Taking My New Bike Out Tomorrow
 

Supposed to be nice enough to get my new Trek out tomorrow. Coming from 15+ year old Giant hardtail this should be quite a change. The pic's don't do the paint scheme justice. I used the suspension calculator to get some baseline settings dialed in and will see how it handles.

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c739199b45.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b4288bd8e6.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6252648d3f.jpg

The spoke protector has already started to make noise so I think I'm gonna break it in half and get rid of it. It's not attached very well anyway.

Congratulations!

There are official BikeForums established procedures for removal of the spoke protector.

That's a beauty!

OK ....that was funny !! Mine is attached by rather flimsy plastic clips. I usually leave them on but this one is making a racket and I've only ridden it for about 15 minutes around my neighborhood. It will be annoying AF on the trail.

Those bikes rip, I rode one for a few months and really liked it.

Great paint scheme.

I'll second and third everyone else who praised the paint scheme ! I love loud bikes -- even though i dont ride very fast

A SID and a Shimano XT buildout is a quality start ! Are those carbon tims from the factory too?

*rims* - the typo looked too funny to change it though

Thanks !! Yes they are factory carbon rims. I'm really happy with the tires too. Loads of grip. Running 28 PSI rear and 25 PSI front and I am abut 200lbs ready to ride. Massive traction !!! Also learned to position my hands on the grips to keep my middle finger out off the way of the brake levers. I have about 40 miles of singe track and there bike has been awesome.

how was the ride?

I have 40 miles of single teack so far and it is a really nice bike. I feel it amplifies my modest off road skills and allows me to clear more features and ride with more confidence. It has lots of traction. I think I have the suspension set up fairly good as the handling is precise and the suspension travel is not near the max travel but has used a fair amount.

Overall I still have a bit of learning the bike but am very pleased with the purchase.