The best price I can find for a set is here:

http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/deemax-ultimate-012-is2000-12x150mm-56669?currency=3&delivery_country=190&gclid=CIb8_IrsosECFWTHtAods10Aww

I was about to press the button when I noticed that a)they’re the 2013 version and b)it seems to say that they’re for 8/9 speed!

Does anyone please know if ill be able to run a 10 speed cassette on them? I thought 10 speed had been around for ages so it seems a bit strange. Also is anyone aware of the differences between the 2013 and 2014 versions?

Thank you .I know in general people run non ust maxxis without a problem from what I’ve read on here, but was just wondering specifically about the deemaxes as they’re not the widest rim out there.

For me I’m fine to put up with the odd loss of pressure/burping. What I don’t want to happen is to cause myself a nasty injury whilst doing a gap or drop! That said I think a 15 foot gap is a bit beyond me…

Thanks for the help. I guess I could change the rims/get new wheels then always go back to tubes if I get problems.

MSP thanks for the warning re Easton/mavic. Out of interest has anyone tried a tubeless setup on the new crossmax XLs that I’m looking at?

On a related question, are new bikes coming tubeless these days? It’s really hard to tell from the reviews in some bike mags. Eg in Dirt they’ve reviewed several bikes recently that come with the Crossmax Enduro, but they make no mention of whether or not they’re running it tubeless for the review.

Thanks, think I will order myself some fork juice

I’ve been looking at a set of the Mavic wheels but not the Crossmax Enduro. I’m considering the new Crossmax XL which seem to be wider than the Enduros but the same weight:

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/mavic-crossmax-xl-wts-first-look-2014.html

Thanks all for the replies

I have a 2013 Endorphin…

I’ve heard of the ‘poppy’ feel on here before but don’t know what it means! What I can tell you is that the bike does feel playful and seems to handle both little bumps and big hits/drops without any trouble. A few reviews I read said it feels like a bike that has more than 140mm and I’d agree with that, its very capable downhill.

Its also light, relatively slack and low. I was after a bike with no more than 140mm that would be capable downhill, but be light enough for longer rides and so far its hitting the spot. I would agree with the seatpost comment above also, that’s the only negative for me but its not too bad.

I had a similar experience. In the end I got fed up, sold my stans rims and bought a set of mavic rims. Couldn’t be happier.

I’ve just got back from Finale and absolutely loved it! Some of the best downhills that I’ve done, very technical, rocky descents.

I did uplifts with Ride Extreme and they were excellent. Really impressed that we got 6 maybe 7 dh runs in each day, plus the fact that they showed us multiple different trails around Finale each day.

Great, thank you.

Whilst I’m on the subject, is there enough in Finale to warrant taking a DH bike? Although I’d happily take my trail bike, I’m going with my brother who wants to take the DH bikes. Just wondering if that would be overkill for Finale?

Anyone?

I’ve got one and couldn’t be happier with it. Miles better (for descending & handling anyway) than other hardtails I’ve owned (chameleon, soul). Geometry is perfect.

Depends what you like though. Although not in the super heavy category, its not the lightest hardtail out there.

Thanks – that’s not so bad

Thanks for the suggestions – a good few to look at

Just not in the uk really. Due to the snow I’m not sure if there’s anywhere apart from Spain where you can go for an uplift in April

Thanks – that’s good to know, I will just pop them straight in the box

Some are ok, some are boggy. For example trails like Barry knows best and most of pitch hill are ok, but then trails on winterfold are quite muddy, lots of puddles etc

I went from v8s/12s to dmr vaults – they feel much better due to the bigger platform IMO

Thanks – sounds a bit better than the planet x one, esp the wheels. But having thought about it, ideally i guess it would still need a bit of cardboard or padding in there for the frame

How good are the evoc bags compared to other bike bags? I have a Planet X bag which has a load of nice little pockets etc inside, but doesn’t offer too much protection. Is the evoc bag better at protecting the bike?

Just to confirm I didn’t ride any of the trails under development.

I think it is Waggledance that I’m talking about. Didn’t realise that people would ride up it – everyone I’ve ever met around there rides down it. Anyway, up or down, it’s a great trail.

Regarding the changes, when people say that it “looks good” have you actually seen it or are you just judging from a photo? I’ve seen it first hand (not ridden it) and what was already there is better than what’s been put in.

What’s happened is that the natural features of the trail, e.g. bumps/rocks/roots have all been smoothed out to the point that you could pretty much ride a road bike down there. Surely no-one wants that?

Yes I agree with trail maintenance and segregation of MTBs etc, but I struggle to see how anyone on this forum would be happy with existing, challenging decent trails being turned into a yawn fest.

Riddoch yep that’s the stuff they were putting down

It’s not my land is the point you’re making so I guess they can do what they want.

However the changes don’t seem to be for the benefit of families/walkers. They seem to be mtb specific changes as I saw berms etc. If they wanted to create trails for bikes, what they had was already better than what they’re putting in. All they had to do was put a sign up saying “Bikes only” on these trails I’m talking about, rather than ruining them.

I had no idea what a CX bike was until I read this thread so I’ve learnt something new! Wouldn’t particularly want to read about one in an mtb mag, personally.

It sort of depends what you mean by general xc riding. I’ve got a shan, its not lightweight, but I’m happy enough riding it around xc loops for 2-3 hours. It’s worth it though when the trail points down! I couldn’t recommend it enough – 66 degree head angle, designed for 150/160 forks, very low, short stays – it feels perfect!

I’d 2nd those who say try something else. I bought a set of brand new tech m4 evos about a year ago and I’ve never been impressed with them. They ok, don’t get me wrong, but they lack the bite and power of other brakes I’ve tried. This is despite getting them looked at by the LBS – they just seem very average as far as I’m concerned. I’ve got new avid codes on another bike & they blow the hopes away. Ok it’s a dh brake, but its very light & a similar price so is fine for a trail bike IMO. Also check out the new avid XOs, they seem to get very good reviews

Yep as mentioned that’s the older model, think they also get good reviews though

I can’t comment on the others, but I’ve just bought a 2013 Knolly endorphin and I’d say it would fit the bill for you.

A few people seem to say the rear end looks flexy, in fact its one of the stiffest bikes I’ve ridden. For DH duties, the knolly feels almost as good as my DH bike. Of course, its only 140mm, so it has its limits, but it feels like its got more than 140mm. The reason I bought it is because there are several comments/reviews (e.g. mtbr) saying its one of the best descending trail bikes you can get. I’m only a few rides in, but I’d agree with that, its blown away my expectations for a bike with so little travel.

Yes the seat angle is a bit slack, but TBH its so light I’ve really not found it to be an issue – I’m able to get up climbs perfectly quick enough.

I was facing the same choice and went for the Devilles. The 15mm bolt through on the pike massively put me off

You can get continental barons on CRC for about £15-20, they’re pretty good for this time of year

That commencal looks great!

Having carried out a test ride the other weekend I’m probably going for the Knolly Endorphin, it felt great. Amazing that on the rough stuff it felt nearly as stiff as my DH bike, despite only having 140mm. The head angle is only 67, whereas I’d also want around 66, but I figure with the 160 fork I have it will be around 66.5. So I’d recommend checking that out, I’m still staggered at how well it descends for a 140mm bike.

The only thing that will stop me ordering a Knolly is the spitfire, that does look tempting.

Just to follow up on this, can anyone please tell me what size mount I need for the avid code on my 2005 fox 40?

I’m really confused – the manual says that the 40 uses an “XC calipar mount for international xc mount pattern” whatever that means

I currently have a 225 hope 6 pot which bolts straight on

Cheers

I’ve got a set of m4 tech evos and I think the power is pretty low to average compared to some other brands I’ve tried eg avid or formula. That said, its a 180mm tech evo that I’ve got, sounds like the 200mm race evo m4s or 200mm v4s would give more power

Thanks, seems to be the best bet, although I must admit I’d rather get an official avid one

I’ve got a shan and am delighted with it. If the trail is pointing downwards then its just incredible, it would utterly destroy previous hardtails that I’ve owned. There’s a review I read in Dirt that convinced me to get it, not sure if its available online or not.

Google images privee shan 917 for some much better images of it.

Having said all this, the slackline is very highly regarded. I’ve not tried one, but I don’t think you’d be disappointed with either really. Again to reference the Dirt article, they said both the Shan and Slackline were the 2 best DH orientated hardtails you could get

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That’s good news, thank you. I’m really surprised that the bed is big enough to carry a single bike with the wheels still on. Is that with the tailgate down or up?