Lives in:
Vista, CA, USA
Member Since:
11/16/2018
Recent Activity
All
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about bike check Forbidden Druid CorE Dream Build
11/15/2025 10:54am
Definitely bike of the day!
This bike check has 3 comments.
jonathanheierle Liked a bike check Forbidden Druid CorE Dream Build
11/15/2025 10:43am
This bike check has 3 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about feature MRP Lift Damper Long-Term Review
10/21/2025 4:13pm
regarding the air spring side - does this inevitably mean you are starting with more static sag? I get that dynamically that doesn’t matter much if at all, but it does change what most folks are accustomed to. I guess this damper isn’t for most folks though 🙂
Votes:
This feature has 82 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about feature Yeti Builds on Its Critically Acclaimed 160E With New LTe Full-Power eMTB
9/28/2025 10:06am
Super interesting re: the radials. I find they grip everywhere, but mine are the gravity casing, and it’s really the first time I have ridden dh casings substantially. I wonder if I would have the same effect with maxxis dh . My theory still is the average to above average rider benefits from the comfort and grip, but the expert / pro level riders see diminishing returns given the pressures they need for the speeds.
This feature has 4 comments.
Jason_Schroeder Liked a comment about Feature Yeti Builds on Its Critically Acclaimed 160E With New LTe Full-Power eMTB
9/28/2025 9:52am
I'll likely have more thoughts on radials in the coming months after some comparative testing. The biggest issue I've consistently had with them is a lack of sidewall support, and overall vagueness. I find that adding pressure (as everyone seems to recommend) just makes the tire deflect more without really stiffening them up. Just grabbing the tires and twisting them on the rim, it's wild how much they roll side to side. Same with when you push your finger into knobs and the casing collapses inward and then shoots back out. As @AndehM pointed out, the trail casing front tire...
This feature has 4 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about feature Yeti Builds on Its Critically Acclaimed 160E With New LTe Full-Power eMTB
9/16/2025 8:45am
@Jason_Schroeder funny you mention the radial tires . Would love to read your take sometime. I love them for our trails around San Diego . But I am 25% as fast as you .. which probably is the reason Knowing the zone you took those photos - I found that my older Kenevo sl is definitely overkill for that area, while a levo gen 4 (though a lot heavier) felt way more fun and maneuverable. Given the Lte intent , how did it do in the mellower terrain I am assuming you rode a bit for the shoot/test?
Votes:
This feature has 4 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about product review Turbo Levo SL
1/8/2021 2:34pm
My experience has been mixed: I haven't raced in a few years and haven't been actively "training", but I have been focused on progressing my technical/downhill skills over that same time period. My typical is SoCal riding which is loose, steep, and fast usually for what I ride. I had a 53lb Kenevo (2019 - "old" model) for about 1.5 years of riding (~ 3000 miles or so). Areas that of note with this bike: - cardio/endurance due to being on the bike more. This was a time and distance increase. I tended to run in eco or a reduced...
This product review has 1 comment.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about feature Ultra-Long, 210mm Travel Enduro Machine - Is This the Ultimate MTB?
9/14/2020 5:37pm
Can we call it the "Stern Croissant"?
Votes:
This feature has 74 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about feature Vital MTB Test Sessions: Four Exciting Electric Mountain Bikes Reviewed Head-to-Head
8/10/2020 10:59am
No - same eye to eye. It ups the travel slightly (153mm with stock 52.5 stroke).
This feature has 50 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about feature Vital MTB Test Sessions: Four Exciting Electric Mountain Bikes Reviewed Head-to-Head
8/10/2020 10:48am
Like others stated - I would put this down to trail access. For myself, this is exactly what I did with the SL. It's lively enough to take place of my old trail bike (Evil Insurgent) and enough assist to replace a typical ebike (Kenevo). I live in San Diego, CA where there actually happens to be a decent amount of ebike access. The terrain is varied enough and has enough climbs to show the benefit of assist. Typical ebike story - I ride more and have more fun doing so. SL makes the effort I put in more like...
Votes:
This feature has 50 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about feature Vital MTB Test Sessions: Four Exciting Electric Mountain Bikes Reviewed Head-to-Head
8/8/2020 7:36am
There is a SL specific link. Same effect on the leverage curve, but some material was removed because we found that the ever so slight changes on the SL seatstay (beefier i think) caused some rubbing at bottom out.
Votes:
This feature has 50 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about feature Vital MTB Test Sessions: Four Exciting Electric Mountain Bikes Reviewed Head-to-Head
8/7/2020 8:04am
Glad you guys are starting to review/test these machines! I know it’s polarizing, but fun is fun, eh? On the SL - one thing that those looking at this bike may want to consider is the Cascade Components link. Ups the progressivity to ~21%. On mine, I am running that plus a EXT Storia V3 (you can still see benefit with the stock DPS though), and it’s amazing. I am smashing downhill PRs left and right that were set on bigger bikes, even in the bike park. I also think this bike deserves at least a 160mm fork (I have...
Votes:
This feature has 50 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about video MTB Suspension - Unsprung Weight Explained
7/14/2020 8:45am
I dropped ~ 550 grams from my rear wheel the other day - new cassette, new tire (still with CC XC) and new carbon wheel. Of course lots of variables at play, but it was definitely noticeable improvement of suspension performance. Everything felt "quicker" while not bouncy.
This video has 8 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about video MTB Suspension - Unsprung Weight Explained
7/14/2020 8:44am
Funny, I was thinking that too, but the model in this video doesn't take into account the spring/damper action of the tire (and insert if you have them). That would be interesting to see added in a video like this. I.e. - where is the "balance" point of added weight (via DH casing and/or insert) vs traction? There is probably a point of diminishing returns.
This video has 8 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about product review Tires
4/19/2020 10:30pm
Thanks for the replay and good to hear. Eager to try some out when they are available. Like that you guys are local too!
This product review has 3 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about product review Tires
4/19/2020 9:59pm
Can anyone comment to why the splatter version of the tire is 100g less than standard? I believe it’s the same casing. Seems like quite a big difference
This product review has 3 comments.
BikeBlur Liked a comment about Feature On eMTB's and Mountain Bikes
11/3/2019 7:44am
I've been mountain biking for quite awhile now (1988). I've owned many different bikes over the years, DH, Freeride, Enduro, trai, etc. I recently bought an Ebike and I will never go back to a mechanical/traditional mtb. I've found climbing to actually be creative and FUN now!-having the ability to pop off of everything on the way up is amazing. Other than occasionally enjoying a random, easy-ish climb when your mind wanders and blends with the meandering undulations of the climb, Climbing SUCKS! (for me at least) Ebikes have turned this SUCKS into FUN!. Additionally, I've found descending, jumping etc...
This feature has 91 comments.
freynolds Liked a comment about Feature On eMTB's and Mountain Bikes
11/3/2019 7:43am
Your article was enlightening. I have been struggling to understand the antipathy towards e-bikes and I think you've highlighted it - culture. There would appear to be a feeling that e-bikes don't fit an idealized notion of mountain bike culture and might bring people to the trails who aren't like “us" - who might drive a Porsche and not know who Steve Peat is. While I'm not excited for the trails to be more crowded either, living in the US, I think I've had my fill of culture wars and political tribalism the last few years and would rather at...
This feature has 91 comments.
Jonathan_Montague Added a comment about press release Shootout: Tire Inserts Tested by Independent Lab
6/25/2019 11:48am
Super interesting. I just replaced a rear tire that had ran the Rimpact insert. 450 miles of smashing rocks, etc in steeps and all over. I even had one really low pressure incident which had me using it as a "run-flat" for a few miles. Because of that expecting it to be fairly cut up and damaged (which is backed by this test), but it was surprisingly whole with no discernible issues. Maybe I am not as rad as I thought??
This press release has 34 comments.
Salespunk Liked a comment about video Jeremy McGrath and Friends Shredding
2/19/2019 5:10pm
Powell just ripping!
This video has 28 comments.
