I heard that CushCore Pro is awesome. So I bought the XC version. Then I hit my rim a bunch of times on rough trails. So I bought a Pro insert for the back and put the XC one in the front. I do not know that the XC insert really does anything. But it is one hundred grams lighter than the Pro version. In my experience the Pro version is great.

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I should really get my fork serviced because it feels like crap and one of the seals is leaking. Also, I think my CSU is creaking and it is not under warranty. But, I just spent too much money on a titanium CaneCreek eewings crankset. It is very beautiful. Titanium is way stronger than carbon. They will last forever. I think it saves almost 150-grams compared to my aluminum Turbine cranks. No, I don’t think I notice a difference when I am riding. 

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Yes, I noticed that big gouge out of my handlebar but I have only owned it for one month and Renthal carbon bars are very expensive. And when I crashed I bent my pedal and so I already had to buy new pedals. It is light for a DH bar but Renthal says it is ‘Ultra Durable‘ so I think it will be okay. I had my last Race Face carbon bar for ten years and it looked much worse than this one. No, aluminum bars are too heavy*.

(*Renthal Fatbar 35 Aluminum = Fatbar 35 Carbon + 80-grams)

All of my friends run Maxxis DoubleDown tires and they really like them. They get no flats and they ride them until they are bald. DoubleDown tires weigh 200-grams more than my EXO tires. I have wrecked so many EXO tires this year; I am very happy that Maxxis is making EXO+ tires. EXO+ adds 100-grams. That is a difference of 100-grams per wheel compared to DoubleDown. I am going to run EXO+ and just run extra sealant*. 

(*60ml of Stan’s Sealant = ~60-grams)

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I have to tighten my Ti rotor bolts after every ride. Do you think that is bad? They are Loctited, so I know they are not coming loose. I think they are stretching‽  I have had them for lots of years. I was going to replace them but titanium bolts are expensive. No, I do not want steel ones for free they are heavy and they can rust.

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We would design our bikes with internal cable routing channels like Santa Cruz but internal channels add more weight and customers do not like more weight. Yes, customers also do not like noise from rattling cables but you can fix that with rubber sleeves. No, I do not know what rubber sleeves weigh. 

I really like my 5″ travel Pike but I can save 1/2 pound of weight with a new SID. It looks like it is as stiff as my Pike. I talked to three people riding them who already have bushing play. Maybe the forks are not meant for North Shore riding? Also, I read there is less oil in the damper and that could be an issue on long downhills. But I can save 1/2 pound and the problems would all be warranty.

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I love my Slayer. It is the only frame I have not broken. It pedals uphill very well. It is the 29’er and goes downhill very fast. I love my Slayer. I ride it in the bike park and it is better than my downhill bike and I ride it on long rides and it is better than my old trail bike. It is the best bike I have ever owned. I am going to sell it as soon as Rocky Mountain releases that new bike their riders are all on because I heard it weighs three pounds less. No, I have not ridden the new bike.

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