ebikerider
Active member
I've been getting out a little more on the KSL and getting a better feel for the bike. The fork I'm not hating (surprisingly). Still on 100psi with 1 token and mainly just messing around with the rebound, compression seems to be much easier to dial in. The first 60% of travel I've found is quite easily used up but it still has enough progression for me at this pressure with one token but I wouldn't mind bolstering that mid stroke slightly.
I experimented with compressing the forks whilst holding the bleeders open then releasing the buttons when the fork was still compressed to get a little more negative in there. I wasn't expecting much of a change but it was instantly noticeable over small chatter/rock gardens and had me instantly thinking of putting a Luftkappe in there . That could be a simple inexpensive way of improving the small bump and getting a little more mid stroke support.
The X2 on the back end is unremarkable. More so than the front end I would like a little more mid stroke support as the rear really does easily get into its stroke. This may be able to be dialled out with more pressure or damping but I need to dedicate a ride or two to get it sorted.
Code RS brakes are also ok. They did get a lot better when I changed the pads to MTX ceramic. Better bite than the OEM. Rear bite feels different to the front but a decent bleed should sort that. I'm on the fence whether I change them to Dominions as I love them on my other bike, such a great feeling brake.
The dropper lever I am changing to a bar clamp version as I can't seem to find a good fit with the matchmaker arrangement.
Standard wheels felt flexy so I've changed to WeAreOne Unions on Vesper hubs. Steering feels more direct and the back end stiffer so all positives for me. Plus silence!
I am in the high and steep setting which for my local easy black dark blue trails is fine. I have had a few more pedal glances (not full on hits but I'm grazing pedals where I normally wouldn't) so whilst I'm keen to go to the neutral or slack steering angle I'm not keen to drop the BB any more. I've got some shorter cranks (160mm) inbound and they they feel ok to pedal I'll drop the BB then.
The bike absolutely rails corners. Front to rear balance is spot on. Feels great to jump. It's easier to manual than my Titan! Love that it gives me a hand getting up the trail (shame it whines when doing it though lol).
Overall, what a great bike
I experimented with compressing the forks whilst holding the bleeders open then releasing the buttons when the fork was still compressed to get a little more negative in there. I wasn't expecting much of a change but it was instantly noticeable over small chatter/rock gardens and had me instantly thinking of putting a Luftkappe in there . That could be a simple inexpensive way of improving the small bump and getting a little more mid stroke support.
The X2 on the back end is unremarkable. More so than the front end I would like a little more mid stroke support as the rear really does easily get into its stroke. This may be able to be dialled out with more pressure or damping but I need to dedicate a ride or two to get it sorted.
Code RS brakes are also ok. They did get a lot better when I changed the pads to MTX ceramic. Better bite than the OEM. Rear bite feels different to the front but a decent bleed should sort that. I'm on the fence whether I change them to Dominions as I love them on my other bike, such a great feeling brake.
The dropper lever I am changing to a bar clamp version as I can't seem to find a good fit with the matchmaker arrangement.
Standard wheels felt flexy so I've changed to WeAreOne Unions on Vesper hubs. Steering feels more direct and the back end stiffer so all positives for me. Plus silence!
I am in the high and steep setting which for my local easy black dark blue trails is fine. I have had a few more pedal glances (not full on hits but I'm grazing pedals where I normally wouldn't) so whilst I'm keen to go to the neutral or slack steering angle I'm not keen to drop the BB any more. I've got some shorter cranks (160mm) inbound and they they feel ok to pedal I'll drop the BB then.
The bike absolutely rails corners. Front to rear balance is spot on. Feels great to jump. It's easier to manual than my Titan! Love that it gives me a hand getting up the trail (shame it whines when doing it though lol).
Overall, what a great bike