neologisticzand profile

An additional thought is that a consumer new to the sport is more likely to pick 12 over 11 speed just because it's both newer and is probably easier to have a sales pitch for. "This is the newest option and shifts just like the other 12spd stuff on the expensive bikes" (ie. 12spd) is probably an easier sell than "this may have one less gear, but it's just as good, if not better" (ie. 11spd).

Also very true about the 11spd cost. I was surprised when I saw how little it has dropped.

Speaking in relation to the hex keys only, while I really like my Wera Hex-plus L-handles, I can't specifically say that I note a significant improvement over the Bondhus T-handles and L-handles, which are a bit cheaper. If anything, I've actually heard more reports of the Wera keys snapping compared to the Bondhus.

That makes me happy to hear given that I just pulled the trigger on GX AXS today. Very excited try AXS longterm given how much I love Etap on one of my other bikes.

It's also good timing given that my current rear mech has been giving me some trouble after smacking it "real good" on a tree stump.

Solid write-up! I've been very pleased with my Next R wheelset over the past 3 or so years.

I forgot the Runt even existed! That's definitely something else to look into on my end, thanks!

My question is, do you think upgrading from a GRIP to GRIP2 Damper is the same worthy upgrade for an air sprung fork? That's something I've been going back and forth on but haven't decided whether I'll make the upgrade or not. 

For now, I've at least spent the money to get a digital shock pump to really dial in my suspension pressures.

In my case, I've only been riding since Feb of 2015, so I always had more options than just 5.10.

I also feel the same way. My go-to pedal combo is freerider pro shoes and DMR Vault pedals. It may be because I actually ride clipped in a lot more than on flats, but I really don't like my feet moving on the pedals. All the grip/stick for me.

For the insoles, I find the aftermarket versions with the higher arches have the aforementioned features much more prominently than then stock ones. Specialized usually puts a "+" version stock in shoes and has a "++" and "+++" version of the insoles aftermarket. The "stock" version always seemed like a watered-down version of the aftermarket insoles.

Related but unrelated, I'm praying for an updated 2f0 Cliplite. I LOVE those shoes. Actually, I love all the pairs of Specialized shoes I've owned (mostly clipless variants) over the years.

Oh yes, BikeYoke! I had commented elsewhere about other companies about that have treated me well with warranty stuff over the years, but BikeYoke is another level. Sacki is the absolute best. I was having an issue with my post and he worked with me over email to diagnose the issue and then explained how to rebuild the post to solve the problem!