I saw the new Smuggler today in Wyoming (Being reviewed I think). It looks really good, and was in a deep pink color. I think 140/130
2023 Smuggler
jason333
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Smuggler got a mini facelift for the spring:
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Updates for this season:
Updates for this season:
- Cane Creek Coil IL
- Converted Helm MKII to coil
- Swapped to Hayes Dominion A4 brakes/rotors
- Reverb AXS 200mm dropper
- Specialized Purgatory 2.4” tires (T9 up front/T7 out back)
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994 Posts
Linear w/ Cascade link.
Also ran linear w/ the stock link but w/ a lighter spring (320# vs 411#)
I got one of those Reverse Components gizmos to check how much stroke I was using: Reverse Coil Shock Travel/Sag Indicator 2.0 | Jenson USA
Edit: I called CC to ask about using a progressive spring and they asked my weight, looked up the bike and said that I could but I'd never get full travel if I did...
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Update: Rolled the 50mm riser bars 2 marks forward of fork rake and flipped the 32mm I9 stem up to give me +5* rise and am loving it so far.
I see a ton of people on here making their smugglers into more of a sentinel (coil, longer fork, etc).
how many of you build them more into spurs? I had a spur years ago and sold it because the geo wasnt comfortable when seated, but im thinking about a smuggler since the TT length is quite a bit shorter.
how many of you build them more into spurs? I had a spur years ago and sold it because the geo wasnt comfortable when seated, but im thinking about a smuggler since the TT length is quite a bit shorter.
I have a 28.3# L smuggler (includes a tool bag, pedals & an insert) and it replaced my Spur.
It's 100% better, Strava proven, than my old Spur. It's faster up, it's faster on the flats, and it's way faster down. I do run a grippier front tire then I ran on my Spur but just a little grippier. Like any bike meant to be peddled really fast, tires are super key and a really tough balance to get the traction and speed correct.
I've owned a lot of high end bikes and also own an e-bike currently, but I've never enjoyed a bike like I enjoy this Smuggler. It makes me feel like a hero. I'm really fast on XC trails on it, but what really shocks me is how fast I can go on Enduro lines also.
If I had owned this bike when I started the sport 10 years ago, it just would have been a whole other level. Like an entirely different sport. I'm talking 3-4 gears higher, literally everywhere.
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Did you long shock and fork it ton140/150?
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This is really interesting, particularly the faster climbing part. Do you have any theories why that might be?
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Garmin Twist-In Frame Mount - Leap Components
Garmin Edge twist in frame Mount. Designed to perfectly fit your frame toptube! Holds your Garmin Edge securely in place thanks to the "gopro" 3M sticker
leapcomponents.com
I tested the travel both ways and found zero downside to the longer travel, with one catch: when setting the rear sag it's important to maintain the same millimeters of sag as at 130mm travel, to maintain the same pedaling performance. Not the same percent of sag. Also, the bike runs small and if you size down, the tall seat height won't pedal well.
Central Texas is really rocky. I don't think that flex stay suspensions work well in our terrain. They are just harsh, no matter what. The Spur is amazing on like pump tracks and smooth terrain. It almost shoots you forward on the backside of smooth jumps.
I won't buy a non Horst Link bike again, not for this terrain anyways.
The Smuggler is just much easier to ride fast here, maintaining traction and comfort notably better.
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budgie, the climbs here in Central TX are steep and rocky. The bikes that climb well here will have a certain balance of antisquat, rear center length, and leverage rate.
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Holy ****! That might just be what I'm looking for.Garmin Twist-In Frame Mount - Leap Components
Garmin Edge twist in frame Mount. Designed to perfectly fit your frame toptube! Holds your Garmin Edge securely in place thanks to the "gopro" 3M sticker
But... I'm still nervous about the tape. It clearly must work, but... I am worried regardless. Guess I will have to give it a shot though.
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It can hold GoPros on to jets and F1 cars; you should be fine.
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Question for anyone that applied ridewrap to the Smuggler in the Orchid color - did you go with matte or gloss?
I just picked up a Smuggler Frame... it was a closeout from Transition in the Orchid color... So that pink/purple. I'd like to order the kit now, but I haven't seen the color in person.
Thanks!
I just picked up a Smuggler Frame... it was a closeout from Transition in the Orchid color... So that pink/purple. I'd like to order the kit now, but I haven't seen the color in person.
Thanks!
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I went w/ matte on mine and it matches pretty well (but is slightly glossier than the paint).
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How do you look at that?
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Thanks! Wanted some confirmation that matte was the move... I ordered it up.
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Honestly I try not to while I’m riding, but it’s not too bad. The screen is big enough, display clear enough when I actually do look at it.
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