Part 2 -- e-MTB 8 months on, aka, "I am the One & Only - The True Real Muppet"
I thought I'd update my story as a total novice to MTB. If you only read posts of consequence then Id stop reading now. The whole post comes with a Public Health Warning -- I'm a Beginner , any opinions or facts are tainted by the additional fact that I haven't a clue what I am talking about.
8 months ago I set out my thoughts and reactions having discovered e-MTB during COVID. I was going through my computer filing and re-read the original stuff that I wrote. I vacillated between cringing at my naivety at the time and thinking was that really only 8-months ago ? If you are really sad with nothing else to do want to cringe with me then feel free to read it on here
Anyways , it gave me the idea of writing up what the last 8 months have thrown-up in my continued love affair with a Big Blue with Rubber that hums -- and I still haven't had to change the battery despite almost daily use.
I have to say a genuine "thanks" to the folks of this forum who continue to patiently answer my stupid questions on every imaginable question from riding technique thru maintenance to equipment choice. They must know they are light years ahead of my pitiful knowledge and it's easy to forget those kind folk amongst the whingeing and carping that some seem to think forums are for.
On Being the rightful "Muppet"
Unlike what follows, this is a very serious subject that needs addressing.
At least one other aspires to that honorary title, being the forum Muppet that is . However if you know even a little of what you are doing on a MTB , let alone even understand any of Gary's posts then you are automatically disqualified from consideration.
I rest my case. I am the One-and-Only. Zim-expert move aside
Can I ride a bike yet?
Let's start with that easy question. Facts then opinion.
The Facts - I've done about 4,500 kms so far and now enjoying 12 months ownership . The last 2, 500 km have mainly been off road , other than the connections between home and the MTB/VTT areas of course , and there are loads around here. Even during lockdown there were 3 or 4 km of trails and drops on the domaine to practice on although repetition of the same did get a bit tedious.
My Opinion - The honest answer is I don't know if I can ride or not . I still fall off a lot, possibly because I'm trying to do more difficult things at greater speed , however, I can't dismiss the possibility that I may just being a 'slow learner" as they used to say but, frankly, time isn't on my side at 67+ .
Biggest shame is I've had no-one to ride with and measure myself against since late summer and some feedback would be great on things like body position and technique. This is also reflected in that as I am always alone I do not push myself as hard as if there was someone here to pick up the pieces. My Strava times have all improved significantly ( by about 60% up and downhill) since September -- but, so what? I regularly spend time just trying new (to me) techniques on waste ground and even on quiet roads . I find it frustrating that everything doesn't come instantly but patience has never been a personal strongpoint.
On the positive side, I know that I move about on the bike a lot more ( up and down mainly) and I believe I've learnt a lot about body position and control. The biggest difference undoubtedly is that I spend a lot more time out of the saddle -- I 'm nor sure who first pointed it out on here but a regular bit of my training routines for me is just to ride around, moving the bike around but trying to keep myself in a strong 'central' position. I find that easiest , as a training exercise, with the dropper post in its lowest position.
The next most important part of self-learning is about trying ( and it is still not second-nature for me ) to position myself and pressurise the front of the bike when cornering. A lot less 'lost fronts' as a result and a lot less gravel rash!
Conclusion - I know I've improved but no idea how much.
Of course it hasn't really been "self-learning" as I read it all on here first , and the video selections you folks have posted/referred to have made all that 'learning' more useful and focused. Your selections when based on knowledge are great.
Thanks
Safety Gear
Some on here sound like potential contenders for the annual Darwin Awards with their No gear - No fear practices. I'm not one of them. I'm far too beautiful to adopt that kind of policy so I do own an array of safety gear.
Just checking the armoury it currently looks like:-
- Full face Helmet - Smiths Mainline (Large) -- Stunning bit of kit that I can easily wear for 3 hours and is really comfortable. Feels light but isn't really and that must be a testament to its design. I'd wear it exclusively but the darn d-ring fastening is a bit of a faff. So I also have my original Specialised and now-demoted Bell Convertible for those less gnarly rides or just training sessions.
- Protection Vest ( Medium) -- Troy Lee Designs 7855. Has regularly taken the hits and remarkably still fits snugly despite daily use and frequent encounters with trees , branches, hardpack , gorse, other earthly features and an unexpected soaking when we ( bike and I ) mysteriously fell in a river.
- Knee Pads - Ion Zip -- still in one piece after about 20 falls but will need replacing soon. Superbly comfortable, don't slip in use although faffing to put on is the price you pay. The 3rd make / model that I bought. No point in my criticising others as next for me will be 'same again'.
- 5-10 shoes. I have 2 pairs. Not sure they really count as safety gear but both designs are quite robust & strong in my opinion. I bought them as I have a very wide foot with high instep so they fit MY needs and I won't be trying any others so very personal choice.
Gloves - smelly hands mean that I use 3 pairs but main ones are a) 100% with great protection and b) a pair of Decathlon's best -- which in all honesty are excellent.
- EVOC backpack with back protection- I wear it on every ride and has now become second nature to wear it . Again , I can't compare with any other model but really does the job for me.
- Oakley XL Cycling Glasses
I use these with prescription lenses to correct my distance vision. I have plain and tinted interchangeable lenses. For daily use I normally wear photochromatic varifocals - I have resisted that for my Oakleys so far but reading my Garmin is a challenge when moving at speed.
- I have a selection of other discarded safety gear as well that I must e-bay. I have to say there is a big difference in quality in safety gear -- and that doesn't always seem to be a function of price.
I do have loads of other MTB clothing shorts, socks, shirts and rain jacket . That just proves I'm a tart with more money than sense.
The Bike & Upgrades
Confessions upfront.
At my skill level -- and probably even for a lot better riders - there is absolutely no need to upgrade any bike components whatsoever. Any improvements in my overall riding experience are 98% improved skillset / knowledge and 2% expensive upgrades - and that is probably an overstatement of the effect of the upgrades.
The Bike
Turbo Levo Comp 2020 (M) -- Brilliant machine has met and surpassed every expectation. No motor or battery issues until last week ( replacement motor within 3 days ) and would undoubtedly keep me amused for ever. I No idea if it is good or bad vs the competition but no way am I good enough to extract the best out of it so irrelevant.
I do however have a Gen 3 on order which keeps 'not turning up' at the LBS. I'm not desperate though.
Invisiframe - a really worthwhile investment I guess in that most of the bike frame is still scratch free. The little 'lifting edges that mud get under irritate me and I suspect replacing might be a good move but I'm far too tight to do that. Surprising how rocks & Gravel manage to find the unprotected bits though ! Nail varnish is a superb color match -- another tip read on here.
The Cockpit
In hindsight I should have bought a large ( I am 178cm so on-the-cusp ) but a few cockpit changes inspired and recommended by you folks have possibly given me the best of all worlds ie a comfortable smaller frame.
Dropper Post
The standard dropper post left me feeling a little 'short-in-the-leg' when pedalling. I decided to get a 175 Reverb AXS for the extra cm of leg extension. Problem solved and a great dropper post in the move as well.
Bars
I still felt a little cramped in my upper body though and a little too far forward. I fancied Carbon bars in any case so bought some Renthal carbon bars 800 mm and 40 mm rise. I fully intended cutting back to 780mm but first time I tried them the slightly more spread out effect suited me. In hindsight I probably did not need the increased rise but the overall effect seems to have given me more control (or I got better!)
Saddle
Another item I did not need to 'upgrade' but did although I had put a small tear in my OEM equipment ( if you have a microscope) . Being contrary I decided against the Ergon e-bike saddle as everyone on here raves about them. I decided to buy a SELLE ITALIA X-LR e-bike saddle. When it arrived I was convinced it was a bit minimalist and my equipment would disappear through the central holes. The 'e-bike' allegedly means more padding. Really! the non-e version must be made of aluminium. I absolutely love this saddle. It's comfortable but the biggest plus is that it is an ideal shape for me to move around forward and backwards a slight twist etc. It is definitely NOT an armchair but I'm beginning to realise that is a good thing. No idea how it compares with the ubiquitous Ergon of course!
Grips
A year and 4500 kms ago I suffered from wrist pain regularly . I no longer suffer at all. During the time I have tried GA3 and other 'corrective' grips. I now use 'ordinary' original grips again. Go Figure -- there are suckers born every minute.
Garmin
I use a 830 and find it very useful alongside Mission Control but wish I had a 1030 + for the bigger screen with my eye prescription needs.
Wheels
I wanted to try carbon wheels and was fortunate enough to buy some used Roval carbons on here. I believe they transformed my control and felt they made the bike more nimble.
That may be total bollox but I will always buy carbon wheels in the future 'cos I can.
I do still have my original wheels which are now mounted with XD-hub and Schwalbe tyres -- but please see below!
Tyres
I read a lot and I am now convinced that there is a bigger gap between scientific reality and our own opinions on this subject that any other in e-MTB. The wonderfully-titled " What Tyres? The Ultimate Tyre Thread" should be subscribed to by everyone . If you haven't posted there you have no views on e-MTB! Now into its 53 rd page of subjectivity , there are a few absolute nuggets on the science and reality of tyres, compounds and types. It just takes a few weeks to find those posts
Consequently just ignore the following as it has no basis in science or reality :
I liked my OEM tyres but felt the front washed out a little too easily ( Bad workman blaming tools syndrome)
Next up were Magic Mary / Big Betty combination. If you have always yearned to drive a tank then buy these. Will demolish boulders and make you superhuman
Current choice ( recommended by LBS) is a MAXXIS Minnion DHF/Dissector combination. No doubt this is a more nimble combo and suits me. However there is a big difference -- they are narrower tyres at 2.4/2.5 . Have you ever noticed that the BIG tyre test comparisons online seem to favour narrower tyres ? I wonder ........ ;-)
Brakes
SRAM RE brakes are absolutely fine. Regular use of disk brake cleaner prevents squealing and regular bleeding kept them superbly consistent..... so I changed them to Magura MT7 Pro. They are also very good (after you've bled the rears 3 times in my case).
Mech ,Drivetrain, Cassettes & Chains
I thought my end goal was an AXS 12-speed set up so I migrated slowly from the OEM NX 11-speed set up :-
- XD - hubs for an Eagle set up then
- GX 11 speed cassette
and then I stopped . I actually don't think I need a 12-speed set up and the 11-speed GX ( derailleur always was ) shifts superbly. I seem to get through chains reasonably fast in winter but I'm delighted overall. A case of it isn't broke so, I'll probably get the GX-AXS next week .... muppet
Forks
After about 2500 kms, and at the time that I wanted to do a major forks and shock overhaul , I decided to upgrade to 160mm and 2021 RC2.1 set up. I will swear that it is a vast improvement of course ( and it is ) but again how much of that is because I understand sag and rebound a lot more is a question I can not answer. I am still playing occasionally with that and am about to remove 1 of the 2 tokens. I do know that a separate HSC and LSC setting is too much for me to understand / set up properly but I like my current settings.
Shock
Again I updated with a Meg-Neg can from the original. I did it .. I really can't say any more . It does seem to be the perfect setting for me and I am going faster . Would I notice if someone changed it back one day ? .... Good question !
Maintenance & Repair
What a delight learning from you folks has been on how to lean and maintain a bike.
Its added almost as much to my life as discovering e-MTB.
I have spent an absolute fortune on tools -- but my best Buy has to be the Amazon - pet dryer to give LEVO the quick blow dry he deserves after every wash.
My Latest Thoughts on The Industry, Bike Shops & Specialized
I think that is easily summed up :-
I love my Specialized bike ( it started as a 2020 COMP but a lot closer to a alu - framed 2021 S-works now) ; have found their after sales support tip-top and am looking forward to 'wasting' even more money on my next machine if and when it arrives.
I am lucky that I deal with 2 excellent local bike shops. Both are family-owned by expert riders in their own right ( ex-Pro and Pro-Am respectfully). These people are absolutely brilliant and although they have forgotten more than I will ever learn will still find the time to talk to me about silly maintenance task challenges or where to find the best trails.
Do they make money out of me ? I hope so as without them I wouldn't be able to enjoy the frequency of rides that I do.
Finally I have to say Thanks again to everyone on this forum who has helped with my stupid questions and also the folks who also ask stupid questions 'cos reading the replies you get prevents me looking like chief-muppet --- again.
Looking forward to the next 12 months ..
I thought I'd update my story as a total novice to MTB. If you only read posts of consequence then Id stop reading now. The whole post comes with a Public Health Warning -- I'm a Beginner , any opinions or facts are tainted by the additional fact that I haven't a clue what I am talking about.
8 months ago I set out my thoughts and reactions having discovered e-MTB during COVID. I was going through my computer filing and re-read the original stuff that I wrote. I vacillated between cringing at my naivety at the time and thinking was that really only 8-months ago ? If you are really sad with nothing else to do want to cringe with me then feel free to read it on here
Anyways , it gave me the idea of writing up what the last 8 months have thrown-up in my continued love affair with a Big Blue with Rubber that hums -- and I still haven't had to change the battery despite almost daily use.
I have to say a genuine "thanks" to the folks of this forum who continue to patiently answer my stupid questions on every imaginable question from riding technique thru maintenance to equipment choice. They must know they are light years ahead of my pitiful knowledge and it's easy to forget those kind folk amongst the whingeing and carping that some seem to think forums are for.
On Being the rightful "Muppet"
Unlike what follows, this is a very serious subject that needs addressing.
At least one other aspires to that honorary title, being the forum Muppet that is . However if you know even a little of what you are doing on a MTB , let alone even understand any of Gary's posts then you are automatically disqualified from consideration.
I rest my case. I am the One-and-Only. Zim-expert move aside
Can I ride a bike yet?
Let's start with that easy question. Facts then opinion.
The Facts - I've done about 4,500 kms so far and now enjoying 12 months ownership . The last 2, 500 km have mainly been off road , other than the connections between home and the MTB/VTT areas of course , and there are loads around here. Even during lockdown there were 3 or 4 km of trails and drops on the domaine to practice on although repetition of the same did get a bit tedious.
My Opinion - The honest answer is I don't know if I can ride or not . I still fall off a lot, possibly because I'm trying to do more difficult things at greater speed , however, I can't dismiss the possibility that I may just being a 'slow learner" as they used to say but, frankly, time isn't on my side at 67+ .
Biggest shame is I've had no-one to ride with and measure myself against since late summer and some feedback would be great on things like body position and technique. This is also reflected in that as I am always alone I do not push myself as hard as if there was someone here to pick up the pieces. My Strava times have all improved significantly ( by about 60% up and downhill) since September -- but, so what? I regularly spend time just trying new (to me) techniques on waste ground and even on quiet roads . I find it frustrating that everything doesn't come instantly but patience has never been a personal strongpoint.
On the positive side, I know that I move about on the bike a lot more ( up and down mainly) and I believe I've learnt a lot about body position and control. The biggest difference undoubtedly is that I spend a lot more time out of the saddle -- I 'm nor sure who first pointed it out on here but a regular bit of my training routines for me is just to ride around, moving the bike around but trying to keep myself in a strong 'central' position. I find that easiest , as a training exercise, with the dropper post in its lowest position.
The next most important part of self-learning is about trying ( and it is still not second-nature for me ) to position myself and pressurise the front of the bike when cornering. A lot less 'lost fronts' as a result and a lot less gravel rash!
Conclusion - I know I've improved but no idea how much.
Of course it hasn't really been "self-learning" as I read it all on here first , and the video selections you folks have posted/referred to have made all that 'learning' more useful and focused. Your selections when based on knowledge are great.
Thanks
Safety Gear
Some on here sound like potential contenders for the annual Darwin Awards with their No gear - No fear practices. I'm not one of them. I'm far too beautiful to adopt that kind of policy so I do own an array of safety gear.
Just checking the armoury it currently looks like:-
- Full face Helmet - Smiths Mainline (Large) -- Stunning bit of kit that I can easily wear for 3 hours and is really comfortable. Feels light but isn't really and that must be a testament to its design. I'd wear it exclusively but the darn d-ring fastening is a bit of a faff. So I also have my original Specialised and now-demoted Bell Convertible for those less gnarly rides or just training sessions.
- Protection Vest ( Medium) -- Troy Lee Designs 7855. Has regularly taken the hits and remarkably still fits snugly despite daily use and frequent encounters with trees , branches, hardpack , gorse, other earthly features and an unexpected soaking when we ( bike and I ) mysteriously fell in a river.
- Knee Pads - Ion Zip -- still in one piece after about 20 falls but will need replacing soon. Superbly comfortable, don't slip in use although faffing to put on is the price you pay. The 3rd make / model that I bought. No point in my criticising others as next for me will be 'same again'.
- 5-10 shoes. I have 2 pairs. Not sure they really count as safety gear but both designs are quite robust & strong in my opinion. I bought them as I have a very wide foot with high instep so they fit MY needs and I won't be trying any others so very personal choice.
Gloves - smelly hands mean that I use 3 pairs but main ones are a) 100% with great protection and b) a pair of Decathlon's best -- which in all honesty are excellent.
- EVOC backpack with back protection- I wear it on every ride and has now become second nature to wear it . Again , I can't compare with any other model but really does the job for me.
- Oakley XL Cycling Glasses
I use these with prescription lenses to correct my distance vision. I have plain and tinted interchangeable lenses. For daily use I normally wear photochromatic varifocals - I have resisted that for my Oakleys so far but reading my Garmin is a challenge when moving at speed.
- I have a selection of other discarded safety gear as well that I must e-bay. I have to say there is a big difference in quality in safety gear -- and that doesn't always seem to be a function of price.
I do have loads of other MTB clothing shorts, socks, shirts and rain jacket . That just proves I'm a tart with more money than sense.
The Bike & Upgrades
Confessions upfront.
At my skill level -- and probably even for a lot better riders - there is absolutely no need to upgrade any bike components whatsoever. Any improvements in my overall riding experience are 98% improved skillset / knowledge and 2% expensive upgrades - and that is probably an overstatement of the effect of the upgrades.
The Bike
Turbo Levo Comp 2020 (M) -- Brilliant machine has met and surpassed every expectation. No motor or battery issues until last week ( replacement motor within 3 days ) and would undoubtedly keep me amused for ever. I No idea if it is good or bad vs the competition but no way am I good enough to extract the best out of it so irrelevant.
I do however have a Gen 3 on order which keeps 'not turning up' at the LBS. I'm not desperate though.
Invisiframe - a really worthwhile investment I guess in that most of the bike frame is still scratch free. The little 'lifting edges that mud get under irritate me and I suspect replacing might be a good move but I'm far too tight to do that. Surprising how rocks & Gravel manage to find the unprotected bits though ! Nail varnish is a superb color match -- another tip read on here.
The Cockpit
In hindsight I should have bought a large ( I am 178cm so on-the-cusp ) but a few cockpit changes inspired and recommended by you folks have possibly given me the best of all worlds ie a comfortable smaller frame.
Dropper Post
The standard dropper post left me feeling a little 'short-in-the-leg' when pedalling. I decided to get a 175 Reverb AXS for the extra cm of leg extension. Problem solved and a great dropper post in the move as well.
Bars
I still felt a little cramped in my upper body though and a little too far forward. I fancied Carbon bars in any case so bought some Renthal carbon bars 800 mm and 40 mm rise. I fully intended cutting back to 780mm but first time I tried them the slightly more spread out effect suited me. In hindsight I probably did not need the increased rise but the overall effect seems to have given me more control (or I got better!)
Saddle
Another item I did not need to 'upgrade' but did although I had put a small tear in my OEM equipment ( if you have a microscope) . Being contrary I decided against the Ergon e-bike saddle as everyone on here raves about them. I decided to buy a SELLE ITALIA X-LR e-bike saddle. When it arrived I was convinced it was a bit minimalist and my equipment would disappear through the central holes. The 'e-bike' allegedly means more padding. Really! the non-e version must be made of aluminium. I absolutely love this saddle. It's comfortable but the biggest plus is that it is an ideal shape for me to move around forward and backwards a slight twist etc. It is definitely NOT an armchair but I'm beginning to realise that is a good thing. No idea how it compares with the ubiquitous Ergon of course!
Grips
A year and 4500 kms ago I suffered from wrist pain regularly . I no longer suffer at all. During the time I have tried GA3 and other 'corrective' grips. I now use 'ordinary' original grips again. Go Figure -- there are suckers born every minute.
Garmin
I use a 830 and find it very useful alongside Mission Control but wish I had a 1030 + for the bigger screen with my eye prescription needs.
Wheels
I wanted to try carbon wheels and was fortunate enough to buy some used Roval carbons on here. I believe they transformed my control and felt they made the bike more nimble.
That may be total bollox but I will always buy carbon wheels in the future 'cos I can.
I do still have my original wheels which are now mounted with XD-hub and Schwalbe tyres -- but please see below!
Tyres
I read a lot and I am now convinced that there is a bigger gap between scientific reality and our own opinions on this subject that any other in e-MTB. The wonderfully-titled " What Tyres? The Ultimate Tyre Thread" should be subscribed to by everyone . If you haven't posted there you have no views on e-MTB! Now into its 53 rd page of subjectivity , there are a few absolute nuggets on the science and reality of tyres, compounds and types. It just takes a few weeks to find those posts
Consequently just ignore the following as it has no basis in science or reality :
I liked my OEM tyres but felt the front washed out a little too easily ( Bad workman blaming tools syndrome)
Next up were Magic Mary / Big Betty combination. If you have always yearned to drive a tank then buy these. Will demolish boulders and make you superhuman
Current choice ( recommended by LBS) is a MAXXIS Minnion DHF/Dissector combination. No doubt this is a more nimble combo and suits me. However there is a big difference -- they are narrower tyres at 2.4/2.5 . Have you ever noticed that the BIG tyre test comparisons online seem to favour narrower tyres ? I wonder ........ ;-)
Brakes
SRAM RE brakes are absolutely fine. Regular use of disk brake cleaner prevents squealing and regular bleeding kept them superbly consistent..... so I changed them to Magura MT7 Pro. They are also very good (after you've bled the rears 3 times in my case).
Mech ,Drivetrain, Cassettes & Chains
I thought my end goal was an AXS 12-speed set up so I migrated slowly from the OEM NX 11-speed set up :-
- XD - hubs for an Eagle set up then
- GX 11 speed cassette
and then I stopped . I actually don't think I need a 12-speed set up and the 11-speed GX ( derailleur always was ) shifts superbly. I seem to get through chains reasonably fast in winter but I'm delighted overall. A case of it isn't broke so, I'll probably get the GX-AXS next week .... muppet
Forks
After about 2500 kms, and at the time that I wanted to do a major forks and shock overhaul , I decided to upgrade to 160mm and 2021 RC2.1 set up. I will swear that it is a vast improvement of course ( and it is ) but again how much of that is because I understand sag and rebound a lot more is a question I can not answer. I am still playing occasionally with that and am about to remove 1 of the 2 tokens. I do know that a separate HSC and LSC setting is too much for me to understand / set up properly but I like my current settings.
Shock
Again I updated with a Meg-Neg can from the original. I did it .. I really can't say any more . It does seem to be the perfect setting for me and I am going faster . Would I notice if someone changed it back one day ? .... Good question !
Maintenance & Repair
What a delight learning from you folks has been on how to lean and maintain a bike.
Its added almost as much to my life as discovering e-MTB.
I have spent an absolute fortune on tools -- but my best Buy has to be the Amazon - pet dryer to give LEVO the quick blow dry he deserves after every wash.
My Latest Thoughts on The Industry, Bike Shops & Specialized
I think that is easily summed up :-
I love my Specialized bike ( it started as a 2020 COMP but a lot closer to a alu - framed 2021 S-works now) ; have found their after sales support tip-top and am looking forward to 'wasting' even more money on my next machine if and when it arrives.
I am lucky that I deal with 2 excellent local bike shops. Both are family-owned by expert riders in their own right ( ex-Pro and Pro-Am respectfully). These people are absolutely brilliant and although they have forgotten more than I will ever learn will still find the time to talk to me about silly maintenance task challenges or where to find the best trails.
Do they make money out of me ? I hope so as without them I wouldn't be able to enjoy the frequency of rides that I do.
Finally I have to say Thanks again to everyone on this forum who has helped with my stupid questions and also the folks who also ask stupid questions 'cos reading the replies you get prevents me looking like chief-muppet --- again.
Looking forward to the next 12 months ..
