I got one from my wife for christmas. Its a 2009. I am using the stock tires, and they are great for what i do with the bike, i would say about 20% road and 80% off road on a mix of fire road, single track, and just riding through the parks.
I ordered a set of avid shorty's as i was worried about the stock brakes, but after a few rides in the cold, wet, winter conditions we have here at the moment, i really dont think i need to change the brakes, the Tektros are working great, it sounds like it might be an adjustment.
I am playing with the gearing now, the stock gearing is great for the road and commuting, but it was a bit much for me in the winter trails and single track, i found it was ok on the relatively flat stuff, but when it got steep, the gearing caused me to spin if i put the power in that i needed to go.
Overall though, i am stoked about the bike, and cant wait for next years cross season. I see myself using this bike for quite a few different jobs.
I ordered a set of avid shorty's as i was worried about the stock brakes, but after a few rides in the cold, wet, winter conditions we have here at the moment, i really dont think i need to change the brakes, the Tektros are working great, it sounds like it might be an adjustment.
I am playing with the gearing now, the stock gearing is great for the road and commuting, but it was a bit much for me in the winter trails and single track, i found it was ok on the relatively flat stuff, but when it got steep, the gearing caused me to spin if i put the power in that i needed to go.
Overall though, i am stoked about the bike, and cant wait for next years cross season. I see myself using this bike for quite a few different jobs.