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They'd be interesting to demo back to back as they appear fairly similar in geo and travel, but the kinematics are quite different. Particularly anti-squat leading me to think they'll have some pretty noticeable differences that may or may not agree with you based on your preferences. I like the larger idler on the highlander that appears to be located in a double sheer bearing configuration vs single. From what I understand, druid has had some issues with the wear on their idler and are currently working on a stainless upgrade to address this. One last thing that stands out is the rearward axle path on the druid is greater than the highlander even though it has less travel. That's where the magic happens. For CTX, i'd rock a druid. It punches way above it's weight and 130mm is more than enough for here. IMHO, anything larger than that needs to be in the 160-170mm range if you're just gonna buy a basher, and plow everything at warp speed. Also, the highlander will probably run you $800-900 more than the druid depending on current exchange rate, shipping and customs fees. I paid almost $120 just to get my last bike frame through customs.

and just like the repository, oswald isn't there.................. sorry, i'll see my way out😁

Two cups of strong coffee and RATM has me wanting to mobilize this morning 😆

NP On that budget you should definitely go used. New bikes in that range are overpriced junk that you spend all your money upgrading. Ask how i know Lol. https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/d/austin-scott-spark-jr-24/7078055272.html Also, I have a small kona fire mountain that you're welcome to borrow and see if a modern bike works for him . I bought it for my youngest and she wasn't interested in riding it, so ive been using it as a pseudo jump bike.

Have two daughters that are 3 years apart and both concurrently raced NICA for a season when they were in 6th and 9th grades. At first my youngest was on a specialized hotrock 24" with a suspension fork and our oldest was riding my wifes full suspension 27.5. We eventually built them both 29er hardtails. My youngest who was probably 4' 9" (ish) at the time went from placing 12-13th at her races to podium the first time on the 29. She was able to handle to tight switchback and off camber stuff way better than I expected, especially considering she was riding clipped in. The wheels were larger than her inseam but it really didnt seem to matter. If it were me, i'd give a small or xs 26" another look. Kids can adapt way better than you and i can. I'd also do everything possible to avoid buying new. My 2c

Also, you don't need a enduro bike to race/ride there. I did all the stages on a 100mm XC bike and a guy podium'd on a hardtail.............without a dropper

Someone should absolutely take you up on this! The event will be super fun and the steep stuff on the big hill is just plain bad ass to ride.

looks like there's not much info on their site but i added them on instagram.

100 f@cking percent

the west is the best😎

I tried to go back to shimano but sram has me spoiled. I cannibalized the chain off the trailbike to repair the commencal and decided to try out the X01 12spd chain. My 11spd X01 has lasted for years so the extra money up front seems worth it.

Looking forward to it man, and also down for some work days. No FB so whats best place to find out when help is needed?

Can now say that eagle 12spd chains shifts smooth as buttah on 11spd sram👍

This is a damn perfect hip jump. Well done to the builders and so freaking amped for this😎

My wife has the carbon version of this one and it has been her favorite bike. She's also shorter at 5'3, so your wife would be fine on a medium. Good price too https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/d/cedar-park-2018-kona-hei-hei-al/7069095575.html https://2018.konaworld.com/hei_hei_al.cfm

No, went to ponca instead. Want to do LL this fall. https://www.buffaloriver.com/blog/2019/nov/26/inside-new-boc-ponca-downhill-mtb-trails/

That's strange, we drove an extra hour and used a shuttle service.

There's some truth to this^ We all take a trip to the cave but in different ways. Mine as of late usually involves ragdolling down a hillside🤣 Wife and I are similar when it comes to hobbies. When something becomes work, and not fun, we usually walk away. Yes I can also say waking up at 5am to shovel your sidewalks and driveway only to come home at 6-7pm to do it all over again, builds resolve.

Used for two rides, so almost new. Decided shimano just isn't for me. $30 obo Thanks

From TX, and I like Austin so I make the best of the trails here. Having said that, once you've lived in the mountain west, flatlandia is a hard pill to swallow. 3 years till my youngest graduates and we're on the move again. I have a buddy like you that loves techy climbing and the trails here. Does the worst of it in the middle of the summer, on a singlespeed. Total paincave freak. Took him down a lift trail In NM and he broke his leg within 5 minutes. Different strokes. On the e-bike tip. When I was in Toronto they had a ton of e-bikes for commuters along the waterfront leading downtown. It was really cool to see and think thats where they are most useful. The fat dude running up behind me on peddlers with a coilsprung e-peen....notsomuch. edit. forgodssakeitspedalingnotpeddling

But do you enjoy pedaling? Like i said, I don't mind grinding a fireroad to get to the top of a good flow/DH run. I am however, not into some of the anti-flow stuff here. After visiting two shuttle/lift DH parks last month, it's hard to go back to switchback/switchback/switchback/ledge/ledge/switchback/ledge climbs again. An E-bike wont overcome that monotony either.

I like gravity because i hate pedaling. Ill do it as a necessary evil because that's the only option here. If/when we live in a state with open travel again, I might buy a moto for expedition riding and camping etc. An ebike will never be an option for me as I can do way more with $10k, than ride around on a battery powered bicycle.

Had some of this at an "irish" pub at mueller yesterday. forgot how good it was.

After watching this video i only have one thought............ I hope she's cheating on him

Party on retail