RIDE YOUR
BEST RIDE
The Right Bike
“It’s a rare rider who fits a bicycle exactly as designed. It’s important to consider a diversity of riders as biking increases in popularity. I can recommend beneficial changes to optimize their enjoyment and experience.”
The small-framed rider.
This bicycle is a custom-painted Project One Trek Fuel EX 9.8. The additional initial outlay for a custom bike was recouped because it allowed choice in key components that would’ve been an upgrade on the regular model. Towards her goal of improved climbing, we moved to a 29” wheel from a 27.5, went to carbon wheels, and subbed in an oval chain ring.
I also throw in some bling suggestions to amp up a ride! This one-of-a-kind paint job calls out for a anodized purple seat clamp, tubeless valves, and top cap.
“Talked with Lukas today - he was super helpful!! He gave us some good questions to ask and is making us rethink things…”
Replacing a stolen bicycle
There could hardly be a worse time to replace stolen bikes than during a pandemic bike shortage. Lori was counting days to the start of school vacation to recharge on her mountain bike. With fierce competition nationwide for ANY available bike, I was nonetheless determined to not only get her on a bike but the RIGHT bike for her.
She rides rooty, rocky East Coast woods of rolling terrain. This enthusiastic, capable rider crushes a climb and makes a thoughtful descent. Her rides average 1-2 hours, with an occasional weekend bike vacation.
I turned first to the unrivaled real time inventory on the Specialized website. Though sold out in her target price range, her needs could be met by a Stumpjumper Expert, a 2-day drive to Wisconsin, or possibly a customized Stumpjumper Comp, a 1-day drive to Pittsburg OR by sheer luck, just 1 ½ hours from me in Utah which would allow me to facilitate key upgrades then ship to her.
I recommended options should she chance upon local inventory, including the Ibis Ripley SLX or XT build, Trek Fuel EX 9.8 XT or GX build, and in a pinch, the Santa Crux Tall Boy S or Yeti SB130 C2. She successfully located and demo’d the exact Ibis Ripley in her size. Turns out the demo is up for sale, so she is likely to enjoy some rides before her return to the rigors of pandemic teaching!
Dream build.
I built up this bike in mid February 2021 from a frameset. Every part is the absolute best that I could get during the parts shortage This is a full dream build that retails for over 9K. Everything matches perfectly on the bike and was brand new when I built the bike. Wheels are custom built We Are One w/ bladed spokes, gold nipples, and Turquoise Industry Nine Hydra hubs. Wheels, shock, and fork have custom color matching decals on them. Even the valves are gold/turquoise to match everything. This is a perfect short travel bike for Utah, that has nothing left to upgrade
“OMG - love it! Just took it for a test ride - it flies! Seriously bonded with it within seconds of getting on it! Thank you from the bottom of my heart”
The Right Accessories & Knowledge
“To grow and then keep customers outside the stereotypical rider base, ensure the customer has everything they need to succeed. Someone looking to progress has no idea of all the options available to them. Then take the time and initiative to follow up for feedback and address any questions or concerns.”
A beginner needs not only the proper bike but also recommendations for good starter trails, a helmet still in its useful life, encouragement to load the Trailforks app to their phone, and stiff soled shoes to fully transfer their energy through the pedal to the bike. I will then call them in a few days’ time to check on their satisfaction and address any questions or concerns.
An intermediate rider with 24 pedal strikes on a particularly rooty and rocky technical trail had been advised to improve her riding skills. Upon finding the original stock pedals still in place, I promptly upgraded to thin HT pedals (Anodized blue! Why not?!) which allowed even this size small frame to eliminate all but 2 pedal strikes. Everyone wins!
The Right Design
I ride nearly every day, putting high demand on all my gear. I observe every nuance that contributes to high performance… and those that detract. I can test and review products to provide input on design elements.
I will research exhaustively to find solutions: The 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 redesign was a game-changer for a smaller rider who had been resigned to suspension that deflected rather than absorbed. Yet when planning the customizations and upgrades, I discovered the size Small couldn’t accommodate an oval climbing ring, standard for many a Utah rider. I called the corporate design team as well as several service managers with similar terrain who might have relevant experiences, and surveyed my colleagues for input. I eventually found a manageable workaround, which is getting positive reviews from this customer.