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

Frame geometry has come a long ways, suspension cartridges have improved forks by leaps and bounds. Just in suspension geo alone its a different world compared to this rig. It’s a nice vintage bike, but if i were to let you ride my nomad youd get it right away. Fox 38 factory forks from today are not comparable to your x fusion. Your fork internal is like 3 generations older than what most basic package forks are rocking

 

If there was one piece on my bike that hasn’t changed much in 5 years, its brakes. Im still on the same saint brakes that I pulled off my giant faith DH bike, then moved onto my Giant reign for a couple years, and now on my current Santa Cruz Nomad 4. Theyre most likely getting moved to my nomad 6 in 2 weeks too, since I dont think its worth the $$$ to swap to TRP, Hayes, or Formulas for the performance i get from them. The new Icetech centerlock rotors disperse heat really well on long descents or hard braking situations. They dont get mushy or wooden, they stay consistent through the the ride no matter how long or steep.

 

Ready for lift access downhill day!

 

Matey you've missed the point. Yea stuff got better, but these days year to year the difference is so small that it's a waste of money to chase constantly. Most people would be fine skipping a few years here and there.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lybZaKLw1U

 

I’ve seen that video before and I love it. The hardest part of that video was getting that bike running again with no parts.

 

I'd love to see this with a mediocre rider

 

Went to another shop today and looked at a Stumpjumper Expert…..dang these shops and having stock compared to the last year! Ha it was so much easier to not be tempted when there wasn’t stock! They also had some Pivots on sale for 20% off, but less travel than my current SJ. Not looking for that at all.

But Now there are two choice bikes in my size at my LBS…..

I must stay away…I must stay away…..

In other news, my wife and I have been going out on Thursday night single and cider rides. With the light decreasing, we got in our first night ride (the return trip from the brewery was in the dark) and enjoyed it! Wife felt comfortable with the Outbound Lighting Trail Evo on the bars. Had a good time tonight!

 

That’s what I like to see. Get the wife and yourself a few drinks before blowing some cash

 

What Ex Novo is this? Doesn't look like either of the ones in Portland.

 

After a few more rides, I would have to say that the Berd wheels are legit faster and smoother than my regular, stainless steel spoked wheelset (I9 Torch, LB 30mm internal CF rims, DT Swiss Rev spokes). It's smoother (like running 2psi less) on the chatter and accelerates faster. The weight difference is around 150 to 200 grams lighter for the wheelset. I would say that it's on par with my DT Swiss XMC 1200 wheels in acceleration. I haven't gotten a stick stuck between the strings yet though so no opinions on durability yet.

 

I'm kind of wishing I had gone with berd spokes on my new wheels haha. I imagine they will be pretty resilient to sticks and smaller rocks since they are UHMW. I've only used it on a couple things but it is nice stuff. Maybe a bigger sharp rock will do them in?

 

My guess is that with sticks, the Berd spokes will be fine. Against sharper edged objects like shale rock or a katana, they will fail just as much as steel.

The last spoke I broke was a DT-Swiss Aerolite when I had my bike on the 1Up locked up using the 1Up cylinder locks. I forgot about the lock and opened up the tray and "ping", broken spoke. Rookie move on my part.

 

yeah UHMW doesn't like sharp stuff haha

 

Ninja/katana encounters are of great concern in my area.

Care to share the cost on a Berd wheelset? I’m sure I could Google it but I’m feeling lazy today, apologies.

 

Less than $2k with i9 Hydra (less if you get a buddy discount). The wait time is longer for 27.5 than it is for 29. They also have mullet options.

 

Looks like Nobl wheels with hydras and berd spokes are $2111, if you are an IMBA member you can get a discount too, I forget what the percent is but its a good amount.

 

Maybe someday when my money tree starts yielding good crop hahah

 

Soon, there will be an Onyx option available: https://www.instagram.com/p/CgMbuhxuiFT/

 

Well, the bike was not in stock, so it's on order and should be here next week!

 

That’s pretty sick and looks like it would be super easy to service the spokes that way.