weeksy wrote: ↑Wed Mar 02, 2022 7:43 pm
Reply from Trek
Hey Steve, thanks for reaching out! That is actually normal for the Fuel EX - the end caps are smaller than the dropout themselves. I have 2 Fuel EXs on hand and they both have the same design! When tightening your axle, it will all smush together in harmony. -Mitch
Well, either way, the frame comes with a lifetime warranty. So it's all good.
Just been testing and get a load of gear slippage in 8/9/10/11, the others seem OK. I'm going to steal a mates wheel to see if i can work out if it's a cassette or a chain issue. I've got a new 12sp chain arriving today anyway as a spare for the toolbox, but i don't have a spare 12sp cassette.
It's a slightly interesting one as i've pinged Balfes who were brilliant on the tyre issue, but i do accept it's a pre-used bike of course.
It's running a SRAM XG-1275 which is bonkers expensive lol. !!!!
Thats a bit boring, usual mech alignment checks OK? I usually find new chains on worn cassettes makes matters worse. You could alway fit a bigger chain ring at the front.
"Of all the stories you told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't?"
"My dear Doctor, they're all true."
"Even the lies?"
"Especially the lies."
Borrowed a mates wheel... smooth as silk. So it's a cassette/chain issue... but the chain looks newish, so i'm guessing it's a worn cassette with a new chain issue.
Also fitted a spare 12sp chain, again it still slips.
Balfes have asked if i'm OK to take into the shop to diagnose, which whilst a little inconvenient, is fair as they don't know how good/bad i am at spannering and diagnosing issues etc.
I then wrote this email to the sales guy and his boss.
Hi Gee,
That was a most unusual transaction with a bike store.
I turned up and the lads knew who I was, what a rough description was of the issue and the history of the bike.
They then listened to my diagnosis and troubleshooting and took it on board.
The bike was then checked, tested and found to be a cassette issue as I suspected. It was discussed with and and then replaced by your guys quickly and tested.
They then sent me on my way with a smile.
Let's just say, it's not often you get this level of service from either the after sales or the mechanics in bike shops, and I've dealt with a lot in my time.
If only you were 50 miles closer, you'd be my go to bike shop.
Say thanks to the lads.
And thanks to you too.
Fab service from Balfes in Gatwick, even if it's a VERY weird place to find as it seems to be in the middle of the airport.
Nice to never get problems but definitely the measure of a shop that if they do create an issue it’s solved without hassle.
"Of all the stories you told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't?"
"My dear Doctor, they're all true."
"Even the lies?"
"Especially the lies."
weeksy wrote: ↑Tue Mar 01, 2022 4:45 pm
The Trek has a few nice features. Well apart from carbon frame, carbon chainstays, carbon wheels and carbon bars lol. 2022-03-01_04-42-19 by Steve Weeks, on Flickr
Mino link / flip chip. Changes the geometry to be more climb or more descend focused.
Tried it in both high and low position today. I was surprised to feel the difference and notice it. It's not usually my strong point.
The lower position was first and the bike feels ace. I'm the higher position it's all a bit Salsa Spearfish, a bit XC and on top of it.
Just to be contrary I'm not a fan of low BB's, on natural rocky stuff they can be a pain, more pedal strikes and scraped BB. My old Rocky Mountain Element with a fashionably low BB caused me a few exits via the top floor balcony after some large pedal strikes on the lumpier trails in Friston (some of the trails run across the last furrows ploughed before the forest was planted).
"Of all the stories you told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't?"
"My dear Doctor, they're all true."
"Even the lies?"
"Especially the lies."
MingtheMerciless wrote: ↑Sun Mar 06, 2022 7:31 pm
Just to be contrary I'm not a fan of low BB's, on natural rocky stuff they can be a pain, more pedal strikes and scraped BB. My old Rocky Mountain Element with a fashionably low BB caused me a few exits via the top floor balcony after some large pedal strikes on the lumpier trails in Friston (some of the trails run across the last furrows ploughed before the forest was planted).
MingtheMerciless wrote: ↑Sun Mar 06, 2022 7:31 pm
Just to be contrary I'm not a fan of low BB's, on natural rocky stuff they can be a pain, more pedal strikes and scraped BB. My old Rocky Mountain Element with a fashionably low BB caused me a few exits via the top floor balcony after some large pedal strikes on the lumpier trails in Friston (some of the trails run across the last furrows ploughed before the forest was planted).
It's the extreme fashion thing, isn't it - push it until it becomes untenable?
The Bird Forge is meant to have a very low BB - and won't work with 170 cranks or bigger.
I can understand that FS BB get lower / higher depending on suspension stroke - but on a HT, when the front dives, suddenly a hyper low BB becomes a plough.
weeksy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 06, 2022 1:23 pm
Fab service from Balfes in Gatwick, even if it's a VERY weird place to find as it seems to be in the middle of the airport.
I've only just realised the Gatwick store is the old Evans warehouse, round the corner from P&H.
Looks like they've got a few old Evans stores (as well as Finch's of Reigate).
Yeah we like this thing It goes really nicely and brings confidence when riding.
Still not really pushed it on anything techy yet, but where i live there really isn't anything techy to ride as such. But it is fast, comfortable and effective. I'm not quite as effective as it is
Gearing now works a treat as you'd expect, all gears silky smooth.
It fair flies along this thing. I did 2 trails i know well and are a bit pedally a bit rolly. I wasn't quite on KOM/PR pace, but pretty darn close and conditions are not exactly ideal currently. I think with a bit more getting used to it, i'll be up there. Even though i'm arguably not compared to my 2017 self.
Forks are a little too firm, so need to drop a bit out of them.. Apart from that, it's lovely. My fears of handling seem slightly (completely ?) unfounded and i'm not experiencing the issues i thought i may. Admittedly i've not been on that tight terrain yet, but signs are good.
If you lock out the shock a FS 29er pedals faster than anything else. OK, courtesy of the FS it's a bit heavier than a hardtail, but for normal mortals on anything other than smooth surfaces it's faster and much more comfortable (imo).
"Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people." - Giordano Bruno
2022-03-03_01-21-26 by Steve Weeks, on Flickr
2022-03-01_04-42-19 by Steve Weeks, on Flickr
2022-03-10_04-18-37 by Steve Weeks, on Flickr
