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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
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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Jun 9 2014 5:41PM
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J_Berg
Posts: 562 - Karma: 2,031
Anyone ridden a Specialized fuse? Looking to buy a whip for front range CO riding this summer. Rode a full sus (Specialized camber) last summer, it got stolen, RIP, and now I'm looking at nicer hardtails around the 1500 mark.

The fuse looks awesome, decent fork, dropper, solid drivetrain components

I'm a little weary about 27.5+ wheel though. I've ridden bikes that are 27.5 and enjoyed them. Thoughts homies??

Any bike suggestions are welcome as well
Jan 5 2017 1:47PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
if you are going to get a hardtail, check out Chromag or Transition. Chromag Stylus or Transition TransAM.
Jan 8 2017 1:50PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
What are your guys thoughts on Diamondback bikes? I'm in the market for my first decent XC setup, probably going for a higher end hardtail because I don't really need the rear suspension for Florida trails
Jan 12 2017 10:20AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
DayManWhat are your guys thoughts on Diamondback bikes? I'm in the market for my first decent XC setup, probably going for a higher end hardtail because I don't really need the rear suspension for Florida trails


Forgot to mention I can get 60% off MSRP so that's why I ask about diamondback in particular
Jan 12 2017 10:20AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
DayManForgot to mention I can get 60% off MSRP so that's why I ask about diamondback in particular


IMO, for XC it's more about the component spec. What bikes are you looking at? Link is to them.
Jan 12 2017 12:14PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
californiagrownIMO, for XC it's more about the component spec. What bikes are you looking at? Link is to them.


I'm pretty new to the mtb scene and currently on a 10+ year old trek fuel 80, and I've never really shopped for a new bike, so I'm not really sure what to be looking for as far as component specs go. Here's the Diamondback I was looking at: http://www.diamondback.com/shop/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/hardtail/mason-comp
Jan 12 2017 12:40PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
californiagrownIMO, for XC it's more about the component spec. What bikes are you looking at? Link is to them.


Also: http://www.diamondback.com/shop/bikes/mountain/trail/hardtail/hook-line-syncr/syncr-pro
Jan 12 2017 12:49PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Both are pretty darn good specs IMO. I'd go with the first one because of the 27+... Something that is especially beneficial with a hardtail.

Both bikes seem really fun and have good specs though, so see if you can ride both around a little to see which one feels better for your anatomy. Neither sticks out as much better in my mind.
Jan 12 2017 1:57PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
californiagrownBoth are pretty darn good specs IMO. I'd go with the first one because of the 27+... Something that is especially beneficial with a hardtail.

Both bikes seem really fun and have good specs though, so see if you can ride both around a little to see which one feels better for your anatomy. Neither sticks out as much better in my mind.


Sweet, thanks for the help. So in your opinion would it be worth the upgrade from the Mason (http://www.diamondback.com/shop/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/hardtail/mason) to the Mason Comp (the first one I mentioned in the last post)? Looks like the only difference is the components, but I'm not familiar enough with it to know if the difference is worth an extra 600.
Jan 12 2017 2:16PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
DayManSweet, thanks for the help. So in your opinion would it be worth the upgrade from the Mason (http://www.diamondback.com/shop/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/hardtail/mason) to the Mason Comp (the first one I mentioned in the last post)? Looks like the only difference is the components, but I'm not familiar enough with it to know if the difference is worth an extra 600.


IMO yes. Much nicer fork, better drivetrain, and dropper post (though you may want to upgrade to something with more travel depending on your inseam).
Jan 12 2017 2:35PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
DayManForgot to mention I can get 60% off MSRP so that's why I ask about diamondback in particular


Coupon?
Jan 12 2017 6:07PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
mike759Coupon?


Experticity
Jan 12 2017 7:05PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
DayManExperticity


What is that?
I was thinking of buying a Diamondback as well
Jan 12 2017 7:12PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
mike759What is that?
I was thinking of buying a Diamondback as well


You have to work at a ski shop/ other sports store and then they give you access to a site where you can take quizzes about different brands to earn discounts. For example Arcteryx gives 50% off wholesale, which ends up being close to 75% off which is super rad
Jan 12 2017 8:15PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
DayManYou have to work at a ski shop/ other sports store and then they give you access to a site where you can take quizzes about different brands to earn discounts. For example Arcteryx gives 50% off wholesale, which ends up being close to 75% off which is super rad

That's sick
Could you get me a diamondback coupon code?
Jan 12 2017 9:50PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
mike759http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_10053_10052_579826_-1
I plan on buying this, but it has a coil fork, so I wanted to get a basic air suspension fork instead


You can easily get an older, used, much higher quality bike for the same price on Pinkbike.com or Craigslist.
Jan 13 2017 2:11AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
Please delete the above comment. My phone browser didn't load any post after that one.

Lappiere is on Experticity too
Jan 13 2017 2:17AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
mike759That's sick
Could you get me a diamondback coupon code?


Nah sorry man it can only ship to the place I work
Jan 13 2017 9:18AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
New bike arrived the other day! Norco Aurum Carbon 7.2, size large



I'll keep it pretty much stock the first year but swapping out the cockpit for Renthal carbon bars & stem (and already put on a Thomson post & WTB saddle).

We're in the midst of an awesome winter finally and the last thing I need right now is to be thinking about bikes haha.
Jan 21 2017 2:02PM
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Raz.
Posts: 7456 - Karma: 1,611
DayManYou have to work at a ski shop/ other sports store and then they give you access to a site where you can take quizzes about different brands to earn discounts. For example Arcteryx gives 50% off wholesale, which ends up being close to 75% off which is super rad


yo what the fuck when did arcteryx get on experticity
Jan 21 2017 4:42PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
Raz.yo what the fuck when did arcteryx get on experticity


Idk but I just got a $500 backpack for $140 which is sick af
Jan 21 2017 5:02PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
onenerdykidNew bike arrived the other day! Norco Aurum Carbon 7.2, size large



I'll keep it pretty much stock the first year but swapping out the cockpit for Renthal carbon bars & stem (and already put on a Thomson post & WTB saddle).

We're in the midst of an awesome winter finally and the last thing I need right now is to be thinking about bikes haha.


nice looking sled there.
Jan 22 2017 2:46PM
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yhprum1720
Posts: 363 - Karma: 496
What do you guys think of the 2017 Giant Stance 2 as a first full suspension bike? https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/stance-2


I'm from MA, south of Boston. I've been riding a Trek 3500 (I know) and I've gotten to the point where I can't ride trails of any more difficulty because I am actually scared that the bike will explode. I'm hoping to upgrade for this summer. Just looking for a bike that I will be confident won't fail on me for trail riding and something that I can progress my skills on without really breaking the bank. Any input on this bike or suggestions for other solid entry level full suspension bikes would be awesome. Thanks!
Jan 24 2017 5:42PM
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Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
yhprum1720What do you guys think of the 2017 Giant Stance 2 as a first full suspension bike? https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/stance-2


I'm from MA, south of Boston. I've been riding a Trek 3500 (I know) and I've gotten to the point where I can't ride trails of any more difficulty because I am actually scared that the bike will explode. I'm hoping to upgrade for this summer. Just looking for a bike that I will be confident won't fail on me for trail riding and something that I can progress my skills on without really breaking the bank. Any input on this bike or suggestions for other solid entry level full suspension bikes would be awesome. Thanks!


I was riding a 3500 over the summer too and you might be better off going with a nice hardtail as opposed to a mid-range fs, just my two cents.
Jan 24 2017 7:51PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
yhprum1720What do you guys think of the 2017 Giant Stance 2 as a first full suspension bike? https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/stance-2


I'm from MA, south of Boston. I've been riding a Trek 3500 (I know) and I've gotten to the point where I can't ride trails of any more difficulty because I am actually scared that the bike will explode. I'm hoping to upgrade for this summer. Just looking for a bike that I will be confident won't fail on me for trail riding and something that I can progress my skills on without really breaking the bank. Any input on this bike or suggestions for other solid entry level full suspension bikes would be awesome. Thanks!


I started on a trek 3- series and rode that thing into the ground. those were awesome times. Just getting started and didn't quite know how bad I was.

But for the bike. If you are looking for more confidence from your ride and are looking to ride hard and often the stance is absolutely NOT the bike you want. You're going to destroy the suspension in a single season and the component spec is pretty low end. Not to mention it has quick releases.

Buying bikes is expensive but you do get what you pay for. The Giant trance or anthem is what I would recommend if your local bike shop sells only giant. I also believe Norco and Kona have some pretty decent sub $2000 full suspension bikes as well.
Jan 24 2017 8:51PM
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yhprum1720
Posts: 363 - Karma: 496
DeforestationI was riding a 3500 over the summer too and you might be better off going with a nice hardtail as opposed to a mid-range fs, just my two cents.



TingaI started on a trek 3- series and rode that thing into the ground. those were awesome times. Just getting started and didn't quite know how bad I was.

But for the bike. If you are looking for more confidence from your ride and are looking to ride hard and often the stance is absolutely NOT the bike you want. You're going to destroy the suspension in a single season and the component spec is pretty low end. Not to mention it has quick releases.

Buying bikes is expensive but you do get what you pay for. The Giant trance or anthem is what I would recommend if your local bike shop sells only giant. I also believe Norco and Kona have some pretty decent sub $2000 full suspension bikes as well.


Thanks for the input. The dealers around me mostly offer Giant, Trek, and Specialized. I am willing to take a drive though for the right bike. It's hard to remember the different component specs that one brand offers let alone compare them between brands, so any help or things I should look for when purchasing a bike would be appreciated.
Jan 24 2017 11:55PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
yhprum1720Thanks for the input. The dealers around me mostly offer Giant, Trek, and Specialized. I am willing to take a drive though for the right bike. It's hard to remember the different component specs that one brand offers let alone compare them between brands, so any help or things I should look for when purchasing a bike would be appreciated.


It's tough. I would never recommend paying full MSRP. If buying from a bike shop, buy a closeout bike in September or October and haggle the price down a bit. You get a warranty as well as a ton of free/discounted service when you break your bike (happens more than you think).

Buying a used bike off pinkbike or Craigslist is where you get the best deals... But you gotta know bikes to know what's a good deal. You also get no warranty and no free/discounted service.

That said, buy this and don't look back:

Looking to ride rowdier trails: http://www.commencalusa.com/Mobile/meta-am-v4-origin-650b-rockshox-yellow-2016-c2x18419596

Looking to JUST ride xc type stuff: http://www.commencalusa.com/Mobile/meta-trail-origin-650b-black-2015-c2x14720054


Basically, take a look at commencal.
Jan 25 2017 12:18AM
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yhprum1720
Posts: 363 - Karma: 496
californiagrownIt's tough. I would never recommend paying full MSRP. If buying from a bike shop, buy a closeout bike in September or October and haggle the price down a bit. You get a warranty as well as a ton of free/discounted service when you break your bike (happens more than you think).

Buying a used bike off pinkbike or Craigslist is where you get the best deals... But you gotta know bikes to know what's a good deal. You also get no warranty and no free/discounted service.

That said, buy this and don't look back:

Looking to ride rowdier trails: http://www.commencalusa.com/Mobile/meta-am-v4-origin-650b-rockshox-yellow-2016-c2x18419596

Looking to JUST ride xc type stuff: http://www.commencalusa.com/Mobile/meta-trail-origin-650b-black-2015-c2x14720054


Basically, take a look at commencal.


Yeah at this point I don't trust my bike knowledge to buy used unless I was buying from someone I knew and trusted. Any input on finding a Commencal dealer? They don't seem to have a dealer locator on their website and I would definitely want to try one out before committing. That being said, it's awesome that they are still offering older bikes on their site and I'll definitely consider them.
Jan 25 2017 10:30AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
yhprum1720Yeah at this point I don't trust my bike knowledge to buy used unless I was buying from someone I knew and trusted. Any input on finding a Commencal dealer? They don't seem to have a dealer locator on their website and I would definitely want to try one out before committing. That being said, it's awesome that they are still offering older bikes on their site and I'll definitely consider them.


The reason they can be so cheap is it is direct sales. No dealers. No additional markups.
Jan 25 2017 12:47PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
yhprum1720Thanks for the input. The dealers around me mostly offer Giant, Trek, and Specialized. I am willing to take a drive though for the right bike. It's hard to remember the different component specs that one brand offers let alone compare them between brands, so any help or things I should look for when purchasing a bike would be appreciated.


Specialized makes good bikes no doubt about it but trek and giant are going to be your value brands if you're on a budget.

Ask your sales person about standards. hopefully they will tell you that anything less than 10 speeds isnt exactly where the market is going. boost spacing in front and back and metric shocks. it sucks to be at the mercy of the bike industry but if you spend the money up front you will thank yourself in the end.
Jan 28 2017 2:56AM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
yhprum1720Thanks for the input. The dealers around me mostly offer Giant, Trek, and Specialized. I am willing to take a drive though for the right bike. It's hard to remember the different component specs that one brand offers let alone compare them between brands, so any help or things I should look for when purchasing a bike would be appreciated.


Some good advice a shop told me was "spend more than you want" because in the end it will be worth it not having to replace parts or you may not break as many parts.
Jan 28 2017 9:11AM
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yhprum1720
Posts: 363 - Karma: 496
TingaSpecialized makes good bikes no doubt about it but trek and giant are going to be your value brands if you're on a budget.

Ask your sales person about standards. hopefully they will tell you that anything less than 10 speeds isnt exactly where the market is going. boost spacing in front and back and metric shocks. it sucks to be at the mercy of the bike industry but if you spend the money up front you will thank yourself in the end.


MGKSome good advice a shop told me was "spend more than you want" because in the end it will be worth it not having to replace parts or you may not break as many parts.


Thanks guys!
Jan 28 2017 5:10PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
Just got this as a late Christmas gift

Kodiak 2
Jan 28 2017 5:48PM
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J_Berg
Posts: 562 - Karma: 2,031
People's thoughts on the Marin Hawk Hill? It's in line with these budget fs bikes
Jan 30 2017 10:35AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
J_BergPeople's thoughts on the Marin Hawk Hill? It's in line with these budget fs bikes


yeah it's not too bad.
Jan 30 2017 4:11PM
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J_Berg
Posts: 562 - Karma: 2,031
Tingayeah it's not too bad.


Any experience with it?
Jan 30 2017 4:15PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
J_BergAny experience with it?


I've got a friend who like's his marin. It's not this one though. other than that no experience. It's specced decently enough though.
Jan 30 2017 4:23PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
I'm selling my bike to upgrade this summer. 2005 Kona Coiler, size large, still in good condition. if anybody is looking for a cheaper (relative) bike to get into biking or to fill a gap in their bike needs, this is a great route to take.

Pinkbike link: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2122539/

Jan 31 2017 7:23PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
Anybody ever order or shop at Suburban Ski and Bike? I ordered a bike from them the other day and it didn't ship for a few days and then today they just cancelled the order. I had never heard of this shop before, do they have a bad reputation?
Jan 31 2017 8:01PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Blake.PI'm selling my bike to upgrade this summer. 2005 Kona Coiler, size large, still in good condition. if anybody is looking for a cheaper (relative) bike to get into biking or to fill a gap in their bike needs, this is a great route to take.

Pinkbike link: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2122539/



$200 for two tires, a roll of gorilla tape, and some Stan's?

$900 for a 12 year old beater? Selling in the down time of the year... Good luck with that.
Jan 31 2017 8:32PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
californiagrown$200 for two tires, a roll of gorilla tape, and some Stan's?

$900 for a 12 year old beater? Selling in the down time of the year... Good luck with that.


Continental trail kings were 70 each. So 140+tax just for tires. Then the rim conversion stuff, stans and labor. It came out to something like that

And just trying to feel out the market now but I want to unload it soon. No need to hate
Jan 31 2017 8:36PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Blake.PContinental trail kings were 70 each. So 140+tax just for tires. Then the rim conversion stuff, stans and labor. It came out to something like that

And just trying to feel out the market now but I want to unload it soon. No need to hate


I don't mean to hate, but if I was you I'd list it for $500 and be happy with $350.

The price and your $200 tubeless conversion stuck out as outrageous IMO. listing it that high likely won't garner offers as folks near that price range will immediately skip over your bike on sight. You want to list it high, but not outrageously high.
Jan 31 2017 9:09PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
californiagrownI don't mean to hate, but if I was you I'd list it for $500 and be happy with $350.

The price and your $200 tubeless conversion stuck out as outrageous IMO. listing it that high likely won't garner offers as folks near that price range will immediately skip over your bike on sight. You want to list it high, but not outrageously high.


I know. Bike season is so far away since I live in summit county and my shop doesn't even switch over to biking until end of April I figure I may as well lost high now and lower my price once I get closer to buying a new one
Jan 31 2017 11:21PM
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Raz.
Posts: 7456 - Karma: 1,611
so i put a deposit on this today



Feb 1 2017 12:16PM
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Raz.
Posts: 7456 - Karma: 1,611
weird pic didn't work.
Feb 1 2017 12:17PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
Raz.weird pic didn't work.


Congrats! I absolutely love my Nomad
Feb 1 2017 1:08PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
anyone have a rear BOOST 29er wheel kickin around?
Feb 1 2017 4:22PM
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Raz.
Posts: 7456 - Karma: 1,611
jblaskiCongrats! I absolutely love my Nomad


I'm beyond fucking stoked dude. I've always wanted one, never thought i'd actually own one
Feb 1 2017 4:43PM
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Concord
Posts: 4700 - Karma: 47
whipppppppp
Feb 2 2017 8:51PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
Parts are starting to float in for my new frame. got my reverb stealth, carbon xx1 crankset, and sram guide ultimate brakes today. shes gonna be a beaut.
Feb 4 2017 1:58AM
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