cheapondirt profile

I previously wrote these off for the name and gimmick factor but after reading your review I like them better. Now the thing holding me back would be the price (even though the value seems to be there). They bear contemplation for when my oneups wear out.

I did a brief stint in soft goods wholesale and that particular company set its international MSRPs based on the forecasted worst-case-scenario exchange rate... like six months out, because it was done before booking orders and well before manufacturing. For 2021 product, $CAD prices may have been set before the 2020 U.S. election.

All the shock a lot of us really need. Now with Kashima, to make us want it.

This is to normal bikes as a KoH race truck is to a Ford Ranger.

It has been my experience (on 11 speed stuff so possibly not relevant) that  the difference in shifting feel between SLX and XT comes from the shifter itself. I like the smooth SLX feel but the multiple upshift option on XT outweighs that for me.

I think I'm using the term in one of the correct ways, though I know it usually refers to iPhone style technology hijinks. I'm referring to how Shimano doesn't sell service parts and each brake has a equal chance of lasting 9 months or 5+ years.

Thanks, Mike.

I've heard nothing but good about the power. It will come down to weighing the price against my tolerance for planned obsolescence.

Never mind. Just read Andrew's review, linked in the article, haha

It feels odd to be reading about a Kona built too light for its intended purpose.

I too am interested to hear more about the Deore brakes. They're not the brakes I really want but maybe the ones I should actually buy.

Really enjoyed this. Mini-reviews inside the review, and lots of meat to digest.

That lines up with what I've heard about DW's being very durable. Paul Aston measured the 27x3.0 at 2.65 (casing) and 2.9 (tread) on a 40mm rim, so if the 26" version is similar it would indeed be bigger than the Maxxis. Mine are about 2.6 on both the casing and tread, though on an i32 rim.

Oh yes I did look at the Ranger but it hardly seems suitable for hard riding.  I said I wasn't aggressive, but that's in our freeride-enduro-BC context. I'm still going to be pushing harder through corners than your average bikepacker.

I guess it is what it is. I should probably just get one or two more DHRII+, keep carrying a tube, and be ready for a 27.5 wheel purchase some day soon. At least my frame is ready for that! It's kind of nice to hear I'm not the only weirdo disappointed by 26+ dying.

I'm considering stocking up a pile of the recently discontinued, still-on-a-couple-websites DHRII 26x2.8. Except one thing: I'm light and more cautious than aggressive, and these tires possess the only sidewall I've ever cut open.

In article comments, Andrew Major suggested the Dirt Wizard 26x3.0. It looks good, but it's also 380g heavier than the Minion+. Enough to second guess that idea (though I appreciated the suggestion). It's for the rear wheel of a mini mullet RM Altitude which I would like to keep playful.

Is that really all the big 26" tires?

I do know of the 2.6" Magic Mary but haven't really taken that thought seriously because it only comes in purple compound.