid brakes laying around they're looking to sell me? I hate my Shimano Deore brakes.
Apr 5 2017 2:05AM
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Raz.
Posts: 7456 - Karma: 1,611
saskskierThe n+1 rule is pulling at me harder than a new frame.


I literally just paid off my mountain bike and am looking at framesets for a gravel grinder ugh
Apr 6 2017 4:01PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8863 - Karma: 31,577
Raz.I literally just paid off my mountain bike and am looking at framesets for a gravel grinder ugh


;)
http://www.sklarbikes.com/cyclocross/
Apr 6 2017 4:09PM
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Raz.
Posts: 7456 - Karma: 1,611
Sklar;)
http://www.sklarbikes.com/cyclocross/


tasty, but i'm deadset on finding a classic frameset that fits up to 40's
Apr 6 2017 4:32PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Getting really stoked for biking season to start. Since I now study 10 minutes away from a solid bike park I "need" to get myself a DH sled this season so would appreciate some help on that.
Been looking at a 2011 Specialized Demo 8.2 (M) with some upgrades like Mavic deemax wheels, it looks to be in good shape and just need to bleed the brakes and maybe do a service on the shock (last one were in 2015 but don't think it has been to much used since then). Originally wanted to get something a bit newer but on a student budget it may be worth it to save some cash for other gear and get this.
What do you think, is this bike outdated so that I should wait for something newer or is it worth considering? Seller wants $1600 for it.
Apr 24 2017 10:45AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Mar-OGetting really stoked for biking season to start. Since I now study 10 minutes away from a solid bike park I "need" to get myself a DH sled this season so would appreciate some help on that.
Been looking at a 2011 Specialized Demo 8.2 (M) with some upgrades like Mavic deemax wheels, it looks to be in good shape and just need to bleed the brakes and maybe do a service on the shock (last one were in 2015 but don't think it has been to much used since then). Originally wanted to get something a bit newer but on a student budget it may be worth it to save some cash for other gear and get this.
What do you think, is this bike outdated so that I should wait for something newer or is it worth considering? Seller wants $1600 for it.


New bikes are better, but I used to own that bike and it rips. If the bike is in good condition and won't take a lot of work to get running or keep running, then go for it. It was at the top of the game a few years ago, so as a budget DH bike it will ride well for sure (provided it is in good working condition).
Apr 24 2017 10:55AM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
onenerdykidNew bikes are better, but I used to own that bike and it rips. If the bike is in good condition and won't take a lot of work to get running or keep running, then go for it. It was at the top of the game a few years ago, so as a budget DH bike it will ride well for sure (provided it is in good working condition).


Thanks man, could probably get some newer 2013-14 bikes for around the same price but then I would be looking at more entry level bikes with cheaper specs so not sure what I should prioritize.
Apr 24 2017 11:43AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Mar-OThanks man, could probably get some newer 2013-14 bikes for around the same price but then I would be looking at more entry level bikes with cheaper specs so not sure what I should prioritize.


Newer bikes will have newer geometry, which does make a bike ride better. I personally would ride a bike with better geometry and lesser parts, rather than a bike with better parts and worse geometry. But don't stress too hard over it because ultimately, for that price, none will be the most amazing thing ever. At the end of the day, you're still going to have fun and that's what it's all about.
Apr 24 2017 11:55AM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
just picked up my brand new lyrik, and sram eagle set today :}
Apr 24 2017 9:32PM
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AidanCski
Posts: 420 - Karma: 860
Went riding on my local XC trails with the dad this past weekend. Legs were burning by the 2nd climb, and my cornering needs serious work. Overall not bad for the first ride of spring. Looking forward to Highland Opening this week, gonna try an blow off school and go up sometime next week. Stoked for the season!
Apr 24 2017 9:40PM
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ShredAZ
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 641
Well, I recently went plus. 29+ that is.
Let me say, bigger is WAY better - especially out in AZ where most of our single track is techy slate. The wider foot print and flotation makes for a seriously fun ride.

'16 Ros 9+. Full XT build. Fox 32 Factory.
99% of the time she's setup single speed (32 x FrickYeah). I run a 1 x 11 for bike packing.

This thing RIPS. The plus tires give an INSANE amount flotation and traction pinning the corners. Point this thing and let it fly.
Apr 27 2017 8:19PM
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ShredAZ
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 641
Not sure why those uploaded so small...
Apr 27 2017 8:22PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
ShredAZWell, I recently went plus. 29+ that is.
Let me say, bigger is WAY better - especially out in AZ where most of our single track is techy slate. The wider foot print and flotation makes for a seriously fun ride.

'16 Ros 9+. Full XT build. Fox 32 Factory.
99% of the time she's setup single speed (32 x FrickYeah). I run a 1 x 11 for bike packing.

This thing RIPS. The plus tires give an INSANE amount flotation and traction pinning the corners. Point this thing and let it fly.


Any bike named the "Roll Over Shit" sounds like a good bike.
Apr 27 2017 8:42PM
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ShredAZ
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 641
TingaAny bike named the "Roll Over Shit" sounds like a good bike.


Slacker head angle and super short chain stays - this thing rolls! Helluva frame.
Apr 28 2017 1:30PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
ThaLoraxIt's a 1x10-40 tooth... which is nice for climbing, and most trails, but I definitely found myself wishing for one more lower gear when I took it to Fruita for it's first real ride.



I measured them today. They're 780, which is WAY too long for how small I am. I also measured my old bars. They're 680. I'm going to try dropping down to 720 and see how that feels.



Holy shit, the Factory DPS is infinitely better than my old RP23 shock. Once I got a better feel for the Mojo HD, I feel like I can both climb and descent faster on it. Having a tru-axle on the rear end makes cornering hard soooooo much better. Just gotta cut the bars down, and upgrade the brakes now.


It treated me pretty well in Fruita:


Update: Cut down my handlebars and holy shit, I felt so much more comfortable. Just ordered a new Holy Roller II for the rear tire and new XT Brakes to replace my Deore brakes. Almost got her dialed for my Europe trip in two weeks.

About to experiment with applying 3m Scotchgard to my bike in key areas to protect the carbon from rocks/chips/cable rub. Has anyone else done this before? Found some at a local car retailer for cheaper than the internet, so I figured it's worth a shot since it's clear and will only help protect the frame.
Apr 28 2017 7:40PM
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