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robotdave
- Member since May 11, 2008
- O+
- Male / 37
-
Bellevue , Washington - 19 Followers
- 8 Trailforks Points
Bikes and snowboards are fun. Don't believe the hype.
Recent
robotdave seb-stott's article
Jul 15, 2026 at 11:55
Jul 15, 2026
First Ride: The Shuvl eMTB Can Work With Any Motor, But at What Cost?
100% agree and is one of my main problem with the current crops of ebikes. Every single one out on the trail will likely end up in a landfill somewhere due to our industry short-sightedness.
This + those "ebike to regular bike conversions," all good stuff.
Still see plenty of 10+ year old mountain bikes on the trail, and older MTBs make awesome commuters for a lot of folks. That won't be the case for the current crop of ebikes and it really bums me out.
MTB (before ebikes) is already such a consumerist hobby and the current (and previous) crop of ebikes make all of that even worse.
robotdave seb-stott's article
Jul 15, 2026 at 11:50
Jul 15, 2026
First Ride: The Shuvl eMTB Can Work With Any Motor, But at What Cost?
Ugly as shit. But appreciate the idea and innovation.
So many ebikes out there now will end up in landfills due to lack of backwards compatibility and support due to our industry's short-sightedness.
This kind of thing (+ those "ebike to regular bike conversion kits), all cool things.
robotdave Dario-DiGiulio's article
Jul 7, 2026 at 15:45
Jul 7, 2026
Head to Head: 2026 Santa Cruz Tallboy vs. 2020 Norco Optic
@slayersxc17: Oh I did ride it without it. LOVE the Cascade. 100% would recommend. Does not feel any less efficient, but softer off of the top and a lot more to "push into" in midstroke.
Before, felt like I had to compromise with grip or midstroke support with air pressure / volume spacers. After, feels much more dialed with less of a compromise.
Selling
Jul 7, 2026 at 14:56
Jul 7, 2026
Specialized Status S140 S3 (M) custom build
$1750 USDSpecialized Status 140 S3 (M), custom build. Almost M/L as these are longer Mediums at 460mm slack. Runs great, not ridden much.
S3 frame with Float X shock (stock)
Fox 34 Fit4 140mm fork
180mm OneUp v2 dropper.
12 speed SLX Drivetrain (170mm cranks, derailleur, shifter)
Shimano Deore 4 piston brakes (BR-MT620) with Deore levers
WTB I30 front wheel
DT Swiss FR560 rear wheel on Onyx hub (silent, instant engagement) with Cushcore installed
Would trade for hardtail MTB, or gravel bike. Otherwise sale only.
robotdave Dario-DiGiulio's article
Jul 7, 2026 at 14:52
Jul 7, 2026
Head to Head: 2026 Santa Cruz Tallboy vs. 2020 Norco Optic
@slayersxc17: Definitely slackened the seat tube angle a bit, I run one of those FAIR offset saddle mounts to shift the seat forward more to account for the (already slightly slack) seat tube angle.
I've never ridden it with 140mm so I can't compare!
robotdave Dario-DiGiulio's article
Jul 7, 2026 at 13:32
Jul 7, 2026
Head to Head: 2026 Santa Cruz Tallboy vs. 2020 Norco Optic
@nnowak: I have one of those FAIR offset seat clamps on my '21 Optic with a 150mm Lyrik.
Steepens seat angle by around 2 degrees. FAIR offsets by around 25mm. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-fair-bicycles-drop-best-offset-saddle-clamp-looks-weird-works-great.html
Not cheap for what it is...but cheaper than a new frame!
robotdave Dario-DiGiulio's article
Jul 7, 2026 at 13:29
Jul 7, 2026
Head to Head: 2026 Santa Cruz Tallboy vs. 2020 Norco Optic
Yup. Still love my 2021 Optic. Have just upgraded it instead of buying a new bike since that bike was so ahead of the game at the time.
150mm Lyrik, cascade link w/ Ohlins TTX2, carbon wheels, FAIR offset saddle mount (steepens ST angle by ~2 degrees), etc.
I'd be really curious if the "more XC feel" takeaway would change with some of these changes. Haven't ridden a new Tallboy, I'm sure it's sweet...but not worth the cost of upgrading for me.
robotdave Dario-DiGiulio's article
Jul 7, 2026 at 12:10
Jul 7, 2026
Head to Head: 2026 Santa Cruz Tallboy vs. 2020 Norco Optic
Own a 2021 Optic with Cascade link (130mm), 150mm Lyrik on it. Have been tempted over the years by many newer shiner bikes like the Tallboy, Smuggler, etc., etc., but then realize...I LOVE the Optic too much. I beat the shit out of mine and it's still rolling strong...money has been better spent on solid upgrades for the Optic.
With nicer suspension (running Ohlins TTX2 air shock), Cascade link (still plenty great without one), carbon wheels, it's pretty hard to beat. I recommend one (or a Fluid if they want "newer") to any of my friends looking for a "smaller" enduro alternative without breaking the bank. Thank you for keeping my resale value high...though I'll probably never sell it at this point!
robotdave Dario-DiGiulio's article
Jul 7, 2026 at 9:27
Jul 7, 2026
Head to Head: 2026 Santa Cruz Tallboy vs. 2020 Norco Optic
I'll probably never sell my 2021 Optic with Cascade link. Such a good bike, super fun with 150mm fork.
Selling
Jun 4, 2026 at 18:16
Jun 4, 2026
Norco Range Large WRP mullet DH link with Boxxer
$1400 USD2021 Norco Range size large with Williams Racing Products (WRP) Mullet DH Yoke and 226x75mm Fox DHX2 shock for 203mm rear travel. Build up a cheap park bike (while running a dropper).
Frame is used with signs of wear, but mechanically solid. Fork had recent lower service, in great shape. Cranks spin freely with no play.
Comes with a 2021 Boxxer World Cup (35mm version) with 180mm spring installed. Comes with 190mm spring and two sets of crowns (46mm and 56mm offset). Have stock 20mm axle for a DH front wheel, also have a kit to convert to boost 110 x 15mm axle so you can run most modern wheelsets (rear is also 148mm boost).
$1500 gets you:
- 2021 Norco Range Frame Large with WRP yoke and rear axle. WRP link currently is ~$260+ on their website.
- Fox DHX2 Coil Shock.
- 2021 Rockshox Boxxer WC set at 180mm. Will come with a 190mm spring. 46mm offset crown + 56mm offset crowns. Two options.
- SRAM Cranks 165mm installed with BB
- Extra derailleur hanger with a fresh idler pulley wheel (never installed).
Note: Missing top outer plate chain guide. Should be easy to find/solve for, I never needed. No longer have the stock yoke.
More info on WRP link: https://www.williamsracingproducts.com/shop/p/norco-range-mullet-yoke-2021. DH 29/27.5: Use a 225 x 75 for 206mm travel (or 72.5 for 200mm).
Priority to local pickup, or meet around Seattle Area. Will also be heading up to Whistler this summer.
