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

i have a 27.5 zeb still in the box... 180 travel but sure you can step it down

 

I use this all the time for planning out of state trips (the wesbite). The app can be unreliable when riding, but its a good tool for planning.

 

Seems like the all-arounders are leaning into the 140R/150F space, with some still at 130R/140F (which is what I have). I found that 160F was just too much for my grandpa riding style. Bigger/stronger riders that really hit stuff hard might better use the longer travel, but I tend to "finesse" my way through stuff rather than plow through it.

 

I agree with most of whats said on mid travel bikes for sure. My 21 STUMPY is 150F (PIKE Ultimate) and 130R. It is perfect for the trails I ride and travel to. I'm not a bike park guy but with a skilled rider I'm sure it would hold its own there also.

 

Maaaayybeee... if you wanna DM me an offer, I'll seriously consider it .

The conclusion I've come to is that the Zeb is probably the better fork for me as a big and aggressive rider. The increased stiffness is probably worth the small weight penalty, as I felt some flexibility in the fork bombing down the chunky stuff in Moab. With that said, the Lyrik is a fantastic fork and is absolutely not the limiting factor in my riding. Plus the green looks soooo good!

 

On the topic of finding the right bike for your body and preference:
I think in the coming years, in addition to some obvious technological advancements in bike components, we're going to be seeing more size specific bike changes.
i.e. size specific chainstay lengths, etc.

 

I'll give it some serious consideration. I'm on the other end of the spectrum, light weight rider thats more aggressive in my mind than I am on a bike in reality haha.

But that green......

 

Yeah....I almost didn't include it. The fact that it's 140 rear and not fully on the progressive side of geo probably land it in the all-arounder category. But it seems the vast majority are built up bigger with 160 forks, coils, etc. I see way more people building them bigger than smaller which just makes me think that's closer to the bikes character. Plus I haven't ridden either, but the consensus seems to be that the Ripmo pedals as well or better so what is going with the "smaller" bike getting you there? But yeah, if I just swapped my parts from my Following the Offering would probably be a great all-arounder.

I know there are others especially from the big brands, just seems like a gap in the lineup for a number of the smaller brands I'm interested in. Stumpy, Fuel EX sure. Occam just doesn't interest me. SB130 maybe but again is usually built up bigger. Rascal was interesting but kind of strange fit geo. I've just got my fingers crossed that Transition brings back the Smuggler and really nails that all around trail bike category.

I just added a -1 degree angle headset to my Following and I think it will be close to what I'm after (still haven't had a chance to ride it). Still wouldn't mind a bit more rear travel and would prefer a 140 front fork. The STA was just way too slack with a 140 imo. Great bike and nearly perfect for me just not quite there.

 

$15 dollar floor stand is now the in-bed bike rack, one strap and it’s solid!

Bikes won’t be getting beat up and scratched now, chee hoo!!

 

An already good deal just got even better. 25% off Alchemy bikes

https://alchemybikes.com/products/arktos-135-2022

 

My current full squish is from a newer, often overlooked company, and seems to be exactly what you're describing. My last bike was a Transition Spur, but I wanted something that required a little less concentration and finesse in the descents, capable of taking bigger drops and jumps, but still handled the climbs and flow like a champ. My new (to me) 130/140 Revel Rascal fits that sweet spot perfectly IMO. It's easily the best full suspension bike I've ever ridden. Zero complaints. Worthy of a spot on anyone's short list.

Note: There are many who run a 150 fork with this rig, as well.

 

That is a great price for that spec.

 

@evenslower did you say a buddy of yours ordered an Alchemy bike recently? If so, how are they liking it?

 

I thought he did but he ended up with a sweet deal on a Tallboy. I am very curious how folks are liking these bikes. I feel like they don't sell well.

 

If they had the same advertising budget as say YT, I think they'd sell very well.
Although that may lead to the same issues YT reviews state with parts availability.

 

Yep, sure did. He and I just did a evening/night ride last Wed where you and I last rode with @flipnidaho. So far so good, in his words that night “this thing is going to get me in trouble.” We’ve got a Brevard/Pisgah camping trip planned in a few weeks so it should get a proper test soon.

On another note that same friend sent the referenced Alchemy link to our mutual acquaintance currently battling over the Ibis. We’ll find out how optimistic he is on the situation pretty soon I guess

 

Agree, don’t see very many in my part of the world. I have three riding buddies with them and they are all very happy. All really experienced riders.

 

That is my dream bike

 

Your dream just became a reality.

 

Not gonna lie, that 2022 Arktos 135 in sand+burntorange with XT for $5100 is sexy af. Too bad they're out of stock!