Ask the experts

[simple]

I’m still riding on Voler chammies that I bought through my team 20 years ago, though they are finally getting transparent and need to go. But there’s a plug for durability and trustworthiness!

That's what Fred was in until recently. Mine are getting there. It's gross, let's buy some new stuff even if nothing has changed in 20 years it's good to not look like a saggy worn out old timer.

[simple]

That neopro stuff looks good but thinner than tissue paper. I know skinny pros like that but I'm fucking jacked like a MMA fighter mixed with John Holmes so not feeling it.

[simple]

A couple summers ago I got a good deal on some of the patagucci mtb stuff and I’ve been really happy with it so far.

I've got new mountain bike stuff thanks to Flylow. Similar style and local to me.

[Supermoon]

I've got new mountain bike stuff thanks to Flylow. Similar style and local to me.

Oh nice. Do you like it? I haven't seen any of their mtb stuff in the wild

[simple]

Oh nice. Do you like it? I haven't seen any of their mtb stuff in the wild

It's great stuff. Nice colors and fit. I think they tried making gravel style stuff but stopped quickly

[Huskier]

Toying when the idea of running a megneg to try to squeeze a little more plush and depth out of 150 than it would otherwise have. Is it worthwhile for this purpose? I understand one has to run a higher pressure to account for the chamber volume, and that that puts an upper limit on rider weight so as not to exceed the max psi of the shock. Anyone know what that limit is? My Googling came up dry.

[teledad]

+1 on Voler for reasonably priced road gear. Nice that it's all made in the US as well.

Also like Pactimo, though I just have some jerseys and a vest.

[VTskibum]

Not as reasonably priced, but my favorite for ping road rides are my team kit Voler Blacklabel bibs. Not as cheap, but like them better than PI, Hincapie and a few other high but not top end brands.


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[Dumbest Known Time]

A couple summers ago I got a good deal on some of the patagucci mtb stuff and I’ve been really happy with it so far.

The patagonia chamois liner I have is fine when I'm sitting but anything more than a little hike a bike leads to some serious sandpaper wedgies. Friends have had the same experience.

[climberevan]

I've come to believe that having newer bibs is more important than having the best quality ones. $200 bibs ride like shit after 50 uses (chamois degrades, Lycra is still perfect). $35 AliExpress (Spexcel brand is nice) ones are slightly less nice when new but just as good later on. This way I can simply replace them often.

The $25 Ali jerseys are also just fine--not as nice as $200 ones but again, fine.

[Supermoon]

The patagonia chamois liner I have is fine when I'm sitting but anything more than a little hike a bike leads to some serious sandpaper wedgies. Friends have had the same experience.

Oh interesting. I only really wear them for gravel rides and rarely end up hiking in them. Good to know, though

[east or bust]

Get a bigger flat pedal. TMAC is the gold standard. CB Stamp 7. TENET. There might be others, but a big clunky square shaped metal pedal will feel better than a thin little house shaped plastic pedal that relies on tiny pins for grip.

Honestly, clip/flat is personal preference. Just make sure you report back with how superior your final conclusion is. Only way to fit in around here.


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Building on this - I love the TMACs as well. Absolutely unwavering grip and stable platform.

I got my GF Bladerunners as a new bike present due to the lower profile to limit rock strikes and because her feet are smaller.

When I hop on her bike after riding mine the pedal feel is so different it would 100% affect my riding negatively, so I think there’s something to be said about having the “right” flat pedal.

Maybe someday I’ll try clipless for mtb.

[joetron]

I’m embarrassed by how much I appreciate the Rapha Brevet bibs I picked up this spring. The fabric is so fucking nice. Chamois is great. Sign up for emails and get 15% off first purchase.


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[Velomayniac]

How’s the quality and durability of YT’s alloy frames? I want to think they are just as good as other alloy frames, but these bikes are cheap for the spec so it’s got me wondering of they cheap out somewhere on the frames.

All the Commencal frames I’ve ridden are beefy and reliable, albeit not the prettiest craftsmanship… should I expect similar from YT?

Looking at the YT Tues Core 2 specifically

[simple]

My buddy has had 2 aluminum YT builds. Zero issues with the frames. Good as anything made out there. I'm sure a Giant factory or similar is making them and those are bullet proof

[Velomayniac]

Good info thanks.

Two questions in the same day!

Does anyone know of some issues with some Specialized linkage designs and Fox coil shocks? I’ve read some things, but I haven’t confirmed. Looking into a Marzocchi Coil and wondering if they have the same issues some people have had.

[Andeh]

Good info thanks.

Two questions in the same day!

Does anyone know of some issues with some Specialized linkage designs and Fox coil shocks? I’ve read some things, but I haven’t confirmed. Looking into a Marzocchi Coil and wondering if they have the same issues some people have had.

The yoke-based designs (Stumpjumper, SJ Evo, and Levo) are no-go for coil shocks unless the coil shaft is quite thick. Based on my research, the only coil shocks that are ok for those bikes are Ohlins, Push, and EXT. Fox/Marzocchi are a definite hard no. There is a specific version of the new RS SD Coil that comes with a steel shaft that is approved by RS for those bikes, but it's really hard to find.

[Velomayniac]

The yoke-based designs (Stumpjumper, SJ Evo, and Levo) are no-go for coil shocks unless the coil shaft is quite thick. Based on my research, the only coil shocks that are ok for those bikes are Ohlins, Push, and EXT. Fox/Marzocchi are a definite hard no. There is a specific version of the new RS SD Coil that comes with a steel shaft that is approved by RS for those bikes, but it's really hard to find.

thank you so much for this info. You just saved me $350 and a possible injury. I owe you. I have been seeing this info around and asking questions around, but couldn’t get a solid answer. A lot of bike shops/mechanics/employees don’t even know this.

I have a Status 160 and I’ve read of at least 4 different examples of the fox coils breaking on the Status as well.

This is some dangerous stuff for ALL specialized employees and bike shop mechanics to not know

[jm2e]

This is some dangerous stuff for ALL specialized employees and bike shop mechanics to not know

Ever ask someone at a Subaru dealership about head gaskets? Try it and you’ll get my analogy.
When people work for The Man,The Man tells them what they “need to know”. Bike brands tell their shop guys what their shop guys need to know to sell shit. They tell them how to service the shit that comes attached to the bikes.



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[Eluder]

The yoke-based designs (Stumpjumper, SJ Evo, and Levo) are no-go for coil shocks unless the coil shaft is quite thick. Based on my research, the only coil shocks that are ok for those bikes are Ohlins, Push, and EXT. Fox/Marzocchi are a definite hard no. There is a specific version of the new RS SD Coil that comes with a steel shaft that is approved by RS for those bikes, but it's really hard to find.

The new Fox DHX is a large steel shafted shock. It was made for this exact reason. It's safe to use with clevis or yoke mounts. Do not confuse this shock with the DHX2. MRP also sells a steel shaft version of the Hazzard for high stress bikes.

I don't personally have any experience with the Marzocchi Shock, but it has an oversized alloy shaft..

[sf]

The new Fox DHX is a large steel shafted shock. It was made for this exact reason. It's safe to use with clevis or yoke mounts. Do not confuse this shock with the DHX2. MRP also sells a steel shaft version of the Hazzard for high stress bikes.

I don't personally have any experience with the Marzocchi Shock, but it has an oversized alloy shaft..

How about Cane Creek IL? Considering putting one on a Spectral 125

[Andeh]

The new Fox DHX is a large steel shafted shock. It was made for this exact reason. It's safe to use with clevis or yoke mounts. Do not confuse this shock with the DHX2. MRP also sells a steel shaft version of the Hazzard for high stress bikes.

I don't personally have any experience with the Marzocchi Shock, but it has an oversized alloy shaft..

Do you happen to know what the shaft diameter is? The info I got was from a guy who is friends with the Specialized suspension engineer. My buddy was given an Ohlins from the Spec guy which survived testing, for further testing. From what I recall when I looked into the specifics, the DHX2 has like an 8mm shaft, Ohlins is 10mm, and EXT/Push are 12mm. I didn't look into the DHX because I like HSC adjustment.

FWIW, the EXT guys told me that they sent an eStoria to the same testing engineer and he did manage to test it to failure, but said it was the only failure they've had reported. I know Push did a recall on the Levo shocks a few months back but corrected whatever the issue was and continue to sell them. The newer Push shocks have a spherical eyelet which allows the shock to rotate a little bit and help relieve some misalignment stresses.

I haven't had any major issues with my EXT Arma on my Levo, but I have noticed that one of the bearings in the linkage keeps shifting over when I corner / schralp hard (been meaning to reset it with green Loctite). So it's definitely not a super stiff frame design.

[Eluder]

How about Cane Creek IL? Considering putting one on a Spectral 125

At a quick glance, the spectral 125 has a traditionally mounted shock, so the concern from above isn't present here. That being said, I know of 3 people that have successfully run that shock on clevis mounted bikes, 2 of those were Specialized. IME Cane Creek is actually pretty forthright on compatibility if you ask them.

Do you happen to know what the shaft diameter is? The info I got was from a guy who is friends with the Specialized suspension engineer. My buddy was given an Ohlins from the Spec guy which survived testing, for further testing. From what I recall when I looked into the specifics, the DHX2 has like an 8mm shaft, Ohlins is 10mm, and EXT/Push are 12mm. I didn't look into the DHX because I like HSC adjustment.

The DHX has a 12.7mm shaft.

I haven't had any major issues with my EXT Arma on my Levo, but I have noticed that one of the bearings in the linkage keeps shifting over when I corner / schralp hard (been meaning to reset it with green Loctite). So it's definitely not a super stiff frame design.

While all clevis mounts are inherently harder on shocks, I think one of the main factors on the Levo is the added weight of the bike contorting things. I have a Kitsuma air I need to tune for mine to avoid the concern.

I am considering the Cascade long stoke kit though and would likely go coil if I decide to do that.

[Velomayniac]

Seems like I could get away with a Super Deluxe coil, but after seeing the pictures and hearing what you are saying… I’m going to keep an air shock on.

One more reason I want to sell the Status 160. Just bought it 6 weeks ago and I want it gone

[toast2266]

Do you happen to know what the shaft diameter is?

I believe the dhx has a 12.7mm shaft.

Edit: Eluder beat me to it.