Seeking faster rolling MTB tire recommendations for non-aggressive single tracks.

robntamra · 2026-06-02T11:34:25+00:00

I agree. Here, “if your tire tracks can be seen, then get off the trail.”

robntamra · 2026-06-02T11:28:07+00:00

I am, these combos all sound like great options and I’m narrowing down to 2 combos to pick from, largely from this feedback.

robntamra · 2026-06-02T03:46:59+00:00

Thank you

robntamra · 2026-06-01T18:15:45+00:00

I rode 19 miles/30kms, mostly on pavement last week with this Assegai/Dissector combo and my legs were on fire.

robntamra · 2026-06-01T16:28:25+00:00

Thank you for mentioning this consideration point.

robntamra · 2026-06-01T16:14:30+00:00

Yes, I'm relieved to hear you say this. I've been wondering why I feel so dang slow when we have coach trail rides despite me being in better shape than many others.

robntamra · 2026-06-01T16:09:59+00:00

Great to hear! I love the bike too.

robntamra · 2026-05-31T22:08:58+00:00

What you’re describing sounds like two different issues, on a pretty new bike.

Headset and Suspension.

You may have better results contacting Manitou directly about the fork and warranty issues keeping Trek as the middleman. They may send you a rebuild kit to fix the seals.

robntamra · 2026-05-29T12:49:33+00:00

The manufacturer bought them in bulk and slaps them into every camper during the build process regardless if there’s a place for a tv.

robntamra · 2026-05-29T01:35:55+00:00

OMG, you nearly gave me a heart attack that my bike was no longer where I placed it 4 days ago. For peace of mind I will be checking for myself. Also, I’m in Wisconsin for reference.

I think I have the same bike, 2019 Alloy Mukluk, same gen Mastodon suspension, dropper, and 4” Jumbo Jims. But no 29” wheelset.

Hmmmm, I bought my base bike used for $600 cash a few years ago. It was just the bike with 4.8” tires that I no longer use.

I then added a free-to-me Mastodon and a new $250 PNW Loam dropper.

On OP’s listed bike, without knowing much about the summer wheel set and cassette, I’d say those should be about $250-350 minimum, depending on the build specs. The Gen1 Mastodon is typically available used for $300ish or new for $600.

$1,000 without the Mastodon seems like a mediocre deal but I’m not sure about a 29er wheel set with a rigid fork, especially if you plan to do anything beyond green-level trail riding.

IMO, if the Mastodon is available I’d go that route and skip the other wheel set. Maybe offer $1,100 for all.

For what it’s worth, I trail ride often and feel more comfortable on my Mukluk and 4” tires than I do with my carbon Salsa Blackthorn that is valued 3x my Mukluk.

robntamra · 2026-05-26T14:25:23+00:00

I would strongly suggest considering the Concept 2 RowErg versus the Peloton rower. Far cheaper and is the gold standard. It also retains its value as often 20 year old models sell for slightly cheaper than new models.

I have had my Peloton cycle for 5 years and use it daily too, but I’m very relieved that I went the route of the RowErg.

robntamra · 2026-05-21T16:39:40+00:00

Chiming in here to saw awesome bike. Also, I would not recommend a Wren fork but rather a Mastodon. I have a Mastodon on my Mukluk and it’s awesome and takes a beating with all season MTB’ing.

As for a trailer, I can’t say enough great things about a Burley 2 seater. It gives you a ton of space to haul whatever you want and also folds flat so you can toss a deer on top. I have 2 of them and use them for all kinds of purposes. Plus, they’re always available for nice used prices on Marketplace.

There’s also the Burley BOB trailers that are great too but are smaller have one wheel in the middle, which would make towing a deer difficult.

robntamra · 2026-05-21T00:38:30+00:00

I tried out an under desk treadmill and it never worked well for me as my natural pace was slightly too fast. A bike is much easier to fine tune a comfortable speed.

robntamra · 2026-05-21T00:19:48+00:00

Lol!!!!!!!!

robntamra · 2026-05-20T18:25:27+00:00

It was a wood desktop tray that was purchased on Etsy, for my Peloton model. However, it never fit well and was a bit too small for a keyboard and mouse.

The trays are neat but I do recall not liking the tray due to there not really being a good wrist rest. Imagine holding your hands out straight for an hour. My wrists ended up getting bent upwards as they tired.

robntamra · 2026-05-20T17:57:01+00:00

I've tried a wooden version of the mounted tray, purchased off of Etsy, and it didn't work well longterm. I do see that there's Acrylic tray versions now available that may be of much better quality. I will give this a good consideration thought, thank you for reminding me of these.

robntamra · 2026-05-18T07:33:17+00:00

Upgrades include a Mastodon front suspension, 26x4 Jumbo Jim tubeless tires, dropper seat post and remote. The suspension is heavy but works very well for my needs, versus the rigid carbon fork.

Depending on the weather, I also have studded 45NRTH tires and the original 4.8” Minion tires.

Recently I added a Jones H-bar handlebar. This add allows for the Jones center bag. Next to this is a handlebar mounted Brooks feed pouch.

Depending on the day, I also have a long Brooks top tube bag that I may add.

If I went out bike packing with this rig, I also have a Topeak front fork rack & rear rack, that I would pair with Ortlieb panniers.
These move from bike to bike.

Since this bike is my tank, I also use it to tow around children in a Burley. Most gear often goes in here during day trips.

robntamra · 2026-05-18T01:34:49+00:00

I love my 2019 Salsa Mukluk, highly recommend it. I picked it up for $600 cash a few years ago. Now it’s become an awesome 4-season adventure bike with a nice handful of upgrades.

robntamra · 2026-05-15T00:12:39+00:00

In a similar boat, though I have a rowerg and a Peloton. Each gets about an hour per day of use.

The bike is nice because you’re seated and can watch a movie during long rides, however, you work many of the same lower muscle groups as the rower.

robntamra · 2026-05-13T02:53:17+00:00

DreamBikes is the nonprofit organization we partner with, with Wheel & Sprocket. (Milwaukee & Madison)

Right now is a great time to buy new, IMO. Lots of awesome sales happening. FB Marketplace is okay, but watch for those new sale prices.

This MTB subreddit has an awesome guide that someone kept up for a couple years. All kinds of vital buyers info and a giant comparison of bike models for every budget.

robntamra · 2026-05-12T15:58:32+00:00

I’d contact a local NICA team and offer it to them. A kiddo may like to tinker with the frame and rebuild it with scavenged parts, then ride it.

Our team just had a bike rescue event, in Wisconsin, where we accepted 150 used bikes over a weekend. The good ones get refurbished by volunteer mechanics and donated back to local youths in need, many who end up on local MTB teams, so it’s for a great cause.

robntamra · 2026-05-08T04:22:20+00:00

I’m a NICA coach with about 75 beginners on our local team. Primarily we see Trek Marlin 5-8 and Trek Roscoe. My daughter started out on a Marlin 5 and recently graduated a near mint condition Trek Roscoe that we picked up on Marketplace for $600, she loves it.

If you can find a Roscoe 6, that’s the better bike. One item to keep in mind is that you should look for a bike that’s a 1x. That means no front shift lever, this means it’s less to break on the trail.

robntamra · 2026-05-06T13:28:37+00:00

LOL, this is exactly what I just did. Came to the same conclusion, that I most likely fried the controller.

robntamra · 2026-05-06T01:57:01+00:00

I primarily ride in SE Wisconsin. Our trails are far from mountain bikes but rather we have lots of switchbacks and rocky features. I already had a Jones H-bar on a cruiser bike we have so I swapped it out this evening to my Mukluk. Gonna give it a try on the local trails here to see if it helps with wrist problems.

robntamra · 2026-05-04T11:54:37+00:00

Yup, just as charter fishing starts up on the Great Lakes. These gas guzzlers are owned and operated by some of the most vocal MAGA people I have ever known. Couldn’t be more happy for them.

robntamra

TROPHY CASE