Downduro Rig has been born (Page 4) ⚡️

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Update

First ride out on the Kenevo since the Enduro race. Still ran perfectly. However it was sub 5 degrees so took a while to warm up to it! Taste of things to come.

Looking forward to trying a lighter weight setup on it adding some pop on the jump lines.

Ps. Not sure if I mentioned on an earlier post but the handlebar remote failed recently. Spesh replaced it and all is good again with the world. They don’t mess about and seem to love their customers.

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Have you tried full 29er? Mine is just sub 63 head angle with 29 and flip chip in high, mullet must be very slack?

To be honest I could never get on with a coil on this bike, even a bike-tuned EXT from mojo.

 

[Christurbo]

Update

Quick post to say some gold arrived today whilst out shredding.

RXF36 M.2 arrived as a 170mm travel but added a 180mm shaft to the order to experiment.

Can’t believe how light weight it is. Also feels as burley as the DH38. Doesn’t visibly look that different to be honest. See pic.

Need to wait for the crown race, invisiframe and decals to arrive prior to fitting it.

 

[Christurbo]

Have you tried full 29er? Mine is just sub 63 head angle with 29 and flip chip in high, mullet must be very slack?

To be honest I could never get on with a coil on this bike, even a bike-tuned EXT from mojo.

No not yet. Quite like the turn in on a Mullet. But open to experiments! Do you get any ass buzz when on big compressions with dropper slammed?

Yes it is quite slack, but not problematic. I lowered the dual crowns as low as they went without fouling to try and keep things sensible.

To be honest I’ve never tried air on this rig. I stripped it down to nothing the day it arrived. I love the coil but I don’t mind lack of progression. Would like a bit more pop so will try the air shock when I fit the RXF 36s.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Do you get any ass buzz when on big compressions with dropper slammed?

Not personally, it’s been fine.

It’ll feel completely different with air and the 36! Try the flip chip in high too if you haven’t already, you’ll likely find it’ll turn in super quick.

 

[Christurbo]

Not personally, it’s been fine.

It’ll feel completely different with air and the 36! Try the flip chip in high too if you haven’t already, you’ll likely find it’ll turn in super quick.

Thanks. I’ll play around with the settings. Keen on trying a lighter weight, ‘poppy’ version of the Kenevo.

I love how versatile this thing is. Spesh better not kill off the Kenevo.

 

[Christurbo]

Not personally, it’s been fine.

It’ll feel completely different with air and the 36! Try the flip chip in high too if you haven’t already, you’ll likely find it’ll turn in super quick.

What Air shock did you prefer? I had an X2 on the Levo which was ok. Have you tried Öhlins?

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I only tried the 2024 spec X2 and the Super Deluxe. Much preferred the X2

What Air shock did you prefer? I had an X2 on the Levo which was ok. Have you tried Öhlins?

 

[Christurbo]

Update

Just a quick post to say ‘Wow’. I can’t believe how easy it is to change the travel on Öhlins. Litterally a 5-10min job.

No releasing air pressure, no dropping the lowers, no loosing any oil! Just 2 bolts to undo, slide the whole cartridge out and slide a new one in. Job done!

You can see why they are the best (in my opinion).

170mm -> 180mm

 

[Christurbo]

Update

The new light(er)weight Kenevo is born. Love the RXF 36 M.2 Forks. Still waiting on the new Öhlins TTX Air Shock to arrive, so removed the TTX22m2 Coil and fitted a new RS Air Shock as an interim measure to save some weight and add some pop.

Day off on Friday so will see how this has transformed the dynamics. Get on some jump lines.

I think she looks svelte.

If I was to change anything next it would be the wheelset.

I’d have a setup for full on DH parks like Dyfi and a setup for all else.

 

[galaga187]

Update

The new light(er)weight Kenevo is born. Love the RXF 36 M.2 Forks. Still waiting on the new Öhlins TTX Air Shock to arrive, so removed the TTX22m2 Coil and fitted a new RS Air Shock as an interim measure to save some weight and add some pop.

Day off on Friday so will see how this has transformed the dynamics. Get on some jump lines.

I think she looks svelte.

If I was to change anything next it would be the wheelset.

I’d have a setup for full on DH parks like Dyfi and a setup for all else.

View attachment 130002

Nice - what kind of weight? Feels rude asking

 

[Christurbo]

Nice - what kind of weight? Feels rude asking

Sitting at nearly 24kg with all the mud guards, bash guards, full Downhill spec rubber, wheels, overfilled sealant, full AXS, 220mm MDR-P rotors. etc etc which is pretty cool.

I think with a lightweight wheelset, enduro rubber, lighter rotors, and removal of the guards etc this could be as light as a Levo … (or lighter!).

 

[Christurbo]

Maybe without 5kgs of mud in here

 

[Dax]

Bet it feels like a different bike with the single crowns, I’ve never been convinced by the need for dual crown forks on e-bikes, particularly given how stiff zebs are.

FYI, according to my local suspension specialists, the ohlins forks should have a very regular oil change, 25-30hrs rather than the recommended 50 because the anodising is quite soft and they have a small oil capacity. Of course, they may be trying to upsell me on servicing, but generally they’re low bs.

 

[Christurbo]

Bet it feels like a different bike with the single crowns, I’ve never been convinced by the need for dual crown forks on e-bikes, particularly given how stiff zebs are.

FYI, according to my local suspension specialists, the ohlins forks should have a very regular oil change, 25-30hrs rather than the recommended 50 because the anodising is quite soft and they have a small oil capacity. Of course, they may be trying to upsell me on servicing, but generally they’re low bs.

I’ve only taken it around the courtyard but it’s much more easier to bunnyhop, etc.

I’ve got a day off tomorrow so will take it to Llandegla for a day to test. It will be icy so won’t be pushing it!

I have always had Öhlins (my other bikes have them). Not heard of that before, however I regularly do the lower leg service. It’s so easy to do on them just like fox.

Not sure on the oil capacity comment. I will check but I think they are similar to Fox.

Still waiting for the new TTX Air Shock to arrive. Looking forward to trying it comparing to the Fox X2 I’ve used and the TTX Coil I’ve taken off.

 

[E Bob]

I’ve only taken it around the courtyard but it’s much more easier to bunnyhop, etc.

I’ve got a day off tomorrow so will take it to Llandegla for a day to test. It will be icy so won’t be pushing it!

I have always had Öhlins (my other bikes have them). Not heard of that before, however I regularly do the lower leg service. It’s so easy to do on them just like fox.

Not sure on the oil capacity comment. I will check but I think they are similar to Fox.

Still waiting for the new TTX Air Shock to arrive. Looking forward to trying it comparing to the Fox X2 I’ve used and the TTX Coil I’ve taken off.

Did you not like the x2 on this ?

 

[Christurbo]

Did you not like the x2 on this ?

It was OK, the OCD in me likes to keep suspension the same front and back. Will give the Gold a go and report back.

 

[Type1]

Loving the build and progress!

I've been considering an Ohlins upgrade...

Looks like you spend a lot of time at LLandegla, (great place) I'm guessing you're fairly local? Tarporley way by chance?

 

[Christurbo]

Loving the build and progress!

I've been considering an Ohlins upgrade...

Looks like you spend a lot of time at LLandegla, (great place) I'm guessing you're fairly local? Tarporley way by chance?

If you are able to, you should definitely try Öhlins. So adjustable, plush and quiet.

Yes - Llandegla is fairly local to me. I live quite near it in Wales. I live just over the border. Great place and atmosphere.

 

[Dax]

Llandegla is fairly local to me. I live quite near it in Wales. I live just over the border. Great place and atmosphere.

Is there much off piste at Llandegla? I’ve been meaning to come up and check out the trail center

 

[Christurbo]

Is there much off piste at Llandegla? I’ve been meaning to come up and check out the trail center

Yes - you can access Worlds End straight from Llandegla (guides on YouTube / etc) which is amazing.

If you want to stay in the trail centre they have added some natural trails which are cool if you want to get away from the prefabricated trails.

Here is where I sometimes start when I want to hit some of Worlds end.

PS. Llangollen is not far which has downhill tracks.

 

[Type1]

If you are able to, you should definitely try Öhlins. So adjustable, plush and quiet.

Yes - Llandegla is fairly local to me. I live quite near it in Wales. I live just over the border. Great place and atmosphere.

I’m on the Wirral so also close and like you say lots of good riding around us in North Wales.

 

[Type1]

Yes - you can access Worlds End straight from Llandegla (guides on YouTube / etc) which is amazing.

If you want to stay in the trail centre they have added some natural trails which are cool if you want to get away from the prefabricated trails.

Here is where I sometimes start when I want to hit some of Worlds end.

PS. Llangollen is not far which has downhill tracks. View attachment 130035 View attachment 130036

Llangollen is brilliant! Not open that often though I don’t think.

 

[Christurbo]

Update

Well the maiden voyage didn’t go 100% to plan. Llandegla has its own eco climate so it was considerably colder, icier and more sketchy than anywhere else local to it!

That didn’t stop me though and I was determined to test the new setup to see if has made a material change and if I should keep it.

Obviously I couldn’t push it as at the bottom of each compression or just before / after a jump there was hard packed slick ice where the puddles had frozen over. I tried though!

First impressions

Are good! The Öhlins calculator is down so I had to go blind on the initial setup so used the DH38 settings as a guide. I should have taken the shock pump as I felt I needed a little more ramp up. I also added a bit more rebound and low speed compression to support me better. High speed was fully open.

I can’t believe how different a few kilos make to the dynamics of the Kenevo. It’s turned from a plougher to a lively and agile rig. It’s almost wasp like.

On my DH38s (and even the Fox38s) I had to use more of my body weight to tip the rig into a berm or corner. The new setup results in you tilting your hips and whipping it where you need it.

There are pros and cons of each setup of course. On fast downhill sections it feels more lively and you need to be on your toes more. Where the 38s are solid and you can just let them do their work.

What I have realised is how much more FUN the Kenevo is in its lighter form. Poppy and playful with a savage turn in with the BB set high.

In terms of speed, I can’t compare yet as it was too sketchy to push on my segments. But it definitely feels quicker to spin up and accelerate.

I couldn’t tell much difference in stiffness either, but again I didn’t push it hard. I did a few rocky drops and they soaked them up easily. Very plush.

I will take my shock pump out next time and play with ramp up to get more progression.

On another note. I’m not impressed with thr Rockshocks Super Deluxe Plus shock. But I may be spoiled coming from the TTX22M2. Set the sag but I was bottoming out and it didn’t have much pop. If I were to keep it I’d have to play with the vol spacers.

Not long now until the new Öhlins TTX Air shock arrives so will swap out and try and dial in.

Overall very happy.

 

[BigKid]

Update

The new light(er)weight Kenevo is born. Love the RXF 36 M.2 Forks. Still waiting on the new Öhlins TTX Air Shock to arrive, so removed the TTX22m2 Coil and fitted a new RS Air Shock as an interim measure to save some weight and add some pop.

Day off on Friday so will see how this has transformed the dynamics. Get on some jump lines.

I think she looks svelte.

If I was to change anything next it would be the wheelset.

I’d have a setup for full on DH parks like Dyfi and a setup for all else.

View attachment 130002

Super Dope bike!

 

[BigKid]

Hey Chris,

After following your Kenevo build. I went and picked up a 2023 Kenevo Expert. I'm all in for my build now. I'm going with Ohlins 38's and Ohlins Air rear shock. I love Mullet so I think I'm going to keep it Mullet and not a full 29er. I'm building this Kenevo with all of my spare parts.

Any thoughts on Ohlins Air vs Ohlins Coil? How about Mullet vs full 29er?

If you lived here in the states and lived by me. You and I would be in trouble!

Thanks for the inspiration!

-Earl (BigKid)

 

[Christurbo]

Hey Chris,

After following your Kenevo build. I went and picked up a 2023 Kenevo Expert. I'm all in for my build now. I'm going with Ohlins 38's and Ohlins Air rear shock. I love Mullet so I think I'm going to keep it Mullet and not a full 29er. I'm building this Kenevo with all of my spare parts.

Any thoughts on Ohlins Air vs Ohlins Coil? How about Mullet vs full 29er?

If you lived here in the states and lived by me. You and I would be in trouble!

Thanks for the inspiration!

-Earl (BigKid)

Good man …. You won’t regret it. Best thing I’ve shredded.

In terms of the Ö coil vs air….. I can’t say yet. The new shock has only just landed. See next post.

But in my opinion what you choose will depend on what you want from the Kenevo.

Stable, fast, grippy, great traction, comfortable, plush, linear, plough monster = TTX22M.2 Coil

Progressive, poppy, playful, firmer, adjustable, lighter = Air

You could just have both like I have

I much prefer mullet for my style of riding, I think the 29 will be great though for a plough setup.

 

[Christurbo]

Update

I love it when new gold arrives! Build quality is insane.

I need to add the mounting hardware and remove the air can so I can setup the spacers for progression. I may go pretty progressive for some aggressive riding. Shimano BB tool required to remove the can.

 

[Christurbo]

Left or right?

 

[Christurbo]

Update

So today was a good day. I finally saw a break in the storms to get out to Llandegla for a couple of hours to dial in the new suspension.

The difference is quite staggering. I’m glad @Rob Rides EMTB pointed out how the Kenevo performs with progression as it is inherently a linear bike for ploughing.

With the new lightweight configuration and with the fork setup for more progression it’s so much fun!

It wants to leap at every jump with less work from me to compress into the ramp. It wants to send! The coil wants to suck you into the terrain and features whereas the air wants to send you into orbit.

I can also pump to maintain or gain momentum easier, so less cranks between features.

This will be due to how I’ve set things up though. I have gone a bit higher on the ramp up in the fork than recommended settings (just like Pinkbike dialled in when they tested them in the bike park). I also added a large spacer puck and 2 x can spacers to reduce the volume.

Setup at the moment post dialling things in:-

Fork:-
Main - 110psi
Ramp - 210 psi
HSC - 3
LSC - 10
Reb - 8

Shock:-
Spacer - 16000mm2
Main - 226
HSC - 2
LSC - 6
Reb - 5

Spacer install and mounting hardware

This was so easy to do. I love how Öhlins simplify maintenance.

To install a spacer in the TTX 2 Air you use a Shimano TL FC32 BB tool to loosen the can. Then you simply add a puck at the bottom of the can and spacer bands in the can itself.

Hardware is 20 x M8 which I had delivered with the shock. Pressed in with a tool and vice.

When the storm blew it over!

 

[Christurbo]

Update

I’ve been running the Kenevo intermittently over the Xmas period but the weather has been awful up here in Wales.

I’ve been trialling various setups on the new fork and have landed on less air pressure and pretty my all damping dialled out. Still has ramp up for bottoming out and progression for jumps etc. I will get it custom tuned when it goes in next.

Good news is that it’s FAST. With PBs being made often on my local trail centres such as Llandegla etc.

Last ride resulted in me snapping a chain though. The EDC steerer tool came in very handy as I don’t run a hip/backpack.

New one ordered!


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