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

Have you guys seen the new Norco optic? It’s looking like a very intriguing bike. Modern geometry with short travel on 29” wheels is what I’m all about!

https://m.pinkbike.com/news/video-bryn-atkinson-rides-the-2020-norco-optic.html

 

Yep. 29er short trael is the jam-I've been on a Kona Satori over the past six months and really enjoying it. Everyone finally realizing more travel isn't better.

 

Very similar to the new SC Tallboy I’ve been eyeballing. Looks like a fun bike.

 

The new Tallboy would be my #1 pick if I was in the market for a new bike. But ive always been a fan of short travel bikes, I dont have a real need for big bikes.

 

That’s why I just built the new Django. I have no idea why Devinci bikes fly under the radar. IMO it has better geo, and Devinci’s split pivot rides so damn well. Super supple and sensitive, great end stroke ramp up, tons of grip climbing and braking.
Full carbon frame and looks (subjectivity) awesome.

 

I also have a Devinci and going on 5 years of having it. It is the best bike I have owned hands down and plan on buying a new one after the new year. I am kinda glad Devinci flys under the radar.

 

I've been scoping short-travel 29ers for the last year to possibly replace my Ibis Mojo3. I have a local GIANT rep who wants me to buy his personal Trance Advanced Pro from 2019, but I'm nervous about taking just 115mm to places like Pisgah. The Maestro suspension definitely works beyond its measurement, but can it really handle the chunk -- even if I take my time? That's a tough question to answer.

The new SC Tallboy, Ibis Ripley, and Norco Optic are also on the short list, but I haven't been able to demo any of them yet.

I only go to places like Pisgah once or twice a year, though, so should I really base my entire decision around those trips? The struggle is real... #firstworldproblems

 

Snuck a ride in before work. Days are getting shorter (and colder!) but I do love fall rides

 

Nice setup! What front bumper and skid combo is that?

 

Anyone know of any good camp spots/areas around Virgin, UT? Headed to Redbull Rampage next week but don't know the area.

 

For a while, I was running a bike based on my traveling. So I had a Fuel EX 9.8 setup 140/130. It was amazing in the Rockies and in NC, but once I got home (Michigan) I was beating my ass trying to keep up with my friends riding racey XC bikes. So I sold that for a Tallboy 3 which feels like a good compromise. A capable climber that can handle some chuck. I haven't found anywhere that I NEED more bike, but I'm not hucking it off 12-foot drops either. That said, not sure how I feel about the new Tallboy 4? Not a great Midwest bike IMHO, but taking a Blur into black diamond chunk seems like a bad idea too

 

It's ours at Victory 4x4. Aluminum Strike front and our skids in aluminum

 

Buy a bike based off of what you ride 95%. The other 5% you can just slow down. People ride hardtails at Pisgah so the 115mm will be fine , just not fast

 

Or rent at the places where you need more or less bike.

 

I'm already adding a new arrow to my quiver this week, so there's really no hurry on the full squish replacement just yet. When I pull the trigger for that, it will almost certainly be a shorter-travel 29er, though.

My immediate N+1? Soon™...

 

What are you adding? I also just added the stache this summer so I likely won’t buy until next season. I’ve been thinking about selling my old remedy and buying new frame to build up over winter

On the topic of the giant trance. I’d say get it if you like it. I used to ride a 26” trek fuel with 120mm of travel in the George Washington National Forest which I’ve heard is similar to pisgah. Was it sketchy? Yes, but super fun. Between the bigger wheels and improved suspension/geometry I’d imagine the trance will be fine in some technical stuff.

 

Anyone have experience running a coil on a short travel 29er? I find the DPS on my Smuggler to be super harsh over chatter, especially after it's had a chance to heat up. I have played around with rebound/compression and different size spacers to no avail. I only have experience with air shocks (with and without piggybacks), so I am hesitant to throw on a coil vs a shock with a piggyback, such as the DPX2. I also don't want to lose the poppy and playful feeling that I get from the bike. I understand that a coil is going to be much more linear and ride through travel quicker, but does that mean I can throw pop out the window?

 

It’s pro af!

I remember people used to run 27.5 front with 26 rear. But that was when 29ers sucked haha

 

I haven't tried a "mullet" setup yet, but it's definitely intriguing. Some companies are even building them like that now.

 

There are a few companies that do this but Foes Racing has a model called the Mixer. 29/27.5 and have been out for a few years.

https://www.foesracing.com/bikes/frames/foes-mixer-trail/