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This is what's right with The Industry®

rideit

Bob the Builder
Aug 24, 2004
24,811
12,581
In the cleavage of the Tetons
I'm supposed to go to upstate NY next year, so I began scouting Craigslist to see if I could make the trip back home with some sweet bike in my baggage. The amount of stuff I'd like to bring back to Argentina is mind blowing. Trek 9000s for 200 bucks, Cannondale Ravens for 375, even a Toma DH for 500!!! All of them in riding condition!!!

I don't need anything like that, but boy how I'd love to hang some of those sweet old bikes on the walls of my man cave...
Where ya goin’ in the upstates?
 

SylentK

Turbo Monkey
Feb 25, 2004
2,647
1,094
coloRADo
A bit near Buffalo, then up to Ridgefield, CN.
Is this a work trip? :D I don't know anyone who goes to those places on purpose. HA

No but really. I think you should pick up some stuff while here. Just bring an empty suitcase with you (or bike bag).

Extra bags at airlines will be cheaper than sending via mail. In my experience.

Then get something cool while there, bring it home. Ride it once, clap it out. Hang on wall. Profit. Beautiful. :)
 

Lelandjt

adorbs
Apr 4, 2008
2,645
1,001
Breckenridge, CO/Lahaina,HI
Someone in my neighborhood left an old bike out for the garbage men to collect, I had a quick chat with them as I was poking about at it and I’m now the the new (but only second ever) owner of a 1984 Cannondale SM 500, and my first ever mullet bike.

24” of fun in the rear, 26” up front, bullmoose bars, thumb shifters, solid alu frame with lugged crown fork and the least effective brakes I’ve ever ridden. It’s so much fun it’s indecent.

If you get to ride one of these old bikes in good condition there’s no way you’re not smiling.

I’ll sell or donate it on at some point, as it’s not as good a mountain bike as my chameleon, and not as good as a commuter as my Kona, but as a pub bike it’s unbeatable - maybe it’ll stay around for a while
I built this up for my Mom 20 years ago out of my old XC race parts. I took it for a ride last week and it made a basic trail thrilling. South Eastern CT doesn't need better trails, just worse bikes!
(That's an original Crossmax rear wheel and Ti-dye spoke front wheel.)
20240710_103127.jpg
 

Gary

my pronouns are hag/gis
Aug 27, 2002
8,567
6,480
UK
Dude's definitely doing some things right.
If that's what was quoted per frame $2k is ridiculous for paint
... one word Neko. "stickers"
 

trib

not worthy of a Rux.
Jun 22, 2009
1,656
666
Dude's definitely doing some things right.
If that's what was quoted per frame $2k is ridiculous for paint
... one word Neko. "stickers"
if it’s for a custom paint, where the painter is supplying artwork, and it’s being carried out in the US (seems a decent bet) then that’s easily a week or two of work per frame. Seems like a fair price.
 

Gary

my pronouns are hag/gis
Aug 27, 2002
8,567
6,480
UK
Yeah. But realistically. All they need is a Blue, white and red one for Asa and a yellow and red one for Angel. The MOAR ghetto the better for frameworks IMO. Especially when it wins
 

trib

not worthy of a Rux.
Jun 22, 2009
1,656
666
Yeah. But realistically. All they need is a Blue, white and red one for Asa and a yellow and red one for Angel. The MOAR ghetto the better for frameworks IMO. Especially when it wins
I’m sure if the people at Spray Bike heard about the opportunity they’d be happy to supply the paint so the team could attempt their own custom paint jobs.
 

Lelandjt

adorbs
Apr 4, 2008
2,645
1,001
Breckenridge, CO/Lahaina,HI
20240910_174147.jpg


What's right is current trends combined with good bikes having been made for 8 years, results in a bike like this costing $1000.
+top end carbon frame, up to date geo
+2nd tier suspension
+current gen Saint brakes, Zee drivetrain
+fresh, good tires
+quality tubeless wheels, and finishing kit
+like new condition
+not 26", so tire availability looks good in the future

-Twin 27.5" is not what buyers want
-It's called a large but fits like a current medium, so "too short" if someone is going by the geo chart. Perfect for my friend who wants a 455ish reach.
-A kinda hidden bolt was loose in the linkage, so it felt clapped out if you picked it up.
-Seems like people would rather buy a "super enduro" than commit to a DH bike
-Those days were pre-insert and 180 rear rotors came on some DH bikes, so I had to buy a cheap rotor and a not cheap rear CushCore.

Anyone who complains that bikes are too expensive these days isn't fully working the used market. Better bikes are available for less money than ever before.
 
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HardtailHack

used an iron once
Jan 20, 2009
7,872
7,237
View attachment 218152

What's right is current trends combined with good bikes having been made for 8 years, results in a bike like this costing $1000.
+top end carbon frame, up to date geo
+2nd tier suspension
+current gen Saint brakes, Zee drivetrain
+fresh, good tires
+quality tubeless wheels, and finishing kit
+like new condition
+not 26", so tire availability looks good in the future

-twin 27.5" is not what buyers want
-it's called a large but fits like a current medium, so "too short" if someone is going by the geo chart. Perfect for my friend who wants a 455ish reach.
-a kinda hidden bolt was loose in the linkage, so it felt clapped out if you picked it up.
-seems like people would rather buy a "super enduro" than commit to a DH bike

Anyone who complains that bikes are too expensive these days isn't fully working the used market. Better bikes are available for less money than ever before.
But you have to budget for a new paint job so it looks a bit less hideous.
I still believe the graphics person for Huffy also does Pivot.
 

HardtailHack

used an iron once
Jan 20, 2009
7,872
7,237
The function and concept is the same as Bikeyoke. Not quite as smooth, but very close.
Yeah I had to search to see if it was just a rebadged BikeYoke.
I find it odd that so many companies make dropper posts, I guess they don't have to do castings so it's less investment than doing suspension forks.
 

Jm_

sled dog's bollocks
Jan 14, 2002
20,305
10,808
AK
Yeah I had to search to see if it was just a rebadged BikeYoke.
I find it odd that so many companies make dropper posts, I guess they don't have to do castings so it's less investment than doing suspension forks.
Not a rebadged, but same general internal arrangement. Pretty amazing in cold wx, used it all winter. Well, summer too. They boast the cold wx performance tho and it lives up.
 

Lelandjt

adorbs
Apr 4, 2008
2,645
1,001
Breckenridge, CO/Lahaina,HI
I had no idea Wolf Tooth made droppers, ten minute service and self bleeding sounds pretty good.
They are a fan of the right to repair.
The Waveform pedals look okay too.
Yeah, but the simple act of cleaning & greasing under the wiper requires disassembling the post. I had to do it for a friend during Breck Epic. Every other post I can think of except the original Transfer can unscrew & slide the wiper assembly up by hand. Aside from that I like their post and own one, but most of my bikes have OneUps, and I like their V3* even better** than the Wolftooth.

*I'll change my tune if the cartridge dies because the V3 takes the opposite approach from Wolftooth. The cartridge isn't rebuildable and air pressure can't even be changed, in the name of a lighter and better sealed cartridge.

**I like it better because of the easier to service wiper assembly and much lower cost. The V3 & Wolftooth are equals and class leading on weight, lack of head slop, and action.
 
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HardtailHack

used an iron once
Jan 20, 2009
7,872
7,237
120mm travel frame, with a 64.5deg HA and has an ASTM Category 4 rating!
1727435370232.png

The Manual even tells you the headset bearing part numbers.
 
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Flo33

Turbo Monkey
Mar 3, 2015
2,140
1,369
Styria
120mm travel frame, with a 64.5deg HA and has an ASTM Category 4 rating!
View attachment 219086
The Manual even tells you the headset bearing part numbers.
Was considering this but a buddy is a Rocky dealer so an Element it is.
 

HardtailHack

used an iron once
Jan 20, 2009
7,872
7,237
Was considering this but a buddy is a Rocky dealer so an Element it is.
Do you get the 5yr transferable warranty on the RM's?
I'm amazed that they have been clearing out bikes here at ~50% off and kept a warranty policy that could sink a company pretty quickly if you have no margin.
 

Lelandjt

adorbs
Apr 4, 2008
2,645
1,001
Breckenridge, CO/Lahaina,HI
I don't get heavy, slow 120mm travel bikes (2030, Tallboy, etc). You want a capable trail bike but with the rear travel of a downcountry bike. Why? You've already given up a lot of efficiency with the tires, handlebar height, and weight you've chosen. Do you think you'll feel a downside to 140mm travel over the 120mm of these bikes? Wouldn't that extra travel be nice for the rough trails and jumps I see these bikes used for? For someone who really wants the efficiency and feel of 120mm, how does the rest of the spec not bother you on flats and climbs?

A 150mm travel bike, built up like a downcountry bike has made no sense to anyone since since the Yeti 575. A 120mm bike with the remainder of the spec sheet looking like an all-mountain or enduro bike has been popular for a few years now, while it seems as nonsensical to me as the former.

The Stumpjumper, Genius, or Jeffsey seem like a better overall package for someone who is considering a burly 120mm bike.
 

Happymtb.fr

Turbo Monkey
Feb 9, 2016
2,081
1,447
SWE
I am riding the same trails a lot and I find that a 120mm bike make them more spicy without needing to commit to insane speed / level of risk.
My Tallboy doesn't need to be crazy burly. I run 2 pistons brakes, 25mm narrow rims, exo 2.3-2.4 tires, 11 speed drivetrain...
The only time I wish I had more travel is the first few rides after a week at the bikepark with the big bike.
 

Lelandjt

adorbs
Apr 4, 2008
2,645
1,001
Breckenridge, CO/Lahaina,HI
My Tallboy doesn't need to be crazy burly. I run 2 pistons brakes, 25mm narrow rims, exo 2.3-2.4 tires, 11 speed drivetrain.
Most of the bikes I see like the Tallboy or 2030 have heavier builds than that. I'd ask you "Why not a lighter 120mm frame?" but the Tallboy is durable, has good kinematics, and a slacker head angle than many of the lighter options so if the rest of the build keeps the overall weight in check I can see taking the weight hit on the frame for those features.
 

Flo33

Turbo Monkey
Mar 3, 2015
2,140
1,369
Styria
Do you get the 5yr transferable warranty on the RM's?
I'm amazed that they have been clearing out bikes here at ~50% off and kept a warranty policy that could sink a company pretty quickly if you have no margin.
Here're the warranty conditions
Not too shabby
 

Flo33

Turbo Monkey
Mar 3, 2015
2,140
1,369
Styria
Most of the bikes I see like the Tallboy or 2030 have heavier builds than that. I'd ask you "Why not a lighter 120mm frame?" but the Tallboy is durable, has good kinematics, and a slacker head angle than many of the lighter options so if the rest of the build keeps the overall weight in check I can see taking the weight hit on the frame for those features.
My Element sits at 12.5 kg with DT XM421 rims on 240 hubs, EXO Forecaster fr/Rekon re, XT drivetrain and 4pot brakes, PRO Koryak cockpit, SLR kit carbonio saddle. Me gusta mucho.
 

rideit

Bob the Builder
Aug 24, 2004
24,811
12,581
In the cleavage of the Tetons
Yup…I was never able to get my Element under 29 pounds with the stuff I like on it, I simply am not fast enough uphill for it to have been much of a benefit. Additionally. I was much slower on any kind of techie downhill, which killed the fun for me. I so, so wanted to love it, but couldn’t.
Instead I built up a fairly light Instinctitude, 150/160, with a Helm and Kitsuma, DD rear tire, EXO+ Assegai up front, etc. It suits me much better.
 

HardtailHack

used an iron once
Jan 20, 2009
7,872
7,237
I don't get heavy, slow 120mm travel bikes (2030, Tallboy, etc). You want a capable trail bike but with the rear travel of a downcountry bike. Why? You've already given up a lot of efficiency with the tires, handlebar height, and weight you've chosen. Do you think you'll feel a downside to 140mm travel over the 120mm of these bikes? Wouldn't that extra travel be nice for the rough trails and jumps I see these bikes used for? For someone who really wants the efficiency and feel of 120mm, how does the rest of the spec not bother you on flats and climbs?

A 150mm travel bike, built up like a downcountry bike has made no sense to anyone since since the Yeti 575. A 120mm bike with the remainder of the spec sheet looking like an all-mountain or enduro bike has been popular for a few years now, while it seems as nonsensical to me as the former.

The Stumpjumper, Genius, or Jeffsey seem like a better overall package for someone who is considering a burly 120mm bike.
I'm a fat person that isn't going to do anything about his fatness, so a 1kg difference in frame weight is nothing.
I don't expect an XC/DC frame that is supposed to be fast and light for a regular human to be able to survive under me, that's the way it should be and that's why I like companies listing a max system weight.

To me, tires make the largest difference in whether a bike feels fast or not, the weight doesn't really bother me.
I'd guess my current DC bike is 15kg.
In the old days I was comfortable doing all the B lines here on my hardtail, there were less big jumps back then.
 

Jm_

sled dog's bollocks
Jan 14, 2002
20,305
10,808
AK
I let a friend that owns a Reeb SST borrow my Allied BC40 a few weeks back, since I was down for surgery. I love riding the BC40 on tamer swoopy singletrack, even some of the flow jump stuff where they basically made it impossible to make the gaps/jumps on what I'd consider a "normal" bike. But he didn't like it. He did say it was crazy fast and it was the first time he ever made a specific gap on the trail system he rode, but the bike was way too XC-aggressive and he preferred his Reeb. For sure, the BC40 feels like an XC race bike, despite having the exact same travel. I think 120 is a good amount of travel that can be incredibly versatile. I for one would also love to have a 120mm bike set up with a CCDB IL coil, set up down-cunty-ish, without the weight of a steel Reeb, but set up to rock it. Personally, I feel when 29ers start going to 140mm of travel, they get real sluggish, great for terrain that demands it, but that's pretty much all DH and fine if you have multiple bikes, but kind of a drag all the time otherwise. So as long as it's not built up like a tank, I like the concept, my BC40 is nicer to ride than something with lesser travel, but it's not really a trail bike.
 

Flo33

Turbo Monkey
Mar 3, 2015
2,140
1,369
Styria
Yup…I was never able to get my Element under 29 pounds with the stuff I like on it, I simply am not fast enough uphill for it to have been much of a benefit. Additionally. I was much slower on any kind of techie downhill, which killed the fun for me. I so, so wanted to love it, but couldn’t.
Instead I built up a fairly light Instinctitude, 150/160, with a Helm and Kitsuma, DD rear tire, EXO+ Assegai up front, etc. It suits me much better.
I'm a fat person that isn't going to do anything about his fatness, so a 1kg difference in frame weight is nothing.
I don't expect an XC/DC frame that is supposed to be fast and light for a regular human to be able to survive under me, that's the way it should be and that's why I like companies listing a max system weight.

To me, tires make the largest difference in whether a bike feels fast or not, the weight doesn't really bother me.
I'd guess my current DC bike is 15kg.
In the old days I was comfortable doing all the B lines here on my hardtail, there were less big jumps back then.
Fair enough. Understand both of you. I sit at 64.5 kg so no weight related defect issues from my side. Killed the oem wheels though on my first ride on the Element. On all but the real chunk this thing flies. And for letting loose on the downs I have my f/r coil sprung Titan.
As @HardtailHack noted tires make a big difference. For wet rides the Titan always wins.
 

Happymtb.fr

Turbo Monkey
Feb 9, 2016
2,081
1,447
SWE
My Element sits at 12.5 kg with DT XM421 rims on 240 hubs, EXO Forecaster fr/Rekon re, XT drivetrain and 4pot brakes, PRO Koryak cockpit, SLR kit carbonio saddle. Me gusta mucho.
That's light!
4 pot brakes with such low profile tires, it'sunusual! Would 2 pot overheat in your mountains?
 

HardtailHack

used an iron once
Jan 20, 2009
7,872
7,237
Fair enough. Understand both of you. I sit at 64.5 kg so no weight related defect issues from my side. Killed the oem wheels though on my first ride on the Element. On all but the real chunk this thing flies. And for letting loose on the downs I have my f/r coil sprung Titan.
As @HardtailHack noted tires make a big difference. For wet rides the Titan always wins.
Hmmm, according to my bathroom scales my down country bike is 17.4kg, hahaha!

Good thing I went for Ti spindle pedals, a carbon bar and bladed spokes, or it would have been 17.6kg and unridable.
 

Flo33

Turbo Monkey
Mar 3, 2015
2,140
1,369
Styria
That's light!
4 pot brakes with such low profile tires, it'sunusual! Would 2 pot overheat in your mountains?
No and yes. Doing -1000 m vert descents will necessitate proper brakes. I plan on running the XTs until the bite point wandering starts and will then get something appropriate.
The Forecaster provides lots of grip when weighted and run on soil like grounds, which is what it is here on most trails.