Comments on: An Experiment In Front End Geometry: Final Thoughts

By: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:42:07 +0000

Jcolflesh: As far as I know, sometime next year. Look for a release date to be given around Sea Otter time.

By: Jcolflesh

Jcolflesh — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:29:17 +0000

Any word on when the Niner carbon fork will become available?

By: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:04:35 +0000

Steve: I’d expect a slight increase in steering quickness. You might notice that a very slight lean, or movement at the bars results in a greater response in your bike’s handling. It might show up in long descents where the bike might seem a tad bit more nervous/twitchy than before.

Specifically in terms of the On One fork, I think you will notice a more solid feel in handling, braking will be much improved, and I think you’ll much prefer the On One overall. That is, if you get on with the handling performance it imparts, which I think you will.

Thanks for reading and Ride On!

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 04:56:35 +0000

GT,
Had a good read of your research very enlightening.. One quick question….if I go from WB Rock Solid to On One carbon SL on the same frame, front wheel i.e. all the same save the fork. What are my expected handling differences? Am considering the change to go for bigger brake & greater longevity (have seen boken WB not On Ones). I realise that there is a AC differences (5mm) which of course will make a slight difference.

Thanks for your time

By: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:05:10 +0000

dan: Again, thanks for all the great comments and for following along.

I used to ride with a suspension stem in the 90’s, but I never could get the hang of it in combination with 26″ wheels. Endo city! I bet a 29″er makes a big difference in the use of one of those.

Ride On!

By: dan

dan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:35:22 +0000

Thanks for doing all the legwork, today’s options are way too complicated. Lots of sound advice. I have not near the time as you do on 29ers so I listen to your views which are spot on. I like rigid forks for handling and precision but like the shock absorbsion on suspension. Have you tried suspension stems? I’m currently running a salsa fork with a softride stem.
And my next one is with a Bontrager fork. should be about 2 pounds or less with the trans x suspension stem. I’m 52 so it makes my body feel not beat up after a 4 hour ride. so far liking the set up . Happy trails.

By: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:48:45 +0000

GLG: Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.

I think I’ll go back to a rigid fork. For my riding around here, it is all I need from a single speed standpoint. That said, the Spinner 2Nine will be there for a time, since we are testing it. Then the Blackbuck will more than likely return to either the On One fork, the rumored new G2 Switchblade, or Niners new carbon fork. (Hey! One can never try too many forks, right?)

By: GreenLightGo

GreenLightGo — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:28:30 +0000

GT – this has been a great series of posts. Thanks for doing the leg work (pun intended) and debunking some of the myths.

One question though – what will end up on the Blackbuck for the long run?

By: plesurnpain

plesurnpain — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:31:45 +0000

Thanks BunE. I’m lookinf forward to picking one up and trying it out. It will probably be a while, the snow is about to fly here. Soon I’ll be on skis.

By: Davidcopperfield

Davidcopperfield — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:59:43 +0000

Fine work for sure. since the trail&manouevrability changes why not try Hi-fi pro with 38 and 44-46mm offsets?
Why not try other FS 29ers with 51mm offseted forks? Those would add more into the mix.
Good Luck