New MTB 'n stuff review (long post warning)

My trusty Proflex 856 was getting really old even with my fork/shock/wheel upgrades, so I decided to buy a new MTB and maybe get a deal on an '08 with the '09s being introduced. After reading up, I went to look at a Giant Anthem W. Yes, the XW is out, but it has the Fox fork (I want the Rox Shox), and a Float RP2 instead of the RP23 which is more adjustable. The XW has 1/2 more travel so they say, but it was more money for not much more considering the downgraded rear shock. My LBS had a size small W so I bought it about a month ago and I thought I would give it a review, along with a new wheelset and hydration-pack mini-review.

I set the rear shock PSI to my weight, set the front to sag about 25% of the total travel, and set the negative chamber to the same PSI as the positive. That first ride was amazing. It didn't bob at all, unlike the Proflex, and the suspension felt very smooth. And boy it does climb (gives me hope that I may be able to some day). Chatter is nonexistent; bumps and roots just get soaked up. The Kenda Short Block V8 tires are fine for all but deep sand and mud; the front washes easily in the deep sand so I will be changing the front tire to Nevegal 2.1s. Shifting is via Deore LX; Shimano does a good job even on their budget shifting package. The stuff's not pretty but it does work. Breaking is via the very nice Hayes Stroker Trails. Their first ride was not too good, they had no modulation at all but now that they have 'broken-in' it is easy to get just the right amount of braking and the levers can be adjusted in a moment to whatever pull length you need. My short fingers appreciate that.

3 1/2" of travel is plenty for trail riding, especially when I'm lugging all that suspension up the hills. Even so, the bike's a bit heavy at a smidgen over 27lbs. Those WTB Laserdisc 'Lite' wheels account an extra pound of excess weight compared to a typical lightweight XC wheelset. They were also the only low point in the package. I had budgeted for a second wheelset with my savings on the '08, so bought the Easton XC One wheelset online. I don't recommend them for heavy, bash the rocks and do big jumps kind of riders, but for someone like me who likes to finesse they are fine. It is an XC bike, not an 'All-Mountain' or downhill bike anyway. I picked up a gear and dropped a pound by changing to the Easton wheels. They feel plenty strong for my kind of riding and are a big improvement over the WTB wheels.

I also bought a Camelback L.U.X.E 'Woman Specific' model water hydration pack. 100 ozs and 500cu. in. space, and shaped to strap on and around a woman's body. As I often ride alone, I need the space for a banana, tube, pump, patchkit, tools, spaceblanket, firstaid kit, phone, folding knife, signal mirror and energy gels/bars. It's real heavy when filled, but it doesn't shift around as I wear it; the two horizontal straps keep it against the body and don't interfere with any anatomical parts. I've been out in the mid 90s F, and haven't noticed it being hot or sweaty on my back as the airflow from the padding channels seems to actually work. I get plenty of water quick via the bitevalve and it doesn't drip. The bladder is easy to fill and clean as well. Two thumbs up on good design.

It's amazing how much full suspension MTBs have improved in 11 years.
http://home.earthlink.net/~zahava.s/images/giant1.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~tzvia/images/giant%204.jpg

very nice! Was your last mtb a full suspension as well? I couldn't open the second link, but was able to see the bike with the first one. It's a beauty.
vickie

Oops, fixed the link, thanks!

My first bike was a Proflex 856, full suspension vintage 1997. Originally used elastomer blocks for compression/rebound, but I put a Noleen shock (that leaked and could not be user serviced as it is nitrogen charged) on the back and replaced the front with a Manitou SX TI many years ago. It's like I went from an ox cart to a Toyota Tundra, riding that Giant.

Nice bike! I think I have the same Camelbak and I love it. You can stash all kinds of stuff in there.

On your bottle cage- I know you are in so cal, but here in the east, I couldn't put that where you have yours. It would get ripped off. Did you have one like that before on your other bike? I would think if you did out there, it would get super dusty. I can't put one on my Ellsworth because the triangle is so small because ...well...I'm short. So I just stuff a bottle of vitaminwater in my camelbak as well...

Nice review :)

I was wondering on the womens specific L.U.X.E. would it be "worth it". I have the MULE and have been using it. I would have to go back and look at the space of each to compare, but can you really put all of that in there?

Has anyone tried both the LUXE and the MULE?

Red Rock

Yea, that pack fits all that stuff and on Saturday I also had my little Olympus digi-cam to take the pictures (the phone cam sucks). The pocket at the top back (for an IPOD) fits that camera perfect. Sometimes I feel silly with all this stuff, but I've used just about all of it at one point or another in the past. Comparing it to the Mule at the store, it seems to be about the same size. The 'Woman specific' part is what made me gravitate to it. I was looking for something that would be comfortable on me and so far, I am very happy with it. If the MULE works and is comfortable, I would see no reason to switch as it's a fine pack that should hold as much.

TahoDirtGirl, I don't see the point in small bottles, and since I can't fit that bottle inside the triangle, outside it goes. It gets very dirty there, so it's not a good spot. I have to rinse it with my precious water to drink it, but as it's an energy drink anyway I usually don't drink any till the 1/2 way point when I am sitting down to have a banana. I then finish the rest back at the car where I clean it with water I keep in the car so I only have to rinse it once on the trail. On my last MTB, I only wore a 70oz camelback and took no other drink. Now that I am older and wiser, I appreciate the 100oz on my back and the energy drink.

I love my LUXE! DH was adamant I needed a bigger one and I fought him on it for quite sometime but finally bought one when REI had them on sale. I find it fits my somewhat narrow shoulders great and is pretty comfortable, I don't even know it is there. I think the air flow really works compared to my old Siren (circa 2004 model) with no air flow pillows.

To me it looks like the LUXE will hold everything the MULE can but I am not sure. DH carries everything but the kitchen sink in his MULE but I haven't tried to put much in my LUXE.

I don't know which one mine is. I almost think it's the Dream...I looked for a name on it but I can't find one! All I know is that it's 3 liters and I can stuff everything in that bag- shock pump, tire pump, patch kit, tire bars, first aid stuff, clif bar, bottle of vitaminwater, gps, phone, tube, spaceblanket, etc etc. It has an expandable part too, so you can just stuff away.

Yeah I had to laugh on mine, the small triangle has the fittings for a bottle cage but why bother? I don't think it would of even fit.