New Member: New Bike Purchase Advice

[CampingfamCO]

Just as an update, I did end up going with the standard levo alloy. I was almost Johnny Depped, when my wife found out my hobby was that much. Hopefully her bday present smooths things over. I’m pumped to hit the trail and see how it does.

I figured for as much as I would have gotten for another 2K, especially the bigger battery, I’d be better off spending that money how I see fit, when I need to. For example, when I find out the 500wh battery does only 80% of the rides I need it to, I can go and get the 700wh battery for 1200-1300 more. While that doesn’t seem smart given the other components, I’ll have two batteries instead of just one at a lower price. When the front fork or rear shock need upgrading, I can do it for what matches me, same goes for the rest of the components.

Now to learn about mission control and make sure I setup everything how I want it

 

[Reactive]

Just as an update, I did end up going with the standard levo alloy. I was almost Johnny Depped, when my wife found out my hobby was that much. Hopefully her bday present smooths things over. I’m pumped to hit the trail and see how it does.

I figured for as much as I would have gotten for another 2K, especially the bigger battery, I’d be better off spending that money how I see fit, when I need to. For example, when I find out the 500wh battery does only 80% of the rides I need it to, I can go and get the 700wh battery for 1200-1300 more. While that doesn’t seem smart given the other components, I’ll have two batteries instead of just one at a lower price. When the front fork or rear shock need upgrading, I can do it for what matches me, same goes for the rest of the components.

Now to learn about mission control and make sure I setup everything how I want it

We have the same bike and idea. I finally exhausted my battery on a 5000' day of climbing over 40 miles. A lot of battery management but absolutely awesome adventure.

I tuned my ride modes as recommended by Marshall Mullen on YouTube. The settings really allow me to maintain my heart rate in a good zone with efficient battery use.

Just Ride!

 

[CampingfamCO]

Just picked up the bike yesterday and went out on a few short rides. All I have to say is wow! This bike makes riding so much fun! I was heading up the hills in eco mode and shocked how well the bike did. I was able to go further than I ever would have on a traditional bike all while reaching a peak heart rate of 169 while averaging 149. It was so fun to be thinking about my riding technique and not the amount of energy I had in my tank.

The only issue I’m noticing with the bike is the setup. The LBS where I purchased it from said to come back in about a month and they’ll make adjustments for me. I’m not sure what feels off, but something on the setup isn’t exactly right. I also noticed my sag is pretty bad. The shock wasn’t pumped up to the max like I requested, or if it was it’s leaking, but I pumped it up to about 325 and I’m around 30-35% on the travel. Not sure what I can do other than buy a stiffer shock, but I really don’t want to spend more money right now. I also hadn’t adjusted the seat post height properly so I’m hoping after those two things I’ll feel more comfortable. I find it crazy for being a S6 that the seat is still so high for me. I thought the S6 frames were huge. While it is big, I am a little surprised the height overall isn’t that much. I’m definitely comfortable and confident while riding though. I guess after riding the same bike for a decade I need to give myself some time to adjust.

Pictures to come shortly

 

[urastus]

but I pumped it up to about 325 and I’m around 30-35% on the travel

Are you equalizing the shock as you pump it up? If you are and it really is at 325, then phone your lbs and ask them to order in the maximum amount of tokens for that shock.

 

[CampingfamCO]

I would pump it up about 20 PSI then get on it and cycle the shock up and down before pumping it up again. So I’m fairly confident that I did. I’ll let them know for sure.

 

[Reactive]

Just picked up the bike yesterday and went out on a few short rides. All I have to say is wow! This bike makes riding so much fun! I was heading up the hills in eco mode and shocked how well the bike did. I was able to go further than I ever would have on a traditional bike all while reaching a peak heart rate of 169 while averaging 149. It was so fun to be thinking about my riding technique and not the amount of energy I had in my tank.

The only issue I’m noticing with the bike is the setup. The LBS where I purchased it from said to come back in about a month and they’ll make adjustments for me. I’m not sure what feels off, but something on the setup isn’t exactly right. I also noticed my sag is pretty bad. The shock wasn’t pumped up to the max like I requested, or if it was it’s leaking, but I pumped it up to about 325 and I’m around 30-35% on the travel. Not sure what I can do other than buy a stiffer shock, but I really don’t want to spend more money right now. I also hadn’t adjusted the seat post height properly so I’m hoping after those two things I’ll feel more comfortable. I find it crazy for being a S6 that the seat is still so high for me. I thought the S6 frames were huge. While it is big, I am a little surprised the height overall isn’t that much. I’m definitely comfortable and confident while riding though. I guess after riding the same bike for a decade I need to give myself some time to adjust.

Pictures to come shortly

suspension setup:
Suspension Calculator | Specialized.com
Note that I am at 235lbs, and pretty much at the top end of the calculator. It is fine for me; your extra weight may be pushing the shock.

Re: seat height :
I spent a lot of time with this.
After 400+ miles now, I realize there are few settings :
1) road height, essentially the road bike setting which you may use on a road bike. I use this for traveling the roads to the trail, and the flat portions of gravel riding. This is the fully extended dropper.
2) easy climbing. This is 5%-15% grades that are probably jeep width and not technical. This is a bit lower then the road height.
3) technical uphill. This is a good bit lower then the road height. I adjust this on the fly to where I am seated but in a squat position where I can get out of the seat and 'run' on the harder sections.
4) downhill. The seat is not fully collapsed for me. Rather, like on my old motocross days, I like having the seat / frame between my thighs and I can push the bike down with my thighs for cornering.

I did talk last week to a fitter at Sports Basement that will spend the time to fit. I may do this; this might be a good option for you.

Re: "reaching a peak heart rate of 169 while averaging 149"
I am in the same ballpark. I love it! Pretty awesome.