thebob

Pyga Hyrax is worth a look if the budget can stretch that far. It ticks all the boxes and they are delivering bikes

I used some DT Swiss star ratchet grease on them when I got them. Been nice and muted since. The Deed wheels that came with the bike are another story though. Those hubs growl like an angry Pit Bull

I just hate Balwin as a matter of course. They cram in as much as they can into an area. Built to be cheapAF with zero consideration for the environment or nature. I don't know if you heard about how they built over a fuel line in the South. That is a major stuff up and no ways they can claim ignorance of the fuel line. Methinks they are greasing many palms to get approvals etc.

Those are the ones and yes, running the high engagement hubs. Very happy with them so far. Previous bike had the Giant TRX 1 carbon wheels, can't say I notice anything worse than those with the Lynes. The engagement of the hubs is brilliant though. Zero dead spot and not too loud at all. Just nice hum from the hubs. At speed, you can't even hear them

Thaba Trails today. Still super pissed at the Balwin development there.

Good spot to ride. Nothing too tech or challenging, but up to 40km of decent trails. Worth a ride for sure

That is it. In the Bill Stewart reserve

Brunox Fork Deo or the Finish Line Suspension Spray would be my recommendations. Silicone pics up sand and grit like no one's business even after it has been wiped off. GT85 spray is another solid option

@Wayne pudding Mol more pics, just cause you asked nicely. Sneaky after work break in ride.

Finally! Super stoked

Want to see if they apply this to the Genius and Ransom going forward

Almost there!

The Fox nude on the Spark suits it perfectly. Once the air pressure is correct and the rebound dialed it needs nothing else. The added feature of the Twinloc is also a plus (depending on how you look at it). What reason do you have for the coil or your wife wanting it?

Please, please, please, you are referring to pedals. Now that is off my back, the pins will damage the sole of the shoe over time. My FiveTens are two years old and there is some damage, but it seems to be holding steady. As for pin length, the further out they stick, the more grip, in general. Play around with the length to see what suits you. There is no right or wrong setting. As for new pedals, if you can't get the Shimanos to work for you, then by all means, try another brand. My Crankbrothers don't get rave reviews, but I am very happy with them

Stock spec Deluxe for now. Have my eye on a DPX2 or Float X in future

Sadly only one is mine

Progress

This could be an option. Not too pricey either: SR Suntour RS19 EDGE LOR rear shock Imperial order online (starbike.com)

I had a look on eBay. There are a few Monarchs and Floats in that size (also listed as 7.25” x 1.75”). Might be your best bet to get one quick if you can get the seller to assist with expedited shipping. Also some of the new Suntour LOR shocks as well. Might be worth having a look on Bike24 and a couple of the other German cycle shops as well

Wonder what warranty implications of the 20mm extra travel on the Epic is? Maybe get that checked out if your bike is new. I know manufacturers give you a window to add a bit of travel. The downside of the extra travel is a higher BB (which could make the handling vague) and a slacker seat tube angle. That has a big effect on climbing. I added 10mm to the front of a Scott Spark (120mm to 130mm) and I could feel it was not as happy going uphill as it was with less travel. So maybe 110mm would be a good compromise

Some other things to consider. When last was the suspension serviced. Try seals and foam rings and nasty oil will add stiction which leads to harshness. How much sag do you typically run? Maybe try a couple of % more front and rear. This should give a plusher ride, but may need an extra volume spacer if you constantly bottom the suspension after that change. You can also try a click or two less of rebound, which leads to a plusher feeling in my experience. But as Grease_Monkey said, an Epic is not meant to be plush. It is meant to be efficient, so to get the feeling you are after might mean some big changes or some big school fees

Out of curiosity, what are you unhappy about with the advice you received and your current setup?

Something is coming

Also struggling a bit with the IDT motivation at present. I honestly want to get back into the gym to break the monotony and do something different, but until the 'Rona subsides I'll keep at it. What I have found is that the group rides and workouts are a bit more engaging. Also remember, there is nothing wrong with giving the IDT a break for a week or two and going out and doing a few more real life rides

Chilly morning at Modders