Ride before you buy Part 3

The third bike that was tested was the Specialized SWORKS Stumpjumper FSR 29. I knew from the start that I will not buy this bike as it is currently retailing at about R80 000. Specialized's philosophy is that they take their time to set up the test bikes properly and they put you on the best bikes in their line-up. While not ideal when looking to evaluate a specific model in the range, it does afford riders the opportunity to see and feel what cutting edge bikes are like. The bike sports 130mm travel which is adjustable downward to 105mm. To adjust the travel you simply change the dial on the crown and you place some pressure on the handle bars. It then adjusts downwards. The 130mm Fox Float provide ample confidence on the test track and while the bike was kitted out in an XX drive train, the X9 / X0 drive train on the Expert would provide very capable shifting and the added advantage on the Expert is that the bike comes stock standard with Formula T1 brakes and the Command Seat Post. I rate these brakes and currently ride the Formula R1's on my Zula, so spares for this brake set could easily be doubled up on both bikes. The bike was surprisingly capable on the technical sections of the test track and the difference between this bike and the Stumpjumper FSR Comp tested in January was small, but notable. There is very little that I would change on the Expert which makes it a very attractive option. The other difference between the EVO and the Expert FSR is that it comes with the Specialized Brain technology on the rear suspension. The concept of setting up your rear suspension and letting damper valves decide when you require an effective system (valves closed with light and quick knocks, as when climbing) and when you require a responsive system (open when you are taking hard impacts on the suspension) is an appealing one. The Brain could also be set on how sensitive it would be for these differences in impact, so it is possible to change the bike from a 130mm trail bike to a rather efficient 105mm fully locked out XC bike, all be it on the slightly heavy side compared to say the Specialized Epic. I like the look and feel of the rear suspension as it seems to be the complete package with regards to setting it up and basically forgetting about it. The riding position does not differ much from the EVO and with the added brain technology and comfortable riding position this bike may well be a very comfortable multi stage bike, provided that you are not riding for a podium. The bike is positioned as an aggressive XC bike with a solid trail pedigree and the bike will afford me the opportunity to expand my technical skills to the extent where I will truly look forward to the more technical sections on the trails. I rate the bike as follow: Design 8/10 Ride quality 8.5/10 Value for money 7.5/10 Suspension tech and feel 9/10 Overall 9/10 In summary the Stumpjumper FSR proved to be a versatile bike that excels in technical, rocky, "rooty" trails provided that you are not airborne for long periods. It was surprisingly nimble, but not as nimble as my 26inch Zula. It climbs well and will be rather light at below 12kg's. The adjustable travel and brain system on the rear shock makes this a great choice of bike for riders that can only have one bike. My concern that this would be a Jack of All Trades, but a Master of none was expelled very quickly and at a Price tag of approx R45 000 (I'm sure that I can get the bike shop to sharpen their pencil a bit) it does not exactly fall into the affordable price range, but I could not find any area where Specialized skimped. The wheelset (Roval Control Alloy Disc 26mm 29inch and Roval Control Hubs), suspension and drive train are all solid choices and would suffice for most riders .

Ride before you buy part 2

The second bike tested at the Tokai edition of Bicycling's Ride before you buy was the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert EVO 29. The bike could best be described as a Stumpjumer FSR on Performance Enhancing Drugs with the specific aim to provide a true trail experience all be it with wagon wheels. There are some subtle differences. The Head tube angle is slacker at 68Degrees, the BB has slightly more clearance and it sports a 140mm Fox Talas fork that can be adjusted more or less on the fly to 110mm travel for those longer climbs. The Fox Talas fork also have 34mm stanchions. The 130mm float has 32mm stanchions. The 34mm Talas provides additional stiffness which combined with the more robust Roval Traverse 28mm rims opposed to the 26mm rims on the Stumpy FSR. The handle bar is wider at 720mm and it also sports the Comand Seat Post, Specialized's proprietary dropper seat post system. Having not ventured into the deep dark underworld of true trail riding and the thought of doing more Gravity orientated riding has not even entered my mind before, this bike gave me brief glimpses of what would be possible. While being nervous on the technical descent on the Pyga, I was looking forward to the section on the EVO. The EVO made light work of the technical section and being able to carry much more speed into the section meant a much more enjoyable experience overall. I enjoyed using a dropper seat post for the first time and can truly see the merit in investing in this technology regardless of bike choice where bikes come with more than 120mm travel. The EVO really tickled places that was not tickled before while mountain biking and would be a worthy choice, provided that the buyer is willing to drop R50 000. It is definitely tempting though. Design: 8/10 Value for money: 6/10 Suspension tech and feel: 9/10 Overall 8/10 The overall experience was a surprisingly pleasant one in that the bike does what it is supposed to do very well, with the capability to bite off a lot more than what I am willing to throw at it right now. If my skills were of the nature that I was confident in doing more Gravity oriented riding this bike would have been a very strong contender for BC Bike Race.

Ride before you buy part 1

The venue for the Bicycling "Ride before you buy" outing was Tokai. Perfect in many ways for the bikes that I was to try out in that the short 4km couse offered a little bit of everything with short steep climbs, some twisty tight single track and some smallish drop offs with roots, rocks and the odd tree stump. First bike up for testing was the Pyga OneTen 29. Patrick Morewood's latest masterpiece. The bike tested was specced with Shimano XT all round with a Rock Shox Monarch RT shock, providing 110mm of travel and a Fox Float 120mm fork. Wheels were XT hubs on ZTR Arch Rims The bike seemed to climb reasonably well with only the slightest pedal bob with the Monarch on locked out. The rear suspension is built around a suspended damper that essentially lets the suspension "float" between the shock and the chain stays. I suspect that over time I would get used to it, but it didn't inspire confidence on the technical section. I had a small "off" in one of the turns with a drop off right before it, so for the rest of the technical section my nerve left me and I opted for a short portage. My Morewood Zula would gobble that section up and should i consider this bike, I would need to up my skill-set a lot to actually enjoy the bike. The attraction in owning a botique brand like Pyga is that you can build it exactly the way you want, and if you have high end components on a 26 inch bike you can easily put them over onto a Pyga to reduce your build cost. As built the Pyga would cost in excess of R40000 which is rather expensive for an aluminum bike. I rate the Pyga as follow: Design 7/10 Ride quality 7/10 Value for money 6/10 Suspension tech and feel 7/10 Overall 7.5/10 Summary: The overall experience was better than the individual aspects, meaning that it would not be a bad purchase. The rear suspension is interesting, but did not suite my riding style

Dreams to reality

Last year when my bike got stolen, I went on a mission to get a bike that I want for a while, Trek remedy carbon, 2011 9.9 model cause of it's colour.  Between search the classifieds and talk to the agents it was a miss. I "settled" for an Ibis Mojo SL which was great spec at bargain price.

On new years eve I spot a remedy on the classified. 5mins after I email the person I decided it will not be fast and good enough and gave him a call. I arranged to have a look the next day. 1 January 2013. After sleeping in and recovering from New Years activities I confirmed that he is home before I go to have a look.

I got there and the bike was standing in the sun. It is so stunning. High spec and so light. Checking the bike I felt the fork is not well be he did say it needs a service. That and some other things I use to after loads of negotiations got a price bit down. I felt I like a 5 year old on christmas morning.

The money was not really there to be spend but how do you say no to your dream bike becoming available after 6months of searching. My plan was to try and find one in Canada when there for BCBR but now it is not needed anymore.

The bike had an Crank bothers Joplin post on which is know for play in many places. All though it did not effect my ride after a few days use the seat did not want to stay up. I clean and stripped it( small service) and discovered I was leaking oil. Now I did not really use its function as I learn to ride technical with seat up. Off it go and my Thomson post go in. At this point the bike was weighed and tip the scale at 12.01kg for 150mm all mountain bike, WOW. Anyone that picks it up cant believe how light it is.

After some TLC on the fork the ride is great. I still need to get the fork settings dialled. The way it handle jump landings is like landing in butter. It is so smooth. Roots and small buts is handle great too.

The brakes on the bike is Formula R1 which is basically new, so much that the hoses have not been shortened to the correct length yet. The front and rear has 180 rotor. Now I'm use to 180 front but 10on the rear locks so easy, almost to powerful, has taken some getting used to.

Normally when you get a secondhand bike there is load to do to get it to your own requirements that your happy with. On this bike much. I had to get the fork serviced, brake hoses shortened, and put on some protective tape for rubbing. Otherwise the bike is great. At some point maybe want to put on a wider bar as 710 feel just bit small.

Getting the protective tape on the curves was challanging

After so riding with it I'm LOVING it. The Ibis got the back seat for now and here the problem as well.  Both bike is kind of the same things. Now I can make the Remedy I play/go crazy bike by making it bit more beefy, and make the Ibis the lightweight long distance machine. At the moment the only thing not really needed to change on the Remedy to be made play bike is rims. On the Ibis the wheels and fork is the heavy items. Not sure what I'm going to do yet.

Get some air on the Paarl DH course

The past weekend I gave in to some friend try to get me in to doing downhill event with them. Paarl DH course is not that long but it is hard work. On my 3rd run on practice day my conti rubber queen front tire decide to fail. Luck for my I have learn for others and my self to take a spare tire. The only one close enough for dh use was a 2.35 high roller, which in the end performed well. The bike handle great through the whole weekend. The owner was just bit scared of the jumps, not willing to risk it 2 weekend before my 2day Lighthouse to lighthouse race. The super light weight compared to dh bike meant I could accelerate much better and with soe hard pedal did not do to bad. Got 26/38 in open men class.

This is really a do it all bike. It pedals well enough and is light enough to do any long distance event, and cant take enough of a hit to do DH races at respectable pace. This is exactly what I wanted.

Next for the bike will be a new Conti Rubber Queen for the front and want to give Specialized Ground control a go for the back wheel. Also considering try to get hold of an DRCV fork. The DRCV tech in the back shock works great.

Bike spec:
2011 Trek Remedy 9.9 Carbon
Older talas lower with newer upper kashima coated and taper steerer
Industry9 hubs with ZTR355, 15mm front axle, 12x142 rear
Formula R1 brakes
XTR shifters
XTR direct mount front derailleur
XTR rear derailleur
XTR crank with bashgaurd and 36 middle blade
Thomson stem and post
RaceFace sixc handlebar
Angled headset 0.5 slacken