Training Log Archive: carbon

Test rode a Scott Spark 27.5, Scott Genius 29 and a Trek Fuel Ex 29. I'm pretty sure I have settled on the 29 inch wheels, but I'm not 100% sure yet.

The Scott 27.5 I rode was of a model I'm not considering regardless of wheel size so the bike had a different feel altogether compared to the type of bike I'm looking for. It was hard to get a feel for what was different about the wheel size and what was the rest of the setup. The more fair comparison was the Scott Genius 29 and the Trek Fuel Ex 29.

The slight problem with the Genius was that it was Mike's and was't fully set up for me (it was too long due to a handlebar that was half an inch lower than what I would ride. Because I was stretched out it felt really sketchy. Downhill wise the Trek killed. I felt way more confident as it soaked up everything in its way. I had no issues cornering either. Flat, rooty and twist was totally great too, but I struggled on the climbs. It felt sluggish and as if it was fighting me. The effort of climbing felt harder than on my current Trek. The model I test rode was a lower end model and weighs 30Ibs. My current bike is 25Ibs. That may be a reason. The wheels weight may especially have played a role. Another thing that bugged me was that it bobbed too much when climbing when the suspension was left alone. This forced me reach down and lock the rear shock when climbing. I'm not a big fan of having to do that because it's hard to do on a technical trail, especially when moving fast.

I'm also very interested in the Santa Cruz Tallboy, but I have had no luck finding one to test ride (other than in a parking lot which is not good enough). I need to know that I will be confident on the way down and enjoy the feel of climbing. The only way to know if to test ride.

C • Bobbing might be rear suspension setup 2

A wonderful day in the mountains with a visit to Floe Lake and Numa Pass with CO and Myka. This trail is vey runnable, minus the 2-3k steep climb up to the lake (but a great hill for speedhiking)t. Spectacular wildflowers and vistas. A bit hazy due to the wild fires, but fantastic. We jumped in the lake on the way down (oh, yeah!) and soaked in a couple of rivers on the way down. Thanks Myka and CO for the fun day!

Montane climb with Misty. We were both feeling a bit sluggish from having been out running in the heat yesterday, plus the fact that it was early in the morning. It was nice to beat the heat though.

I'm still amazed that I can walk out my door and be playing in the mountains within seconds!

Thank Myka for such a fun run on G8 in the heat and, even more, thanks for the awesome dip in Quarry Lake. Who would have thought we could go swimming in Canmore! What a great Thursday evening!

I deducted some time for stops where we were discussing all kinds of fun things, like bike fitting, ultra running and adventure racing. Today it was too tough to run and talk. Mountain people are not used to such heat :)

Okay you bikers out there:

I'm shopping for a new bike, either a 29er or 27.5er depending on what I end up liking better. So far I will be test riding a Trek Fuel EX 29, Scott Genius 27.5 and hopefully a Santa Cruz Tallboy 29.

Does anyone have any feedback on either of those bikes? Likes/dislikes? What do you think of the travel of the Tallboy (4 and 4) vs. more on the others? I'm light weight and not hardcore. I don't even know if I ever use the 5 and 5 that I have on my current bike.

I know it comes down to fit and personal preference as well, but that I can figure out. The Santa Cruz CC frame is nice and light. The Trek will not be as light. The Scott may have a light option if I drop my retirement savings on it.

West Bragg Creek after work. Ran into Shane and Susan who took us on Merlin View trail. Really nice climbing and the downs were flowy and fast. Violet would kill us. Hoping to head out next Tuesday evening too.

A group ride with the Rundle Mountain Cycling Club. Legacy Trail -> Banff -> 1A -> first split in road and back. 4 sprints. It's all about timing which I'm sure will come after a few of these rides. I fell behind with CO on the first few sprints but held up on the last one; although I lost grab of the front group when I was confused as to how to hang on (some people were passing and I got stuck behind some that didn't grab onto whoever was passing and the gap was formed). Then I worked my way back on my own. I'm weak on the down hills. Some people kind of just roll by me while I pedal like mad. There is typically a big weight difference between me and the guys, and even the girls that came out. I think with a few more rides I can hold on to the girls. They were not super strong climbers but relatively strong on the flats. A fun little goal to catch the road racer girls.

C • Fast ride... 2