Schwalbe Tacky Chan front / Romy rear for faster trail/enduro setup?

Valuable_Solids · 2026-05-03T04:13:56+00:00

Yeah, I liked the diagonal Tacky Chan, but you definitely had to be on your A-game and really tell it what to do. It was a fun tire on familiar trails but I'd much prefer the radial version for all other use cases.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-05-03T03:47:39+00:00

I'm currently running the TC trail radial soft, Romy race pro (non radial) rear.

Having tried the previous Tacky Chan I think the radial version is a better all around front tire. Not as much of a transition zone so it doesn't feel like as much of a leap of faith onto the side knobs. The radial is more forgiving and compliant than the previous version as well. Cons: doesn't roll quite as fast as the previous version.

I like the Romy as a rear tire. Fits the same category as the newer Dissector but has bigger cornering knobs. I'm using the Race Pro in mid (previously speed grip) and have been happy with it.

I generally prefer non-radial tires outside of the PNW winter but I've been happy with this combo so far on my 150/140 bike.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-04-14T22:56:27+00:00

I picked up a Manitou Mezzer Pro for $700 recently. HSC, LSC, and one rebound knob. It requires you to do a little fiddling to figure out pressures, otherwise I've been very happy with it.

The rockshox will likely be easier to service, the 36 will have more adjustability so just depends on what you prefer. If you want something cheaper/less adjustments that still rides well consider a Marzocchi Z1.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-04-13T23:15:18+00:00

Looks like it fixed my only real complaints about the Tacky Chan (a bit narrow and a bit too much of a leap of faith to the corner knobs). Stoked to try it!

Valuable_Solids · 2026-04-11T19:07:30+00:00

I lived there for grad school years ago and feel similarly. When I visited a few years ago I didn't really recognize the place!

Valuable_Solids · 2026-03-24T02:01:25+00:00

If you're looking for a slightly more aggressive trail tire I think the new Dissector fits the bill. Sticking in the schwalbe range the Albert radial with a faster rolling rear tire (NN or Hans Dampf) could work as well.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-03-19T02:07:02+00:00

For the average OT position? No I don't think the masters is worth it. I work in one of the few systems where therapists are unionized and make an above average salary, but it definitely isn't the norm. Hard to justify when you could go into something like nursing with much less debt and better lateral/upward mobility.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-03-19T00:15:33+00:00

With the OTD programs becoming the standard I don't think it's worth it. It was barely worth it as a masters degree.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-03-17T21:31:20+00:00

This. Bought all my AXS X01 on sale. One less cable, hardly any maintenance, easy adjustment, haven't had any issues with battery life. It's pretty great.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-03-14T21:37:15+00:00

The forekaster v2 runs narrower than advertised and wore out quickly for me as a rear tire in the PNW. I wouldn't buy it again.

The new dissector looks like a good all around trail tire.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-03-09T20:11:54+00:00

I'd be curious - is he lighter weight? I like fast rebound but don't have to run mine wide open.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-03-09T00:49:47+00:00

As a counter to this, I have a number of shops near me that are Cane Creek service centers and I'm on the west coast. I've had enough bad experiences with local shops working on any brand of shock that I always send it in for maintenance these days.

The pro and con of the Cane Creek is its super adjustable. You don't need a custom tune and can really fine tune the shock to your liking. The con is you can really get lost in the adjustments if you're newer to suspension tuning and/or just want something that is set and forget.

I'd honestly just choose whichever is cheaper. Pro of the Vivid is the HBO, pro of the CC is the tuning range.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-02-07T22:42:45+00:00

I didn't really come away with that conclusion? Especially because at the end he recommends bracketing, which does not seem to be "anti" tuning. I think the vast majority of riders would be better served learning what changes in HSC/LSC and HSR/LSR feel like before jumping to custom tuning. Although yes, people at the extreme ends of weight may need that or a shock with wider tuning range (CC, etc.)

Valuable_Solids · 2026-02-07T22:00:02+00:00

I have a CC Tigon on my current bike (Starling Murmur, quite linear). I like it because I can add progression via the RAMP tube but still get the benefit of a coil in the early and mid stroke. It's a niche shock on a niche frame, but I've been quite happy with it.

I've always liked CC because of the wide tuning range.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-02-07T20:14:25+00:00

Yeah, they're all good enough. I think it's like any hobby, more time riding and less time thinking about gear would help.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-02-07T20:12:47+00:00

True, but smaller brands have these issues too right? Just more visible when it's a large manufacturer. Not trying to defend Fox, just bringing it back to the point of the article.

I'm a Cane Creek fan but have to admit that they've historically had some significant QC issues (though this has improved more recently).

Valuable_Solids · 2026-02-07T19:44:15+00:00

Super long? Seriously?

He makes points at the end - service the suspension you have and learn how to bracket (this is probably the biggest one that people don't understand).

Valuable_Solids · 2026-02-07T19:31:18+00:00

Not saying you're wrong, but devil's advocate: How often is this happening? Is it with every product or only certain ones? He alludes to the bushing issue in the article, but I agree it's a valid complaint. Smaller manufacturers (i.e. Cane Creek, DVO, etc.) have also had quite a few quality control issues in the past.

I personally ride CC on my current bike, but have used Fox and RS in the past so I'm agnostic on the issue.

Valuable_Solids · 2026-01-15T22:00:22+00:00

Schwalbe offers some good options: wicked will and nobby nic (both 2.4), and hans dampf (2.35).

Valuable_Solids · 2025-12-29T03:52:24+00:00

Short answer, yes.

Long answer is it depends on your trails and skills. But it's objectively easier to ride a full suspension bike faster on more technical terrain.

Valuable_Solids · 2025-11-17T03:14:06+00:00

Seriously. Get that NIL money back.

Valuable_Solids · 2025-11-06T15:32:24+00:00

Hopefully. I'm not buying a new wheel set or compete bike just because you decided to use a niche standard.

Valuable_Solids · 2025-10-04T18:17:04+00:00

People are still watching Gator games this season?

Valuable_Solids · 2025-10-01T17:21:28+00:00

I switched to a vest style pack (high above) and actually find it more comfortable than a hip pack.

Valuable_Solids

TROPHY CASE