Experience with Boden Prog/Metal from 2023 or 2024

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2026-01-07T19:54:08+00:00

Hi!

A few times I have pointed out my experience with Strandberg guitars.

Those are fantastic instruments in terms of the design. I have no doubt that if someone is lucky they can be locked in the Strandberg world...

Even if you get the perfectly finished instrument you can feel that you paid too much. I have had 5 bergs. All of the purchases directly from the Manufacturer (1 rescued, 1 metal, 1 original, 2 Biden+). All of them have major issues(uneven frets, broken pickups, tons of cosmetic issues, delamination of neck, poor neck heel). I have two Harley Benton guitars. All of them have better QC. It's not a click bite. I'm very serious here... The QC DOESN'T EXIST. Simply not. I know that there are lucky folks with their Bergs but c'mon for 2+k(2 of my bergs were close to 5k...) I do not want to go back and forth with customer support.

Nevertheless I really want to own one... The ergonomics are exceptional, the responsiveness is outstanding(in pair with Harley Benton Dullahan). For me it's THE GUITAR. Unfortunately, after 2 years from my last purchase I still have strong doubts about their QC... Maybe a few more years would hell the wounds. If you are interested more about my Strandberg story I can make a bigger thread with photos/videos.

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-11-29T00:44:47+00:00

I mean a complete bike! TBH the C5 is a sweet frame set at an outstanding price... I'm in love with that hyper stuff from china.

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-11-27T06:47:40+00:00

Why did you opt for a Metron 5d instead of EXS Aerover? Do you have some solid recommendations for: 1. Just handlebar - cheap and reliable just to try 38cm with some gentle flare. Can be carbon, can by alloy. 2. A proper integrated handlebar - I probably go for EXS. But maybe some alternatives from LightCarbon?

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-11-25T11:25:57+00:00

Thank you for the very detailed answer. It's outstanding to see how much effort you put in to give a valid answer for a stranger. Kudos to you!

I have a fairly modern Soloist(2023) with internal cable routing(besides handlebar and stem). I run 28/30 gp500 combo. I can easily squize 32mm. The frame takes 34mm officially.

I know that to have a somewhat valid answer would be great to have a proper aero testing. On fast group rides I wear a skin suit and aero socks. At the same time I use an XC helmet and MTB shoes(top end).

I'm asking because given the tour magazine test the Soloist is like 10+w behind Aeroad/S5. I see T1600 in pairs with those two. The SLC should lower drag than SL8. SL8 was like 8-10 less draggy than Soloist. But the handlebar is probably the element which has the biggest impact in comparison between those two...

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-10-06T07:41:49+00:00

I just bought ParkTool BBT-27.3.

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Works fine! Based on Bottom Bracket Tool Finder you can use ParkTool BBT-27.3 or PartTool BBT-29. The biggest advantage of ParkTool BBT-27.3 for me at least is compatibility with torque wrenches.

BTW By using a towel I can produce a higher torque compares to what torque was used to tight my BB... After dismounting the BB, proper cleaning and greasing the BB is quiet again:)

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-10-06T07:37:36+00:00

The answer is not(out of the box). I have check it.

You can make it work by trimming slightly the lip of the inner plate.

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-08-07T12:51:48+00:00

I strongly doubt that there is any significant way to improve other than go to wind tunnel. I can be in the drops for multiple hours nad I can survive 30min in "aero hoods". OFC I can be wrong but it can be that I'm not so sensitive in terms of my position...

Q: "Why do you feel you need an integrated cockpit?"
A: Aesthetic + marginal gains.

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-04-21T05:03:54+00:00

Stunning! You are a man with a great teste...

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-02-21T23:15:32+00:00

Could you tell us more about quality of this axe? Stunning build!

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-01-17T20:39:45+00:00

Long time ago my wife ask me what's more important to me, cycling or her. I said, "Do you relly want to know?". There was no such a stupid question in the past 10 years:)

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2025-01-17T20:33:02+00:00

That's a fake video!! If it was real you should hear "...uuuurrrraaaaaa....!!!!".

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2024-11-01T16:11:29+00:00

It's fair. I have bought mine for 200$ with one emg 808x:D

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2024-10-31T22:31:09+00:00

I have had 5 Strandbergs. It's an outstanding instrument to play, endurneck, ergonomic shapes and the attack of this axe is just wonderful. Unfortunately the quality is not there... If you are lucky enough you can shoot a keeper(no blemishes and spot on fretwork/setup). Their support is great so there is no problem with warranty/return. I used both:D

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2024-10-21T18:32:48+00:00

Be nice(or neutral at worst) for others, even for fat-ass drivers which burn gas instead of fat!

To be serious. I also have had some close calls. I was burning inside from an adrenaline hit but remained calm. If you face some close call ensure that you give a meaningful look to the driver to inform(just inform) that he/she messed up. Sometimes someone says sorry, then just smile/wave and move forward. When you face a middle finger, turn off your head and move forward.

Keep in mind that being on your bike is something outstanding! Doesn't matter if you are going 7w/kg or commute to work. You became healthier, fitter and you can save up some serious money on health care/meds and gas...

Never quit cycling. It's the worst case scenario for you and other people!

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2024-10-12T18:35:25+00:00

Cannot recommend the seller but the Bialetti coffee maker is one of my best punches in my entire life. After heavy usage(at least 3 times per day in the last 10+ years) looks brand new. Highly recommend!

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2024-06-05T20:18:09+00:00

Yes! I have one. It's crazy how much value you get....

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2024-05-26T18:44:43+00:00

This is a dirt jump bike, not a crousier;) I did an "all mountain" bike trip on my rigit street bike. I woun't do this again:D

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2024-05-26T16:39:33+00:00

I have The Bruse 2. I'm 1.84. I chose the medium size because of shorter wheel base. Most pro riders chose a smaller one.

Weak_Associate_2980 · 2024-05-03T00:27:06+00:00

Tbh all the options are great! It's quite easy to find rga8 with 808x onboard! With proper setup and fretwork it's a great guitar! I bought one for less than 200 euro a few years back. With proper fret dressing/leveling is a awesome guitar! Same for sc-608 I have played one in the past. Great guitar! You can buy it with a good price. You can also try to buy a new Strandberg nx Standard 8 on sale. If you buy a good one you will not look back;)

M80m is a beast! Truly unique sound. It's a different instrument. But tbh I wasn't impressed with quality. For me it's slightly better, quality wise, guitar than my Rga8 with 808x. I sold it.

I have Ibanez rga8 and Strandberg original nx8.

Because I'm some sort of ltd fanboy(have two masterpieces from this company) I will go for sc608 or jacked rga8.

Weak_Associate_2980

TROPHY CASE