[Lelandjt]

Interesting that you didn't go straight to 29" from 26". I did the same!

Here is what I started mountain biking with compared to what I run today

https://www.ritzelrechner.de/?GR=DERS&KB=22,32,44&RZ=11,13,15,17,19,21,24,28,32,36&UF=2160&TF=90&SL=2.6&UN=KMH&DV=development&GR2=DERS&KB2=30&RZ2=10,12,14,16,18,21,24,28,32,36,42&UF2=2341

I also had a single chainring with a 10 speed cassette at some point. 30 or 32 teeth up front with a 26" wheel

Until modern XC bikes came out (2017 Spark RC) I resisted riding a full-on XC bike. My XC race bikes were a Yeti 575, then an Ibis Mojo SL with 26". Then that bike got a 27.5 front wheel in its Maverick fork. Then it was replaced with a 5010. I knew I was giving up some efficiency but if the bike wasn't fun to ride I'd pass it over for my freeride bike.

 

[Gary]

Not a "what's wrong" so much as "what's fucking expensive but not entirely an improvement"
Fitted this little lot yesterday...

Cassette is a work of art (apart from the red plastic set up sprocket indicator). impressively light (370g). Chain feels stiffer laterally than OG eagle. And so it fucking should at £105 a pop for a not even top teir chain. Drivetrain took longer to fit and set up than a mechanical drivetrain but TBF I must've done half a million of those and this was my first T type AXS. Shifts perfectly. But noticeably slower shifts over 1st gen AXS. which was way slower in comparison to 10spd nevermind an old skool 8spd 11-28.
Chainset looks great but I'm really not a fan of the sharp edge crank arm profile. Also something to bear in mind is the 55mm chainline just doesn't work properly with certain idler set ups and will need to be run offset (non drive side spaced out further than ideal) . Oh... Well.

 

[canadmos]

Not a "what's wrong" so much as "what's fucking expensive but not entirely an improvement"
Fitted this little lot yesterday...

View attachment 196616

Cassette is a work of art (apart from the red plastic set up sprocket indicator). impressively light (370g). Chain feels stiffer laterally than OG eagle. And so it fucking should at £105 a pop for a not even top teir chain. Drivetrain took longer to fit and set up than a mechanical drivetrain but TBF I must've done half a million of those and this was my first T type AXS. Shifts perfectly. But noticeably slower shifts over 1st gen AXS. which was way slower in comparison to 10spd nevermind an old skool 8spd 11-28.
Chainset looks great but I'm really not a fan of the sharp edge crank arm profile. Also something to bear in mind is the 55mm chainline just doesn't work properly with certain idler set ups and will née to be run offset (non drive side spaced out further than ideal) . Oh... Well.

I mean, the prices are whats wrong with the industry.

Speaking of which, I saw this while scrolling the news yesterday and lol'd. If ONLY they knew how common these expensive as fuck bikes are. They should go look at a Scott or Specialized shop.

$12,000 bike stolen in Guelph

Guelph police are investigating the theft of a bicycle worth $12,000.

kitchener.ctvnews.ca

 

[Gary]

I mean, the prices are whats wrong with the industry.

Oh. I know. Entirely ridiculous.
That groupo isn't mine.

I just bought a Deore chainset off CRC for £29 so I can rob the Mk2 Saints back off my GF's bike. #104BCD4LYFyo

 

[konifere]

SRAM marketing sells this as the drivetrain that God wanted to make and is showing people stepping on it like if I was riding in a moshpit or using my bike as a freaking step ladder.

People riding in actual Trails™ , like Blister Review and another one that I forget broke the 150$usd replaceable cage. "It was easy to replace once I got it delivered and I removed the derailleur from the bike". I can get a few 12spd Deore derailleurs for the cost of that replacement part itself.

 

[canadmos]

SRAM marketing sells this as the drivetrain that God wanted to make and is showing people stepping on it like if I was riding in a moshpit.

People riding in actual Trails™ , like Blister Review and another one that I forget broke the 150$usd replaceable cage. "It was easy to replace once I got it delevired and I removed the derailleur from the bike". I can get a few 12spd Deore derailleurs for the cost of that replacement part itself.

Brought to you by the same people that market brakes as NEW AND IMPROVED, with brake hoses that point at and rub on handlebars.............to make the cockpit cleaner and promote cable tourism.

 

[Jm_]

SRAM marketing sells this as the drivetrain that God wanted to make and is showing people stepping on it like if I was riding in a moshpit.

People riding in actual Trails™ , like Blister Review and another one that I forget broke the 150$usd replaceable cage. "It was easy to replace once I got it delivered and I removed the derailleur from the bike". I can get a few 12spd Deore derailleurs for the cost of that replacement part itself.

Yeah, but they’ll wear out the clutch and get sloppy long before an x01 does IME, even XTR

 

[konifere]

Call me stubborn, but in 2009, I bought a new bike that came with Hussefelt cranks. The thing creaked and I spent hours chasing out where it came from, and it ended up being from the pedal inserts. Paid to ship it to SRAM, packaged it nicely, waited for like 2 months, then got it back in a plastic bag after they declined warranty. Install the thing back on my bike and it creaked even more. Since then, 14 years ago, I have never bought anything else from SRAM except a PC851 chain.

 

[Andeh]

So bike shops love to bitch about how people buy too much stuff online, yada yada. But they're unwilling to look at why people do it (beyond price).

Background: a buddy of mine stopped working at one local shop (which had mediocre service) as a mechanic to start his own business a couple years ago, and last year opened his own shop. I like the guy and try to give him business when it makes sense. So a couple weeks ago, I discovered that I've smoked the drivetrain on my ebike after just 6 months and am going to use it as an excuse to get a Transmission setup. I call him up and ask him to check and see what he can get. He said yeah, let me look and get back to you. A couple days go by, no response. I call to check in, he goes to the computer and looks to see what he can get from QBP or SRAM. Says the one groupset I want is out of stock both places but he can get me some parts ala carte, but the cassette is out of stock for another week. I say, that's fine, go ahead and order it, but let me know if it slips because I need this for a trip in late July. I wait until the date that the cassette was supposed to be in stock, and call him to see if it shipped. "Oh, I was waiting to order it until it came in stock, looks like it's pushed a couple more days." OK fine, a few more days, just make sure it happens. I call again yesterday: "Oh man, I'm super busy, a bunch of bike boxes came in, I can't get to the computer, I'll order it tonight." I call again this morning and ask to confirm he ordered it. "Oh man, I was so busy yesterday, I just forgot, I'll go do that now." Fine, but let me know if you don't because I have a schedule I need to meet.

For fuck's sake. You're a shop manager, with like 4-5 mechanics and one person who handles orders, payroll, accounting, etc. How does it take 2 weeks to place an order for something, let alone get it in to the shop? I am TRYING to give my business to you! It was a similar story a few months ago when I wanted to get a wheelset, "Oh, I need to do this and this then I can set up an account and order that for you." A month goes by with no followup, fuck that, I'm just buying direct.

 

[canadmos]

So bike shops love to bitch about how people buy too much stuff online, yada yada. But they're unwilling to look at why people do it (beyond price).

Background: a buddy of mine stopped working at one local shop (which had mediocre service) as a mechanic to start his own business a couple years ago, and last year opened his own shop. I like the guy and try to give him business when it makes sense. So a couple weeks ago, I discovered that I've smoked the drivetrain on my ebike after just 6 months and am going to use it as an excuse to get a Transmission setup. I call him up and ask him to check and see what he can get. He said yeah, let me look and get back to you. A couple days go by, no response. I call to check in, he goes to the computer and looks to see what he can get from QBP or SRAM. Says the one groupset I want is out of stock both places but he can get me some parts ala carte, but the cassette is out of stock for another week. I say, that's fine, go ahead and order it, but let me know if it slips because I need this for a trip in late July. I wait until the date that the cassette was supposed to be in stock, and call him to see if it shipped. "Oh, I was waiting to order it until it came in stock, looks like it's pushed a couple more days." OK fine, a few more days, just make sure it happens. I call again yesterday: "Oh man, I'm super busy, a bunch of bike boxes came in, I can't get to the computer, I'll order it tonight." I call again this morning and ask to confirm he ordered it. "Oh man, I was so busy yesterday, I just forgot, I'll go do that now." Fine, but let me know if you don't because I have a schedule I need to meet.

For fuck's sake. You're a shop manager, with like 4-5 mechanics and one person who handles orders, payroll, accounting, etc. How does it take 2 weeks to place an order for something, let alone get it in to the shop? I am TRYING to give my business to you! It was a similar story a few months ago when I wanted to get a wheelset, "Oh, I need to do this and this then I can set up an account and order that for you." A month goes by with no followup, fuck that, I'm just buying direct.

Sadly that story can be repeated over and over...

Bad customer service, or in this case no service, is how you lose your customers.

We have a shop here, where the owner is just completely disconnected from the reality of the bike world and seems to not give a crap. I stopped shopping there, but have other friends who still try to give him business. Its the same story, either they forget to order stuff or never have anything in stock or have flat out said "just order it online". That last one is puzzling, as they are trying to give you business, yet you can't even be bothered to click the order button? eh.......

 

[Westy]

Sadly that story can be repeated over and over...

Bad customer service, or in this case no service, is how you lose your customers.

We have a shop here, where the owner is just completely disconnected from the reality of the bike world and seems to not give a crap. I stopped shopping there, but have other friends who still try to give him business. Its the same story, either they forget to order stuff or never have anything in stock or have flat out said "just order it online". That last one is puzzling, as they are trying to give you business, yet you can't even be bothered to click the order button? eh.......

Even when you get good service it can be just as frustrating. Rarely does a shop have what I want, unless it is something I don't care that much about such as a mini pump. But when I do throw business their way it goes like this.

I need XXX bottom bracket, stand in line as patient employee takes 10 minutes to explain how to use the pedal wrench a customer is buying. Get told they don't have the BB I need but they can order it. Few days later I return to pick up my BB. Stand in line as patient employee takes 15 minutes to explain to dipshit customer how to use allen wrenches to install the water bottle cage they are buying. Finally get my hands on the BB I needed after two trips and over an hour invested in travel and standing in line. The LBS is great for people who have no idea what they want or need or how to install it. For people who know exactly what they want and how to use/install it, it makes little sense.

 

[Gary]

wear out the clutch and get sloppy long before an x01 does IME, even XTR

Have a 20000mile+ zee mech here which would disagree with this experience.

Is there even a T type derailleur with that sort of mileage on it yet?

 

[OGRipper]

The LBS is great for people who have no idea what they want or need or how to install it. For people who know exactly what they want and how to use/install it, it makes little sense.

A good LBS also makes sense for those last-minute emergency items and impulse buys as well, even for knowledgeable customers. (Brake pads, tires, etc.) That assumes they have what you need or want in stock though, which is a total crapshoot these days.

That said, I generally agree. There will always be a place in my heart for local bike shops but so many can't seem to help themselves, even for people that are trying to help them survive.

 

[Gary]

many can't seem to help themselves, even for people that are trying to help them survive.

Can't seem to help themselves In what way?

 

[FlipSide]

Even when you get good service it can be just as frustrating. Rarely does a shop have what I want, unless it is something I don't care that much about such as a mini pump. But when I do throw business their way it goes like this.

I need XXX bottom bracket, stand in line as patient employee takes 10 minutes to explain how to use the pedal wrench a customer is buying. Get told they don't have the BB I need but they can order it. Few days later I return to pick up my BB. Stand in line as patient employee takes 15 minutes to explain to dipshit customer how to use allen wrenches to install the water bottle cage they are buying. Finally get my hands on the BB I needed after two trips and over an hour invested in travel and standing in line. The LBS is great for people who have no idea what they want or need or how to install it. For people who know exactly what they want and how to use/install it, it makes little sense.

If I understand correctly, they ordered the right BB for you and you still complain? You clearly don't know how lucky you are to be dealing with such a fine bike shop.

My story would be very similar to yours, except I'd show up with the part number to help them out, they'd insist on searching the part themselves to be sure of the P/N. I'd point out they got the wrong one and explain why my P/N is the right one. Then I'd go back home, waiting for them to call when the parts gets in. I'd then go pick up the parts after it arrived, to find out they ordered the wrong fucking part, Go back home, etc.

 

[Gary]

The LBS is great for people who have no idea what they want or need or how to install it. For people who know exactly what they want and how to use/install it, it makes little sense

It's a double edge sword my good man. Ie. It makes fuck all sense for a small business to stock 600+ BBs in every conceivably configuration just to please the occasional "expert" cyclist who didn't plan far enough ahead to order the exact type/style/size/brand BB he *urgently needs*

 

[mykel]

It's a double edge sword my good man. Ie. It makes fuck all sense for a small business to stock 600+ BBs in every conceivably configuration just to please the occasional "expert" cyclist who didn't plan far enough ahead to order the exact type/style/size/brand BB he *urgently needs*

So, you have never had a bearing shit the bed mid-ride?

 

[canadmos]

If I understand correctly, they ordered the right BB for you and you still complain? You clearly don't know how lucky you are to be dealing with such a fine bike bike shop.

My story would be very similar to yours, except I'd show up with the part number to help them out, they'd insist on searching the part themselves to be sure of the P/N. I'd point out they got the wrong one and explain why my P/N is the right one. Then I'd go back home, waiting for them to call when the parts gets in. I'd then go pick up the parts after it arrived, to find out they ordered the wrong fucking part, Go back home, etc.

The shop that I mentioned above pulled one of these...

Friend needed some new headset bearings, so he swung by afterwork and asked them (said friend goes cross-eyed when I tell him about the different types of bottom brackets and whatnot that exist). They said, nope, have to bring the bike in as they're all different yadda yadda yadda.

So a few days later he swings by again, with the bike. Then, they tell him nope, don't need your bike here are some bearings.

Buddy goes home and swaps it all out. We meet up and ride two weeks ago and he explains what a cockup it was and that the top cap was too big. Seemed weird that some of it wouldn't fit, but ok. First descent it was clear that something was wrong - I told him to stop and take the stem off the bike. Turns out they gave him a stupid Giant overdrive 2 headset or whatever that nonsense crap is.

So he makes a third trip to the shop and asks WTF. The shop kind of laughs and shrugs it off and says oops, heres a regular headset kit.

I'm not even the customer or the one that had to make 3 damn trips to a shop for a few bearings, but that shit is irritating.

 

[Westy]

It's a double edge sword my good man. Ie. It makes fuck all sense for a small business to stock 600+ BBs in every conceivably configuration just to please the occasional "expert" cyclist who didn't plan far enough ahead to order the exact type/style/size/brand BB he *urgently needs*

I didn't say anything about urgency. Just having to make two time consuming trips to get the same thing in the same amount of time for a 73mm DUB BB that comes on the majority of the MTBs they sell. The LBS business model here is very much focused on the customer who wants to drop off their bike for a few days to get basic maintenance done, which has never been me. There are some shops that actually stock shit I would need but they are an hour plus drive so I'll be damned if I am going there in person. Those also have online stores and I usually order from them when possible.

 

[sethimus]

It's a double edge sword my good man. Ie. It makes fuck all sense for a small business to stock 600+ BBs in every conceivably configuration just to please the occasional "expert" cyclist who didn't plan far enough ahead to order the exact type/style/size/brand BB he *urgently needs*

we stock the most common ones in store and i can order most other types next day usually from main storage. the only thing you can’t get is stuff at lower than srp. stocking costs.

 

[konifere]

This is why I like to have the most common spare parts at home and why I buy some when I stumble upon a sale. That way I never need to go to a lbs in a rush.

I just want to go inside a huge impersonal Bike Parts™ building in my town with every part I'd ever need and self checkout.
IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?!!

Just le me know in the comments. Like or subscribe.

 

[Westy]

I just want to go inside a huge impersonal Bike Parts™ building in my town with every part I'd ever need and self checkout.
IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?!!

Just le me know in the comments. Like or subscribe.

That would be awesome. Like a NAPA for bike parts.

 

[canadmos]

This is why I like to have the most common spare parts at home and why I buy some when I stumble upon a sale. That way I never need to go to a lbs in a rush.

I just want to go inside a huge impersonal Bike Parts™ building in my town with every part I'd ever need and self checkout.
IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?!!

Just le me know in the comments. Like or subscribe.

You should open a bike shop

 

[canadmos]

That would be awesome. Like a NAPA for bike parts.

Except all the good stuff is hidden behind the counter and unless you have a Vin number for them to lookup and find the part......

Sir I need wipers
What's the Vin number
21" wiper
What's the Vin number
??
Vin number

 

[konifere]

Yeah, no not like Napa, I want access to everything myself! Like Bike24's inventory open to the public and in MY town.

 

[sethimus]

Yeah, no not like Napa, I want access to everything myself! Like Bike24's inventory open to the public and in MY town.

mandatory cavity searches on the exit though

 

[Jm_]

Call me stubborn, but in 2009, I bought a new bike that came with Hussefelt cranks. The thing creaked and I spent hours chasing out where it came from, and it ended up being from the pedal inserts. Paid to ship it to SRAM, packaged it nicely, waited for like 2 months, then got it back in a plastic bag after they declined warranty. Install the thing back on my bike and it creaked even more. Since then, 14 years ago, I have never bought anything else from SRAM except a PC851 chain.

Yeah, totally different company and products now. Wasnt it the holzfellers that were the decent ones back then? In any case, everything after 1x has been totally different…with the exception of brakes that have sucked till a lot more recent.

 

[Gary]

So, you have never had a bearing shit the bed mid-ride?

View attachment 196641

I didn't mention bearings bru. Or myself TBF.
I happen to have 9 fully functional bikes so a broken/worn part isn't exactly a big deal but even I "really" had to replace a bearing at short notice I already have spare bearings for every pivot, hub and most of their headsets and the tools to replace them all.
Luck doesn't come into it.

But Booo fucking hoo for you if you have just one bike and have to wait a whole two days for a replacement bearing

 

[Gary]

I didn't say anything about urgency. Just having to make two time consuming trips

You and your LBS don't have phones?
Fuck sake!

 

[Gary]

we stock the most common ones in store and i can order most other types next day usually from main storage. the only thing you can’t get is stuff at lower than srp. stocking costs.

Yeah. us too.
Oddities we'll order in when required

 

[mykel]

I didn't mention bearings bru. Or myself TBF.
I happen to have 9 fully functional bikes so a broken/worn part isn't exactly a big deal but even I "really" had to replace a bearing at short notice I already have spare bearings for every pivot, hub and most of their headsets and the tools to replace them all.
Luck doesn't come into it.

But Booo fucking hoo for you if you have just one bike and have to wait a whole two days for a replacement bearing

Thanks for your concern; I have six and a couple frames. However road-trips are a thing and things happen. Spare parts for all eventualities basically means taking a spare bike which is not feasible in all situations so ....

 

[Gary]

You guys really do think your cycling hobby is a LOT moar important than it actually is.
Every bike mechanics favourite kind of customer!

 

[mykel]

You guys really do think your cycling hobby is a LOT moar important than it actually is.
Every bike mechanics favourite kind of customer!

No idea where you are coming up with the "moar important" shit - Projection?
Literally have not set foot in a shop in years and have had work done a grand total of once and that was insurance mandated after recovery of a stolen bike. I'm like you, why would I when I have been building the damn things for 50 years. If that makes me a mechanics dream customer so be it. But that does not negate the fact that shit happens and who knows what the future holds.

 

[Gary]

Projection?

Nah.
Been riding bikes for around 50yrs too so missing a couple of days riding wouldn't be the end of the world. Even on a road trip.

 

[rideit]

Nah.
Been riding bikes for around 50yrs too so missing a couple of days riding wouldn't be the end of the world. Even on a road trip.

I question your commitment to sparkle motion.

 

[HardtailHack]

 

[rideit]

Sweet townie

 

[Happymtb.fr]

Looks like what my buddy Dan build

Dan Almberg on Instagram: "Got some new Hope from @racingbikesweden for the gravel thing @steelisrealmtb @steelisrealrgc #framebuilding"

25 likes, 0 comments - dan_almberg on June 30, 2023: "Got some new Hope from @racingbikesweden for the gravel thing @steelisrealmtb @steelisrealrgc #framebuilding".

www.instagram.com

Cable management is probably under evaluation. Not sure

 

[HardtailHack]

Looks like what my buddy Dan build
View attachment 196678

Dan Almberg on Instagram: "Got some new Hope from @racingbikesweden for the gravel thing @steelisrealmtb @steelisrealrgc #framebuilding"

25 likes, 0 comments - dan_almberg on June 30, 2023: "Got some new Hope from @racingbikesweden for the gravel thing @steelisrealmtb @steelisrealrgc #framebuilding".

www.instagram.com

Cable management is probably under evaluation. Not sure

That looks way better, STA still looks like it might be a wheelie machine though.

 

[Gary]

That looks way better, STA still looks like it might be a wheelie machine though.

Don't worry. The weight of those cables will keep that front end planted.