A buddy of mine has the weareone unions with onyx on his enduro bike. I’ve done some parking lot spins and they seem just amazing. Near instant engagement and totally silent. I’m super jealous of his silent ride on the trails, but I just built the same rim on 240s and can’t justify the $$$ for a rebuild on onyx.
1 Like
What type of tape are you using?
Thanks. Has he had any issues with reliability? Are they the classic, or vespa?
I’m in the same boat, built up a set of wheels with 240’s thinking that the hubs would last me forever and I’d eventually upgrade to carbon rims. The 240 isn’t as quiet as I was hoping, even with a smidge of extra grease.
I’m still tempted by XTR, I need to find out what’s not good about them.
I’ve got a pair of MT500 wheels and they’re beautifully quiet.
1 Like
Shelter tape. I’m pretty sure it’s from effeto mariposa, but it is a very thick tape that absorbs lots of energy. The frame has full invisiframe with the shelter tape on the top tube. I wrapped it with racer tape to make sure it doesn’t move and it’s been there 2 years with no fidlyness.
This tape
2 Likes
Interesting observation the past week or so. A friend of mine recently picked up a 2022 Anthem with LiveValve at a screaming (closeout) deal.
He’s a much faster descender than me on a relative skill basis, however I could always drop him or push him when he was on his (previous model) 2019 Anthem.
I was convinced it was as much the extra suspension travel as geo.
Now he’s on the 2022 Anthem with the geo in line with my Spark, he’s crazy fast again. His bike definitely seems more nimble than mine and has me thinking it’s more geo than travel.
I think my bike is more versatile, but a fair bit of that could he placebo.
Definitely seems like ~67°HTA and ~74-75°STA are super ideal for fast XC.
4 Likes
Agree with this. I would add that fit matters a ton. I subscribe to the Lee McCormack school of bike fit (RAD and RAAD fitting), and it has definitely changed my riding for the better. I notice a 1cm difference in fit (measured by the diagonal between each and stack) in terms of how the bike flows in twisty technical trails.
2 Likes
There’s a piece of downhill trail which before the winter I tried to beat my own PB on my new Orbea Occam that I’d previously have failed with the Spark. The Occam is 150 vs 100mm and 65.5 vs 68 degrees HA, I thought I’d be smashing it.
I’m convinced its the nimbleness of the Spark plus the weight likely allows me to accelerate into the section start a bit faster.
So its not all clear cut.
Hey @mcneese.chad , quick question for you since you are familiar with the Procaliber (if I’I recall right)… The website states it’s 36t max chainring but I’ve seen some pros riding Supercalibers with 38t (website says 36t max for that too). Do you know if the PC can unofficially run a 38t?
I use mine for gravel in addition to XC, and a 32t is very limiting.
I do have the Procaliber and am just running the stock 32t. I’ve not heard anything specific to fit ups for larger than specified.
2 Likes
Hey thanks. I’ll probably play it safe then and pick up a 36t chainring
1 Like
I have the ICAN version built up and its been really good so far. I built it up in the fall so I haven’t put a ton of miles on it, but the quality of the frame was nice.
1 Like
Just built mine - Carbonda version. Haven’t weighed it but this was a budget build with parts taken from my previous bike. Will upgrade the Fork before race season starts and play around with the stem but this is pretty much my race rig! Love the geometry.
Its my first ever Chinese bike and am very very impressed with quality and customer support!
3 Likes
This looks amazing! Super interested. What hardware did you need to order and replace? I’ve heard that’s an issue with Carbonda.
@mcneese.chad is it time to close this thread and open up 2023 XC Bike Thread?
3 Likes
I figured I’d leave this open for a bit, since some discussions on the “old” models is still likely. Anyone is welcome to kick off a new one, or I can do it tomorrow.
3 Likes
WRT the new thread, it might be good if one of the regular forum members with an interest in these bikes makes the first post for 2023. They will have the ability to update the first post with any links or primary info if that is desired.
But if that’s not something people want, I can make it and the OP will be largely just a starting point with main content below.
1 Like
Might as well make a new thread
Yes, we are planning a new thread no matter what. The questions is WHO is best to make it.
I’m unclear who you are suggesting, if anyone (per my considerations above).
I have a 2022 bike, so I’ll be hanging out here. 
I don’t have the cash to upgrade this year, but I will lurk in the new thread and live vicariously through others…
1 Like
Sure, that makes sense to group it, at least to me. 
This is largely in your guys hands and I am just here to help facilitate if needed.
3 Likes