Bikes and Tundra

How do you like that Jekyll? I’m ready for a new bike, and found one of those used close by for a good deal. I have a bike park close, but also mellower trails - how’s the ride in the 130mm configuration? Can you push the lever and go for a whole ride, or does it only work well for climbing?

 

I have this Jekyll and also a 120mm Norco Revolver "XC" bike (downcountry). I've also had various other XC bikes in the past, I used to race XC. The Jekyll is the first big bike I've owned and it's phenomenal. It's heavier than I'm used to (34lbs in size L) but I was pleasantly surprised with how well it climbs, especially in the 130 mode. I can ride the same trails as I did on my XC bikes without being too much slower. The ride is still enjoyable even though I'm way over biked.

Downhill wise the Jekyll is more than capable for the stuff I ride (Quebec Canada, think rocky Canadian Shield. I updated the last post with a new picture.) I might change the airspring to 160mm instead of the stock 150. I think it might be a bit under-gunned as a everyday lift access bike park bike. For that I'd want a full DH rig. But for the Enduro stuff I do, riding up and down I find it perfect. Flow trails are no issue, but big chunky rocks and roots it maybe needs a bit more travel.

The 150/130 travel adjust works through an air volume spacer. When you press the lever for the shock it somehow internally adds an air volume spacer making the shock ramp up quicker and limiting travel to 130mm. The geometry stays the same and I find that it works very well.

 

‘64 Schwinn klunker

 

That’s super helpful, thanks!
Do you think the bike would ride well using only the 130mm setting for around 70% of rides, and then opening it up for burlier trails? Did you get used to the Gemini lever pretty quick, or is it awkward to do both that and a dropper?

 

Most of my XC bikes had lockouts for fork/shock mounted in the same location so I guess I was already used to it. I switch between 150/130 as I ride. I'm sure you could keep it in 130 or 150 the whole time, but I change it on the go, even on XC trails. I'll open it up to 150 for any features or downhills, and then close it to 130 for the uphills or pedaling sections. Switching between the two is super easy. It's the same as a remote lockout. Once you get used to it I'm sure you'd do the same and not just leave it on one setting.

 

Invaluable feedback, thank you! I’m going to try and work out a test ride!

 

Thats fuckin HOT!

SPP

 

Got out to Valemount BC for their annual bike fest yesterday. Hit one of our fav shoots while there. Waxed the old sled today

 

July 1, 2022 by SPP™ SlowPokePete, on Flickr

SPP

 

Got to rip silver star yesterday for the first time. Had a blast

 

On a road trip at the moment. Rode with the wife- imperial Greenhorn in Ketchum , then Bogus Mountain area in Boise. Met a couple of guys that showed us around and guided a few trails. One of them, Matt runs ToyotaVerse. Super nice guys that shuttled us out of the blue. Gonna do some WW rafting today in McCall, then on to Sweitzer later this week.

 

Silverstar is sooo good.

 

Ya, I was impressed. Can’t wait to go back hopefully sooner than later.

 

Went on my last ride several days ago before my daughter was born. Time to put the bike away for a few months, hopefully just in time for the rain to start!

 

Nomad ?

 

Yessir!

 

on my short list ..27.5", rear coil and 170mm front
I have a HT and while I love it, I have more fun with 27.5"s

 

Congrats. I'm in the same boat. Haven't ridden since the end of May when my daughter was born.

 

Awesome! When I put the fox 38 on I was this close to turning it into a mullet but backed out at the last second when I bought it. Can't go wrong with either, but I think if I ever get a new bike it'll probably be a 29"

 

Congrats to you too! It'll all be worth it! I might have to ask my wife for an early Christmas present to let me go riding this fall

 

I almost pulled the trigger on mulleting my Bronson but backed out. I’m still a die hard 27.5” fan. Congrats on the kiddo. Soon you will be having to fight/split riding days with them. I’m pretty sure my 10yo has more riding days than I do.

 

Thank you! Yea I decided to keep it the same front and back mainly because I didn't want to drop the money on a new wheel haha. The 27.5 is definitely fun to throw around and corners very well, but riding my friends 29ers I like how well they roll. And if I'm in your situation that will be a success! I cant only hope my kids enjoy riding as much as I do!

 

New bike day! (a few weeks ago)
2014 Kona Process 111 that I got for a steal. I recently moved back to the northeast and wanted to try a 29er on all the rocks. Haven’t sold the Knolly yet though, not sure I’m convinced. Probably just need some more time behind it’s bars.

 

Got my new wheelset and they are awesome. They are high quality and simply beautiful. I mounted up some Kenda tires and rode the front wheel. What an upgrade from the basic Giant hub/rims! Hellkat 2.4 x 29 in the AEC casingMaxxis 2.3 DHF 3C on 25 ID rim vs Kenda Hellkat 2.4 on 30 ID rimNot that it’s worth much but at this point after playing in the grass/gravel I noticed a MUCH more consistent lean feel on the Kenda. I found the DHF to be an excellent tire but I couldn’t get over the “dead zone” on the transition knobs.

Can’t wait to hit the trails now!!

 

If you are going rear coil, I HIGHLY recommend dropping the extra $$ for a Push Eleven6. It totally transformed the ride of my YT Decoy (stock X2). I've ridden plenty of coils before and the Push is the coil to rule them all!!

 

heard good things from them too.

 

Been riding my Waterford a bit lately...

July 26, 2022 by SPP™ SlowPokePete, on Flickr

June 23, 2022 by SPP™ SlowPokePete, on Flickr

June 23, 2022 by SPP™ SlowPokePete, on Flickr

SPP

 

That is one pretty bike.

 

old school Tour de France vibe

 

Just got back from the road trip. Last ride was lower basin trails at Sweitzer mountain @Sandpoint. The local group made some super fun trails there. It was 96 degrees but all in the shade so not bad at all. Jumped in the lake for a paddle afterwards.