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June, 2025

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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
I know there are more brown pow lovers on this site, yah there is pinkbike but lets be honest, newshcoolers is wayyyy cooler. so lets posts our rides, questions about components, mechanic questions etc in this thread.

I just bought this beauty and i definitely sacrificed uphill capabiltiy in order to get a beefier dh/park bike. id been on a nomad for a while and it's a huge switch in riding styles for me. definitely getting used to the weight and having to keep speed a lot more.

specs for said beauty, 2011 rc2 dh totem, 2012 dhx rc4, highrollers front and back (gona go dhf front and highroller in the back), mtx 33 wheel set, slx brakes, diablous cranks, FSA 760mm Handlebar, Shimano SLX Shifter & Shimano Deore XT Derailleur.



Alright newschoolers, post your bikes. i wanna see some sexy steeds.
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11 years ago
2046 153
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.FRY.
Posts: 5766 - Karma: 22,394
biking is chyll
11 years ago
15 1
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,906
Threads.

You beat me to the punch, I was going to make this thread but got lazy.

I'm currently riding a Santa Cruz Chameleon that I built up for all mountain riding. It's all X9 with Race Face Atlas Cranks, Fox Talas 140 RLC, King headset, (pre-Scott) Syncros riser bar, Thomson post/stem, XT disc brakes, and some beefy as fuck Sun Ringle wheels. It's probably 30lbs with the current tires, Continental Mountain King Protection 2.4's (version 1's) but doesn't ride like it weighs that much. Super snappy and fun to toss around; it will be way more fun once I convert it to a singlespeed.

I am also building up a new trail bike for myself, and one for my wife, they should be dirt ready by mid July. I will post some frame pictures once I get them uploaded. Super stoked to get back on a dual suspension again. We have several boxes of parts that are constantly being added to, just need a few more things and it'll be time to build.
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
division.bellThreads.

You beat me to the punch, I was going to make this thread but got lazy.

I'm currently riding a Santa Cruz Chameleon that I built up for all mountain riding. It's all X9 with Race Face Atlas Cranks, Fox Talas 140 RLC, King headset, (pre-Scott) Syncros riser bar, Thomson post/stem, XT disc brakes, and some beefy as fuck Sun Ringle wheels. It's probably 30lbs with the current tires, Continental Mountain King Protection 2.4's (version 1's) but doesn't ride like it weighs that much. Super snappy and fun to toss around; it will be way more fun once I convert it to a singlespeed.

I am also building up a new trail bike for myself, and one for my wife, they should be dirt ready by mid July. I will post some frame pictures once I get them uploaded. Super stoked to get back on a dual suspension again. We have several boxes of parts that are constantly being added to, just need a few more things and it'll be time to build.


I was actually thinking of you when I made this Haha. All your builds look like so much fun. I desperately want to build up a carbon nomad Haha. If only I had 6k or so.
11 years ago
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
I made one of these a while ago. I think it was mostly competitive XC though.

I'm an XC race weight weenie, got a fully rigid 19 lb 13 oz Niner air 9 RDO with Stan's Crest wheels, 1x10 XX1 crankset (slx cassette) Specialized Chisel fork (carbon, it's why my bike is so light lol) XT derailleur, Magura MTS brakes, and Easton ec 70 seatpost.

my bars, stem, saddle and shifter are from my old Specialized Carve. They're shitty.

Let me just say, I've ridden my best on this rigid bike. despite how bumpy it can be, i've never been able to maneuver my bike so deftly. Plus, the climbing is awesome. It's made me be very wise with my line choices, thus improving speed and efficiency.


I hope this thread stays alive!
11 years ago
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,906
MEDSKI_I made one of these a while ago. I think it was mostly competitive XC though.

I'm an XC race weight weenie, got a fully rigid 19 lb 13 oz Niner air 9 RDO with Stan's Crest wheels, 1x10 XX1 crankset (slx cassette) Specialized Chisel fork (carbon, it's why my bike is so light lol) XT derailleur, Magura MTS brakes, and Easton ec 70 seatpost.

my bars, stem, saddle and shifter are from my old Specialized Carve. They're shitty.

Let me just say, I've ridden my best on this rigid bike. despite how bumpy it can be, i've never been able to maneuver my bike so deftly. Plus, the climbing is awesome. It's made me be very wise with my line choices, thus improving speed and efficiency.


I hope this thread stays alive!


Pictures of bikes, parts, and trails will help keep this thread alive.

Now, we need pics of your Niner!
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
video from galbraith which is where i ride the most. i would ideally be riding stevens, coast gravity park or whistler but theyre all just a little far away for daily shredding.
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/365508/
11 years ago
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Sklar
Posts: 8865 - Karma: 31,618
I'm trying to buy a bike soon, finally going to get a decent mtb.
Still deciding on hardtail vs full. Looking in the 900-1,100 used range.

My brother is a frame builder, i wish I could afford one of his bikes, they look rad.
https://www.facebook.com/Sklarbikes
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
Have you ever mountain biked before? Because I wound say it's good to start on a hard tail. At least I know it helped my riding a lot.
11 years ago
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
Here she is. Idk how big the pic will be cuz i'm posting from mobile.
11 years ago
16 1
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Sklar
Posts: 8865 - Karma: 31,618
BakerpowHave you ever mountain biked before? Because I wound say it's good to start on a hard tail. At least I know it helped my riding a lot.


probably going hard tail, unless i find a real good deal
11 years ago
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
Sklarprobably going hard tail, unless i find a real good deal


Go hardtail. it helps with initial learning and handling as bakerpow mentioned.

Plus, a full suspension in that price range is probably not worth it. You wanna go at least $2,000 for a FSR, IMO. You can get a pretty darn good hardtail for $1,000, however.
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
MEDSKI_Go hardtail. it helps with initial learning and handling as bakerpow mentioned.

Plus, a full suspension in that price range is probably not worth it. You wanna go at least $2,000 for a FSR, IMO. You can get a pretty darn good hardtail for $1,000, however.


you can find solid deals sub 2k but yah if you have 2k to spend you will get an awesome bike.
11 years ago
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Threshy
Posts: 444 - Karma: 938
I am a brown pow lover also


My baby. 2013 Demo 8 Frame, and too lazy to list parts(Mostly Saint Components).
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
ThreshyI am a brown pow lover also


My baby. 2013 Demo 8 Frame, and too lazy to list parts(Mostly Saint Components).


das a beaut
11 years ago
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uyghur
Posts: 993 - Karma: 2,028

Second bike, 2007 Giant Trance X3, mostly stock but with a new fork and pedals. Needs a new seat to the point where I can't take long rides anymore because numbnuts. I wish I had a beefier bike to take to a park, looks so fun.
11 years ago
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,966
Currently on a Scott Aspect 60. It has served me well, but now that I am too tall for it I am in a serious money pinch. I have zero money set aside for a bike. Mountain biking is just too damn expensive.

When I do have the funds for a new rig, I have been pondering ditching the front deraileur. I really just hate front deraileurs but 1x hardtails aren't all that popular.

I guess I'm just wondering why you don't see too many 1x hardtails
11 years ago
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,966
And another problem I have is that when I purchased my Scott the way it fit me was a very big component to my choice to get it. But if I buy online, I can't see how the bike fits me before buying it.
11 years ago
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ModMommy
Posts: 10877 - Karma: 58,295
JakeSmithAnd another problem I have is that when I purchased my Scott the way it fit me was a very big component to my choice to get it. But if I buy online, I can't see how the bike fits me before buying it.


Have you gone to a local shop and seen if they can order it for you? A lot of times they'll be able to size you up and find what fits, or what doesn't, then order the bike to ensure it's all good.
11 years ago
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,966
immasHave you gone to a local shop and seen if they can order it for you? A lot of times they'll be able to size you up and find what fits, or what doesn't, then order the bike to ensure it's all good.


I forgot to mention I'd be buying used, so from pink bike or something
11 years ago
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ModMommy
Posts: 10877 - Karma: 58,295
JakeSmithI forgot to mention I'd be buying used, so from pink bike or something


Ah. Somtimes I still stop in the shops and get fitted, or if the seller is near me I'll meet up and check the bike out.
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
JakeSmithI forgot to mention I'd be buying used, so from pink bike or something


i dont know where you live so idk how much mountain biking happens around you, but a lot of times you can pretty easily just meet up with the guy ride the bike around a little bit and see how it fits/rides/feels.
11 years ago
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kingsskier
Posts: 6213 - Karma: 2,165
Moab

Sand was a bit deep:




Got this sick shot that night with my iPhone.
11 years ago
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Threads, I'll post pics of my remedy when I get it...
11 years ago
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
JakeSmith1x hardtails aren't all that popular.

I guess I'm just wondering why you don't see too many 1x hardtails

What? I have a 1x hardtail, and so do my riding buddies. We all race, and 1x is a racing setup usually. I was under the impression most XC riders are 1x if they're serious about it.
11 years ago
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,906
MEDSKI_What? I have a 1x hardtail, and so do my riding buddies. We all race, and 1x is a racing setup usually. I was under the impression most XC riders are 1x if they're serious about it.


Or for those that despise front derailleurs.

But seriously, who gives a fuck if a 1x setup is popular on a hardtail or not? Run whatever drivetrain setup that works for your riding abilities and terrain.

I currently have 27 gears on my hardtail and I use a maximum of 7. My current builds will be SRAM X01 1x11's.
11 years ago
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SFB
Posts: 8895 - Karma: 26,366
diamondback 29er, i use this bike for everything, its great

11 years ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52654 - Karma: 174,941
division.bellThreads.

You beat me to the punch, I was going to make this thread but got lazy.


Aren't there already a ton of these?
11 years ago
3 1
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*N_Wist*
Posts: 422 - Karma: 79
09 Specialized p2 chromo


want to convert it to single speed, and upgrade the rear brakes to something hydraulic
11 years ago
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 362
What trails do you like to shred at galby? I used to do SST like 4 times a week with a couple of southside days mixed in between but then I snapped my frame.
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
theabortionatorAren't there already a ton of these?


none that i found in a 15 second search

B-rungeWhat trails do you like to shred at galby? I used to do SST like 4 times a week with a couple of southside days mixed in between but then I snapped my frame.


i ride sst a lot, if i go to the top i usually do evo-unemployment line-atomic dog or some variation of evo. i ride glacier more often than galby though.
11 years ago
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 362
Hell yeah; I'd check out mullet to cheech&chongs to methlab if you haven't done that line this spring, they were dialed in when I demoed a bike a month ago. The three pack on mullet has a perfect table in the middle that someone put work into. If/when I get a new bike that can handle it (probably september) I'd love for you to show me around the glacier trails if they're not a secret. I'm always looking for new people to shred with and really want to ride in those bigger forests/mountains.
11 years ago
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BskiP
Posts: 1369 - Karma: 223
Stoked on this thread! Need to get pics up, but have a Powder Coated Blue/Orange Rocky Mountain Flatline, and a 2014 Transition Covert 27.5. Best combo ever
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
B-rungeHell yeah; I'd check out mullet to cheech&chongs to methlab if you haven't done that line this spring, they were dialed in when I demoed a bike a month ago. The three pack on mullet has a perfect table in the middle that someone put work into. If/when I get a new bike that can handle it (probably september) I'd love for you to show me around the glacier trails if they're not a secret. I'm always looking for new people to shred with and really want to ride in those bigger forests/mountains.


Dude yeah I have ridden just about every trail up there Haha. That's like my alternate route after evo.

BskiPStoked on this thread! Need to get pics up, but have a Powder Coated Blue/Orange Rocky Mountain Flatline, and a 2014 Transition Covert 27.5. Best combo ever


That does sound like a great 2 bike combo. Something I'm trying to do at the moment as well.
11 years ago
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
BakerpowHave you ever mountain biked before? Because I wound say it's good to start on a hard tail. At least I know it helped my riding a lot.


Hardtails are the shit, Ive got a covert and a 150mm fork'd steel hardtail, and while the covert is one of, if not, the funnest bike ive ever ridden, i always want to ride the hardtail more, i dont even know why. I've taken it to some resort DH stuff and its so damn fun. If i could only have one bike it'd be a 27.5 long travel, slack hardtail for sure.
11 years ago
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Sklar
Posts: 8865 - Karma: 31,618
SklarI'm trying to buy a bike soon, finally going to get a decent mtb.
Still deciding on hardtail vs full. Looking in the 900-1,100 used range.

My brother is a frame builder, i wish I could afford one of his bikes, they look rad.
https://www.facebook.com/Sklarbikes


Thoughts?
http://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/1506634/
11 years ago
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kingsskier
Posts: 6213 - Karma: 2,165
SklarThoughts?
http://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/1506634/


Your brother won't hook you up at cost?
That bike looks fun if you're looking for a 29er. The price seems good.
11 years ago
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Sklar
Posts: 8865 - Karma: 31,618
kingsskierYour brother won't hook you up at cost?
That bike looks fun if you're looking for a 29er. The price seems good.


Still can't afford it at cost haha
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
XtRemE11Hardtails are the shit, Ive got a covert and a 150mm fork'd steel hardtail, and while the covert is one of, if not, the funnest bike ive ever ridden, i always want to ride the hardtail more, i dont even know why. I've taken it to some resort DH stuff and its so damn fun. If i could only have one bike it'd be a 27.5 long travel, slack hardtail for sure.


I mean if you could have only one bike why not the covert or carbon nomad or kona something (can't remember the name for their do it all bike) that would definitely be my one bike rig
11 years ago
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b-kul
Posts: 4350 - Karma: 1,111
^kona process is the name you are searching for i think

i ride a jamis xam, rs rev rtc, fox dhx a5 kashima, mosty xt groupo, sun charger expert wheels.
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
b-kul^kona process is the name you are searching for i think

i ride a jamis xam, rs rev rtc, fox dhx a5 kashima, mosty xt groupo, sun charger expert wheels.


Yep definitely the process. I mean honestly it seems mountain biking is headed towards that. Something you can do literally everything on. The technology is catching up with the riding and you can do a lot more with less
11 years ago
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,634
I'm riding a specialized Rockhopper. Pretty shit trails living in Florida but I am trying to make do with what I have, can't wait to take trips out of this shit state and ride where its actually worth it.


Anyone have suggestions on where to travel to?
11 years ago
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
theBearJewI'm riding a specialized Rockhopper. Pretty shit trails living in Florida but I am trying to make do with what I have, can't wait to take trips out of this shit state and ride where its actually worth it.


Anyone have suggestions on where to travel to?


"nearby", you have Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Otherwise, you have Vermont, NY, the west (utah, colo, cali) and all of Canada
11 years ago
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
BakerpowI mean if you could have only one bike why not the covert or carbon nomad or kona something (can't remember the name for their do it all bike) that would definitely be my one bike rig


Cause a hardtails so much more versatile, i DJ on mine, do XC rides, long ass all day rides, and also use it for all the DH/all mountain type riding i do on my covert, and i dont feel like its much slower at all for that kind of stuff, cause it rockets out of corners and pedals like a mofo. the coverts fun going down for sure, but once you're used to the springy lively response of a steel hardtail, its hard to replace that on anything that requires pedaling.

only thing the hardtail just absolutely sucks for is really techy, gnarly, rocky, DH, i just hate mountain biking when i encounter that on my hardtail. but then even the covert or any non DH bike would be pretty overwhelmed.
11 years ago
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
SklarThoughts?
http://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/1506634/


Do you want a 29er? Theres pro's and cons to 29" vs 27.5" vs 26" that I wont take the time to list cause theres seriously so many online comparisons. If so, what are you planning on riding? That bike seems like a fun bike to get rollin with for most xc.

I was gonna say the brother won't hook it up? But apparently thats even out of the price range, which is fine, I totally get ya, bikes aint cheap. You could get a top of the line motorcycle for less than some upper end bikes. I want a new, beefier bike, which apparently a lot of NSers have some gorgeous bikes.

I rock a little older Santa Cruz Blur, which does fine for most of the riding I do. Trying to get more into freeriding though, would love to hear to hear advice on what to get next. Probably a newer Enduro, a Norco Range, or a Covert is gonna be my next bike.
11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
XtRemE11Cause a hardtails so much more versatile, i DJ on mine, do XC rides, long ass all day rides, and also use it for all the DH/all mountain type riding i do on my covert, and i dont feel like its much slower at all for that kind of stuff, cause it rockets out of corners and pedals like a mofo. the coverts fun going down for sure, but once you're used to the springy lively response of a steel hardtail, its hard to replace that on anything that requires pedaling.

only thing the hardtail just absolutely sucks for is really techy, gnarly, rocky, DH, i just hate mountain biking when i encounter that on my hardtail. but then even the covert or any non DH bike would be pretty overwhelmed.


thats a good point, but for the riding i do which involves a lot of rocky/bumpy/rooted a hard tail would fail miserably haha.
11 years ago
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Sklar
Posts: 8865 - Karma: 31,618
JuliusJDo you want a 29er? Theres pro's and cons to 29" vs 27.5" vs 26" that I wont take the time to list cause theres seriously so many online comparisons. If so, what are you planning on riding? That bike seems like a fun bike to get rollin with for most xc.

I was gonna say the brother won't hook it up? But apparently thats even out of the price range, which is fine, I totally get ya, bikes aint cheap. You could get a top of the line motorcycle for less than some upper end bikes. I want a new, beefier bike, which apparently a lot of NSers have some gorgeous bikes.

I rock a little older Santa Cruz Blur, which does fine for most of the riding I do. Trying to get more into freeriding though, would love to hear to hear advice on what to get next. Probably a newer Enduro, a Norco Range, or a Covert is gonna be my next bike.



Word.
I definitely don't get super rad, so i don't need anything crazy haha. XC riding mostly, def some up and down, but noting too crazy on the downs
11 years ago
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Pat.t
Posts: 246 - Karma: 2,024
http://images01.olx-st.com/ui/20/43/69/1382376131_558333469_1-Fotos-de--Specialized-Demo-8-i-2014-descenso-downhill-freeride.jpg This is my ride. 2014 demo 8
11 years ago
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,906
division.bellI'm currently riding a Santa Cruz Chameleon that I built up for all mountain riding. It's all X9 with Race Face Atlas Cranks, Fox Talas 140 RLC, King headset, (pre-Scott) Syncros riser bar, Thomson post/stem, XT disc brakes, and some beefy as fuck Sun Ringle wheels. It's probably 30lbs with the current tires, Continental Mountain King Protection 2.4's (version 1's) but doesn't ride like it weighs that much. Super snappy and fun to toss around; it will be way more fun once I convert it to a singlespeed.


Santa Cruz Chameleons: His and Hers

Mine was built up from parts and hers was bought complete with the intention of building it up over time. Hers already has a King headset added, and new bars/grips.

11 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
It also kind if surprises me that a bunch of downhill skiers like to pedal so much;)
11 years ago
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