Friend of mine has the new 2011 version here in So Cal. He had the 2009, and the seat tube cracked (as you can see he's a big dude)and Kona shipped this as a replacement. Rear bounce is 4" compared to 3.5" last year I think.

New frame is lurrvvllyy. Tappered head tube, lovely crome / pewter finish. I rode it last week, super super stiff. Weighs in at 27lb I think. Really really nice ride.

Yeti 575. 28lb all in.

Cool, ping me a mail when you're ready.

Also you might want to register on ww.socaltrailriders.org especially if you're planning on riding Aliso, as there are lots of friendly locals.

Nath

SB is pretty good. Lots of trails to shuttle, that are a little more DH / chunk specific. PLus some local XC trails around also. I know a local if you want to be shown around. I know some great trails a little South around Malibu.

I'll buy the chain guard if its going?

Squirrel Mountain

Santa Clarita – Castaic

Some fun at Big Bear – Snow Summit last weekend.

Some pics to get you in the mood:

Wildwood – my back garden

Backbone Trail – Kanan – Malibu

Kerneville

Nice work, whereabouts are you heading? I live in Thousand Oaks, NW of L.A. Moved out here 12 months ago with work. If you are anywhere near drop me a line, we ride pretty much ALL the trails from West L.A to Santa Barbara, and there are lots !!

Now its warming up (It was 112 degrees at 18:30 this evening !!) we see Rattlers pretty much every week, saw a HUGE one a few weeks back just chillin in the middle of the trail!! Turantulas that will fit in your hand and Coyotes if you are out after dusk (but they are scared shitless most of the time) I have ridden with a few guys who carry a "Bite Kit" for snake bites, but its simply for giving you more time if you get bitten. Generally the big adult Rattles scarper very quickly, but its the babies that are the dangerous ones, as they cannot control the venom.

One thing I'd recommend is getting the BIGGEST Camelbak bladder you can carry, the biggest shocker for me was the heat and hydration!

If you want any help with anything my email is nathan dot thomas at technicolor dot com

Cheers

I live in California, and bought one for a buddy and shipped it across a few weeks back.

The HD's are going for around $275, so $300 with tax. If I would send it across I'd simply reduce the value, state as used and also as a gift. Thid way you'll pay no tax. However if it gets lost, you'll only be balt to claim the stated value form FedEx / UPS

If you want a hand let me know,

Nath

Yes, got them last week, although I am in California. Had 2 rides out, and they are super sweet. Surpising how nice they are out the box, considering my RC2s took a good 3 weeks to bed in.

Obviously they look pimp, and I'm liking the black and gold. For me the single stage reduction to 120mm is perfect, as I always found 100mm felt too short for my frame. Also I was always a fan of the Lockout on previous Talas as I prefer to climb a lot out the saddle (years with a SS) so I like the new lock out. All in all, pretty darn pleased.

I've stuck them on a new build, Yeti 575. Full XTR / Easton Carbon, Crossmax SX, Highroller 2.35's. Comes in at 27.9lb with my XC pedals on.

Hey, schwwweeett bike.

Just one Q: Did the RF bash gaurd go on without any filling / dremmeling ?

Nath

28.2lb – 6″ / 6.25″

Not sure if theres a weight limit for rolly pollies on the SLRs, but they ‘aint all that (IMO)!!

My freehub lasted about 6 months, front bearings changed after 8 months. Stickers come off with the lightest of ‘blowings’ from a garden hose….oh and did I say the spokes are £5 a pop ! Plus the widest tyre recommendation is a 2.1…..have run them with a Jones 2.2….but it did let some air out on dodgy bunny hop landings !?! But that said, I ‘spose they are a XC Race wheelset….so the stickers coming off only makes them lighter….and why should you run a wider tyre than a 2.1 ??

Not worth the money IMO…you seen the new Specialised jobbies….super super light ! I think they are in this months What MTB mag.

” Mountain bike glass with a photochromic lens designed for riders with smaller faces or those requiring less coverage “

Is that true….or are these just small?

Raise a case through the FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN…..they have an obligation to resolve it in a set period of time…..say you were distressed etc etc…..I gaurantee you will get a long letter of apology….FSA regulated organisations take it VERY serious, as they are rated on the response to Ombudsman claims.

I proposed to him in exchange for some CK wheels….

I’m trying to sort out the numbers for the reception but I can’t get him to commit…..I’ve been julted ! 😀

Hmmm….even got the SS drop outs for it now !

Litespeed Obed Ti?