My Chumba XCL follow up...

[Mudman]

This is my follow up since my last post about finally purchasing my XCL.

Everything has proven to be very well built and still needs just a little bit of dialing in. I've owned the bike now for just short of a month...

My first ride was very nerve wrecking as it was a new feeling both from switching over from hardtail and riding clipless for the first time. The next couple rides made it obvious the bike was built to last as my big crash at the Santiago Oaks ride proved.

The crash at Oaks left me with a sprained ankle, back pains, stiff neck, sore wrists, jammed thumb, and a left heel that has yet to stop hurting. All of this came at the cost of only a bent rear wheel, which Adrenaline fixed no problem (thanks guys)

Since then I have only been riding faster- being able to improve only because I ride with such great people. Not going to name names because theres just too many.

The bike rides great, and only gets better with every ride. I have recently decided to get a chain guide due problems with my chain coming off. A shorter stem may soon find its way onto the bike in the near future as well.

This is not a review just some thoughts and opinions about my riding experience since getting my Chumba. Everyone has been nothing but Friendly and a sheer joy to ride with . I've yet to meet everyone but hope to have the privilege to as I ride more.

[jeffj]

I would try to either buy a few different cheap stems to try, borrow from friends or see if you can get loaners from your lbs so you can try a few out before you sink some dough in "the one".

The one that's in this pic looks on the short side already. Sometimes they don't work out like you thought they would.

I used to find all sorts of different stems for $5 to 10 at Performance in the bargain bin. Perfect for this purpose.

[Waldo]

Some shops are very cool about exchanging a stem if you try it and find the length to be wrong. I dropped from a 110mm to a 90 a few months back to help me get further back when descending on my Burner. The trade-off is that the front end wants to wander much more on steep climbs. Something to consider...

Might also want to consider taking a week or two off to heal up, amigo!

[Chucko]

I've had my XCL for about 3 months now. Thanks to ChumbaJason for hooking me up. Here's mine just before the first ride:



In this pic it's mostly the standard Chumba build kit but with Juicy 7s and a TALAS RLC fork. Since then I've made a couple of minor changes. My build is more towards the stout XC side of things.

I also switched from a hardtail, but I've been riding clipless for a decade or so. No major crashes yet; one dumb stall-and-fall-backwards on a short steep pitch that put some scratches in the chainstays. The paint is no longer virgin, so I can quit worrying about it!

[Mudman]

I've actually got a 65mm on there right now, and still feel a little stretched out. Maybe its because I'm used to the short feeling of a BMX.

Adrenaline has changed mines for me about 3 times now no problems... although Dave might think I'm just trying to bug him... Can't wait for the next ride to see if my chain guide helped any, although I noticed a HUGE changed in the front derailer all of the sudden changing gears much better now.

When are we going to race our XCL's waldo?

Originally Posted by Chucko

one dumb stall-and-fall-backwards on a short steep pitch that put some scratches in the chainstays. The paint is no longer virgin, so I can quit worrying about it!

I've done the stall and fall backwards on a steep before and landed on a nice big rock. Messed up my back!
Now thats its not a virgin, time to give it a beating! I dont baby mines at all anymore- I figure its going to get scratched anyway so might as well have fun doing it.

how do you like those lock on grips eh? Took one to the chest 2 weeks ago that left a pretty nice bruise/mark.

Great looking bike btw

[Chucko]

I switched the grips for Ergons. The lock-ons are cool but I have wrist problems. The Ergons work better for me.

[Mudman]

Originally Posted by Chucko

I switched the grips for Ergons. The lock-ons are cool but I have wrist problems. The Ergons work better for me.

you still got them lock ons?

[Chucko]

Yep, still have the Chumbie lock-ons. PM me if you want 'em, I'd be happy to let them go for a couple of bucks plus actual shipping (I'm in NorCal FYI). In the short time they were on the bike they picked up some minor scratches. I'll take some pics.

[DownhillWebKook]

Wow. That bike looks pretty damn good. I would love to try one of those out. The angles look good, the bb height seems okay, and the chainstays are nice and short. Must be nice.

Try shortening your chain and bit and running a shorter cage der. if you run into persistent problems with your chain coming off (shouldn't with the e13) OR if you get a lot of play. It'll make your bike shift a little quicker and it will cut down on the noise of the chain slappin' around...oh and less weight (hahaha).

Thanks for the follow up.

[Waldo]

Chucko, that is a beauty and is almost exactly the build I want (I'd probably pick the RP23 over the DHX, but it's not a dealbreaker). Love the color too.

Mudman, we'll race them when I get one...and when I can figure out how to make you 20 years older & slower, like me!

[Mudman]

Originally Posted by Waldo

Chucko, that is a beauty and is almost exactly the build I want (I'd probably pick the RP23 over the DHX, but it's not a dealbreaker). Love the color too.

Mudman, we'll race them when I get one...and when I can figure out how to make you 20 years older & slower, like me!

HAHA, I'm young I'll give you that. But during the Oniels ride I believe- you were way ahead of me. So dont count on my young age to be a factor, I've got the lungs of an 80 year old.

It would actually just be more of a pleasure to ride with you because theres simply not enough Chumba owners around..

Originally Posted by DownhillWebKook

Wow. That bike looks pretty damn good. I would love to try one of those out. The angles look good, the bb height seems okay, and the chainstays are nice and short. Must be nice.

Try shortening your chain and bit and running a shorter cage der. if you run into persistent problems with your chain coming off (shouldn't with the e13) OR if you get a lot of play. It'll make your bike shift a little quicker and it will cut down on the noise of the chain slappin' around...oh and less weight (hahaha).

Thanks for the follow up.

Hello,

I believe Chumba is having a demo day soon. Give Chumba a call and let them know you are interested. If it were me I'd try to demo one just to ride a new bike for fun

The cage der. is already a medium... So far there are no problems with the chain AFTER getting the chain guide and for obvious reasons.. To my surprise the bike actually shifts a lot better after getting the guide. Weight wise doesnt bother me really because my next bike should be 40lbs or heavier (freeride). Not a weight weenie here!

Its funny because everytime I leave the shop it would seem my bike just gets heavier and geared towards a short travel freeride bike.

[Chucko]

Originally Posted by Waldo

Chucko, that is a beauty and is almost exactly the build I want (I'd probably pick the RP23 over the DHX, but it's not a dealbreaker). Love the color too.

Yeah, that XTR Gray photographs nicely!

The DHX Air is part of the standard build kit, but the RP23 is a factory option too.