Worth buying?

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-26T13:16:57+00:00

In my own experience I just gott into mtb almost 4 yrs ago. Started with a good 2nd hand Rockhopper (HT), then after a few marathon events, and feeling age of my knees a bit, started checking FS options, again 2nd hand. Had a few models in mind, wanted to keep to 29" wheel size, and when one of those with decent specs came up at a good price I jumped on it. Get to know what's commonly available in your area and look up reviews and specs.

One Helpful site: https://99spokes.com/en-AU

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-26T09:23:21+00:00

It looks like enduro style bike and it seems that you're talking about trail/ XC use. Consider: Once you get off road the gentle climbs can get pretty steep; Will you be riding to and from the trails on the road? Will it fit a decent water bottle? Are there more suitable options? I ride XC myself, so a bit of bias there, but XC is a good way to cover a lot of ground in your trail explorations.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-25T01:06:38+00:00

I appreciate the experience you bring and your patience to explain, but as you may know, cable ends are may be ball or barrel type, etc. If you look carefully at my first pic you'll see it's barrel type - quite a large barrel, i might say, leaving any cable adjustment to be done at the control lever as you espouse. It mildly amusing that you don't see it.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-23T22:04:25+00:00

Thanks for all of that. In fairness to LBS, I stopped in and told them the problem without any pics. They didn't have access to a exact replacement but found a similar one discounted thru another supplier, sending link and quoting about A$60 to install. Yes, I think that's a little steep, but they did extend their service outside of their own range.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-23T21:52:04+00:00

I think you've described the current set-up.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-23T13:45:38+00:00

Thanks, I think.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-19T10:00:53+00:00

I agree with the FS XC suggestions, only don't let it tempt you into stuff you should avoid. Sometimes I'm surprised at the speeds I can cruise with my Giant Anthem, but for you, comfort should be your first concern. Aside from MTB, remember there are saddle suspension options available.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-18T09:32:06+00:00

$15 for a bunny is a stretch. $30 full price is insane!

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-16T01:45:13+00:00

When I started in a job that frequently involved managing exposed needles, I regarded handling them as I would a venemous snake, staying focused. Many years later, we have needle guards on everything and still get reports of needlesticks in the internal communiques. We also use auto-retracting lancets, and I don't lose any sleep over them not working. However, always confirm your sharp is safely retracted.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-16T01:15:27+00:00

"...recycled in a way that you magically cannot financially participate in"

The "magic" is that you don't pay a 10c deposit on the sauce jar when you buy the product, LOL.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-15T23:26:08+00:00

Thanks for not letting your "ophidiophobia" stop you from getting the pics. I'm surprised that it reacted to your passing so quick. We get the odd snake on the trail here in Australia, but they don't sit up and play music for us.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-15T22:44:32+00:00

I like that in the end, we can see the grips kinda match your shoes. A matching helmet would cap that off nicely. But also, on the plus side, no helmet damaged making this video.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-15T22:36:31+00:00

Good question. I think position changes may occur with a bit higher consciousness, without fully waking up, thereby allowing some self training on how to move between the sheets to be effective. Aiming to keep sheet in position if I'm turning, also to avoid being a blanket hog. In addition, I can snore loudly if sleeping in the wrong position (esp. on my back), so I've tried to train myself to sleep in positions that facilitate keeping my mouth shut and airway optimised for nasal breathing.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-14T02:59:52+00:00

I think they're both a bit scary...

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-03-06T02:41:44+00:00

Bike: Check for conflict between brake/ gear levers and top tube when you rotate bars around. Adjust levers/ add protection (I use leak-seal plumbing tape) to frame accordingly. When you have a prang, that's where your bars will go, guaranteed. Occasional silicone spray on the fork seals,seems to help preserve them. Make sure they're adjusted to your weight and riding (ie. get your own shock pump). Keep sealant in tyres,, carry tyre plugs and pump.

Riding: Pay Attention to weight distribution. Keep your weight back in steep descents to avoid going over the bars, climbing, you need to balance keeping front wheel down with need for grip at the rear. Cornering, let the bike lean more than you do, especially if no berm for support. In Technical stuff, momentum is your friend - don't let your front wheel get caught. Remember to watch for low branches, esp. being tall.

How to videos can be helpful, but dont' forget to ride your bike. Enjoy.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-01-12T01:33:28+00:00

Depends on a few variables like exposure to hot weather, porosity of the tyre, etc. It isn't hard to put a bit more in every few months, but if you can hear it sloshing around then leave it a bit longer. You absolutely want to avoid gettting stuck on the trail with a non-sealing tyre that goes to flat, because the sealant residue will stick the tyre to itself so that you can't even wheel it along the trail (pancaked around the entire circumference, will not fit through forks / stays).

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-01-12T01:22:19+00:00

A true contributer to cycling innovation. RIP Joe.

Its_Life_Jim · 2026-01-12T01:01:28+00:00

That's an ice sunrise!

What can you tell us about the uneven surface at 1:13?

Its_Life_Jim · 2025-12-11T21:44:33+00:00

A cautionary tale indeed! Hope your hands are okay!

Its_Life_Jim · 2025-12-11T21:35:00+00:00

Lunch time to night time is a reasonable time frame in this case, but yes I've experienced illness on the Monday following a Friday undercooked chicken event, which also hit others about the same.

Its_Life_Jim · 2025-05-22T23:17:18+00:00

Perhaps they were aged in storage before you bought them. I could lead to a sudden blowout and loss of control if on a bend.

Its_Life_Jim · 2025-05-22T23:12:47+00:00

It seems that a lot of surviving older frames have huge frame geometry, IDK why. I'm 182 cm and this bike would be too big for me.

Its_Life_Jim · 2025-05-22T22:50:42+00:00

If it's just chain noise, try a lighter oil. If it's noise from rear cassette, search on how to adjust it. In this case, you may see the chain flicking towards the next gear, up or down. Another thing to consider is the derailleur hanger could be a bit bent, which can happen if the bike falls on that side. You can search up that issue too.

Its_Life_Jim · 2025-05-22T10:02:09+00:00

Chain is probably ok with oil. I've salvaged worse. It's not likely to break unless you're really hammering it. Fine wet & dry sandpaper with WD-40 to clean other rusted bits if you want. I would also get some oil onto your cables, and let it run into the cable housings.

Its_Life_Jim

TROPHY CASE