hbelly13 profile

The bike looks good. A question I've yet to see answered since GG dropped these Revved carbon bikes is their warranty rate. GG claims that these bikes have 300% higher impact resistance than tradition carbon bikes. The handful of people I know that have owned CC's have only mentioned bearing wearing out as a maintenance issue, but I'd love to know if any of these things have broken and if so how many and where. Secondly, if the warranty rate is in fact low it would seem like another small US frame manufacturer would consider licensing the process. This is a valid opportunity, but as one builder told me it is just cost prohibitive at the moment for them.

Both this and the steel version are dope-looking bikes. I would not buy either though as I just do not feel like the benefits to move to 157 spacing is worth the extra hassle. I've owned a bike with 157 spacing and it was great. However there are tons of other bikes that are just as good without it and 148 is much more readily available.

Killer review and exactly what I was hoping to read. I am this close (tiny fingers emoji) to buying a frame. I have a full kit ready to go, but the bike I have wanted seems to be back ordered into eternity. Additionally my friend went from an Enduro to this and says for everyday fun this EVO is superior. Meanwhile I can get this nearly instantly at half the cost of the frame I was going to order. My fork is a Zeb 170 which figured with all the geo adjustments and that I'll run the bike as a mullet shouldn't be problem. The couple things I'm going to do have it be my bike is get it custom powder coated and put a coil shock on it. I think running said shock with a MRP progressive spring should add plenty of progression that could be lost.

There seem to be many glowing reviews/comments for SC's latest batch of bikes (well PB wasn't blown away with the new MT, but whatever). I am hoping the good stuff on these bikes carries over to the N6 as that is what I have on order. There are no long term or more involved reviewed of it just yet though.

Great review and may help others to think twice before dismissing alloy hardtails as being too harsh. The original '12 Honzo was a game changer for me as it was first 29er I ever rode after years of hating them that I liked. I had a '15 Honzo that ran as a local trail basher and built up a million different ways. On the alloy hardtail note, I have to say the sleeper is the Banshee Paradox V3. I picked up one of those frames this summer on a whim from the rave reviews it has garnered. I first built it up with parts bin stuff, but ended up liking it so much I put a nice kit on it. The hype is real and their designed flex points do as reported making it an insanely comfortable ride, smoother in fact than the Honzo it replaced. Lastly as Mike mentioned hardtails can make you write checks your body cannot cash. I have a Zeb 150 on my Banshee and it basically will do just about anything I could do on my big bike, but the tail will slap you if you get sloppy through fast chunk. So much fun though.

"The biggest change has been my mentality. I used to REALLY care about making every steep punch or technical move on my single-speed that my friends could make on their multi-speed bikes and now I don’t. So short of changing priorities I’m not sure what would motivate me to clip-in on the trail."

This. The only tinniest of motivation for me to return to flats would be to pull through technical punchy climbs that I have more trouble riding flats on. However that has opened a whole new window of challenges that I have to work on. These for a descending fan primarily have been oddly satisfying when I nail them. I speak of clearing 1.5-2'+(0.6m) root/rocks across an already steep incline midway through a technical climb. All of this has been aboard my hardtail as I wait to build up a new full suspension bike. That I could nail and be completely comfortable down janky descents on flats with that bike has also been enlightening.

One thing you did not address or have photos of was this helmet being used with goggles or glasses. I imagine one would get a pass from the DH/Enduro bros for wearing spectacles with a full face lid since this is not technically a DH helmet. Still can you comment on how the Invader (what a name!) did with whatever eye protection, performance, fogging up and storage when not being used?

I am huge fan of the Wickflows and have turned many onto them. They it make so I can ride in the swampy, soup-thick humidity down here in Georgia without my eyes and glasses getting drenched in minutes. A couple of tips: Do Not put them through the wash as they will be destroyed. I simply wring them out, spray them with an essential oil mist (pick a scent you like/add about 20 drops to spray bottle filled with water and shake before lightly spraying) and let them air dry. This BTW works incredibly well for armor and things that are a PITA to put through the wash. Second, wear the Wickflow band low on your forehead so the bottom is just above your brows. The front pad of your helmet should sit firmly against the band as it is not that effective if your helmet is loose. Lastly, when it's really hot and you are sweating like a pig tip your head up, push on the front of your helmet and the sweat will be directed to the sides past the silicone bead. Repeat as necessary.

Tasco Scout shorts are my go to. I first scored a pair because they had some in muted dark purple which was dope. They ended up being so killer I bought three more pairs of them. I generally hate the color yellow, but their mustard color pair were fun too and I have a couple of black pairs. I haven't tried the Repreve models nor the Fantom shorts as the originals worked so well. As usual, companies tend to come out with something great and then change it often with less than great results. In the meantime I will wear the Scouts into the ground.

I shared this article with my riding pal who remodels homes. He's said what many including myself might be thinking. You could build one of these with some 2x6's, 2x4's and some tie down straps for probably less than a quarter of the price. What benefits do you see outside of the folding convenience and the added work stand (which costs even more) of this over a DIY?

There are numerous stories/interviews out regarding Evil's past and how those days are behind them. My friend is a local dealer and they've been great to work with the past three years. We've seen exactly two bikes require warranty service (both of which were due to improper rider set up; improper torque, etc.). Evil took care of these promptly. 

As far as the bikes go, nothing rides like them. Go read the reviews. I've ridden all of them and my daily driver is the Wreckoning. The Insurgent is a fantastic bike and if you already have the parts and wheelset that will go on it (142 rear axle/27.5 wheels) then picking up the current frame at it's reduced price is a no brainer. Otherwise, pick one of the newer models that turns you one. If you want further specifics ask away.

• Banshee Rune V2 -An absolute all around rager. Could be lighter, but who gives AF when it rips like it does both up and down.
• Santa Cruz Butcher -Super fun bike that was dumb simple and just a blast. Too bad SC didn't bring this one into the new school geometry/27.5 wheel world.
• Evil Insurgent -The ONLY bike I've pedalled around (and I've demoed everything) that gives the aforementioned Banshee a run for it's money. Could be my next whip.
• Kona Honzo -The first 29'er I rode that didn't suck. The only other 29'ers since then that I've liked were the Ibis Ripley LS and Evil Wreckoning.
• Surly Instigator 1.0 -I had mine for 13 years(!!!). I rode it built up every way to Sunday and was bummed when it finally cracked last year. Ridiculously killer steel beast.

:devil:

I am sure there are other decent options, but the Ironcase is the most bombproof case I have ever seen or used. It has been around longer than anything else for a good reason. I have had mine for over 16 years and have never had ANY issues with a bike that I traveled with it. I would look for a used one as they are not cheap.

…Triple 8 wrist gaurds. I have used these for more than fifteen years. I go through about three sets a year +/-. I put my gloves on and then these over top of them. As my hands are my job, I wear them all the time off road. Sure, I know how to fall, but these have saved me countless times. They are inexpensive, easy to get used to, make you look like a Terminator, provide tons of support/protection and will always be cheaper than surgery. Believe me, I tried every guard/brace out there including custom orthotic numbers. These are WAY more durable, protective and economic. I do not ride without them. I have taken plenty of nasty falls, but zero wrist injuries. :devil:

I do not own a Darkside, but I have been aboard a Rune V2 for more than a year and half. The Darkside on paper appears to be a Rune on steroids. I would surmise that like the Rune the Darkside is going to be amazing pedaling bike, making it very fun and playful on messy trails or in a park. I agree with Porkchop in so much that if you are looking for a more DH mow-over-everything kind of rig that it's not likely going to suit you. "Freeduro" or "Superenduro" …that sounds about right. :evil:

Oh, hey alright, let's do this again! Note that I did not say "one more time" as that utterance always precedes a crash. Here you go…

1. What eyewear do you currently use when you ride (goggles, glasses) and for what kind of riding? I current employ a couple of pairs of Oakley glasses for both my mountain and cyclocross riding (mis)adventures. They both have pink lens with black frames. This provides me with nice contrast in the deep forests of my southern surroundings and a reminder of my New Wave/Punk roots.

2. Have you had any experience with Ryders eyewear? I have a ten plus year old pair of Ryders lurking in the bottom of my gear bag. They were inexpensive and worked fine when I bought them in a pinch upon forgetting my usual go to's. They make a nice spare for my occasional forgetful cohorts.

3. Are fogged up glasses a problem for you when riding? Is this a joke? I generally refer to myself as a schwettefatf*ck as I sweat like the proverbial pig. They don't call it "Hotlanta" for nothing. Most of the time, my glasses stay perched on my helmet save on exceptionally (rare) sunny rides or if it's a particularly nasty descent. Otherwise, it is very tricky to see through them. I could rant on about how one of the main reasons I like my Bell Super is how well it holds my glasses beneath the visor, but I will save that for another contest.

4. Where do you live and ride? I live in Alpharetta, Georgia a small city just north of Atlanta. I have a number of local trails I frequent including one I can pedal too. In addition, about once a month I hit trails up in N GA/W NC/E TN including my favorites up in Pisgah.

5. Most importantly: Provide an example of a 'gear shots' style review: **I considered providing a link to some of the dental articles I've penned, but I figured you can find more engaging sources for your boredom. Nevertheless, here is a schpeil I wrote about the Nomad 3 and an older piece NPR published of mine.

Party. Now to check my messages**…

Is bold the new all caps?

Good info. I've got to say, I'm kind of curious about these things. Do they help with clearance over obstacles too (when your pedals are at approx 3 and 9?

**I just happen to like the way bold looks.:|

Clearance? Maybe, but I am old school and still run a bash guard.** :devil:

**I run a Black by Absolute Black 32t driving my 10 speed cassette with a OneUp 42t hack. It works great as my legs are much less tired/sore after big climbs and it is easier to remain on the gas throughout any ride. I had a 30t round ring prior and I more comfortable climbing with the Black and it's higher tooth count.

I began mountain biking 28 years ago when the original Biopace came out. The modern ovals are completely different. I do not notice any pulsing effect or really anything weird while pedaling it. In fact everyone who has hopped on my bike had to look at it to notice that it was oval as you feel nothing out of the ordinary. Several of my friends picked them up too and love them. I ride clipped in, but my friend who rides flats said that it helps him stay glued to the pedals even more than ever on climbs. **:devil:

Is this happening? Are there any updates? Thanks.

I am pretty sure that the editors and/or DT Swiss found the responses so remedial and sub-Pulitzer, they decided this was not such a great idea. Perhaps this exercise was not unlike being a shopper at the Sunglasses Hut and thinking you are qualified to perform opthalmic surgery. Fun, however the results will be less than optimal. :devil:

OMG!!! Thank you all for this great honor!!! :devil: