circuitbreaker

living the dream. Thanks for the updates!

i think you've answered most of you own questions. Reading some quick reviews, it sounds like the brakes will feel the same as XT. Just don't use the included resin pads. Maybe XT weighs less? so if you are inclined to same money go Deore.

My OCD would not allow me to have mismatched calipers. 

Thumper was riding great today. Thanks to whomever cleared all the trees! best its ever been... till the next storm.

Not really a fan of the Harley thing. However, the new Orbea Ride looks interesting. Its a bit of a tweener, and probably the first emtb i would actually consider purchasing, if i were in the market. 

First Ride: Orbea's Rise is a New Breed of eMTB

this is a bit crazy. i just think all the piles of parts looks neat. any enterprising souls out there?

https://austin.craigslist.org/bid/d/richmond-must-sell-large-lot-of-ebikes/7221919145.html

you should keep it up. The straight steerer tube is a common issue for people looking to upgrade their fork, and something I wrestled with as long as 7 years ago.

Not sure i've ever owned a 25.4 diameter bar. Maybe on a kids bike.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/ns-bikes-lick-riser-bars/rp-prod139640

https://www.jensonusa.com/Answer-Alumilite-Riser-Bar

worldwide actually has 7 options that should work for you:

https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/collections/forks?page=1&rb_filter_metafield_3883f81773510aafb5af3051e677a186=Straight&rb_filter_metafield_e3340eefd1dde7c50e120732da26f0da=29"|29er&rb_filter_metafield_3c22d54491b063656b441887440c30fc=100

edit, so only the Judy Gold is actually in stock. if you are looking to spend a little less. here is an option on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RockShox-Recon-RL-Fork-29-100mm-SA-9QR-1-1-8-Disc-Remote-/284043901260?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0

backflip out of manual? that seems like the sketchiest feeling i can imagine.

can't help you with Cedar Park, 

but if you live in Austin please vote for Prop B. and here are the Bike Austin Council Endorsements:

https://www.bikeaustin.org/endorsements

i wouldn't think twice about buying a canyon, commencal, or yt. they seem to make great bikes.

i also don't like to buy a bike without riding it first, so that can make things difficult with these brands.

As far as immediate upgrades go, don't worry about it, unless its bothering you. Ride it till it brakes, then upgrade.

i didn't wear knee pads for 15 years, till i did my first enduro. Now, like a helmet, i feel a bit naked if i'm not wearing them on a trail ride. These a pretty comfy:

https://www.pocsports.com/us/products/joint-vpd-air-knee/20440.html

Also, i've never tried pads with plasticky bits in them. And i've never felt like i needed them. the VPD air feel like they give me the protection i need. And because they're comfortable, i wear them more often.

from the forum, i think @DBehrens has one.

not sure about the white tires, but everything else about that bike is glorious.

Hilarious and awesome. Nice work. I especially like your oh sh#t face @1:36.

that's cool, never tried a whole bike. i might go crazy trying to get all the bubbles out.

my 5010 has tape on the downtube which mostly works, but i think still some chips get through. My carbon rims seem to take the worst beating. they are covered in scratches. followed by the BB area.

very nice, Seth. Thanks for sharing!

6 hours ago, horncpa said:

Anyone familiar with Flat Creek Ranch?  I'm scheduled to ride out there Sunday.  Does it dry out quick?

 

this flat creek crossing ranch?

https://flatcreekcrossingranch.com/

Due to COVID-19 The Ranch is Closed Indefinitely

I don't think wet trails will be an issue.

That's so awesome. we really enjoyed playing in the river in Pagosa Springs. Most of the rivers up there are too cold for fun.

winter months in Arizona could work, but anything at elevation will get alot of snow. You could try to go for the coast. I think Portland/Seattle have pretty mild winters.

where are yall headed so far? 

where are the rest of your bikes? only carrying two?

also, please monitor your tire conditions and pressures. there's clearly alot of load on the rear. 

14 hours ago, jcarneytx said:

 

just saw this on jalopnik.

i believe that would be referring to some of the unmentionables in the area, but not related to the Mt. Lakeway trails.

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/mount-lakeway/

they are cutting through some new neighborhoods, which have made riding this area a bit of a chore. haven't been out there in about a year.

4 hours ago, AustinBike said:

I have thought about getting my wife an urban bike so that we could ride together. She does not ride at my speed and does not like hills. That could solve some problems on the urban side, but on the trail it seems like a lot of extra weight for the marginal gain. Of course I could just ride slower, but that does not ever work out right.

have you ridden an emtb? the gain is not marginal. she will be faster than you, pretty much guaranteed. 

13 hours ago, HoneyBadger said:

This new line is many steps above anything else at Brushy.

Wow! this is snail? looks awesome.

i saw someone rocking this in great hills this morning. it looked even hotter to me.