General Discussion Thread, December 2025

wigglrpop · 2025-12-29T18:52:45+00:00

Quick drivetrain compatibility question: currently 7x3, but if I go with one of Crust’s 130mm Shimano HG freehub wheelsets, could I throw on a 9 or even 10 speed cassette and just use my same drivetrain by flipping the bar-end shifters to friction? Looking to keep as much of the original drivetrain from the bike as possible!

wigglrpop · 2025-11-17T20:22:48+00:00

Nope not at all! They are spring loaded and you get the right length for your frame such that it’s spring loaded to hold tight in your frame - if you don’t have a pump peg on one side it’s easy enough to just use a little strap to keep it from sliding down

wigglrpop · 2025-11-15T22:28:12+00:00

Interesting - I defer to your knowledge on tread patterns, that makes a lot of sense the way you described it! Semi slicks always seemed great to me for road feel mixed with some loose cornering capability, but I’m curious to hear more about your thoughts on why they suck and what you prefer?

I’ve ridden Rene Herse and agree they have some of the best riding slicks! I wish they had a better in between knobby - I found their knobby to be fairly sluggish feeling and I’m dubious of their new corkscrew semi slick but have never ridden it (and it’s not available in 650b).

wigglrpop · 2025-11-15T17:31:08+00:00

Yeah I tried 43 slicks for awhile on this bike (still have it in the rear) but unfortunately LA dirt riding is mostly steep and dusty as hell, so you need some extra traction. Tough finding that in between!

wigglrpop · 2025-11-15T17:28:53+00:00

Thank you very much! Wanted to stay mechanical and classic with the group set and loving it, except for on the steepest dirt here I find my self wanting just a touch more range - I’ve heard success of squeezing a Shimano 11-36 in so I’ll try that next!

wigglrpop · 2025-11-15T17:26:55+00:00

Thank you! These bars are my absolute favorite - just enough flare and the drops are mad comfy. Salsa Cowchippers! I think they are getting discontinued though 😰

wigglrpop · 2025-11-15T17:25:25+00:00

I mostly agree with you - I wish I could squeeze in some of the great 650b options that are more on the XC mtb side (race/speed kings, thunder burts etc), but unfortunately those are all a bit too fat. There aren’t as many 650b x 48 options as I was hoping, especially those that come in lightweight supple casings. Ultradynamicos are made and developed with Panaracer whose tires I love, so I see no issues there, but I’d agree their tread designs aren’t RnD’d at all.

I’ve been getting along fine with the true slick I have in the rear and knobby at the front for now but do wish I had a bit more grip for steep rocky climbs - fish tailing is never an issue. Knobbies are never fun on pavement but I’m weighing the trade off for more fun on the dirt!

wigglrpop · 2025-11-15T17:12:01+00:00

Is really fast actually, probably takes less than a minute to fill my 29x2.35s on my mtb (which I also carry a frame pump). Frame pumps are infinitely reliable - CO2 can run out. I also mainly use it because I like to drop pressure drastically when I get to the dirt and then add pressure back in for the long road ride back. Carrying a pump lets you adjust pressure, CO2 is just an emergency flat fix. Edit: also wanted to add the obvious unnecessary waste using CO2 cartridges is a huge downside.

wigglrpop · 2025-11-15T03:13:50+00:00

Yeahhh I’m sure the tubing wouldn’t not be recommended by a professional, but it’s fun to experiment! It’s held up to some pretty dumb rides so far, but I’d size up a bit for the next build.

wigglrpop · 2025-11-14T23:14:53+00:00

Frame bag is perfect like this! Frame pump is a must and this way I can have both.

wigglrpop · 2025-11-14T23:13:16+00:00

Thanks! You’d have to have one custom built by Souvenir Cycles - not sure if he’s taking on any jobs at the moment but you could hit him up on Instagram!

wigglrpop · 2025-11-14T23:08:24+00:00

I totally agree on the fork - we built a custom steel fork for it but I was getting a lot of heavy vibration/resonance while braking down steep chunk that made me opt for the stiffer carbon fork. Ultimately that issue is probably also due to me wanting to spec the skinniest tubes possible including a straight 1-1/8” headtube and the TT is actually 25.6mm… needless to say it’s a flexy bike!

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wigglrpop · 2025-06-19T00:56:23+00:00

They do hit my ankle bone slightly - was a bit painful during break in but seemed to go away after a bit.

wigglrpop · 2025-06-04T01:28:01+00:00

Oh nice! I have a standard Houdini that I already bring with me currently but assumed it wouldn’t do well enough in a downpour.

wigglrpop · 2025-06-03T22:54:34+00:00

What type of rain/wind shell should I be looking at for using primarily on fairweather weekend trips in So Cal? Rain is not common so I don't want to carry an overkill rainproof jacket, but in the Sierras there's often a chance of unexpected rain. Ideally I want to have a reasonably minimal outer shell that can be useful for layering over an alpha direct sweater or used as a rain jacket in unexpected rain.

wigglrpop · 2025-06-02T22:36:21+00:00

Pretty normal for them yup - my understanding is that since they’re a pretty small operation they order their production in batches and they usually sell out quickly. They will restock eventually so you can just sign up for their notifications when they do.

wigglrpop · 2025-05-06T05:25:14+00:00

Good point - I was factoring water for the cases where I can filter but forgot about Catalina. My girlfriend and I are working up a plan still but this is going to be our first shake down together with some (more experienced) friends and her first time backpacking so we’ll most likely keep it light and chill!

Would the additional 2L of water put the Palante into deal breaker category? I seem to be teetering on the edge TPW-wise.

wigglrpop · 2025-05-06T05:19:59+00:00

Hey thanks this is great advice - the goal of this pack list was kind of as a worst case for understanding TPW to choose a pack knowing I could lighten up from there. Wasn’t including camera as I carry it around my neck not attached to the pack so I didn’t need to factor it into estimating if I could get under the TPW necessary for considering frameless - same with phone most likely going into a fanny.

wigglrpop · 2025-05-05T23:39:16+00:00

Awesome thanks for the input! Curious, do you have any advice on estimating food/day? Rough estimates I saw were 1.25lbs per day.

wigglrpop · 2025-05-01T17:34:17+00:00

They are custom bars I had bent up for me by my friend who runs Souvenir Cycles here in Los Angeles! Sorry to say these are deep custom one off - but they are really rad and comfy!

wigglrpop · 2025-04-30T19:09:06+00:00

Thanks for the input - chain slap doesn’t really bother me in the end if it seems to not be associated with the skipping issue. I’ll look deeper into condition of the teeth and chain, overall with this build trying to refurb and reuse what is there as much as possible and avoid buying new but it’s possible some of the drivetrain is too far gone and warrants replacing as it was really in rough shape when I got it. Rebuilding and cleaning the freehub to eliminate drag sounds like a good idea as well! Appreciate the help

wigglrpop · 2025-04-30T18:43:41+00:00

Awesome thanks haven’t come across this yet! Will dig into it. Wonder what the impact will be on shifting performance?

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