I sucked it up and picked up the Specialized mentioned in my previous post
(Stumpjumper FSR Pro 120). I took it out right away for a short loop to try
it out.
I started at the bottom of Aliso/Wood Canyon. I went at a medium pace on
the initial flat section just to get used to the new integrated shifters and
the fact I was using riser bars for the first time in 15 years. It was a bit
weird but it does feel a bit more comfortable.
Hitting the fire road I pick up the pace a little. So far so good. The
back tire is responsive to acceleration and I feel little to no bob with the
rear shock (Fox Septune) at its medium setting. I can tell right away even
on this easy fire road that the lateral flex I grew used to on my Sid was
much less. The front end holds a beautiful line.
Reaching the bottom of Cholla I set the shock to its stiffest setting and
start the climb. Using riser bars for the first time, I am concerned about
keeping the front end solidly on the trail in front of me. Sure enough I hit
a steep section and the front tire is washing out all over the place. Wait
a second, the fork is adjustable. I stop for a second and dial it down from
130mm to 100mm. That is much more like it. The front tire sticks like glue
wherever I point it.
I did not notice any bob at all, but the shock absorbed any annoying bump
that came my way and the back tire did not lose traction for a second. Very
impressed with it's climbing ability, I will just have to remember to adjust
the fork appropriately.
Now for the fun part. I reach the top of Rock-It and start down. It feels
like I'm on rails, the tires rip through the corners with not even a hint at
sliding. I reach the rock garden and bomb it. Still holding a line like
you wouldn't believe. One complaint though. I was getting smacked around a
bit on big bumps, the fork is a bit snappy on big compressions. I'm going
to give it a few rides to see if it just needs to go through a breaking in
period and then if I need to, fine tune it to suit my style.
So far, I rate my new rig an 8.5 out of 10. Once I get used to the new
setup though, I know it will be very close to a 10.
ChrisG