First ride, Sisters/Dedisse circuit.
I already raved about the Smash demo I rode 2x, so anything I say about the bike would be mostly redundant. It’s as advertised – a smasher that can be pedaled all over. Crazy fun on rough terrain, minimal penalty on climbs.
I tweaked the cockpit from the demo setup, and it felt pretty nice. I might try the stem in the highest position and see if it adversely affects climbing. The demo dropper had offset; this one doesn't, remedied by adjusting the SDG saddle rearward.
The coil shock felt planted and supple while climbing, which I’d hoped would be the case. Traction on rough climbs is impressive. It neutralized everything from small bumps to drops and square-edge hits going down. It did not feel particularly like it wants to pop features, but like my former VPP trail bike, it feels serious about going fast and smashing. I’d call the .9 lbs for the coil over air worth it. It just makes sense for this bike. I ran everything open all over, 30% shock sag, and rarely felt energy suck. All this in the Plush linkage setting – I will try the Crush setting next ride.
How can you not appreciate that design and craft?
@Voodoo Tom, I think you might more than some.
The drive performed nicely, with familiar soft shifting of other SRAM systems I’ve owned. I didn’t look up the hub engagement, but can tell it's 72 from my previous two DTS sets. The wheels are good enough to not ever think of upgrading them, short of a lottery win. KS Lev 150mm dropper has really nice action, and a paddle trigger that works fantastically. XT brakes/180s F/R as expected, adequate. Minions are Minions...DHR 2.3 and DHF 2.5WT, 3C EXO.
31 lbs without pedals, and as much fun as you can believe, if not more. Gets through tight spots, feels super confident and comfortable in slow, trials-like stuff and of course at any speed. Man, I cannot wait to get it back to SoCal and rip some UHJ, Joplin, Chiquito and anything not smooth. Reasonable local substitutes until then...
Steve, Dave, Tom, Jason, David, Ed, Chris, Jim and all you helpless bikeheads: Thanks for the bike stoke! Ride em, pardners.
