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I make a hole in the part of the cushcore insert right above the valve hole. They tube sits above the insert thus being protected from pinchflats. I have found that since I am running 35mm inner width rims I need to run the Cushcore plus insert in the back since there isn't enough overlap above the rim edge. Not a problem with the front wheel as it gets less force on impacts.
I find with this setup I have as much if not more grip than a standard stickier rubber compound with tubeless/tube setup. Besides there aren't many tires with the stickier compound in singleply version. Also the tires last longer. Now this is my dry/all around setup. For softer conditions I run a WTB Verdict wet front and currently rearing on the rear the new Eddy Current front both in 27.5. Not running inserts in these tires at the moment but may do so in the future.
What ones did you get? They have 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 options?
DHX2 coming from a DPX2
Cushcore
Putting all the spacers under the stem
Saint brakes
Worst thing on my bike right now:
GX Eagle drivetrain. Rattles like a skeleton masturbating in a tin box after a year, the clutch is complete trash.
Meh things on my bike:
Burgtec Bartender grips
I love how they feel but the sides rip open way too easily when putting your bike on the side.
Things I’m looking forward to:
I have a 1.5° works angleset on order, really interested in how it will change the bike. Already put a 30mm rise bar to offset the front end getting lower but no chance to ride it yet. Wonder if that vibrocore stuff is as good as everyone says.
Tannus Armor (the tubeless version)
Slip on grips (Renthal Ulta Tacky or Sensus Swayze
MegNeg
Worst thing:
Thinking I could get away with a Snakeskin tire out back.
Anything from race face considered as a opportunity to have an upgrade within few month again;
TOGS - I've only ever seen XC people with these things, but I run them on my enduro bike specifically for racing. It's nice to be able to set your hands on top of your grips and turn your brain off on the pedal transitions. It has a Pavlovian way of reminding my legs not to try to hard when I'm not on the clock.
Timber Bell - I have mixed feelings about this thing. The constant ringing drives me absolutely insane and I feel like sometimes it removes me from the moment, but when I come around a bend and see a hiker, they are already out of the way and thanking me. It makes riding in nice weather during peak hours a lot more enjoyable just because I don't have to stop as much.
Meh:
Frame storage straps - There's got to be a better way to attach tools/tubes to my frame in a way that I don't have to unstrap everything to get to the one thing I need. Maybe I just need to invent something better myself.
Worst:
This one's personal, but Sram Code brakes. I loved them right up until I had a brake line fail this summer on the first turn of a DH segment that caused a pretty hefty injury. I ended up replacing the line and they work good as new now but I just can't get past the mental block of wondering if it's gonna happen again. I have a new set of Magura MT7's waiting to go on my next bike.
Best mod: 27.5 conversion for my Cannondale Prophet. Long story short it's worth the small rise in bb height and limited tire clearance.
2nd best mod: finding out that you can run MT7 type pads with MT5 brake calipers You just need to buy the bolts and pads. And its much easier to service. I think they feel better than stock too.
vibrocore in rims ehh feels the same, running 350/359 combo
Favorite upgrades: AXS upgrade derailleur (not life changing but cool), MegNeg, Charger 2.1 for my yari fork, and Muc-off valves with core removal cap.
Lease fav: Stans Dart tool (the white tip breaks off before I can get the plug in).
I've had an awful time trying to find a tire plug setup that doesn't pull out after pedaling around for a few rides. I bought a Dynaplug hoping the brass barbs would keep the ground from pulling it out over time, but the barbs end up separating from the plug and then I have a hole in my tire again AND a brass chunk rattling around in there.
The only thing that I've found works OK for a long term fix is using as many bacon strips as I can fit on the insertion tool. Then when I get home from the ride, I open up the tire and loop a zip tie through the plugs on the inside so they can't be pulled back out.
I was gonna try the Dart tool next since I've heard some good reviews about them. But if they just break before you can put them in then I guess there's not much point.
I cut a thin strip of rag (towel is best), tie a knot in one end then push from the inside of the tire so the knot can't pull through the hole.
Clear Shoe-Goo glue and sewing also works.
All janky fixes but tires are expensive.
One Up bars, I have nerve damage in both arms and these made a huge difference. Ergon grips help also but I find the grip is less important with these bars. I like everything One Up makes, as said by others, have not tried the stem.
Stan's Dart, only had to use once and it was great, quickest I ever had a puncture seal up, had 2 difference holes and it worked on both and I was on may way (One Up Pump is great also). Have done the several pieces of bacon strips before and it worked. I usually would get done with my ride and drop some crazy/gorilla glue on the outside of the tire and never had an issue. I seem to only get punctures like this when the tire has less than 25 miles on it. Because of my previously mentioned hand/arm issues it is difficult for me to change a tire. I can do it, just causes a lot of pain so I try to avoid removing a tire until it needs to be replaced.
Going back to DH casing tires at least on the rear, this helps avoid the punctures, but I have still gotten a few.
I was able to find anarticle with pictures if I'm not making sense.
Maxxis Aggressor - sucks for climbing, doesn't stop well, should have gone with a Minion SS, 'cause at least it can corner
SRAM Guide - not as good as Levels or cantis
Bontrager Blaze helmet with Wavecel - expensive, hot and heavy, just what I want in a halfshell helmet
Best:
Carbon rims on everything - no more flat spots
Vorsprung Luftkappe - amazing
Dropper posts that aren't Reverbs - most rides I use my dropper more often than I shift
Jury's Out:
Intoxicated while riding - set some PRs while hammered, but it seems like a bad idea [although not at the time]
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