Been thinking about a new bike, Knolly is on the shortlist. Alas, finding one to spin/demo is tough. Anyone have a large/xl knolly (looking at the Warden but want to try a Knolly in general) that I could throw a leg over? Coming off an XL Mojo HD that while fun has just never felt right geometry wise.
Dusty is our local Knolly rep. He lives in LA but will bring bikes to OC. Herzalot is our local hookup to get to Dusty. Warning don't ride with Dusty he has mad freeride skills and will make you feel like you just started riding. Dean
Ha, I feel like that most of the time I ride anyways. I pm'ed herzalot. Right now a Knolly or Transition are front runners for replacements for the Mojo HD. Tempted to get a dropper post, maybe an angleset, and see if those can't help me feel a little more sorted/confident on the Mojo HD, but I'm afraid I'll just be throwing good money after bad.
Buying and riding a new bike is fun. For me it brings back the stoke I always think I will be a better rider on a new bike and it is true. I do ride more aggressive on the new bike but it wears off and again it is more about me and my fears than the bike. Dean
Bizarrely, I've noticed the last 3 new chains I've had, I'm always a little faster, quicker... Then as the chain gets worn in, I'm back to my old self...
My personal experience with angle sets has not been positive. The slacker head angle makes for a better descender, but over all, the bike loses a whole lot more. The slacker angle causes the wheelbase to extend which degrades cornering, and throws off weight distribution requiring more body English for certain situations. IMHO, slack bikes are better off with slightly shorter top tubes and ultra wide handlebars. Id recommend riding the bike the way it was designed rather than opening up a Pandora's box of subtle unintended consequences. Dropper post are awesome.
I hear ya on messing with geo, but the Mojo HD top tube is really short, especially compared to most companies offerings in the 160mm category. For all that travel, the head angle of 67 just seems a little steep, especially on some of the steep, rutted, rocky stuff in the Laguna area. That's why it's new bike or new parts time, just not feeling that confident in the bike on some of the gnarlier trails. Did a parking lot test on a Transition Patrol, bike felt very good, too bad there's no demos around. Hoping to try a Knolly too (hence this thread), maybe a couple other bikes, and then go from there. Tempted by the value on Commencal, can get a pretty decent bike for under $3k. New bike is pending selling the Mojo HD though, have gotten a bite or two but not a whole lot of interest it seems. I did find a deal on a Chilcotin frame that I could swap all my parts over to, but it seems like the Warden might be a better do it all bike.
Transition Patrol and the Giant Reign are my new short list, but the transition scout felt perfect in the parking lot. Heading to WA for a few demos.
I haven't checked good ol' STR in a while. I've exchanged PMs with the OP, and we will get something arranged. I just spent three days aboard a Warden, trying out two different shocks in the process (a PUSH Industries Elevensix, and a Cane Creek Inline). The Warden felt just like my Endorphin (which is a good thing) but faster with the bigger wheels. I never quite got the MRP Stage fork dialed to my liking, but the rear of the bike was stellar, with either shock. The 11/6 is a beast of a shock, and is infinitely customizeable. The Inline was absolutely stellar too, so much so that I unbolted it from the Warden and put it straight onto my Endorphin. I am also intrigued by the Patrol and would love to try one in an XL frame. I imagine it's very similar to the Warden. Geometry is nearly identical, suspension system is very close as well. I love trying bikes!
Sold the Mojo HD, now waffling between an Endo and a Warden. Warden frame (1795) and complete (4500) deals right now. Mostly ride in El Moro/LCWP. Occasional trip to Mammoth and Big Bear. Thoughts?
I am waiting for the Warden C myself. I was contemplating the Endo 27.5, but I still have delusions of needing/wanting more than 130mm travel. The new Endorphin is described to be everything the 26er Endorphin was (incredible fun, incredibly versatile, playful, beefier than expected, etc) but slightly better in most aspects, and worse in none. I haven't ridden it, so I am repeating what various reviewers have said on the MTBR Knolly Forum. My 26er Endorphin can certainly handle anything I am willing to throw at it. The Warden is a beast that most mortals will never out-ride. It will plow through Mammoth and Big Bear with no problem and can handle anything you are willing to venture down in LCWP. Are you going to try before you buy? I believe we made an attempt at getting a Large Warden for you to try, but the timing didn't work out. Contact me again and I will get you in touch with Kevin Waterbury directly. Here's a little video of the 26er Endorphin with a modest X-Fusion Slant fork (34mm) just playing in the woods. The little bike can handle a lot! I am guessing the Endorphin 27.5 will handle anything I am willing to do. http://www.pinkbike.com/video/385426/
Cool. Details please! Build, size, color, photo... You have my digits, so give me a call/text when you get it and let's ride!
Large, blue, custom build. I'll get a pic and post it soon. CC Inline MRP Stage fork set @ 170 XTR cranks w/ raceface 32 tooth ring E 13 chain guide XT 10 speed drivetrain with E13 42 tooth granny Saint Shifter XT brakes Renthal Cockpit KS Integra 150 post WTB KOM rims on Hope Pro Evo 2s Schwalbe Magic Mary (front) Hans Dampf (rear) I'll shoot you a text. Might ride this weekend if it doesn't rain.