lefthandlewis profile

This is exactly why I got a Starling Murmur last year. The recent upgrade of an eight year old second-hand ccdb air (non climb switch specifically) overshocking the rear end to "hack" a mullet setup and a new Suntour durolux 36 has been amazing (looking forward to the nsbm review coming...). All the other parts were swapped out from the two other bikes I owned (still rocking a set of ten year old silver xt cranks) and anything left sold off. Best decision i've ever made, everything is super reliable and fixable (mostly by me as an added benefit). 

I'd love to see more setup-led reviews (which is what attracts me to nsmb anyway) encouraged in the industry, and as sustainability inspired marketing opportunities in the future. I'm amazed that the cycling Industry / brands as a whole has generally turned its back on the thriving second hand market that exists...

ah I wish the Vans Gravel came back! They were so good for feel and grip, as well as just fitting my feet well. Gutted I didn't hunt down a few pairs when I could. I feel like there were definitely a shoe before their time, and would be an instant hit these days.

AJ - do you have an opinion on the differences between the Blackout and a Renthal Fatbar 31.8? other than the obvious 2' sweep difference. Having ridden Ali Renthals for many years now i've never had a problem but i'm interested if there's a considerable or minimal fatigue difference...

interesting stuff, always great to see new ideas like the new crown design makes loads of sense. I'll be interested to see what you think with this fork teamed up with a variety of air and coil shocks.

zipties will probably work ok, DMR used to sell a push on with wider grooves for some small zipties that came with it. I would make sure you take a little file to the head after you cut them, make sure that sharp bur is all flat in case you grab it

having spent a lifetime with push-on grips on my bmx, coming to mountain biking again i've just never been happy with thicker lock-on grips, also push-ons come is all kinds of lengths and of course allow you to cut them down if too long! 

I find spraying with wd-40 and then wiring after that's dried on works well. What's your prefered wiring technique? I have found two wraps of wire then tying off in three places works well for UK conditions.

Their custom spec adjustments and custom paint options are really good and help to nurture shop/customer relations. Their uptodate stock levels for customers and shops is a great feature too. They have been a refreshing change in the way bike brands work with rather than seemingly against IBD's.