When new bike day is AWKWARD. 😬

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

I hear everything you're saying. I went from a 2016 Intense Tracer to my new 2021 Gnarvana and the difference is night and day. I was feeling much better by the end of the season but I'm still not quite there yet on it. I'm pretty sure that I'll feel better on it this season, knowing what to expect. Same for my M16 DH bike. I went from a TINY size medium to an XL frame and while it excels in the gnar and fast speeds, that extra 2 inch longer frame made things interesting in the tight tree-tech sections.

[@SemiSendy]

That’s a massive sudden change. Hope things start to really click on that Gnarvana this season! I went from a medium Salsa Mariachi to a large Honzo years back, and that took some serious adjusting, but I’m really glad I made that move. Been on larges ever since.

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

@@SemiSendy 👍🏼

[@Nosloveingneko]

I’m looking at getting an m16 medium. How tall are you?

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

@@Nosloveingneko I'm 5ft. 10 inches and the medium felt really small. Since my new trail bike was so much longer than my old one it really made my M16 DH bike feel even smaller. The older DH bikes are pretty short compared to the new ones so the XL actually feel perfect and is .5 inches shorter than my GG Gnarvana.

[@danielhann4439]

i just gave up my 2016 intense tracer for a brand new airdrop edit works.... night and day.

[@letour32rr]

Definitely been there. I’ve changed to riding solo at a known trail for the first couple of rides after a new build. Constantly stopping to change shift/brake location/angle, saddle position, stem spacer arrangement is a great way to upset riding buddies, but fixing it on the trail speeds up setup considerably.

[@SemiSendy]

Agreed, It's great to have that personal space and time to just deal with things without having people wait around. I didn't do that this time around, which made all of this even more awkward.

[@outsidefootdab4878]

Slacker bikes definitely has some pros and cons. For me the pros are more confidence is blasting through rough terrain with stability. However the cons are as you are right harder to weight the front wheel especially in berms and flat corners. I find to help this is to basically run a longer stem up to 50mm. And i found it was way easier to get grip on the front wheel all while still maintaining an aggressive body position for steeps etc. I also do prefer the less twitchy feel of a 50mm stem compared to 35mm especially at speed.

[@SemiSendy]

Definitely, there's a lot you can do to tweak set-up to help. I have an assortment of stems and other parts I use to try different options with the set-up. At the end of the day though, this bike just wasn't my flavor. I ended up selling it.

[@RCKING1]

I sorta had this last year. After messing with a bunch of stuff on my 2019 Santa Cruz nomad xl I just couldn’t get it to feel good as it was just to small. I swapped to a geometron and with an over 80mm increase of wheelbase it was super crazy on the first ride. A year later I’m in love and annoyed that I didn’t buy an xl. I would also like to say this is the first bike that improved on climbing and descending some how. Something that I didn’t realize was possible

[@SemiSendy]

Wild how that happens sometimes. I love the seated climbing position and low anti-squat on this bike.

[@RCKING1]

@@SemiSendy I assume you mean high? I think anti sqaut wise transtion is high ish?

[@SemiSendy]

@@RCKING1 whoops, yes!

[@matthewstockle]

Thank you for making content! Always enjoy it

[@SemiSendy]

Glad you enjoy it my man! I'll keep it coming.

[@aarongreen9014]

That bike looks so nice! I think you need to smile more on these videos 😎

[@SemiSendy]

I think you’re right!

[@laurarose4370]

Just found your channle and you definetly know what your talking about. i recently installed a 180mm Marzochi bomber z1 on my 160mm 2014 breeze repack expert and it has made all the difference in the world, it had slightly outdated geometry and the fusion fork on the bike had 0 progression, the rebound knob stopped working a while back, managed to get it to work but it definitely never felt the same. not to mention it was 8 years old! I also replaced the shock with a used monarch plus, new cables, housing, chain, stem, casset. I had installed a gx eagle, cable groupset about a year prior, and thought it couldn't get any better, that was until I learned about srams chains. Theyre light and work well, but last a considerably shorter amount of time. KMC feels a million times better and to think I was so hesitant about switching. I love video I just saw, keep up the great work!

[@rideinformed2947]

Great video. There is always an adjustment period for me when I switch bikes. I always bring a solid multi tool and shock pump on my first couple of rides with a new bike. Also the work bench is looking DIALED!

[@kendingsor]

Atleast you are realistic with the changes you made and giving it the time to figure it out. I always shake my head had folks hating a boat after a single paddle. I also deal with these things working on too many things with my truck at once and questioning every difference on the test drive. I don't have enough experience with a bike to know what is doing what after a change so its been a long trial process of trial and error and assuming that it's just me not knowing and not the bike. I nailed the cockpit setup much better early on with the new bike so I'm excited to apply what I learned to my old bike and see if I can overcome some of the fit issues there.

[@SemiSendy]

Right? Gotta take time to figure things out and adjust with any big changes in life. It can be fun to work through, but you've gotta be patient with the process.

[@kellenjohnson7799]

I struggled with the axs shifters being backwards for me too. especially when stuff got hairy and you resort to muscle memory instead of thinking about your shifting. It just takes time to adjust. Another think to consider is to set up the shifter to mimic your other bikes for shifting. I did not do this at first and just tried to get use to the axs shifter as it came then started having the same backwards feeling shifter issues with all my other bikes

[@SemiSendy]

I reversed them. I didn't want to get confused every time I swapped between bikes. Much better!

[@otisjordan5613]

Had a similar feeling when I got my commencal meta HT, after trying and trying for 3 weeks I eventually just sold it at a slight loss, as I already bought it used, and bought a used Capra 2020, I immediately felt good on it, and just changed the shock and tires after a while. Great bike, though I feel like I'd have more fun with a little less travel. But I'll definitely try to get a testride on my next bike, with the option to change up little things like lever position etc.

[@SemiSendy]

Luckily I’m getting along great with the sentinel now. 🙏

[@MatTancock]

@@SemiSendy that did not age well 🤣

[@sham8723]

Same experience on fork travel with my Ripmo... going back to 160 as soon as I get un-lazy enough to drop the lowers.

[@SemiSendy]

Haha, definitely took me a minute to get around to it as well.

[@fabriciofracchia6732]

Well, I has been there as in 2019 switching from my 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad to my 2019 Santa Cruz Megatower, many different things at the same time and I felt like a total chaos the first ride, even when I was expecting that to be like a test ride to adjust geometry, saddle position, headset spacers and testing the new supension (coil Push kits fron and rear). What I found after rides was: front coil side need a good knowledge of what you want from the bike, plush or hard (you can't have the two at the same time with coil), switched o softer coil and solved for a plush and responsive bike, too much air in the coil damper (I think max is like 30 psi) and the bike doesn't work as you want, same the other way. In the damper with the HG97 the basic tune from Push as recommend is ok, but you need to play some clicks up and down to adjust as your desire, this thing with one clik make a good change. In the rear with Push from factory with the setting was fine, but after lowering some kgs of bodyweight I found that my RS Coil ultimate with an Sprindex setting to 545 lbs coil worked as good as the 11.6 from factory (11.6 just do 25lb increments between coils, so maybe I will be testing the Sprindex in my 11.6). About AXS I installeed them because I was following since the 11v X01 tht I had, I knew that something will be comming from SRAM when Shimano hit the electronic stuff. So for me AXS was the same like you I didn't get used to it as fast as a normal shifter, but I knew that because I wasn't the only feeling this SRAM will bring some solution. The new paddle it's a better feeling for me (need to change buttons functions in ths app), it worked good but something wasn't 100% at all, well I switched the Match Makers from the left to the right and from right to left, spot on. It allowed me place the shifter in a better place and avoid to hit the grip with the paddle. Stem was another thing from 50mm, 40mm and running now the best, a 32mm Industry Nine, it allow me to put more weight in front of the bike when climbing step places. And I can keep writing some other mods like wheels, tires, grips, etc. But my main lesson is that doesn't matter how much you love a new dream bike, the first rides will be an hell adjusting and need to know what's going onto fix it and move to the next. Maybe all th process can take like months trying to adjust and find the right parts but it's part of the process of know your dody, bike and how the work together. Enjoy your nice bike!!!

[@SemiSendy]

Luckily it only took a few weeks to find a solid baseline on this set-up 🙏 Thanks for sharing your experiences! Hopefully others find all of this helpful. It’s important to really work through things one bit at a time. Cheers! 🍻

[@aaronenduro3168]

this happened to me!! I spent a couple of years changing and updating my bike part by part, but last year I sold it and bought a complete new bike and wow, I was feeling like a stranger in my bike, took me a while (like 1 month) to feel the bike properly

[@SemiSendy]

Finally feeling dialed on the sentinel now too. 💫

[@lunatiklogan3090]

I swapped the shifter buttons on my AXS also. Works great for me.

[@T-rick]

Got myself a new carbon Ripmo built up with new components for me as well. 29" bike (27.5 before), full DVO setup and came with Schwalbe tires. All new stuff to me, we will see how it rides! Schwalbe has very complex nomenclature, had no idea what tire it even was in the shop! DVO has great reviews and customer service. Very excited to tune the Onyx and Topaz and see how they compare to Rock Shox. Nice video!

[@SemiSendy]

Oh man, you're right about that. I still haven't quite wrapped my head around the Schwalbe line of compounds and casings. At this point they are the only major tire manufacturer I don't have much experience with. I've been trying to get some tires here to try, but supply has been so tight. That Ripmo is going to be freaking awesome. I haven't tried the V2 yet, but loved the V1. I'm working on getting a V2 and a Ripley here to review soon. Ali and my good buddy Dillon both absolutely love. their Ripley AF's too. Let me know what you think of the Onyx and Topaz.

[@sham8723]

I have an aluminum Ripmo/Onyx/Topaz and i'm betting you'll be a happy camper. I can't compare the Onyx to a Zeb or 38, but it is substantially stiffer and more capable than either a 36 or a Lyrik, i replaced the Lyrik on my e-bike with one, and the difference was not subtle. The Topaz is a goldilocks shock that will be happy riding trail or park once it's dialed. The Ripmo is the most capable all 'rounder bike i've ridden to date.

[@dankraft]

Glad you're starting to get it sorted out. This is one hell of a build. I'm looking forward to the detailed review on this bike. I saw in another comment that you were going to review a Ripmo V2. I'd love to hear some detailed feedback on climbing with the Sentinel vs the Ripmo. I know the Sentinel can descend better but I'm wondering if the tradeoff is worth giving up that DW-Link pedaling platform.

[@SemiSendy]

You and me both! The last couple of weeks on this bike since filming this have been incredible. Really excited to race and travel on this bike this season. My guess is that the V2 Ripmo will be a bit more like the Hightower, but a much better climber. The V1 definitely climbed better than the HT, but felt a tad bit less robust on some of the rougher descents. I hear the V2 feels notably more solid, but we'll see!

[@kieftoker]

Quality content as always, keep it up!

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, Toker 🤘

[@reallybigphilly]

My first full suspension trail bike will be delivered somewhere in the next 6 hours (no need for coffee today; I am already bouncing). Previously I've only ridden XC hardtails. It's by no means an extremely progressive new bike, but I do expect a learning curve transitioning from a hardtail with a 100mm fork and no dropper to a full sus with a 150mm fork and 135mm rear travel, with a 170mm dropper. One of the first things I'll do is a clinic on drops and jumps to get to grips with the new bike's capabilities. Luckily both my hardtail and my new bike have SRAM eagle groupsets (not AXS) so aside from being different product lines within the Eagle ecosystem I expect mostly similar shifting behaviour. Also I am not setting up the new bike with clips, but I already have some experience riding flats so that should be seamless :)

[@SemiSendy]

It’ll take some adjusting, but will be so worth it!

[@ironscott]

I converted to AXS on two bikes. I didn't like the paddle that shipped with the shifter so changed to their alternative rocker paddle upgrade and it's great. Feels much more like a traditional cabled shifter. I think AXS is great and both of mine are using Shimano drive train components (crank, chain, cassette). Works very nicely.

[@SemiSendy]

I've heard great things about the combo with a shimano HG cassette!

[@B1KER]

I switched the up/down on AXS after using it for like 5 mins. It made no sense to me at all. I don’t understand why some people think I’m weird for doing that. It seems way more logical the other way around. Glad ya got things worked out.

[@SemiSendy]

I'm right there with ya, Robert!

[@scubarubanzaii]

I just went from a 2008 Fuel EX8 to a 2021 Slash 9.7. The difference is MENTAL.

[@SemiSendy]

Huge! 🤘

[@TraceyAllen]

I always swap my brakes from side to side to have the front brake on the right hand side, like a motorcycle.

[@SemiSendy]

Braaaap!

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

Dude…you forked up😉🤙🏻nice video

[@SemiSendy]

Well played 🤘😂

[@SamMtnMan]

Love the footage of Vee Hollow! Do you think you will do a vid on it?

[@DiegoHenaoV]

I purchased a zeb 160mm for my new Santa Cruz Bronson. Same travel that comes on the bike but they mostly come set up with the lyrik and fox 36. Would I have the same issue of it sitting higher? Or was just because of the additional travel?

[@graysonadams2485]

What made you want to run the zeb over a lyrik, especially considering it's 160mm? And would you say the bigger fork is worth it or it's just the trendy thing to do?

[@michaelkroleski]

He stated he bought it for a different frame and planned to run it at 170mm but decided on the transition after the fact

[@SemiSendy]

Hey Grayson, what Mike said is right. I only bought the Zeb because it’s reportedly noticeably more laterally stiff at 170 than the Lyrik, which is great for the terrain I’ll ride most on this bike. Had I known I’d be putting it on a different bike at 160 I likely would have gone with the Lyrik. Having had some time on it now though, I’m actually really happy with it. The weight isn’t too big of a deal on this bike either. Even with the heavy 11-6 coil, and all of my frame/stem stashed tools the bike only weighs 33.6lb. I do think you’re right though, there’s definitely a good number of these forks out there that seem to be getting used based on trend rather than need.

[@brassmnky33]

It always takes a bit of time to mind meld, muscle memory, and neuro pathways with a new bike but that’s a pretty absurd change.

[@SemiSendy]

Really was. Just a bit much all at once. Things are fully clicking now, and I really can’t wait to get into the good stuff on the next video.

[@phreadi]

I would love to hear more about your experience with the SID Ultimate. I've been pretty disappointed with mine on my Spur overall and just swapped for the fox SC 120mm factory. the SID was my first time with rockshox and it definitely seemed... disposable. the suppleness at the top of the suspension disappeared after a few weeks and never returned after servicing, it developed a TON of stiction at both the top and bottom of the stroke, and finally lasted about 4.5 months before getting crazy-sloppy bushings.

[@SemiSendy]

Ouch! That's absolutely terrible. I know they had some bushing issues, but that never came up in mine. It's been going two years strong. It's been a good fork, but honestly I'm just not a fan of the feel of the previous gen RockShox products in general. I've yet to try their 2022 revamp, but I'm curious. Your situation sounds like a major warranty scenario. Did you ever reach out to them, or just cut your losses and move on?

[@phreadi]

@@SemiSendy I did warranty, and they replaced the lowers… mostly everything except the CSU I think. It came back with “select” on the lowers and I’m trying to sell it, so now they’re sending my shop a separate “ultimate” decal replacement. Pretty wet and sloppy In the PNW so I have not gotten out on the new step cast I put on it yet.

[@connortillott7625]

I remember when I went from a shitty 2015 trail bike to my 2020 stumpjumper and I was stopping for 10 min after every trail to adjust things cos nothing felt natural, eventually I found the sweet spot and it my favourite bike I've ever owned now

[@SemiSendy]

That Stumpjumper is such a sweet bike! Glad you got it all dialed in right 🍻

[@Ddhuk]

Glad I found you got some great advice from you all ready will follow you for sure.ken isle of bute Scotland

[@SemiSendy]

Hello and welcome, Ken! Cheers 🍻

[@samledversis9474]

I'm dealing with a similar scenario on a new bike. Went from a hardtail to a monster truck (trek slash)... shimano to SRAM, etc. Hoping I will get used to my new rig sooner than later.

[@SemiSendy]

That is a ton of change! Definitely will take some adjustment. Cheers, Sam.

[@urg0nnah8me]

Looks like Arkansas trails, but I've never seen those here in Bentonville. That's a nice build, by the way.

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, The Dirty!

[@sprousaTM]

Can relate. Altough I am using AXS on a Shimano drivetrain. There are some adapters to get the Axs controller to work with shimanos I-Spec EV system but none is working out perfectly for me. Either I have to turn down the brakelevers to have the controller come up further which does not suit my placementneeds for descending. Shifting is flawless though.

[@therealphilistein]

Use separate clamps for the shifter and dropper post. I do, even with SRAM brakes. It doesn’t look as clean on the bars, but it’s a better solution as far as adjustment and it’s also better if you happen to snap a brake lever off. 👍🏻

[@sprousaTM]

@@therealphilistein Yeah, I have the clamp, that came with the controller but I am really hesitant to put it on. :D

[@workhorsemtb7075]

Great stuff man!

[@SemiSendy]

Glad you liked it!

[@rwogmtb-ridingwitholdguy]

Thanks for taking us along your journey, I am sure once sorted you will be back to just enjoying your rides. Looking forward to seeing your next update.

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, RWOG. Stoked to get to the good stuff next. Things have taken a huge upswing.

[@liwx]

how do you roll your handlebar? i personally find that bar roll makes a significant change in regards to steering feel and bike balance.

[@forestkan459]

Keepin it real! Dig the perspective

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, Forest! Gotta show the bad with the good.

[@rigwhisperer]

Are you missing your hightower v2 yet? I'm still stoked on mine but it is a good time to sell before it gets any more age.

[@SemiSendy]

I'm not missing it, but that's not to say the Sentinel is an entirely better bike. It's just different and fits exactly what I needed for our regional racing. It really boils down to personal style, preference and terrain. The Sentinel climbs incredibly well and descends like a mini DH bike, but it does tend to make mild to moderate trails a bit muted and boring. It also requires a very aggressive riding position to get it to perform. If you're not really over the front end it tends to wander off.

[@poiroo]

Did you also consider to size down? I had a similar feeling regarding the playfulness on my Ripmo xL(i am 6’2’’) although everybody is saying how agile it is but jibing with xl -Impossible for me. I believe that change of the size sometimes means completely different Bike.

[@Fitzyrf]

i hate changing stuff on my bikes that being said i find it so funny watching a guy talk about how his 8k dollar bike isnt working as seemlessley as he wants

[@fbi-fipo1618]

I will be moving on from a 300$ entry level xc bike with tons of upgrades to a custom build nukeproof mega

[@SemiSendy]

The Mega is super rad, and that’s a huge leap my dude, congrats!

[@Matt-vp6eq]

I'm considering slapping a 170mm ZEB on my 150mm Nukeproof Mega frame - having second thoughts now!

[@SemiSendy]

It definitely depends on the bike. Typically a 10mm overfork set-up isn't such a bad thing.

[@devincook3278]

Well hell... now I find out that you can reverse the AXS shifter controls after spending 6 months learning the stock orientation...

[@cth978]

Have you considered trying the updated paddle for the axs? It has a more “mechanical” shifter feel to it.

[@SemiSendy]

Absolutely. I’m using the updated paddle and reversed the up/down shift to make more sense.

[@MTBs]

Interesting thoughts!

[@scotsemmens596]

Not sure if I missed it but what does it weigh?

[@MTBRadDad]

love my AXS. Just cant justify the dropped yet.... haha

[@SemiSendy]

I had mixed feelings. I much prefer a 210 dropper. It's easy enough to drop it quickly for the steepest techy stuff though.

[@bullsluice9]

Great content, and video

[@SemiSendy]

Much appreciated, Pea!

[@SGT2603]

So you took the fork down 10 mm of travel. I have to ask why? You ha e a pretty high rise bar. You could keep the fork at 170 and get a lower rise bar. That what i did on mine. Went from 25 to 5 mm on the bar. And from 130mm to 160.. its awesome

[@SemiSendy]

Hey Thomas, adjusting bars is great for cockpit comfort and position, but it doesn’t address the geo changes overforking makes to a bike. In the case of the Sentinel, it had a very negative effect on a bike that’s already at the edge of aggressive geometry. On other bikes though, it can be a great thing. Cheers!

[@csnyder400]

Nice video that mirrored some of the issues I have had with my new Sentinel. I too went to AXS shifting and I had the same problems that you outlined. I did buy the shifter upgrade and that helped some. I have an 11-6 on my old Evil Calling and love it. I bought one for my 19 patrol and it didn't make as big a difference. Did you ride the Sentinel with an air shock as well as the 11-6? Good to see the videos from the Southeast!

[@SemiSendy]

I haven't had a chance to ride it with an air shock yet. Hope to do that down the road. Glad you liked the video! Southeast is growing fast!

[@bikechiatrist]

Thanks for the tips 🤘🏽

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks my man!

[@JMcGwyer]

I'm going from a large 470mm reach norco sight to a xl 530mm reach saracen ariel 30. Any tips for getting used to bikes that are considerably bigger than ur used to

[@SemiSendy]

That’s a huge jump! I’m guessing you have a pretty long upper torso?

[@JMcGwyer]

@@SemiSendy hi mate. Yeah long arms and I'm 6 foot 3. The norco always felt too small. I have a reach reduce headset and a suoer short 33mm stem to fit the long saracen to keep it playful. Any advice you can give on how to adjust to a bigger bike ect ?

[@user-xq5rp9fm1p]

Yeah, it's crazy how 10mm or 1deg can make a huge difference...Axs is cool, but if it has a glitch or runs out of juice on a trip, I'd never forgive it. Hence the reason I'll never run it...

[@SemiSendy]

Definitely understandable!

[@MTBAlex]

1st time here, nice vid man

[@SemiSendy]

Cheers!

[@charliehicks2554]

Working the problem. Jared's place is calling your name.

[@SemiSendy]

Hey Charlie! Called my name it did. I was fortunate to have the chance to check it out last week. They've done an incredible job with the trails there. It's huge boom to our riding options in the region!

[@charliehicks2554]

@@SemiSendy awesome can’t wait!

[@hangnrashr]

Paying in the range of €600 - €1000 for GX AXS just to "avoid clutter" is something I can't understand. It's two extra cables.

[@mtbville]

Awesome video 🙏

[@SemiSendy]

Glad you like it!

[@code_-kl5fu]

What kind of bag is that you have mounted on the frame?

[@SemiSendy]

It’s a Wolftooth B-rad system. Uses waiter bottle boss mounts to attach a frame strap. It’s holding a tube and co2 nozzle head.

[@code_-kl5fu]

@@SemiSendy Sweet thank you!

[@boydcrowder4436]

Thx for the honest update Rich. Glad you're getting it sorted. Unless I've missed it (her), this was the first mention of Allie in several months. Hope all is well.

[@SemiSendy]

Hey Boyd, Ali is doing great! Gotta show the bad with the good, but stoked for where things have gone with the bike since.

[@Hello_riders_1993]

Cool content ! Also don't hesitate to smile 😉

[@SemiSendy]

Haha, fair enough! I'm definitely going to work on that. Cheers, FX.

[@jessiekruse7627]

What other bikes were you considering before deciding on this ?

[@SemiSendy]

Megatower, Firebird, Wreckoning, Enduro, Spartan, Sight, SB 150 and one other rumored bike that has yet to be seen ;) The Arrival would have been a heavy contender if it had been available as a frameset. It was a tough year long debate!

[@jessiekruse7627]

Man that firebird sounds impressive but if it ride like the switchblade I’m not a fan. I’m holding out for the new Mega

[@JLongbrake]

I found that running the right matchmaker on the left and vice versa moves the AXS controls more inboard on the bars to a position that is more inline with analog controls. Might give that a try. I also ended up going back to the paddle that comes with the shift. The paddle that mimics the analog shifting was just weird to me and just relearning with the original paddle was better for me. Great breakdown on figuring out the new bike!

[@SemiSendy]

I actually tried this first, but my stubby thumbs couldn’t come close to reaching properly. Now I just need to get the shifter control about 5mm closer towards the stem and it would be perfect. I’ll be there going to need another adapter piece fabricated, or just use another clamp.

[@therealphilistein]

@@SemiSendy there’s two holes in the shifters for small amounts of adjustment, the spare hole just has a blanking screw in it.

[@SemiSendy]

@@therealphilistein I've been suing both, I'd love to get the right side thread opening directly inline with the clamps center.

[@therealphilistein]

@@SemiSendy i couldn’t get my AXS shifter just right with SRAM brakes. I’ve got the dropper remote on the brake lever and I’m using a separate clamp for the shifter.

[@corpablo]

The only awkward part is the price

[@SemiSendy]

This is actually pretty damn hilarious. Well played. 😂😉

[@calilife805]

I love my sentinel!

[@robertkarlsson7238]

What bike budget do you have??? 🤑🤑 you are loaded!

[@truambar]

A bit off topic but how is that sid holding up?. Any bushing plays issues throughout your ownership ?

[@SemiSendy]

Sid has been great. No bushing play on mine. From the limited amount I read about that, seemed like a batch run on the select versions? I heard RS put a solid foot forward getting new lowers out to folks with that issue. So far this Zeb is really impressing me too.

[@truambar]

@@SemiSendy thanks for the input!. The Interwebs are always biased towards unhappy stories, but it’s always great to hear opinions from the owners directly. Did you ever longed for a sturdier fork though?. I’m contemplating building a spur and I was debating between the sid and a 120mm pike. I walk around 205lbs so I am a bit hesitant when it comes to the sid. Congrats on the zeb btw, it may very well become my next enduro fork. Thanks again for the input!

[@NeoFlowFPV]

When u have more money than sense

[@stevecabrera6718]

I own this bike and it definitely requires a modern riding style and an advanced rider. Most people i know cant handle it and even i crashed alot at first but now there is no going back im so much faster and agressive on trail.

[@SemiSendy]

I agree 100%. Once I could get over the front end properly the bike unlocked. The last couple of weeks on this bike since recording this video have taken a huge upturn. It's the perfect DH weapon that's still incredibly efficient on the ups.

[@stevecabrera6718]

@@SemiSendy yes its a great bike if the v2 ripmo is a 9/10 climber this is a solid 7/10.

[@JTTigas]

How can someone who buys a 400USD deraileur not get a new set of 10USD Cleats?

[@SemiSendy]

I know, right? What a total bone head!

[@Casual_BackPacking]

you need some travel on your stem to balance it

[@jinavl]

Nice🤙🤙

[@SemiSendy]

🤘

[@JR-ke4lj]

damn u underrated :)

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, JR!

[@IrieVibeSender]

What trail system is this?

[@SemiSendy]

In order of appearance: Big Creek, Jarrod’s Place, Trials Training Center and Windrock bike park. 🙂

[@IrieVibeSender]

@@SemiSendy wow thanks for the details!

[@SemiSendy]

@@IrieVibeSender anytime my dude! 🤙🏼

[@trailpimp6369]

That bike is fresh bro. Hey I am going to Southern California and will be going by Spoke X to shop too.🙌🙌

[@SemiSendy]

Heck yeah, tell them I said hi!

[@trailpimp6369]

@@SemiSendy For sure man!

[@barathmuthusamy]

Damn sexy bike 🥴

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, Barath!

[@DuskPatrol]

Ah yes the "too much too soon all at once" mistake. I did this with my stem bars, grips, and pedals once (RaceFace to ANVL on everything, excluding grips which were just a fresh pair of the same GE1). I felt like I had no idea how to ride the bike, which is a 2019 Sentinel. I also felt similar when I got my Spire, but that was mostly about dialing in the suspension, as I was not used to the feel of the Zeb, which in my experience is a badass fork but much stiffer even when dialed. Now that I am used to the difference between the two bikes my brain switches gears right away when it comes to body position

[@SemiSendy]

How do you like your spire versus your sentinel?

[@jlh530i1]

This video is trash... and then i installed axs on my bike and I felt the same sentiment. Awkward adjustment for sure and I definitely have felt some buyers remorse. Im sure itll get better as I un-learn the muscle memory from non axs shifters but... idk. Thanks for sharing

[@SemiSendy]

I’m finally liking it after getting the kinks worked out. I was worried it had been all for nothing there for a bit.

[@FerdinandToennemann]

AXs is shit and I prefer flat pedals,try a fox 36 with 160mm that should be perfect

[@mtbct]

Thanks for sharing! Based on your clips of riding looks like you are over biked regardless. Hardtail/130-150mm looks more than doable on all those "features"

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Interesting video, thanks, but it would be better if you dropped the irritating background music.

[@jmdrstv]

#relatable

[@frohrers281]

Once you go AXS… you don’t go back

[@SemiSendy]

I'm seeing that as a distinct possibility.

[@djjmann]

Agreed. I don't miss running new cable or having to deal with slipping cable from a worn pinch bolt on the derailleur. Or the long thumb throws to down shift on the fly before a technical uphill after a fast downhill. AXS made me realize just how many unnecessary muscle movements you make with your fingers to shift, and how much that movement detracts from keeping control of your bike at the same time.

[@tommyevans5700]

I've never heard such an unhappy mountainbiker

[@SemiSendy]

😂 fair enough. I try to be as transparent as possible on this channel, for better or worse.

[@brandonmurrayrealestate9246]

Maybe mountain biking just isn’t your thing anymore…😂

[@bikernaut1]

I don't like SRAM shifter. Shimano is my go to, it feels more natural. 27,5 wheels for life. Grips and saddle are most important parts of my bike. Geometry is the key.

[@paradox963]

The takeaway, do your homework, pretty much all of these issues could have been solved during the build, The math could have been done to know what the fork changes would do to the geometry, and a simple run through of the AXS app and available options could have had the shifting set up before the firs ride, AXS out of the box is set up logically pushing up on the rocker causes an up shift and down a downshift, but this is opposite to how most mechanical shifters work.

[@SemiSendy]

I don't know man, with bike geometry experience has always been a lot more valuable to me than numbers on paper. Also, try telling 30+ years of muscle memory to "just be logical".

[@kevinherndon6963]

Oh No... please don't ever say "deep dive" in your videos again. And please don't replace that phrase with "unpack". I felt like I was in a seminar for a second LOL... seriously though, nice bike and good video about lessons learned. I also change way too much every time I change anything. I've still not learned my lesson though.

[@SemiSendy]

Haha, "Noted"! I'll try to keep an eye on those formal nomenclatures.

[@kennallmond52]

@@SemiSendy “nomenclatures” 🤣🤣🤣 Great video!

[@the510wagon]

I just don't get the AXS thing on a mtn bike? It's a wank.

[@SemiSendy]

How so?

[@Perception_]

The bottom line of this video was to tell people you needed to do some adjustments to your new setup... Well, what else is new...