Fork: Fox 36 Talas FIT RC2 100/130/160 20mm bolt through
Shock: Fox RP23
Wheels: Ibis hubs on Stans ZTR Flow rims
Tyres: schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25 tubeless
Drivetrain: Sram X9 10spd Gamutt bash ring
Brakes: Formula RX
Bars: Ibis low riser XC 700mm
Grips: Lizard Skins
Post: Crank Bros Joplin 4. with remote lever
Seat: WTB Silverado (sleek+comfy)
Stem: Ibis 70mm
Pedals: Sanderson promag SL and M520 SPD
Chain tensioner: Da Bomb with blackspire double roller
In the same vein as Jase's HD mine has various personal parts to enhance a more than capable sled!
I come from a massively varied riding background through crosscountry, trials, BMX, freeride, road and a tiny bit of downhill as my attitude could not keep up with the scene :)
The common denominator with all the bikes I've owned has been maneuverability!
Current stable:-
- Commencal Meta 5.5 2011
- Marin Rocky Ridge 14" 2010
- GT hack commuter 2002
As I mentioned in the title, this is my second encounter with the HD and my word it works! Springbok nimble while climbing, James Bond smooth on the descents, gymnastically balanced in the air. I test rode the beast around both Glentress and Innerleithen 7stanes sites while taking part in a photo shoot with Peter Keith www.peterkeithfilms.co.uk. This included repeated back tracking up and down trails to get the best shots and should have left me wiped out, yet it didn't as the HD requires very little persuasion to apply itself to any section. I'd go as far to say the HD is not adaptable, because to 'adapt' needs change and the HD doesn't need change to excel, as it is simply 'dynamic' and handles the lot.
I've got the little 'green beast' (it might look yellow in the pic but it's actually a lime green) set up to match my riding preferences with my 'technicility abilities'.
Front and rear ends have been tweaked to offer uber comfort, with acceleration and climbing duties not even being compromised due to Fox platforms working in synch with the dw-link.
The Talas drop down to 100mm is going to pay up on the long climbs ahead.
It's going to be my first ride in anger using 10spd cassette with two rings up front. With the tweaking, correct lube and small increments between sprockets, the shifting is phenomenal with the X9 drivetrain and it's precise engaging feel. The cable guard is a nice touch as many a ride has been ruined from a damaged outer cable.
One of the first things I noticed when riding the HD was the fact that you don't even notice the back end moving when in fact it's gobbling up stuff that could possibly hurl you over board. With the benefit of the Joplin I'm gonna be able to take it all in my stride.
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