ohio profile

Yeah, this. I'm running Shimano right now bc of HG+, but I really appreciate that SRAM makes their stuff rebuildable, and encourages it with the small parts distributed directly. It's economical, environmental, and just a better philosophy.

I like centerlock too, but I HATE Shimano's +3mm (or SRAM's -3mm, depending on your POV). Brake rotors are one of the parts most likely to get damaged, and not being able to use a buddies or find the exact right spare at an LBS blows. I like and use CL (lighter, easier to replace), but would trade those benefits away if it meant Shimano and SRAM would agree on diameters.

On paper, it looks like they nailed it. Was wondering when bike cos were going to figure out what moto cos already know - once you have assisted propulsion, weight is almost irrelevant and often your friend. Pedalling efficiency is also a lot less important. Put the biggest pack you can in there, max out the travel, minimize pedal kickback, optimize geometry and rrrrriiiippp.

I can appreciate the aesthetics, esp the Blendr integration, but just not seeing the utility. A carbon 31.8mm protaper + 30mm or 40mm syntace megaforce 2 come in at 300g even, uncut, are pretty compliant (31.8mm for carbon 4eva), and give the adjustment everyone mentions above. MSRP totals $255 and the combo is DH warranted. Unless I'm going for dangerholm levels of integration, I can't see spending an extra $100+ to save 35g (about the weight of one wheel's worth of disk rotor bolts) on a setup that isn't rated for as much abuse, reduces adjustments. and is probably similarly compliant.

So far loving the whole setup in what tech I've been able to access, which admittedly has not been *that* sustained. I haven't had a chance to hit the section of Downieville that is my clearest reference for hand fatigue in sustained rough (because I've always pumped out and had to stop unless on a DH bike), but based on Bay Area, Shasta and Ashland OR trails I'm very very happy and expect big improvements for park/Whistler or Downieville trips.

Another guy with bad wrists (left scaphoid that just never came back quite right), here. Things that made a difference for me, in descending order (on a 2020 Enduro):

• Mezzer Pro (vs a 2019 36 Factory). Still shocked at how much better it is, and I'm only just dialing in the settings.
• Stonking brakes. Currently Dominion A4s and sintered pads, 200mm F&R. Have a 220mm F waiting to be mounted up (yes, I know it's not approved for a Mezzer). Not religious though... I liked my Code RSCs too. The more powerful the better.
• NOT covering the brakes. Scary as hell, since It's what I've trained myself to do on bikes and motos for decades, but not covering the brakes lets my fully relax the muscles In my hand and wrist that seem to fatigue and then cramp. If I don't, they stay pumped.
• Constant self-reminders to not overgrip or drag brake.
• Push-on grips. Currently Wolftooth Karv Cam grips. Toss up whether better for me than Ergon GA3, but both are lightyears better than standard profile lock-ons. Tempted to try rev grips now that the cheaper race model came out...
• (Distant last place) 31.8mm Protaper Carbon bar (vs Renthal 35mm alloy, previously). I *think* I feel a difference. Hard to say since It came at the same time as the fork swap. Tempted to try to higher sweep bars, but it's a pain with push-ons...

Not seeing the value in air tanks... I picked up a cordless ryobi 1G compressor for $99 and it is dramatically more useful. Granted I already had ryobi 18V batteries for other power tools, but dropping $50-$100 on a big heavy tank that can only do one thing, seems crazy when you can get a small portable compressor for similar that can fill more than one tire without spending 5 minutes grunting It up to pressure, plus clear dust, run pneumatic tools and airbrushes, etc. Seems a no brainer if you already invested in an 18V cordless ecosystem.

Surprised at the negative to lukewarm responses. This is an astounding deal on a bike that is totally state of the art, and doesn't *need* a single upgrade to be up for anything you throw at it. Industry needs more of these. Major props to Ibis.

Great find. That A30 seems like a killer bike for the price, whether you leave the parts on or not.

Great to see a product manager engaging like this, 1:1 with customers. Thanks for the responses and details.