Bikes and Tundra

I’m not riding Pisgah today... but working on the new front tire. If you don’t have a mech that builds wheels or haven’t done it yourself I say you’re missing part of the equation. I built these 3 years ago and have never had to touch them after. I9 torch purple of course some kind of champion spokes with brass nips. They’re oh so good.

 

Even when I had I9 with aluminum I still rebuilt them with nox rims. Now some college dues is reaping the benefits.

 

Been riding the IBIS carbons 41mm's. I've seriously considered the Onyx and Hydra hubs, but so far have stuck with the DT's. They're so easy to maintain.
I've broken two carbon rims over the years. Cases a big gap onto a rock and buckled the rim reversing up a steep driveway, both my fault. I can say the one nice thing about the carbon rims is once built(not me, LBS) I've never had to true them. They stay straight.

 

If they’re built correctly there’s no issue with aluminum either.

 

Okay. Who can recommend a good in-bed rack? I have crew max and tried to tie down with straps and it worked but the bike was kicked sideways and it was a pain in the ass to tie down before and after. I want to load and go 2 bikes. I've been searching and haven't found much.

 

Also if you want a solid upgrade I9 is worthy. I’ve worked on them in bike shops and now on my own personal bikes for 15+ years. They make a really great hub and wheel set if you wanna go balls to the wall. Their hubs are bomb proof and require little to no maintenance. They’re spendy but US (Asheville USA) made and beautiful. The sound is iconic. Just the right amount. How I imagine a dirty deeds exhaust sounds. Satisfying but when you’re moving it fades into the background.DT also excellent and for sure easy to maintain. I like that ratchet pedaling though. Don’t like to get my feet wet or hike if I don’t have to. Also satisfying when you wanna lay the hammer down on a descent. Immediate response.

 

Not sure if you want to remove the front wheels or just throw the bikes in.
My bike won't fit without having to force the tailgate closed.
In-Bed Id get the thru axle fork mount and put it in the front bedrail.
Otherwise tailgate pad.
The older shorter bikes or maybe even a 27.5 might work with something like the Thule Insta-gator.

 

My 27.5 doesn't fit with the tail gate closed. It wasn't even close. I'll look at the thru axle mounts. Idk much about them. I do not want a gate pad.
I don't have bed rails. But can get them.

 

What is the problem with a gate pad? They’re so convenient. I have a tray rack and a pad and I prefer the pad.

 

Heli tape on the Downtube and it’s a tailgate... who cares. There was the one time my old kona attacked a Santa Cruz on a shuttle run, guess we shoulda used the straps!

 

Fit 9 bikes and riders repeatedly in my old f150 practicing for a downhill race. The good ole days. Nothing like a night train ride.

 

So many messages for a single reply.



I don't want a pad because the bike can still slide and potentially cause damage. I'm not a wreck less driver but I'm not the only one on the road.

 

Hmm ok. I just have never had that issue except one time with said heavy AF kona on a crazy road. Especially if you use the strap. And yes I’m the chatter creator. Sorry. Just my add. For me getting to the trails easily is most important. I squeeze in a lot of rides and tossing it over the tailgate is just so easy.

 

You're fine. Not complaining, just making note. Lol

I have my quarks too, which is why I want a specific set up. Lol

 

Yup if it was me I’d find something to just drop the bike in. Fork mounts set you up for so much failure. So all the major bike brands make a tray style rack. Maybe one on bars over the bed would be my recommendation. I’m luckily not trying to sell you something just speaking from experience. Front disc brake gets grabbed, wheel gets ejected on the highway, and rotor contamination have all happened to me in the past when dealing with taking the front wheel off for transport. Trying to save you the troubles I’ve been through. Not saying that removing the front wheel is wrong. It’s just not ideal and a PITA. I worked in a bike shop for years and have seen it all! These are just the things that have happened to me.

 

I'm thinking something like this might work for you. Just need the right axle mount for whatever fork you're running.
I think you can buy the front bed rail separately from the whole kit, if you didn't want to buy the whole kit.

All-in-one Bike Block Fork Mount - Quick Release Pick-Up Truck Wall Bicycle Storage

https://www.amazon.com/All-one-Bike...t=&hvlocphy=9032419&hvtargid=pla-974093812519

 

I just received a 54t star ratchet upgrade for the rear DT in the mail today. If I hammer a few spokes or wheel again this summer I'll definitely swap out hubs. But then, god dang it, I'll have to match the front as well.

 

Yup purple hubs all the way. Then you’ll be like me wanting a matching purple stem just because anodization matching is cool and makes you go way faster on strava. Also
Looks good with the Toyota beige and sand colored Santa Cruz
@Notarobot don’t worry my front wheel
Is only off because I installed a new minion today. It won’t come off until the next time I need to do tire work. Took the pic because I think my dad should do purple accents on his LC haha! Yeah right

 

I have a front bed rail somewhere if you want it lol.

 

Got that part covered on the DJ!

 

And the chainring to match....

 

Yup you get it

 

if you have the chance to go see a Tour de France stage live, go do it. so much fun. The riders are beast. You wait for them to come for hours then they pass by full speed in 5 min..lol
mountain stages are the best because you have more time to see them.

 

Since I’m clogging this thread with so many posts... anyone wish maybe they’d change the name of the assegai? I just couldn’t put it in my bike. Looks like a great tire.

 

btw looking for a new mtb helmet. thinking a POC Tectal or Kortal. what say you ?

 

Ah man, I'd dig that. Missed it a few years ago on Bastille day, we were in Paris and couldn't pull it off with the kids in tow.

 

Yup I’d love that or a one day race on a cobbled climb. I went to the tour of GA a few times. Had a friend in the race and another was a race mech there.got drunk on the hill waiting and they went by at like 20 mph up a west GA gap. I thought they’d be going slow enough to see. Hincapie was just putting the hurt on the whole group. I’ve ridden with him a few times. It is eye opening.

 

Love my POC. Think I have the Tectal. Feels safe. It’s a bit hot/heavy and doesn’t play well with all safety glasses though. Returned a pair of Oakley due to this now just run the 3m clear specials. It also fits well with cheap moto goggles. Has held up over the years too. The Troy Lee stuff seems solid too and think they’re coming out with something new soon. Sure that means you’ll be able to buy it next spring though. I have a very large head so only certain brands for me. The XL/xxl poc wins with me for fit and safety.
My focus is on exit speed here. No worries about the gear! Not quite MVP fast... but I had a pretty good time on that stage. Definitely a PR that turn was brutal. There’s a French line but I respected the trail and went wide. I came through there really hot. I remember bashing through the last turn hauling ass up the hill and holding on pedaling for dear life. What’s not fun about that?

 

Ah man, it's so opinionated on helmets. I can't stray away from the Smith Forefront 2. No, it's not hotter.

But, I was really tempted by the Fox Speedframe pro open face. About as much protection as you can have with an open.
https://www.foxracing.com/mtb/mens/helmets/speedframe/
I may still do it. Seen a lot of my buddies get clapped good last year.

Edit****Sorry, DropFrame Pro sent the wrong link and words
https://www.foxracing.com/mtb/mens/helmets/dropframe/


I guess it really depends on how you want to ride

 

He's such a great rider.