New Bike Day!

mtnbikej said:
So how does it compare to your old 5010?
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Good question:
It's kinda the 29er cousin, imo. Since selling the 5010, I had been demoing the Hightower and Tallboy, figuring I would get one or the other- until the 5010 low link dropped.
COVID things happened in the meantime... So it worked out that I was back on a 5010 and still demoing the 29ers. And still riding my Trek Stache 29+

After enough time with all 3 bikes in circulation, I just felt the most pleased on the Tallboy.
The bike makers have really learned how to hide the big wheels. I can pretty closely ride the Tallboy to the way I rode the 5010- but with more speed and stability.

It is utterly insane how fast this bike picks up speed. And I have come to realize, overall speed is my wheel house. The Hightower was a couple of seconds faster on trails like Telonix and 5-Oaks and admittedly, probably would have grown in time gap. But too me, over a 2hr ride, trading all that total speed, for 7 mintues of downhill is not good business.

#tankforlisteningtomystory
 
Skinwalls FTW!

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Well, I did a thing. Some serendipitous timing landed this thing on my doorstep right as the DV9 left for a new homw, and the Smash went in for some overdue service that will keep it out of pocket for a couple weeks. I was going to keep this under wraps until I got a few more rides on it, but after today I can barely contain myself. Cliff's Notes version: I effin' LOVE this bike. I mean, I'm not saying it's some kind of miracle unicorn bike, but it IS exactly what I was looking for and hoped it would be. I mean, precisely, to a T, what I wanted. Basically Smash-lite. As I mentioned in other threads, once the DV9 moved to the secondary position after the early phases of rehab, it proved to be a cumbersome adjustment when I got back on it after Smashing for a few rides. I found myself constantly tinkering with the cockpit trying to get it to feel more natural. It also wasn't doing my achin' neck any favors.

When the Spur arrived I had a feeling it was going to feel a little stretched out based on the geometry. I had a 40 mm stem waiting, and swapped out the 800 mm bars for my familiar RF Next 780 bars. I also had the shop swap out the dropper for a Bike Yoke Revive. Otherwise, it's the stock X01 build. Put my saddle in the normal orientation in relation to the seat post, and bars at the normal angle. Went around the neighborhood to bed in the brakes, and instantly felt completely at home on the bike. No more tinkering or finagling at all.

On the trail, again, it felt EXACTLY like what I wanted. A little more agile, a little easier pedaling, but with a familiar feel. Uphill switchbacks were cake. The bike actually felt more supple in high speed chattery stuff then the Smash, though I think that's more an indication that I need to tinker with fork settings more on the Smash. I'm getting some noticeable rotor rub on the rear brake under power and on choppy terrain. I re-centered the caliper, but either the frame or wheel or both are flexing enough under torque to rub. I tend to run my brake bite as close as I can get away with, but I guess I'll have to back off of that. The 25 internal wheels also seem like an odd spec for the 2.4 WT tires, and they definitely look more rounded than I'm used to, but for now that's not a problem I'm going to chase a solution for. Minor quibbles that didn't come close to wiping the sh!t-eatin' grin off my face. I'm really, really stoked with this purchase. Doing a mellow run with my better half tomorrow, and later this week will try to get to the Cheese to see how it stacks up in some more toothy terrain.

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buggravy said:
Well, I did a thing. Some serendipitous timing landed this thing on my doorstep right as the DV9 left for a new homw, and the Smash went in for some overdue service that will keep it out of pocket for a couple weeks. I was going to keep this under wraps until I got a few more rides on it, but after today I can barely contain myself. Cliff's Notes version: I effin' LOVE this bike. I mean, I'm not saying it's some kind of miracle unicorn bike, but it IS exactly what I was looking for and hoped it would be. I mean, precisely, to a T, what I wanted. Basically Smash-lite. As I mentioned in other threads, once the DV9 moved to the secondary position after the early phases of rehab, it proved to be a cumbersome adjustment when I got back on it after Smashing for a few rides. I found myself constantly tinkering with the cockpit trying to get it to feel more natural. It also wasn't doing my achin' neck any favors.

When the Spur arrived I had a feeling it was going to feel a little stretched out based on the geometry. I had a 40 mm stem waiting, and swapped out the 800 mm bars for my familiar RF Next 780 bars. I also had the shop swap out the dropper for a Bike Yoke Revive. Otherwise, it's the stock X01 build. Put my saddle in the normal orientation in relation to the seat post, and bars at the normal angle. Went around the neighborhood to bed in the brakes, and instantly felt completely at home on the bike. No more tinkering or finagling at all.

On the trail, again, it felt EXACTLY like what I wanted. A little more agile, a little easier pedaling, but with a familiar feel. Uphill switchbacks were cake. The bike actually felt more supple in high speed chattery stuff then the Smash, though I think that's more an indication that I need to tinker with fork settings more on the Smash. I'm getting some noticeable rotor rub on the rear brake under power and on choppy terrain. I re-centered the caliper, but either the frame or wheel or both are flexing enough under torque to rub. I tend to run my brake bite as close as I can get away with, but I guess I'll have to back off of that. The 25 internal wheels also seem like an odd spec for the 2.4 WT tires, and they definitely look more rounded than I'm used to, but for now that's not a problem I'm going to chase a solution for. Minor quibbles that didn't come close to wiping the sh!t-eatin' grin off my face. I'm really, really stoked with this purchase. Doing a mellow run with my better half tomorrow, and later this week will try to get to the Cheese to see how it stacks up in some more toothy terrain.

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Awesome, man! Congrats. I too have been thinking about a bike along these lines, a lighter, short travel all a-rounder.
 
buggravy said:
Well, I did a thing. Some serendipitous timing landed this thing on my doorstep right as the DV9 left for a new homw, and the Smash went in for some overdue service that will keep it out of pocket for a couple weeks. I was going to keep this under wraps until I got a few more rides on it, but after today I can barely contain myself. Cliff's Notes version: I effin' LOVE this bike. I mean, I'm not saying it's some kind of miracle unicorn bike, but it IS exactly what I was looking for and hoped it would be. I mean, precisely, to a T, what I wanted. Basically Smash-lite. As I mentioned in other threads, once the DV9 moved to the secondary position after the early phases of rehab, it proved to be a cumbersome adjustment when I got back on it after Smashing for a few rides. I found myself constantly tinkering with the cockpit trying to get it to feel more natural. It also wasn't doing my achin' neck any favors.

When the Spur arrived I had a feeling it was going to feel a little stretched out based on the geometry. I had a 40 mm stem waiting, and swapped out the 800 mm bars for my familiar RF Next 780 bars. I also had the shop swap out the dropper for a Bike Yoke Revive. Otherwise, it's the stock X01 build. Put my saddle in the normal orientation in relation to the seat post, and bars at the normal angle. Went around the neighborhood to bed in the brakes, and instantly felt completely at home on the bike. No more tinkering or finagling at all.

On the trail, again, it felt EXACTLY like what I wanted. A little more agile, a little easier pedaling, but with a familiar feel. Uphill switchbacks were cake. The bike actually felt more supple in high speed chattery stuff then the Smash, though I think that's more an indication that I need to tinker with fork settings more on the Smash. I'm getting some noticeable rotor rub on the rear brake under power and on choppy terrain. I re-centered the caliper, but either the frame or wheel or both are flexing enough under torque to rub. I tend to run my brake bite as close as I can get away with, but I guess I'll have to back off of that. The 25 internal wheels also seem like an odd spec for the 2.4 WT tires, and they definitely look more rounded than I'm used to, but for now that's not a problem I'm going to chase a solution for. Minor quibbles that didn't come close to wiping the sh!t-eatin' grin off my face. I'm really, really stoked with this purchase. Doing a mellow run with my better half tomorrow, and later this week will try to get to the Cheese to see how it stacks up in some more toothy terrain.

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Didn't see that coming. Congrats!
 
buggravy said:
Well, I did a thing. Some serendipitous timing landed this thing on my doorstep right as the DV9 left for a new homw, and the Smash went in for some overdue service that will keep it out of pocket for a couple weeks. I was going to keep this under wraps until I got a few more rides on it, but after today I can barely contain myself. Cliff's Notes version: I effin' LOVE this bike. I mean, I'm not saying it's some kind of miracle unicorn bike, but it IS exactly what I was looking for and hoped it would be. I mean, precisely, to a T, what I wanted. Basically Smash-lite. As I mentioned in other threads, once the DV9 moved to the secondary position after the early phases of rehab, it proved to be a cumbersome adjustment when I got back on it after Smashing for a few rides. I found myself constantly tinkering with the cockpit trying to get it to feel more natural. It also wasn't doing my achin' neck any favors.

When the Spur arrived I had a feeling it was going to feel a little stretched out based on the geometry. I had a 40 mm stem waiting, and swapped out the 800 mm bars for my familiar RF Next 780 bars. I also had the shop swap out the dropper for a Bike Yoke Revive. Otherwise, it's the stock X01 build. Put my saddle in the normal orientation in relation to the seat post, and bars at the normal angle. Went around the neighborhood to bed in the brakes, and instantly felt completely at home on the bike. No more tinkering or finagling at all.

On the trail, again, it felt EXACTLY like what I wanted. A little more agile, a little easier pedaling, but with a familiar feel. Uphill switchbacks were cake. The bike actually felt more supple in high speed chattery stuff then the Smash, though I think that's more an indication that I need to tinker with fork settings more on the Smash. I'm getting some noticeable rotor rub on the rear brake under power and on choppy terrain. I re-centered the caliper, but either the frame or wheel or both are flexing enough under torque to rub. I tend to run my brake bite as close as I can get away with, but I guess I'll have to back off of that. The 25 internal wheels also seem like an odd spec for the 2.4 WT tires, and they definitely look more rounded than I'm used to, but for now that's not a problem I'm going to chase a solution for. Minor quibbles that didn't come close to wiping the sh!t-eatin' grin off my face. I'm really, really stoked with this purchase. Doing a mellow run with my better half tomorrow, and later this week will try to get to the Cheese to see how it stacks up in some more toothy terrain.

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Sweet!! Congrats on the new addition. I’ll be looking for more reports... :thumbsup:
 
buggravy said:
Well, I did a thing. Some serendipitous timing landed this thing on my doorstep right as the DV9 left for a new homw, and the Smash went in for some overdue service that will keep it out of pocket for a couple weeks. I was going to keep this under wraps until I got a few more rides on it, but after today I can barely contain myself. Cliff's Notes version: I effin' LOVE this bike. I mean, I'm not saying it's some kind of miracle unicorn bike, but it IS exactly what I was looking for and hoped it would be. I mean, precisely, to a T, what I wanted. Basically Smash-lite. As I mentioned in other threads, once the DV9 moved to the secondary position after the early phases of rehab, it proved to be a cumbersome adjustment when I got back on it after Smashing for a few rides. I found myself constantly tinkering with the cockpit trying to get it to feel more natural. It also wasn't doing my achin' neck any favors.

When the Spur arrived I had a feeling it was going to feel a little stretched out based on the geometry. I had a 40 mm stem waiting, and swapped out the 800 mm bars for my familiar RF Next 780 bars. I also had the shop swap out the dropper for a Bike Yoke Revive. Otherwise, it's the stock X01 build. Put my saddle in the normal orientation in relation to the seat post, and bars at the normal angle. Went around the neighborhood to bed in the brakes, and instantly felt completely at home on the bike. No more tinkering or finagling at all.

On the trail, again, it felt EXACTLY like what I wanted. A little more agile, a little easier pedaling, but with a familiar feel. Uphill switchbacks were cake. The bike actually felt more supple in high speed chattery stuff then the Smash, though I think that's more an indication that I need to tinker with fork settings more on the Smash. I'm getting some noticeable rotor rub on the rear brake under power and on choppy terrain. I re-centered the caliper, but either the frame or wheel or both are flexing enough under torque to rub. I tend to run my brake bite as close as I can get away with, but I guess I'll have to back off of that. The 25 internal wheels also seem like an odd spec for the 2.4 WT tires, and they definitely look more rounded than I'm used to, but for now that's not a problem I'm going to chase a solution for. Minor quibbles that didn't come close to wiping the sh!t-eatin' grin off my face. I'm really, really stoked with this purchase. Doing a mellow run with my better half tomorrow, and later this week will try to get to the Cheese to see how it stacks up in some more toothy terrain.

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Nice rig! Congrats Bugster.
The TP is not an easy climber, but great on the level and fun dh stuff. I've been looking at different frames and thinking of demoing some if possible. It woods be really nice to get a better climbing bike.

Great looking bike for sure, hhmmm
 
buggravy said:
Thanks! It's been building. And it's not meant to be a replacement for the Smash at all. More of a replacement for the hard tail, and something that will see a similar amount of usage as the GG. That's the plan anyway.
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Nice ride....

I'll say it now.....you are not gonna ride the Smash as much as you think you are. You are gonna find that this is a much more capable machine in most riding conditions.
 
mtnbikej said:
Nice ride....

I'll say it now.....you are not gonna ride the Smash as much as you think you are. You are gonna find that this is a much more capable machine in most riding conditions.
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Thanks! I’m increasingly starting to think that bikes are basically just really expensive carriers for whatever the best tire for a given ride is. To that extent, I don’t think I can give up the 2.5 DHF/Aggressor combo as my primary tire set up, but that combo on this bike may make for a bike at odds with itself. That said, if there is a pull for me right now with my riding it’s for longer more demanding rides. I think I have found myself the perfect weapon for those rides. Maybe round 2 of tires will be 2.3 DHF/Aggressor for the ultimate mini-Smash experience.
 
buggravy said:
Well, I did a thing. Some serendipitous timing landed this thing on my doorstep right as the DV9 left for a new homw, and the Smash went in for some overdue service that will keep it out of pocket for a couple weeks. I was going to keep this under wraps until I got a few more rides on it, but after today I can barely contain myself. Cliff's Notes version: I effin' LOVE this bike. I mean, I'm not saying it's some kind of miracle unicorn bike, but it IS exactly what I was looking for and hoped it would be. I mean, precisely, to a T, what I wanted. Basically Smash-lite. As I mentioned in other threads, once the DV9 moved to the secondary position after the early phases of rehab, it proved to be a cumbersome adjustment when I got back on it after Smashing for a few rides. I found myself constantly tinkering with the cockpit trying to get it to feel more natural. It also wasn't doing my achin' neck any favors.

When the Spur arrived I had a feeling it was going to feel a little stretched out based on the geometry. I had a 40 mm stem waiting, and swapped out the 800 mm bars for my familiar RF Next 780 bars. I also had the shop swap out the dropper for a Bike Yoke Revive. Otherwise, it's the stock X01 build. Put my saddle in the normal orientation in relation to the seat post, and bars at the normal angle. Went around the neighborhood to bed in the brakes, and instantly felt completely at home on the bike. No more tinkering or finagling at all.

On the trail, again, it felt EXACTLY like what I wanted. A little more agile, a little easier pedaling, but with a familiar feel. Uphill switchbacks were cake. The bike actually felt more supple in high speed chattery stuff then the Smash, though I think that's more an indication that I need to tinker with fork settings more on the Smash. I'm getting some noticeable rotor rub on the rear brake under power and on choppy terrain. I re-centered the caliper, but either the frame or wheel or both are flexing enough under torque to rub. I tend to run my brake bite as close as I can get away with, but I guess I'll have to back off of that. The 25 internal wheels also seem like an odd spec for the 2.4 WT tires, and they definitely look more rounded than I'm used to, but for now that's not a problem I'm going to chase a solution for. Minor quibbles that didn't come close to wiping the sh!t-eatin' grin off my face. I'm really, really stoked with this purchase. Doing a mellow run with my better half tomorrow, and later this week will try to get to the Cheese to see how it stacks up in some more toothy terrain.

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Congrats, nice looking ride. How do you like the Dissector as a front?

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