Has XC embraced 130? 120 is the split between trail and XC for me personally.
The 100mm forks were the split for XC before the 34-step cast and the 35mm SID came out. Weāll probably see Rockshox launch a 130mm SID to match the 34SL next season, and that 10mm fork travel is just part of the bike fit to adjust stack height & geometry.
When you had to go up to a Pike or full weight 34 to get 130mm it was half a pound on the front end and really changed the feel of the bike IMO.
I did Little Sugar MTB on a Rekon Race rear with a Vittoria Airliner, trails were extremely dry and blown out with lots of sharp rocks. I had been told to āleave the XC tires at homeā and I have punctured everytime Iāve been to Bentonville so I was okay with that. I had intended to run a regular Rekon in the front but ended up flatting while we were doing a training ride the day before and I was not about to start a race on a compromised tire even though it eventually sealed up. Luckily, I always travel with a spare tire and threw a Vittoria Agarro on the front and even tho my OCD wanted brands to match, it performed so much better than my original choice anyway. I did also run a liner in the front which was nice as I was able to ride back on the flatting front tire vs walking back. When I got done with the race there were several inch long gashes from tread to bead on the Rekon Race that went through the first layer of rubber but never deep into the casing/threads so no sealant weep or loss of pressure so I was very happy with the durability even if they do feel quite slower than a lightweight XC tire. Iād opt for the insert, helps against pinch flats, allows you to run flat ride, and does let you run lower tire pressures which can give you that extra grip on loose trails.
Probably have to switch to the 31.8 bar for more options
Iāve got a bunch of Kovee Pro stems and really like them, but when I moved up to 120, I swapped out for a regular Bontrager Pro -17 and a 31.8 set of bars.
As forks keep getting longer, and BBs lower, designers will have to find new solutions to fight higher stack heights.
My idea is to make the stations more like DH bikes and use cafe racer-style clip-ons. 
Can you please explain this?
What would be your thoughts on a Rekon Race Front and Rear for the Little Sugar course?
yeah but thatās trail bike weight
too high rolling resistance, use dubnitals or ricks
wait the epic Evo frame the same as the epic?
Iām signed up for it, based on the conversation here will run Barzo / Mezcal Trail casing as they are a known quantity. Too bad Ray/Ralph doesnāt have a burly option.
Held up well and I liked the āgripā but they arenāt the fastest/lightest. I was prioritizing no flats and I made my MPH goal so I was happy with how they performed. Would run again if I didnāt have the opportunity to test out other options. The Barzo/Mezcal combo in the trail (not XC) casing was ran by a member of our group and he raced a hardtail with no issues. Those seem to be lighter/faster depending on which size you go with.
Yes, exact same frame. Thereās a flip chip in the shock pivot that is in a different position for Epic 8 vs Epic 8 evo. The only outlier frame is the epic 8 S-works that has hose routing through the head tube and also nixes cable routing options for mechanical (so only supports wireless drivetrains and dropper). I went with an Epic 8 because I generally liked the components that came with it, but much prefer the understated paint/logos on the Evo frames.
Iād say thatās a solid choice and would be near the top of my list for the race.
It is basically using a known weight to check what torque number powermeter is reporting. Most powermeters including Quarq supports this by showing the static torque in their app. You just calculate the expected torque from weight and crank arm length and check if pm is reporting the same. For good pms it is bang on or under 1% difference.
Finished up my epic 8 Sworks build and it is 19.82lbs without pedal or cages.
To head off critical commentary. I actually prefer when people report weights without cages and pedals because not everyone uses 2 bottle cages and not everyone uses the same pedal platform. I can reweigh with 2 sworks cages and xtr pedals if someone wants me to.
To head off commentary #2. Yes I ride without a dropper. I know itās holding me back. Yes I probably suck at mountain biking. On the other hand I ride mainly endurance races with more time spent climbing or on the flats than descending. Iām not riding huge drops or feature. I learned to ride with no suspension which means I am too old to risk injury and I rode so much without a dropper that I donāt know how.
My large S-Works Epic Flight Attendant build weighs in 23.14lbs in the following config:
Large S-Works Epic Frame
Flight Attendant with dual sided Quarq PM
Fox Transfer Factory Dropper
ENVE M5 Carbon Bar
ENVE 65mm Alloy Stem
ENVE M5 Pro Wheelset
Schwalbe Racing Rick Addix Speed Transparent F/R 2.4
Silca Sealant - about 4 ounce per wheel
XTR XC Pedals
SQlab 611 Ergowave Carbon Saddle 140mm
No cages
Nice build! This is mine.
Medium S-Works Epic Frame Matte Carbon Ride Wrapped
Flight Attendant with dual sided Quarq PM
SRAM Transmission with 10-52 Cassette and 34 tooth chainring (will downsize)
Darimo Carbon Seatpost
Roval Control Combo Bar and Stem (60mm)
Nextie Omega with Carbon Spokes and DT Swiss 180 Wheelset
Continental Dubinital 2.4 Race Compound
Berk Saddle
Trickstuff Piccola HD Brakes
No cages
No Pedals
Speaking of buildsā¦Iām looking for some advice on an upgrade path. Iād say Iām relatively aware of XC components, but certainly not to the extent of those in this thread.
Background: primarily a gravel racer, spend a lot of time on the road, and ride a Yeti SB130 on the trail. Iām interested in more XC races and hold a Leadville entry via the lottery. While I donāt own an XC bike (yet), my wife got a Cervelo ZFS-5 120 last summer when they were on deep discount. Lucky for me, we both ride a medium, so I could upgrade hers. Here is the current spec with weights as best as I can find:
(weight is 11.75 kg without the XTR pedals and cages)
Where would people start with upgrades for performance? Where am I going to get my most bang for my buck? I hate the Level brakes and would probably switch to XTR (which is what I have on my Yeti). I have a pair of We Are One Triad Enduro wheels on my Yetiācertainly not an XC wheel, but would probably be a nicer ride than the bottom of the barrel Race Face?
Meh, the only weight that matters is the weight when itās ride/race ready. To include, cages, pedals, mounts, sealant, etc.