Kevin26 profile

I've heard of that happening and check mine once in a while, has always been fine.

Yeah my big 'too much gear' pack I'll bring sometimes when I know we're going with a big group with people that are newer and usually have something wrong with their bike... Lo and behold "hey Kevin do you have a shock pump/spoke tool/bandaid/chain lube etc" it's like I could see the future. But on my own or go-to riding buddies that are keeners the minimalist set up has worked 100% of the time so far.

Very similar to my 'usual' set up although I don't have the one up pump so multi tool in pocket, tire plugs and a few zip ties strapped with the tube. Plus spare hanger and quick link taped snugly to seat rail. 

Also will bring out a big evoc pack for certain rides that fits the "too much" description to a T and might have the kitchen sink tucked away in the bottom. But needed for my guiding gig in the summer, rides where help is far away, etc. I do get a kick out of it when I save the day with something weird in there though.

Wonder if there's a way to do a hidden pump. Topeak does one that hides in a (non dropper) seat post. But then again anything that tiny would be probably be a terrible pump.

Pants are high on my list too, heard good things about the race face agent, and the fox options look good too, they're all expensive though :(

Honestly the showers pass waterproof socks would make a good gift. I put off getting waterproof socks forever thinking spending that much on socks is silly but they're the only 'wet feet' solution I've used that works, and will probably last longer than my shoes.

There's a full 24 minute episode on red bull tv and it (and the whole series) is really good!

I was using one daily at work, similar black diamond model, and just found it a pain dealing with batteries over time and switched last winter and will never go back. Frequent use, USB is the way to go for me!

USB rechargeable head lamps can be had for similar or less than that one, much more convenient if you use it a lot

Ha, my favourite part is both of them together  cost less what 1 bike in this article would cost

Dark crystal is definitely way way too wet. Good thing that there are lots of other trails

Howler is a similar sized ride to dark crystal and good when wet. Lord of the squirrels isn't ready yet, but LESS is clear now so you can do the smaller version.

Billy's epic, business time, ampm, highside are all good wet options too.

Maybe the Sunshine coast, lots of spots that could work, depending how quiet you want but I lived up in West Sechelt for a bit, super quiet and some riding right there and tons a short drive away. I dont think there's a pump track there but kinnickinnik park has some pretty sweet basic trails for a little kid, and some other spots around the coast too. Sechelt also has couple different beaches+other things you're looking for, neat hikes around like smugglers cove. Gibson's, Roberts Creek or even some of the smaller areas like half moon bay would work too.

There might be some options for rentals, lots of things that may get used differently as vacation homes in summers etc. 

I'm from Victoria originally and it ticks all the boxes except a big red X for being busy. 'Colwood Crawl' (rush hour towards the western communities) gets worse every time I go back to visit haha, I mean some areas are quiet like highlands, metchosin, parts of Sooke etc but you'll still venture into town for things and be amongst it.

Best part=new bike wash set up with barriers so you can't get hosed by the careless person next to you! That and hero dirt conditions with lots of new work on the trails

I found a small bolt inside a shoe at the other side of the garage, long after giving up looking for it

I think I like dhfs because I'm used to them. If I rode another tire all the time for like 7 or 8 years maybe I'd get used to that too

Up industrial waste is a nice option up to the flank too, two way trail, couple spots are tricky up but same on Darwin's side. 

Never gone up 'left overs', its so steep, though I guess it would be a very direct push up. I've only gone down it a couple times. 

If you've never done howler you have to, one of my favourites and good in the wet too, unlike DC and micro that are a sloppy mess. 

If you haven't done heavy flow into tunnel vision it's a blast too.

Posted by: Jenkins5

Posted by: Taz123

Other than the tried and tested DHR II in the back - what other rear tires are folks running?

I tossed on an old Aggressor lately (2.3 on a wider rim...so its more square than should be), and its performing decently well...even in the mud. I know it can have a vague feeling in the dry stuff. I've got a back-up HRII I could use if needed but I know they roll slow. the Onza that I bought was crap, so that's headed to the bin. I also have an almost-new Specialized Hillbilly that I will toss up front once my DHF dies...

I'm running a new Gen 3 e*13 LG1 EN Race in the back (their version of Double Down but about 60g lighter). Have the lighter TRS Mopo on the front (similar to a Maxxgrip Exo+). Suuper happy with this combo for riding around Squamish and Pemby. Not too heavy, rolls reasonably well, and grip better than Maxxis DHR IMHO....I had 3 straight Maxxis tires with wobbly casings that I had to warranty so no more Maxxis for me...

Keen to experiment again with a non maxxis next, e13 are high on the list. Tried magic marys last time but liked minions more. Maxx grip dhfs front and back on now but they're not going to last much longer!

Broken bones in 2001 and 2004, big slice on my calf in 2011, minor sprain in 2016, so average once every 5 years? I'll take it I guess

Might just be worth the day trip to save potential headaches?

I only scratch goggles when wiping mud off, especially muddy bike park laps. Glasses I'm not covering them with mud all that often so they last longer