Building a bike to attempt a Strava KOM

Visit bit.ly/USACmember and use my code "Saga2023" for $25 off your perfect USA Cycling membership today! The deal ends 4/30.
Link to Ragley Big Al 2.0 - tidd.ly/3z39dib
Get your Saga shirts at sagamtb.com
Affiliate Links:
Pike Ultimate fork - amzn.to/3XegHsk
OneUp Carbon bars - amzn.to/3wUyVnM
One Up Stem - amzn.to/3Yrpjg8
Ergon GE1 Factory grips - amzn.to/3HZs0QI
Berd Spokes PolyLight - bit.ly/BerdSpoke
NOBL TR35 Rear & TR32 front - bit.ly/NOBLtr35
Onyx Racing Vesper Hook Flange Hubs - bit.ly/OnyxRacingHubs
Specialized Ground Control Tires - bit.ly/SpecializedTires
CushCore XC Set - amzn.to/3IvAr6r
CushCore Orange Valves - amzn.to/3Ix48nu
MucOff Rim tape - amzn.to/3XDCXMl
Hammerhead Karoo 2 Cycling Computer - bit.ly/3xtGDFH
Power2Max NGeco Power Meter - bit.ly/PowerMeterMTB
SRAM X01 cassette - amzn.to/3k4RGlH
Shimano Rotor Adapters - amzn.to/422J7ZS
Tools:
Bike Repair stand with scale in arm - amzn.to/3ioCsXR
Crown Race setting tool - amzn.to/3YsBadA
Park Tool Saw Guide - amzn.to/3YnLfbZ
Bench Vise - amzn.to/3DH7X75
Rubber Mallet - amzn.to/3uVP2R6
Bottom Bracket Removal tool - amzn.to/3X0JIYl
Breaker bar - amzn.to/3YuKoGB
Chain Whip - amzn.to/3vKJAAR
Cassette Lockring Tool - amzn.to/3WQZOnT

[@MismanagedFutures]

Amazing how the weight in lbs dropped by 5 but in kg it stayed the same!

[@joppek77]

Metric be complicated, yo. 😄

[@_Zane__]

That's the reason the US still uses imperial and hasn't switched over to metric, (weight savings)

[@McSchwabl]

The reason why they still don’t use metric is that they are stubborn. And to be honest their education system is either focused on race or on how god created the world in 7 days.

[@dylanperschon8479]

That doesn’t make any sense, there are 2.2 pounds in one KG

[@_Zane__]

@@dylanperschon8479 🤣

[@tracymcmanus550]

This might sound weird, but my favorite thing about your videos is how you incorporate your ads into your videos. I like being able to continue to watch the work or ride while you present your ad

[@ThePenguin134]

wait there was an ad?? I missed that...

[@s14tat]

Congrats on the Kom, I had no doubt you would get it. Didn't know you were such a decorated bmx racer in your past life

[@dylan-5287]

Love all your hardtail comparison videos. Evans got to do a video on bmx racing/his career at some point.

[@s14tat]

@@dylan-5287 yeah Evan is super humble about it and never really brings it up. Only a few times he said he used to race bmx but had no idea he was a national level athlete.

[@fanmanabc]

@@s14tat he actually scored world 7th 😮 (around 3:55 he talks about it). He’s so humble about it too.

[@Ferrari255GTO]

One of the first things i noticed when the POV camera started going was "does he really not have a dropper?" You could probably do better with one since you would rest your legs more and leave room for extra power, wich would mean less time. Also, it's well deserved to have your channel grow, you work hard for theese videos wich end up being fairly high quality.

[@jeehoonjones1389]

He said in a video earlier, in Bentonville he doesn’t need a dropper, as the climbs and descents are very distinct.

[@Ferrari255GTO]

@@jeehoonjones1389 but he was still complaining about something he could fix with one. Necessity or not if it makes a positive difference i see no reason not to do it.

[@fanmanabc]

@@Ferrari255GTO I think his biggest apprehension is weight, but I completely agree, he would see more benefit than drawback.

[@owenhealey4012]

I have seen people snap the 5 dev cranks ha. They r basically drilled out gx cranks which are way lighter and cheaper

[@ctsingletrack]

Well done dude! Congrats! I don't care what anyone says. Closing in on those KOM's is fun, and it gives you something to strive for to get better. To get a KOM on any Bentonville trail is truly an accomplishment, because you are competing against a very large field at such a popular destination.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks for the kind words. I was a little worried that sharing this experience that I'd get people saying it's just a dumb virtual thing but have had a lot of support and I agree, its a big deal 😁 I hope to defend the title for a long time haha

[@bluebuck1979]

@@EvansMTBSaga I honestly think chasing down KOMs on Strava has pushed me to become the rider that I am. So many solo rides made epic...always on the race! It's not for everyone but it's definitely a good tool. Lots of love for your channel from Cumberland, vancouver island!

[@JesseMuckle]

Where I live, the guy with the most KOMs is 65 😂

[@mtbguy10]

Love your videos! I have watched them all and they motivate me to keep riding! I’ll see you tomorrow in the livestream

[@ShutUpSceneKid69]

Love watching your channel man. Im still nooby on trails but this year I hope to be better at small jumps and drops. Glad to see your growth!

[@thesnipecatcher116]

Congrats on the KOM! I have the same Ragley Big Al but with SLX 12 speed and a Bomber fork. Nice, but in the end the reach was too short and the ride was just too harsh for me. Ordered a custom Manzanita steel hard tail frame and life got a whole lot better :)

[@cl4589]

Congratulations man! I'm so happy for you and your accomplishment! 😊

[@ondavlasak]

*STOCK WEIGHT 14.4KG | UPGRADED WEIGHT 12.2KG 6:40

[@mg_mtb9709]

Not the 5 DEV cranks, the brand had been under fire recently cause of the bad customer service and how they snapped on a wheelie bike

[@BuddinAdventures]

Congrats dude. So cool to see you push it.

[@thedoghouseoutdoors4116]

Congratulations buddy great run! Great build!!

[@fullerblacksmithing7954]

5:05 At our shop, this is why we always tighten the brake levers down to manufacturer spec. Too loose, and it'll gauge your bar, and cause a weak spot that could snap your bar. I've always thought otherwise, but this should help in the future. Replacing a lever is cheaper than a bar, and fixing your teeth lol

[@noneya1959]

for repairing the stripped out threads check out a Helicoil, otherwise you can always drill to the next closest size up bolt.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks dude! I'll check into that. I'd hate to have to trash $400 cranks

[@spacegodmurder]

Awesome music selection this time Evan! I am trying to save up money for a dropperpost too for my beloved hardtail, it's a must

[@ttocsms]

That was great! Congrats, well deserved.

[@nevanhopkins]

So much for the budget hard trail. You really can't stay away from the hype

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Purpose bullt

[@rishi-qt2dz]

Thanks for the great videos! Good mix of wrenching and entertainment. My favorite MTB channel by far. And 33 years old??? You are still a kid!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks ri shi! I mean I'm on my second career, 4 kids. Raced BMX 20 years. Its been an action packed 33 years 😂

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

Nice going Evan! 🎉 some hate strava.. without it I would never be as interested in pushing myself to be fitter on a bike..

[@vasipro]

So happy for you!

[@TypicalGuy84]

FYI your shorts video got me here. It worked 😂

[@fataxe1]

Try some good year newton's. They are the grippiest tires I've ever ridden. They feel like you're holding the brakes when climbing in sand, but the grip on descents is absolutely bonkers, perfect for the test loop. They also look sick with a hexagon pattern in the side walls.

[@cornishcactus]

Had some of those for my XC bike, very bad case wobble on both tyres that you could feel as well.

[@cordbierman2665]

Great job Evan, can’t wait to get moved out there so Charles and I can ride with you again!!

[@otisjordan5613]

Helicoil into your crank, should do the trick. Alternatively, just trying to rethread it might work aswell

[@ken1727]

I have a solution for your stripped chainring bolt. I did the same thing. I put JB weld in the hole and gently threaded the bolt in with the chainring on and let it sit 24 hours and it was good to go. I never tried removing it though to see if it could be rethreaded or torqued.

[@Rob_Ferreira]

I just bought a Ragley Marley frame that I’m building up from nothing and this gives me motivation thanks a bunch

[@SprSonik13]

curious to see what happens to the top times for that segment now that it is “popular”. Great job!

[@willgrange2823]

i got a marley the 27.5 inch version, definitely inspired by your build. i’d love to upgrade it over time to be my dream hardtail

[@gamerdad8531]

🎉 congratulations on your Kom can't wait for your next video

[@AsherBensimon]

Big Warning Evan: I know a few lightweight people who have snapped those 5 dev cranks during easy rides, Hate for something to happen..

[@Chops00]

I’ve put mine through a beating and they’ve been fine. I’m 175lbs.

[@mudkayak6305]

Happy for ya man, so cool !

[@jeffreydzialo]

Try maxxis High roller 2, up front. If 30mm internal width rim, go 2.5 in. Rolls well, withh better side lugs than specialized , imo.

[@alex_4cj64]

I have specialiced groumf control on my hardtail too and i love them, i do xc, its a 26er but but it try to push it as much as i can and those tires are the best ive uses until know

[@alex_4cj64]

If theres spelling mistakes sorry when i write the letters go black and i don't see them haha

[@downtoridemtb]

Hell yeah bro! Congrats on the KOM!

[@matthewoppen1602]

From ragleys to riches! You have been crowned lol. Congrats on the KOM. Nice seeing that this bike can be built up so light, mine stock feels heavy but still so much fun

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Ragley to riches I like that hahaha. Thanks Matt! It's probably the stock wheelset

[@matthewoppen1602]

@@EvansMTBSaga yeah mine came with maxxis minions dhf/dhr plus they're still tubed lol but I love the grip I get so leaving them for now

[@romanagne]

Congratulations, Evan!

[@martinangelomooney1010]

I no longer feel bad owning a hard tail. Congratulations.👍👍👍

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Nice! Congrats man!🎉

[@nocrustracing]

My dude, well done :D Imagine how fast you'll be without the allergies and just a sprinkling of rain to grip up that trail! I know that you know where the next second is coming from ;)

[@toddmullis3249]

That’s awesome dude! Congrats

[@olliefryer6230]

nice mate love watching you keep up your great work

[@MiguelRodriguez-uy5vc]

The 80's music got me hooked on your channel!!! Keep it up!

[@323johnnybravo]

Lols I remember watching Taj Mehelich ride bmx park back in the day. Awesome he shreds MTB now !!

[@dylan-5287]

Trails are the same way in CA. Me and my buddy kept trying to get the KOM on a local popular section and it's only possible around winter with rain. Once it gets dry the dust is worse than mud. Always fun to try though! We got within a few seconds and top 10 but the top time was ridiculous. I've also seen strava give very different results between me and my buddy riding together but iPhone vs android. I bet there's a couple of seconds just in how the phone records.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha I'm used to Phoenix which has the same trail conditions every day of the year lol. I think the varying trail conditions are cool, changes things up

[@glynotglen1098]

Well done!!

[@charliebrookes86]

I used to run nothing but one up bars. But when I bought my evil I got their house brand carbon bar. Now that bar is on all 3 of my bikes. My favorite bar if your looking for another bar. Evil Boomstick carbon

[@guijcarlesso]

love your videos man! keep them up

[@mtford72]

Brilliant! Well done!

[@isaaccuartase3546]

16:32 What´s Taj Mihelich the bmx superstar doin' on strava lol

[@rataflas]

Love my Big AL you can ride it like a XC bike but always ready for the big sends

[@stevebennett3587]

👍king of the mountain🤣wow you got the big al down to a good weight👌are you still running the same stem🤔I cut my 800mm bars down to 780mm👌thats the sweet spot for me 800mm is too wide👍

[@AZRob.]

LOL, that was great! Congratulations!!

[@hindesite]

Good job, I'll probably never KOM, but I'm happy with 8th (was 7th) on the Strava leaderboard on one of our local tracks - not bad for a pensioner 🙂

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh man top 10 is super legit! I'd feel just as good with top 8

[@gregnowak2492]

Awesome job man!!!

[@Mikelikesbikes100]

I'll say it if no one else is gonna. That is a RAD mullet! And I'm not talking about a 27.5 incher in the back either.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I'm not sure what you mean

[@pronewbofficial]

Nice work, man! Have you considered using something stickier up front like the Continetal Cross King?

[@hallstewart]

Yep tubeless transforms a hardtail. Fit a dropper and you are away! You were brave doing the big drop though. 😮

[@imattultra1623]

You can possibly fix the crank bolt using a helicoil. You tap a slightly larger thread into the existing hole and thread in a coil which reconstructs the original thread. Look up 'Helicoil' and watch some videos, it could work!

[@smileyguyz]

Alternatively, he could probably drill it bigger and throw some kind of threaded insert in. Maybe a machine shop could make him a custom insert if something isn't available off the shelf, but that could cost more than the crank is worth depending on what they go for. I wouldn't even know what those cranks are worth lol, I'm too cheap to consider carbon anything.

[@imattultra1623]

@Ryan Yeah I've never had anything carbon in my life 😂 Threaded insert could deffo work especially if the helicoil didn't and he needed to drill it out. Like you say, depends on the price! Threading into aluminium always scares me because it's so soft and this exact thing can happen even with correct torque!

[@B1KER]

I can’t imagine riding a bike without a dropper on purpose. Good job on the KOM! 🤘

[@yoboipaxt0n_lit57]

The with mountain bike parts are they are compatible with most other parts which means you can just pick and choose parts as long are they compatible with the other parts which is what I do sometimes with my bikes

[@zlsnowracer]

Look into a Helicoil for the stripped bolt

[@chrisandrews5881]

Took the KOM from the legend Taj Mihelich, Taj was probably sending tailwhips on his run mind

[@michaeldouglasmason]

Hey Evan, you need to grow the long locks back from your BMX days. That flow blowing in the wind would look awesome in the vids!

[@MikePurisima]

33 is still young man (32 year old over here) Keep at it man!! You still got this and congrats on your KOM.

[@matthewbrocke4298]

What's your tire pressure?? I just bought those same tires for my hardtail and I just converted to tubeless.

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

I just happened to be in Oklahoma City for a couple weeks and brought one of my MTB, and yes its been dry here as well, and my front tire washed out in some dusty sand. Very treacherous in places.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Man I felt like I was making excuses, but I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one dealing with the loose stuff. It's a legitimate issue!

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

Totally stoked to see that you achieved your KOM!

[@tsw123456789]

defo xv tyres, I have them on my xc bike, standard on the specialized epic

[@themtchannel2110]

are the caliper pistons a good fit over the sram disc braking surface? nice vid!

[@ksjogo]

For the Flowtrail stuff wouldn't you want more low speed compression instead of hsc as said in the video? More lsc for less brake dive and more support and keep the hsc relatively open for jumps?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Well idk if my damper is messed but I had like 10 clicks of LSC and didn't feel any difference lol. Added like 4 of HSC and then felt the LSC effects too lol

[@tedangle321]

One of your best video's yet. We finally got to meet Evan. Nice job on the KOM. Beating Taj is a mean feat.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah thanks Ted!

[@Bengy22]

Wow what was the brake bleeding tool, it just sucks all the air out?!? I need that in my life!

[@collinmcballin]

Scared for those cranks!

[@BryceBetts]

Awesome cranks!

[@WheelieMedia]

I had no idea you did bmx and that you were super good lol

[@samuelperez8252]

Has too many bikes: Gets a budget bike to replace a few: Doesn't replace any bikes and replaces every component on the “budget bike”

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha the bike wreckoning is coming soon

[@jjonesmtb]

Congratulations 🎊 🎉❤

[@johnsantos3194]

Congrats on the KOM! :)

[@danyy8000]

Never knew you were that good. Nice!

[@superlauhea]

you dint not talk about the Fork upgrade. keen to hear your thoughts on Pike fork

[@stevenkilleen8149]

Did u use foam rings with the enduro hyglide seals I just got a set

[@lucasbhogal3790]

stoked on your KOM and build, BUT i have a litle critic for you, NO HATE: I always apply chain lube on the inner side of the chain and wipe of the excess and I can only reccomend this, and you applied on the outside. and on flow-trails and to benefit cornering adding a little Low speed would actually be more benefitial than High speed compression, because the compressions on flowy trails are more low speed than high speed impacts. Love all your vids, and im interested in your bleeding kit, I love the lock mechanism that is not dependant on material flexibility like the ones from Sram, shimano, park tool and co.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yeah I forgot the lube is supposed to go on the inside. Oops 😬 I'll try those fork settings!

[@DevanshBhatt-fy3gw]

His reason to install some wheels more expensive than my entire bike is a loose spoke Totaly makes sense

[@corrado9076]

Congrats bro

[@NathanEide]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@Jacob99174]

Bro, congrats! Wow!!

[@thermal868]

Hi, can you give link to that injection that you use for bleeding, thanks.

[@haroldochiquito]

Hey! Care to share a link for that frame chainstay protection?

[@Treeroot88]

Could you do a Pike set up guide, I just got a set but don't know what I need to do to achieve peak performance

[@braydenrussi2951]

Literally watching your video at a state qualifier right now😂

[@JeremyDawesJezweb]

Well done. KOM feeling 🏆🥇🥳

[@Natethegreat2020]

Another great video Evan, still can’t believe you commented on my video!!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah dude that yard is looking good!

[@jdnims]

may sound like a dumb question but your chain stay protector. what brand and where you get it?

[@Manwichman]

Vhs slapper tape is very good chainstay protector also

[@GameplayerSolCley]

Bien hecho, te lo mereces.

[@MTBAlex]

9:09 yeah men I'm constantly racing myself on my local trail

[@bmxmaniac9438]

I was at the zoldier bmx race too lol

[@sans_2031]

I like how 5dev products look but their customer support is god awful and not all are indestructible

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah I've been seeing things about that! Right as I got the cranks it was happening too 💀

[@sans_2031]

@@EvansMTBSaga hope yours hold up! They will probably change the sales rep after this 🤣