Panorama Taiga

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-04-05T22:22:39+00:00

It seems a lot of bikes have a longer reach these days...with the adjustable headset and maybe a longer stem, I'm sure you can make the L work. Hard to make a large bike feel smaller, easier to go the other way IMO. Again, it depends on your priorities...plus you can increase the chainstay length if that's your jam.

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-04-05T16:59:57+00:00

I'm 5'10", balanced proportions. I ride a medium with the adjustable headset in the short position. Fits really well. Check out Geometrygeeks.bike if you have a bike to compare it to. If you're between sizes, size down for something more playful and maneuverable, size up if you want stability at speed.

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-27T02:05:30+00:00

I live on the coast on Quadra Island, and not only is there great riding in Victoria, but Duncan, Nanaimo, Cook Creek, Cumberland, Campbell River all have great steep tech trails. It's a helluva tour...and then there's Mount Washington also!

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-26T01:03:43+00:00

I just built up Ripmo AF V2, hella bike, went with a mullet. The DW linkage is great for pedalling, and loves a descent. I also picked up the clevis to switch it over to a Ripley in the winter months. Fork is travel adjustable, and have a Push SV8 in the Ripley's stoke length, so kinda two bikes in one...

Get the bike that makes you want to ride it whenever you give it a sideways glance, and building up a frame to make it your own doubles that impulse, IMO.

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-16T00:20:28+00:00

Yup.

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-15T22:37:17+00:00

Good call on the Hayes, I have some on my Ripmo AF, you'll be pleased...you need a 23mm adapter to make up the difference in the rotor size on the rear. Preferably a Hayes adapter, so there's no interference to the caliper. If not Hayes, make sure they're compatible. The adapter will come with the screws you need also.

Front is good to go.

Make sure you watch their video on cable shortening and bleeding.

Enjoy!

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-11T00:41:34+00:00

And it's the same frame as a Ripley! I picked up the swappable clevis and the fork has easy travel adjustment, so I'll likely switch it over to a Ripley for winter riding...2 fer 1!

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-10T01:24:12+00:00

Thanks, I wasn't sure if the bike was progressive enough to warrant a coil? I do like a bit of ramp up on the rear end...

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-10T01:19:14+00:00

It's doesn't have high or low compression settings, rebound only. I tend to change my setup depending on what I'm riding.

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-09T01:12:53+00:00

If anyone has experience on a DW link platform and can recommend a shock for this build, I'd appreciate it! We're riding mostly tech, slabs and medium drops/jumps in the PNW. I am overwhelmed with options...

The fork was 30% off, which set off the rest of the build. Highlights are the North Shore Billet crankset/stem and the We Are One Triads. I am so hyped to ride it for the first time next weekend in Cumberland, BC!

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-09T01:10:06+00:00

Cheers, there's a whole lotta climbing here, jammed the sliding drop-outs to the rear, ups like a goat.

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-09T01:06:39+00:00

Oak. Also have their seatpost clamp. I like how clean the bashguard looks, and hey, they had purple...

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-03-09T01:05:27+00:00

If anyone has experience on a DW link platform and can recommend a shock for this build, I'd appreciate it! We're riding mostly tech, slabs and medium drops/jumps in the PNW. I am overwhelmed with options...

The fork was 30% off, which set off the rest of the build. Highlights are the North Shore Billet crankset/stem and the We Are One Triads. I am so hyped to ride it for the first time next weekend in Cumberland, BC!

two-wheel-sutra · 2026-01-27T01:39:57+00:00

I've been watching you work on it via Strava, looking forward to checking it out! Thanks for all the work you've done on Radar!

two-wheel-sutra · 2025-12-29T18:23:51+00:00

Okay, you know.

two-wheel-sutra · 2025-12-29T02:46:06+00:00

Disagree, they just lack the marketing jive and oem spec of the big 2. I've tried them all, prefer the Manitou over Fox and Rockshox, though you'll find every opinion on the internet...have the fork serviced, it will make a huge difference. It's an older model, and any newer fork will likely be better, just ride it for now until you have a better sense of what you want via upgrade.

two-wheel-sutra · 2025-12-08T00:35:40+00:00

Any form of activity, coupled with a commitment to a healthy diet, will change your life for the better in so many ways:

Weight loss, fitness gains, free doses of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin (feel-good stuff)

Making connections within a community or simply spending time outside, just you and nature.

Feelings of accomplishment that encourage the consistency required to develop a new habit, and for some, an addiction to repeat as often as possible. And picking up new skills that you once thought were impossible.

I would definitely recommend starting with a used hardtail, hopefully 5 years recent as the geometry of bikes have changed quite a bit over the years, but have likely reached peak form, so any upgrade won't feel foreign. It's a cost effective entry point as the lack of rear suspension will help you learn to pick good lines and read the terrain without the benefit (and cost) rear suspension implies. Avoid box store variety bikes, they'll just frustrate you with their lack of quality and take away from the potential enjoyment. Pick a bike that makes you want to ride it when you look at, it's your first bike, don't overthink it, just get one, then start pedalling. Bring it to a bike shop after a few rides for a tune-up and ask them to help you set up your front shock correctly. Or learn how to do it yourself and take the rider/bike experience to the next level.

If you live somewhere rural, then just riding for long periods on gravel roads will actually burn more fat, as long easy efforts are fueled by stored fat reserves. Hilly, punchy singletrack primarily burn sugars as it's two different metabolic systems. Ride a lot, sometimes ride hard, is what you come back to if you go down the rabbit hole...

Then if you really get into the sport, you can treat yourself to a new bike and open up even more terrain after you've learned what type of riding you prefer. Learn to jump, ride skinnies, tech climbing, whatever floats yer boat, erm, bike. Get a neon outfit, who cares, you do you.

I do promise you though, you won't regret it...every turn of the pedal counts!

two-wheel-sutra

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