In light of the criticism you've received I'd like to voice my appreciation for this article. To me it reads like a "real world" type of review - describing how someone who actually bought the bike would modify it to their preferences. To me it's particularly interesting because it's about one of the new formats that's cropped up in the last few years. It appears that small differences (tire construction for example) seem to be make or break as to whether or not these plus size bikes work well, particularly under experienced riders on aggressive terrain. By documenting the changes you've made you address the limitations of the new wheel formats and how to grab their benefits. The differences that the fork and brake changes made also help highlight where it's worth spending the dollars on the good stuff (suspension and brakes) and where you can skimp a bit.
I like your gear articles, it's clear that you have a passion for the gear AND riding, and you articulate it well without getting involved in the hype and excitement over the shiny shiny new stuff that many in the industry succumb to. Your articles are one of the best changes that's occurred around here in the last little while, their an excellent execution of how NSMB manages to generally stand apart from the hype machine froth of the industry without being crusty luddites. Please keep up the good work, and NSMB, please keep trusting Andrew's instincts - his articles are what keep me coming back to your page.
Aug. 18, 2017, 9:57 a.m. - tashi
In light of the criticism you've received I'd like to voice my appreciation for this article. To me it reads like a "real world" type of review - describing how someone who actually bought the bike would modify it to their preferences. To me it's particularly interesting because it's about one of the new formats that's cropped up in the last few years. It appears that small differences (tire construction for example) seem to be make or break as to whether or not these plus size bikes work well, particularly under experienced riders on aggressive terrain. By documenting the changes you've made you address the limitations of the new wheel formats and how to grab their benefits. The differences that the fork and brake changes made also help highlight where it's worth spending the dollars on the good stuff (suspension and brakes) and where you can skimp a bit. I like your gear articles, it's clear that you have a passion for the gear AND riding, and you articulate it well without getting involved in the hype and excitement over the shiny shiny new stuff that many in the industry succumb to. Your articles are one of the best changes that's occurred around here in the last little while, their an excellent execution of how NSMB manages to generally stand apart from the hype machine froth of the industry without being crusty luddites. Please keep up the good work, and NSMB, please keep trusting Andrew's instincts - his articles are what keep me coming back to your page.