gdharries profile

Our 10-year old has inherited what used to be my wife's, then our older son's 2012 Devinci Dexter XP (example) in size small. He likes how squishy it is and how he can run directly into curbs and it bounces up and over.

Right now the Dexter has a 2x9 drivetrain that I'm thinking I'll replace with a lightly used NX 11-speed derailleur, Gripshift shifter and a 30T RaceFace narrow-wide ring combo that I have kicking around.

Do you have any suggestions for the cassette size?

There's been a few times where for me it's hilariously the opposite: the lock-on bolts get stripped and those grips ain't ever comin' off. Or worse, the bolts are stripped and the grips turn, but they can't be tightened.

Thankfully my bolt-tightening skills have (mostly) improved over the years. I think.

Thanks for sharing your story, Alex.

As a middle-aged white male I need to do my part to ensure people who don't look like me are not only accepted, but welcomed in cycling. This continues to be a challenge if you're not shown the way (speaking of role models).

That said, I am in awe of the positive changes that have been happening in our sport as of late, as Alex highlights. But, we can do so much more!

Also, It feels shallow but as a fellow big guy I'd sure like to see a bike check.

Dave - What certain things related to bike sizing are you re-thinking?

Burton has always had pretty phenomenal customer service, at least in my experience (and yours, too apparently!).

Agreed. I've broken handlebars, seatposts, a fork brace and frames (one sheared at the headtube, another the seat tube and another the seat stay) all because I'm bigger, not because of badly landed stunts. Simply fatigue from getting pounded on trails by someone over 200 lbs.

I've broken a couple of Kona frames, and warranty has always been very smooth and easy through our local shop. This is a big reason why I tend to buy Kona bikes.

David - How do you find running the XT 12-speed drivetrain (presuming a Shimano chain) with the Blackspire Snaggletooth chainring? Any issues or weird noises?

That's good to know. What ring did you buy; a Shimano product or something else?

If you're running 12-speed XT, do you need a specific Shimano 12-speed ring like this or will a standard Narrow Wide (in my case, a Blackspire Snaggletooth) work fine?

I wish more manufacturers would make a XXL like this, and not just in high-end carbon frames but aluminum. The 820mm seat reference height is what I ride at. No wonder so many XLs don't seem to fit that well, and make me look like a circus bear.

Posted by: thaaad

You should reach out to Kona anyways IMO. 

Tell them the truth about it being second hand, tell them that you love it and want to stay on a Kona, ask about crash replacement / loyalty programs.  They very well might help you out on a new frame price.

I agree. I’ve found Kona customer service to be very good, hence why I’ve long stuck with the brand.

I agree with @DanLees1978.

On my old Torrent I had a SR Suntour Zeron 35 (an even lower end model) and it was stiff and solid, although the suspension action itself was rudimentary. I've also had a Revelation and that thing was flexy!

Posted by: RAHrider

I haven't ridden an aluminum hardtail in 20 years. How do they ride these days. It looks burly and stiff but do the big tires take the edge off?

I had an aluminum Norco Torrent in 2018 and a steel Kona Explosif in 2019. There was a significant difference between the two bikes; I preferred the steel.

The Torrent felt somewhat lifeless and empty, whereas the Explosif had more spring to its step.

The Torrent's larger 27.5" x 2.8" tires did in fact take the edge off, but at the expense of more drag. I switched the rear Minion to a faster-rolling but still fat tire and that got rid of some of the clumsy feeling but it never approached the energy of the Explosif.

For 2021, I'll continue to enjoy making bad decisions and plowing into stuff on my 2018 Kona Process 153 CR 27.5 in size XL. I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs.

@Vikb That sparkly green! Man, the old Krampus has some serious style.

A 2015 Specialized Fatboy fat bike that my wife bought me for Christmas five years ago. It was $2,000 at the time.

I mostly use the Fatboy for winter commuting, but it's also taken me on many snowy adventures both solo and with friends.

At this point the geometry is out-of-date, but I don't care. This, my first fat bike has always been fun, reliable and versatile.

Posted by: Ddean

If I didnt end up with my 29+ forward geo Naked, I was getting an Arcturian. Big rubber on big wheels on a steel hardtail with modern geo, so much to love.

That combo has surprised me a lot over the 4 months Ive had it. On the undulating, back and forth, techy jank that I love to ride - its awesome. Massive grip with 14 psi and cushcore. Great feedback through the pedals. My Naked has made me a better rider - Im working the bike A LOT more. On the bars much more. Banking the bike more. The hardtail has made my stance much more active and dynamic. After riding it 90% of the time this summer I find myself with a mechanical keeping the hardtail in the garage for a bit, so the Slayer is back out in full force. MY GOD.

Once I got settled riding the hardtail it would consistently surprise me with its abilities. I was shocked at how well it shredded janky stuff.

Turns out it wasnt the bike as much as I thought it was; it was how the hardtail forced me to ride.

It sure is nice to have two awesome and different bikes. Moreso than how cool and awesome it is in itself, one of the things I like most about my Naked is that it has forced me to become a better rider. Its about more than choosing better lines - for me it has forced me to have a more dynamic stance and be more active on the bars.

You perfectly describe how to feels to ride a good hardtail. This also makes me miss mine terribly.

I moved to a big dumb enduro bike this summer (Kona Process 153) and while it's totally amazing, I sure do see the difference in how I ride now vs. how I rode before on my steel steed.

Posted by: RAHrider

Posted by: thaaad

NEAT

Is this what your other bikes have turned into? Looks sweet. Can't wait to see it built up....

Coil going on there?

Ooh, that colour combination reminds of the 2016 Norco Torrent.

Did you buy this frame through a dealer or direct from Norco?

@RAHrider Beautiful bike. Love the muted colour!

Have you ridden a Rootdown? I'm just wondering how it compares to the Primer.

After selling my Kona Explosif earlier this month, I bought a 2018 Kona Process 153 CR 27.5 on clearout. The bike is a size XL. A little short in the seat tube (in the photo my dropper post is not fully extended) but overall a really good fit.

I haven't owned a full suspension bike in over three years, so it's been a LOT of fun returning to something with some major squish. I have more confidence, feel safer and am less sore and rattled. Going to the bike park is now actually enjoyable.

Parts are stock except for the TRP G-Spec DH brakes that I swapped from the Explosif, my old Chromag Squarewave XL grips, Specialized Power Arc saddle and a new Race Face SixC 35 handlebar in 35mm rise. Oh, and One Up pedals.