Feel good thread of the summer.
** 1000k Update **
So a few more kms on the Kona and I’m still impressed. For sure, the lower pressure 36c tyres (now tubeless) seem slower in some parts of my ride, but smoother and faster in others (where road or path is very bumpy).
One mild annoyance is a drivetrain rumble in the highest gear (smallest sprocket), that I haven’t bothered to investigate in depth, but looks like it might be due to chainline from the 1x setup. Really, I don’t spend much time in that gear, and so it’s not too bad.
On dirt I find I’m still a bit gung-ho, and I need to get used to the grip levels and skinnier tyres vs MTB. A few washouts and close calls on pea gravel has made me more hesitant to take hills at speed. Also, uphills I have much less grip than 2.4" mtb tyres so I have to pick lines a bit more carefully to avoid losing traction and (therefore) momentum.
Hated the WTB saddle to begin with, but its now bearable for 40-70kms wearing bibs. Can do 40-50 in normal shorts, but repeat days like this gets a bit much. Still thinking of replacing it for something different.
Welcome to SRAM.
Ugh. RLY? When I first got it it was last two or so sprockets, but went away with all but the smallest. Maybe I need to ride in the highest gear more so it wears in?
Okay, I’m not saying its SRAM… but my new MTB and my Kona Sutra are the noisiest drive trains I have had on bikes.
It’s not matchy, but I’ve always used Shimano consumables on my SRAM equipped bikes. Never liked (10s) SRAM chains.
yeh dunno if there is a mtb equivalent but my first gen Sram Red ran best with a 105 cassette and a record chain. It was a secret witchcraft tip i was given and it was genius.
Yep, Force 22 groupset w 6800 (soon to be 8000) cassette and KMC chain here
hey guys, 2 weeks until i’ll be back on the bike, i’ll be taking it easy in centennial. but looking at getting a new bike,
for commuting and off road exploring. these are the two current options in my budget so far for 2019 models……
or i can get the 2018 mares al commuter for a good price.
leaning towards the giant.
has anyone got any other ideas for a 2k price range that im missing.
cheers,
cam
neither will be comfortable for off road exploring, what off road stuff do u have in mind?
I assume he means gravel/dirt, as he has the mountain bike angle covered. They’d be more than adequate for that.
Giant is probably a safe bet. Assuming that’s the tcx. Won’t have super wide tyre clearance like some of the more boutique manufacturers, but should be a tight snappy commuter with the option of taking it off road as well.
Which model? I still mildly regret not splashing out for hydro brakes, but if I’m completely honest, the spyres are capable enough for what I do with it. Would just be nice to have one finger braking like on my MTB.
that sit gravel dirt, im not at the riding with thongs stage yet. plus yes i have the mountain bike. so these would be very good. decisions tho!
yah its the tcx, its got hyrdos and 105 groupset so good to leave at work and and not have to worry about it too much.
whats the biggest tyres you can fit on yours ? im just planning to use this in the RNP trails.
I know people have run 40mm WTB Nanos fine. You don’t really need more than that for your purposes
Not sure about sizing on the Giant. Just remember it being a consideration when checking them out in person. Mine is the Kona Rove st. Comes stock with 36c clements, and I’ve got some 40c gravelking slick to throw on soon. Fingers crossed they’re not too wide. Fork is fine, but rear chainstays get a bit tight close in.
Oh thats good to know, cheers for the info =]
finger scrossed for you some fat slicks would look cool!!
yeah planning to go check them out on saturday in person with a mate so i’ll ask and maybe see if they have a tyre they could possible try for me.
Ive run Vitorria Voyager Hyper 40s and Nano 40c on a TCX. Nanos were too tight for mud/grass build up, but workable. Does that TCX have the weird hydro master cyl in the stem plate setup? Anyone have experience with it? Seems like it could be a PITA
good to know =] i think you’re right!! im not sure if im a fan of the looks of that system…
Anyone rode or own the new Specialized Diverge or something similar with a low low bb? Was considering buying something for some fast off road riding but the 85mm bb drop scares me off a bit. I do get that with larger tyres it’s similar to a road bike bb drop but I’d be keen to hear peoples experiences.