Howdy,
Pulled the trigger on this frameset last week in the XL size, black glossy (normally I'd prefer matte but I've heard the clearcoat provides superior durability and easier cleaning). I'm a hobbyist roadie/gravel rider, but I have an old 2011 GT 29" Full suspension bike that I wanted to upgrade from so here we are...
Doing a cable XT build with SID suspension, 2p remote (wanted to go 3p "magic middle" but 2p is "older" therefore I found some smoking deals on eBay). Everything sourced except the rear shock hardware and a few other miscellaneous things, though I might upgrade the bar and stem later once I get the fit dialed in.
On to questions/feedback solicitation...
Shock hardware: There seems to be quite a bit of confusion about the bushing hardware; I understand
8x16 is solid, but for the other side I see reports of 8x22 and 8x25 (sanding required??)... There's also an
8x24.4 option which makes me wonder if that's a better fit. Which way is best here?
Order to delivery: Roughly how long did your orders take once locked in?
Riding feedback: How does this frame compare to "fast" XC bikes like the Epic 8?