dan profile

Indeed. 

I know you’re not over-simplifying this immense problem… and also know precious few people - cyclists and otherwise - have the means and the capacity to design their lives with sustainability at the forefront of their thoughts and actions. It’s just not how our cities and towns have taken shape since Model Ts started rolling off assembly lines.

For me, I made a series of conscious decisions five years ago to leave the big city (Seattle) and move to a smaller town (Bellingham). While a primary driver was the employment opportunity offered to me, at the micro level when it came to choosing a neighborhood where I could 1) afford to live 2) avoid an unreasonable or unpleasant commute and 3) have ready access to trails… I feel I was EXTREMELY lucky to be able to satisfy each of these goals. I *can’t* reasonably pedal to work (unfortunately) but these days I often work from home anyhow. I *can* basically coast to the trails and when i do drive, I am behind the wheel of a thirty year old Bubble Era Toyota van. 

I can’t deny I have had ebike fever for a few months now but sh*t, reading this report gives me pause. After getting past the high entry cost, can I justify the decision given what I now know about the environmental impact? Will I really reduce car trips if I purchase a mountain-specific ebike? (FWIW I have had my eye on the *alloy* Rail for a while. I don’t really see the benefit of a carbon frame for a bike with a motor.)

I understand the Rail is getting updated for ‘22 and seeing that graph I have to wonder if this report has even anything to do with that.

I can’t see the value either. I can’t sort out why RS didn’t just come up with LS compression on more of its suspension offerings to achieve essentially the same outcome with a far less complex outcome. Oh wait, because dollars. All I see is a huge spendy crutch. 

Also… re ebikes… I actually think this system would make the ebike experience *worse* because stiffening the suspension would adversely impact traction especially when climbing. I’ve put in about a dozen rides on two (drastically) different eMTBs and found they worked ‘best’ when climbing while seated and keeping a high-ish cadence. So yeah while the hypothetical American endodontist would probably check the ‘Flight Attendant” option box on his S-Works Levo SL build, he might soon come to regret the expense. Or not. Who knows.

Wow crickets on this post. LOL

On a related note, my buddy Greg is a bit of a fork hoarder, and has done several tear-down vids of many of the classics. Here’s a look at a Noleen prototype.

Agreed 100%. I’ve been kicking this around in my head all week, trying to see it from a different (non-cynical) perspective. But so far I just can’t. You’ve covered the essentials of the argument in my head, and the only thing I’ll add is that I just don’t see how it’d make my ride experience any better. Case in point was this afternoon’s ride: it was on my local lap. Fairly steep bits in the approach, 1300’ climb. HR is 160ish the whole climb. Takes me 55-60 min any day of the year. No dabs, no faffing around, seldom stop for pics or food, i just go. I just can’t sort out where this system would do me an ounce of good. I’m an experienced rider on a current-year enduro bike, I ride high quality suspension (AND I know how to set it up), and I ride often. Because FA only changes things on the climbs and flats, I fail to see how it’d make my riding experience any better. It isn’t going to get me up the mountain any faster (right?) and because it is ‘open’ on descents, it’s no different than my existing Lyrik and Super Deluxe.  Can someone help me understand the value?

Good recommendation. Seems the 11sp 11–46 is a chest hair or two lighter than the XT option, and it’s available in always-fashionable black and at the same price. I’ll seriously consider that this week - I’m placing an order for some goodies on Friday.

"Pinking and Shrinking" LOL. Also, nice to see Kev "giddy up" and scoop that poop. Hilarious.

Gotta say this is my take on SRAM cassettes. While a machining accomplishment, the higher end ones are just too damn spendy for what they are. I’ve never been on board with XD drivers. So I keep clinging to my HG drivers and reliable, AFFORDABLE 11sp drivetrain options from Japan. Min-max FTW!

Agreed. I cheaped out and got the SLX shifter with the SLX mech for my 11sp system and the slop in the triggers is obnoxious (while *entirely* a first world problem). Won’t do that again.

If you're ever on the Washington side of the border, Greg Mackenzie is the man. I think he's wrapping up a brick and mortar but you can reach him on Instagram @ButterSuspension. (His new shop space is TBD.)