[silverstang]

I bought both knee and elbow pads back in May.  About 5 days before I was going to Bentonville and then Sante Fe, and Taos, NM in late May to ride I went for a ride on one of my local bike trails but didn’t take either knee or elbow pads because I figured it would be a short 45 minute ride and I wouldn’t really need them.  Big mistake.  Road rash on my left ankle, shin, and knee big time after FOTHB trying to go over a root.  Most of the area of my leg would have been protected had I worn my knee pads.  Made my riding the following week a little less enjoyable because of the pain.  Lesson learned for sure.  Better to be safe than sorry.  Kind of goes with what my police officer brother-in-law says about his handgun:  Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.  Ride On!

[silverstang]

@trackerJack – it has worked fantastic.  Over a 8 day time frame in late May and early June I drove from San Antonio, Texas to Bentonville, Arkansas then to Sante Fe and Taos, New Mexico then back to San Antonio and it was great.  It’s a very solid bike rack with little to no play to it.  It was very steady and in my opinion is worth the money I spent on it.  I would highly recommend it.

[silverstang]

Thanks for all the research and information you have provided.  Have a great day everyone and Ride On! 

[silverstang]

There are a few other differences outside of the groupset but I can live with them.

[silverstang]

An update to my initial post about the hitch bike rack.  I ended up going with the 1.25 inch Kuat Sherpa and have used it for going on 2 weeks.  Install was simple and it stays on pretty solid.  It held up well on a 3hr car ride and was pretty stable.  I appreciate the recommendation Mr. Barber.  I did end up paying close to 5 bills but I feel it’s a good investment.  I’ll see how it holds up after about a year’s use.  Have a great day and Ride On!

[silverstang]

A follow-up to my initial post about an externally routed dropper post.  I bought the PNW Cascade and have used it for about 5 out of the last 7 days.  So far, so good.  Installation was pretty simple and it works pretty smoothly.  Thanks for the recommendation Mr. Barber.

[silverstang]

Thanks for the information fellas!  Have a great day, Ride On, and God bless you always!

[silverstang]

Thanks for the responses fellas!  What is/are the advantage(s) of the 2 in. receiver over a 1-1/4 in. receiver outside of compatibility?

[silverstang]

Thanks for all the info guys.  I’m thinking I may hold off my Colorado trip for a little later on in the year and just hit Sedona or Bentonville in May before the heat really kicks.  Ride on fellas!

[silverstang]

Thanks again for all your recommendations and information.  I think I’ll be heading to Durango.  Ride on!

[silverstang]

Thanks for the info fellas.  It’s greatly appreciated.  Ride on!

[silverstang]

Thanks for the information Plusbike Nerd.  I was considering Crested Butte and the surrounding areas as my riding destination.  If you had to pick between Crested Butte and Durango which one would you choose?

[silverstang]

Thanks for your replies.  I’m not a racer and don’t plan to race unless I do a one off race so weight really isn’t a concern.  The trails I primarily ride are singletracks and have some drop offs, plenty of rocks, roots, etc. so I guess my greatest concern would be the  functionality and durability of each.  The price difference from NX to GX isn’t too much so that isn’t a concern either.  I’ve heard different opinions and most seem to come down to preference.  I ask because I’m in the market to buy a new bike and was deciding between one with an NX groupset and another with the GX groupset and different shocks on both and the overall price difference is $500.  Thanks again for your replies.

[silverstang]

I have one more question in relation to new bikes losing 45% of their value in year one.  Example: Does that apply only to bikes that were sold in the previous year i.e 2017 or also to 2017 year models still on the floor unsold?

[silverstang]

I’ve never been there but I’ve heard Cameron Park in Waco, Texas is pretty good and has some nice elevation.  Check YouTube videos and you’ll see what I’m talking about.  McAllister Park, OP Schnabel Park, and Government Canyon in San Antonio, Texas aren’t too bad either.

[silverstang]

I don’t want to low ball it too bad but would like to get the best deal possible.

[silverstang]

Thanks for all the info/advice you all provided.   I actually read the article with the 45% depreciation in the first year.  Although we’re only 6.5 months into the year, applying that 45% loss of value from the retail price of $4499 would put it at $2475, 35% puts it at $2925.  Are those fair offers?

[Author]

Posts