kperras profile

I have a large ziploc freezer bag completely full of broken 12spd XTR and XT derailleurs from the last 24 months of riding. I also have a smaller bag of broken or worn XO1 and GX derailleurs. I'm on my 3rd AXS derailleur as well.

Some of the failures are bad luck: a  grapefruit sized rock jumping up, or a errant stick flicked by the front tire. Many of the failures are design or materials issues. The XTR carbon cages come to mind, and there are many more issues well documented online with both brands. 

None of these failures were poor line choices. 

The 24 month period preceeding the one above? Not a single derailleur failure.

Shout out to my first AXS derailleur. It went to hell and back, and at the end of its life it was unrecognizable yet still shifted with absolute precision. I'm guessing it outlasted what would have otherwise been 4 mechanical derailleurs.

Nice First Look article Pete. 

To address a few spec comments, the Carbon 90 model does indeed come with Race Face ARC31 carbon rims. I just checked the website and it is displaying this correctly. 

The 350 hub on this model also gets the upgraded 36T ratchet over the possible 18T, and less durable 54T. It might not be the fanciest rear hub, but it will still work 10 years down the road. A cursory glance at similar models from Specialized and Santa Cruz also show 350 hubs or 350 guts.

Something that might have gone unnoticed by many is the Instinct Carbon 70 Coil. The sizes with the 210x52.5 DBiL shock can have the stroke increased at home by removing the travel spacer, resulting in 146mm travel. The Helm coil on all sizes can also have its travel increased to 160mm without purchasing any extra parts. That adds quite a bit of versatility to the bike, on top of all the other frame features that took a bit of work to implement. I know of quite a few riders right now running this 146/160 combo as way to bridge the gap between the Instinct and Altitude.

It's fairly simple for both scenarios. 

For PB, they will do what ever is in alignment with their own interests. If this prototype was a Specialized, it would have been taken down quickly, or never put up at all; the repercussions to PBs ad revenue is more important than the views. I'm not sure what Devinci's response was but based on the test rider's subsequent reaction over the following days it's not positive. However Devinci might not be have a big enough stick to waive at PB. 

For the leeker (inside joke), he knows it's wrong but doesn't care. Here's the litmus test: that photo would never have been taken if the test rider was present. Says it all right there.

The general reaction in the comments was pretty indicative that most people are unable, or unwilling, to put themselves in someone's else's shoes to fully understand the ramifications of their actions. 

The best part is the most parroted defense is that the bike should have been better hidden. We've all heard that argument before and know it's wrong.

Edit: I should note that my stance on the reasons for the front page article is opinion only. I could very well be wrong since the only facts I do have is that the test rider is upset about the leak and wishes it never happened.

Given the time of year it is possible the derailleur, cable, and housing, or some combination are frozen. When the shifter ratchets downs, if the cable doesn't move with it then, that could be a problem. Something I've experienced before but only during winters.

Great review and fair comments on Graham's part. As the PM in charge of this model I do feel the need to address a few comments that some readers have made. 

Manufacturers don't skimp out on any part. It's a careful balance of quality of parts, aftermarket service, and pricing that determines the final spec. Using nicer, branded parts comes at a cost and different customers focus on different components as being vital to their own personal requirements. Sometimes the balancing of spec negatively affects the item that you place the most value on. Maxxis EXO+ vs DD tires are a good example of the endless debate on components. 

Additionally there are many distribution models out there that add to the intricacies of the final price. Today's new Canyon Spectral is a good example of a value-packed bike, but that comes at a cost of lack of aftermarket support in some regions where the bike is sold. This is very much over-simplifying the situation but, in the end, the consumer can decide what they value most and buy accordingly. No hard feelings here. 

If you're set on a Rocky Mountain Altitude and take objection at the spec on the Carbon 70 model due to a few items that you wish were better, you can always spend an extra $400 and spring for the Altitude Carbon 70 Coil. The upgrades over the standard Carbon 70 are Factory suspension F+R, Ice Tec rotors F+R, AND a 350 hub on the rear. Yes it still has AR rims but despite the fact that these are Race Face's lowest-tiered rim option, these are a much nicer rim than some of the options that exist in the reasonably weighted, 30mm wide category. Contrary to someone's comment below, the spokes and nipples are not junk; they are the very reliable DT Swiss Competition 2.0-1.8 butted spokes with loctited DT Swiss brass nipples. These are solid enough to be re-used / re-laced to a Race Face ARC HD rim once you dent the AR rim past it's useful life.

Fan not so much; I personally prefer 135mm width saddles with a chamois. The Silverado has been my go-to for years. However, without the aforementioned diaper, a slightly more padded, wider (142mm) saddle is my preference. I should note that I rode the Deva for several years, chamois-less, before going back to 7Mesh's excellent riding bibs with a more sporty saddle. 

Bonus mention for SQLabs excellent 611 saddle in the 14cm width.

The Deva is a 142mm wide saddle. The Silverado, Volt, Rocket, SL8, etc are also available in the same widths, and even 150mm widths as well. This should add a few more options with regards to shape and padding. The 142mm Rocket is probably a step up in comfort over the Deva, but less so than the Koda. I go back and forth on the usefulness of the Kevlar corners. One one hand they are quite durable. On the other hand, their abrasiveness coupled with gritty dirt that we have on the shore tends to rub seams on riding shorts/pants to the point of blowing them out. 

If you can spring for the microfiber cover material, do it! You can oil the material periodically to keep it fresh and it develops a nice "Brooks-esque" patina.

For a equal fork length, installing an angleset that slackens from the top like the works components one you installed, the reach will still likely increase by a significant amount. 1 degree, front center dependent, can increase reach by 10mm. You probably lost 5mm by making that HTA adjustment at the top with a bearing that moves up and back.

My Eagle XX1 cassette is approaching 2 years of use with 3 chains. The finish on those two components are far more durable that what sold in the past. My GX Eagle cassette is on it's 2nd chain after a year and it's not looking like it will need a replacement once a 3rd chain gets thrown on. I have multiple drivetrains, but I also ride almost every day.

Hey Mandrew, FYI that fork will go to full bottom, with the o-ring right up against the crown, once the bottom out bumper fully compresses. Might want to add another token with the same PSI as an aid to prevent that.

1 key with a fob on a keyring. Hyundai branded. Found it on Severed D before getting to the Dear John entrance. PM me if you know who it belongs to.

The Fox Frame looks really good and seems to have the latest of every technology. If it fits right, that would be my first choice. Plus it comes in the best colour that never goes out of style or looks like shit after one muddy ride.

Not a chance.

Sweet. Just re-uploaded my profile pic.

No more rep :(

Years of hard work gone ;)

Easiest is park at Old Buck Parking lot, or Parkgate Mall. Ride up Old Buck and turn left at the Powerlines. Climb till you get to Pingu. Ride Pingu then any of these trails: Pangor, Boogieman, Dear John/John Deer, Severed D, then return via Bridle Path to wherever you parked.

Climbing trail only good till the last few switchbacks. Lower Oil Can is good except there's a tree down about 3/4 of the way down. Tiny one, only requires a hand saw.

I thought I'd share with you fellow board readers.

You can match Shimano SLX lever (or XT/XTR/Saint) and MT5/MT7 caliper. Such combination is even better than original Magura set :)

After one of winter crashes I completely broke my MT5 brake lever into pieces. Looks like the plastic it's made of is utter crap and will break easily. There are several reports here in Europe about MT5/MT7 prone to breaking. The same happened to fellow biker I know with his MT7.

You just need proper Shimano lever (newest ones) like M7000, M8000 M9000 etc.

My current set is SLX M7000 lever + MT5 caliper (with original Magura hose) bled with Shimano mineral oil.

There are several pros of this combination
- Shimano parts are lots cheaper than Magura stuff and they are available everywhere
- Shimano levers are tough made, not from platstic-fantastic like Magura
- brakes work better: Shimano levers are less spongy than original Magura and you get lots of extra power just from changing lever
- you can choose SLX, XT, XTR or Saint levers an pair them with either MT7 or MT5

What about the modulation? I find the gradual increase in power to be a substantial benefit to the Magura brakes.

It's a move to improve margins not lower retail prices.

Incorrect. It's a move to maintain competitive pricing. As soon as one manufacturer re-engineers the pricing structure others must follow or close their doors because they aren't selling bikes for two reasons:

1)They are priced appropriately when produced domestically but everyone complains about the high prices because company XYZ is cheaper for the same spec or

2)They are priced appropriately when compared to the competition but now the margins are so low or non-existent that the company is longer able to keep its doors open.

The norm now is to have goods produced overseas; don't kid yourself. Everyone is on a level playing field so to speak.

I think weight is pretty important for kids. If you have a fixed price in mind, I'd consider getting the lightest (but also highest quality) bike possible, which might not include duallies. If you want to add comfort and confidence to your kids bike, getting some high volume, good quality tires are a good place to do it.

I typically prefer Maxxis tires, but the selection of 24" tires are limited to DH options which don't apply here. Schwalbe has 24" options in a few casing options. Much better than getting low end, plastic feeling, XC tread patterned tires.