All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Looks like they have a 160 44offset, then you could just get a 150 airshaft
https://www.theproscloset.com/produ...ountain-fork-27-5-160mm-15x110mm-tapered-disc

 

You’re pretty well spot on with your analysts/observations.

I’ve been giving some localish options in my original price range a harder look (‘18 Norco Optic c2, ‘18 Ibis Ripley LS, ‘19 Kona Satori).

Expanding the budget, while desirable, probably isn’t the wisest. A local shop did extend some very healthy discounts on some carbon Rocky Mountain bikes he has on the floor (‘19 c50 instinct and ‘19 c50 thunderbolt). That’s proving a tough one to pass.

 

The money I've saved by having a solid and loyal relationship with my LBS could just about buy a bike... little nit-picky repairs, discounts on components and gear, etc.. A great bike shop is a gem in the rough and the good ones recognize loyal and friendly return customers; especially those that send new buyers/customer in for service, etc. Buying a bike is a solid gesture of commitment to them and can pay dividends down the road.

 

Yep. I wish my truly local shop had what I wanted right now (trek only). They’re the guys I get to do all my maintenance, regardless of the bike. And from whom I’ve purchased several new bikes in the past.

The shop with the Rocky’s is actually a couple hours from me, but I still call them local.

 

this...and again...ibis

 

the new rockys look super sick

 

Best set of components will be a Norco Optic c2 with full gx drive/dt Swiss hubs/fox elite suspension. Next option up will be the Ripley with slightly lower grade nx drivetrain/fox performance suspension. I’ve kinda written off the Kona due to the lack luster suspension and frame. The full gx drive and I9 wheels are sexy though.

I’ve always liked the quality from rocky, but I should stick to my budget...

Sounds likes it’s time to have a few drinks and flip a coin.

 

They are. That carbon is so pretty. And the ride 9 system gives you multiply bikes in one platform.

 

as we say, "senddddd itttt" aka do it already and lets see some pics of you riding!

 

Well man maybe it’s worth staying on dirty5s so you don’t break the pattern? They cost but due to the gearing needed, but you can get over a lot of stuff especially if you stay soa.

 

Haha ours is “sack up or pack up.”

 

Tell me about it. I’m afraid I’ve fallen victim to paralysis by analysis. Especially being that I can’t realistically test ride any of the options.

I’m at the point where all that’s left is to have my wife choose based on which one she things is prettiest

 

Did some roadbiking hill drills.

 

just curious, didn't you say trek was at your local shop.. why not a new aluminum trek remedy 8, or fuel? i loved mine. they aren't the "coolest" but 1) who cares 2) they ride nice. you could test em, too

 

sick! riding on oahu seems like a dream. when are you getting the bronson?

 

I'm still debating if I should. I'm not a hardcore downhill rider more of a xc type. I would hate to buy it and not use it to full potential.

 

Yup. Trek shop is about 3 miles from my house. I love the fuel ex. Great bike for my area and riding style, just wanting to try something different this time around.

 

Still loving my EX8.... just saying....

Havent had shit for time to ride it recently though...

 

We were at that stage a few years back. My wife picked the Ripley ... for herself. And then splurged on wide carbon rims (942’s).

She rides a lot - as much as me and arguably better. I mean, we’re very close on skills and fitness, but I think she pushes harder on long steady climbs. By the way, for myself, I picked a Tallboy with a slightly lower spec to keep the budget balanced. Both our bikes are now a little dated spec and geo wise, but I’m sure I’d do a “short travel” 29-er all over again.

 

Good ride today with a friend at Soquel Demo Forest (Ridge and Braille Trails) in the Santa Cruz Mountains ... and good beer and excellent food truck food at Corralitos Brewing Company after the ride. CBC is kind of remote for our area, several miles out of town and surrounded by orchards and agricultural fields, but by 5pm on Friday it was packed. A great alternative to the Summit Store (which is also good) for post-Demo snacks and libations.

By the way we came down from Demo on Buzzard Lagoon, nothing technical but one of the longer dirt roads legal for motor vehicles in the county, and awesome views. Easy going down but would recommend 4wd going up. Sorry no pics.