mzro's comments

Stache is legendary but it has its quirks. Last winter I was able to buy a M size 2022 frame, which is a tad short but I got used it. I wanted a L size but it wasn't available and M/L has the highest standover of all sizes that doesn't clear for me (my balls are sitting on top tube). Trek seem to have updated geometry a little bit because newer (2021+) frames have 67.8 HTA. Would like to try 9point8 SLACK-R. I'm using 140mm fork and run 29x2.8 Maxxis Reckon tires. For me it's mostly an adventure-oriented trail-worthy hardtail and I use it just to roam in the woods and also for downcountry backpacking. I had a Full Stache previously which I sold and bought updated Fuel Ex instead. Fuel Ex can take 29x2.8 in the rear and with 29x3.0 upfront it feels rather similar to the Full Stache but has improved geometry though chainstays aren't that short and you can feel it - Full Stache is more poppy but Fuel Ex is more stable on downhill, also better climber. For some reason, 29+ Full Stache didn't work that good for me as I trail bike.

Blackburn digital gauge is plain awful in my experience. Bought it as I wanted to try digital gauges and deeply regret I did. I am not able to measure the pressure in tires of my 3 bikes (fat, 29+ plus trail bike and DH bike). The shaft is way too short, it just bleeds the air and not able to read the pressure. I also have a Mezzer Accu gauges 15 and 30 psi which are dead simple and reliable.

Thanks, excellent read AJ! This bike is pure envy and I believe this is a first big review of new G1, though it more of build review than riding review :)  I have G1 on my radar since it was announced and had a dream to build a mullet G1 but, unfortunately, I probably would be able to justify the price tag - the frame is so pricey.

Good read and review, as always. Andrew, do you think it will fit 28x3.0 tires, like Bontrager XR4/SE4?

Ok, was considering this dropper as upgrade on my bikepacking/trail hardtail but a dropper mechanic in my LBS says that design of this dropper isn't good. From his words, the dropper fixation is similar to one of Crackbrothers old dropper, which initially had a good reviews but after short time was discontinued because of the issues. Every time dropper fixes in some position, it slightly deforms the fixing surface and after some time, under load, it will start to slip through at spots where dropper was fixed the most. Also, he says that in this dropper the fixation area is even smaller than on Crackbrothers dropper so it will fail even faster.

It's not a top line product, like DHX2, that's what I mean by saying it's inferior. And it's not a unique Marzocchi product either, just rebadged and a little bit revamped old one from Fox. Marzocchi used to be a company that was designing their own suspension stuff, it's disappointing to see they now offer just rebadged Fox products for less demanding auditory. I really had hoped the would come up with something new.

Fox Van RC was good, affordable and reliable. But it's a disappointment to see that Marzocchi is becoming a second-tier brand for Fox inferior product lines.

Hey Andrew, very nice wishlist. I want Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro helmet had a better clasps/mounts. I read a lot reviews that they are flimsy and can be braked easily if you aren't very careful.

My question is - have you tried Bontrager 29x3 XR4 Team Issue? If yes, how they compare to SE4 in your eyes?

Seems to be great dropper for winter fatbiking - many hydraulic droppers start to fail when it is freezing outside. e13 TRS+ has weak lifting power and has issues popping up with bikepacking dropper-friendly saddlebags, unless you pack them very lightly. I wonder how powerful WCS Kite is.

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your all awesome reviews. For the long days in a saddle, when you do trail riding with lots of pedaling over dirt/loam in-between, what you would recommend - 610 or 611? Basically, I am looking for a saddle that is both comfortable for long pedaling backcountry sessions and trail riding too. I read that some people find 611 to be more comfortable despite 610 is advertised as more comfortable one.

eMTB will inevitably get more and more popular. Being a Luddite won't really help stopping it from happening.

Thanks, Andrew. Have you tried non-Magura pads, by the way? Trickstuff, SwissStop, Nukeproof and other manufactures offer different Magura MT pads. I wonder if they are as good as Magura pads or maybe have a longer lifecycle.

I have a question about pads - as far as I understand on 4-piston front can have either fused dual-pad that is installed magnetically (9.P/9.C/9.E in Magura specs) or a pair of conventional pads installed with pins (8.P)?

Rotors thickness is good, 1,97 mm. I have these rotors - https://goo.gl/FNcJgA

Thanks, Andrew. Pads are clamping the rotors and it doesn't feel brakes need re-bleeding - modulation is great and smooth. But you're right - there's simply not enough friction. I did a series of "bedding" braking stops when I was out on test ride, it improved braking power slightly. Magura recommends at least 30-50 full braking stops on speed around 20mph to fully bed the pads. Will do it tomorrow and also will try slightly sanding rotors/pads if I fail to bed them "naturally".