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I would go honzo if you want a moderately progressive hardtail. It is a touch slacker than a dv9 but longer reach. I have a nuke proof scout 29 and wouldn’t mind if the head angle was a touch steeper on easy xc stuff. It is a blast on fast flow trails or anytime I point it downhill but you need to make sure to drive the front end on the flats.
That's my goal.Quote:
Originally Posted by nickwm21
Not super progressive but hoping this monkey strikes a balance between being a trail bike and a bikepacking rig.
It’s takeoff fork buying season so looking for a 130 or 140.
Attachment 328236
Anyone ever ridden/owned/layed hands on a walterworks out of Utah? Saw an interesting article on NSMB about one of his frames. Fully custom, but price isn’t THAT crazy. Seems like a really good dude with no bs and a fun attitude.
Interested in your opinion on the SLX 1x12. After 8 years on SRAM I might go Shimano on my next build, the price on the SLX is really attractive...Quote:
Originally Posted by saukit
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I picked up an XT 12 speed (shifter, cassette, derailleur and chain) for less than a GX Eagle for my Hightower. Its smoother, lighter and more reliable than the SRAM 11 speed I was used to riding. I wouldn't hesitate to use any Shimano 12 speed in the future.Quote:
Originally Posted by nickwm21
From Singletracks - https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-rev...e-north-shore/
Conservative geo by the standards of the hardtails in this thread but I've really enjoyed riding this the past 2 years and plan to keep riding it for longer.
I just realized I called it slack at 66 deg HTA. It's probably a little steeper than that since I ride it with a 140mm travel fork
Attachment 328263
My FS “XC” bike was built by Walt. He’s a good guy and prices are pretty reasonable for full custom, especially when you factor in shop cost for parts. Happy to answer any questions.Quote:
Originally Posted by volklpowdermaniac
Nice! How’s it ride? When was it built up? Does he do any titanium? Either way, seems like a great operationQuote:
Originally Posted by bagtagley
Unfortunately I haven't gotten to take it out yet. Still on lockdown and since trails are the only things open they're mobbed. Hoping to get out soon, will report back on how I like it. My other bike is GX Eagle so I'm also really interested how the SLX compares.Quote:
Originally Posted by nickwm21
They updated the geo of the Scout 290 for 2020. Which version do you have? Even the 2020 version is a bit on the short in Reach in the XL but it’s hard to say since they forgot to list Stack in the nukeproof geo table.Quote:
Originally Posted by carlh
I’ve got something like 700 miles of mtn single track on the Blue Pig and the versatility continues to impress me. A 35 mm stem / 800 mm bar / 63.8 HA hardtail that feels super well balanced on steep climbs, steep descents, and long flat trail? I have more traditional XC hardtails hanging in the garage (lynskey 29er, OnOne 29er) and wouldn’t take them on any pure XC ride now if you paid me.
Walt makes great bikes. I don’t think he’s ever done Ti.
I have the last version, forget all the measurements but its 480 reach and ~65ha. Since I moved to Boston and ride lots of really flat slow rocky trails it doesn't feel like the right bike all the time. It works with a longer stem and saddle back on the rails for a more traditional position and I am hoping the wider front wheel I have on order will help with front end grip. It was great on Seattle area XC (St Eds, RR, GR etc) with more up and down. My other bike is a Sentinel so I am all in on the long slack trend.Quote:
Originally Posted by frorider
Sent you a PM.Quote:
Originally Posted by volklpowdermaniac
You may have already seen it, but there's some good info about Walt and a bike he built just posted at https://nsmb.com/articles/personal-r...-waltworks-v2/
I believe some of his family still lives here in Los Alamos, but I've never met him; just brief correspondence. Seems like an intelligent, thoughtful and capable builder.
- Joe
Just had a guy drop into my buddies shop with a decked out Chromag Stylus to put a brand new 180 Fox 38 on. Full I9 carbon wheelset, match-y machined components, SRAM AXS fancy purple drivetrain, cushcore (with his tire pressure set to the mid 40s??), ect...
One of the most frustratingly beautiful builds I've ever seen. I have no idea what he even rides on it. Maybe he just hangs it on a wall? The bike looked like a piece of art.
I thought I had pictures, but it must have been my buddy who took them. I'll try and find some, considering this post is basically worthless without them.
EDIT: And for the record I love hardtails and try not to judge people on how they spend their money... but god damn. You could buy two brand new top of the line hardtails for the price of the fork and wheelset that would be just as capable as this one.
The geo on this looks progressive.
https://www.mulletcycles.com/product/the-honeymaker/
What area do you live ASF? Sounds like a helluva build.
LOL.Quote:
Originally Posted by Slow 'n Steady
But srsly that elevated chainstay doesn’t make sense. Part of the whole argument for a mullet bike is that 27.5 rear wheel means you don’t have to resort to an elevated chainstay to keep things short back there. And when I lay down my god like power to the rear wheel, that elevated design will just flex around and make weird drivetrain popping noises.
Designed around a 38T chainring? My quads are not worthy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Slow 'n Steady
Western Slope of Colorado. There are some real deal trails around here, but it sounds like the guy was bringing the bike back to Florida with him. Such a puzzling build.Quote:
Originally Posted by John_B
They probably need the elevated stay to fit the 38t ring.Quote:
Originally Posted by frorider
I've never understood companies trying to keep geometry secret. Even if you've hit upon the most amazing, perfect magical combo, and you probably haven't, all of this stuff is super easy to measure. You're not keeping it a secret from anyone who cares enough to buy one, or even just borrow one briefly. And there's zero chance of me ever buying a bike without knowing the geo. I'm sure I'm not alone in that.
Agreed, withholding geo numbers is BS. Not to mention the fact that they can just make some shit up like some companies do.
Almost finished my RSD Middle Child. Might need to drop the travel from 160 to 150 or even 140mm.
Had some used GX 11 speed drivetrain parts that I'm thinking of upgrading to XT 12 speed.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...32b3d562bf.jpg
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Very pretty. I vote for the 12s Shimano. It shifts so well under load that I fear the kids will never learn how to lighten their pedaling for a half beat when they shift. I have XT and it's def better than the GX Eagle I had before. I bet the Deore is just as good but heavier.
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So, looking to replace this...2009 Felt Niner Pro, xl....with another 29er. Was leaning Ibis dv9 but looking at Chromag Rootdown. Need nimble for tight, rooty, rockgarden trails, a great climber...better descender than what I have here in Pa. Also checked out a Stache and Specialized Fuse but pretty positive that I want tires no more than 2.5s. Niner Sir 9 or Air 9 also being looked at. Anyway, looking for chromag or niner feedback/experience. Thanks Attachment 328797
Quote:
Originally Posted by cinnepa
Was thinking similar....... rode a Chromag Stylus over the weekend; it’s like a Lay Z Boy recliner. Very grateful to get a opportunity to ride, its way too slack for Vermont trails. The owner had it set up single speed for lift serve. Trying to make sharp turns resulted in the front wheel washing out. Could be a great flow n berm rig- if you have that available.
checking out chromag surface too - maybe not as drastic a change.
I am looking for a hardtail like Honzo, but lighter. I want a bike built like the Specialized Chisel or Scott Scale (light and efficient, and built for going far fast), but with more relaxed geometry. The Honzo CR race of a few years back may be just what I'm looking for, but they're not available today, plus they were pretty pricey. Something in the 26+/- lbs, <$2000 is what I'm after. EDIT: Gotta be a 29er.
Does this bike exist?
What stem length? Bar width? Did you adjust stem spacers to get bar position low enough to weight front wheel?Quote:
Originally Posted by iriponsnow
Given my previous experience with NE slow tech trails, absolutely hands down I’d take my blue pig hardtail if I made a road trip out there. My 69 HA hardtails suck in comparison. The longer front-center and low BB of the blue pig lets me ride in the middle of the bike, with plenty of weight on the front wheel. No wash out.
Sounds like and Ibis DV9 or Santa Cruz Chameleon maybe what you're after.Quote:
Originally Posted by dangur
Chameleon is a good suggestion... Their base model has some solid geometry, and the price is good. The weight is a tad heavier than what I'm looking for, but it's probably workable.Quote:
Originally Posted by HankScorpio
Working on a basic no-frills custom steel option to replace my Wozo. It's mostly running a mid-fat wheelset with2.6 rear/2.8 front on 34mm inner rims. -2* Works headset and Bluto 120mm. With the ability to be a fatbike with a wheel swap. Needed to thin out my tiny garage, so did this and got rid of the other hardtail. It's a very fun bike. With the way my local riding is, a ton of travel up front isn't what I'm after, but the long/low/slack geometry is still a preference.
New frame is a bit longer to match my other bikes, 75*sta, 65*hta based around the 120mm fork and regular headset. Just need this Covid bullshit to slow up a bit...
Attachment 329017
Attachment 329016
I've been on a couple of Rootdowns for at least the last 5 years. Started with a maroon, non-boosted OG frame that I picked up direcly from Chromag on a close out. Out of all the hardtails I've ever ridden, it was probably my favorite. I got rear ended a few years ago and picked up a new blue Rootdown BA. Funny story, the same salesperson who placed my first order, placed my second, it must be a good company if folks are sticking around that long. It's currently setup as my "other" trail bike and I probably get it out a few times a week.Quote:
Originally Posted by cinnepa
Currently
DHF 2.5
Minion SS 2.3
Velocity Blunt 35 rims
Hope Pro 4 hubs
Pike RCT Dual Air @160
XT 1x11 Drivetrain
Raceface Turbine Crankset
KS Lev Integra Dropper
Atlas Bars
Guide RS Brakes
Needless to say, I didn't use many light parts. It's a pig. I think it's right around #30. That being said, it's a blast. There's just something about a good steel frame, with the right geometry and a big fork that just so confidence inspiring. It currently has about 3,600 miles on it and I'm still not bored. I'd do it again.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...58f6ee2d08.jpg
You guys are dicks.
Stanton so tempting, but STA seems slack the more bikes I see. The Pole Taival seems to check the most boxes. Anybody got 29" wheels and fork they're looking to sell, dirt cheap?
Remember the actual STA only increases with hardtails. I’m waiting on a Pole Taival preorder placed before COVID. Don’t know if I’ll ever see it but man I’d love to have that thing right now.
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FINALLY got my fork back from my LBS after 6 weeks so can now put this thing together.... need to cut the steerer ( don’t think I can put enough spacers on it)
just sitting on it and damn it feels long and slack! It’s a fairly big change over my older Bronson. Can’t wait to finish it....
I didn’t realize there was a wait. Sucks they don’t mention that. You still waiting too, toast?Quote:
Originally Posted by GeorgiaSnow
I ordered my Nimble Nine from Canfield on their black friday sale. Wasn't really abundantly clear at the time that it was a preorder. No big deal though, when I initially inquired they said early April, then early May, still no bike or shipping notice. I'm happy to support a local-ish company, and they're a good one. I imagine they've run into supply chain and other issues related to the COVID but communication has been a bit disappointing, as is not having the bike.