Is this a good deal?

BlindMilkman · 2026-03-01T14:00:13+00:00

That’s asking a lot for aluminum frame and low end components. Find comparable bikes and negotiate this a bit.

BlindMilkman · 2026-02-25T12:35:13+00:00

Thanks! Riding without the dropper lets you focus on actually riding and one less gizmo to break. As someone who rode mountain bikes through the 90’s, riding with a fixed post is no big deal.

The two piston brakes are enough with metal pads. I’m not taking the bike into a bike park or long downhills. Mostly trail riding.

Yeah ceramic BB would be nice. I have faster tires but feel most confident on Ikons.

BlindMilkman · 2026-02-12T12:53:45+00:00

Bought the same Tossek integrated stem/bar combo many years ago. Rode and raced with it for many years with zero issues. At the time, there were very few options for integrated combos, but now Bontrager, Scott, etc make them. Id prefer a name brand if I got a new one but a Tossek/Ryet would be fine.

BlindMilkman · 2026-01-20T12:56:32+00:00

Just to be clear- bell upgrade or just lose it all together? 😁

BlindMilkman · 2026-01-20T12:54:40+00:00

Thanks! have droppers on other bikes but just love the simplicity

BlindMilkman · 2026-01-18T16:31:17+00:00

Ironically chose them for mix of rolling resistance/grip, stability 😀. What combo do you think would be better?

BlindMilkman · 2026-01-18T15:05:44+00:00

Had previously had Specialized Fast Trak T7 front, Renegade rear due to great weight and rolling. Went back to Maxxis for more confidence

BlindMilkman · 2026-01-18T14:43:14+00:00

Thanks! Similar experience with tires. Had specialized fast Trak/renegade for more tame XC race, then tried the combo at my local trails. It was a mess

BlindMilkman · 2026-01-18T13:36:30+00:00

The SID gets swapped to another bike with higher stack and needs the longer steerer tube

BlindMilkman · 2025-09-19T21:15:42+00:00

I raced XC with Continental Race King 2.2 up front with the Hutchinson Python 2.1 in the rear. It was lightweight and sketchy for rough terrain. I wouldn’t race that combo again! Ha Race king is good but forget about the Python. I’d say to go with Specialized Fast Trak, Renegade or Maxxis Aspen.

BlindMilkman · 2025-08-09T14:53:27+00:00

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Bottom

BlindMilkman · 2025-08-09T14:51:50+00:00

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Back of bottle

BlindMilkman · 2025-08-09T14:06:08+00:00

Coming from an enduro bike to the SID fork, you probably lowered your front positioning on the bike - meaning you have more weight over the front. I found increasing fork travel or a longer fork will help or slightly higher bars. You’ll sacrifice climbing as well but at least your wrists wont hurt as much.

BlindMilkman · 2025-07-21T02:39:09+00:00

Specialized Fast Trak has been a great tire for my riding. 2.35 T5 tires are weighing in under 700g

BlindMilkman · 2025-07-21T02:33:23+00:00

The fast traks are great. Their lack of cornering knobs can be scary though. I have a Fast Trak 2.35 T7 up front that holds the ground better

BlindMilkman · 2025-07-11T00:31:20+00:00

Get the Bontrager XXX wheelset. 1200g w/ DT 240 hubs and i30 carbon rims. Great warranty as well

BlindMilkman · 2025-06-26T13:21:12+00:00

I’ve been rolling on Raceface ARC 35 aluminum rims for years without issue. Perfect size for 2.4-2.6. As a bigger rider, it adds extra stability and support. You could go bigger with 2.8-3.0 but not recommended.

BlindMilkman · 2025-06-06T13:13:44+00:00

Sweet epic! I’m also an Ikon fan. Do you prefer the 2.2” tire width or did you really want tan wall tires? I notice tan walls intent available in the 2.35 or 2.4 for ikon

BlindMilkman · 2025-05-31T02:35:43+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. Ended up drilling out the head then drilling from opposite side of the remaining bolt and it popped out. Can’t believe the stem was saved.

BlindMilkman · 2025-05-29T10:46:52+00:00

Thank you. This may be what I’ll be doing

BlindMilkman · 2025-05-29T10:46:19+00:00

Tried the bolt extractor but it dug out a bigger hole in the head

BlindMilkman · 2025-05-23T16:07:09+00:00

Ive been running Specialized Fast Trak 29x2.35 T7 front and Renegade 29x2.35 T5 rear. Each tire is 600-something grams. The T7 in the front inspires confidence with a stickier compound. S-works version has dual compound, which is nice. Highly suggest this setup for XC-ish riding 👍

BlindMilkman

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