MEAT Engines 2023...

Posted by: AndrewMajor

I wouldn’t actively dissuade anyone who wants a new King hub from buying it but I’d be buying something else personally and that’s what I say when asked.

I am also skeptical of the new King design. For me, they’ve earned the same 2-year probation as DT Swiss after the gaffs around the 240 EXP launch. I do respect that King has listened to their customers and brought back 6-bolt hubs and largely treated the creak-seekers well. Still, it’s a huge letdown compared to the reliability of their legacy product.

After writing the above I realize that I’ll no longer be able to claim that I did a thorough multi-year a/b test to validate my service interval and drag statements. Fiddlesticks. I just see extra seals in the new system and whenever I’ve looked at sad old King or Hadley hubs the needle bearing is always the most contaminated. I’d guess the 6 series bearing is cheaper to replace as well, although it probably does have less load capacity.

So what is the recommendation in place of Kings now? 321s? Hydras with aftermarket bearings? I’ve been collecting old DT 350s but I know the engagement isn’t ideal for everyone.

Posted by: Endurimil

So assume this rebirth of thru axle mounted derailleurs comes with some kind of catch for our own good?

Hmmm, the fact that anyone who buys AXS v2 for the increased durability could already afford to replace normal components much more frequently is sort of a Catch-22. Do you mean physically catching the parade of reviewers and (soon) bike shop employees standing on and falling off of these derailleurs?

Posted by: Blofeld

Posted by: Endurimil

So assume this rebirth of thru axle mounted derailleurs comes with some kind of catch for our own good?

Hmmm, the fact that anyone who buys AXS v2 for the increased durability could already afford to replace normal components much more frequently is sort of a Catch-22. Do you mean physically catching the parade of reviewers and (soon) bike shop employees standing on and falling off of these derailleurs?

Seen on a photo earlier today of someone doing it. Then saw a mention today on the Paragon Machine works IG account. All can think of is great another fucking “standard” or “idea” reborn depending on how one views it.

The ‘new’ standard has been out for years. It’s just the UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) with the dangly part hard mounted to the derailleur and then bolted to the frame.

I think they may have done this just for you, Andrew. Actually, I love their quote, "There's no demand quite like popular demand". Here, here!

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/chris-king-brings-back-6-bolt-option.html

Posted by: mammal

I think they may have done this just for you, Andrew. Actually, I love their quote, "There's no demand quite like popular demand". Here, here!

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/chris-king-brings-back-6-bolt-option.html

Nah, if they did it for me they’d have put the needle bearing back in the freehub driver.

Posted by: fartymarty

Spotted this a while ago,

https://www.rivbike.com/products/cassettes-7

These look awesome.  Need to find someone in UK with them.

Interesting. Very.

Thanks to all for my MEAT-y cockpit. 50mm +6 Big S stem in 31.8, 31.8 Ergotec 30mm rise bar, wired Wax grips and Counterpunch. Huge improvement in hand/finger/wrist crankiness!

Now to my question - does anyone know of 12-speed XD cassettes that aren't enormous? I only see a Gabaruk 10-48 on the interwebz.

Posted by: nickmaffei

Now to my question - does anyone know of 12-speed XD cassettes that aren't enormous? I only see a Gabaruk 10-48 on the interwebz.

I assume the enormous you refer to is the pizza pie pan size cassette cogs like this.

Haven't looked closely myself at current 12 speed options beyond the pizza pan size as use pretty much 8 speed myself. My gut feeling is if there is a way to achieve that you would probably have to get a couple of same brand cassette's and tear it all down to individual cogs and spacers. Then figure out what would work and how to re-assemble it. Though this kind sounds like one could potentially end up with or close what used to be called a straight block cassette where there is like one tooth size difference between each cog. Don't even know if that is possible with current mtb cassette cog's.

Sram makes some 10-44,10-33 and 10-36 12s gravel cassettes (XPLR series) that may technically meet your requirements. I’m not sure if that particular groupset requires robot derailleurs to allow backpedaling without dropping the chain though.

If you could convert to an HG freehub you would have a lot more options for custom cog stacking and economical drivetrain upgrade options. Some of the Specialized Roval hubs use DT Swiss internals and can be upgraded inexpensively. Others use a form of cheese for internal pawl ratchet components and require replacement frequently. Either way, I’d advise caution when making drivetrain decisions based on hub driver standards.

Posted by: Blofeld

Some of the Specialized Roval hubs use DT Swiss internals and can be upgraded inexpensively. Others use a form of cheese for internal pawl ratchet components and require replacement frequently. Either way, I’d advise caution when making drivetrain decisions based on hub driver standards.

Good word of caution. I should really have a look behind my freehub to see what's in there.

Re: Darwins Shitter.

Keep up the good work 'Drew. It's probably exhausting, boring and disheartening, but it's a public service.

From the other side of the world, in what looks like a slightly more bike-friendly city, sharing your transit rage whenever trying to shepherd the kids safely through the wolves.

Posted by: nickmaffei

Thanks to all for my MEAT-y cockpit. 50mm +6 Big S stem in 31.8, 31.8 Ergotec 30mm rise bar, wired Wax grips and Counterpunch. Huge improvement in hand/finger/wrist crankiness!

Now to my question - does anyone know of 12-speed XD cassettes that aren't enormous? I only see a Gabaruk 10-48 on the interwebz.

Nick, whats your verdict on the Counterpunches?

Spotted this new offering for high rise bars.

https://bikepacking.com/news/wilde-cardinal-bar-intro/