Interbike Day 2 - Dirt Demo

We decided we should try to ride a couple more bicycles on this trip so we headed out somewhat early to sneak a little riding in before lunch and then take the afternoon off before a couple of days on the floor of Interbike.

Bike number 1 for me was a Redline 29r hardtail.  I have to say this was one of the most fun bicycles on the entire week.  It was quick, handled like a bike should, and the Fox fork was superb.  I took a little different trail that was more challenging and I will say this bike handled it like a champ.  Very impressed.

Bike number 2 was a Jamis Nemesis.  This was the first 650b bicycle I have ever ridden.  The whole of the bike was fine, I don’t know if they don’t have the geometry down yet for this wheel size, but it didn’t seem quite right.  I am thinking that this wheel size is going to be for me.  One more bike for the stable.

Next was a Specialized S Works hardtail.  It rode nice (the seatpost was adjusted a tad high and the fork had too little air), but it didn’t really have the snap that I had experienced on other bikes.  The one thing that did stand out was the XTR disc brakes.  These had the best control and modulation of anything else I rode this week.  A fantastic balance of power  and control.

Lastly was the Beargrease.  Salsa’s latest and lightest fat bike, I rode this just to compare the Moonlander I rode Monday.  This one was set up with a Thudbuster seatpost and I don’t think I would ever set a bike up this way.  Once I began bouncing, I didn’t stop until I got off the bike.  Maybe it would be different if it were set up for me, but it seems like there is way too much spring in the tyres to introduce more through the seatpost.  Besides that it was awesome!  You can throw that bike at anything and it will go over it.  Super fun!

On that note, I would like to say a little about tyre pressure.  This can make or break a bike.  I tried to find the right pressure out on the trail with a couple of bikes, and I came close, but there was one that stood out above the rest.  I am sure because it happened to have the right pressure in them.  Not once was I asked what kind of pressure I run.  I am not very aggressive, so I didn’t ever ask for someone to set it for me, but I think that is a huge game changer for a bike.  At these demo events, there are thousands of rides happening on these bikes and I know there needs to be a little extra air in there to protect them.  It still would be nice.

(Sorry no pics, my phone was really acting up.  I don't think it likes Vegas either)

What that leads me to is preparation for the next time I am able to come out and experience this or I guess, any other demo event.

1.        Bring along an air pressure gauge.  Roll away from the tent, stop and let the air out to the wanted pressure.  A simple and test worthy solution.

2.       Bring a multi tool.  I came close in saddle height almost always but it would be nice to move a few things again, away from the booth.  Handlebar rotation, brake levers, saddle angle.  These were all over the board and again can make a huge difference in how a bike rides.

3.       Put my water bladder in my backpack.  This was just an oversight but out here, water makes the difference.  I am almost always on the verge of dehydration and now it’s just bad.

4.       Install a bell on my backpack.  I think it would have been extremely helpful in a few situations.

First day of the “show” tomorrow.  Lots of walking and lots of stuff!