Nah no offset bushing. If you go the 62.5mm, mine cleared the frame at bottom out with the stock hardware. The 65mm would be too close for comfort though IMO. I had a Works Components -1 cup in to slacken the HA to 65 as well.
New Whip? New toys for the dependable steed?
- Thread starter mykel
- Start date
Finally got this Altitude sorted out with the CC coilover and the 170mm airshaft. Can't wait to shred Targhee!
Gotcha. Might have to consider that. I’ve got the 170mm fork coming so that slackens the ht by about .5 deg.
I originally chucked in the -1 cups and ran the 160mm fork, but for Trans BC and Canadian adventures I ran the Lyrik at 170mm with the cups as well and it worked brilliantly. Those bikes are properly solid and in the 170F/160R setup it handled Whistler DH trails fine (except Canadian Open - that track needs a DH bike) as well as 6 long days of pedalling/pushing for Trans BC.
It was overkill for Aussie stuff like that though so I reverted to 160mm fork for flatter stuff.
Good to know. I'm still getting a feel for this bike, but so far I'm impressed.
Added the debonair air spring to my 2015 150mm Pike at the end of last season in November, I think I may have got out on it once before snow shut things down until April. But I'm definitely digging it for the rides I've done on that bike for the last couple of months.
I made the same upgrade last summer. Liked it a lot. It’s a shame my CSU now sounds like it is about to snap in half at any moment.
But I’m sure it won’t.
85% sure.
yeah or throw it on a really creaky vpp with a loud ass hub and see if you can get even more trails closed
Not creaky anymore - and it was the loud ass hub that was creaking.
Put a new DVO Diamond on the evil the other day, looking forward to some park riding on it this weekend. Why the hell isn't every fork manufacturer offering an integrated fender?
Also added my custom new front tire the 'Ass Gai', got a kick out of my file name, evilassegai.jpg. How is everyone liking these? They seem to be pretty popular, riding this in mud does freak me out a bit, pretty wet here lately.
Also added my custom new front tire the 'Ass Gai', got a kick out of my file name, evilassegai.jpg. How is everyone liking these? They seem to be pretty popular, riding this in mud does freak me out a bit, pretty wet here lately.
The ability to sharpie out the words on that tire to say ''Max Ass'' and other fun combos is making me save up money for 27,5 wheels.Put a new DVO Diamond on the evil the other day, looking forward to some park riding on it this weekend. Why the hell isn't every fork manufacturer offering an integrated fender?
Also added my custom new front tire the 'Ass Gai', got a kick out of my file name, evilassegai.jpg. How is everyone liking these? They seem to be pretty popular, riding this in mud does freak me out a bit, pretty wet here lately.
You are a genius...Thanks man, you came up big.
Oh, don't use sharpie, use paint pen, works way better.
Sharpie just ends up looking like a translucent purple patch over the logo....
Paint-pen FTW.
Might be doing a bit of wrenching this weekend: Mating my new Magura MT-5 calipers to my XT brakes, and mounting my new 2.4 DHR2 EXO+ on the front wheel and the 2.3 DHR2 DD on the back wheel.
I recently got my first carbon handlebars as second hand complete bike kit 
The frame is a Bird AM9 and still is under evaluation but it feels fast since I already broke a few personal best. Maybe just because of the new bike placebo...?
A few nice bits with a Yarilanche, Cura brakes, 11 speed sram something, carbon cranks with reliable but out of fashion 24mm axle.
The frame is a Bird AM9 and still is under evaluation but it feels fast since I already broke a few personal best. Maybe just because of the new bike placebo...?
A few nice bits with a Yarilanche, Cura brakes, 11 speed sram something, carbon cranks with reliable but out of fashion 24mm axle.
Last edited:
So, I finally caved. I realized I need a trailbike to properly benefit from the awesome city I live in and the mountainous areas around it. Also I want to try my hand at racing eventually, and since DH racing is so dead that they could barely scrape together a combined swedish and norwegian championship this year with no other races then fuck... it'll have to be enduro. At least I already have the fanny pack!
Been lusting after the Sanction, and since it is very gravity-focused it seemed like a good choice. Time will tell!
Update: Went for a little spin on a favorite piece of trail outside of town. I actually kind of hate how much I love it. Felt super natural to ride with a halfshell helmet instead of a fullface for the first time in years, and the bike felt composed and planted. Also, worryingly, the body position felt better than on the V10. Fuck...
That Crank Brothers sticker has got to go, though.
Been lusting after the Sanction, and since it is very gravity-focused it seemed like a good choice. Time will tell!
Update: Went for a little spin on a favorite piece of trail outside of town. I actually kind of hate how much I love it. Felt super natural to ride with a halfshell helmet instead of a fullface for the first time in years, and the bike felt composed and planted. Also, worryingly, the body position felt better than on the V10. Fuck...
That Crank Brothers sticker has got to go, though.
Last edited:
So I just snapped the upper link on my 2013 26er and Knolly has no spares (too outdated). I had a lot invested in this bike X2 shock, Lyrik coil with Avy cart, new wheels and tires, new frame bearings. So kind of bummed about the timing and lack of options to move parts (just foubd out Cotic still make their Bfe ib 26" so this might be an option).
Wasnt planning to change out my bike or step up to 27.5, but my hand is forced. Managed to find a local shop with a Bronson demo and was blown away by how comfortable it felt from the first run. Tested on trails I know well and didnt feel like much adjustment was needed to my riding style. All the talk of bigger wheels in tight corners etc. had me convinced I would need time to adjust (quick left to right cornering was the only area I felt I needed to improve on but more ride time shoul fix this). The wheel size was not the only change, new drive train was nice, the bike was super quiet and really stiff, no creaks etc. Guess I have been hiding under a rock for some time, but until now its been case of "if it aint broke...".
So I have spent the past couple of weeks cruising PB for second hand options that are within budget and almost settled on 2018 Capra CF that is very well priced. Only the distance to view and collect has kept me from moving forward. I am also not convinced I am looking for a 170mm bike, but the price makes it worth serious consideration as I can sell the frame and transfer a really good.
At 150mm of travel and the ability to take bigger hits, the Bronson is a great fit for day to day riding and weekend get aways. However there arnt many used Bronsons yet and when they come up they are still pricey.
Then I stumbled across the Kona Process 153 and from all the research it sounds like the perfect bike - short chain stays, super fun to ride.... I recalled a couple of boys on here were on the new 153 so keen to hear your thoughts.
So far I found an 2018 alloy, that has an STX coil shock and MRP Ribbon coil fork fitted, plus a few other upgrades other than the stock wheels (WTB rims are fine but Formula hubs?). This takes care of upgrading the suspension (specifically the shock). Then I stumbled across a new 153 CR on a 44% sale, which puts it at the same price as the used alloy but no upgrades (I would definitely need to change that shock!).
The 153 seems to tick all the right boxes for my trails and riding style, including the frame stiffness and strength. The only down side seems to be the weight?
Other the bikes that come up readily and tickle my fancy:
Nukeproof Mega - probably my second choice and no real down sides. The Kona sounds more fun though
YT Capra - concerned it will be too much travel for local riding but great for the weekends
Transition Patrol - harder to find a good build at the right price.
Bird Aeris 145 - ride characteristics sound spot on, but I would definitely test one first. I am not sure it was designed to be playfull, maybe more like the Banshee Spitfire. Also, I am not seeing them come up 2nd hand.
As long as the bike can take it, I can generally get away with less travel. Willing to take a beating to have a bike that is more fun to ride than a long travel mattress.
Wasnt planning to change out my bike or step up to 27.5, but my hand is forced. Managed to find a local shop with a Bronson demo and was blown away by how comfortable it felt from the first run. Tested on trails I know well and didnt feel like much adjustment was needed to my riding style. All the talk of bigger wheels in tight corners etc. had me convinced I would need time to adjust (quick left to right cornering was the only area I felt I needed to improve on but more ride time shoul fix this). The wheel size was not the only change, new drive train was nice, the bike was super quiet and really stiff, no creaks etc. Guess I have been hiding under a rock for some time, but until now its been case of "if it aint broke...".
So I have spent the past couple of weeks cruising PB for second hand options that are within budget and almost settled on 2018 Capra CF that is very well priced. Only the distance to view and collect has kept me from moving forward. I am also not convinced I am looking for a 170mm bike, but the price makes it worth serious consideration as I can sell the frame and transfer a really good.
At 150mm of travel and the ability to take bigger hits, the Bronson is a great fit for day to day riding and weekend get aways. However there arnt many used Bronsons yet and when they come up they are still pricey.
Then I stumbled across the Kona Process 153 and from all the research it sounds like the perfect bike - short chain stays, super fun to ride.... I recalled a couple of boys on here were on the new 153 so keen to hear your thoughts.
So far I found an 2018 alloy, that has an STX coil shock and MRP Ribbon coil fork fitted, plus a few other upgrades other than the stock wheels (WTB rims are fine but Formula hubs?). This takes care of upgrading the suspension (specifically the shock). Then I stumbled across a new 153 CR on a 44% sale, which puts it at the same price as the used alloy but no upgrades (I would definitely need to change that shock!).
The 153 seems to tick all the right boxes for my trails and riding style, including the frame stiffness and strength. The only down side seems to be the weight?
Other the bikes that come up readily and tickle my fancy:
Nukeproof Mega - probably my second choice and no real down sides. The Kona sounds more fun though
YT Capra - concerned it will be too much travel for local riding but great for the weekends
Transition Patrol - harder to find a good build at the right price.
Bird Aeris 145 - ride characteristics sound spot on, but I would definitely test one first. I am not sure it was designed to be playfull, maybe more like the Banshee Spitfire. Also, I am not seeing them come up 2nd hand.
As long as the bike can take it, I can generally get away with less travel. Willing to take a beating to have a bike that is more fun to ride than a long travel mattress.
If you want to keep your bike then I think that link isn’t too complicated to get a new one machined up. My buddy Sergio, might be able to help you if he has time. http://dapilten.com/en/
Or maybe there’s a machine shop closer to you.
@SkullCrack - Nice EXT on the RAAW! That must be such a capable combo. Have you tried the fork at 170mm?
The Process 153 CR i had was pretty rowdy. Those things are built tough as hell too. 3kg for the carbon frame, 20mm main pivots and big bearings throughout. I used mine for three Trans Enduro races (5-6 days each, in all shitty weather and racing blind so plenty of rough lines) plus Whistler park duties without even a whimper from it. That is a bike I think you'd get years out of no worries. If you want to get more out of it, you can long stroke the shock to 160mm rear and bump the fork to 170 and they plow pretty well.
mmmmmm...plowbike
@buckoW - I found a local machime shop when I needed a replacement swing link for my old Blur 4X project build. This was my 1st stop after feedback from Knolly. To machine the link for my Knolly the price is really high. Thanks for the link to Sergio, I will ping him tomorrow.
@toodles - thanks for the feedback. I saw your posts about shock stroke and increasing travel to 160mm. For local trails 140mm of travel is the sweet spot, as long as there is enough progression, which is not the case with the Turner 5 Spot I built up with spare parts (keeping for my son who almost fits now). The 2nd hand 153 sold yesterday which is a bummer. If I pick up the new 153 and I can get on with the shock for week days rides, then I could look at a longer stroke shock for weekends etc. Local trails are not steep and littered with rocks, but rather forest dirt or smooth gravel with tight turns, and the name of the game is maintaining speed or getting on the gas between sections and boosting trail features to create something out of nothing. To much bike takes out all the fun. However a recent trip to the bike park reminded me that less travel is possible but is really tiring. I saw the photo of your new Patrol, but with your hand all screwed up I guess you dont have quality ride time to make a comparason.
@toodles - thanks for the feedback. I saw your posts about shock stroke and increasing travel to 160mm. For local trails 140mm of travel is the sweet spot, as long as there is enough progression, which is not the case with the Turner 5 Spot I built up with spare parts (keeping for my son who almost fits now). The 2nd hand 153 sold yesterday which is a bummer. If I pick up the new 153 and I can get on with the shock for week days rides, then I could look at a longer stroke shock for weekends etc. Local trails are not steep and littered with rocks, but rather forest dirt or smooth gravel with tight turns, and the name of the game is maintaining speed or getting on the gas between sections and boosting trail features to create something out of nothing. To much bike takes out all the fun. However a recent trip to the bike park reminded me that less travel is possible but is really tiring. I saw the photo of your new Patrol, but with your hand all screwed up I guess you dont have quality ride time to make a comparason.
Yeah I'm getting back slowly but its definitely not right. The Patrol is promising - a better cornerer IMO, but the BB is low and it smacks things easy so its probably not as safe to ride quickly through rough stuff.
Honestly for what you're riding if you say a 140mm is the sweet spot I'd recommend the Scout more anyway. Those things are crazy capable bikes - I put my old one through some silly shit and the new SBG one is probably even better. Unfortunately they added a ton of weight on the SBG ones and there isn't a carbon option yet.
Rumour has Kona re-releasing a 134 soon which would be friggen epic for proper trail riding if its anything like the 153. The Evil Calling is also a good one if you prefer being foot out, flat out everywhere. The 140-150mm bracket doesn't have a lot of serious contenders in the 27.5 size these days unfortunately. I still think that is the sweet spot for a "fun" trail bike but everyone seems to focus on 29ers in that travel bracket.
Rocky Mountain Altitude is worth a look, checks your boxes. I love mine. Aluminum models can be had for a damn good price if you look around.
SC Bronson if you like high BB or SC Lowtower if you like low BB.
Not sure what price or size you're after but Jenson has large 2017 Process 153's on clearance - so not sure how this compares to the second hand one you were looking at:
https://www.jensonusa.com/Kona-Process-153-GL-Bike-2017
Or an XL 2018 153 CR
https://www.jensonusa.com/Kona-Process-153-CR-275-Bike-2018
https://www.jensonusa.com/Kona-Process-153-GL-Bike-2017
Or an XL 2018 153 CR
https://www.jensonusa.com/Kona-Process-153-CR-275-Bike-2018
That should probably be in spoiler tags for Kidwoo.
Looks flexy
Definitely want to hear feedback, was thinking of hitting buy very soon.