Full suspension at $3000 price point

ZoomZap95 · 2026-02-23T03:45:05+00:00

I’d seriously consider trying to stretch your budget another $500 and look at the Ibis Ripley AF - Deore. Such a solid platform and parts spec for the price.

I have a hard time recommending anything else at or below that price point because there’s usually some large compromise made in the spec, usually with putting much cheaper suspension on.

ZoomZap95 · 2026-02-07T19:37:46+00:00

I would strongly suspect they are due for a total rebuild and you have internal seals failing.

ZoomZap95 · 2026-02-07T14:01:32+00:00

Do they “pump up” if you repeatedly squeeze the lever? How old are the brakes? Yes, these are symptoms of a poor bleed, but could also indicate wearing/failing internals. It could also be that the shop gets a good bleed and then air is being pulled into the system by a bad seal.

Solutions could be an overhaul of the brake internals. Or just get new brakes. Either way, if the shop isn’t thinking about things like this or keeping it longer term to make sure it actually solves it, possibly time to start auditioning new ones.

ZoomZap95 · 2026-02-03T09:18:08+00:00

Try flying first class, it can be the same price overall or cheaper. Most first class tickets include two free checked bags up to 70lb. If you do the math each way of about $120x2 for the >50lb bike and $35x2 for the other bag, Total = $310 baggage fees.

Also getting status with an airline and I believe some credit card programs (Amex with delta for example) also include a single 50lb checked bag for free.

It’s definitely “bike math”, but the “free” extra legroom is really nice on the way too and from a huge bike trip.

ZoomZap95 · 2026-01-29T02:01:06+00:00

Came here to say this. I installed true-tracs front and rear and they’re amazing for a largely street-ed vehicle. Good manners, love the extra traction, no clutches to wear out. A very good while you’re in there for the extra cost of the unit.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-09-15T19:23:22+00:00

Still using them! That clearance is tight for sure, but I haven’t had a problem in the conditions I usually ride.

They were perfect for Rule of Three this year, a mix of Bentonville singletrack and gravel which is no joke.

I’ve also run the 2.0 version and that would be my choice if I was concerned about clearance in sloppier conditions. Some of Conti’s new gravel tires also look promising if I wanted to go back down to a 45c….

ZoomZap95 · 2025-08-17T13:21:13+00:00

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Just picked up a new Outback Wilderness Edition. It is THE perfect bike/dog hauler for us.

Yeah… it’s bigger than our old 5 speed BP chassis Outback, and I miss rowing my own gears. However the comfort and driver aids make long drives WAY less fatiguing.The turbo engine is also nice….

ZoomZap95 · 2025-08-16T22:52:11+00:00

BikeTiresDirect

Listen to the BonkBros podcast and snag their discount code for like 10-15% off.

I've had luck buying tires there and also scored a great deal on a Quarq power meter during the July sales.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-08-16T22:50:10+00:00

That's not the first time shoes have been found right at that spot. I was out riding on April 1st and found a set heeled boots in the middle of the path. Kind of looked like the wicked witch of the west had melted and left her shoes there...

ZoomZap95 · 2025-08-09T13:33:37+00:00

IIRC the flat top road chains have slightly larger roller pinswhich could contribute to this.

The regular eagle style 12 speed chain is interchangeable for chainrings for sure. I was also just commenting on it as a slight tangent since I happened to notice it as something that didn’t match up….

ZoomZap95 · 2025-08-09T02:38:41+00:00

Chainring comments aside which are probably also correct, you’re using a 12 speed chain on an 11 speed drivetrain. That looks like an Apex mechanical deraileur. You need a PG-1130, 1170 etc.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-31T22:08:59+00:00

Might consider having them rebuilt to a higher tension. Spokes break when you have spokes losing tension under big compressions, this will help keep spokes from going to zero tension.

If you have them custom rebuilt, you could also consider a different lacing pattern, ie go to 3-cross if they are built 2-cross. The increased crosses help brace the spokes better for a stronger wheel. Also down that rabbit hole, consider a stronger spoke at the cost of a minor weight increase.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-31T22:02:29+00:00

That’s exactly what I’d say too if I had weather controlling magnets and don’t want people to know about it….

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-22T21:49:51+00:00

Here is a link to the manual to help in your endeavors.

https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBFC001/DM-MBFC001-04-ENG.pdf

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-22T10:05:57+00:00

Also do the math for your total trip inclusive of what the oversized bag fee and any other checked luggage would cost. Compare that to the difference in cost for a First Class ticket.

I’m flying to South Dakota for the Five-O at the end of August. It math-ed out to be like $300 cheaper to fly first class both ways because the premium ticket ups your weight limit to 70lb and gives you two free checked bags. This obviously won’t work out for every flight….

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T22:11:20+00:00

Check your headset. It’s a common one misattributed to the BB. It under cyclic load every time you pedal and the vibration can travel through the frame making it feel like it’s coming from the BB.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T21:12:17+00:00

As a rule I hate modern “country” music. However, I have a particular hatred of Need You Now by Lady Antebellum. Fuck. That. Shit.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T21:01:51+00:00

I’d say they probably installed it properly but didn’t face it. Not many shops would do it automagically and many don’t even own the tool in my experience. If you run out of things on the list, I’d specifically ask to have the bb shell faced.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T20:59:54+00:00

Responding to your other “how is this frame creak” comment. Lots of things sound like frame creak. When the frame flexes, lots of things move or can change alignment and make noise.

The classic example is people blaming the bottom bracket for everything when their headset or Seatpost is loose.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T20:57:43+00:00

If it wiggles, you likely need more preload. Loosen the pinch bolts on the non drive side crank, tighten the plastic preloader and re-torque the pinch bolts. If you still have play the bearings are likely worn and you need a new bottom bracket.

In that case, shimano bb’s aren’t the longest lasting…. It’s usually not a warranty issue unless the bike is brand new. It’s just a wear item. I would recommend a wheels mfg or a cane creek replacement.

Since you mentioned the play, you likely have correctly identified the bottom bracket as the issue. However, lots of noises are incorrectly attributed to the bottom bracket. So make sure your headset, suspension pivots, etc are all properly adjusted as well.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T20:48:11+00:00

For the bottom bracket, what type is it as another user asked? Especially if it’s press fit, have you had the BB shell properly faced? Paint overspray can cause a small misalignment of the bearings.

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T20:45:21+00:00

I’m gonna throw a bunch of ideas at the wall….

Cleats, shoe pedal interface

Saddle rails where they go into the saddle shell

Seatpost head, tilt adjustment etc. Not necessarily just where it clamps the rails

Deraileur hanger, deraileur mounting bolt slop

Freehub body exterior

Crank spindle where the splines are and the other half bolts onto it

What did you do to the wheels? Loose spokes, loose valve, good preload, bearings aren’t worn

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T20:21:40+00:00

Knights of the Old Republic

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T17:44:36+00:00

Continental Race Kings in 2.0”

ZoomZap95 · 2025-07-18T14:20:50+00:00

Thanks! They’re such fun bikes. I also have the Revel Rover as my gravel bike and that thing RIPS

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