ackshunW profile

Oo that Terrain Control bar is very very nice. Never heard of the company. Price is right too!

I saw on Pinkbike that the preload screw has a T25 cut into the thread-end (bottom) so you can tighten with a stubby tool (or the multi tool itself).

Looks great, probably similar to the Granite tool but I (baselessly) suspect height quality. But WTH? Trek site lists it at $118 US. That puts it completely in line with one-up + topcap + tap.

Hahaha! So true. I’ve been obsessed with esoteric well made stems since..I first heard about the Raceface SyStem stem. CNC, with a wraparound dovetail steerer clamp that was “knee friendly.” (Side note, when I got my first one in ‘98/‘99, the 90mm length I ordered was in the DH range..)

I love smooth rear clamp designs, Straitline vertical wedge, DMR, NS bikes... love the ingenuity that designers have put into it. And something about that smooth rear clamp is one thing that helps me feel my ride is dialed. Just installed a USE Vyce, which is a very overly fussy one bolt (total) design. But with no bolt bosses to catch cables or anything—- it’s right up my alley. 

Eric

Zip ties! I thought I was a creative resourceful type but in all my 25+ years with this stuff I never considered that. 

I’m a never-lockons guy. When they first came out, they were horrid and hard. Haven’t spent any real time on more modern ones that are spending more engineering time on the core, but I’ve never had major issues with push ons. (Especially if you can use split-clamp controls). Oury have been my go to, and on a clean smooth alloy bar, never spin (though they can creep). Fancier bars with graphics and laser-etched cut marks demand a little more attention. 

I was recently looking for some additional length and picked up some of the Chromag push ons. They have a nice wide slot where you’d land your wire wrap- just about fits the head of a 2.5mm zip. Like you, they’re in the drawer but stainless wire is not! Just installed, will report back with any findings. 

Eric

Great review but I’m missing the thing I want somebody to tell me—— do I get this or the One Up & put it in my steerer!? They both seem really well made and I can’t comprehend which I’d prefer. Would have thought my push-ons wouldn’t play nice but sounds like you’re making out well.

Wow interesting I’m going to be pairing a Mico coil with a CCBD air as well. You find it to be balanced ok?

Hold on, the Megatrail I just got has a CCDB air——— you’re saying it’s common knowledge that it could be rebuilt into a coil?

Once again, this article is so timely for me— just took delivery of a 2014 Megatrail (26”) frame that I picked up for a GREAT deal—- It’ll accept all my old lying around parts (12x135 hub converted to 12x142, 9-speed Zee, etc.).

Super stoked to get it built up, lots of great inspiration here!

Eric

Love Dumonde tech chain lube. 

You really like the Boeshield for rust protection in frames? Have not heard that use before. 

Eric

Thanks everyone for the responses, I’ve got some research to do on Fitz trail, Sprockids Park, and Roberts Creek. 

I know it’s kind of a BC mecca, but I didn’t imagine hitting whistler, I’m not much of a downhiller. That said LOTS and top of the world look like exactly my thing. 

Thanks again,

Eric

Hi all,

First forum post - I’m a member that comes here for the really incredible reviews and general sense of like-mindedness vis a vis the mountain bike world. I live in Brooklyn NY far from the north shore, but have always been fascinated by the riding there. Growing up riding in Trumbull CT we were heavily influenced by what we heard was happening up on the “shore.” :)

Fast forward a millenia and now I’m looking into BC for a family vacation this summer. Hoping you all can give me some direction about where we should look for our home base. Would like to air BNB (or similar) a cabin.

-Definitely going to do some riding but probably not all-day epics —- hoping for a location where I can get out for a morning blast then meet up with the family for the rest of the day.

-Would love to find an area that has a lot to offer for biking and other activities for non-mountain bikers. We want to also fit in some hiking, surfing, sightseeing, art if possible.

-I’ll probably fly with my bike but we may try a rental for my wife for a day or two. She used to ride a fair bit but she’s not up to black diamonds I’m sure. An area with a good rental shop and also has good medium difficulty trails would be awesome.

-Even better would be some recommendations for trail riding my 5-year-old daughter could tackle on her Early rider. 

I appreciate any advice, and I really look forward to seeing your part of the world!

Thanks,

Eric