Definitely, regarding the lack of progression at end stroke. Even with the Topaz air shock, I needed to run over the max \# of volume reducers to avoid bottoming hard, and that ends up affecting the damping behavior too much. Very much improved in that regards.
But that's only the half. This is the first Ibis I've ridden, but I am learning that they aim for very aggressive pedaling support around the sag point, to the extent that it's overkill. I'd notice the rear triangle not wanting to swing out of the way when partially unweighted and flying into/over obstacles. It was a weird combo of characteristics. The CL has made the initial stroke more accessible (toned down the pedalling support), and allowed the beginning-middle stroke to hang up less. Combined with the end-stroke support, it's basically perfect. Still a great climber (but now with more grip), very active when it gets rowdy, and smooth/steady ramp up to avoid bottom-out.
Dec. 1, 2021, 9:41 a.m. - Mammal
Definitely, regarding the lack of progression at end stroke. Even with the Topaz air shock, I needed to run over the max \# of volume reducers to avoid bottoming hard, and that ends up affecting the damping behavior too much. Very much improved in that regards. But that's only the half. This is the first Ibis I've ridden, but I am learning that they aim for very aggressive pedaling support around the sag point, to the extent that it's overkill. I'd notice the rear triangle not wanting to swing out of the way when partially unweighted and flying into/over obstacles. It was a weird combo of characteristics. The CL has made the initial stroke more accessible (toned down the pedalling support), and allowed the beginning-middle stroke to hang up less. Combined with the end-stroke support, it's basically perfect. Still a great climber (but now with more grip), very active when it gets rowdy, and smooth/steady ramp up to avoid bottom-out.