Losifer profile

Interesting. I had side knobs peeling off on my Eliminator T7, but I had a lot more miles on it. I’m in a rocky area as well.

I just put a semi-worn 2.6” Butcher on the back, and I’m liking it so far! not as fast rolling (obviously…) as the Eliminator I usually use, but the grip on snow and wet rocks is worth it right now.

I ordered a few Butcher/Eliminator sets on sale from Specialized last month. I know I’ll likely prefer the Eliminator when things dry out, but I have some doubts now that I’ve been on the Butcher front and rear!

I agree with these sentiments. My go -to here in the rocky, mostly dry New Mexican mountains is the Specialized Butcher T9/ Eliminator T7/T9 combo. Plenty of grip, wear fairly well.

I was given a SE6 and an Assegai MaxxTerra to try out, and neither held well enough on the wet rocks and roots during monsoon season to stay on for more than a couple of rides.

If I lived on the Albuquerque side of our mountain where desert conditions are the norm I could see wanting a longer wearing set of tires, but would still want the knobs to dig into the kitty litter and loose rocks.

Seriously?!? Are you complete unaware of Chromag as a company?

For example, the Doctahawk… https://us.chromagbikes.com/products/doctahawk

I miss my Rootdown, but the combination of moving to rockier trails and being in my 50s precludes me from getting another one.

Dare I consider trading the Knolly Chilcotin that was my 50th birthday gift for a Lowdown?!?

For anyone who hasn’t heard it yet, I highly recommend the Bikes & Big Ideas podcast with Sion and Tom.

Excited to see how this project evolves!

Sorry to bring back an old discussion, but Bicycle Technologies, Inc. (BTI) is the US distributor. As long as your local shop is a BTI dealer you should be able to order from them.

I was hoping to hold out for the release of the Convergence line, but my old I9 Enduros were no longer up to the task of being pounded through the pointy rocks here in New Mexico.

I have no regrets with my Unions, and I look forward to building up a set of Convergence rims sometime down the road. Greater impact resistance and the angles spoke beds should make fr a great wheel set!

I’m one of the unlucky 10% (according to DVO NZ) who had issues with swelling at the air piston from using WPL. 

When I spoke with DVO a couple of weeks ago, they said they were aware of some issues, suggested installing a new air piston and switching to another fluid, I’m using Maxima 10w  until it gets cold.

So far the fork is waaaay less sticky. I only have a couple of rides on it, but the traction is noticeably  better.

I’ve had mine for a few months now, and couldn’t agree more. Absolutely the best knee pad I’ve used for trail riding, and I will likely buy a back up pair, just in case…

Posted by: PembyRocks

Chromag Phase 30. Best rims I've had. Broke 3 rims (XT, Flow mk3 and Giant carbon) before running these. I've beaten the snot out of them on my hardtail for the past 18 months and, apart from an initial re-tension after the first couple of rides, haven't touched them. No dents, stayed true. Highly recommended. 

I know a few people that run the beefier one (BA30) in the back too for a bit of extra security. I haven't felt the need though

Seriously considering a set of those as well!

Los

Posted by: craw

You're 40 now. Probably should buy a Chromag.

Too close to home, man (although I was 46 when I got my Chromag...)

Los

The sapphire 34 wasn’t available when I built up the rootdown. I had a 2016 diamond on it and upgraded to the newer version about a year ago. If I were to do it today I think I’d still go with a 150mm fork on the rootdown to maintain the geometry, but with that spacer it sounds like you have that covered.

Thanks for the background info. 

After your input, taking into account the burliness (or lack thereof) of my local trails, and reading the design philosophy behind the Doctahawk (on a site I’d rather not admit to reading,) I think the Sapphire 34 might be a good fit. 

I can maintain the geometry with a spacer crown race, and have slightly less impact on that geometry with less travel. Doesn’t hurt that the Sapphire is slightly lighter and a little cheaper...

Los

Posted by: ols55

I have a sapphire 34 @ 140 on my marin rift zone and a diamond @ 150 on my rootdown. I’m about 195 and wouldnt hesitate to put the sapphire on your rootdown. It’s a stiff and supportive fork!

Thanks! I appreciate the response. One question, though: did you choose theDiamond on your Rootdown because of the travel, or another reason?

Los

Anyone tried a DVO Sapphire 34? Thinking of putting one on my Rootdown (with a 20mm crown race to make up for the shorter travel.)

At 185 lbs. and not super gnar, I think the Diamond might be a bit much...

Los

I would reach out to them, see if there’s a dealer in your area.

New “shadow” paint job on the Rootdown has me drooling...

Los