Monday, July 23, 2012

The non professional WTB Frequency i19 TCS rim review

So I've been so impressed with the new WTB Frequency i19 TCS rims I thought I would give you some feedback on them after my second trip up to Downieville this past weekend. First I need to clarify that I'm not known for having the best line choices by my riding buddies! not that I don't have a agenda when I'm pointed down the trail but the fact is if I think to much about the line I'll screw it up anyways! Regardless these rims are very strong and for a 185lb rider, shitty line choices and rocks galore on Butcher trail (man it's getting tore up!) I've yet to dent or burp them! I'm running a WTB Bronson 2.3 AM TCS on the front and Wolverine 2.2 AM TCS rear. Also I'm running them tubeless (who doesn't?) and on that note this combo that WTB has created the TCS rim/tire is the best sealing set up I've used yet! They hold air for days! These are also very light rims at 385g so if I want to go xc racing I can bolt on some lighter rubber and park the Reverb for my Thomson and be ready to race at a sub 25lb's!

So there you have it another review from a guy who likes to ride.

For more info on WTB check out their site
http://www.wtb.com/news/

Liking the brakes so maybe the next review?

Sean

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The non professional Santa Cruz Blur TRC Review

Thought I do a little review on my latest ride a Santa Cruz Blur TRC with a modified SPX build kit.

First off I want to say that coming off a 29er back to a 26er wasn't a big change as I would of thought.Yes the 29er rolls faster if your not pedaling and does handle the small chop nicely and takes less thought in climbing technical stuff but that being said I've found I haven't missed those things since I've been riding the Blur TRC. This thing fit's perfectly between my last Blur Xcc and my Nomad Carbon, Light at 26.3lbs with a XT kit and a Reverb seat post.I'm running a 1x10 with a 35 ring up front and a Lopes guide and Crank Bros Egg beater pedals.This things climbs like a goat! much less effort than the 29er by a long shot! I removed the 10mm spacer from the fork to get the full 140mm travel on the Fox fork and added Easton Havoc carbon bars and a Thomson 70mm stem and this thing rips down hill and tracks really well! Also with all the comments of "Pedal Strikes" in the reviews out there I hadn't had a issue even at Downieville on Butcher Ranch on my second day on the bike! Putting the fork to 140mm did raise the BB a 1/4 inch so I'm sure that help:) The Shimano XT components are top notch and the XT Brakes are unbelievable how much power they have even running 6" rotor front and rear!
The WTB I19 hoops with the DT Swiss 350 Hubs work perfect and the WTB Bronson TCS AM front tire and WTB Wolverine TCS AM Rear are a great compromise between XC and DH trails (Tubeless of course with Schwartz Special Brew Sealant) Also Santa Cruz did a great job on cable routing on this bike, no open cables and a guide added for a seat post! The Fox RP23 is the best I've ridden so far it really works well compared to the previous models along with the Fox Float fork you can tell Fox is at their prime!

So hope you find this review interesting as it's my first review:)

Time to ride!

Sean