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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
2040 153
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cozzey
Posts: 1353 - Karma: 1,814
ThaLoraxAnybody have an extra 50mm stem (or shorter) sitting around they'd like to part with? Looking for a 1 1/8" stem clamp and 31.8mm handlbar clamp. I have a 70mm Truvative Team stem I'd trade or it. Also willing to pay.


I’ve got a Gamut Cillos 40mm stem that fits those dimensions. It’s worth a bit more than the Truvativ 70 mm though so I’d either have to just sell it and get a new one or trade with some cash
Oct 12 2018 10:22AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
cozzeyI’ve got a Gamut Cillos 40mm stem that fits those dimensions. It’s worth a bit more than the Truvativ 70 mm though so I’d either have to just sell it and get a new one or trade with some cash


Thanks dude! I actually just bought a Funn Funnduro 35mm stem from chainreactioncycles. If I don't like it, I'll hit you up for sure.
Oct 12 2018 7:48PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Been having so much fun biking lately even though the bike park season are over, so nice to go out early in morning when the ground is still frozen and there is no mud. Any thoughts on the Garmin edge 520 plus, is it worth it for mountain biking? Sounds pretty nice to be able to download others Strava routs and not have to spend a bunch of time checking the phone GPS when biking new places, but the screen may be a bit small for mountain biking and finding strava routs may be more of an hassle than its worth?
And a photo to share some stoke (the dork disc have been removed since)
Oct 19 2018 1:38PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
Anyone in here dig? Build trail? Id love to see some of what people are working on. Myself and a friend are building a nice litte loamer. Here's some of our progress. (yes, we arent doing much "building", really more of a rake and ride, but i have some features planned out and we have done a lot of drain and berm work a bit higher on our trail.)








Oct 19 2018 2:36PM
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Willgum
Posts: 3254 - Karma: 3,071
GANDALFAnyone in here dig? Build trail? Id love to see some of what people are working on. Myself and a friend are building a nice litte loamer. Here's some of our progress. (yes, we arent doing much "building", really more of a rake and ride, but i have some features planned out and we have done a lot of drain and berm work a bit higher on our trail.)


Thats dope man, what type of land is this on, private? Must be pretty satisfying riding something you made yourself.
Oct 19 2018 3:58PM
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skierman
Posts: 8075 - Karma: 4,917
WillgumThats dope man, what type of land is this on, private? Must be pretty satisfying riding something you made yourself.


who gives a shit. all my trails are on private land. they just don't know about it.
Oct 19 2018 7:49PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
Time to downsize my daily driver, selling my large Hightower LT Frame, I'll give an NS'er a deal!

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2462035/

Trying to get on a Smuggler or Following MB, don't really care which, stoked for next year!
Oct 21 2018 5:57PM
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cadebucket
Posts: 294 - Karma: 968
The referenced post has been removed.

I always thought the commencal meta 130 looked cool, never riden one thoght. The YT jeffsy is also a really good bike up and down. I have the new capra 29, it shreds but is not the most efficient on tge uphill.
Oct 21 2018 8:08PM
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CLQ
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 11,259
The referenced post has been removed.


What I like or what I like thats not crazy expensive? Pivot Mach 5.5 is the perfect bike IMO. I haven't ridden a bike thats comes close to that bike. This is coming from someone that "owns" 3 Yetis and demoed a bunch of bikes at outerbike last year.
Oct 21 2018 10:42PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
The referenced post has been removed.


The Transition Scout was one of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden. I want to snag one before they discontinue it (they already stopped selling it in carbon), but I definitely don't have the budget for a new bike right now.
Oct 22 2018 2:58AM
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jKutcher
Posts: 3936 - Karma: 4,260
ThaLoraxThe Transition Scout was one of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden. I want to snag one before they discontinue it (they already stopped selling it in carbon), but I definitely don't have the budget for a new bike right now.


That doesn't mean they are discontinuing it. They just redid all their bikes geo this year to their new SBG. New carbon molds are very expensive. At first they only did the Smuggler and Sentinel in carbon. Now for 2019 they are doing the Patrol as well. I bet next year they will have the Scout back in carbon.
Oct 22 2018 11:49AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
jKutcherThat doesn't mean they are discontinuing it. They just redid all their bikes geo this year to their new SBG. New carbon molds are very expensive. At first they only did the Smuggler and Sentinel in carbon. Now for 2019 they are doing the Patrol as well. I bet next year they will have the Scout back in carbon.



Good point on the carbon molds. I actually emailed them asking about discontinuing the carbon though, and got this response, "We did, sorry. Why I have no idea, probably because it was a lesser popular model for us. However who knows what the future holds for that bike."

**This post was edited on Oct 22nd 2018 at 1:21:02pm
Oct 22 2018 1:14PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
jKutcherThat doesn't mean they are discontinuing it. They just redid all their bikes geo this year to their new SBG. New carbon molds are very expensive. At first they only did the Smuggler and Sentinel in carbon. Now for 2019 they are doing the Patrol as well. I bet next year they will have the Scout back in carbon.


I just bought my wife a 2019 scout in that sexy blue color. she absolutely loves it. might have to borrow it a few times. I think my next bike purchase will be a patrol alloy. I have a carbon trail bike, so might just run the patrol for shuttle/steeps.

As for discontinuing the scout, they better not. that bike is perfect for jumping/jibbing/trail.
Oct 22 2018 1:46PM
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old.man.tibbles
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,061
I recently picked up a 2019 transition alloy patrol . Such a fun, playful bike. I demoed the scout as well. For me, the patrol's descending ability far outweighed any benefits the scout had over the patrol. I'd much rather struggle a tiny bit more on the climb to have more fun on the downhill
Oct 22 2018 1:54PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
old.man.tibblesI recently picked up a 2019 transition alloy patrol . Such a fun, playful bike. I demoed the scout as well. For me, the patrol's descending ability far outweighed any benefits the scout had over the patrol. I'd much rather struggle a tiny bit more on the climb to have more fun on the downhill


That's interesting. I usually like longer travel bikes. However, when I demoed the Scout and the Patrol, I liked the way the Scout handled better on the DH than the Patrol. I didn't find the Patrol very playful, I found it more of a plow bike.... but most people disagree with me on that. The Scout climbs great and is soooo playful on the way down. I think the Patrol in a size small may have still been a bit too large for my short ass though.
Oct 22 2018 2:57PM
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old.man.tibbles
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,061
ThaLoraxThat's interesting. I usually like longer travel bikes. However, when I demoed the Scout and the Patrol, I liked the way the Scout handled better on the DH than the Patrol. I didn't find the Patrol very playful, I found it more of a plow bike.... but most people disagree with me on that. The Scout climbs great and is soooo playful on the way down. I think the Patrol in a size small may have still been a bit too large for my short ass though.


I could possibly see the scout being better railing turns on smooth flowy trails. The patrol's geometry just felt way more confidence inspiring for me when stuff got steep and fast. As for the patrol not feeling playful for you, I'm not sure, as you said I think most people would say that it is. As far as I can tell it's a fairly heavy bike for its class, and if the small felt big you must be a pretty small guy, so possibly that has something to do with it. I'm on the short side too at 5'7'' and the medium fits me like a charm, but I do have a high ape index.
Oct 22 2018 6:06PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
The alloy patrol is a lot more like a sled. Not that it isnt playful, sounds like Lorax might have had too much bike underneath him. The carbon patrol is going to be much more snappier, stiffer, and playful than the alloy. Its the same bike, but its a much different ride feel. Transition is notorious for having overbuilt bikes, but thats for a reason. I'd say 75% of the people who own a patrol dont need one. Its a lot of bike, especially the new version of it. The scout is extremely capable and i feel like a lot of the people who own a patrol would be better suited on a scout for the riding they are doing.
Oct 22 2018 6:24PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
Stahp all this transition banter, it's making my smuggler envy so much worse!
Oct 22 2018 6:38PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
old.man.tibblesI could possibly see the scout being better railing turns on smooth flowy trails. The patrol's geometry just felt way more confidence inspiring for me when stuff got steep and fast. As for the patrol not feeling playful for you, I'm not sure, as you said I think most people would say that it is. As far as I can tell it's a fairly heavy bike for its class, and if the small felt big you must be a pretty small guy, so possibly that has something to do with it. I'm on the short side too at 5'7'' and the medium fits me like a charm, but I do have a high ape index.

I only had the chance to ride both the Patrol and the Scout on a lift accessed flow trail with medium-large sized jumps. And yes, I am quite short. I'm 5'2". My biggest gripe was that the saddle/seat tube on both models were too high and kept bucking me on jumps. I'm used to riding my 26" Ibis Mojo HD w/ 160mm travel, which kinda fits in the middle of the Scout and the Patrol. Handles a lot like the Scout with the DH prowess of the Patrol.
GANDALFThe alloy patrol is a lot more like a sled. Not that it isnt playful, sounds like Lorax might have had too much bike underneath him. The carbon patrol is going to be much more snappier, stiffer, and playful than the alloy. Its the same bike, but its a much different ride feel. Transition is notorious for having overbuilt bikes, but thats for a reason. I'd say 75% of the people who own a patrol dont need one. Its a lot of bike, especially the new version of it. The scout is extremely capable and i feel like a lot of the people who own a patrol would be better suited on a scout for the riding they are doing.

I've ridden both the carbon and aluminium Patrol. I want to like the Patrol so bad, I think the geometry just doesn't work for me. Also, I completely agree that most people ride a bike with more travel than they need.
Oct 22 2018 6:54PM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10737 - Karma: 55,670
cydwhitStahp all this transition banter, it's making my smuggler envy so much worse!


I have a carbon smuggler and I am in love with it.
Oct 22 2018 7:34PM
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jKutcher
Posts: 3936 - Karma: 4,260
Count me in on the over biked category. Got a 2019 Nomad recently. Thing is an absolute blast. Its way more than I need for the trails I ride the most but I have trails within reach that I ride semi regularly that make me happy I have the bigger bike. Realistically I could be good on a Scout/5010/whatever but it sure is a good time. Even took it on a 23 mile 4K vert ride the other day and it performed quite well.

Oct 23 2018 12:58AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
jKutcherCount me in on the over biked category. Got a 2019 Nomad recently. Thing is an absolute blast. Its way more than I need for the trails I ride the most but I have trails within reach that I ride semi regularly that make me happy I have the bigger bike. Realistically I could be good on a Scout/5010/whatever but it sure is a good time. Even took it on a 23 mile 4K vert ride the other day and it performed quite well.



Now there's a bike that's changed a lot over the years. Sweet setup.
Oct 23 2018 2:36AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
jKutcherCount me in on the over biked category. Got a 2019 Nomad recently. Thing is an absolute blast. Its way more than I need for the trails I ride the most but I have trails within reach that I ride semi regularly that make me happy I have the bigger bike. Realistically I could be good on a Scout/5010/whatever but it sure is a good time. Even took it on a 23 mile 4K vert ride the other day and it performed quite well.



YEW!
I almost feel like the new Bronson and Nomad defy "over biking" because they're so playful at slower speeds and pedal so well. Lady friend put 30 miles and 6k on the Strega on her second day on it haha.

That said, bikes like the Process 111, the new SB100, and the Smuggler have their appeal for sure.
Oct 23 2018 4:00PM
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old.man.tibbles
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,061
GANDALFThe alloy patrol is a lot more like a sled. Not that it isnt playful, sounds like Lorax might have had too much bike underneath him. The carbon patrol is going to be much more snappier, stiffer, and playful than the alloy. Its the same bike, but its a much different ride feel. Transition is notorious for having overbuilt bikes, but thats for a reason. I'd say 75% of the people who own a patrol dont need one. Its a lot of bike, especially the new version of it. The scout is extremely capable and i feel like a lot of the people who own a patrol would be better suited on a scout for the riding they are doing.


Didn't realize there was that much difference in ride feel. I was talking to the transition guys at outerbike and they were telling me I'd mostly just notice the weight if I upgraded to carbon.

Not ashamed to admit I probably fall into that 75%. My gut told me the patrol just felt right when demoing, so I trusted that. I'm all smiles every time I hit the trail, and that's most important to me. I'm not racing or anything so don't care about climbing times, and the patrol has only made me fitter. Yeah the patrol is probably overkill when I'm out pedaling on everyday trails, but I'm not in a position to own multiple bikes so this is my lift accessed bike as well.
Oct 23 2018 5:05PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
old.man.tibblesDidn't realize there was that much difference in ride feel. I was talking to the transition guys at outerbike and they were telling me I'd mostly just notice the weight if I upgraded to carbon.

Not ashamed to admit I probably fall into that 75%. My gut told me the patrol just felt right when demoing, so I trusted that. I'm all smiles every time I hit the trail, and that's most important to me. I'm not racing or anything so don't care about climbing times, and the patrol has only made me fitter. Yeah the patrol is probably overkill when I'm out pedaling on everyday trails, but I'm not in a position to own multiple bikes so this is my lift accessed bike as well.


Personally, the increased stiffness was the biggest change that I noticed when I switched from my old aluminium bike to my current carbon bike. Also, getting used to the fact that carbon snaps when alu bends... but carbon has come a long way in just the past 5 years.

My Mojo HD is more than I need on most trails too, but it's great to have that extra travel when you need it. That extra cushion for the pushin feels good.
Oct 23 2018 6:40PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
I'm gonna be posting my bike for sale in the near future, but I figured i'd at least start here. If anyone has any questions or is seriously interested, please PM me. It comes with a cool sticker on it too!



Oct 23 2018 10:56PM
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jKutcher
Posts: 3936 - Karma: 4,260
If you're not watching Rampage... you should be.

https://www.redbull.com/int-en/tv/video/AP-1X5AR8TXN2111/finals-en-virgin-utah-united-states
Oct 26 2018 4:18PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
jKutcherIf you're not watching Rampage... you should be.

https://www.redbull.com/int-en/tv/video/AP-1X5AR8TXN2111/finals-en-virgin-utah-united-states


Andreu's second run is my favorite thing I've seen on a bike in ages.
Oct 26 2018 5:54PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
GANDALFI'm gonna be posting my bike for sale in the near future, but I figured i'd at least start here. If anyone has any questions or is seriously interested, please PM me. It comes with a cool sticker on it too!





hey dude..... nice bike:)
Oct 26 2018 5:56PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,684
Borrowing a friends Ibis Haka with a dropper post on it this weekend and I'm already laughing about how much fun its about to be.
Oct 26 2018 7:44PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
DingoSeanBorrowing a friends Ibis Haka with a dropper post on it this weekend and I'm already laughing about how much fun its about to be.


Geeks are for gravel bikes. Wait, I mean gravel bikes are for geeks.
Oct 26 2018 11:27PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,684
ThaLoraxGeeks are for gravel bikes. Wait, I mean gravel bikes are for geeks.


Well call me a geek, because that was stupid fun. Made mobbing moderate trails really entertaining.

I now want a carbon gravel bike, and lycra so I can make you uncomfortable.
Oct 28 2018 4:52AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
DingoSeanWell call me a geek, because that was stupid fun. Made mobbing moderate trails really entertaining.

I now want a carbon gravel bike, and lycra so I can make you uncomfortable.


Nothing would make me more uncomfortable than you in spandex.


For real though, I find this gravel bike phenomenon hilarious (let's be real, most bike trends right now are hilarious). 10 years ago, any trail remotely gravely was seen as the enemy of mountain bikers. Now there's bikes of the namesake.
Oct 28 2018 1:21PM
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skierman
Posts: 8075 - Karma: 4,917
RAMPAAAAAAAAGE!!! 7th time going, one of the best ones for sure.
Oct 28 2018 1:54PM
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skierman
Posts: 8075 - Karma: 4,917
https://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/Brendan-Faircloughs-Rampage-Line-POV,35988/iceman2058,94
Oct 28 2018 2:02PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,684
ThaLoraxNothing would make me more uncomfortable than you in spandex.


For real though, I find this gravel bike phenomenon hilarious (let's be real, most bike trends right now are hilarious). 10 years ago, any trail remotely gravely was seen as the enemy of mountain bikers. Now there's bikes of the namesake.


I mean, it doesn't mean you're actually going through gravel.

If you're on dry trails without any big hits, or ruts, a cx bike is plenty. All it's really doing is taking the insane lightweightness of a road bike, and throwing bigger tires on them.
Oct 29 2018 2:09PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
DingoSeanI mean, it doesn't mean you're actually going through gravel.

If you're on dry trails without any big hits, or ruts, a cx bike is plenty. All it's really doing is taking the insane lightweightness of a road bike, and throwing bigger tires on them.


Oh I'm well aware, I grew up in Marin haha
Oct 29 2018 2:58PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
Bakerpowhey dude..... nice bike:)


hey dude, thanks
Oct 29 2018 4:54PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,684
ThaLoraxOh I'm well aware, I grew up in Marin haha


We all know you grew up in marin.
Oct 29 2018 10:03PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
DingoSeanWe all know you grew up in marin.


What I meant was, Marin is a major brooding location of the gravel bike enthusiast species
Oct 29 2018 10:16PM
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,035
skiermanhttps://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/Brendan-Faircloughs-Rampage-Line-POV,35988/iceman2058,94


he got robbed
Nov 1 2018 1:21PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
DingoSeanI mean, it doesn't mean you're actually going through gravel.

If you're on dry trails without any big hits, or ruts, a cx bike is plenty. All it's really doing is taking the insane lightweightness of a road bike, and throwing bigger tires on them.


Yeah, underbiking is the best. I looooove my Kona Sutra LTD. I could probably do 60% of my mountian bike rides on that thing, and you can enjoy the road as you ride to and from the trail too. The whole "gravel/adventure" biking trend has some dumb parts, but the bikes are rad. Sort of like "Enduro." I really need to play with different tires on that bike, apparently I could potentially fit 2.3" Highrollers on it, which would be an INSANE setup. Shocking how capable a steel drop bar bike with 1x, good geometry, and good brakes can be....
Nov 2 2018 8:26PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,684
cydwhitYeah, underbiking is the best. I looooove my Kona Sutra LTD. I could probably do 60% of my mountian bike rides on that thing, and you can enjoy the road as you ride to and from the trail too. The whole "gravel/adventure" biking trend has some dumb parts, but the bikes are rad. Sort of like "Enduro." I really need to play with different tires on that bike, apparently I could potentially fit 2.3" Highrollers on it, which would be an INSANE setup. Shocking how capable a steel drop bar bike with 1x, good geometry, and good brakes can be....


Dude the Sutra is sweet. Steel is real.

I rode this Haka with 2.3's on it and it was an absoute blast. I'm not like the most experienced mountainbiker or anything, but shit, climbing on that thing was an absolute joke. effortless on a level that I can't exactly explain. I mean the bike is like 18 lbs and was running a 1x12. It's fucking stupid. I didn't even have to breathe.
Nov 2 2018 9:50PM
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old.man.tibbles
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,061
Been night riding with these short days we have now. Really fun way to experience the trail.
Nov 8 2018 1:33AM
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skierman
Posts: 8075 - Karma: 4,917
old.man.tibblesBeen night riding with these short days we have now. Really fun way to experience the trail.


LOL yeah bud its called night riding....... good god. Its like if a gaper came up to you and was like, "man have you ever skied at the resort when its dark out!? Its so crazy, everything is different!"
Nov 8 2018 10:00AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
Well, sold my frame this morning, time to box it up and decide what I'm getting next. Because I'm anal AF I just made a spreadsheet to help compare geo between the 12 bikes I could potentially be interested in...ugh. At least I'm in no hurry to get a new one.

Highest in the running right now:

Transition Smuggler
Knolly Fugitive
Maaaaybe the Stumpjumper Evo 29
Nov 8 2018 10:27AM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
old.man.tibblesBeen night riding with these short days we have now. Really fun way to experience the trail.


Nice, what lights are you using?
Nov 8 2018 12:26PM
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