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jbfiets Added a reply to DH wheel recs?
5/9/2026 4:46pm Good to know, I was not aware of that classification. For perspective, he's been racing on the stock wheels w/ WTB ST i30 rims, which are budget-oriented $60 rims designed more for trail/light enduro riding.
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jbfiets Added a reply to MTB Podcast
5/9/2026 12:46pm I like the Mountain Cog podcast in part because it isn't overly technical. It doesn't take itself so seriously that it gets hung up on damping vs. dampening. I like the 'just two people shooting the shit' vibe. It's a good pod to recommend to friends who are more casual riders and aren't spending time in online mtb forums. I...
jbfiets Added a reply to DH wheel recs?
5/9/2026 5:41am Thanks all for the additional information/perspectives. Current plan is to get the DT F 1900 or Reserve HD Alloy wheelset and use the current dented wheelset as backup. Maybe they can get the current hubs rebuilt before next season. My personal recommendation to the rider would be the Reserve HD alloy as they have the option of DT 350 DEG...
jbfiets Started a new thread DH wheel recs?
5/8/2026 3:18am Looking for wheel recs for a lighter rider racing an East Coast downhill series. Budget is ~$1000 for a wheelset. Option 1: rebuild current wheels w/ new rims. Maybe Reserve DH Carbon or We Are One rear and DT FR541 or FR560 front rims Option 2: Alloy wheelset Something like a DT F 1900 Classic, Spank Spike 369, or Reserve...
This forum thread has 15 replies.
jbfiets Added a reply to Nerding out on Brakes shall we? Not another tech deraliment
5/2/2026 2:06pm The SRAM Maven/Motive/DB lever fitting is M4 threads. The Shimano bleed cup thread is M5. I use the Park Tool fitting adapter (part 2600A, $6 each) included in their mineral bleed kit to go between the two. I also use the M5 adapter w/ the bleed cup for Shimano brakes because the plastic bleed cup threads wear out really fast...
jbfiets Added a reply to Brake Caliper Alignment Tips?
4/15/2026 4:47pm If someone would have told me in 2008 that I would be spending an hour a day or more aligning disc calipers in 2026, I would have quit and found a another job. rotor truing. most of the time, rotors need to be true within 0.05mm, sometimes +/- 0.1mm is ok. this takes a lot of experience and finesse. Rotors...
jbfiets Added a comment about feature First Look - 2027 FOX Float X, DHX, and Live Valve Neo Shocks
3/18/2026 3:57am
I am assuming the new parts can be retrofitted to an old shock. Are they going to sell the new parts as kit for install during 200hr service?
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This feature has 4 comments.
jbfiets Added a comment about product review Dark Energy
3/13/2026 3:23pm
I'm totally sold on chain wax for off-road riding in dry conditions, but hard to imagine this is worth it when all the other Muc-off lube products are so terrible.
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This product review has 1 comment.
jbfiets Added a reply to Nerding out on Brakes shall we? Not another tech deraliment
3/2/2026 4:07am I agree with the 'pick the fastest fluid.' I know users have put low-viscosity fluid in Shimano brakes for a while now to resolve their issues and they don't seem to leak more than Shimano calipers already leak. I'm suprised we don't see more small brake companies putting out videos/marketing about how their brakes solves the Shimano pump up/wandering bite...
jbfiets Added a reply to Nerding out on Brakes shall we? Not another tech deraliment
2/25/2026 3:59pm Pads retract based on piston seal rollback, not on master cylinder volume. It's a common myth, one I believed until I started deep diving into brake bleeds because of persistent issues bleeding brakes. Here's a video explanation: https://youtu.be/mPptmoy0u3s?si=t8CNIRP7x5uGnBrf
jbfiets Added a reply to Are sram mavens really this hard to get working.
2/17/2026 4:53pm if you are getting the SRAM pro bleed kit, you want V3. Maybe V1 didn't come with bleeding edge as that was before Mavens came out, V2 had bleeding edge, and V3 has updated syringes.
jbfiets Added a reply to SRAM cassette loose on DTSWISS hub
2/11/2026 4:58pm I asked the SRAM rep about this, they recommended removing and reinstalling clocked 180 degrees opposite and seeing if that resolves the issue. I have spoken with SRAM tech support as well, they don't have a specific millimeter runout that triggers a warranty. Usually it only becomes an issue when combined with a derailleur that has sloppy pivots. 1mm is...
jbfiets Added a reply to Are sram mavens really this hard to get working.
1/16/2026 7:30pm Spoke with the person developing the bleed fittings. He doesn't deal with the Mavens where he is, so hasn't been able to measure the bleed fittings. The assumption is that all models of Mavens and Motive brakes that use the bleeding edge fitting are using the same bleed port thread pitch, diameter, and head angle. But this should be verified...
jbfiets Added a reply to Are sram mavens really this hard to get working.
1/16/2026 5:34am There is someone in Germany getting custom bleed fittings fabricated. They replace the bleeding edge fitting during bleed for a truly air-tight seal to get a good vacuum bleed, and then bleeding edge is reinstalled at the end. I have his fitting for the DOT bleeding edge calipers, not sure if he is fabricating ones to fit the new size...
jbfiets Added a reply to The Bikeconomics (Mega)Thread
1/16/2026 5:29am is there a public announcement on this, or just knowing people who work there? I didn't see anything on Bicycleretailer.com or Trek's dealer website.
jbfiets Added a reply to Are sram mavens really this hard to get working.
1/5/2026 5:44pm I haven't owned Mavens, only worked on them on other peoples bikes. After reading some other Maven threads, I think one issue is the Maxima fluid tends to absorb a lot more air than other mineral oils. Using the degassing step that was common in SRAM's DOT fluid instructions may help get air out of the fluid before adding it...
jbfiets Added a reply to Shimano/TRP Maven - S-tier braking (Shaven/Traven)
12/13/2025 2:02pm SRAM is on the 3rd version of their mineral oil bleed kit. Talked to the SRAM rep and one thing they changed is the syringe diameter to get a better vacuum. If I have the same issue with needing frequent bleeds, I will probably try another fluid. Maybe Shimano's low-viscosity oil.
jbfiets Added a reply to Dumb Bike Problems
11/27/2025 5:34am In case anyone is still using the OEM plastic tubeless strips that come on Bontrager rims, those are equivalent to ~4 layers of tubeless tape. It also makes the center channel narrower and won't allow both beads of DH tires to sit in the channel at the same time, a recipe for frustration. Replacing that with 1 layer of tubeless...
jbfiets Added a reply to Transmission - Mechanical Edition
11/2/2025 4:58am I guess it depends on what you mean by durability. The Shimano stuff is so cheap (derailleurs and cassettes specifically), durability isn't as big of a concern, and the performance doesn't degrade as you go down to Deore, the weight just goes up. The Shimano 12sp chains are very prone to corrosion unless you are getting XTR/DA chains that have...
jbfiets Added a reply to Transmission - Mechanical Edition
11/1/2025 8:15am Anyone had any warranty issues with 70/90 parts? Just got a new bike w/ 70 derailleur/shifter in the shop. If the shifting works in the harder gears it wants to throw the chain over the largest cog occasionally. SRAM is sending a replacement derailleur, but maybe it could be the shifter, too much cable throw in certain gears. If only...
