23 Smugg - Imminent!!!

[tellybele]

There's that one rock on 3 larches.

I think it has a ride around now though.

You know it! Kinda amazing b/c you could spend a 1/4 of what a plastic bike costs on a sweet rigid rig and have the same experience on MSO trails, if not better....

[zion zig zag]

That said, the v1 smuggler is one of very few bikes where jacking it up kinda makes sense. I don't think your plan is a bad one, but given that good deals are starting up sprout up this spring, I'd probably lean towards swapping out for a longer travel bike.

I’m definitely price conscious on this. My son works in the industry and can most likely hook me up with EP on most of the parts I’d need. He could probably also help me with a bike purchase if I went that way, but I’m thinking I’d come out cheaper on some upgrades.

So even though I want to maximize this trip with long, rocky shuttles, my average ride for the rest of the year is less demanding. And the Smuggler in current form has always been fine. So maybe it’s throwing money at something that doesn’t need fixing.

And since I’m overthinking this already, how much does jacking up the Smuggler hurt it’s pedaling/long ride ability? Better or worse than something like a Stumpy Evo or GG Smash? Happy to hear anyones speculation or real experience.

[toast2266]

You know it! Kinda amazing b/c you could spend a 1/4 of what a plastic bike costs on a sweet rigid rig and have the same experience on MSO trails, if not better....

When I moved to missoula, I went and bought a rigid steel single speed within 6 months. Had a lot of fun on that thing in the rattlesnake. Still have it, but I haven't really ridden it since I moved to the flathead.

[Eluder]

I'm just happy I could move this thread toward MSO bashing.

[cydwhit]

Hey more than happy to have it public, just don’t want to derail the thread. All advice welcomed.

Like I said, contemplating trying to make the Smuggler a little more shuttle worthy. So going to 140/150, piggyback shock, bigger rotors, maybe a 2.5 Assegai up front. Thoughts, worthy upgrades for long, techy descents? Weight would be negligible, geometry stays the same if I bump up front and back? Downsides?

I'd have been fine with a DM, but Toast is who I go to with bike questions (and HAB) and I'd agree with him. I had the V2 Smuggler, and I didn't do that much to take it away from its stock form: removed the travel reducer (no cascade link back then, but I wouldn't have gotten one if it had been available) and ran a 150 mm 36 because that's what I had. I also had the aluminum one which was already heavy, so it didn't feel that stupid to beef it up a little.

If we were having this conversation a year ago, I'd say, yeah! Piggyback shock, bigger rotors, and a more aggressive tire in an appropriate casing never hurt anyone! But, as Toast said, deals are aplenty. I saw a Stumpy with AXS on my local Facebook for $3500 a month or so ago, so I'd be more hesitant to sink money into an old Smuggler when nice bikes are about to be so cheap.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Look, guys, I definitely saw a rock once. I swear.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Also, if there's such a concern about keeping oil cool, why the fuck are you on a 5" travel bike? Again, I don't understand the reservoir. Just seems like unneeded complexity. Like all the things they're attaching to bikes now that need batteries. Or completely internal cable routing. Give me full length cable housing. And if you wanna put a little cupboard on the bike to hide it and quiet it, fine. I really like not having to change cables and housing ever. Now get off my lawn.

[toast2266]

Also, if there's such a concern about keeping oil cool, why the fuck are you on a 5" travel bike? Again, I don't understand the reservoir. Just seems like unneeded complexity. Like all the things they're attaching to bikes now that need batteries. Or completely internal cable routing. Give me full length cable housing. And if you wanna put a little cupboard on the bike to hide it and quiet it, fine. I really like not having to change cables and housing ever. Now get off my lawn.

You know inline shocks function almost the same as ones with reservoirs, right? There isn't really much added complexity. Just more oil.

Short travel bikes are fun. Easy to pump and pop. But just because they're short travel doesn't mean I want the suspension to suck.

[Dantheman]

Also, if there's such a concern about keeping oil cool, why the fuck are you on a 5" travel bike? Again, I don't understand the reservoir. Just seems like unneeded complexity. Like all the things they're attaching to bikes now that need batteries. Or completely internal cable routing. Give me full length cable housing. And if you wanna put a little cupboard on the bike to hide it and quiet it, fine. I really like not having to change cables and housing ever. Now get off my lawn.

I mean this in the nicest possible way, but comparing reservoir shocks to electronics and internal routing is asinine. They work much better for a minor weight and cost penalty, that's it. If anything they're cheaper and easier to own long-term since you're less likely to break them.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Ok, so, like, no, I didn't know they weren't almost as light and had the same level of complexity, or lack thereof. Just nevermind me then. Thanks for the education. Gonna go find some rocks. Maybe I'll kick them.

[cydwhit]

I got too excited and threw all the parts off my Honzon on the Smuggler frame when it showed up. Will do some tire swapping, maybe go AXS when the new version gets released and the old one gets cheap, and bump up to a Lyric. 30lbs, 8oz, with pedals and tire inserts, Size Large. Much excite.

[smartyiak]

I got too excited and threw all the parts off my Honzon on the Smuggler frame when it showed up. Will do some tire swapping, maybe go AXS when the new version gets released and the old one gets cheap, and bump up to a Lyric. 30lbs, 8oz, with pedals and tire inserts, Size Large. Much excite.

That’s not a bad weight at ALL! I’d argue that’s very acceptable!!!


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[toast2266]

I got too excited and threw all the parts off my Honzon on the Smuggler frame when it showed up. Will do some tire swapping, maybe go AXS when the new version gets released and the old one gets cheap, and bump up to a Lyric. 30lbs, 8oz, with pedals and tire inserts, Size Large. Much excite.

That's sexy.

[cydwhit]

That's sexy.

Thanks! Pretty sure everybody and their mom is going to have this bike in this color this summer haha.

That’s not a bad weight at ALL! I’d argue that’s very acceptable!!!

Yeah, I'll take it! Will probably creep up another pound or so with a more real rear tire and the Lyric, but after hauling around 38ish lbs of Patrol as my do it all bike last year, I'm real stoked on how this will feel going uphill!


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[Eluder]

Thanks! Pretty sure everybody and their mom is going to have this bike in this color this summer haha.

Too funny. There was already three in the shop when I stopped by today, all this color.

[HAB]

Thanks! Pretty sure everybody and their mom is going to have this bike in this color this summer haha.

You're already the third person I know with one.

[toast2266]

Everyone wants a Grape Smuggler.

[ticketchecker]

Wait until the new banana hammock gravel bike comes out


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[Sandbox]

Solid build and I do agree that colour is gonna be everywhere…. Eggplant is so hot right now


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[zion zig zag]

Looks nice, Cyd!

[XtrPickels]

Everyone wants a Grape Smuggler.

[cydwhit]

Everyone wants a Grape Smuggler.

You're already the third person I know with one.

Guess I'm gonna just have to make a bunch of stickers to give to everyone I meet who has the same bike.