Losifer profile

Absolutely didn’t take that as a dig on Kitsbow- they ARE very expensive, especially for a cheapskate Cubano like me.

I’ve really been focusing on reducing the amount of stuff I have, and looking for quality and durability. I’ve lays been one to hold onto stuff- I’ve had thrift store snap-fronts that I’ve worn for riding and trailwork for many, man years. But if I’m going to buy something new, I want to know that 1) it will stand up for the long haul, and 2) that the people who made it were treated as well as possible. The second is way harder to ensure, but I’m making the effort.

Like Pete, I’m going to defend Kitsbow. Disclaimer: I was, but am no longer, a brand ambassador for them. I did purchase my first Icon at retail before becoming an ambassador.

Is it a lot of money for the Icon? Of course. But to have a product made when you order it, in the US, with a ton of thoughtful features, with repair services available, and a cut designed for riding? That’s worth a lot. 

Oh, and they pay actual livable wages, cover health insurance, and are focused on helping revitalize the town they’re in.

Did I mention that they have almost no apparel industry waste, and ship their products in recyclable or compostable packaging?

My wife and I decided to sell our house and move into our RV and find a new life in New Mexico. I have been in my original Icon for the last week. The day before our move I did my last mountain bike ride in Idaho wearing it. 

I tore mine loading  a cracked storage bin with a corner sharp enough to also tear my Carhartt work pants (different incident, I apparently don’t learn…) and sent it back for repair- you have to really look to see the repair.

Yeah, that’s a lot of words, but Kitsbow is a special kind of company, and I will proudly wear my Icons for many more years.

I really enjoyed plus tires on low speed/flat rocky, technical terrain. And if I had that stuff nearby, I would definitely have a 29+ hardtail.

You’re right on with the idea that folks feel like if a product is not perfect for everything, they’re not good enough for anything.

Just wanted to make sure. I never had this issue with 1/1s in the shop, but did have a couple of Torches that had trouble engaging due to overly heavy lube.

Did you take the free hub apart and check for lube/stickiness? Sounds like there may be too much grease, keeping them from engaging.

So, at the time I worked for J&B Imports, the US distributor for ZYZZYX. I totally joked about whether it would take more time to swap forks or do the overhaul! I got pretty quick at taking those things apart on the tailgate of my ‘87 Mazda B2200 in the parking lot of Colorado’s ski areas.

Well, I needed to rebuild my ‘99 ZYZZYX fork between practice and race day, and it would generally inhale dust like a vacuum cleaner, so I’ll never buy another one.

And my ParkPre 825 broke at an overheated weld- again, you can bet I’ll never buy another bike from them again.

Oof. Sorry to hear about your injury, here’s to a full and speedy recovery.

I last lapped myself during practice before a DH race in 2k- broken sternum, 3 broken ribs, lacerations to the liver, spleen, and a kidney.

I’ve chimed in here before about full face helmets. I was struck by a hit-and-run driver 5 years ago. Destroyed my face- 9 surgeries (including the facial reconstruction) and tens of thousands of USD out of pocket later, I’m still going to have to pay $20kUS this year for permanent teeth. That’s with good insurance through my wife’s job.

Here in the States, dental isn’t covered under the same insurance as medical- dental insurance is usually (always?) terrible, with high deductibles and low max coverage. 

So yeah, my Leatt 4.0 convertible wasn’t cheap, but it’s (literally) the cheapest insurance I have.

Wait, no one’s gonna mention that it’s laying on the drive side?

Great column once again, Mike!

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