That's come out very nicely Phil!
What do you think of it?
Cheers Ben! And for all the help, advice and inspiration along the way!
I’ve only taken it on a few shorter rides so far as it’s been a busy couple of weeks at work, but initial impressions:
It’s aggressive! And quick. I really like the bigger size, it feels more akin to a rugged cross bike when I ride it. The front end is pretty squirrely, which is taking some getting used to. That’s down to the relaxed top tube angle, combined with the steeper, shorter hesdtube, the straight fork with a more aggressive rake, and the short, steep stem. It’s a little scary going hands-off, that’s for sure! That said, it makes it really quick to maneuver on the trails and very responsive. Just interesting being on a bigger bike that feels that way.
Overall, I really, really like the geometry, and feel like it may have an outsized influence on future purchases and builds as a result.
Mechanically, and I don’t know why, but it’s comfortably the best performing of all my bikes. Everything feels really dialed-in and solid. Every shift feels accurate and you can really feel the cable tensions working beneath you, if that makes sense?
Looks like a machine, feels like a machine.
Also: it fucks.
Anyway, I’m actually taking it on an overnight camp ride this weekend, so I expect I’ll have a lot more to say about how it rides after the 60-or-so miles there and back.