Continental Kryptotal F Tire
The Good
Outrageous grip, sturdy build top to bottom, still grippy and soft enough to lean over but not squirm.
The Bad
Life destroying to install. Can't imagine doing it with cushcore but good news is you probably won't need it. Less common to find in stock/on sale.
Overall Review
Installation kerfuffle aside, I wouldn't want to run any other tire on my bikes. Super sturdy construction and great all around feel for mixed terrain. Grip when you need it, rolling speed when you need it. And so damn tough you probably won't even run cush core. Just consider paying the bike shop to install them. Unless you have a bead seater tool...
Continental Kryptotal F Tire
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Michelin DH34 Tire
The Good
Traction and the cool looking Michelin logo on the side walls.
The Bad
One tire was defective with a wobble, the side walls split and dry crack within 6 months and there heavier than most DH tires.
Overall Review
I've been riding and racing DH since the mid 2000's. And Michelin's DH 16, 24 and 32 tires were absolutely amazing back them. So, I got amped when I found out that Michelin was coming back into the DH scene with new tires. Boy, what a letdown. Ordered a new set of the DH34's and after I mounted them and spun the wheels. One of the tires and a BIG wobble. Like, I don't understand how Michelin's QA inspection missed this. While the tires offer great traction on all types of terrain. They are a bit
Michelin DH34 Tire
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Öhlins TTX22M Rear Shock
The Good
Easy to adjust and set up. Trick looking shock. Build quality from Ohlins is top notch.
The Bad
Slightly more expensive than other shocks. But you definitely get what you pay for.
Overall Review
This shock is amazing. I've ridden and owned coil shocks from most of the big brands. And nothing comes close to the level and performance of this Ohlins coil. I was a bit skeptical when I first set it up. There's very little in adjustability with this shock. Just put the right coil spring for your weight. And set it like they tell you too. Simple, yet truly amazing. Best shock hands down.
Öhlins TTX22M Rear Shock
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Manitou Dorado Expert Fork
The Good
Tunability is off the charts. Sleek looking. Parts are all interchangeable and upgradable between all 3 versions of the Dorado.
The Bad
Slightly heavier than Fox 40's. The number of tunings and adjustment settings might be overkill for some.
Overall Review
This is my second set of Dorado forks. While my first set of dorado's (2005) didn't offer much in adjustments. They worked well and I never had an issue with them. And that was a long time ago. The newest gen that I'm currently using are AMAZING! I just came off of Fox 40's on my last DH bike. And they were great! No issues. But when I started build my new bike. I really wanted to pair my new bike build with a set of Dorados. And I'm sure glad I did! I personally like them better than the Fox 40
Manitou Dorado Expert Fork
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Intense M29 Factory (2022) Frame
The Good
Light, fast, smooth and extremely plush with Ohlins coil shock. Exotic looking.
The Bad
Full 29" DH bikes aren't for everyone. Takes a lot of leg muscle to get it up to speed. It's more suited for clipless pedal. Rear shock adjustments can be a pain. But if you follow the owner's manual settings guide. The set up ends up being spot on perfect.
Overall Review
This bike is a head turner. Gets a lot of attention on the mountains, bike parks and parking lots. While the bike is very light weight and feels light when riding. It's very planted. I wouldn't say it's poppy. More of a "point straight, hold on and go" racer. The Ohlin's coil shock that comes with the frame is amazing. Best DH coil I've ever owned. The only real negative points I could say about the M29 is that the big 29" rear wheel takes a lot of muscle to get up to speed. With clipless pedals
Intense M29 Factory (2022) Frame
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FUNN Python Pedal
The Good
Super thin, they look great, good traction.
The Bad
Nothing to report.
Overall Review
I've owned 2 sets of the 1st gen Funn Python petals. One set for a DH bike build. And another set on my trail bike. I've put hundreds (maybe a thousand?) of miles on my trail bike. And I haven't had a single issue with them. Funn even sells rebuild kits for these pedals. But I've never needed to service them yet. And you can purchase these pedals and their rebuild kits through Funn's amazon store online. I can't speak on the newer versions. But if they're built like the rest of Funn's mtb
FUNN Python Pedal
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Burgtec Penthouse MK5 B-Rage Edition Flat Pedal
The Good
Qfactor means less hits/better cornering
Amazing grip. Clipped in feeling 100%
A bit heavy
Great machining
The Bad
Price
Overall Review
Replaced deity supervillains. Better in all aspects aside from weight. Fewer pedal strikes, appear more durable, WAY better grip. Wish there could be pedal pins that were black. Slightly heavier. Otherwise amazing
Burgtec Penthouse MK5 B-Rage Edition Flat Pedal
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Praxis Podium Flat Pedal
Vital Review
Tested: Praxis Podium Flat Pedal
Overall Review
I f you’ve been around the sport for a while, you might remember the Gamut Podium flat pedal. If you’ve been around forever, you’ll also remember the Point One Podium which was the OG of this pedal shape way back when. Gamut acquired Point One in 2014, and released their version of the Podium pedal in 2016. It was extremely thin, with a shape that still worked well for generating grip, although the small-ish platform and the large inboard bearing bulge were not to everyone’s liking. Gamut
Praxis Podium Flat Pedal
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Specialized 2FO Roost Flat Syn Shoe
The Good
Hidden Lace Keeper. Much cheaper than FiveTen.
No holes in toe box keep water from ponding after creek crossings.
The Bad
Heel cup is somewhat odd. Long lugs & thick insole feel oddly "boot"-ish in height.
Forefoot of sole a hair too rigid.
Overall Review
A lover of the FiveTen Freerider Pro, other testers claims about the 2FO's great new grip got me curious. The Syn (synthetic toe box) is the 2nd revision of the updated 2FO. I was lucky enough to compare it to the velour looking original back to back, having purchased the originals for a screaming $50 in shop on the day my old shoes died. The Syn exists because the velvety toe box on the original 2FO's is truly horrible for damp climates and creek crossings. First ride, they got rained on &
2022 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy Bike
The Good
*Great value (when buying at blowout pricing)
*Great handling geometry
*Adjustable geometry that actually does something
*Fun bike in a high number of environments
*Lots of aftermarket options (links, shocks, etc)
*Frame is durable
*SWAT box + water bottle multitool is a great touch
The Bad
*Suspension leaves most riders wanting more
*Component durability not great, but this is true across the bike industry
*35mm cockpit is not something most riders will appreciate (too stiff)
*No longer made in lieu of a more gentrified version of the bike
*Fox 36 continues to struggle with CSU issues.
Overall Review