el_jefe profile

I just ordered the new Troy Lee Designs RockFight CE, which I'll use on moto and DH park days.... I like the D30 back (D30 insert is removable) and that one can remove the complete back (ie if I were wearing a pack which I thought was enough protection) and use the extra accessory back strap. There's 3 different versions on the website.

https://troyleedesigns.ca/products/rockfight-ce-chest-protector-black

"Gravel bikes make no sense coming from a MTB context. They make tons of sense coming from a road bike context. My gravel bike is faster, more comfortable, and safer than any road bike I've ever owned. "

That makes a bit more sense (though I still thinking hitting downhill gravel road washboard at 50+kph on a rigid gravel bike is something I have ZERO interest in). It's been in my mind to get rid of my road bike here in Whistler and switch to a gravel bike, which would give me slightly more options if I wasn't going to get on a mtb. But I would always rather mtb than road or gravel ride...

Haha! I was about to head off on my moto in Squam this past summer into Lava Flow from Mac Blo Logging Rd, and down the hill from Indian Arm Rd comes this gravel biker through very shitty washboard, bouncing all over the place. It looked absolutely and utterly horrible.

Though I take Marc's comments below - it DOES remain of some interest to me solely as a replacement for road biking that lets me do a bit more than I would otherwise (as someone living in Whistler who basically only road rides in spring when I can't mtb).

Here's the convo I want - I have a V3 Wreckoning as well with 157 rear end. Set up AXTR with X01 cranks from build kit, so I expect it at the spec 56.5mm chainline. Run with 30T oval (OneUp Switch DM). While it has seem to run generally fine, I'm interested in playing with a slightly smaller chainline ie 55mm - in Whistler, with the many damn steep climbs, I'm in those large cogs all the time. I'll have to revisit this once Spring hits and I start hitting Pemby to ramp up the fitness...

Aside, I also have my extra wheelset which was 148 that I converted to 157 with beautifully machined bits from Pete at Pinner Machine Shop here in Whistler - scrap that Problem Solver stuff and buy local! :)  www.pinnermachineshop.com

Great custom options! I've a bunch of the same - AXTR drivetrain; Tannus Tubeless as the lighter insert option. I've got the 12 degree Flexx bars and Rev Grips and it has been amazing! Really want those Eewings.... 

Super sick build.

Vesper? If so, just get Classic.

Vespers simply cannot handle big dudes and steep AF climbs (ie like here in Whis) - went through 2 that would slip at the steepest pitches; no fix worked 

HOWEVER, Classic Onyx hub version (which I had previous to Vesper and now have switched back to) have been flawless for me in long term use. Just get the Classic and all good. Damn, I love the silence and momentum that they carry....

Get it! But see my other post - least favourite thing is the beam pattern with very defined line between spot and wide beam. But this is a GREAT headlamp. All my Petzl and Black Diamond headlamps sit unused now that I have the Raven

I have one as well and got a bunch for friends on a deal Lynx had a while. By far my most used headlamp - LOVE IT! You can get a GoPro mount for it too. I consider it an amazing back up for mtbiking, but personally prefer a bike-specific light that has a good beam pattern (which the Raven does not). Raven's biggest downside for riding is that the beam pattern is basically a very defined spot with a bunch of broad beam overspill. If you are used to using crappy lights with crap beam patterns, or just ride slow so aren't distracted by it, it's fine. But for dedicated mtb light, my preference is something with a better beam pattern (I use the Outbound EVO system Hangover and Trail).

Just swapped into the Sutros from Flight Jackets and really like them. However, 2 negatives - super crappy lens choices right now (no Low Light, which is my main lens) and lack of unobtainium socks on the arms. I actually hacked up a couple old extra Oakley ear sock spares I had lying around and shoved them on my 2prs of Sutros so that the Sutros stay stuck in my helmet while climbing. I know that Oakley added unobtainium to Sutro Lite I think? Wish it was on the regular Sutro.

LOST at top or on Expresso - thin black leather dog leash, 5ft long. About 7:30pm on a night ride, Oct 15. if you find, pls pm or call 604-838-5378. Thanks!

my 2 cents as a long time Evil Revolt owner - I've been riding my Revolt for a few seasons (I have one of the early production models) - zero issues whatsoever. Same as some other friends who have Revolts from back then and are riding them still. I know there are others that have had issues and we are fortunate to still be riding our Revolts. It remains the best-riding DH bike I've ever been on or owned (and I've ridden numerous). Still love it. I hope Evil works its way out of its troubled past and into a position where it is, once again, shaking things up for the bigger bike brands. And that those unfortunate enough to have warranty issues get to enjoy an Undead! :)

Man, your question is identical to the one I was going to ask! Did Warner last year with a detour up windy pass and down. Going to try one lake further this year and land in Lorna. Have you gone on your trip yet? We're heading this weekend.

I've been recommended by my local friend that option #1 is hands-down the way to go. Do you have any gps map of your ride or know where to get one?

Cheers,

PM me your email for the .gpx files for Lorna/Deer/Gun and other rides there.

I did Lorna/Deer/Gun last weekend and there is more snow than usual on the north (up) side of Deer pass but less than one would expect. Funny enough, the snow on the south (descent) side of the pass was more of an impediment. Ps the wildflowers are pretty amazing right now. While you are there, be sure to do the Taylor/Windy/Spruce loop - the Windy descent to Spruce is in the best condition I've ever seen it.

Agree that Option 1 Deer pass is the way to go. Amazing view from the top of Deer Pass… and then a great downhill rip to the valley floor. Payback for the b1tch of a climb/hike to get to the top of Deer…

Amen.

Absolutely true.

…now with sound with majorly stuttering vid feed…..

same, sweet fa here in van. and i've got a fast connection. and two other friends at home are having troubles too - they have nothing now. complete incompetence…. how about some live dry runs before the finals? making sure your servers have capacity so they don't get overloaded? although i'm sure we'll see some excuse later….

hmmm. most of that bike looks like mine (sans the bar and pedals). unsure why the whole spec and pics i posted years ago doesn't show up. and looks like sticker and headtube badge got applied (funny, i still have the headtube badge kicking around that i was about to put on the bike)….

i'm going with …. Evil. Longshot guess? dunno…..
Add one more to the small but talent laden roster.

I live near main and broadway in vancouver.