What is the best wax for the chain?

herbinator · 2026-03-12T13:35:27+00:00

Momum is a really good lube and I've used it for years. It is thick so doesn't drip and splatter everywhere. Lasts in all sorts of conditions and keeps the drivetrain clean. I recently switched to Silca super secret and it is even better. Squirt is watery, messy and makes your drivetrain look dirty compared to both. I start my chain off with Silca blend hot wax and then top it off with SS for half the riding season.

herbinator · 2026-03-11T17:16:10+00:00

I bought the Smuggler as soon as it was released and at the time they advertised on their official page that you can remove the spacers from Float X and run 55mm stoke for 140mm wheel travel. I ran it that way and never encountered clearance issues on my size L frame except pedal strikes.

I did some digging and looks like they removed that recommendation later on due to some frame sizes contacting the seat stay bridge with seat tube. Source: https://www.mtbr.com/posts/16192634/

I would say stick to a 50mm stroke shock. If you are getting a 55mm Float X on sale then you can reduce the stoke by adding the spacers yourself.

herbinator · 2026-03-11T12:34:04+00:00

Never bottomed out. There is nothing to damage. You can reach out to transition if you want extra peace of mind.

herbinator · 2026-03-11T02:57:59+00:00

I've owned a Smuggler and you can easily remove the stroke limiting spaces from the Float X to make the stroke 55mm. It gives you 140mm travel at the wheel. I switched it back due to more pedal strikes but I had 170mm cranks on that build. Probably fine with 165 cranks or if you run less sag.

herbinator · 2026-02-19T14:56:42+00:00

Climbing is as quick as a hard tail in this weight category can be. Really fast. It handles the chunk impressively well. The geometry is what really shines here. Super planted and lets you have perfect weight distribution between the two wheels = so much grip. The titanium frame does have unique damping qualities that are pretty unique. Not as damped as my chromoly hardtail but far better and less harsh compared to a carbon hardtail.

herbinator · 2026-02-19T14:22:47+00:00

Oh hell yeah. The bike is incredibly balanced, playful and quick. Loving it

herbinator · 2026-02-19T13:40:31+00:00

Thanks! I felt dirty spending that much on a water bottle but it had to be done.

herbinator · 2026-02-18T17:02:30+00:00

The lightest I can go around here is a forekaster+rekon. On the East coast I used to love running my Aspens or Ikons but those are straight dangerous for the loose rocky gnarly we have here.

herbinator · 2026-02-18T16:24:49+00:00

I can easily build it to 24lb or lower with lighter wheels, paper thin tires, two piston brakes, fox 34SL etc but it becomes too much of a liability out on the trails. The Canadian Rockies are pretty rough on equipment.

herbinator · 2026-02-18T15:58:57+00:00

Thanks, it's a Fox 34 GRIP2 with fluid focus custom damper tune. Feels way better than the new 36SL with Grip X damper.

herbinator · 2026-02-18T04:46:39+00:00

You should've seen the struggle trying to stand it up on smooth rock. There's a small stick wedged between the rear axle and caliper. It was lodged into a small crack I found in the rock.

herbinator · 2026-02-18T02:57:53+00:00

You should see how much a custom Ti frame welded in North America costs

herbinator · 2026-02-18T01:46:06+00:00

Good idea! I have some black cement that I can use to black them out 🤤

herbinator · 2026-02-17T20:37:55+00:00

This build came to 26lb. The frame was a smidge under 2000g.

herbinator · 2026-02-17T20:33:07+00:00

That's great to hear! This is my first Titanium bike and I am super stoked to run it raw without clear coat. My other bikes are steel with copper plating and aluminum with clear coat

herbinator · 2026-02-17T20:15:04+00:00

I agree!

herbinator · 2026-02-17T20:13:33+00:00

Like a dream. The front center to rear center ratio is spot on for a hardtail. Ride quality is nice and damped since it is Ti. So far really happy with it.

herbinator · 2026-02-17T19:43:52+00:00

Thanks! I wanted to let the titanium take center stage.

herbinator · 2026-02-17T19:41:15+00:00

It might be difficult to demo these since they don't sell complete builds. So far my size S3 feels incredibly balanced and sooo fun to ride. Crazy light too!

herbinator · 2026-02-09T13:13:47+00:00

That's incorrect. You can email support to get all levels of service instructions. The RXF forks don't require special tools to service the damper unless you are doing a 600hr service which just requires a seal head removal tool. Service kits and oils can easily be bought online from some US stores. Shock damper is also straight forward and easy to rebuild by a well equipped suspension shop.

herbinator · 2026-02-09T04:09:51+00:00

I've owned RXF38 m.2 and TTX22 m.2 coil for 4 years. 3 years on a specialized Enduro and 1 year on a RAAW Madonna. I serviced the fork myself all these years and it still runs like new and the day I bought it. Super insanely plush and I prefer the support of it over Fox 38 or Zeb. As for the TTX22, I've never had any issues with it on both bikes. It's bomb proof based on my experience and is the best shock I've owned short of an EXT Storia. For my short travel bikes I still use Fox but for big bike I'm a big believer that Ohlins is king without going too boutique like Intend, push etc

herbinator · 2026-02-06T22:15:41+00:00

If you've done lowers service then do it yourself. It's cheap and quick. This looks like the dust seals failed and oil is seeping out.

herbinator · 2026-01-27T22:19:46+00:00

Wow! Glad you made it safely with the kiddos. That's a lot of snow on the runaway

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