that just give you the edge you need while riding.
As a background, I've been bicycling consistently since I was about 7, bike racing through high school and college and switching to mountain biking in 1997.
I tend to ride with the spec'd components, then upgrade as parts wear out. The last two changes to my Rocky Mountain Element were small, almost as to be an afterthought, but what a difference !
First, I replaced the stock IRC Mythos 2.25 tires with Kenda Nevegal 2.1 DTCs. I had no issues with my old tires, in fact, I thought they were miles ahead of the tires I rode on my hardtail, but theses Nevegals, just roll!! The tires feel fast and I don't feel any real pedal resistance. Secondly, they "bite" hard on steep grades. I can't spin the wheel in the loose stuff.
Next, I changed out the pads on my Shimano LX disc brakes. I've been sorely tempted to just swap out brakes with the XT level as I'm sure I'd save half a pound off the two wheels. Tempted, but cheap. By switching to metallic pads instead of the stock resin ones, the LXs have completely changed for the better. How? More power, better modulation, more control. They really remind me of automobile brakes. They're that good.
What does all this mean?? I ride faster, through more gnarly rocks, roots, etc., knowing that there's no need to panic or worry about stability and control. Two tiny changes.
Anyone else have similar experiences?
As a background, I've been bicycling consistently since I was about 7, bike racing through high school and college and switching to mountain biking in 1997.
I tend to ride with the spec'd components, then upgrade as parts wear out. The last two changes to my Rocky Mountain Element were small, almost as to be an afterthought, but what a difference !
First, I replaced the stock IRC Mythos 2.25 tires with Kenda Nevegal 2.1 DTCs. I had no issues with my old tires, in fact, I thought they were miles ahead of the tires I rode on my hardtail, but theses Nevegals, just roll!! The tires feel fast and I don't feel any real pedal resistance. Secondly, they "bite" hard on steep grades. I can't spin the wheel in the loose stuff.
Next, I changed out the pads on my Shimano LX disc brakes. I've been sorely tempted to just swap out brakes with the XT level as I'm sure I'd save half a pound off the two wheels. Tempted, but cheap. By switching to metallic pads instead of the stock resin ones, the LXs have completely changed for the better. How? More power, better modulation, more control. They really remind me of automobile brakes. They're that good.
What does all this mean?? I ride faster, through more gnarly rocks, roots, etc., knowing that there's no need to panic or worry about stability and control. Two tiny changes.
Anyone else have similar experiences?
