Bicycle Guys! (1 Viewer)

[Tick]

Oh, the shoes/pedals combo I got my other son looked like it was gone, but it's just renamed slightly: https://smile.amazon.com/Venzo-Mountain-Bicycle-Multi-Function-Clipless/dp/B095NH9BL7?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1 - he likes these.

Thinking it was gone, I picked up Crank Brothers pedals for my youngest, now I'm not sure what to do - but this same set again and swap to CBs, or switch to a different shoe.  The shoe doesn't seem to be available outside of the kit.

ETA: Looks like Venzo and CyclingDeal might be the same company?

 

[NutterButter]

So after a very consistent last year biking I got off to a slow start this year.  In a desire to kick myself into gear, I signed up for TD Five Boro Bike Tour which is 40 mile ride that runs through all five Boroughs of NYC.  It starts in lower Manhattan and ends in Staten Island after going over the Verrazzano bridge.  

It is not really a race and feel like the distance won't be a huge issue but it is giving me something to train for. It should be fun as well being able to ride all through NYC without any cars.  

Did this about 10 years ago.  Overall, a very fun experience.  Unless you're near the front, the start is the biggest bicycle traffic jam that you'll ever experience.   We were literally standing there for 45 minutes waiting to get moving and even then it was very slow going until people spread out eventually.    While not as bad, the getting back to Manhattan from Staten Island via the ferry was also a madhouse.  This is unless they've changed things up.  If I were to do it again, I'd just show up an hour late after everyone has already started and just go from there.   Most of the people are just trundling along so you'll be past a lot of them in no time.   

 

[Dickies]

Oh, the shoes/pedals combo I got my other son looked like it was gone, but it's just renamed slightly: https://smile.amazon.com/Venzo-Mountain-Bicycle-Multi-Function-Clipless/dp/B095NH9BL7?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1 - he likes these.

Thinking it was gone, I picked up Crank Brothers pedals for my youngest, now I'm not sure what to do - but this same set again and swap to CBs, or switch to a different shoe.  The shoe doesn't seem to be available outside of the kit.

ETA: Looks like Venzo and CyclingDeal might be the same company?

I rock the Giro Berm shoes with Crankbrothers pedals on my hybrid road bike. The shoes are like $80 and I find them comfortable. 

 

[Tick]

I'm a low-level coach on a youth MTB team, and we had a coaches group ride... about 20 people there, and I had the only front derailleur and cable brakes in the group.  My bike's 11 years old and getting pretty creaky... I'm now on the lookout for a new bike.

I'm looking for a hardtail MTB somewhere around $1100, and am hoping to find one with:

• 1x10-12 system with gear ratios that cover 0.7-2.75, ideally Shimano Deore, SRAM SX, or microSHIFT AdventX.
  
• Brakes: Ideally Shimano Deore or SRAM Level TLM. I can't figure out Tektro models or how they stack up. 
  
• Capable of tubeless
  

Does anyone see anything that meets that in this price range?

What I've found:

• Trek Marlin 7: $1029, Deore 1x10 (.67-2.81), MT200 brakes, tubes only
  
• Trek Roscoe 6: $1179, Deore 1x10 (.67-2.81), MT200 brakes, tubeless ready
  
• Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29: $1100, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), SRAM Level, tubeless ready
  
• Giant Talon 1: $980, Deore 1x10 (.77-2.94), Tektro TKD143, tubes unclear
  
• Cannondale Trail SE4: $1150, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), Tektro M275, tubeless ready
  
• Cannondale Trail 5: $950, AdventX 1x10 (.69-3), Tektro M275, tubes only
  
• Salsa Rangefinder AX: $1099, AdventX 1x10 (.69-3), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Salsa Rangefinder D10: $1099, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect TAZ2.5 Eagle: $1000, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect Fantom 29 SX: $1099, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect Fantom DS Eagle SX Comp: $1099, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT201, tubeless ready (full suspension)
  

I just haven't found any better brakes in this price range.  For years, bikesdirect has been a bargain given the components you get at the price point, but right now it's no better than bike shops, probably due to shipping costs.

Does anyone else happen to know of something in this price range with better brakes, or is it just not going to happen without an increased budget?

 

[beer 30]

I'm a low-level coach on a youth MTB team, and we had a coaches group ride... about 20 people there, and I had the only front derailleur and cable brakes in the group.  My bike's 11 years old and getting pretty creaky... I'm now on the lookout for a new bike.

I'm looking for a hardtail MTB somewhere around $1100, and am hoping to find one with:

• 1x10-12 system with gear ratios that cover 0.7-2.75, ideally Shimano Deore, SRAM SX, or microSHIFT AdventX.
  
• Brakes: Ideally Shimano Deore or SRAM Level TLM. I can't figure out Tektro models or how they stack up. 
  
• Capable of tubeless
  

Does anyone see anything that meets that in this price range?

What I've found:

• Trek Marlin 7: $1029, Deore 1x10 (.67-2.81), MT200 brakes, tubes only
  
• Trek Roscoe 6: $1179, Deore 1x10 (.67-2.81), MT200 brakes, tubeless ready
  
• Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29: $1100, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), SRAM Level, tubeless ready
  
• Giant Talon 1: $980, Deore 1x10 (.77-2.94), Tektro TKD143, tubes unclear
  
• Cannondale Trail SE4: $1150, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), Tektro M275, tubeless ready
  
• Cannondale Trail 5: $950, AdventX 1x10 (.69-3), Tektro M275, tubes only
  
• Salsa Rangefinder AX: $1099, AdventX 1x10 (.69-3), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Salsa Rangefinder D10: $1099, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect TAZ2.5 Eagle: $1000, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect Fantom 29 SX: $1099, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect Fantom DS Eagle SX Comp: $1099, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT201, tubeless ready (full suspension)
  

I just haven't found any better brakes in this price range.  For years, bikesdirect has been a bargain given the components you get at the price point, but right now it's no better than bike shops, probably due to shipping costs.

Does anyone else happen to know of something in this price range with better brakes, or is it just not going to happen without an increased budget?

You should reach out to this guy, that’s a beautiful bike with hardly any wear on it

2019 Trek Marlin 7

 

[MTskibum]

I'm a low-level coach on a youth MTB team, and we had a coaches group ride... about 20 people there, and I had the only front derailleur and cable brakes in the group.  My bike's 11 years old and getting pretty creaky... I'm now on the lookout for a new bike.

I'm looking for a hardtail MTB somewhere around $1100, and am hoping to find one with:

• 1x10-12 system with gear ratios that cover 0.7-2.75, ideally Shimano Deore, SRAM SX, or microSHIFT AdventX.
  
• Brakes: Ideally Shimano Deore or SRAM Level TLM. I can't figure out Tektro models or how they stack up. 
  
• Capable of tubeless
  

Does anyone see anything that meets that in this price range?

What I've found:

• Trek Marlin 7: $1029, Deore 1x10 (.67-2.81), MT200 brakes, tubes only
  
• Trek Roscoe 6: $1179, Deore 1x10 (.67-2.81), MT200 brakes, tubeless ready
  
• Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29: $1100, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), SRAM Level, tubeless ready
  
• Giant Talon 1: $980, Deore 1x10 (.77-2.94), Tektro TKD143, tubes unclear
  
• Cannondale Trail SE4: $1150, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), Tektro M275, tubeless ready
  
• Cannondale Trail 5: $950, AdventX 1x10 (.69-3), Tektro M275, tubes only
  
• Salsa Rangefinder AX: $1099, AdventX 1x10 (.69-3), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Salsa Rangefinder D10: $1099, Deore 1x10 (.72-3.01), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect TAZ2.5 Eagle: $1000, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect Fantom 29 SX: $1099, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT200, tubes only
  
• Bikesdirect Fantom DS Eagle SX Comp: $1099, SX 1x12 (.65-2.94), Shimano MT201, tubeless ready (full suspension)
  

I just haven't found any better brakes in this price range.  For years, bikesdirect has been a bargain given the components you get at the price point, but right now it's no better than bike shops, probably due to shipping costs.

Does anyone else happen to know of something in this price range with better brakes, or is it just not going to happen without an increased budget?

I have been riding a cannondale trail 5 for a little over a year and i am a noob. I ride semi-frequently, but i have no idea what you typed beside my bike up above

I only mountain bike to stay in shape for ski season though. You don't have to thank me, I know i have been a tremendous help without being told so.

 

[El Floppo]

So after a very consistent last year biking I got off to a slow start this year.  In a desire to kick myself into gear, I signed up for TD Five Boro Bike Tour which is 40 mile ride that runs through all five Boroughs of NYC.  It starts in lower Manhattan and ends in Staten Island after going over the Verrazzano bridge.  

It is not really a race and feel like the distance won't be a huge issue but it is giving me something to train for. It should be fun as well being able to ride all through NYC without any cars.  

GL today!

and fwiw- it's an absolutely gorgeous spring day here in NYC- low 60s and not that windy (it was howling the last couple days).

I did this a couple of times... damn- the  twin towers were still up where the start was.

yeah- it's a ride, not a race- and as was mentioned super crowded (probably even more so now). the first one I did, I got separated from my friends, and just decided to power through solo (on my mountain bike). got up to the front and the pace cars- which kept it steady at 15mph, so not exactly "blazing".

only scary bits for me was heading south on the FDR in the overpass sections midtownish. really big expansion gaps in the asphalt that ran diagonally- so you had be very wary of getting your tires caught in them and getting thrown down. also, the front pack had guy coming from behind thinking they could go at some kind of faster pace (not realizing there were pace cars), so pushing through a fairly tight clump at the front and causing pretty frequent crashes. I saw a couple of these too close and decided to drop back behind that group into more open space.

 

[Dickies]

I'm a low-level coach on a youth MTB team, and we had a coaches group ride... about 20 people there, and I had the only front derailleur and cable brakes in the group.  My bike's 11 years old and getting pretty creaky... I'm now on the lookout for a new bike.

I’ll post my thoughts when I have more time, but before I do, what type of riding do you primarily do?  XC? Trail?  Do you like riding steeper/chunkier terrain?

 

[Tick]

I’ll post my thoughts when I have more time, but before I do, what type of riding do you primarily do?  XC? Trail?  Do you like riding steeper/chunkier terrain?

Single track trails.  It's not very rocky around here, but steep is fine.

 

[matttyl]

Single track trails.  It's not very rocky around here, but steep is fine.

Where you located?  I have a couple year old trek stache (before they made it a mid fat) that has all you’re looking for in a large frame.  

 

[Tick]

Where you located?  I have a couple year old trek stache (before they made it a mid fat) that has all you’re looking for in a large frame.  

Michigan... I'm a medium frame guy though.  17" typically.

 

[Dickies]

Single track trails.  It's not very rocky around here, but steep is fine.

Prepare for a long winded post, but mountain biking is an activity I’ve become very passionate about over the last year and a half.

First: You want tubeless. Any bike with a non-tubeless compatible wheel set is a non-starter for me. Wheelsets are expensive to upgrade and nothing sucks worse than getting a flat while in the middle of nowhere. In the old days I remember constantly getting flat tires, but on my current bike running tubeless I am up to 1,750 miles with no flats. I’ve worn through a rear tire with no flats.

Second: You want a dropper post. I don’t think any bike you listed had one, but it is a total GAME CHANGER.  Gone are the days of stopping at the top of the hill to wrench your seat post down. The ability to raise and lower your saddle at the push of a button is amazing and helps in all aspects of mountain biking.

Third: The price of bikes has increased dramatically from two years ago, and the spec has also gotten worse. I don’t want to come across as snobby, but I’d encourage you to increase your budget to 1,500-1,750 as that is the price point you get all of the quality of life features. If you are going to be a MTB coach I assume you will ride a lot, so you might as well have a bike that makes it more enjoyable.

Fourth: I ride using a SRAM groupset, but I have heard Shimano Deore is better than Eagle SX. I have SX on a hybrid bike and put over 3,000 miles on it before having issues, but I suspect it would fail much faster subjected to the punishment of mountain biking versus road riding. My mountain bike has NX, which is one step higher and I have 1,750 miles on it with no issues.  I’ve heard good things about Microshift Advent X, but I will say that while it’s probably sufficient for a lot of rides, when you need more gearing the 1x12 is the difference between hiking your bike and riding  

Fifth: Avoid bikesdirect. Their frames use wildly outdated geometry and while you used to be able to get better components for the price that isnt really the case anymore. The frame geometry has the biggest impact on how the bike rides.

Sixth: Consider used if your budget isn’t FBG level. Some bikes that I think are pretty solid for the price are the Giant Fathom, Canyon Stoic, Kona Honzo, Trek Roscoe 7+, Ragley Big Al, and Vitus Sentier. I ride a Commencal Meta HT that I bought used.

Hopefully this helps.  It’s a hobby I’m wildly passionate about but have so far avoided dropping $4k+ on a bike. 

 

[Tick]

https://cyclingtips.com/2022/04/exposed-by-a-strava-kom-the-many-lives-of-a-fake-pro-cyclist/?position=3&sponsored=0&utm_medium=email&utm_source=pocket_hits&utm_campaign=POCKET_HITS-EN-DAILY-RECS-2022_05_01

Bonkers story about a guy with a totally fake backstory, much of it in cycling.

 

[Tick]

Prepare for a long winded post, but mountain biking is an activity I’ve become very passionate about over the last year and a half.

First: You want tubeless. Any bike with a non-tubeless compatible wheel set is a non-starter for me. Wheelsets are expensive to upgrade and nothing sucks worse than getting a flat while in the middle of nowhere. In the old days I remember constantly getting flat tires, but on my current bike running tubeless I am up to 1,750 miles with no flats. I’ve worn through a rear tire with no flats.

Second: You want a dropper post. I don’t think any bike you listed had one, but it is a total GAME CHANGER.  Gone are the days of stopping at the top of the hill to wrench your seat post down. The ability to raise and lower your saddle at the push of a button is amazing and helps in all aspects of mountain biking.

Third: The price of bikes has increased dramatically from two years ago, and the spec has also gotten worse. I don’t want to come across as snobby, but I’d encourage you to increase your budget to 1,500-1,750 as that is the price point you get all of the quality of life features. If you are going to be a MTB coach I assume you will ride a lot, so you might as well have a bike that makes it more enjoyable.

Fourth: I ride using a SRAM groupset, but I have heard Shimano Deore is better than Eagle SX. I have SX on a hybrid bike and put over 3,000 miles on it before having issues, but I suspect it would fail much faster subjected to the punishment of mountain biking versus road riding. My mountain bike has NX, which is one step higher and I have 1,750 miles on it with no issues.  I’ve heard good things about Microshift Advent X, but I will say that while it’s probably sufficient for a lot of rides, when you need more gearing the 1x12 is the difference between hiking your bike and riding  

Fifth: Avoid bikesdirect. Their frames use wildly outdated geometry and while you used to be able to get better components for the price that isnt really the case anymore. The frame geometry has the biggest impact on how the bike rides.

Sixth: Consider used if your budget isn’t FBG level. Some bikes that I think are pretty solid for the price are the Giant Fathom, Canyon Stoic, Kona Honzo, Trek Roscoe 7+, Ragley Big Al, and Vitus Sentier. I ride a Commencal Meta HT that I bought used.

Hopefully this helps.  It’s a hobby I’m wildly passionate about but have so far avoided dropping $4k+ on a bike. 

Thanks.

I've never had a dropper and have never adjusted my seat... the longest downhill I ever ride is The Flow at Copper Harbor and I haven't been bothered by my seat there.  I think a couple of the bikes I listed had droppers, but it hasn't been a criterion for me.

Can you elaborate on the 10 vs. 12 hiking out part?  If the range is the same (they all seem to be about 0.7-3.0), I should be able to ride the same on a 10 as a 12, I just might have to spin more in a lower gear if the ideal gear is halfway between.

I've been out of the buying market for 3 years, and I see just what you're saying about the increase in price, the decrease in groupsets, and the missing bargains at bikesdirect.  Maybe I'll stick it out on my old bike for this summer and see if the supply chain sorts out by next summer... or if something sweet shows up in the fall.

Shopping used makes a lot of sense, but it's such a hassle.  I tend to see either people who don't list their components (https://mtbdatabase.com/bikes helps) or people who are trying to sell a 2 year old bike for 90% of what they bought it for.  And I have to wade through 90% department store bikes to find it.  I'm probably looking in the wrong places (Craigslist, FB marketplace) - where do others look for used bikes?

 

[Dickies]

Thanks.

I've never had a dropper and have never adjusted my seat... the longest downhill I ever ride is The Flow at Copper Harbor and I haven't been bothered by my seat there.  I think a couple of the bikes I listed had droppers, but it hasn't been a criterion for me.

Can you elaborate on the 10 vs. 12 hiking out part?  If the range is the same (they all seem to be about 0.7-3.0), I should be able to ride the same on a 10 as a 12, I just might have to spin more in a lower gear if the ideal gear is halfway between.

I've been out of the buying market for 3 years, and I see just what you're saying about the increase in price, the decrease in groupsets, and the missing bargains at bikesdirect.  Maybe I'll stick it out on my old bike for this summer and see if the supply chain sorts out by next summer... or if something sweet shows up in the fall.

Shopping used makes a lot of sense, but it's such a hassle.  I tend to see either people who don't list their components (https://mtbdatabase.com/bikes helps) or people who are trying to sell a 2 year old bike for 90% of what they bought it for.  And I have to wade through 90% department store bikes to find it.  I'm probably looking in the wrong places (Craigslist, FB marketplace) - where do others look for used bikes?

You may have never used a dropper post, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t amazing. It is the single piece of equipment that is an absolute necessity for me after having one.

1x10 vs 1x12 basically comes down to fitness. If you can turn the cranks on a 1x10 then more power to you. Where I ride there are a lot of really steep punchy climbs where having the extra low gears makes a huge difference. If I were on a 1x10 I don’t think I would have the legs to do it, but the 50t cog makes it possible. Even if the 1x10 has the same range you will be making larger jumps between cogs.

I would push the budget and check all the boxes. 1x12, dropper post, thru axles, good brakes, and air fork. Where are you located?  Pink bike is a good place to buy used in addition to the places you are already likely looking. When I bought my bike I went in with a budget of $900 and ended up spending $1,500 on a used bike. I am glad I did because it’s a bike that really makes mountain biking super enjoyable and if I cheaped out I don’t think I would have half the miles that I do (1,750).  There are so many areas in life where we spend an extra $25-50 without even thinking about it. Why not spend a few hundred more to make the experience so much more enjoyable?

 

[Ned]

Prepare for a long winded post, but mountain biking is an activity I’ve become very passionate about over the last year and a half.

First: You want tubeless. Any bike with a non-tubeless compatible wheel set is a non-starter for me. Wheelsets are expensive to upgrade and nothing sucks worse than getting a flat while in the middle of nowhere. In the old days I remember constantly getting flat tires, but on my current bike running tubeless I am up to 1,750 miles with no flats. I’ve worn through a rear tire with no flats.

Second: You want a dropper post. I don’t think any bike you listed had one, but it is a total GAME CHANGER.  Gone are the days of stopping at the top of the hill to wrench your seat post down. The ability to raise and lower your saddle at the push of a button is amazing and helps in all aspects of mountain biking.

Third: The price of bikes has increased dramatically from two years ago, and the spec has also gotten worse. I don’t want to come across as snobby, but I’d encourage you to increase your budget to 1,500-1,750 as that is the price point you get all of the quality of life features. If you are going to be a MTB coach I assume you will ride a lot, so you might as well have a bike that makes it more enjoyable.

Fourth: I ride using a SRAM groupset, but I have heard Shimano Deore is better than Eagle SX. I have SX on a hybrid bike and put over 3,000 miles on it before having issues, but I suspect it would fail much faster subjected to the punishment of mountain biking versus road riding. My mountain bike has NX, which is one step higher and I have 1,750 miles on it with no issues.  I’ve heard good things about Microshift Advent X, but I will say that while it’s probably sufficient for a lot of rides, when you need more gearing the 1x12 is the difference between hiking your bike and riding  

Fifth: Avoid bikesdirect. Their frames use wildly outdated geometry and while you used to be able to get better components for the price that isnt really the case anymore. The frame geometry has the biggest impact on how the bike rides.

Sixth: Consider used if your budget isn’t FBG level. Some bikes that I think are pretty solid for the price are the Giant Fathom, Canyon Stoic, Kona Honzo, Trek Roscoe 7+, Ragley Big Al, and Vitus Sentier. I ride a Commencal Meta HT that I bought used.

Hopefully this helps.  It’s a hobby I’m wildly passionate about but have so far avoided dropping $4k+ on a bike. 

Great post. Tubeless is the only way to go.  The only downside is it requires a little more maintenance than tubes.  You have to make sure to top off the sealant every 3-4 months, but it's well worth it.  I'll never ride tubes on the trails.

I know dropper is the #1 thing for you, but I think it's terrain specific.  Around our parts, virtually everyone ditches the droppers to save the weight.

I'm a big Scott fan.  The Scale 960 checks every box for @Tick

From a drivetrain point - unless you're rarely climbing, I'd make a 1x12 a top priority.  a 1x10 simply won't cut it.

 

[NutterButter]

Considering he's riding a hardtail, I doubt he's riding any highly technical downhills where the dropper would really come in handy.   

 

[Dickies]

Considering he's riding a hardtail, I doubt he's riding any highly technical downhills where the dropper would really come in handy.   

I ride a hardtail and find it incredibly useful even when I’m not riding technical trails, but when I’m in places like Tahoe it’s an absolute necessity.

I may be an oddball but I find it useful on technical climbs as well. I like to drop the post by an inch or two so that it’s a bit out of the way if I need to pedal out of the saddle, but it’s still there when I sit down. 

 

[NutterButter]

I ride a hardtail and find it incredibly useful even when I’m not riding technical trails, but when I’m in places like Tahoe it’s an absolute necessity.

I may be an oddball but I find it useful on technical climbs as well. I like to drop the post by an inch or two so that it’s a bit out of the way if I need to pedal out of the saddle, but it’s still there when I sit down. 

I think you're both oddballs for riding a hardtail 

 

[matttyl]

Do you have a local bike shop?  That should be stop 1.  They know the local area, and you can decide if you want to purchase a bike through them that comes with a warranty or if you’d be ok buying used and paying full price for bike work/parts when it’s needed. 

My wife wanted new (and purple), so we went with a trek fuel ex for her.  Anything goes wrong (and two things have) - covered by trek warranty.  I didn’t mind used (and didn’t want to spend $6k for full suspension carbon), so I bought used when I found my Pivot 429.  I also enjoy working on my bike myself, my wife doesn’t.  

Also, I have a 1x11 (shimano based kit off Amazon that came with 11-51 sun race cassette) and I’ve been very happy with it.  

From your above options, I’d pick the roscoe 6 (the olive grey looks sweet), for one reason - 27.5+ or 29” tires.  

And one piece of advice - take an honest look at the budget and ask yourself when looking at a bike how likely you would be to upgrade something on it in first 12 months.  The wheels, the crank, the fork, even a different cassette.  Then look at the next bike up the series and see if that already has that upgrade now (along with other stuff).  Might be a worthwhile choice right off the bat.  When I got my trek stache years ago I swapped wheels, stem/bars, went 1x, rear derailleur/cassette and even added dropper in first 18 months.  I probably should have purchased a better equipped bike from start.  

 

[Tick]

I’m not understanding something about 1x10 vs. 1x12, I think. If the lowest gear ratio on both is 0.7, why is the 1x12 better for climbing?

 

[Mookie]

I’m not understanding something about 1x10 vs. 1x12, I think. If the lowest gear ratio on both is 0.7, why is the 1x12 better for climbing?

Depending upon the set up, it's the range, as the gaps between gears is less on a 1x12.  The important thing is your lowest gear, which is your granny or climbing gear.  It's a preference thing IMO and not a big deal for most people so long as the climbing gear is similar..

Put me in with the tubeless and dropper seat fan boys.  It is so nice to be able to move up for climbing and down for downhill at the flick of a switch.  It has made me a much better rider.

Try Pinkbike.com for used bikes (and some new ones), but with all the supply issues still happening, there aren't a lot of deals out there, and shipping will add some cost. I would advise that you buy as much bike as you can afford.

$1200

$1500

$1300

 

[Redwes25]

GL today!

and fwiw- it's an absolutely gorgeous spring day here in NYC- low 60s and not that windy (it was howling the last couple days).

I did this a couple of times... damn- the  twin towers were still up where the start was.

yeah- it's a ride, not a race- and as was mentioned super crowded (probably even more so now). the first one I did, I got separated from my friends, and just decided to power through solo (on my mountain bike). got up to the front and the pace cars- which kept it steady at 15mph, so not exactly "blazing".

only scary bits for me was heading south on the FDR in the overpass sections midtownish. really big expansion gaps in the asphalt that ran diagonally- so you had be very wary of getting your tires caught in them and getting thrown down. also, the front pack had guy coming from behind thinking they could go at some kind of faster pace (not realizing there were pace cars), so pushing through a fairly tight clump at the front and causing pretty frequent crashes. I saw a couple of these too close and decided to drop back behind that group into more open space.

Thanks.  It was a fund day.  A bit crowded at parts (had to walk over the queensboro bridge due to crowds and slow going at points but had a great time overall especially when I could get out in the open.  

I would definately do it again but would pay for VIP access which guarantees first start group.  I was in like the 5th wave and felt like I passed 10k people in the course of the day.  

 

[grateful zed]

anyone doing the nude ride this year?

 

[Tick]

Pink Bike is what I was looking for - thanks to those who recommended it.

 

[Dickies]

From your above options, I’d pick the roscoe 6 (the olive grey looks sweet), for one reason - 27.5+ or 29” tires.  

Pretty sure the Roscoe 6 is 27.5” only. They recently updated the frame to accommodate 29”, but the new frame is only offered on the Roscoe 7 and above. 

 

[the moops]

Considering he's riding a hardtail, I doubt he's riding any highly technical downhills where the dropper would really come in handy.   

Disagree with this. I ride a hardtail and don't really have any desire to go full suspension, but I find my dropper super nice to have. Don't you go on thinking that us hardtail folks can't do technical downhill ####

 

[the moops]

If there is a local, or semi-local facebook bicycle trading site, that is the way to go. Not talking marketplace, but a specific bike page. The one here in the twin cities is fantastic. Hard to get super good deals, for it is well visited by knowledgeable folks, but there is an abundance of bikes listed daily.

 

[matttyl]

Pretty sure the Roscoe 6 is 27.5” only. They recently updated the frame to accommodate 29”, but the new frame is only offered on the Roscoe 7 and above. 

Looking at their site now - the 2022 Roscoe 6 will take up to a 27.5, 2.8” (which is what it comes with) or a 29, 2.4”.  Now it does say that for the frame, not for the fork (says check with fork manufacturer for that).  

 

[matttyl]

What’s with all this hard tail vs full suspension back and forth?!  N+1 y’all.  

 

[Mookie]

I've entered the electric bike game!  I like to ride to the golf course on summer days, but it's 32 miles round trip and hilly - on a mountain bike, that is a haul, especially with 18-27 holes of golf thrown in.  I've been looking for an ebike that doesn't look like an ebike and I found this.

It came this morning 5 days after I ordered it and I put it together during my lunch hour - super easy.  Rode it back to work and I am really impressed.  It's pedal assist, so you have to pedal to get any help from the motor, and even pedaling on the easiest gear, there was a significant boost. Not sure I will ever need more than the first two assist levels but we'll see how it does on hills. 

The battery range is limited (20-30 miles), but it's light enough (33 lbs) where pedaling it with no assist shouldn't be a problem even though it is a single speed.  Sizing is a little weird (no medium option), so I went large (5'9").  Belt drive means no greasy chain or fiddling. For $1045, I think it's going to be a great bike.    

 

[NutterButter]

I've entered the electric bike game!  I like to ride to the golf course on summer days, but it's 32 miles round trip and hilly - on a mountain bike, that is a haul, especially with 18-27 holes of golf thrown in. 

And a bag of clubs on your back.  That's hardcore.  

 

[NutterButter]

Disagree with this. I ride a hardtail and don't really have any desire to go full suspension, but I find my dropper super nice to have. Don't you go on thinking that us hardtail folks can't do technical downhill ####

I think you're the exception but maybe he's from the same mold as well..  Heck I've seen some nuts riding cross bikes on some of the techier stuff that I ride.  Loco.  

 

[Dickies]

What’s with all this hard tail vs full suspension back and forth?!  N+1 y’all.  

I'm in the market for a full suspension, but modern hardtails are very fun and incredibly capable.

 

[Mookie]

And a bag of clubs on your back.  That's hardcore.  

Keep the clubs at the course.  I'm not that hardcore.

 

[NutterButter]

Keep the clubs at the course.  I'm not that hardcore.

It would be pretty cool though to see some animal biking to the course with a full bag of clubs on his back.  

 

[matttyl]

I'm in the market for a full suspension, but modern hardtails are very fun and incredibly capable.

What full suspension are you looking at?

 

[Dickies]

I think you're the exception but maybe he's from the same mold as well..  Heck I've seen some nuts riding cross bikes on some of the techier stuff that I ride.  Loco.  

I ride steep, techy trails in Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz on my hardtail, and I've done the Downieville downhill on my hardtail.  I'm faster going downhill than half of my neighbors that I ride with who all have fancy carbon fiber full suspension bikes.

 

[Dickies]

What full suspension are you looking at?

I've been debating between the Transition Spur, Ibis Ripley and YT Izzo

 

[NutterButter]

I ride steep, techy trails in Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz on my hardtail, and I've done the Downieville downhill on my hardtail.  I'm faster going downhill than half of my neighbors that I ride with who all have fancy carbon fiber full suspension bikes.

Cool.  I'm not saying it can't be done.  Heck you can go full rigid if you want.   Maybe go single speed as well if you really hate yourself.  I used to ride a hardtail.   Never again.  Give me the comfort of a dualie from now on.   

 

[Dickies]

Cool.  I'm not saying it can't be done.  Heck you can go full rigid if you want.   Maybe go single speed as well if you really hate yourself.  I used to ride a hardtail.   Never again.  Give me the comfort of a dualie from now on.   

I would either die or get in incredibly good shape if I rode a single speed.

Having a nice fork really helps a lot on a hardtail as it keeps the front tire planted and providing traction. A cheapo fork makes things way sketchier, but I’ve got a RS Lyrik that soaks up everything

 

[NutterButter]

I've been debating between the Transition Spur, Ibis Ripley and YT Izzo

I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on a ripley soon if I can find one.  I'm just doing the aluminum model though.   I've ridden a handful of carbon dualie rentals (current bike is a niner jet 9 aluminum) and I just can't justify the cost difference.  Worst case, maybe I'll buy one used from pinkbike.  

You looking at the carbon one?  

 

[Dickies]

I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on a ripley soon if I can find one.  I'm just doing the aluminum model though.   I've ridden a handful of carbon dualie rentals (current bike is a niner jet 9 aluminum) and I just can't justify the cost difference.  Worst case, maybe I'll buy one used from pinkbike.  

You looking at the carbon one?  

I would go carbon I suspect. I know someone who works for Ibis, and historically he has been able to get a big friends and family discount, but with the supply chain issues that is indefinitely suspended. If I do go the Ibis route I would likely wait until they  reinstate the discount (assuming they eventually do).

The bike that looks really attractive to me is the Spur, but it’s spendy 

 

[Tick]

I’m just looking at hardtails because 95% of my riding is on my local trails where a full suspension isn’t needed, so I’d rather keep things simple and save a little money. I’ve ridden Cooer Harbor and Duluth on my hardtail and never felt constrained by my bike.  Those aren’t the rocky trails in the west, but they’re silver and gold ride centers with plenty of technical downhills. If I lived at either, I’d get a full suspension… but in Western Michigan, I’ll pribably skip it.

 

[Dickies]

Michigan... I'm a medium frame guy though.  17" typically.

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3088469/ - Seems like a pretty good price on a solid bike.  It retailed for $2,000 in 2020

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm looking for an app that will track my rides in a very basic way - just distance and time. This is just purely out of curiosity to track my daily commute into the office and back, which is about 30 minutes each way. Not for competitive or detailed training purposes.  Would like something very simple, where I just click a button and start riding.

tia

 

[jamny]

Just ordered a Co-Op DRT 1.1 for me and a CTY 1.1 for my wife. Great bike paths here in Boise and I'm looking forward to trying out some trails by myself. She has no interest in trails. 

 

[Sand]

I'm looking for an app that will track my rides in a very basic way - just distance and time. This is just purely out of curiosity to track my daily commute into the office and back, which is about 30 minutes each way. Not for competitive or detailed training purposes.  Would like something very simple, where I just click a button and start riding.

Strava app.  The basics are free and a couple taps gets you recording.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Strava app.  The basics are free and a couple taps gets you recording.

Plus if you start breaking records a UCI team might notice

 

[matttyl]

I'm looking for an app that will track my rides in a very basic way - just distance and time. This is just purely out of curiosity to track my daily commute into the office and back, which is about 30 minutes each way. Not for competitive or detailed training purposes.  Would like something very simple, where I just click a button and start riding.

tia

For app, I’d second Strava.  It will eat battery life if your phone, though.  A very basic bike computer, though, will do that and you can get one for like $12 on Amazon.