Okay guys, get ready for the roller coaster ride. Sorry for the long post but……
After receiving the frame and building it up I had to wait on the B2 Yari fork to arrive. Once it did we found out that SRAM changed the post mount on the fork and a new adapter would be needed. I managed to make one on my own to get her running for my first trip out with my Friday morning crew. Bike finished and rollinTrial by fire would end up being the them for the next 5 days.
Back to Friday. I noticed right away how well the bike pedaled up to our trail head right away. Even without the pro pedal lever on the DB Air. On the first drop in on our gnarly intro down into Aliso Woods Canyon, we railed 5 oaks and the big 29x2.6 front tire was super confidence inspiring. I made it down safe and sound with nothing falling off which was a plus for a brand new self-build (including wheels!). The Saint brakes came in to full power about halfway down which was helpful. The bike turns really well as advertised in spite of the big wheel and just rolls over stuff. After the first trip down, I let a few dudes ride to the next trail entrance on our main canyon trail and they loved the stance and how comfortable the bike was. And all of these guys are on solid carbon HEKs (High End Kits). One guy said he wants one! Down the next trail I felt even more confidence and the Nobby Nics did a nice job as did the Rekon on the rear. I adjusted the stem to come up a bit since I was used to riser bars on my GT and that helped a ton. Down the next trail called Mentally Sensitive. I noticed even more that I wasn't getting that last bit of plush from the Yari so I was hoping I could get that adjusted. At beers later that day one guy suggested we take it and break it in at Snow Summit in Big Bear so the 4 of us convinced our wives that it was in their best interest to let us go somehow so off we went the next morning.
From dusty gnarl trails to the packed, bermy, jumpy goodness of the bike park. With the seat all the way down, we hit the lifts and started railing the downs. The bike was just awesome. Super, super stable is the best way to describe it. It simply bailed me out of some poor techniques and launches with that 29" wheel, I just knew I'd be riding this bike for a long time to come. Again, in the midst of brand new, florescent carbon bikes, the mixer either stood out or faded to the background. I can't decide which. Almost everyone loves the raw finish though. It's so throwback and I took a step further with the Chromag leather-looking saddle.
After the day was over, I was amazed to find that I hadn't crashed or bailed at any time even with my adjustments not completed. Another testament to how easy it is to ride. My buddy says "Hey we need to go ride Mt Wilson Shuttle in the Los Angeles Hills" "That's like Disneyland on a bike!" Okay we'll put that on the bucket list since it's about 1.5 hours away from our normal domicile.
Here’s a video of the first half of a run and then I switch to try my buddies Trek Session. But the first wood ramp was some poor technique saved by the big front wheel.
Sunday,.... the family and myself head up to Pasadena for some pre-holiday fun so I throw the bike on the back of the SUV as one of my in laws wants to do some riding on Monday. He's more of a climber so I figure we'll ride to the trail head and we'll see how well this thing really climbs. He says to me "Hey, ever heard of the Mt Wilson Shuttle?"
Mt. Wilson shuttle is a 14mile downhill with some serious exposure and some epic gnar. Super risky riding. We didn't see any other riders going down but man it was epic. Lots of history up in them hills but let me assure you, you better pay attention to the 10ft in front of you at all times as there is usually a 30-40ft drop off on at least one side of you most of the time. The big wheel really helps hold a line and just motors over rocks when you have to. I'm never going back to 27.5 front now. It's that awesome. Just point and shoot. Another great ride with the new mixer.
Now that’s a big front wheel. Suddenly I don’t feel so cutting edge with the Mixer.
After the ride the family and I jumped in the car to head home. Suddenly an idea pops into my head- San Dimas is right on the way home. I ask the wife if she would indulge my wishes to visit Brent Foes shop and see if he would autograph my bike and talk for a few minutes. It all works out. I stop at the shop and Brent's having lunch and he comes out and we talk a bit about how awesome the bike is and he signs off on my new ride.
It was the perfecta on top of the trifecta. I can't imagine how it all came together. A super intro to my new world of mixed bike... now that I think of it, maybe I might name my bike "Karma"
I also rode on 4th of July as a precursor to the debotchery of BBQ and beers and confirmed that I wont stop thinking about swapping the Yari 150 for a Lyrik 160 anytime soon. So, as luck would have it, today, while on Pinkbike, I found a new, 29 boost 160mm Lyrik not 5 miles from my house at a hellavu deal. Done. More to come!
Erik
