Taz123 profile

I've got 2 years on a set of 30mm Turbines...and I'm not a twig, nor do I pick the best lines. 

The rims are solid and very durable. I run ARDs and have had no issues with the rim aside from the odd dent that can be worked back into shape. 

The wheels track really well (when the spokes are tight). As for the hub, the engagement is great and I have to admit they are very easy to maintain. I rode them for over a year without the weather seal, because I damaged it (not recommended). I just replaced the pawls and freehub body after they were skipping due to wearing away from grime (remember no weather seal) and it was an easy process.

Good note about side-load risk on a shock. 

I don't think that is an aspect that many folks think about when selecting a bike and/or shock. An editorial about the forces a shock sees may be of interest. Which suspension design places extra stresses (not uppy-downy ones) on the shock assembly vs. others? Why is coil better than air for side-loading? Do we assume the shock spec'd with the bike is the best design for longevity and not just riding performance? What are some signs to watch out for? I'm sure there are other questions that newbs all the way to expert riders would appreciate.

Running dual Nukeproof ARDs on Assegai/DHRII (EXO+) no issues for my 220# Clydesdaleness on the shore. I did shorten them a bit as they do swell a bit.

The only flat I've had was due to a snapped spoke pushing through the rim-tape...not an insert-related failure.

I discovered this hack a few years ago - adult elbow pads can also be cheaper than kids knee pads.

I agree with a previous comment though, soft-pads (a la D3O) are better than hard shells. Depending on the design and strap locations, I have found having my grom wear tall socks help manage hot-spots. 

The other key aspect is for parents to be the example - wear your knee pads and show how they don't bother you - your little-un will want to follow suit...cause you are still cool in their eyes.

it looks "slabulous"

Where on the shore is that giant slab?

Waiting for the DVO solution :) the bolt-on one included in the fork is just too short.

I was going to say the opposite Pete. With less folks on the road, I've been seeing more and more reckless driving (speeding, crossing lanes without signaling, charging orange/red lights). Rumor has it that the RCMP have reduced their staffing in half to allow for sickness...so patrols are potentially down.

I agree that we need to be responsible in the MTB world, and for those riding on the road, I'd be extra vigilant (and visible) because there are some crazies out there.

I like this format of review, short, sweet and clear. "Here is all the stuff I'm trying out at the moment".

I've got a few bars at 755 or so that I could easily part with (31.8 diameter). PM me if interested.

FYI - I had found a 500ml bottle at John Henry about a month ago for around $40.

I ran a 1x10 with a NW chainring and no clutch for a couple of years. Only a few dropped chains and that was from rowdy riding. I ended up adding a chainguide and only swapped out the derailleur when it met its doom at the hands of a shark-fin rock.

I'd recommend swapping the chainring, leave the front derailleur on (index it to not require the shifter) and see how it goes.

but were you caught red-handed?

I moved from SLX 2-pot to Zee 4-pots, amazing improvement in brake control - not sure I'll ever go back to 2-piston brakes.

I'm in the 220 range and had been using manufacturer recommendations...until I found Suspension Therapy in North Van. Arthur is the suspension whisperer and spent a handful of hours with me tuning it all and the bike road completely differently. I had been thinking that I would need a custom shim-stack before spending time with him - I've had him tune two bikes it was the best couple of hundred dollars I've spent on a bike.

I'm not sure he's doing in-person at the moment w Covid restrictions, but it may be worth reaching out as he could likely help over do a zoom.

DHF is good up front, DHRII is good up front or in the back, Assegai is good up front...it gets draggy in the rear. Aggressor is good out back in the summer (dry) only - I'm not a fan of it in the mud.

With wet conditions at the moment, I'm running an Assegai/DHRII (Maxxterra) and haven't looked back. The Maxgrip could be better up front, but it wasn't available at the time in the sidewall I wanted, so instead I have backed off on front tire pressures for really wet days.

Meta HT is a great bike for the Shore. I would be tempted to bring it over here and likely get a better resale should you choose to upgrade.

My new one works fine....so far

I agree - great name for a band

Great comments everyone - I ended up ordering a NS Billet boost ring, but will change my BB spacing more inward. Should arrive today, so I hope to get some riding in in the coming days to see how it all feels.

On the shore, we tend to use the smaller half of our cassette's much less than the big-three/four...so it makes me wonder if we should be playing with BB spacers or choosing non-boost chainrings to move the chainline more inboard. I noticed my chainring is pretty worn out on the outside, which leads me to believe that the angle from the big-ring to the chainring is too great.

Has anyone done some experimenting?