Thread: Carbon dork

Originally Posted by phatfreeheeler

With the Fox set of spacers only being $25, why go ghetto? Especially on a bike at this price tag

Well, like 300hp said, one reason is greater tunability. You can use any width shim you want and not have to choose just between sm, med, and lg. Another is it's a little easier to install. You just pop off the HV air can instead of having to unscrew the whole thing. That's pretty minor though. Really it's not ghetto at all though, just smart, and cheap or free.

Awesome Lev, glad to hear you're stoked on it.

Switched mine back to air yesterday from Elka coil, was too lazy to drop my new Lyrik RC2 DH Solo Air down to 160, so I tried it in in 170 front/140 rear mode. Worked surprisingly well! As in, I didn't really notice any difference. Stoker.

Nice. You started with a Lyrik 160 that was black, right? Notice any major differences?

I've been running a U-turn for about 3 years now. Love the fork, but I wouldn't mind trying something else at some point.

Here are a couple more shots of my build. I ended up with another Tron bike. Wasn't my original intention, but I bought it used and I'm pretty happy overall with the look of the bike... not to mention how it rides





My buddy brought over his brand new Enduro and we took a few glamour shots together:






I rode again today. Still feeling the love. The ride today was waaaaaay rocky and techy. Great place to get a feel for how this thing handles in the chunk. Unfortunately, the ride yesterday and the beers last night left my legs feeling a bit sore from the start of the ride, but still had a blast. My biggest observation for today was how well this thing corners. It rides like it's on rails. Manages to hold lines and keep digging. Wants to go fast. Really fast. I just wish I had had the legs for it today Can't wait to ride more of my local trails this week.

As for the build, I basically transferred everything off my Endorphin. There's nothing new on the frame, but that's how it goes. The build came out a little heavier than expected at 33.5 lb, but it pedals like a 28 lb bike. I think my weight is coming off my tires, stem, seatpost, and wheels. Xmas wishlist includes now bars and stem, new rubber (at least for the rear), chain guide, and possibly a coil shock for the back. Honestly, the air felt pretty good though. I would love a 10 speed setup, but mine works fine for the time being.

How are you guys setting up the RP23? I set mine at my weight and have been pretty happy with it. Feels firm on the climbs and pretty plush on the DH. I kept thinking I was going to bottom it out, but it has a really nice ramp up to it. Might consider doing the mod to the shock cans later.

All in all, I'm feeling that new bike stoke. I was laughing like a little kid on the DH today

Glad to hear it's working so well for you. Your bike looks sick. It is such a good cornering bike. I personally think that is it's strongest trait. That and pedaling are better then my RX for sure. Looking at where your Reverb is sitting, it's really good that you went medium, cause you wouldn't be able to put your post in that spot on a large. After running 10 speed for a while now, I think if you've got a good 9 speed, run it till it's dead. It's not worth changing, just to change and then there are soooo many options in 10 speed that once you buy one setup, don't expect it always to be easy to switch to another gearing.

I only run 85-90% of my weight in the RP23 (even before shimming), however, after feeling other's bikes I'm starting to think the behavior of the new 2012 Fox shocks are just different then previous versions. Now that it's fully broken in I might even reduce the shim size some and add a touch more air. However, I didn't get any ramp up at the end with my shock stock though. I either got 60% of travel or the O-ring blew off the shock and it was harsh when that happened.

I might need to play with the 140 setting soon too, just because I've got a shock and the mounts. Just need to buy the right spacers.

BTW - those pointing out the tuneability of shimming with thin plastic sheet, versus the engineered Fox parts...it's not like you can't just shave off some of the Fox shims to tune them, but they are good controlled sizes to start from with known effects on volume. You can look at the chart and know exactly how much you adjusted it. That's more of what I mean, but I'm a product engineer and like to have controlled tests.

Has anyone with a Mojo HD tried a Vivid (coil or air) on it?

Lev, did you ride your buddy's Enduro at all to compare the rides? I'm really wanting to compare the mojo hd/nomadc/stumpy evo/enduro and trying to figure out which would be right for me.

Originally Posted by LaBelle23

Has anyone with a Mojo HD tried a Vivid (coil or air) on it?

Lev, did you ride your buddy's Enduro at all to compare the rides? I'm really wanting to compare the mojo hd/nomadc/stumpy evo/enduro and trying to figure out which would be right for me.

I did ride my buddy's enduring around. His bike was too big for me, but it felt great. Definitely would be a fun bike for sure. I bought my HD without ever throwing a leg on one. My search for a new frame started last June when I busted my endorphin frame. In my hunt, I went from a Nomad to a Remedy to a Reign X to a SB 66 before finally deciding on the HD. In the end it had all the qualities I was looking for. Perfect geometry for my desired riding, pedaling platform which I was missing on the Knolly, and amazing stiffness from the carbon. So far I have absolutely no regrets. I only have 2 rides on it, and I can't wait to get back out. I think I would have been very stoked if I had bought any of the mentioned frames. They all are amazing and some of them would have been a bit cheaper too. I bought used, but it was in great shape. I think you'll be happy with any of those.

Originally Posted by LaBelle23

Has anyone with a Mojo HD tried a Vivid (coil or air) on it?

Lev, did you ride your buddy's Enduro at all to compare the rides? I'm really wanting to compare the mojo hd/nomadc/stumpy evo/enduro and trying to figure out which would be right for me.

I only rode a Nomad C briefly, and it was a size small for me, but the Mojo pedals MUCH better in my opinion, especially up longer grinding climbs. Take that with a grain of salt, as the Nomad was again, too small, and I couldn't get the seat height proper. I feel like the Mojo is a full carbon Trail/AM bike that can take DH riding, as opposed to a DH bike that can handle trail riding like with the nomad.

Originally Posted by Phall

I only rode a Nomad C briefly, and it was a size small for me, but the Mojo pedals MUCH better in my opinion, especially up longer grinding climbs. Take that with a grain of salt, as the Nomad was again, too small, and I couldn't get the seat height proper. I feel like the Mojo is a full carbon Trail/AM bike that can take DH riding, as opposed to a DH bike that can handle trail riding like with the nomad.

Everyone's always different. I actually felt like the HD was a hair more DH oriented with it's rear thru axle, and short TT, or at least equal with the Nomad C in that regard. I find my buddy's Nomad C pedals just as well as my HD. I'd say they are six's in most regards once you set them up the same.

Originally Posted by marshalolson

mojo hd 140 + monarch plus + revelation 150 = hotness

Was finally able to make it happen! So stoked. Going for a maiden voyage today.

Originally Posted by backcountry1pr

Was finally able to make it happen! So stoked. Going for a maiden voyage today.

OH NO HE DIDN"T!!!!

that is a rad looking bike.

Very nice bike you've got there. I've always thought a silver or white frame would look the best with those wheels. It has been confirmed.

nice touches with the xtr cranks and shorty stem too. ready for bidness

Thanks guys. I am a very excited. Not something I had planned on doing, but an opportunity I couldn't pass up came about. Its always fun to try something new.

First ride Impressions...

For reference, I'm coming form a Banshee Spitfire which I love.

-The parts are all from my Spitfire, and its just slightly heavier at ~28lbs.
-I thought I could get away without going to a Reverb immediately, but my riding style has changed dramatically since I got one, and I'll need to pick up another on for this bike too.
-H/A on this bike is much steeper than my spitfire. ~66 vs ~67.5. This is a big plus on the up, and TBD on the way down.
-This bike is stiff! A good analogy is that it makes the Revelation feel "little". Something it has never felt before. HD holds a line very well, and the back end it noticeably stiffer than my last ride.

-Up- Feels very similar. Firm peddling platform with no energy loss. The rear end feels a little more active than the Spitfire, and responds to terrain a little more effortlessly, but not night and day. I do feel like the bike "jumps" more with every peddle stroke. Seat tube is noticeably slacker on the HD, but that will be pretty easy to adjust to. I do think I like the slightly longer tt and shorter stem combo of the HD over the shorter tt and longer stem of the Spitfire.

-Down-With the Spitfire I could really get over the front wheel and off the back end to eek speed where ever possible. With the HD I feel pretty restricted in my body movement within the cockpit right now. Part of this is going back to not have a dropper when I did all last season. But part of it is also that I can't get over the front wheel of the HD without having the front tire push out. I attribute this to the steeper H/A of the HD. I know I will adjust to the change, but I think I will always be missing the slacker head tube angle. I don't have enough steerer on my fork to run a angleset otherwise I would have already thrown one in. Right now I am certainly slower going down, but its more than just one factor contributing.

Overall, I'm highly impressed. But, lets put it this way. If I was buying a new bike after 3-5 seasons of riding an older one, the cost would be justified without hesitation. After just one season on the Spitfire, had this frame cost me a bunch of money to upgrade, I would have waited a few more years before making the switch. Either way, I'm pumped!

Bump for a solid thread.

Here's a little Lopes action showing how the HD is meant to be ridden:

Favorite part of that vid was the hub whir!

HD season bump.

How are folks doing?

I've been making some steady upgrades to my HD. Changed up the stem/handlebars over the winter. Added a new wheel, but it didn't work out. Found out the HD doesn't play nicely with Hope Pro 2 hubs. Can link threads regarding this if anyone is interested.

New additions on their way: Shimano XT 3x10 drivetrain with plans to go bash on the outer ring, XT brakes, shifters, etc.

Hoping to replace my old Lyrik U Turn with something fresh this year. Particle, how you liking that 170 these days? That's probably at the top of my list with the new Dual Position Airs. After being out west, I'm thinking that that 130,160 setup would be pretty awesome. I'm a little concerned that 170 could get a little slack for steep climbing.

On a side note, I had an interesting observation out on Porcupine Rim. My RP23 in the rear was completely underwhelming. I haven't had issues anywhere else, but on PR my ride was harsh and super chattery through the middle section. My body was pretty twapped after an almost full enchilada. I've read it before, but had never observed how the RP23 essentially sucks on successive repetitive hits. Not sure if the volume spacers would help with this or not, but it got me thinking...

So I came home to the east coast and started looking at Monarch Pluses. Looks like Push is no longer selling them. Interestingly, my bike feels totally fine on my typical east coast riding. RP23 is still plush on drops and occasional hits. Porcupine Rim is not the ordinary, everyday ride for me. So I'm thinking that a new shock would be nice, but probably not as important as upgrading the fork at this point.

Anyones else changing up their HD for this season? Anyone moving to something different?

I've been making little tweaks to mine. currently running it in 140 rear/150 front travel mode with a -1.5* headset. it's pretty rad in this config. I put my Lyrik on for 6 months or so (before I got the angled headset) and going back to the Revelation I felt really fast. the hardest thing to get used to was the look of the smaller stanchions on the Rev, but it handles great. but I'll probably put the Lyrik back on and run it in 160/160 mode as it gets to lift served season on the west coast. kicking around the Monarch Plus or an XFusion HLR Air. still lovin the bike!

I have tweaked a few things as well.

1- swapped out the Revelation for a Lyrik. When the front end was ~68deg with the Rev, it was causing me to blow up like crazy. So many hard falls this spring. Buddy had a Lyrik that I tried, didn't feel any heavier (or stiffer), and slacked it out to 67 so I ended up buying it for that reason alone. The steerer tube was too short on the Rev to run an angle set, otherwise I would have just gone that route.

2. Sent my Monarch Plus to Push. Currently there now. Just getting it serviced and tuned to me and my bike. Liked it before, should like it more now.

3. Building up some i23's to 240's. Love my Iodine's, but wanted to try something a little lighter. Will prob keep the Iodine's.

Still don't feel like I'm as fast as I was on my last bike, but having a lot of fun learning the HD.

Took the plunge myself. Only problem I have is the RP23. Spring rate/progressiveness in addition to rebound settings are all sorts of whack. It's dialable but going to take some time! Stiffness, weight, pedaling are amazing. In a word, it is FAST.

Originally Posted by hardboiled

I've been making little tweaks to mine. currently running it in 140 rear/150 front travel mode with a -1.5* headset. it's pretty rad in this config. I put my Lyrik on for 6 months or so (before I got the angled headset) and going back to the Revelation I felt really fast. the hardest thing to get used to was the look of the smaller stanchions on the Rev, but it handles great. but I'll probably put the Lyrik back on and run it in 160/160 mode as it gets to lift served season on the west coast. kicking around the Monarch Plus or an XFusion HLR Air. still lovin the bike!

Ya, it definitely would be interesting to try 140 mode. Hard to know what kind of impact that would have on the ride, but bikes these days are all about the slightest variations in geometry. I know Particle mentioned what a difference in pedaling it made. Ideally, I'd like to swap my 160 RP23 for a 140 length, and then pick up a Monarch Plus for the 160. Not sure how much time I'd want to devote to changing it around, but it's cool to have that option.

Originally Posted by Lev

Ya, it definitely would be interesting to try 140 mode. Hard to know what kind of impact that would have on the ride, but bikes these days are all about the slightest variations in geometry. I know Particle mentioned what a difference in pedaling it made. Ideally, I'd like to swap my 160 RP23 for a 140 length, and then pick up a Monarch Plus for the 160. Not sure how much time I'd want to devote to changing it around, but it's cool to have that option.

That's the exact setup I'm running now. Only problem with swapping is you need a travel adjustable fork to match up with the geo change caused by going between shocks/links. I got fed up with it and just got a Monarch Plus, that thing is the GOODZ. I've put mine in "set it and forget it" mode with 160 Monarch+ RC3 and Lyrik Solo Air DH set at 170. It's a little steeper/taller feeling than my old 140/160 mode, but the plushness is nice and after a couple rides I don't really notice the geo change. And yes it pedaled a bit more efficiently in 140, but I've tested some times with Strava and haven't seen any speed decrease; in fact, some of my times are even faster...

Also switched it up to 1x10 with a 34t ring... which works for most of my rides but for bigger XC Wasatch steep long rides, I'm going to have to either go with a smaller ring or just suck it up and go back to 2x10. But I REALLY like the simplicity of the single.

I also put some 740 mm CB Iodine 11 carbon bars on to drop some weight. Good so far. Bike is now running 29 lbs even with mega meaty 2.4 Fat Alberts and a Reverb. Pretty stoked on that.

Couple of recent shots, one pre- and one post-Monarch+