#!markdown
After being out of bikes for 7 years, I picked up an old, lightly used 2011
Transition Covert this year to get back into riding. I ride with a group of
guys on similar style modern superbikes that have all the fancy new parts in
the article. I have all "old standard stuff" on this bike before manufacturers
started messing with rim widths, drivetrain, and wheel: 26″ Revolution 28
wheels (maybe 25mm inner rim width?) which are 20mm front axle, 135mm rear hub
spacing, and 2.35″ Hans Dampfs, 2×9 drivetrain. Relatively modern geo
(Transition was ahead of the curve at the time). And a dropper. The dropper is
the biggest difference maker in fun. I still climb front or mid pack, and
usually descend first, because no one can outride me, even with new tech. It
would be nice if I dropped my chain less, but I can always get a 2x guide
which is cheaper than 1×10 conversion. Once tech enables my buddies to start
smoking me on the ups and downs, I see no big picture compelling reason why
any of this change happened at all. It's all so small and incremental,
designed to feed upgraditis by the industry. I will enjoy cheap parts on this
bike until I am forced to upgrade.
Sept. 30, 2016, 1:27 p.m. - Steven Kovalenko
#!markdown After being out of bikes for 7 years, I picked up an old, lightly used 2011 Transition Covert this year to get back into riding. I ride with a group of guys on similar style modern superbikes that have all the fancy new parts in the article. I have all "old standard stuff" on this bike before manufacturers started messing with rim widths, drivetrain, and wheel: 26″ Revolution 28 wheels (maybe 25mm inner rim width?) which are 20mm front axle, 135mm rear hub spacing, and 2.35″ Hans Dampfs, 2×9 drivetrain. Relatively modern geo (Transition was ahead of the curve at the time). And a dropper. The dropper is the biggest difference maker in fun. I still climb front or mid pack, and usually descend first, because no one can outride me, even with new tech. It would be nice if I dropped my chain less, but I can always get a 2x guide which is cheaper than 1×10 conversion. Once tech enables my buddies to start smoking me on the ups and downs, I see no big picture compelling reason why any of this change happened at all. It's all so small and incremental, designed to feed upgraditis by the industry. I will enjoy cheap parts on this bike until I am forced to upgrade.