u/backhanddowntheline

I think the pace of innovation in mountain biking has truly been astounding but at the same time, I am amazed that it took until about 2016 for head tube angles to slacken out. What was going on with bikes in the 2000-15 range? Was anybody trying slacker tube angles during this time? Were they not positively reviewed? Was it because bikes during this time were heavily influenced by cross-country racing geometry? Was it because of limitations in how stiff they could make suspension forks? Even a 2015 stumpjumper has a 68° head angle.

Have any other folks tried this new DT Swiss DEG DF hub? I am finding it has a profound impact on downhill riding— bike is noticeably calmer and quieter, it feels like there’s maybe an extra 20mm of travel. Basically like adding a high pivot to a regular bike. It does make the jumps a little tougher, especially on the 20° setting.

I have this on my DH bike, so it’s a little hard to talk about uphill performance. I think the 10° setting would still be fine for uphills, but definitely not the 20° setting.

Any recs for a bike bag that can handle a large DH bike? My wheel base is 1300. I see evoc used to offer the Bike Travel Bag XL, but it looks like they no longer do. Thanks!

Any recs on grip strength trainers for MTB? I noticed that some of them have individual finger options, seems like it might be helpful for strengthening the braking index finger.

Is anyone familiar with the ticketing process at the French Open? It looks like all sales are done through the official site (even resales). However, the site is currently only showing one day out of the two week tourney with any tickets available. I was hoping to get a grounds pass for next Wed or Thu. Do I just need to check the site constantly to see if anything shakes loose? Or maybe I am out of luck? Thanks!