generationfourth profile

If you guys did some character building and added some more arc's I can watch a couple seasons of this.

"my knees like a bit of float"

I don't understand? the shoes let your knees float cause less sticky rubber? make it a 2:15 review please

That’s a pretty bad false equivalence argument. We all put on our seatbelts when we get in a car just like we all put on a helmet when we go on a ride.

I don't get it... you're essentially still strapping the tube onto your frame but adding a layer of complexity/weight with not much extended functionality. Not much of a "storage solution". 

I went through the 'try to strap everything' to the frame phase and found that it was quite limited. What about my phone? what about small bits and pieces? Snacks? and what if I don't want to buy a specialized carbon frame?

Eventually I settled on a very small frame bag. The EDC frame bag from Bedrock works really well and fits into an unused and out of the way portion of your frame. It's ~7"x7"x6", less than 3 ounces, and shields from elements. In it I have a One Up 70cc pump and EDC tool, Clif bar, emergency headlamp, clear lens for glasses, some first aid wraps and bandages, tp, derailleur hanger, small bits like valve cores, water tablets, patch kits. 

That in conjunction with a fork cork I now ride mostly pack-less and when any one gives me crap I run through a list of everything I have on me. Usually more prepared than the packed critics...

Yeah, I had a good chuckle when I read your bet. I was surprised to see Ohlins out that quickly. You were right about how quickly the industry would adopt and market the shorter offset fork... that's nearly all of spec's lineup!

Judging from my predicament with just a 45mm stem and 46mm offset, and from what was said in the article about how Transition had mixed results with slightly different setups, it seems like a shorter offset fork isn't exactly the right answer for a lot of riders! (depending on many little factors)

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re: shorter stem/46mm offset debacle

Your rule of thumb helped a lot and since there was no way for me to go longer on the stem I started by trying out a shorter 35mm stem. Overall I've been very happy with the new bike fit. It's a Starling Murmur (Perry's review did have some influence on my purchase decision)

The order I planned on testing out:

1. Shorter 35mm stem, same spacer/bar height

2. Shorter 35mm stem, lower handlebar height by shifting spacers around

3. Shorter 35mm stem, and/or lower handlebar, and shaving off a tiny bit of handlebar width

4. Then onto messing with handlebar roll.. but I have a SQLabs bar (you had an influence on that! haha) and I feel the 12° backsweep kind of limits how much roll you can play with. I tried to keep the handlebar in the same exact position.

I guess step 0. was concentrate on keeping my weight more centered, and that helped a bit. But then the shorter 35mm stem came in and I got a ride on it today. And I'm happy to report that 10mm shorter made a huge noticeable difference! I don't have to consciously keep my body weight back and cornering felt a lot more natural. I think it helped quicken up the steering just a tad also. I will continue to test ride and adjusting my technique.

Thanks for your time and help. All my riding friends tend to glaze over when I try and nerd out about little things like this! Keep up the good content, I enjoy NSMB even though I'm in Southern California.

Just checked... the 2019 Specialized Enduro comes with Fox/Rockshox now and still only 51mm. Where do you want to send the $20?

J/k. Overall still a good read while I contemplate if my new longer reach/longer wheelbase/slacker HTA frame + 45mm stem is putting me too forward over my 46mm offset fork. Overall bike feels great for climbing (steep STA) and plowing rock gardens but having trouble cornering- bike feels like its understeering and the back end slides out a bit too easily. Trying to keep myself centered but I think that’s translating to me being too far forward. Any thoughts? Obviously technique needs work but wondering what adjustments I can make.

Thanks to your article I bought a 12°. Compared to the normal sweep bar I was going to put on my new build the 12° back sweep feels so much better just holding it out in front of you. Also, doesn't look nearly as ridiculous as the photos. I doubt any of my friends will even notice it. I also like that there seems to be some slight flex engineered into it. Wondering why handlebars/frames never go for some compliance.

Good review, I have one of the factory frames on order. Question- I spy an oval chainring, another review said the oval caused the suspension to bob up and down, did you experience that?