Yay! Dirt!

So today was pretty awesome. I received word from a friend that one of our local trail systems was dry, and quite rideable. This proved to be absolutely true. With the exceptions of a few large dead falls blocking the way, the conditions were nothing short of spectacular. It doesn't get any dryer mid-summer.


So I took the opportunity to get to know the Bandersnatch a bit. I was really impressed at how well mannered it is in the tight and technical. It is a long bike, the wheelbase is a hair over 45", and it certainly feels long. However, it was able to thread the needle through the tightest technical switchbacks with the greatest of ease. I attribute that to the low center of gravity provided by Wet Cat Geometry. It is a charmer for sure.

Climbing was excellent. I was able to stay seated an power up rough climbs easily, the front end did not lift unless I asked it to. Since the frame is designed to work best with an 80mm fork, I felt the front end to be a touch low, but not twitchy. There was only 1 instance where I though I was going to roll off the front of the bike in a high speed berm , an that was purely related to my riding position.

Everything else about the way the bike handled was great. My only real gripes were component related, and those will be fixed as quickly as possible. As the bike sit right now, it weighs in at 27.45lbs with pedals. I will be updating the blog with every upgrade.

The IRD Fire XC Pro tires were exceptional. Not once did I break traction, and I managed o put them on just about every surface I could find. Roots, rocks, wooden bridges, pine needles, some mud, a couple of damp rocks, sticks, gravel, pavement, you name it. It was confidence inspiring.
Of course, the real test will be time, but man was the first real mountain bike ride of the year ever fun!