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

Anyone wear 686? They did a collab with Evil on some shorts, pants, and jerseys. I wear their everywhere pants literally every day, I have 4 pairs.

Thinking of picking up the shorts. they look real cool and i bet they fit amazing

https://www.686.com/products/686-evil-mens-everywhere-blackout-short?variant=39836558229675

 

I found carbon wheels way too harsh for my liking. I'd be interested to hear honest feedback of those loopholes.

 

fuuuck those look nice...

I really want an Evil bike man...

 

How many types of carbon wheels have you tried? They are not all created equal. Enve is known for their stiffness and you can feel it, but We Are One, Hunt, and others I've been on are much more compliant.

 

Took one of my mid-80s Vituses out for a spin today. Passed some dorks on Shivs. Didn’t get hit by a car. It was a good day.

 

RE: the carbon wheel compliance discussion...

spoke count has a lot of bearing as well...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhQRDisJgqY

 

I've heard that as old Enve, new Enve wheels are rated much better. I've only ever been on one set of carbon hoops.. They were bontrager though.

I had no idea Vitus has been around that long. I figured they were a new brand made up by CRC for a cheaper build Nukeproof.

I've read about that, some bikes and wheelsets come 28F and 32R.

 

C'mon, no one from the USA qualified high enough to make the list.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/4x-results-from-the-val-di-sole-world-championships-2021.html

 

I've heard that as well. The Enve wheels I've tried would be 4 years old now. I'm not sure what's considered "new Enve" but those 4 year old ones were noticeably stiffer than anything else I've ridden (including the Bontrager Line Carbon 30, if that's what you've tried).

 

I’ve got the Bontrager Carbon Line 30’s. Came stock on my Slash. I love them. Don’t really notice the stiffness? I’m not a super sensitive rider though. Point and shoot type of rider. Seem like MTB wheels to me . I’ve only ridden aluminum before these. Was a little concerned about destroying them being a big dude, but they’ve been great.

 

Good morning folks. Y'all were quite helpful on my quest to find a mount to transport my bike to the back country. I ended up with the KB voodoo outboard bike mount option as I have their 10" rack. Thank you again for the direction.

i have more newbie questions from a guy that is getting back into this sport after being absent for over 20+ years. The sport has changed so much since I had my diamondback hardtail. Way back then it was Cannondale, specialized, trek, diamondback and a few others. Clueless on many new bike brands, terms used today and of course possible upgrades to my new trail bike. In saying that, I got another diamondback - Atroz 1 to get me back into the game. Have no idea if they are "good" anymore but it's a brand that got me started and it was familiar to me. As I get more into this and possibly upgrade in the future, the atroz will go to my son so it will stay in the family.

Anyway. It will be used on gravel roads and light rocky trails. I was invited out to spider mountain (downhill paradise) but I'm not too sure I would be able to do anything over greens/blues with my current setup. Really no interest in blacks or hard core enduro...I have a beta 200rr for that kind of stuff.

What would you do to upgrade? OR just ride it and see how it goes?

Thanks again folks. Y'all have a great weekend.

 

Funny I too had an old CrMo frame HT DB. Ride your bike, heck if you are happy, stick with it................then/or go test ride a modern MTB, maybe even a carbon frame bike.

I sorta misread your post, I see you had/have two DB's. Kinda the same answer. Just ride the hell out of your bike, what do you like and dislike. Takes awhile IMHO to get settled in a bike.

 

Thank you sir. And you’re correct. I’ll report back after I get settled with this bike.

 

Start with the greens, and if that goes fine for you, try a blue. Don't get too far out of your comfort zone until you have some time on the bike.

I had to look up the Atroz. Diamondback isn't what they used to be back in the '90's. I wouldn't take that on a black (well, I would, just to say I did), and I wouldn't spend any money to upgrade it. I don't want to bash on it too hard, as it is better than a big-box-store bike, but not by a lot. It won't give you near the performance of something with a quality frame, shock, and fork. Ride it for a while and figure out if you are really serious about the sport. If you find yourself wanting and able to take on more serious trails, then budget at least $2500 for a good entry-level bike with quality fork and shock. The Trek Fuel EX 5 is a pretty good value to get started, but the EX 7 is personally the lowest I would recommend for someone that is serious. Specialized has comparable models and prices. If you are just doing gravel roads and light trails, I'd recommend a good hard tail over a FS bike as you can get a lot more for your money.

The Diamondback Release has some decent models in similar prices ranges, but I'd still go with Trek or Specialized, as they have better components in the same price range. There's also more likely to be a local dealer for these brands.

But most importantly, ride and have fun!

 

Excellent feedback. And your last sentence is spot on.

My little dude has a football game today. But I’m riding after that fo sho.

thanks again guys.

 

They are sexy bikes, and definitely have a lust appeal. I love mine, and the more I ride it the more I like it. 1200+ miles in and it's still doing great and I'm getting more and more comfortable on it.

Truth! Wheels are complicated, especially when you're talking carbon. The hoops themselves can be constructed in many ways, with different materials, to design in ride characteristics. Add in spoke counts, tension, and type of hubs which can all drastically change the characteristics. Then you can alter that further with tire construction, casing, pressure, and inserts. All that simply means more customization, if you're willing to tinker.
We are certainly spoiled for choice now with wheels. Just not when it comes to price...

 

I think if the opportunity would present itself that I would sell my Optic in a heartbeat for one... Fanatik has had an Offering V1 frame for a couple months that keeps catching my eye...

Which model do you have?

 

Went biking!

 

V3 Wreckoning. Suits my riding style and terrain really well. It took a bit to get it where I wanted it, but I have zero complaints now.

 

Had a great ride yesterday, 51miles and 3.3k elevation. One of those rides that had some beautiful views! I took my gravel, loved the fat tires for the comfort, but I worked a bit too hard - the roadie would’ve been better! So……need to find another set of wheels so I can put some skinnier tires on for rides like this. But….still enjoyed the pedaling! Here’s a few photos - one of west side of mountains and then the east side of the same mountains.