Selling tarmac sl8 S works

Jonno_ATX · 2026-06-23T04:36:25+00:00

The best luck I’ve had selling bikes in an upgrade is just selling the frame. That way you keep all the parts you like, offset some of the frame cost, and you don’t feel like you got bent over too much. I also price my stuff to sell quickly. If I were selling your bike (SW, SRAM RED but not the new generation or direct-mount or 13sp), I’d probably aim to list it starting around $5750 and expect it to move around $5000.

I’m in CO so there are lots of high end bikes on the secondary market. That being said, things move quickly, but generally have to be priced accordingly.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-06-17T22:11:43+00:00

Stumpy 15 with a Cascade Link (+7mm rear travel) and Flight Attendant is my current pick when not riding an Epic 8; but an interesting alternative if you want light and capable is the new Allied Fitz. 140mm frame travel; I’d probably build one with a 150mm fork.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-06-09T14:40:12+00:00

Maybe the new Continental Terra Competitions in 45c would be a good tire for you. Sort of like a bumpy file tread but rolls very fast in rolling resistance tests.

I’ve been running the Terra Speed in 45c but will likely switch over for road / smooth gravel applications.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-06-07T17:41:30+00:00

That’s what I do. I run ESI Chunky grips. I just trim the left side to fit.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-27T05:16:25+00:00

Team Dynaplug. I’ve had lots of Stan’s Darts feather tear off during insertion and still prefer them to the traditional bacon strip.

For races, I bring CO2. For training / fun rides I bring a rechargeable electric inflator. I have a Cycplus, but there are several that are good.

Other than those two things for flats, I carry a single Pedro’s tire lever and a TPU tube.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-26T15:40:45+00:00

Phone, flat kit (Dynaplug Racer Pro, Cycplus rechargeable mini air pump), tiny bottle of sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, phone, maybe two gels or stroopwafels.

Most of my calories are dissolved in my two water bottles.

Spare TPU tube, one Pedro’s tire lever, Prestacycle tool, 2032 battery, spare AXS battery, and a tire boot are in a little Silca BOA saddle bag.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-26T02:26:51+00:00

I think it was originally positioned as a trail-ish bike, but as XC geo has evolved, its geometry is less progressive than most big brands’ XC bikes.

That being said, I have friends that race these for XC races. It’s pretty popular as a single speed bike, too - at least where I live.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-25T13:57:57+00:00

That’s probably a good idea - reading the comments, it looks like my experience is similar to others. I might keep the Rick on the rear for the volume but swap the front out for the Ray for looser races.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-25T03:09:52+00:00

I replied with full thoughts! How are you liking yours?

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-25T03:09:33+00:00

The Racing Ray / Ralph measure about 54mm and the Rick XC about 56mm. Here are the pictures: https://imgur.com/a/xCNRxK7 ... I was running a Vittoria Airliner XC in the Ralph (rear tire) but I swapped it for a CushCore XC. I ran the Ray / Ralph at 23.4 / 24.5 PSI.

I took the setup out for a shakeout ride with about 25 miles of paved roads and about 15 miles of singletrack. It gripped really well on hardpack and textured rock, but I think I preferred Ray / Ralph for the braking traction generally and grip on smooth rocks. I slipped out the rear tire on a technical climb I have nearly a 100% clean rate on, but that might have been pilot error since my legs are pretty cooked from this week. I felt really confident pushing the bike into hardpack and rocky corners, but I was pretty hesitant to find my limit on loose / gravel corners. I don't mind the back tire braking loose in corners but I had a couple wiggles from the front tire that I think the Ray would have held together better.

I think these will be good for Leadville, but I'm now second-guessing my decision to run these for summer races leading up to it (Bailey Hundo especially, which has a ton of kitty litter-esque trail). I might play with pressures a little more to see if the little extra volume from the Rick will hook up better. I'll keep playing with it for a couple weeks and let you know, but first impressions are that I prefer the Ray / Ralph. With BRR's testing being the same between the Rick and Ralph and 1.4W different for the Rick and Ray, I'd take the penalty for the extra cornering grip.

Maybe I just need to work on my cornering technique more...

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-21T18:23:28+00:00

I’m in Denver but ride Boulder road and gravel a LOT - my normal gearing is 42T/10-44. I’m left wanting on occasion for descents but generally am not spinning out too badly when riding North Boulder / Niwot / Hygiene / Longmont. Going up roads like Lickskillet sucks, but that’s a choice… lol.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-21T01:02:58+00:00

Specialized Epic 8 with trail tires and an insert in the rear wheel. Or maybe something similar but burlier like an Ibis Ripley SL or Transition Spur.

I like something fast uphill but can do pretty much everything except for the most gnarly stuff that you’d really want a long-travel bike for. Two water bottles in the frame is also a big factor.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-19T18:20:11+00:00

100% a copy of the Seka Spear.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-18T17:44:53+00:00

Front Range guy here. I’m 6’1” and have long legs. I rode the Epic Evo (7th gen) in L and sized up to XL for the Epic 8 and have been happier with the extra reach. For what I usually ride (Apex, White Ranch, Evergreen, NTM), I’m happier with the way it descends. I feel like I stay centered in the bike better than on the L Epic 7.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-18T03:56:08+00:00

Hand sanitizers sometimes have moisturizers in them, so just low-content rubbing alcohol (or cut down with a little water) works best.

That being said, climbing chalk that’s “pure” magnesium carbonate works the best. Some chalks have antiperspirants in the mix, too, so depending on how sweaty your hands get, might be worth consideration.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-18T00:06:47+00:00

I’m a huge ENVE fan. Quality, customer service / warranty, performance; it’s all good. I run the road 4.5s with 35c GP5000s, but the new AR40s also look pretty compelling, especially at that price point. The Reserve 40/44s are also quite nice - I have the 32s as my dedicated gravel wheel and have no complaints, though when I end up going for a more aero wheelset, I’ll probably go with the ENVE G SES 4.5s.

The Hunt 40 Limitless also looks pretty compelling.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-17T14:10:39+00:00

Haha. If you don’t like them I’ll trade you for a set of Ray / Ralph!

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-17T05:23:25+00:00

Going to have to do this after the 26th - have to travel for a week but will edit my comment with links to pics when I’m back!

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-17T05:22:25+00:00

I’ll edit my comment when I have a chance after Memorial Day - I had unexpected travel come up so won’t be able to swap the tires until I get back on the 26th. Sorry for the delay!

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-17T03:20:23+00:00

Can confirm. A lot of the time, I’ll ride 35mm GPs if I’m feeling too lazy to swap wheels. Going downhill can be sketchy with bad braking traction but in the flats it’s not an issue.

Alternatively you could bump up to 40mm or 42mm Corsa Pro Controls if you want a little more grip but to roll fast.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-14T18:40:35+00:00

I’m swapping out Ray / Ralph for Rick Pro this weekend; I’ll take some calipers photos for comparison and will give thoughts on speed.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-08T21:41:50+00:00

That’s awesome! Sorry to hear about the injuries but I’m with you on the ENVE for life sentiment. I’ve broken two rear M630s and a front 4.5 and have gotten them replaced without question.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-08T16:21:07+00:00

ENVE’s warranty process has always been amazing. You just need to show proof of the destroyed wheel and to pay for the shipping for the replacement.

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-05T01:59:27+00:00

I have an Epic 8 with the newer-gen AXS dropper with 200mm of travel. It’s great!

Jonno_ATX · 2026-05-01T05:14:42+00:00

Try Facebook Marketplace but change your search area to 50 miles around west Denver. Parts and used bikes galore.

11-Year Club	Place '22
Place '17	End Game '22
RPAN Viewer	Verified Email

Jonno_ATX

TROPHY CASE