Petemoss

@aquanut: Maybe not 10 psi below but certainly close. I tried recommended psi and it was silly harsh. My shock pump is analog and perhaps not entirely accurate but I'm guessing 8-10 psi below recommended currently. I've experimented with anywhere from 18 to 25% sag and I'm finding 22% is the most comfortable at the moment. After a lot of trial and error its feeling good. Any trails that are faster with berms or jumps I add 3-4 clicks of hsc and lsc and it adds a lot more support. You are certainly correct it's a difficult beast to master. If I didn't take the time to get somewhat educated and adjust I would have thought the suspension and bike were garbage and chucked it. I know a few people who "don't like their bikes" and when I ask if they have adjusted suspension they often shrug, say no or look confused.

@Bad-Mechanic: I don't know much about suspension internals that's for sure but for the trails I ride unless its fully wide open it is pretty harsh. I add 3 or 4 clicks only for anything that needs extra support but you're correct, anymore than that its pretty harsh.Removing the tokens made a big difference too. It was not for lack of turning knobs and experimenting with air pressure I assure you. Maybe around 2 months of tinkering to find at least a decent base to work with?? I also had to go around 10 psi less than recommended in air chamber. I THINK I'm at a spot now where I'm happy with it................I think...LOL.

@wolftwenty1: 100%. Had a 2020 Fox 36 with a Grip 2 and I will admit I didn't notice much of a difference in individual clicks. I now have a 2024 Zeb Ultimate 3.1 damper and individual clicks make a HUGE difference. I ride mostly rocky and rooty trails and run wide open for a plusher ride. On more flow trails just a few clicks of added HSC and LSC adds a ton of extra support. I took out the 2 tokens that were installed. I'm not suspension expert by any means but reading a few articles on the Interweb and watching a few YouTube videos on proper set up has made a massive improvement in the feel of the bike. Oh and a basic lower leg service was key as well!

@santa-banshee: Bought a TranzX Jump Seat about a month ago. Was $110 CDN. Use it on a fat bike for winter riding. I think only 100 mm of drop but its fine for fat bike riding! No comment on durability as I only used it for a few months but its worked fine thus far.

You are a champ. One day at a time and keep moving forward. Wishing you happy trails and all the best in your recovery path. :)

@onawalk: I never asked or expected to pay below cost for any product and never implied that. I do understand they have to run a business but when a MSRP on a product on MANY other sites states $53 and they sell it for $80 there is a bit of discrepancy there. I only asked to match or if they could do a bit better on price. It was not so much that they offered to take 5% off but the air of arrogance at which they did. I understand biking and bike products are expensive. I don't have a ton of funds left over after mortgage, gas, food, kids activities etc. I try to find products that are quality and fit my price point and keep me riding. Unfortunately MY (not all) LBS is unwilling to price products competitively (often OVER MSRP) so I go the online route. And I make no apologies for doing so. And props to you for supporting your local LBS, sounds like you have a good one.

Often in rural areas the local bike shop may be the only game in town and they know and flaunt it. I went to the LBS store a few years back looking for a basic pair of shorts. Everything on the rack was $150+. When I asked for something under the $100 range the response I got was akin to spitting in the guys face. He would take 10% off if I bought 2 pairs. Had to go to same bike shop for a pair of flat pedals a few weeks ago. In store $80 and same pedals online were $53. Said I'd like to support store and buy from them and could they match price or do a bit better. Response was "I'll take 5%" off. Unfortunately without a massive disposable income the price point online is often SO much better. With a LBS unwilling to work with the customer on pricing I've had to go that route. As for maintenance, buy a fairly simple wrench kit and go to YOUTUBE. Huge resource. I'm no wrench head at all but I've gained a ton of knowledge on bike maintenance and repair simply by going to YouTube.

Not all time, but I thought Super T (Tyler Klassen) back in the day was so incredibly smooth with the massive drops hits and jumps. Loved watching his style.

Why buy new? Especially with expensive price tag and risk of being damaged in a spill. I've gotten a few Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Black Diamond, Marmot Gore-tex jackets "pre-loved" for under $100 and they have been in fantastic condition. Small soak and spray with NikWax they are good to go and have often, lasted years. AND if you ruin the darn thing in a spill, your not out a wad of cash.

Just when ones faith in humanity starts to wander you read a piece like this. Frown has been turned around. Awesome all around.