I picked up my new Butcher yesterday. XT build kit, RP23 shock, Fox 36 Talas 160 fork. I've only done one ride - but I LOVE this thing. My past few bikes have all been Kona's - and I have to say this bike kills by comparison. Compared to the Kona's, the Butcher pedals sooo much better - pedal bob is almost non-existent (especially with propedal turned on). The front end on this bike is very stable - and the Talas is awesome. I climbed the same long hill twice - once with the Talas at 160 and once at 120. Night and day. If you do long climbs, the adjustable travel up front is worth it. Shimano's new "dyna-sys" drivetrain is more than hype - i was clearly able to stay on my middle chainring longer on some of the climbs. The variable shock rate from the APP is very noticable - the bike eats up small/medium bumps, but doesn't feel too loose in bigger terrain.
On the negative - not sure I'm a fan of the Crank Bros 50/50 pedals I put on the bike. The stock tires are grippy, but not super fast (though they will probably be good in the winter). Getting the air valve cap off the Talas is kind of a pain (compared to the Float). The DT Swiss 350 hubs are very nice, but they have nothing on the Hadley's on my previous bike. The 160mm rotor in the back is a little wimpy - they should have gone 185/185 (but that's an easy fix).
Overall - really like it....
Here's a couple more shots out for a recent ride. This is a great trail bike - climbs really well (especially with the talas fork on the 120 setting).
On the negative - not sure I'm a fan of the Crank Bros 50/50 pedals I put on the bike. The stock tires are grippy, but not super fast (though they will probably be good in the winter). Getting the air valve cap off the Talas is kind of a pain (compared to the Float). The DT Swiss 350 hubs are very nice, but they have nothing on the Hadley's on my previous bike. The 160mm rotor in the back is a little wimpy - they should have gone 185/185 (but that's an easy fix).
Overall - really like it....
Here's a couple more shots out for a recent ride. This is a great trail bike - climbs really well (especially with the talas fork on the 120 setting).
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