Dean-W profile

I've been on a Manitou fork or shock consistently for the past 11 years.  Swinger 6, ISX 6, Minute Pro, Mattoc Pro

I've been thoroughly impressed and the addition of a burlier fork than the Mattoc is nice to see.  I am glad they are stepping up to the plate as another BIG player and not staying in the fringes anymore.  

One key to their success will be service (manuals for customers/shops), support and warranty.  If they get this right then people will be more comfortable with their purchases and not left in a panic when they need after purchase service.

Vee Tire is Maxxis

Just like Toyota is Lexus,  Nissan is Infinity, Ford is Lincoln.......

It would survive a pedal up to 7th, but it certainly wouldn't survive the ride down.

I made a short video.  I used a wrap or two of hockey tape on the back of the arch in the center to hold the hose solidly in place.

https://www.pinkbike.com/video/473933/

I know it might seem like a pain, but install a longer front brake line and you won't need to use the zap straps.  The reverse arch brake line routing is soooooooo much better than conventional forks......the only issue is that you do need a longer brake line.  Trust me on this; you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Every person that builds trails does it for different reasons.  The original article is a good read and accurately reflects my reality in many ways. 

I started building in 2003.  I had a rough introduction to what was at the time basically a "Secret society of builders", but I stuck with it and over time I've picking up an enormous amount of valuable knowledge.

Personally I think the best thing any builder can do is to patiently teach the craft to others.  Share their skills with someone else that wants to absorb the knowledge of how to build great trails.

Show everyone you see on the trail what a drain is and how to clear them.  Tell people to scour for rocks and pile them beside puddles.  Show people the difference between organic dirt (punk) and sweet golden loam.  Cedar vs anything else. Etc.....

My thoughts are that builders should share the craft with anyone that wants to learn.

This was a nice simplified breakdown of a few suspension principals.  I especially liked the comparison tables.  It made me realize why a two of my bikes behave so differently......time to tweak the shock pressures.

I can personally attest to the quality and craftsmanship of the WolfTooth remote which it top shelf.  This remote for 9point8 should work really well.

I am curious about the differences in the "Lever geometry and leverage ratios".  Does the 9point8 lever have more or less cable pull with the push of the lever compared to a standard WolfTooth lever?

That was a good laugh.

Ouch

Hand injuries SUCK!!!

Heal up

Posted by: extraspecialandbitter

Speaking of single speed, I'm going to try to be an enabler. You should try it out on your hardtail.

I made a little calculator to make it easier. You probably want to be somewhere around a 1.6 gear ratio on a 27.5 and around a 1.5 on a 29r.

https://goo.gl/forms/RfM8Wf3z6Cf3i8x72

Cool calculator.

Dude!!! That's like saying, "One more lap".

Fight club rules.

A trifecta of Canadian parts.

BTW- I ordered the Blackspire guide on April 5th and it was delivered in the mail by April 10th.  A nice local alternative at a very fair price.

Posted by: Ddean

BS Ordered!

They're having a clearance sale BTW. 50% off.

NICE.

I just ordered one as well.  MADE IN CANADA  $50 CAN  SWEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.blackspire.com/product/trailx-1x-chainguide/

There are many things that contribute to a chain falling off.  Can you take a photo of the drivetrain from the side with the chain on the biggest cog.  Post it up and we might be able to diagnose the problem a little better.

I think I've narrowed my choice down to two.

I have had good luck with both brands (Stan's and DT) in the past.  I am a little torn between Flows and DT XM 481s

Both tick all the boxes:

• weight is reasonable 480g Flows, 490g DT
• 30mm wide (internal)
• around $100 a rim if I shop around

Unless there is some mystical unicorn rim out there that I haven't heard about, I'm going with one of those two.

I want to go slightly wider than my current 25mm Flows.

27.5 / 650b

I was thinking:

• 29mm wide flows
• Easton/Raceface ACR30 30mm wide

Any other reasonably priced rim options I am missing.

These will share time on my Giant Trance and my Kona Explosif.  I'll be running 2.35 - 2.6" tire.  More than likely 2.4"

I want to keep them as close to 500g a rim as possible (or lighter).

I'm intrigued.  I hope a reputable brand picks up this design.

I had the 2008 Rune v.1 with the bushing. I had the 2014 Rune v.2 with bearings.

The 2018 Rune has slightly updated geometry when compared to my 2014. My build on it was 29.8lbs (small frame), with proper wheels and tires and smart build. Its a solid bike that could easily spend all day in the bike park and can be pedaled (with a little effort) up to the top of the mountain.

Ryando might chime in as well on his Rune.

Man the DH side of things sounds GLOOMY.

My DH bike was ridden once last year. Whistler Bike Park. I doubt I'll sell it any time soon. 26", non-boost, aluminum with............gasp.....Elixirs!!!

reserved for my ride