velocipedestrian profile

> It's absolutely wild how sounds can resonate through the frame of a bike and sound like they are coming from somewhere else.

Made worse by sound travelling faster through metal than air.

Didn't Transition push coil hard for a year before updating the kinematic to actually suit?

Unfortunately yes.

While I'm asking, how much frame progression is there? Enough for a coil, or am I dreaming?

Not sure about prices due to conversion, but Mercator knives are my equivalent.

Is the headset some variant of integrated, or boring (excellent) press in?

I'm starting to think about a new bike, and this ones list of sensible features is enticing. I particularly like the long head tube, threaded BB, and especially the eyelet shock. 

Being able to fit a Works headset could be the deciding factor... (I can always stick on cable guides to remove the internal gripe).

Chad sold me individual bits, and Knipex pliers while I was there.

With the extender handle through the ratchet end of my wrench, the whole thing becomes a T handle. I use it like that a lot for the reasons you mention.

Nice! I first saw those a year or so after buying mine, switching the bits has was my Min-Max.

You're right, the Accu-Guage does a much better job than a finger, stoked with mine.

Also the Wera Hex Plus, I treated myself to a set of bits to go with my micro ratchet set. Always a pleasure to use. 

I'm glad people are putting their money up, I very much want you to succeed.

I'm just at the bottom of the world, low on funds, and leery of things I won't necessarily be able to keep running long term.

Posted by: fartymarty

No issues with smoothe Shimano ergonomics here...

Yeah, I've done this too, but got annoyed with nowhere good to clamp the cable. It was fine until I removed the post for service, then getting it all dialled again pissed me off. 

The more I sand the Wolf Tooth, the more it resembles the XT on the other end of the bar. 

Also, snap on the Wax grips.

Posted by: AndrewMajor

It would be easy enough to buff smooth or pad-over. I like the ReMote but could be happy with or without texture most of the time. I have had failures to drop when my soaked-gloved thumb slipped off a wet lever but it’s never been a big deal.

My all-time favourite DOSS remote has cut-outs instead of texturing. I’d like to see more brands adopt that - and the angle + length. I’m actually surprised no one has copied the ergonomics/layout. 

It's pretty smooth now, that picture is after filing. I'm just doing it in stages since it's easier to remove than add. 

I've never used that remote, but the cutouts look good.

Posted by: Vikb

I saw a 20% off coupon code pass through my inbox for Chromag. If you can get 20% off and given we are talking about a steel DJ frame that's not going to see fast product cycles I'd just grab it now.

How much updating is there to be done on a DJ frame anyway?

If you really want to fit a suspension fork, Dougal at Shockcraft in NZ can build you a custom Manitou from NOS parts.

Does anyone else not like the friction finish on the Wolf Tooth lever? I see DH pros adding grip tape to shifters, but I've never found them slippery.

I realised the other day my dropper lever has worn a hole in my glove, enough reason to get the file out. I'm preferring the new feel, and hope my next glove will last longer. 

Older Kings...

I can't immediately think of any other individual products that ain't what they used to be [shakes fist at cloud], but there are a few standards that have made bikes worse. 

15 over 20mm axles, trunnion, internal cables, press fit, 35mm bars... 

Places where durability has been sacrificed at the altar of weight, and, of course, batteries.

Posted by: fartymarty

Velo - i'm jealous on both counts.  You cant beat a nice day in Welly.

Against all odds, this whole week has been rain overnight and sunny days.

Back on the saddle library noise, I scored a barely used SQ 611, my taint is liking it so far.

Plus bonus hot spring weather tease from the southern hemisphere.

Posted by: niels@nsmb.com

Posted by: xy9ine

xt's appear to be a better pedal (unless you want colors). lighter / cheaper / easier engagement / proven bombproof.

Or 530s (SLX level) which cost less for the same weight / function / bombproofness as XT Trails.

SLX everything is the direct path to Min-Max without having to think about it.

With the bonus of more space for a frame bag.