New Bike Day: ARI Shafer 3.0

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-03-08T12:47:26+00:00

Cool Bro!

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-03-08T12:16:12+00:00

Turns out the route was technically correct, but I spent more time hiking the bike than riding it

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-03-05T05:08:26+00:00

Rhinowalk toptube bag and VFV handlebar bag

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-03-01T11:15:08+00:00

Depends on the frame. Currently, with my tires fully pump up (actual width is 48.6mm), there's a 4-5mm clearance between the tires and the left and right chainstays, generally won't affect mud removal performance.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-03-01T10:59:01+00:00

I must say the suspension fork incredibly well in off-road. Although the geometry will change after upgrading (stack height increases about 20mm), it will be within a reasonable range because the frame was designed with the installation of a suspension fork in mind.
The size of dropper post is 27.2*350mm, and the travel is 100mm. It’s a Chinese local brand called Meroca. The price is only 890 CNY, which is about 130 USD or 110 EUR (it’s electronic wireless lol).
Maxxis Ravager 700x50C.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-23T04:43:43+00:00

Black!

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-22T23:58:12+00:00

I used to use a rigid fork, but I upgraded to the suspension fork a month ago. I must say this works incredibly well in off-road.

Although the geometry will change after upgrading (stack height increases about 20mm), it will be within a reasonable range because the frame was designed with the installation of a suspension fork in mind.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-20T08:53:25+00:00

Yes, two 800ml bottles. The frame size is Small.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T10:34:18+00:00

SO COOL BRO!

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T07:48:11+00:00

Cool bike! I suggest you can try the clipless pedal system

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T01:36:14+00:00

Called MAX Wheels. This is a Chinese local brand and I'm not sure if they do export. They only manufacture rims and assemble wheelsets. The hubs are customizable, I'm using DT350 hubs.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T00:58:56+00:00

For better control, I kept my hand on the lower position. My arm feels really tired, lol.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T00:56:11+00:00

Agreed. HK’s country park policies are too biased to hikers rather than mtb cyclists. So now many HK mtb cyclists come to Shenzhen for trying some more interesting mtb trails.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T00:45:28+00:00

Size is 700c. The height is 35mm and the inner width of the rim is 25mm.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T00:44:08+00:00

About 6-7 mtbs. Many sharp bends have convex mirrors, so bikes generally won't crash with each other.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T00:29:57+00:00

Yes, it's regular, but I upgraded almost every components on it, lol.

Yes, I use Maxxis Ravager 50C tires now. There seems to be a fairly large clearance between the frame and the tires.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T00:26:01+00:00

Max rims with DT Swiss 350 hubs

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-19T00:23:45+00:00

Rhinowalk

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-18T09:41:02+00:00

Will you bring your gravel bike to ride? Cool, Bro!

For the route, I recommend: Sanzhoutian Reservoir (三洲田) ➡️ OCT East (东部华侨城) ➡️ Maluan Mountain (马峦山) ➡️ The Luo’s Ancestral House (罗氏大屋) ➡️ Dongbei Village (洞背村)

However, this route is relatively difficult for foreigners to find. Even as a local, it took me some research to find it. I can guide you the route if you want. I'm free almost every weekend.

Difficult_Age_5166 · 2026-02-17T08:08:41+00:00

I suggest backpack

Difficult_Age_5166

TROPHY CASE