heathen profile

That's what I did to mine. DHF 2.5WT up front. Recon 2.4WT out back. Level ultimate levers with a code caliper up front and guide caliper out back. Huge upgrade.

What is this suspension setup you speak of?

Thanks. It's a blast to ride. The geo definitely makes you push it way past what you would normally consider riding on an XC bike. I had a 2018 Optic before this. The Element is way lighter and more fun. Plus I could never keep the pivots tight on the Optic. I have already racked up almost 400km and nothing has come loose or given me issues. Super well designed bike.

Mine came with an FSA EC lower cup too. I swapped for a purple Wolftooth.

When they dropped the new Element I knew I had to have one. Put money down in September and the bike arrived in December. It was worth the wait. For where I ride and the way that I ride it is the ultimate BCXC bike. I got the C30 and swapped ever part but the drivetrain and rear shock. Probably should have waited a bit long and bought a C50. With 30mm carbon rims, Recon 2.4 out back and DHF 2.5 up front the bike is a absolute rocket. I have done XC races, 30km epics and drops and steeps I probably shouldn't. The bike has yet to let me down.

To get the 49mm chain line with boost are you running a non boost ring?

@andrewmajor

I am a bit perplexed when it comes to chainline. My 2021 Transition Scout has a 148 boost rear hub with a 52mm chainline. If I am understanding this correctly, a 52mm chainline would move the chain more inboard so there would be less chain deflection in the larger cogs. Making it run smoother and quiter in the larger cogs. I am understanding this correctly?

@Andrew Major its been a few years now. What kind of mileage are you getting from the SS ring? Any problems?

So you loved the med and bought a large? Now you sold the large and have a medium? How tall are you?

That seems kind of counter to the current trend of bikes getting more progressive. I just moved from a 2018 Range C7.2 I belive it was 18% progressive. To a 2020 Scout that is 25% progressive. Same rock shox super deluxe. Man what a difference. The bottom out feel was way nicer. I have now switch to a Super Deluxe coil, my first coil bike. The ramp is perfect. I have no idea how people ride Patrols "on coil" with only 11% progression. It would just bottom out like crazy.

Looks like they fixed the issues I brought up.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pnw-components-releases-updated-loam-lever.html

Posted by: mammal

The Raven Double looks pretty good! The review I've linked here is excellent too. I'm definitely willing to pay a few extra $ for field replaceable stuff, since the batteries are so cheap. And if the guy behind the company is a Vancouver/Kootenay guy, even better!

https://mountainculturegroup.com/lynx-ogt-raven-double-ultralight-headlamp/#:~:text=Pros%3A%20So%20light%20and%20so,challenging%20on%20long%20backcountry%20forays.

That looks like a great unit. Are you using one?

One thing I think A lot of people don't realize is how rad helmet light are for doing trail work in the winter. When winter hits and there is not enough daylight to ride a group of us switch from group rides to group trail maintenance at night. Its awesome. The soil is perfect, there is almost no traffic. We can fix some high traffic areas with ease.

Posted by: yardrec

Serfas True 1300 MTB is one of my favorite lights. It's super bright, has field swapable batteries and cheap enough you can get 2. If you can find the Serfas 750 is also brighter than it's lumens state and you can swap the lens for wide or spot beam.

I have an old Serfas True 1100 light that the battery died on. It was a great light and I didn't want to throw it away. So I opened it up and saw it had two 18650 lithium cells in it. I bought a new set of chocolate cells and it is better then new and has got to be on 10ish years of service. I have since discovered that almost all bike lights are powered by 18650 cells.

After seeing how easy and cheap 18650 cells are to buy I started looking around and found this cool case on Amazon. You can load it with your choice of 18650 cells and power any light you have. Some soldering may be required. 

https://www.amazon.ca/BOINN-Waterproof-Battery-Supply-Router/dp/B09JGJXD5H/ref=sr_1_17?keywords=18650+battery+case&qid=1666278396&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjkzIiwicXNhIjoiNC4zOCIsInFzcCI6IjMuODgifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=18650+battery+%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-17  

18650 cells

https://www.18650batterystore.com/en-ca

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=18650+battery+canada&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzZTEzYrv-gIV3SStBh0f-AWdEAAYAiAAEgL4vfD_BwE&hvadid=208306251090&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1001927&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=150888801813791693&hvtargid=kwd-306743901776&hydadcr=1308_10142950&tag=googcana-20&ref=pd_sl_2ngz2k6fub_e

Posted by: jgshinton

I've seen it done on a hardtail. But on a fully you might have too much chain growth to deal with it. But you can probably swap an eagle cage on there, there's a lot of cross pollination btw 11 and 12.

I have done the same on my hardtail. Cant say it it would work on a fully.

Posted by: tashi

Salsa Salt Flats are my choice for my abused hands and arms. Sweepy and comfy but normal enough for shreddin'.

11 degrees back, 6 degrees up, 800mm wide, no rise, choose your price point.

I had the carbon version of this bar on my Rocky Element and I found them quite stiff and uncomfortable. The bends were nice, I just found it crazy stiff. I think they might have been so stiff due to the extra material they added so you can mount tribars to them. #sillybikepackers. Flat bars will always be stiffer compered to riser bar. The salsa just felt like a brick, no flex I could feel.

I now have the Carbon Nukeproof 31.8 12mm rise (flat bar) and it is way more comfortable. Its no SQ Lab Flexx bar but it feels just right for my Element.

Kuat is the worst high-end rack I have used. Doesn't hold the bike well enough on rough roads. I would second OneUp. That is a lifetime rack.

Posted by: BC_Nuggets

Youtube video on "modern" vs "traditional" hardtail geometry and the different riding technique required.

Is it really this black and white? No grey area? Is this guy trying to turn me off of my 67.5 degree head angle so I go and buy 64 degree head angle? I would think 67.5 degrees is a grey area. He seems to present it as all or none which really bugs the shit out of me. Ah youtube experts. Get off my lawn.

I would take anything Hardtail Party says with a grain of salt.

Posted by: mammal

Hopefully nobody would, and they'll need to reallocate the broadcasting rights to someone else. My main issue is that it's an 8 year contract, and 8 years with declining interest will do damage to the sport itself.

This is a very real fear.

My wife and I used to love watching Redbulls coverage of XC and DH and GCN Racings EWS, now that Discovery Plus has the exclusive rights I am wondering if their coverage is any good. Anyone have it and how does it compare?

We are discussing TV coverage as I know this is NBR . LoL loophole.