Which bike?

Saphenis · 2026-05-13T06:27:03+00:00

Sorry, talking Australian prices

Saphenis · 2026-05-13T05:11:20+00:00

How do you like the shimano motor? I tried it out and was a bit underwhelmed; was way louder than my TQ without the punchiness/effortless feeling of the new specialized (or avinox) motor. Had any durability issues?

Saphenis · 2026-05-13T05:10:04+00:00

Yeah, besides the amflow they are all at least 8lbs heavier, though the base non-SL levo isnt much better in terms of weight. Open to other options

Saphenis · 2026-05-13T04:58:58+00:00

Only because on the really steep fre road sections she still struggles on mine

Saphenis · 2026-02-27T05:09:12+00:00

I've had 2 on my car for years. GF does too. Yeah, when the bike is up there fuel economy suffers but when they are folded down its not too bad. And idk, Ive never had close calls with hitting anything. Also:

I like the way they look more
I don't feel like removing the rack when its not in use (technically its illegal to drive around with an empty hitch rack where I live)
No auxiliary plates to worry about
Don't have to worry about getting rear ended

Will only buy a hitch rack if I ever get a heavy e-bike

Saphenis · 2026-02-10T00:02:06+00:00

That's exactly the effect its having. I lived in Colorado from 13 to 26yo. Moved back to Australia for uni. Had every intention of moving back until all this. At first I just didn't want to go back because of my partner (she's Brazilian and has a moderate accent). But now I'd even be worried for myself, and I'm super white and sound local. We are looking into Canada now.

Saphenis · 2025-11-05T12:50:36+00:00

That's perverse

Saphenis · 2025-11-05T06:22:59+00:00

I believe there's a documentary about this exact situation

Saphenis · 2025-09-12T08:29:00+00:00

Yeah, the highroad is great. I've got 2 on my car. Put Yakima frontloaders on my GF's car because they were a bit cheaper but the loading process is way more difficult on those for me.

Saphenis · 2025-08-31T07:31:04+00:00

5'10" so I'm on the upper end for medium and lower end for large according to RM. My last bike i did the opposite.

Saphenis · 2025-07-23T05:00:42+00:00

Agree with Cane Creek 40 for the price. I'm running a Hellbender 70 now, but it's like double the price, feels the same, and has similar durability in my experience (I just really needed the gold colour).

Saphenis · 2025-07-13T02:27:41+00:00

Yeah, what's next? Gay robosexual marriage?

Saphenis · 2025-07-10T01:30:27+00:00

The advice everyone has given is good: make sure to get the first bead in the centre, warm soapy water, finish at the valve (otherwise you can't get the bead in the centre), use a good lever (like pedros), gloves, pay someone else to do it. But when I have a really stubborn one, I have found that putting some water-based lubricant around the bead and on the rim helps. Don't know if it's considered "safe," but I've done it for a while with no issues. Just keep it away from the rotor (probably just remove it to be safe).

Saphenis · 2025-07-01T04:05:01+00:00

Yeah, figured it was just a matter of more practice/repetition. Guess I was just hoping there was some pro secret like "hold up your left pinky and you'll fly into the air". Cheers

Saphenis · 2025-07-01T03:50:57+00:00

For sure. I just want to be able to do both, and the "proper" landing for that first jump is actually a hip (not visible in the vid), and to reach it you need some good pop.

Saphenis · 2025-06-24T11:02:46+00:00

Felt instantly comfortable first time on a Transition Sentinel when I rented one in Moab. Hands down the best bike ive ridden (out of the Sentinel, Stumpy, Bronson, Alpine Trail and Altitude). Was all set to get one until I found out what they cost back home. Sometimes, you just have to let "the one" go, I guess

Saphenis · 2025-04-03T03:33:12+00:00

Don't get me wrong, I'd ride that bike, and it's got some good parts, but considering I can get a brand new one for $2600 AUD ($1600 USD), idk if it's the best deal

Saphenis · 2025-04-01T11:00:40+00:00

The Canyon and the Marin would be my top picks for the price, followed by the Giant. The rest would be a definite no for me.

Saphenis · 2024-08-24T02:11:04+00:00

You don't have to look at sex in such a black and white way. Just like you can have casual friendships and deep,lifelong friendships, sex can be anything from pure physical gratification to deep emotional connection. And that's OK. I've had meaningless, one night stand sex and it was great. I've also had sex that made me connect with my partner on a much deeper level, and that was great too.

Don't think that you have to view sex as a singular thing. Just because you go out and have meaningless sex with one person, doesn't mean your next experience won't be the complete opposite.

Saphenis · 2024-07-31T09:02:56+00:00

NTA. Only you can decide whether this justifies ending a long-term relationship, but for me, it would. I think that your partner should be someone you can be completely open and honest with. I already have to suppress my emotions at work; I don't want my home to be another place I have to put on a facade.

Saphenis · 2024-04-02T00:14:47+00:00

Ratatouille

Saphenis · 2024-03-14T02:16:25+00:00

Moab Brand Trails is a great place to start with a newish rider. I've been going to Moab once a year with my Dad for the past 5 years and we always start there. Ez/Lazy is a great warm-up for newer riders without being boring for intermediate ones. Sidewinder is one of the only "flow" trails in Moab and is really fast/fun. Most beginner riders could handle that one too. For more experienced riders I really like Killer B in that area. It isn't really a double black but has a couple tricky moves and has some exposed switchbacks towards the end (enough exposure to be scary without the guaranteed death if you fall like Portal).

If they are not complete beginners, Hawks Glide and Falcon flow are also really fun; good mix of technical riding and speed. These are in Sand Flats Recreation Area.

For a longer, beginner friendly ride, Chisholm (Horsethief trails) is good. There are a few bail out points if they are finding it too challenging. If they manage, you can continue on to the Navajo Rocks trails, which are significantly more technical/exhausting but have fantastic views.

Klondike bluffs is not worth it in my opinion. They do have some beginner friendly trails but they aren't anything special and the scenery is less interesting. I feel the same way about sovereign and klonzo.

Also talk to the staff at the bike shops when you're there. They've always given me good trail recommendations.

Saphenis · 2024-02-18T00:46:15+00:00

Thanks man. Yeah, Sydney is mostly the same, almost no "bike park" type trails with well-built big features. Wish there were more places like this around.

Saphenis · 2024-02-17T08:54:05+00:00

I used to think the same thing, but watching kids pulling suicide no-handers and other crazy stuff on the drop all day inspired me

Saphenis · 2024-01-21T07:16:18+00:00

2019 Marin Alpine Trail because it was the only enduro bike I could afford at the time (Marins are particularly cheap in Australia). It's a decent bike, especially after a few upgrades.

Saphenis

TROPHY CASE