ackshunW profile

To be the mushroom pedant, I think it’s supposed to be “lamella.”

Those purple grips on the purple handlebar!! Fitting just so! Push-ons! NAHBS-worthy for sure. 

Thanks for the tip. Ever since the end of the cantilever era, I always run my brakes well inboard so my index finger lands right at the hook.  All that naked unused bar space is appalling! Always on the lookout for longer grips.

I’ve seen this logic mentioned many times, and don’t get me wrong I’m a manitou fan, and had one of those first-gen reverse arches! But…. How can it be “shorter”? The crown and axle are working together to hold both sides in alignment, and the distance from axle center to edge-of-tire is the same no matter which direction you go. Brent Graves post doesn’t quite go into detail on it— is there something I’m missing?

Welcome to NSMB, nice first piece! 

As a shoe review though, this is really missing the sole-stiffness-toast-index. Like, are these shoes similar to a grainy health loaf toasted to “2”? Or more like a 1” thick sourdough toasted to “11”? How else can I judge the shoe, jeez.

“A super-dense alcohol soaked brick that’s an acquired taste”

Hahahah, who are we talking about again??

Hahah great write up. I started, like you Andrew, not fussed about another high-pivot bike. Too much chain, too many more bolts, too much chainstay growth. But then, transported by a rambling history (and zoom-worthy photos of those other strange Canadian bikes from the lineage), I arrived with interest piqued. 

This piece was almost like, a deep dive on fruitcake or fly-tying or something, where I gained a new appreciation for an object I’m usually blind to.

Great write up and good detail pics, but I need more - - - can you explain in words or pics how the FCS system works? 

Sounds like it is basically doing the same thing as the old Avid speed dial. (Which was sooooo key in setting brake feel back in the day, and responsible for galvanizing my brake-nerdery). But I don’t see where the movement occurs, I feel like I’m looking at two fixed pivot points on the lever.

Great read Andrew as always. A big thank you for the detailed comparisons to multiple competitors about several different performance criteria - so much more useful than “pretty grippy and mostly stiff”

Great words as usual Mike! Timely as well, over on the other site they published this today:

https://m.pinkbike.com/news/round-up-14-bike-industry-jobs-available-right-now.html

I can relate, spent 12 years building outrageous custom one-off furniture for the rich and famous (multiple 20, 22, 24 foot long dining tables…!?!). The compensation did not reflect the skill needed. But of course that meant I could enjoy not taking myself too seriously. With a growing family to support I jumped into the adjacent field of construction/ pre construction. 6 years later I’m earning three times what I was (which, haha, is still not that much for my area!!). 

What was my point…? I forget a little… but those days were fun even if drastically underpaid. The experience and camaraderie really counted for something, but it’s hard to believe now I  kept at it while struggling financially so much.

Hey good to see you in the comments. Not too much, just 47 please!

Thanks everyone for the responses, I’ve got some research to do on Fitz trail, Sprockids Park, and Roberts Creek. 

I know it’s kind of a BC mecca, but I didn’t imagine hitting whistler, I’m not much of a downhiller. That said LOTS and top of the world look like exactly my thing. 

Thanks again,

Eric

Hi all,

First forum post - I’m a member that comes here for the really incredible reviews and general sense of like-mindedness vis a vis the mountain bike world. I live in Brooklyn NY far from the north shore, but have always been fascinated by the riding there. Growing up riding in Trumbull CT we were heavily influenced by what we heard was happening up on the “shore.” :)

Fast forward a millenia and now I’m looking into BC for a family vacation this summer. Hoping you all can give me some direction about where we should look for our home base. Would like to air BNB (or similar) a cabin.

-Definitely going to do some riding but probably not all-day epics —- hoping for a location where I can get out for a morning blast then meet up with the family for the rest of the day.

-Would love to find an area that has a lot to offer for biking and other activities for non-mountain bikers. We want to also fit in some hiking, surfing, sightseeing, art if possible.

-I’ll probably fly with my bike but we may try a rental for my wife for a day or two. She used to ride a fair bit but she’s not up to black diamonds I’m sure. An area with a good rental shop and also has good medium difficulty trails would be awesome.

-Even better would be some recommendations for trail riding my 5-year-old daughter could tackle on her Early rider. 

I appreciate any advice, and I really look forward to seeing your part of the world!

Thanks,

Eric