Finally Starting To Feel Like It’s Really Mine

"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
07/14/2019 at 00:59 • Filed to: Specialized Camber, Bikelopnik

Helmet spoiler +5 hp

Adjusted the brake, shifter, and seatpost levers on my latest 0 HP vehicle this morning from where the PO had them to my preference. Went out for a couple hours after a stray storm had passed this afternoon and got her a little muddy for the first time. Felt really really good at speed. Had a few hang ups where I had to put a foot down but I blame my lack of skill rather than the bike. For the first time that I can remember I feel like I’m limited by what I can do rather than what the bike can. I still can’t believe that I bought this thing on a total whim from a hippie on Craigslist in Santa Fe. It does still have a few little concerns - primarily that the brakes probably need bled because they have more dead travel than I’d like - but for $2750 this thing is feeling like a heck of a deal.

DISCUSSION (8)

PowderHound > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
07/14/2019 at 01:18

Do you have the SWAT storage on that? I’m hella jealous of those

BeaterGT > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
07/14/2019 at 01:29

I want a full squish so bad.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > BeaterGT
07/14/2019 at 01:52

Do it as soon as you can afford it! I dragged my feet for so long riding my old hardtail over things that I really shouldn’t have been telling myself that it wouldn’t be enough of an improvement for the price... I was wrong. I should have bought something like this years ago.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > PowderHound
07/14/2019 at 01:58

Yes! It’s awesome. You can kinda see it in the second image where I had the compartment open to get out a snack . I have a 27.5” tube, a 20g CO2 cartridge, inflator head, two tire levers, and a small ratchet with a handful of Torx bits in an old sunglasses pouch in the frame. And I had room for a Larabar. Threw a 20 oz. water bottle in the cage and it was perfect for a 2 hour ride with no backpack. There is actually storage for a multitool above the rear shock mount as well. It’s a custom piece you pretty much have to get directly from Specialized and it’s $40 so I’ve been dragging my feet on it but I probably will get it soon to get the ratchet hack out of the frame to make more space for snacks. I mean a chain breaker and a few spare links. Ah who am I kidding it’s gonna be snacks.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
07/14/2019 at 12:40

So those look like the SRAM Level brakes?

1. There is an open warranty/recall on most sram brakes from 2016-2018. The piston in the lever gets stuck in hot weather basically locking up the brakes. This is a get it fixed if it becomes a problem kind of thing.

2. The brakes are very sensitive to pad wear and air in the lines. I would suggest getting new brakes pads and a bleed at the same time. After one good bleed you should be set to replace pads only from there on out. On the levels and Guides I get about 300-500 miles from a set of pads depending on the conditions and what I’m ridding. If I’m riding the resort and 2,000 vert DH trails I can waste 50% of my pads in a day regular trail riding they tend to last a long time.

3. I you hate these brakes get a set of Shimano XT 8000's. One good bleed after installation and they are set for life.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
07/14/2019 at 12:48

Thanks! They are Level TLs. Friends at work are recommending the 8000s.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
07/14/2019 at 12:53

I can’t justify spending $250 on new brakes and rotors when the srams are still working fine for me. One thing SRAM does have going on is the 12 speed eagle group, I love that shit.

PowderHound > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
07/15/2019 at 01:56

I’m slowly making the transition to not using a pack and a SWAT would be so nice. Gotta keep the snack game on point!