--- in London, United Kingdom - photo by kovaldesign

Ragley Big Wig. Another steel frame bike in my stable. Another 29er too. This one is a good sample of an all mountain, long travel hardtail, happy with 140mm forks. Went wide bar crazy and meaty tyres and must say the bike feels like driving a tank compared to my El Mariachi. This is the Polish mountains bike project and I hope it will serve me well each time I'm out on those harsh but spectacular trails.

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kovaldesign

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Photo info

Album: custom-built-bikes
Category: Bikes - DH
Date Posted: May 11, 2013 at 16:01
May 11, 2013
Location: London, United Kingdom
Riders: ---

Photo details

Photo Size:

Camera

Nikon D90

Lens

18-50mm f/2.8 G

Shutter Speed

1/4

Aperture

2.8

Focal Length

38.0 mm

ISO Speed

200

Date

2013:05:11

Time

19:17:33

12 Comments

notthatslow (May 11, 2013 at 16:19)

hans dampf on the back and nobby nic on the front? isn't it usually the other way around?!

kovaldesign (May 11, 2013 at 16:25)

What is usually?

Where I'm about to use it I think I will get the most of it set up this way.

notthatslow (May 11, 2013 at 17:08)

well the nic is better rolling and the hans dampf has bigger knobs and more side tread, usually makes sense to have the nic at the back to aid pedalling and the hans dampf at the front for cornering etc

kovaldesign (May 12, 2013 at 1:04)

Yes, I do agree with that rule, however, the bike is going to ride on some loose stones trails and that can be very nasty to the tyre tread/knobs. NN due too looser knobs pattern would die out there very quickly. Having it at front will improve steering as it's lighter and I don't think it will be much worst with cornering grip than the HD. More rubber at the back (tighter tread) means longer life, it will also help with punctures.
This isn't a definitive verdict. I may be forced to try it the other way around - subject to crashes per mile ratio

notthatslow (May 12, 2013 at 6:06)

Ahh ok I see what you mean, could work!
Haha, crashes per mile ratio, hope you keep that nice and low

kovaldesign (May 12, 2013 at 11:50)

that's the plan

nikoniko (May 11, 2013 at 17:03)

You are a legend bro! RideOn!

kovaldesign (May 12, 2013 at 2:10)

hahaha, where did you get that idea from?! The real legend lives in Japan!

nikoniko (May 13, 2013 at 7:27)

hahahahahahahah Well, just pepping at all the builds of totally radical bikes you have had over the last 3 years has been awesome. I Especially like your Salsa and this WOW, she looks stunning! I'm locked into Dabomb for the current time but, I 29er like this would be the perfect bike for many reasons. I have yet to pedal a 29er!

kovaldesign (May 13, 2013 at 8:27)

I know your style Niko and I think it would be worth to check out how the large wheels feels underneath you before you make any purchase. 29ers aren't for everyone, they are slower in cornering, not as lively in general. They climb very well though and are stable on the descents, fast in straight lines. All in all, as everything in life, it is an experience worth trying, and who knows, maybe one big wheeler makes its entry into your garage and finds its purpose.

nikoniko (May 13, 2013 at 20:41)

Yes, for sure one day!
My only concern is as you stated, the trials here in Japan are steep and twisty.
So, 80% of the time we need a nimble quick handling bike.

I have to find a test bike some place, ahahahhah

As of now there is yet a mate to have a 29er!

Please have fun on your new steed!
RideOn!

kovaldesign (May 14, 2013 at 4:18)

Your wish is my command!