dbozman profile

The tire damping characteristics of CC are really what it's about for me, particularly riding big chunk in Phoenix at speed. I wouldn't call the tire install "painless," but it's relatively straightforward with most tires. I've installed several different Maxxis and Bontrager tires fairly easily. This past weekend, I met my match in a Conti Trail King. I was down to the last 10 inches of bead on the second side. Multiple broken Pedro's levers, zip ties and velcro bindings later, I gave up.

The frame I mentioned above was an aluminum GG Smash. Misaligned rear triangle and the rear brake mount was close to 2mm out of square.

I've had a misaligned expensive aluminum suspension frame produced from a micro-manufacturer in the US. It happens. More importantly, Noel once again proves himself one of the smartest dudes in MTB. Great article.

I guess I am a fanboy, but my first internal question was -- at this price point -- why would anyone buy anything other than Hope. I haven't had stopping power issues on my Tech 3 E4 setup at 190 pounds of geared weight riding big Phoenix rocky gnar.

Great jumping Jesus, that VW is RAD. Wow. Definitely one of the coolest rigs I've seen.

No offense, I started to do the poll and midway through it became pretty clear that someone just wanted to sell me insurance.

I'm really surprised Banshee doesn't get more attention in the US. Hope you guys have a test on deck for some of the brand's new models.

You know, the trails are the same year-round here. We don't really have "weather" as such so conditions don't change much. Still around 80 degrees, so more hikers than normal.

I had one, too, XL carbon model one step below the pro, for a 6'2 (188ish) rider with long arms and legs. Mine had the RS suspension, which I personally prefer. For the most part, this review is spot on to my thoughts after riding it for a couple months on South Mountain in Phoenix.

The bike is really planted and fast downhill. If we had lifts or a bike park or shuttled more, it would have been a keeper. But having to earn your turns up steep technical terrain killed it for me. AJ is spot on for having to "hump" it up climbs. I'm a modestly fit climber and the bike ate my lunch.

Interesting review. Thank you. I was in a similar position a few months back. Sold my original Ripmo earlier in the year and was riding the new Hightower. Didn't care for that bike and was ready to return to Ibis. LBS here in Phoenix had both the Ripmo and the Ripley in XL.

I ended up going with another Ripmo, but that new Ripley has been in my head; particularly set up with a Pike at 140 and  a better shock (DVO will build you a Topaz with the proper stroke). Some of the most fun I've had is on short travel bikes riding big chunk on South Mountain (looking at you Banshee Phantom and the new Giant Trance).