Sports MTB Madness!

[Bob Kazamakis]

Took a quick 20 mile ride with some friends. Turns out most of the people that ride mtb at work have Santa Cruz bikes

Me waiting for some slow asses

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

One of many retard moments throughout the day and I overtightened this, looks like it's really just for show? Bolt seems to just keep this piece of carbon in place?

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

It's that top piece and just a carbon insert that fills that open space

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

That's the star nut and top cap (the piece you broke). It's job is to tension the headset so it only needs to be as tight as it takes to get the headset at proper tension (with the two stem bolts loose).

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W2RHkdRePa8

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Any shop should have a pile of top caps laying around. If you were closer I'd give you one. Unless you want me to mail you one?

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

pretty sure I can find one local but I'll let ya know

any input on best way to fly with the bike? beginning my research but broken down in "plastic with heavy tape" doesn't seem legit. Shipped fine in the box but wouldn't trust the airline staff with a box let alone a bag with heavy tape. A pelican type case with wheels would be ideal but seems like it would need to be custom.

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

went with the SciCon AeroComfort MTB, pretty good deal at probikekit.com, damn near 1/2 off amazon price with 10% off. Bike is coming to Tahoe in a couple weeks

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_7k3fnxPq0

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

oh snap, [MENTION=19]Yaj Yak[/MENTION], looks like we have a R

 

[Yaj Yak]

it was worthy of it's own thread. just liek a lot of things in this thread.

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

you ride any trails round here?

 

[Yaj Yak]

no but id love to. where you go [MENTION=410]Bruce Jibboo[/MENTION]

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

650 acres a minute from my house (burnidge forest preserve) lately to build up some muscle, lots of gravel and grass trails but plenty off single paths 'off the beaten bath' but planning on Raceway Woods and Alpine Valley in the very near future

Raceway Woods Mountain Bike Trail in Carpentersville, Illinois || SINGLETRACKS.COM

Alpine Valley Mountain Bike Trail in East Troy, Wisconsin || SINGLETRACKS.COM

 

[Lord Tin Foilhat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_7k3fnxPq0

That bike has to weigh like 5 lbs

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

both links have video and look pretty sweet for being pretty local, pretty stoked to fit in as much riding as possible before winter.

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

That bike has to weigh like 5 lbs

doubtful but looks like a lot of off these santa cruz bikes [MENTION=2449]ilikemtb999[/MENTION]

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Santa Cruz bikes are known for being tough and they have a lifetime warranty. I absolutely love mine.


That bike is probably 27ish lbs

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

so not only a fast one on the 2013 vs 2014 but I have all Shimano XT gear except for the rear derailleur being an SLX, with an XT being stock. I know the dude knows what hes talking about so going to let the dispute be handled by ebay

I believe SLT vs XT are close in performance, but do you have an opinion on how much subpar the SLT is?

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Slx and xt have always been very closely the same. The slx probably has a steel inner cage so slightly heavier. I'd still argue the $50 or so of an xt derailleur.


Everything under xt is usually made in Taiwan. Xtr is made in Japan. Really from deore up to xtr it's mainly materials and weights that's are different. Brakes have different features and shifters will as well.

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

agreed, another buddy says he stays XT-XTR and above and SLX is slightly below that, probably similar performance but bit heavier.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

It goes from best to worst:

XTR
XT
SLX
DEORE
and then I have no idea. There's alivio and acera but don't know which is worse

 

[rz79]

Was out in Vegas last weekend for a convention my wife was attending.. Ubered out to Bootleg Canyon.. Rented a bike last minute, Got a Stumpjumper FSR Comp 27.5+ (1st rental ride for it)
Thought I'd hate it, ended up really liking it. I thought specialized dropper was pretty slick..
Didn't hate a 3" tire.. after I adjusted the air pressure it stuck like glue.. then again I'm sure a bald Stans Raven would do ok there. I can see myself going 27.5+ one day.
Anyways.. here's some pics to bore you.

This is one of an old still for which the area got its name.

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

Epic, ya there bigger wheels need more torque but muscles will adjust lol

 

[Grabber]

Love me some big tires! I may try to get my fat bike out once more since temps are dropping and I haven't had time to do much at all the past couple of months.

That looks like an awesome area to ride in. I'd love to ride in a place like that.