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

Deity is also pretty nice, I want to say they use oversized hardware too.

I have a couple Profile stems - which prob comes from being a FL native. I'll never give up my aqua ano stem form them. They do limited ano released every now and then, shit like "galaxy rust".

 

Damn, I didn’t know about that. I’ll see how the new set does, maybe 1-1’s are in my future or DT240’s.

 

I9 but I have a soft spot for their stuff haha

 

Ended up getting a TrailOne stem just as they have their new top cap and spacers in colors that match. I wanted a silver/raw and while i9 and some other stems look cool in colors, I think this is the best looking stem in raw. Thanks!

 

Broke my first SRAM transmission power link yesterday. Initially I was annoyed but it’s probably my fault. The chain ring was loose on the Bosch motor so it was probably under some weird side loads. I noticed it was making weird noises but just assumed it was shifting weird. Now it seems like it’s skipping gears under load so I need to probably do a close inspection on it

 

I got a Deity for my kids bike. It's nice, built very stout.

 

I like the i9. Can have two rise options by flipping the stem, which is helpful.

 

Just have to also put it out there that the Schwalbe went up in no time. Easy to roll onto the rim by hand, aired right up.
The Conti, not so much. Needed levers to get it onto the tire, and two hard blasts of compressed air to get it seated.
Since both are their gravity tires, it's a pretty apples-to-apples comparison.

Took them out for their inaugural ride... Man, really is such a difference between the Assegai DD MG and the MM GP US. So much more grip in the loose and rowdy.
I will say that the Assgai is very predictable though (for me). I can feel it letting out, and it usually corrects itself pretty well with a nice drift.
The MM just goes where you point it. Which in some scenarios can be a little much if you're not used to it. Once you do get used to it though, you realize that pushing into it just lets the rear wheel drift a bit more and it really gets you some amazing hero turns.
I have a feeling this is my go-to combo from now on.

 

I actually had a moment like that on the again yesterday. Pushed it a little too far to the outer edge of the trail and it started slipping but I corrected and kept on rolling. I rarely hit the limit of the assegai but did yesterday haha.

I would like to try the radial. The shop has 2 Albert trail pros that I’ve been eyeing. I could use that on the front but don’t think that’s enough for the rear. They are also regular soft and I’d like the ultra soft for the front.

 

Did a quick search to see if anyone is running Nobl wheels. Maybe one or two of you are, so wanted to ask about thoughts on them. I’m specifically looking at the TR32s to pair up with my Salsa Cutthroat - running the stock WTB wheels, so looking to shed a little weight as well as get the benefits of a carbon wheelset for the long rides I do, and the bikepacking trip I’m planning in a few months. Hubs most likely will be OneUp.

I had been looking at the Hunt Proven carbon wheelset, but these Nobl wheels are a little lighter and same price. I do run Hunt carbon wheels on my road bike and really like them, but thought I’d ask here for thoughts on the Nobl stuff.

TIA!

 

I’ve got tr37s, love them, I’ve never had to true them and spoke tension is still pretty perfect. They are on my ripley af but I’ve done some enduro and XC racing on them. 2.4s feel pretty perfect on them. I don’t think I’ve ever pinged them some how even though I’ve done on it other wheels. IMBA members get discounts on them too so if your local trail org is an imba chapter sign up and get the discount haha

 

Yesterday was a good day. Pro tip, book your tee time the same time as the Georgia home opener. You'll have the course all to yourself.

 

I didn't get along with the Alberts at all. They felt like a compromise all around for loose conditions (which I ride a bunch of). I'd get the MM anyday over the Albert as the front tire. It's really hard to fault the Marys. I guess if you're riding more hard-pack conditions the Albert would be better.



PB just posted this article on EMTBs and power. I really likes Bosch's approach and response, while Avinox just sounded like AI generated BS.
Lots of people ask "who would buy the 750w system when the 1000w system is available?"
I would. For numerous reasons. Power delivery, battery consumption, the bike its bolted to... And personally, I don't want to give Avinox my $$.

If you don't want to follow the link... here are their answers:

Bosch TLDR: We can easily make motors with more power, we just don't believe it's the right approach for trail access and the needs of riders.

Avinox TLDR: AI generated rubbish about letting riders decide and power-to-weight ratios.

Spesh TLDR: Battery-to-power ratios are more important, your drivetrain will break.

Shimano: "No comment"

 

My brother has a set. He had a front bearing failure (I9) and it cost a lot of money to ship to/from Canada to the US for his warranty. To be clear, he likes the wheels a lot but they are his first carbon wheels. The cost of ownership is a bit higher if you need warranty work completed so you should take that into account.

 

I have a set of TR37’s and love themz. They are the set that has the Hydra hubs I was talking about a couple pages back. The wheel build is great, 540 miles on them and never had to true or retention. The Hydra hubs weren’t worth it, I’d likely go 1-1 if I did it again.

 

I think I’d lean towards agreeing with Bosch and specialized. I’ve only had my e-bike for like a month but have ridden it on all sorts of terrain (east coast wise) and have never felt that my gen 4 Bosch cx needs more power. Even battery wise I feel 750wh is sufficient. Weight is good too but I feel like that is where we could get better. I also think shifting and the apps could get better. Bosch doesn’t talk to garmin so my recordings are nonsense power wise. The Bosch app sucks when it comes to recording rides too.

the systems should be smart enough so that shifting matches with the motor like djis smooth shift or whatever.

I also think the bigger issue is these companies working around the rules in the US. Not so much brand names but these e-bikes with throttles where people are running them on bike trails, flying by people, wearing no helmets, blowing stop signs, etc. it’s usually kids riding them with flip flops too. That part is so wild to me.

 

Those Contis fit so damn tight, you probably won't ever have to fuss with em though at least.. I just changed the Assg off my eeb to a new Highroller. From 6ft it didn't look that worn but the knobs were undercutting and it had no confidence so cya. Put a first ride on the Highroller yesterday, it's basically a Maxxis MM. It's smaller volume at 2.4" but that doesn't bother me too much. I like big knobs and I cannot lie. It has really good feedback on the edge, no drama in transition. I would say it even has a more aggressive initial bite on turn in than MM, but breaks away less smooth than MM does. (less gap on side knobs) I have a Maxxterra DHR2 on the back which is just flapping in the wind most of the time but I don't think I'd want the Highroller on the rear for summer conditions. I was hunting for a front and managed to grab this for a decent price. The tire market is full derp right now people are hoarding tires because of the tarrif thing. Hopefully this gets me though the shoulder season.