All

Huh, I'm not even mad. Unlike mountainbikes, a bikepacking ATB seems like the perfect application scenario for 32" wheels.

If I like this does it mean I might be a closet singlespeeder ?

Maxxis is certainly taking 32-inch tires seriously: Updated MaxxTerra compound: New Aspen AT:

Man, could be the best brake on earth, they look cheap af

I think history has proven to never buy a first gen e13 anything

On one side, I totally agree with this. China takes battery technology very seriously and produces some of the best, most cost-effective solutions in the world. They also have the supply chain to do most of it in-house, which is a massive structural advantage. To your other point, I don't agree that we're on the cusp of some step-function breakthrough in electrification, and I say that as someone who drives an EV and loves electric motors. I've written about this before, but it comes down to two things: weight and rate of change. Weight: A gallon of gasoline delivers roughly...

specialized radials are live - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/specialized-goes-radial-new…

I'd be a lot more tempted to try radials again (from any brand) if they were available in a lighter casing but with good sidewall support. Full downhill protection & weight are unnecessary for my trails, but I need lateral stiffness for cornering. It seems to me like it should be able to achieve that with a stiff, mid-height bead insert and less layers under the tread. EXO+ or Conti Enduro casing is just fine for my riding, although I do appreciate the dampness of DD/MG.

Specialized Radials are here - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/specialized-goes-radial-new…

Categorizing full power ebike riders as "low effort" doesn't reflect reality. The best dh riders in my area ("retired" moto racers) go hard on the ups and downs. They absolutely charge, and want a 45-50 pound bike anyways for the dh. They also kill it on the climbs

Yes, the Conti DH casing changes a ton as you ride it. (More noticeable that other brands) If you like it still and firm, you'll like it fresh. If you want it softer on the hands and more supple, you'll like it after 15k+ of descending.

As a mere mortal I found I liked the Continental DH casing more after it “broke in.” It was too stiff for me when they were new.

Evil having some fun.

I use some way too expensive smith photochromatic glasses that I like, but are absolutely not worth the price. They were a bro-deal years ago, otherwise i would absolutely not pay full price. I got caught on a recent bike park trip with some rain days and didn't have clear riding glasses because it was a full face heavy trip. I picked up some milwaukee safety glasses from the hardware store and thought they were fantastic for the purpose. https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-49-17-2050-MK2050-Glasses-Anti-Fog/dp/…

An updated Minion SS in a 2.40” was on my suggested projects list for many a company meeting…

Funny you should mention the Edge 22. I tried one about 16 months ago. That tire has phenomenal cornering traction and it rolls fast and brakes just fine as well. The dual row of long and stout but not that tall side knobs hook up really well for turning. The rubber compound was a bit hard and it had a weird way of slapping the ground when it hit the ground from being in the air and the casing was not very supportive but the tread pattern works very well in spite of its odd appearance.

Gee, I feel so old fashioned with my outdated Bosch Wild. I slapped it together last night, but all the set-up is yet to be completed and in fact I think I disconnected something when running new brakes as the motor won't power on now. Will try and get that handled in a couple of days when I get some time again. It's showing 49.2#s ready to ride now with pedals, with dual coil suspension (Avy front and rear), dual DH rims, dual DH tires, electronic dropper and electronic shifting, Size L with CXR and 600wh battery. still need to...

i'd say it depends, they feel slower on smooth terrain, road climbs, as you get to roots, rocks they're faster as they "hug"the obstacle rather than wasting energy going around it by bouncing on it, that's my experience while climbing, downhill i'm faster as they track better and grip more while being more comfortable