That Was Quick.

Get your minds out of the gutter. I'm talking about my new covet bike.  A buddy of mine in ABQ built a sick long travel hardtail singlespeed with the option for gears a few months back.  I was curious.  The other day a "friend of the shop" rolled in with a similar long travel hardtail singlespeed to install his new dropper post and I got the bike crush again.  Funny thing is its an old crush, maybe.  Santa Cruz Chameleon? Some of my CO Springs homies may remember my fancy for that bike.  I know, I know, its a 26er, but 26 is not dead, that's just industry talk. There will always be 5'3" adults and vertically challenged preteens who need decent bikes with 26 inch wheels.

I am looking at 27.5/650B/may not be a fad frames as well.  The Kona Explosif is a 27.5 and steel.  I can run a 120mm fork on that.

Working at a bike shop. Rad.  Debt servitude...rad.

What does all this mean? Bad news for a couple of my current bikes.  Only the Surly is safe. I am not XC (prove it)!

Gear Geeking

Here is what I have learned so far:

1) 32 millimeter stanchions are apparently undersized (I still have some 30mm running around!).
2) Dropper posts should be standard equipment on all mountain bikes (sure, can't hurt right?).
3) 27.5 is the "magic" wheel size... or not.
4) One by anything drivetrains are the only way to fly (I accept this as it includes 1x1).
5) Carbon fiber has its place on mountain bikes (frames, bars, hoops), steel is still real, and I still can't afford Ti.
6) Add some meat and a side of Stan's to your tires (hold the tubes) for a tastier ride.

That's all for now.