November 25 2008


My first official ride was as Rockville Park in Rockville CA. I went out to Cali for Thanksgiving and though it would be a great opportunity to break the bike in. I set the bike up with the Hutchinson Python tires because I didn't want those skinny tires around tons of rocks. I also left the 1/2 inch spacer above the stem and the suspension set to 5" front and rear. The trail head starts from a parking lot which proceeds immiediately up,up,up, a fire rode. As I winded and twisted my way to the top, with the suspension locked out, I could only notice how quick the bike climbed. I got to the trail I wanted to ride which is slow and covered with rocks, literally. The Fantom felt agile and quick as I threw busts of power down to climb obstacles. The suspension did great helping the rear tire stay planted to the ground. The bar position sucked because there would be a little drop of 2' and the positioning on the bike made is uncomfortable to pull up and enjoy the drop. I was able to get the bike out on some open fire road and feel the bikes speed. The new brakes were not broken in yet but since the trail was slow it was ok. Overall I was happy with the first ride but was excited to switch the spacers to the bottom and try it out.