Author: nate collins

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150 vs.160mm Fork on Yeti SB130

150 vs. 160mm Fork for Yeti SB130

150 vs.160mm Fork on Yeti SB130

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades right? Well when it comes to mountain bike setup a few millimeters create notable differences. Let’s take a look at 150 vs. 160mm fork on Yeti SB130.

After a extended review of the factory Yeti SB130 X01 setup I built my own, with a bit different spec. This article reviews these setup changes and the shifts in trail personality. Before you stop reading thinking “I don’t ride that bike” many enduro style bikes tolerate the types of spec changes we’re going to look at.

By no means am I saying my spec is perfect or right for everyone. There are positives and negatives to it all. Work with a competent resource if you have questions on what’s appropriate! Continue reading 150 vs.160mm Fork on Yeti SB130

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SB130 Custom Build by BikeCo

SB130 Custom Build by BikeCo

SB130 Custom Build by BikeCo

So, a handful of things all came together and I decided it was time for a new bike. Hopefully you’ve seen the FIRST RIDE REVIEW on the SB130 as well as the EXTENDED RIDE REVIEW. It was all I could do not to simply buy that bike… But in the long run I’m glad I didn’t because I ended up with this new Yeti SB130 Custom Build by BikeCo!

Well, at least a bunch of parts are new. Let me go over the why’s and how’s on this build.

Generally I try to sell my bikes as completes. That said, I ended up selling my previous bike as essentially a frame kit as after a wash I noted a rear wheel that was cracked. (not bad for a light-ish wheel from 2016). Anyhow, I looked at the bike in terms of what was salvageable for the new bike, what level of budget I wanted to work with and what levels of vanity I had to allow myself. Continue reading SB130 Custom Build by BikeCo

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Pre Ride Warm Up with Kevin Aiello

Kevin Aiello Pre Ride Warm Up Cross Body Kneeling MAIN

Pre Ride Warm Up with Kevin Aiello

At BikeCo.com we work with some of the fastest racers in MTB. We see what helps separate them from the competition. Take a minute and check out this video of pre ride warm up with Kevin Aiello.

What’s the advantage of this routine? I asked a familiar face here at BikeCo.com and experienced trainer Gina Redican:

Taking 5 to 10 minutes before a ride to warm up and perform dynamic stretches can significantly improve performance on the trail.  Dynamic stretching sends signals to the brain letting it know that your muscles are ready to work.  The benefits include: raising your muscle temperature giving your muscles more power, pliability, range of motion making them more resilient to injury. 

After you watch the video check out photos and write ups to detail some of Kevin’s dynamic stretches. Continue reading Pre Ride Warm Up with Kevin Aiello

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What to look for in a demo bike ride

What to look for on a demo bike ride BikeCo

What to look for in a demo bike ride

Another great week getting riders on the latest Ibis demos here at BikeCo.com. As the newest release the Ripmo was extremely popular as riders define what the latest 29er’s are all about. We saw many new faces at this demo. A lot of riders are upgrading from first bikes into better handling suspension systems such as DW, Switch Infinity and Sine. Many of these riders took out the Mojo 3 to see what a 27.5 trail bike offers. As always the HD4 was popular with riders looking for a more aggressive enduro 27.5. The Ripley LS was popular with riders looking for a wide ranging 29 with trail and light enduro capacity. Did you get out on one of these rippers? Planning to? Here’s what to look for in a demo bike ride.

So what kind of input did we get back from these riders? Well, it’s like a lot of them read previous BikeCo blogs about demo-ing bikes! Rather than simply “loved it” or “not for me” most riders came back with a series of likes, dislikes and neutral feedback. This is perfect data for our sales team to help spec the best bike for individual riders and aspirations.

Since it’s unlikely to totally fall in love with a demo we want riders to break down their rides into segments. Continue reading What to look for in a demo bike ride

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Magura Performance vs Race Brake Pad Review

Magura Race vs Performance Pads Review Compare

Magura Performance vs Race Brake Pad Review

Initial Ride Test – Magura Performance vs Race Brake Pad Review for MT5 / MT7 models.

I love my Magura MT5 brakes. That’s well established here on BikeCo.com at this point I’m sure! Until this month however I had never run the Magura Race Brake pads. I decided to change it up a bit on the last pad change – and WHOA, quite a difference. Continue reading Magura Performance vs Race Brake Pad Review

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DW Suspension Review, Extended Ride

11 14 18 DW Suspension Extended Ride Review

DW Suspension Review, Extended Ride

With the Ibis Demo here at BikeCo we have a lot of new faces coming into the shop. Many of these riders have advanced past lesser suspension systems and researching the leading options. Let’s take a look at what they can expect with a DW Suspension Review.

My DW background: I’ve been riding an Ibis HD4 for about a season and a half. I’m also spoiled, I can jump on demos for quick “marketing” loops when they’re here… I’ve spent considerable time on the early Mojo and Mojo HD too. I feel very confident speaking on the DW suspension.

DW Suspension Advancements

The early DW (Dave Weagle) Suspension on the original Mojo’s was good. The modern DW is better. Continue reading DW Suspension Review, Extended Ride

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Yeti SB150 Custom Build

Yeti SB150 Custom Build BikeCo 1s

Yeti SB150 Custom Build

Enjoy a couple pictures of this Yeti SB150 Custom Build by BikeCo.com. Whether you’re in the market for a frame, factory complete or a complete custom spec banger BikeCo has you covered.

The SB150 is Yeti’s no-holds-barred EWS machine. The 150mm rear travel is controlled with a Fox DHX2 coil shock with SLS spring. (The Yeti SB150 and SB130 are currently the only bikes utilizing a shock extender approved for coil shocks)

Continue reading Yeti SB150 Custom Build

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Custom Ibis Ripmo by BikeCo.com

Custom Ibis Ripmo Build Enve Race Face King

Custom Ibis Ripmo by BikeCo.com

Enjoy some shots of this custom Ibis Ripmo build by BikeCo.com. The heart of this build Ripmo’s frame. 145mm of DW Suspension with a Fox Factory X2 damper provide a competent, confident and fast chassis. Ibis continues to advance carbon fiber MTB technology with great flow of stress designs as well as incredible carbon building techniques Continue reading Custom Ibis Ripmo by BikeCo.com

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Yeti SB130 Extended Ride Review

10 26 18 Yeti SB130 Extended Ride Review

Yeti SB130 Extended Ride Review

Ok, Ok, Ok. It’s a BikeCo demo so I need to let clients ride it I suppose… Here is my Yeti SB130 Extended Ride Review. (I’m still going to have to check in with it now and then though…)

Let’s go over the SB130’s Personality, Fit/Geo, Build as well as Disposition.

Yeti’s magic has been in the evolution of their race proven geometry paired with Switch Infinity suspension. The SB130 rides confidently in terrain that seems like it would eat up 130mm bikes without losing the “all day” feel you expect in a 130 rig. Continue reading Yeti SB130 Extended Ride Review