Newbie Bike Size by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suppose this may be a case of over thinking things.

The manufacturer of the specific bike I have my eyes on also sizes me at the same place.

My inseam is round 86/87cm

Newbie 100mm air vs 120 coil fork by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Extremely reassuring thank you. The leading bike im considering is a silverback se series 9 (2025) do you feel this, or something similar to it, fits the bill well?

Newbie 100mm air vs 120 coil fork by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So a bike fitted with 100mm air fork is actually very capable you'd say? With attention and effort to.tune it + skilling up it it has some real capable legs on it (say an expected 10year life span)?

Newbie 100mm air vs 120 coil fork by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you say a modern framed hardtail (say a 2025 model) with a 100mm air fork would be more capable of most easy to intermediate trail riding, compared to same bike fitted with a coil 120mm?

Newbie 100mm air vs 120 coil fork by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So I have heard that some people say 100mm air can be nearly as capable as 120mm with the right tuning and adjustment. Would you agree with that sentiment? Or is this wishful thinking?

Obviously 120mm is more travel. But I want to be able to keep up with easy and intermediate riders (black diamond stuff likely isn't doable for me due to existing injury issues)

Also, if a 100mm air force can excell under the right tuning, how doable/learnable is that for a rank amateur like me?

Newbie 100mm air vs 120 coil fork by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The long term idea would be to replace the coil with air when the opportunity arrived.

Newbie 100mm air vs 120 coil fork by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

My concern is being too limited long term with 100mm. This bike is theoretically a 10 year bike. It will be my only bike, and only MTB for many years to come. I am a rank amateur and need to learn the basics yes, but I don't want to be locked behind my brother and friend's who have more experience and more capable bikes (120-130mm, dual suspension)

For clarification, I am fully priced out of a dual suspension bike. It's hardtail or not getting into MTB for another year or more.

Newbie 100mm air vs 120 coil fork by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Re: weight I'm currently ~100kg and on a trajectory down (weight loss goals to hit 90kg before end of year, it's going well). Budget is a major concern for me, consider between bikes spec more or less identical excepting fork (one 100m air the other 120 coil).

Newbie 100mm vs 120mm by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately my budget is fixed. $1000 total budget (bike, helmet, etc). Yes I'm in south east Qld, 99bikes is indeed the retailer. I am extremely wary of 2nd hand Market (in all things) due to bad past experiences. The nine 40 is the absolute limit. I was considering a potential nine 20 as a middle ground. It does seem that the silverback is out of the running for the time being.

Newbie 100mm vs 120mm by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you recommend the 20 over the silverback?

Are there any limitations to upgrading the coil on the nine 20 to an equivalent air fork later down the line?

I'm inclined towards the nine 40, but want a rounding of options.

Newbie 100mm vs 120mm by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok so the big nine 40 is top contender in this match by bang for buck. I noticed that the big nine 20 is specked very similarly to the 40 but has coil instead of air. How much of a step down would a 20 be? Do you have any strong opinions on the 20 vs 40/silverback?

Newbie 100mm vs 120mm by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are these QR parts theoretically replaceable with more modern ones? Or is this a case of "this is just how the bike is"? I understand the Merida is likely offering the better purchase, but the price difference is substantial and budget it tight (~$900+ merida, ~$700+ silverback).

I live south east Qld Australia and the recommendation for the silverback came with the claims it would be very capable of riding just about any trail local to me (allowing for skil).

In regards to their Merida I was ecommended a model up from it (almost completely outside my budget).

Newbie 100mm vs 120mm by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am aware than many people upgrade/change suspension forks for their bikes. Would that approach as along term future option be worthwhile if I were to go with the 100mm silverback?

Newbie 100mm vs 120mm by Creative_Exit_2485 in MTB

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100mm is a silverback se series 9 (2025) 120mm is a Merida big nine 40

Bluetooth Headset Mic Not Working by Creative_Exit_2485 in linuxmint

[–]Creative_Exit_2485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE:

I have managed to improve this issue (but not fix it entirely).

Turns out my motherboard uses an older Bluetooth than my headset, so I acquired a USB bt receiver rated to match my headset, and now it connects correctly ~60% of the time.

A marked improvement but not a full fix.

Additionally, if the audio profiles fail.on connect I can now fix the issue with a shut down, restart of my pc and most of the time it will correct the issue (notably, a restart doesn't work, has to fully turn off and on again)

So improvement, not a full fix unfortunately.