Just checked my frame and it’s linked on the inner and outer of the driveside chainstay. I hope that’s intended. I do intend to run it 1x so hopefully it holds up. Not sure what my warranty length is will find out once I register it.

I’ve just managed to buy a new 2016 El Mariachi frame, I must have a look at how thin they are?

Not sure if this is any help but I just bought a Salsa ElMariachi and any articles I read suggested that carbon forks were quite stiff and some harsh, I did read on one review that the Niner fork was very stiff. I totally understand the weight saving and indeed my Salsa Vaya came with a carbon fork. I’ve read that the wiskey carbon forks are great but pricey. I haven’t any experience of riding either but Syncros make lovely carbon bars, I think also it’s wiskey that produce the carbon stuff for Salsa. I suppose someone will be along to correct me.

So bars arrived today they are insanely light just hope that doesn’t mean not too strong. Inside the ends feel quite uniform so no filling needed.

Not sure if it’s any help to you but I’ve run 650b x 2.1 in my 2017 Vaya, had intended to build up a spare set of 650b wheels but ended up with a new Salsa El Mariachi so sticking with 29er.
(I’m selling the 650b rims if you’re interested)

@thisisnotaspoon tbh I’ve never ridden wider than 760mm so I think 740 should be grand fo my El Mariachi

Just order a set should be great for solving hand numbing with a pair of Esi grips

Funny that’s what I thought also at 740mm I shouldn’t be clipping any trees.

Cheers worth a punt at £21

Sorry but would XT 9 speed crank arms with an absolute black chainring work if the rest of the parts we newer 11/12 speed?

All my previous bikes have been shimano it’s just I hadn’t bought any mtb parts in a few years and some reviews for Sram were favourable and I haven’t had an 11 speed never mind 12 speed bike.
So I’ll stick with Shimano. Cheers.

Definitely going with the XR4’s cheers

To be honest I was only looking 2.6/2.4 combo but I don’t see any 2.2 listed

In light of this I might just look for an SLX groupset in the Black Friday deals

@ chakaping is it not a bit pricey? I’m happy to hold off until New Years as I’m in the states until new year

Thank you just had a look at the guide. Brilliant way of explaining it. Now bookmarked.

@scaredypants I’m all for sharing the love😂

Cheers NormalMan👍

@scaredypants no idea what happened that three pic sequences loaded but swipe left 😃

Perhaps one of the mods can delete two of the sequences?

Yes going wth Bonty XR4’s

Just perfect I’m building up a frame cheers

I’ve run Bontrager Xr4’s a few years back and found them a good all year fit and forget tyre which I suppose is a good thing. So will probably go with them but still intrigued with the Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal combo.

These wtb’s look heavy, with a steel frame and fork, the wheelset is where I’m looking at a bit of weight saving.

My word Tan sidewall Tervails but very spendy!!

Good shout hadn’t considered Tervail or WTB

Tyre advice please

So I’ve a Salsa El Mariachi and firestarter fork arriving, I have a new set of Hope Pro 4’s on WTB Sti25 TCS rims. So what tyres would the stwers recommend.
I’m just after a front with good side grip and fast rolling in 2.4 or 2.6 and a fast rear tyre in 2.4.
Not sure if anything in the Specialized sale is of use.

Ha! I’ll probably tape it up

Good to hear Tom , hows the paint finish on the frame?

Molegrips I just bought the chromo Firestarter fork (watching the pennies, off to Florida in three weeks) will probably upgrade to the carbon fork in the spring. Do you have any pics?

@tomd it’s a 2016 frame that I was shocked came up on eBay as brand new in the box. Apparently it’s the nice red. I’d debated about running it with a suspension fork but then opted for the Firestarter fork, easily changed in the future I guess.

Cheers Mark was thinking of a 2.6 front and a 2.4 rear, how do you find it?

Cheers for that @ Garry Lager

Mine is in the post 😃

New Salsa El Mariachi frame
New Salsa Firestarter fork

I have some lovely new Hope Pro 4 wheels

Just need a 1×11 drivetrain and a set of brakes and tyres. Then I’m up and running.

Any recommendations for fast but grippy 29×2.4 tyres?

Mine is in the post 😃

New Salsa El Mariachi frame
New Salsa Firestarter fork

I have some lovely new Hope Pro 4 wheels

Just need a 1×11 drivetrain and a set of brakes and tyres. Then I’m up and running.

Any recommendations for fast but grippy 29×2.4 tyres?

Great cheers

I’ve had two one a 17” the other a 19”. I’m 5’10” also with 32” inside leg and found the 19” a better fit for me. Ran it with 140 pikes and 740mm carbon bars and a 50mm stem really wish I’d never sold it.

Trying to draw inspiration from that while closeted indoors with the heating on😀 Fantastic write up and pics as always Colin. Cheers.

Cheers just purchased one from tredz with the fiver off.

K edge it is then cheers

Correct me if I’m wrong but on another wheel thread someone mentioned that hunt use novatec hubs, if that’s the case that what the op already has/had. I’d definitely go Hope Pro 4

I’m running my Vaya on Roubaix 32mm and really rate, they are super comfy on road and on towpath gravel. They are faster than I thought they would be and have fantastic grip when leaned over giving me great confidence especially in the wet.