So refreshing to get a bike review from someone that doesn't claim to be a expert on every bike part! Great job on your channel!

I have Eewing cranks with a 34t. Your cranks are missing a small spacer that goes on the drive side. That is why your chainring is scraping your frame. Just FYI. 👍✨

@Miro_K

3 жыл бұрын

+ try a narrow wide one to decrease the chain drops.

@frankjoshum

3 жыл бұрын

@@Miro_K It's 2020 and he's riding a 12 speed. Good luck finding a NON-narrow wide chainring.

@ryanfowler3644

3 жыл бұрын

Worth checking what the offset is on your chainring too. Would offer more clearance between the ring and the frame, but could impact chainlink a little.

@andrewh3118

3 жыл бұрын

@@ryanfowler3644 I agree that should be looked at as well but ... this bike uses boost spacing which is 3mm to keep the chain aligned for 12 speed. Very tight tolerances obviously. Good point to check off the list when diagnosing a problem. 👍

Fantastic review! Love hearing your experiences and that you care more about how it feels, rides and sounds than specs. Thanks for sharing.

Brian, you put out some great content this year. I followed you through your 50 state journey. What a treat, spent many mornings watching you on you tube. Thank you my friend, and be safe.

I like the honesty, big $$ tags, doesn’t mean better!

This is how a review should be done. Stem and bars... they work. Exactly.

Can’t stop thinking Kramer! The energy ... the hair! I like the no BS take on the Ripmo and components. Good watch BK. I like these ones 👍 SYOTT!

Thanks Brian. I really appreciate your candor for your reviews. Informative and also humorous. much like your review of the tubeless tire plugs you did earlier. Congrats to riding in 49 states and getting to Vietnam in Massachusetts, it's one of my favs

Great video! Love the humbleness and no BS of it. Very nice

Great honest review. I was so tired of other rider's reviews being everything positive and great.

I'm still riding a Trek 4100 Alpha that I got when I was 14. Preordered a new bike this fall but due to the pandemic, it is backordered and they are supposed to get a shipment in May. Looking forward to getting it and getting back on the trails. Really enjoy your videos. Keep it up!

I’ve been riding a Pivot Trail 429 for the past year. It is my first carbon frame. I was riding an aluminum stumpy for many years. Like you, I cannot comment too much on the components, I went with the recommended setup. The difference from aluminum to carbon is awesome! So far with all of the abuse, my Pivot is looking and performing great.

I just started following you i love to ride just recently bought a used older model trek I'm not even sure on the model. But man your videos have seriously inspired me already! I'm super new and love watching your vids. Trying to do some self modifications on my own. Love your work!

Love the Onyx! Hope you stick with 'em. Silent is a beautiful thing for not only video, but just for silent cruising through the environment. Really appreciate that part of your videos! :)

Scratched bikes have character I guess, I’m going with that.

@jcar2412

3 жыл бұрын

Wrapping ur bike is like wearing a condom. Ur doing the same stuff but it just feels worse

@aztecklover69

3 жыл бұрын

also if your enyoying like on ur bike; scratches are inevitable. I don't ride mtbs and my bike is a tad dinged cause of the things that jump while on the road; whatever:)

@CharlieWentOutside

3 жыл бұрын

Yup. It's a mountain bike. If it's not at least a little scratched, you're doing it wrong!

Been waiting for this. You put this bike through the ringer this year

That is some bike! Such an honest review! How do those reviewers know every part that's happening with the bike. They don't, but it reads well. Still love your videos after all these years. Keep it up

Bro I so enjoyed your 50 state video log and this video really told me you're an honest reviewer. Thanks

This is why you are so great. You clearly know a ton. But you give it to us straight as a normal rider. Thank you !!!!!! Well done Brian

Hey Brian a while back we had a small chat about the PNW GRIPS. after using them as long as you have. You are bang on, they are too thin for me too. Great vid 👌 and continue doing what you do. Amazing journey

Nice to see you Brian! It's XX1 mate, (it says it on the derailleur tehehehe). Another thing that can affect battery life is extremes in temperature aswell as keeping them charged for prolonged periods of time without discharging them. Cold will cause voltage to sag leading to cell damage and poor charge and heat will damage them outright, worth storing them in a mild part of the van. I keep my drone lipo's in an ammo case at "storage" voltage and they have been fine for the last couple years :).

lol...agree on the Onyx hubs... love how they're silent, but now I notice EVERY single little noise on my bike XD lol

This video is a perfect example of why I watch all of your videos. Most mtb channels I can't watch more than about half of their videos, but your attitude is so much more down-to-earth and realistic. kudos.

First of all, great vid Brain. My perspective as I have a similar bike and build. The one up chain guide, I was really blown away you still have dropped chain issues with it. I run an Absolute black 32 oval and have never dropped a chain climbing Colorado and had the bike now 9 months. I almost went with AXS but tried Shimano XTR Hyperglide + because I heard the shifting is better than AXS and chain retention is better. Been a long time since I was on Shimano. Anyway, aside from the weight savings, I'm pleasantly surprised. I have NEVER dropped a chain and I don't run a chain guide. With XO1, which is what I usually ran, I would usually drop a chain 3-4 times a season. I've heard that AXS and the new 12sp SRAM system has problems with ghost shifting, chain drops, and issues when you pedal backwards on the free wheel hub, the chain shifts down or drops. Many speculate that the jump from the 11sp 42 to the 12sp 52 is too much of jump and if you pedal backwards the chain falls off almost everytime. Shimano is not 52 in the 12sp but it's 51 and the jump is 45 in the 11th gear to the 12th gear at 51 so the jump is not so dramatic. The shift is just smooth as well and the chain does not drop. Brakes, I have XTR brakes and aside from weight, they are primarily the same brakes. What causes them to be loud on the bike is the cooling fins rattle on the bike. The solution is the take the pads off and bend the spring wider on them. You can do it with a large screw driver to open them up more, then re-install and the rattle is gone. It drove me nuts as well and the sound comes out on my videos as well. Agree, the new Ripmo v2 is so much better and faster than the v1 Ripmo. Love the ee wings cranks as well, done with carbon cranks. I'll take them to all the next bikes and not have to worry. I know you are no longer reading the comments Brian, but figured I would share this just in case. Ride on...

Finally an honest review. So sick of honeymoon reviews. Thanks for all you do, Brian!

Best bike review, easy to understand

honestly this bike is my dream bike

Dropper post is new to me but a must now! Great video!

Best bike check on KZread!

Thanks for the review man was looking for it!

A simple viewer from ASSAM/INDIA...Hope you will explore trails in North east INDIA. *BKXC* KEEP making such legendery trails .

The component I like the most on my 2020 Salsa Horsethief 29er is my new Roval carbon fiber 27.5 wheels. These wheels were money well spent as they made my bike come alive and made it feel like a new bike.

I feel similarly, I think a lot of parts that I've added to my Ripmo have been nice, but not necessarily game-changing, with a few exceptions: #1 WTB Verdict 2.5 tire up front has provided me with more confidence inspiring grip than any other front tire I've ever tried, even in the worst conditions it has far exceeded my expectations! #2 Cascade Racing Designs carbon "Stooge" bars with Ergon GE1 grips.... I used to get sore hands and forearm pump on the longer chattery descents, and after using that bar my hands feel perfect even at the bottom of 3-4 mile black diamond descents, even during long shuttle days! #3 Shimano Saint brakes paired with 203mm Icetek rotors front and rear... I ran SLX and XT brakes before for years and was satisfied, but then bought the Saint brakes from a buddy for a good deal and it has been an absolute game changer, even on the most gnarly longer descents, they feel just as confidence inspiring at the bottom of the trail as they did at the top, and are far less noisy than the lower tier Shimano brakes!

I love that he doesn't know if anything good or not or comparing i love it he doesn't know every part on the bike and how it is suppose to sound or work and if somethings off he doesn't immediately know what part it is I love how different that is from all the other mountain bikers

Awsome video.. good job this yr. Considering all things u did your thing 50 states💪🤙

From what you are saying its seems like all this extra fancy stuff isn't worth the price over XT which doesn't come as a surprise.

@lynxg4641

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, before I replaced that damn expensive cassette I would have just bought a complete 12spd XT drivetrain. Bit heavier, but IMHO much better ergonomics and shifting compared to SRAM.

@claysmith6019

3 жыл бұрын

Shimano for the win!

@crohnsy

3 жыл бұрын

This video is proof that a good bike mechanic is invaluable for getting the best performance out of your equipment. And installing parts correctly 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

@travelthenarrowtrail8660

3 жыл бұрын

@@crohnsy So important is this comment!!! I had an issue with my carbon cranks and didn't realize the mechanic who installed them didn't tighten the preload on the bb. Brought it back and the lead mechanic took a quick look over and said, who installed this? He said the preload is loose. He had to instruct the other mechanic on the importance of this. Had an issue with my brakes making noise like Brian's brakes are. The lead mechanic again said he had an idea and simply took the brake pads off and said the spring inside sometimes needs to be stretched out. He did just that and bam, the brakes were silent. There is also a spacer that Brian needs on his bb and the ring will not hit the rear triangle but the mechanic who installed his bb/cranks did not realize this. Now the frame is scratched. You find the right mechanic, take care of them. The right mechanic who knows their craft will make your bike a pleasure to ride. Take care of them if you find one. Glad I have one who I can trust where I am.

@crohnsy

3 жыл бұрын

@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 well said!

Ride wrap 100%. Best bike upgrade I've done this year.

I have an oval chain ring on my SB130. I think it makes a big difference in climbing performance. On the hub noise, ridding multi use trails in UT and having a noisy hub is sometimes a blessing for hikers to hear you coming down the trail. A bike bell is s great option as well...but before I got the bell the noisy hub was great.

So many electronics on a bike. Still an awesome build

Riding AXS groupset since most 1 year now and I simply love it. No issue at all with cassette, derailleur or even battery life. Shifting is still smooth like on day 1. The app connection is also not that hard to work with. Just a matter of getting use to it. I won't go back to cable for anything !!!

@chameleonpogono

3 жыл бұрын

On my wish list. I tried a bike with AXS and really liked it. I have RA and the push button feel of the shifting was nice instead of a lever. Just need to rob a bank or win the lottery to get it, unfortunately. Having batteries doesn't bother me. I'm good with keeping batteries charged.

I have been on WTB saddles for as long as I can remember. When you said you were changing my butt twinged... I mean of the 3 contact points with your bike this is where I want the most familiarity. Good luck

@lynxg4641

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, absolutely have to agree. Been on the WTB PureV, now just PURE since 2008, run it on all my bikes and always get comments from people who try it on how comfy it is. After a few years with the higher end versions, you can start to get creaks, but a little locktight dripped into the point where rails meet saddle normally solves this, but it's also an indicator that you're probably also due for a replacement since saddles take a lot of abuse, padding degrades etc.

I decided* against AXS ,batteries and bikes don’t seem to mesh IMO.

@A.D.D.O.C.D.T

3 жыл бұрын

Ride Wrap tailored kit ,they make it for your bike man. It’s basically invisible and only have to do it once ,after that it’s done. They might even sponsor you or send you a kit man.🙏🤙

BKXC I just bought a 2021 ripmo DVO and also it has the Coil! I can't wait to have my first ride on it

When you start thinking about trying some new brakes I highly recommend the Hayes A4. Plenty of power, and excellent feel. Much like you I like riding technical jank, and break feel is more important than all out stopping power.

Great video! Great spirit as usual!

In regards of brakes I would recommend the Hayes Dominion 👍 you will love them. Zero maintenance, maximum power and no stress :)

Everything you mentioned with AXS is the reason I immediately sold off the AXS on my HD5 before even riding it. I bought a GX group and an upgraded damper for my fork and I still pocketed $400. One wireless dropper for all your bikes would be great as long as all your bikes have the same diameter seat tube and they'll all work with the same length dropper. And for the price of one wireless dropper, you can easily outfit 3 bikes with standard droppers.

The Jerseys came out great

You didn’t even need to use a Dremel like Jeff from Worldwide Cyclery

@liamwoods5353

3 жыл бұрын

Jeff doesn't do the dremel-ing... :)

@adventuroustrio7458

3 жыл бұрын

I know was it you?

Your experience on AXS is interesting, I ran it for 16 months and got rid of it. But I found it very easy to set up and it was the best shifting SRAM system I have ever used. I never had any shifting or battery life issues. My problem was durability and that SRAM did not stand behind the der. My first one failed internally in month 13 and my second one was rendered useless on the first ride when one of the c clips on the bottom got knocked off ( a $0.01 part). Happily back on a Shimano 12 speed system and no issues. But I do miss the super clean front end

Total honesty. I like it.

Great job B, You've got a ton of cool shit bro. Save yourself some time on moving on from Shimano brakes, you'll be right back promise. Well with this great bike check, I guess you'll be working on jumping your ass off this year right ? Keep up the great work kills ! See ya on the the trail.

I go the one up chain guide & bash guard & yes the chain will still pop of usually in fast janky stuff but not as much as it used to & the bash guard has been useful a number of times

I struggled to find a saddle I really liked for about 10 years, until the Silverado came on a slightly used road bike that I bought. I've been using a Silverado ever since (like 14 years). I've tried a Devo (no longer made) which wasn't bad, and I've also used the Volt for MTB, which I do like. But I'll always have a Silverado because it fits me so well.

All the traveling and packing/unpacking you do will take its tool on any brake/rotor combo. As far as the dropper, magura has had a wireless dropper for some time now at half the price. Only thing is that the return speed is a bit slower but for the price you can't complain.

Whistler ride wrap for frame protection. Worth every penny. Installation is a hassle but looks great and makes washing easier and faster.

My favorite things on your bike are your wheels and your crankset.

I’m loving my Hayes Dominion A4s for sure. Best feeling brakes out there.

@travelthenarrowtrail8660

3 жыл бұрын

I'm looking into these. Are they pretty powerful? What were you using before you went with Hayes (Shimano or Sram)?

@markusbouman8830

3 жыл бұрын

@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 an excellent blend of power and modulation. Very little free stroke before pad to rotor contact. I was on XT's before but have used SRAM in the past. Very little experience with Hope (only one ride) but nothing has come close to the Dominions. In addition to better high speed descending confidence, my ability on rocky, slick and slow tech has seen an increase due to the precise nature of the Dominions. Make sure you get the rotors as well as the front brake adapter (if needed) that is necessary to accommodate the caliper.

I love my Ripmo (1st version). I don't like the GX and the hanger gets very often bent, I don't know...maybe It's me not good at avoid stuff... I love the suspension (Fox) that came with it. DW link rocks! I agree with 99% of the things you said btw. Great video!

Nice ride! I'm also on a Star Destroyer Grey Ripmo v2 which replaced my HD3. Mixed feelings about the big wheels vs the playful, boost-happy 27.5 - its really Baja 500 truck vs. WRC rally car sort of situation. But both have the same Ibis feel to the handling. Thanks for being a test subject for all the solution-in-search-of-a-problem wireless components... I'll just stick with my absurdly reliable XT.

I know I asked about those grips awhile back, I must have spent days searching grips on every website I could find looking for a pair of them, they look perfect for me. They look very much like the ODI Elite pro grips except the metacarpal bumps are more defined. Hopefully they are released soon so I can give them a try

I traded out my Shimano XT brakes for SRAM RSC G2. Night and day difference for me. No more drifting bite point. No more squeal (same rotors). The front and rear contact point/throw can be adjusted and now they feel in balance. No more over/under bleeding to adjust. A ton more modulation rather than locking up the front wheel in a sketchy situation and causing a butt puckering moment... Best money I've spent in a long time, and realized now I don't even think about brake's bad behavior. They just do, have less little uncontrolled moments as a result, and way more confidence.

Great video brother!!!

My XX1 AXS has been functioning with zero issue for 1.5 yrs. And the initial setup with the sram app couldn’t be easier. Once you configure your AXS with the app for your preference, you don’t need to mess with it. The battery has been no issue at all.

Finally a relatable bike review 😁👍

Please try TRP brakes! I've run their slate 4s, trail SL and Quadiem brakes on my bikes and for me they are simply the best. Great stopping power, modulation wise inbetween sram and shimano but leaning more to shimano and most importantly VERY RELIABLE! These brakes never fade, no inconsistency in the bite point, never ever had to bleed one even. Cheers!

Even with a top shelf KS Lev Carbon dropper, it still sticks in the down position from time to time. It came on my bike so I learn to live with this quirk.

Awesome honest review

I went RideWrap for my entire bike and have no complaints...If you hate damaging the frame I would recommend just wrapping the entire frame with RideWrap or Invis. Also for the brakes definitely check out TRP, they are a game changer and feel amazing!

I tried axs when it first came out..... BRIAN.... switch to Shimano, you will thank me later!!! Even slx is good and shifts so much better than Sram. It's nice to have less cables on the bar but not worth the terrible shifting and insane cost with axs.

@Intentsrig

3 жыл бұрын

My slx groupset is junk. Shifting is terrible and always making noise. The slx brakes though...the best!

Keep Up the good work and give it the Beans!!

is gonna be epic!

You should try Magura MT5 HC carbons, they’re pretty light for 4piston trail brakes, super powerful and have these amazing 1 finger levers.

You should try Formula Curas as your next brake. My previous one were XTs and wow! a whole new world of modulation appeared and that brought a lot of confidence going down steeps.

Speaking of squeaks. Found out my squeaking while peddaling uphill was from the tension being too high from the factory in the spokes of my Zipp 3Zero Moto wheels. Chased that for 4 months and after bringing the tension down, it went away. Also Im surprised you didnt have more problems with the bike after that kind of adventure.

Very nice and honest review. I think less electronics the better it is. Wireless shifting sounds great, but batteries are the limitation. Just like the GoPro where you always have to worry about battery life. I'm good with normal cable setup. I think Ibis should redesign the frame, because 34 tooth chainring isn't that big and it should accept it no problem.

I'm the guy who emailed about the shiimano four piston brake pads rattling. It's a fact, and I have videos to prove it! Brian, if you are reading this, if you switch to SRAM....that rattle will go away. Guaranteed. Get the SRAM Code brakes, and you'll love them. More modulation, easier to bleed, and knock on wood....mine have not had the over pressure issues that SRAM was known for in the past where water invaded the system. I also really like the Magura MT7's, but their levers assemblies are too flimsy, and with the traveling you do....I WOULD NOT recommend those unless you take some spares along.

Great vid. I would suggest the new AXS rocker paddle upgrade kit. It's so much better!

I've got to say that I'm still using Avid DB7 brakes, never felt any lack of power and the hydro I've tried didn't change my mind ... I love them and maintenance is so easy. What I hate is bearings when they start to crunch, always a pain in the a** to find the sick one

Would love to see a van update or "van check"

It like Jerry Senified reviewing a bike. Man hands 😂

Highly recommend the TRP brakes, any of the "DH/Enduro" models are super nice. Feels like a mix of Sram's modulation and Shimano's progressive power; very different!

@DaveElby

3 жыл бұрын

But Shimano XT's are so easy to service, especially to bleed. Providing you have four pairs of hands.

@wheatthinbecker

3 жыл бұрын

@@DaveElby Although I haven't serviced/bled my Quadiems, I've heard and seen that it's really easy to, so much so that I plan to do it myself once the time comes.

@DaveElby

3 жыл бұрын

@@wheatthinbecker If Shimano just made the damned bleed nipple a couple of mm longer it would be so much easier. Like trying to connect a syringe pipe to a flea's nose. Good luck though. Being in the UK, the only upgrade I would consider are Hope brakes, but they are high dollar.

@Tony-Scotton

3 жыл бұрын

Hayes Dominion as an alternative

I feel your pain with the electronics, what a nightmare ! Keep it simple and reliable I guess. Side note, the SRAM Guide R works good :)

I still rather have the Shimano hyperglide+ than spend less time routing cables on the AXS

@boringuserhandle

3 жыл бұрын

you could have both

Love how you can just rip on a 10k mtb bike :) Very insightful thanks!

Any news on the Hawaii shred? To protect the frame Brian I would use invis, took me a 2 to 3 hours to apply but I felt it was worth it to keep my bike looking good. I don't change bikes that often so keeping it looking good is important & a big plus if selling the bike.

I like that was hilarious where you are saying how well the bike came together in a video you Fell off the bike , So long as you made it without getting hurt that's all that matters. Let's keep the wheels on the ground next Time And always Be safe.

I've liked using a 34t Oval for the same reasons you mentioned. My new bike had a 32 on it and I couldn't get a new chainring right away because of Covid. I ended up riding it a bit on 32 and feel like I'm going to stick with 32 Oval for a little bit. I end up having a higher cadence on some of my climbs but ultimately I think it's keeping me from getting as tired out in the long run.

Brian, 27.5 vs 29? I know it's quiet the debate but curious on your thoughts

Quick question whats the best size to get when youre in between sizes with ibis ripmo? Thanks Great bike check! And honest that not because its expensive it will be better to other components.

onyx racing hubs are the best. aside from instant engagement for those do-or-die tech moments, there is nothing like cruising through the woods in total silence.

i had the same problem with the 34 tooth i just flipped it and havent had problems yet. it does look kind of funky because 3 bolt chainrings have divots for the bolts, but when you flip it they stick out, but im pretty sure you have a cinch crankset.

Will you do some sort of follow up video of just like a stats video on the 50 state shred? Like total miles on the bike Total miles in the van Mayb even costs?? Mayb run down your top 10 states to ride could be a cool video or videos! 🤘

Crazy to think that I've been here since before the Bronson.

Is it just the two of us on a v2 with a lyrik and super deluxe coil? Best bike I've ever had as well

Such a sick bike! You need to bring that bike to Utah so we can go down Monkey again 😉

Hey BKXC, love your vids, and congrats on the finally of your almost 50 state shred! I know its been some time since you had the mojo, but would you recommend it? I live in Monterey CA, so the laguna seca trails are my back yard. Thanks and keep rocking it

Hey BKXC missing the Monday and Wednesday uploads. When’s your next video coming out. Enjoying some of the old content though! 👍

So I also just replaced my tyrewiz batteries and could not get them to power up as well. After some troubleshooting, the key was the paper + in the caps need to be aligned a certain way in order to make contact. Need to play with it to find it and need to keep that in mind when replacing batteries. Hope that helps cause I love mine as well.

Ergon GA2 Fat grips are EXCELLENT if you want something comfortable and larger for large paws Brian.

@TM-es6fw

3 жыл бұрын

I'm running a set of Ergon grips (ge1) right now and while I really like their shape I feel like the compound is just not "sticky" enough. I was running a set of lizard skin northshore before these that were pretty good but my most recent set were so soft I had them chewed up in about 3 months, also the double lock on of the lizard skins really reduces the overall useable section of the grip