I own a 29 hardtail for most of my local rides, a 27.5 full suspension mainly for bike park days, and also a 26 hardtail for kid hauling.

IMO the 29 is the ticket for an efficient trail bike. With modern geometry sorted over the past year or two, 29's don't suffer the same issues they did previously. Because of the larger wheel size, the bikes gearing (or your expectations) do need to be adjusted. At your height you should have no problems fitting a medium or even a med-lrg in most makes.

The 27.5 bike is more 'fun' and engaging, because it isn't as fast or efficient as the same bike with 29s.

Test ride a few and see what you prefer for the type of riding you'll be doing. You won't make a wrong choice with either wheel size.

Thanks for the tips.

Do you or anyone else know of a good place to buy lower seals for a rock shox recon? Online is sort of hit and miss. I don't mind overhauling the lowers myself as it seems pretty simple. Just not sure where to buy the parts.

Shouldn't be too hard to source. I believe the Recon share the same dust seal/wiper and foam ring kits as other 32mm stanchion forks like the old Revelation, old Pike, Reba, Sektor, Tora, newer SID. If in doubt a local shop should be happyly to order the kit in for you to DIY, probably $20-30?

https://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=...recon+seal+kit

Get the SKF seals if you want really smooth performance

Thanks for the input. I was looking for a local/Canadian retailer (but would have ultimately ordered off eBay if I couldn't find local/Canadian vendor).

Based on your info, I called around to see if anyone serviced lowers and/or sold parts. Everyone seems to either not touch forks or send it out for servicing to Fluid Function or SuspensionWerx depending on brand (as per Jubilee Cycles). The other strong recommendation was to visit Dunbar Cycles for their suspension Guru. Unfortunately when I went there they were closed because their computer system was down.

Long story short, Aziz, their guru, advised they well the parts for $30 or will service the lowers for $90.

I'm probably going to attempt it myself as it's relatively easy and grab the parts from Dunbar. I just typed the above for an FYI in case anyone has the same question in the future.

Any recommendation on a cheap pannier? Basically need something to carry so clothes, lunch box for commute any maybe some minor grocery shopping.

.

What do you consider cheap? Do you need waterproof? What size? Do you need to carry a suit? I would suggest going to MEC (or their Gear Swap) or Bike Doctor to have a look. Or if you do need to carry a suit, there's this. https://www.twowheelgear.com/

Anyone here doing the Canada Day Populaire?

Weather is not looking very promising.

Pretty decent bike, Team BMC got my attention from Tour de France.
2017 BMC SLR02 ultegra, $2K. As for color, just stare at it and it will eventually grow on you. New probably north of $4K.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...637596339.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00R0R_...9t_600x450.jpg

Did you end up doing it?

Negative

lol!

Valley and Whistler are up next. Any other big events left?

Tour de Victoria in August 18th
https://tourdevictoria.com/

Any RS'ers looking for a Red22 group set?

170mm cranks, midcompact 52/36, 11-28 XG1190 RED cassette, fd, rd, shifter, aerolink brakes, all cables.

STP was just last week.
Ramrod next week

Nevermind, my mistake. This weekend is in Fort Langley, not Okanagan.

Anyone using like locking skewers or just using nuts in replacement of their quick releases? Looking at picking up a cheapish commuter, would prefer just to use a ulock with no cable. Or will your wheels still get stolen even with taking some precautions.

PSA ... great deal! (Not mine)

Specialized Venge Di2 Ultegra $2200

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...652691306.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00N0N_...jq_600x450.jpg

Could be a sweet ride if this is your size and everything checks out ... and it's not stolen.

Pinarello PF3, Med 54cm, $1400
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/nvn/...665885678.html

...seems too good to be true. and how can a guy buy a premium bike without proper sizing...

26in wheels, bullhorn handlebars...pedal assist...

Glotman Simpson Cypress Challenge: Aug. 12
Bicicletta Mount Baker Ride: Aug 25
RBC Gran Fondo Whistler: Sept 8
MEC Century Ride: Sept. 22

Thinking about the Baker ride, but not very confident in my fitness. Dad bod got me good


Are you going?

Ride the Rim (Crater Lake in US) 2018 Sept 8 AND Sept 15.

If you can survive Cypress then you should be able to handle Baker. It's like Cypress 2x, but the grade is very consistent and doesn't really kick up until the end up to Artist Point.