::SIDI BULLET 2::

Oh yeah ! Finally, the day has come, earlier than I expected... Suppose to wait till next year before I change to clipless pedals. Probably it was being, at the right place at the right time, Shang was selling off his Candy ... For whatever the reason, faith probably.Initially I wanted to go for the Eggbeater rather than the Candy, but since I have no preference in either of them, so why not give a try I say.. Hey, it was a good deal, 2 pairs of Candy SL for a mere RM200++ ? Of course, then we (NKeat & myself) needed to get new shoes and new cleats.

The hunt for my shoes, weren't easy.. Due to the limitation of stock, 1st thing that had to look for is the size ! Then only open the box and see if the design & color is suitable to ur taste. Lastly then ask for the price.. Of course 1st up I headed to BikePro, brought my bike and the pedals there also. Semangat wanna change pedals and get new shoes.. Mana tau.. Sigh.. Disappointment, cannot find any shoes... Got size, but then OVER my budget. Sorry... It was Saturday afternoon, and only the day before that NKeat bought his pair of SIDI from BikePro. Looks like me not gonna get to test out clipless...

After quickie dinner at Secret Recipes, then collected my car from Tyrezone, just around the corner. Decided to head to KSH and try my luck. WOW ! Surprisingly, they got the SIDI Bullet 2. What the exact color which I wanted it. Got the correct size, tried on other Shimano shoes.. DAMN ! Those Shimano shoes are really more comfortable, coz they are wider as compared to SIDI. SIDI shoes are meant to be worn tight, as I have been told.. Doesn't matter lar, since the price is right. After hard & tough negotiation.. Ended myself with a NEW pair of black color SIDI Bullet 2 MTB shoes !

Wanna see ????


Oh yeah the other thing, make sure that u got everything in the box when you buy SIDI shoes. There should be an allen key, 4 screws and most important the manual/warranty book. Coz inside that book, got loads of cool SIDI stickers. Looks good on your bike frame and also on the Thule rack...

~::NK the wOOfer::~

Trail Maintenance Clinic @ Kiara

Hello all... Just another day ride in Kiara ? Don't think so, at least not for today. Special Monday, coz this time we were meeting up with Pat, the almighty-creator of Kiara trails. Nope we were not gonna be riding with him, naturally most of us would have a hard time just trying to keep up with him.

Basically today's main agenda is to learn Trail Maintenance from Pat himself. WHY ? You may ask ? Just because we, Hardtail'ers, have adopted the Shriner's Convention trail ! For myself, it can be considered as quite a big leap. Cause for me, I still consider myself new to Kiara trails.

Anyway, we have scheduled to meet up with Pat @ 8:15am. Meeting point is at the gate entrance. Reached there few minutes before time, so instead of me waiting, I headed up the tarmac 1st. Rather than slowing the whole group, I decided to move 1st. On my way up, I saw Pat coming out from the Tangki. Let it be lar, I concentrate on pedalling up and wait for them at the tarmac X-junction.

Before I could even catch my breathe, they arrived liow.. So continue on our climb up to Shriner's entrance lor. Half way up, Pat already started his class liow. Basic on how to look out for the rain water flow path, and where to clear them. No way I was able to follow Pat's pace.. So took my time and met up with them again at Shriner's Convention entrance. Officially here is where our class began.

It was just a basic introduction to us. Pat thought us how to look out for critical spots, where we should give our attention 1st. And how we should do it... Don't know if I can give a summary, most of his advice was just to do it by trial and error. Rule of thumb, water MUST flow ! Thus create path for all the muddy areas. Also to look out for those "black yucky" patches, that is where the water clogs up and the soil and leaves settles. At switchbacks, better to have higher banks, it helps the water flow and also to avoid rider from widening the trail. That is as much as I can remember, either than raining weather is NOT good for trail maintenance. We'll just have to wait for the dry season, then start patching back the damages done so far... Certain parts of the trail needs immediate attention, especially the switchbacks. Pat also gave us ideas of where to get the soils from to patch up the trails.


So next time riding in Kiara, when see those humps and bumps on the trail.. Some of it are there for a reason. And please spare a thought to those who are maintaining the trail, but of course to Pat and his group who created those trails - which we enjoy every weekend !


The Artist and his Masterpiece


"Come on guys ! Put your back into IT !"


Just us trying to learn as much as possible from Pat..

Lastly, check this bike out.. Old skool, but everything still functions. Would assume this guy ride tarmac quite often. Realised the cyclo-computer is also mounted on the funny looking handlebar. Not something that you'll see everyday..


OVER and OUT.. Our next ride should be on Wednesday morning, either Kiara or FRIM. Yet to be decided... Cause long time never see wan thanh minn seller's daughter in FRIM. Wanna know more ? Why not join us ?

~::NK the wOOfer::~

Are you a loser?

Hardtail'ers challenge you? If you take it as a challenge, then it is a challenge. Why do i said so? uhm... Maybe i will be another NKeong to write you a grandmother story. "Long time ago......"

NO. I'm used to be very straight forward. Let start the story and challenge.

Lets start with the Tarmac climb. Half way, i noticed that my rear tyre not enough air. The air was leaking. I got down from my bike and "refilled" the air. Inflate will be the better word to describe.

Then we reach to the X-road. Quite lots of rider there. KSH gang went down 2k. By the way, Kwai, Jackson and I climb to the Janice Junction. Then had our "puff" there while waiting for others. I had my rest there about 20-30mins. Since everyone stop there TalkCogSingSong. And yap. Let me show you something interesting:




Hello Guys, he is only SEVEN years old. If he can survive in Kiara, why not you? Anymore excuses from you not to ride kiara? Your bike cannot take the drop? How about his bike? Dont you think his parts will be higher end than what you have now? Stop giving yourself the LAME excuses. Hardtail'ers would like to help you if you want to help yourself.

Cannot convince you to ride Kiara yet? Need some more? Okay let me show you another pic to make you speechless. Here it is:

Any more excuses? yap, you can see clearly from the pic that those are girl. Aiks. Nevermind, we move the the next section, to let you know more about kiara.


This drop looks small only right? You can take it as easy as makan taufu rite? Hardtail'ers would like to help you anytime, but you need to help yourself first. We can't confirm 100% that we will help you to do better, but atleast you go there and have a try first. If you got difficulties to ride @ Kiara, you can pay our :::Hardtail'ers Forum::: a visit, we might be able to help you.

Enough of cogs, show off time.


I know this mean nothing, out there a lot of riders can do much more better than me. If a fatman like me can do it, why not you?




Fun time. Let see how NKeong fail the first approach.


Dont you think he brake too much while he doing the drop? I don't know, maybe. Or maybe other reasons.




Now let NK[s] show you how they clear the drop!



:::Hardtail'ers Major:::
:::Hardtail'ers Resort:::

HAZE HAZE HAZE !!!

Hello all.. This post has nothing to do with any rides. Just something that I wanna share with you guys, this is after all a BLOG.

Driving from Ayer Hitam toll towards Skudai, that time was around 9am.. Suddenly realised how bad the haze down south. I would think that it could be worst still in Singapore.. Just look at the photos below. Both photos were taken while I was driving on the right lane. I was on a 2-lane PLUS highway..




Sigh... Why is it that we have to put up with this EVERY YEAR ???

::NK the wOOfer::

Forum is now READY!!!!

Warriors, get ready for battle?

All mtb warrior are welcomed to join our forum. No matter what bike you're riding, share you knowledge with us.

:::Hardtail'ers Forum:::

Now you have a room where you can easily get any 1 of us. And share your knowledge with us. Pay it a visit! It is a battle FIELD!!!!

My (blog) ride @ Kiara - 15/10/2006

testing testing... Isn't it just time for another blog from myself ? Yours truly, the wOOfer !

Quite honestly there is nothing much to blog about last Sunday's ride (15/10). Out of 8 in the group, 5 of us were still feeling the alcohol effect from the previous nite outing. Lets not forget the what little amount of sleep we had !

On Saturday nite; Major, Tweeter and myself, had a nite outing of dinner and movie. We went to The Curve for dinner @ Italinnies, then proceeded for movie. Devil Wears Prada is not typically a chick flick, but the storyline is all about the corporate and working life of a high profile job. After a good laugh in the movie, we had few drinks before heading home. But of course it wasn't just us 3 batangs... Here are some photos from that nite out !


Now... about the ride... That Sunday morning, alarm was set at 6am, sadly I didn't even realised that it even rang. Thankfully, automatically woke up at 7am. Considering that by the time we slept was almost 3am.. So it was quite the achievement. When Major called to confirm going, I was hoping for him to say wanna cancel the ride. But alas, got my lazy ass up also ! Even during the drive to Kiara, was contemplating if we should detour and head to FRIM instead. Doesn't matter, Kiara also.. coz since Fish make it all the way from Klang..

Sad thing was, even with the heavy rain the day before.. The haze doesn't seem to be getting any better. Damn sad... Why do we have to put up with this yearly ?

Start ride, still managed to ride up to tarmac X-junction. Which was where we met Jimster and Robby. The usual rest and powerstick break.. 1st is to tackle 2K. Due to the rain, the trail was WET ! Little traction was available, even for my 2.3 tyres. It was a scary feel to loose control of the tail of the bike. Even the slippery roots placed a problem..

Exitting the 2K trail, it was a slight uphill pedal (again).. I had additional push from behind, RedDragon (RD) was giving me support from behind. Which was good ! Made the climb uphill a breeze for me.. THanks ! =)

Going to Bar-a-kuda, it was a 1st for me.. And seeing the marvel landscape of the fallen tree. That was really something to behold.. Next ride, I'm going to Kiara armed with my prosumer camera. Wanna take some shots of my own. Then from there... bla bla bla... bla... bla bla... bla.. bla.. bla.. yada yada yada...

Joining back to Snake & Ladder, Major realised that he broke his brake lever. Had to bring out 1st aid kit, tape out the edge coz sharp and may cut his fingers.. See, even bikes need to use the 1st aid kit. From there onwards, we split path.. Myself and Major opted to go back through Shriner and not climb to Tokong. The rest headed up to Tokong..

From there it was downhill all the way... Wwoo Hoooo... CRASH BOOM BANG !!! It was like WTF ! How come suddenly this fella fall sideways wan ? Can't believe it !
Then on, I took the lead.. Quite pressure also knowing a fast rider is tailing u. But good also, made me clear the switchbacks faster than before.. I think I prefer to draft, rather than lead.. At least drafting can follow the leader's line and less the pressure, but with the same speed (hopefully).

Usual lor, TCSS at the mamak beside KSH.. This time we were sitting at the mamak for quite long. Everyone like too damn tired to move liow.. All just resting and enjoying the TCSS session. For sure, we were knocked out the whole afternoon... After washing up the bike etc etc, it was good sleep all the way till dinner time. With the rain in the evening, such good lullaby..

At least something good from the Sunday ride.. For me at least.. Got this photo before the ride.. Oh yeah, forgot to add that NOW my Vanilla R got deep deep deep scratches liow. YUP ! Exactly 3 scratches.. I very the sakit hati.. but nevermind, coz the Vanilla R is not for sale (ever).


OVER and OUT...

::N.Keong @ The wOOfer::

Yes. We love Kiara and Ride Again.

Nothing More Than A Fun Ride

:::Hardtail'ers Major:::
:::Hardtail'ers Resort:::

Chain Suck

I think, most of us face this problem before. Especially while muddy condition.

But it do happen while you do road riding also. Chain suck can due to various of reasons.

Any way, thx Kevin from bbs had give me the good link. The page explains why chain suck? and how to overcome. enjoy by click @ the hyperlink below.

sorry for the pic being too small. but dont worry. u can get all the info @ that link.

Why chain suck!!!! i hate it!!!!!!

:::Hardtail'ers Major:::
:::Hardtail'ers Resort:::

The Machine

My (blog) ride @ Kiara - 08/10/2006

I think CS The Major has done a very good job with the introduction of our ride on Sunday morning. And for the record, the video hor, I was the one holding the camera ! How good ar my skills ?? Blowing my own horn..

Anyway back to the ride blog... Lets just keep it short this time and not another novel...

So.. Started the ride, everything was okay. But then once reached the tarmac X-road, started to feel tired liow. At that time the haze nowhere to be seen / smelt. Break for a short while and then continued on up towards Twin Peak and stopped awhile @ Tokong, needed to catch my breathe. Resting also @ Tokong, was Jimster and Fish.. Along with many other DHill'ers (KSH group).. OH ! Also the German guy with his TOMAC ELI <-- sweet sweet frame. Who eventually joined us from Janice Junction onwards. Finally got to see Kit back in action. Another short powerstick break, we (NKs, CS, Fish, Jimster & Tomac Eli) headed to Twin Peak. Coming to an open area, Twin Peak (i think).. It was clear that the haze was getting worst ! Makes me wanna go home and hide indoors. As you can see from the photos taken, damn ! From this point onwards I was feeling tired liow. Drinking much more water than usual.. Doesn't matter, still very determined to finish the ride ! For sure, thanks to the Vanilla R, my arms weren't feeling as tired. Plus more confidence in clearing the drops / downhill.. Though I was going quite slow, but at least I managed to clear most of the trail. Slowly but surely type of thingy. After coming back out through Snake & Ladder, I was already feeling washed out. Managed to rest longer this time, thanks to Fish and his bunny hops. He punctured his tyres or rather tube. Ironically, he asked us before the start of the ride if we were carrying spare tubes. Jokingly we told him of our RM20 per tube change charges, and RM25 price from CS. Never thought that he would need a tube, in fact TWO tubes. He kind of spoilt the 1st spare tube, while he was inflating it. FUNNY man ! 2 tubes in less than 10minutes !

Once that is done with, we started to ride 2K. Don't know which way we went also, at the place where to video was taken. I was dead tired liow.. Almost to seeing stars.. Still can tahan.. Certain parts of the trail, just dun think GO only. Somewhere along the way, dunno what happened, I fell down the ravine ! YEAH MAN ! Suddenly I was slidding down the ravine.. Cause the soil was soft, I was simply slidding down. Had to support myself with my leg to keep me from falling more. My handlebar was caught with my CamelBak strap, so I was pulling the bike down on me at the same time. Thought I wanna rest awhile on the soft ground. BUT then I realised that I destroyed an ANT NEST !! Sigh... Just dunno what happened, bike mabuk la.. Luckily had help from NKeat and CS.

Wait... The best part is yet to come.. Continue on, wanna finish up 2K. Caught up with the guys, then suddenly my legs decided to fall asleep. I stopped, rested my hand on the tree trunk. Wanted to put my foot down and get off the bike. Next thing I know, I have fallen (again) sideways ! As if I was on clipless.. Gonna blame it on the haze !

Finishing 2K, we set off to Shriner.. The climb up to the Shriner enterance was really tiring. Resting at the enterance, met up again with those DHill'ers from KSH. So we offered them to go down 1st, since they should theoretically be faster than us. Starting to go down Shriner, I was totally tired.. Only thing I can think of is to complete and go home ! Plus I have to add that my stomach was growling liow... Going down Shriner was smooth.. Cleared like 80% all the way, only few of the tight drop switchbacks couldn't - mental blocked out. Just wanna faster reach home...

Realised something new today, feeling darn tired.. So certain drops, the brain refuse to think liow, just whack only ! The Carnival 3 drops, usually I approach it slow and steady, this time (tired out liow) I just let go brakes and zoom down.. CLEARED and Survived = So happy ! I still think it is cause of the Vanilla R upgrade. OR it could just be psychology.

At the IBM (now VADS) traffic light junction, saw Fish pushing his bike. Can't believe it that he punctured his front tyre AGAIN ! Sigh... This is just not his day.. Tiring ride for all, TCSS at the mamak. Off to home...

(Finally) THE END...

Brought to you by...
::NK Merida @ the wOOfer::

WTF?? Kiara Again?

Time: 8:15 wheel roll
Vanue: Kiara
Route: Xroad => Twin Peak => TNT => Peak 2 => Upper Short => Snake & Ladder => Xroad => 2k => Shriner's Convention => Carnival => Mamak Stall TCSS
Riders: NKs + Cs + Fish + Jimster

Here the slide show for today's ride


Here the movie clip


Write up Coming Soon!!!

:::Hardtail'ers Major:::
:::Hardtail'ers Resort:::

KHS Vs Giant @ Carnival Trail

Simply drop us an email @ hardtailers@yahoo.com or leave your email @ the chat box if you need trail guide, or you feel you want to join our ride. Check it out @ our Yahoo group by click @ the Yahoo's icon located @ the side bar.

We are more than happy if someone join us.

too happy with with today's ride. Had compose some short lyric. Use the intro of the TokyoDrift.

c'mon baby, lets rap together:
I wonder if your know,
how we ride with the hardtail,
if you buy it, then you feel it,
then you really really know,
Hardtail so furious, (rideit rideit rideit) X2

I wonder if you know,
How we ride with vanilla,
if you buy it, then you feel it,
then you really really know.
Van're so furious (whackit whackit whackit) X2

mid part of the song:
My machine, is so light
the switchbacks are so tight
Changing adding upgrade trying,
money spending, i still pok kai.


P/s: hello guys, we make no offense to FS rider and other forks user. We create the lyric for suka suka sendiri. Sorry if i offend you.

:::Hardtail'ers Major:::
:::Hardtail'ers Resort:::

The Beauty of Kiara

Hello, guys.
I knew that a lot of you are saying kiara is too technical. I admit that kiara is technical to a certain extend. But not to say very technical. You can choose to go technical section or also choose to ride @ the easier section.

"Someone" might shout at you, "dont come to kiara to spoil MY tree and trail." You dont need listen to him, as long as Penghulu not yet say anything, we still can ride @ Kiara. And the tree does not belongs to him. Someone might say to you do zero contribution to kiara. Dont worry, you can drop your donation to TNT fund @ BikePro anytime. Just dont listen to someone who is free enough to TCSS. By the way, TCSS means talk cock sing song. He himself might not have done any contribution to Kiara also, beside shit and urine. Don't let this kind of barger stop you from riding somewhere.

Enough of the TCSS, now let me show 1 of the styles.


Beside that, do you know that kiara got something like this??


Don't let people's comments stop you from riding Kiara. Kiara is technical but you can choose to be not technical. Do not hesitate to join us to ride in Kiara. Beside Hardtail'ers there are still alot of groups out side you can join. Drop me an email if you need a trail guide. Hardtail'ers will be more than happy to help.

The cycling community is small enough. Why we differentiate our categories? No matter what is our riding style, regardless to what bike we ride, what brand, who made it, we are still mountain biker. I just can't understand why there are riders cursing each other. I know that sometimes there is fun in arguing with your "friend". Friend and not strangers. Even i myself sometimes TCSS with "friends" and flame certain bikes. But it is to friend, no to the stranger who own the bike.

Some of the rider even look down at certain country made bike. WTF? You earn extra and you go for better quality. I earn less i look for something cheaper. WTF that you come and curse my bike? It is none of your business rite?

So guys, this post is not to create any offense to any one. But just want to let you know the BEAUTY of Kiara . You can ignore all my bull shit and enjoy the 4 photos that i took in Kiara. Some Kiara regular might know where is it. If you wanted to know, simply post your msg @ the chat box which located @ the side bar.

Again i would like to highlight, beside FR/DH, Kiara can do some very leisure riding. If technical and not confident, just push your bike. No 1 going to laugh @ you. If someone did, just F8ck him off. Don't need to care how people look at you. As long as you had tried your best.

Hardtail'ers always your best friend to guide you. More and more pic coming soon. We will show you there are certail places in kiara are not as technical as you think.
Stay tuned. ;-)

:::Hardtail'ers Major:::
:::Hardtail'ers Resort:::

Carnival Training Tips From Penghulu Kiara

Training starts about 3 months before Carnival race. Not neccessarily ride more but the rides are more focused, it's particularly important that one ride a week is long and continuous at a steady pace. A long ride will be about 3 hours at 70% to 80% full effort.

At 2 months to go, 1 session of hill intervals a week, building the intensity week by week. This is the one that hurts but it's neccessary for maximum race performance. This is the workout that teaches the body about lactic acid and what to do with it. In a race, you'll build up alot of lactic acid, you've gotto let your body get used to it. The long ride is also getting more intense. It's important to get good recoveries from each of these harder rides. Otherwise you'll lose the strength you built.

About 3 weeks before the race start making regular laps around the Carnival course to get a feel for it. Try to max it out on interval laps. The weekly long ride will be the climb to Genting or some similar masochistic pain fest. The interval session will be extremely stressful, perhaps something like 5 reps of 5 minutes at 95% of maximum, with a 5 minute break between. Thoughts of vomit abound.

With 2 weeks to go, no more big rides. This is called tapering. Hit the Carnival course hard at least 2 or 3 times that week, and work towards a string of 4 back to back laps at maximum effort as a race preview. Anything that needs to be done to the bike should be done by this point so that it is eliminated as a variable.

In the last week don't ride anywhere near maximum effort. Talk walks up the big climb and spin the rest in the lowest gear. Take a couple laps every other day, just to maintain a feel for the course conditions as it's seeing a lot of traffic at this time. Experiment with alternate lines, but the number one thought is not to mess up by crashing or something equally silly. The bike will get a final check over to be sure everything is still fine. No changes unless absolutely neccessary.

p/s: This is the edited version. Click here for the original version.

Sweetness of Vanilla R

Really don't know where I should start... Maybe I should start from the very beginning of my conquest of getting a FOX Vanilla.

Previously I was using RockShox Reba Race 100mm. Naturally it would have been a good upgrade from a Judy C. The problem I face with the REBA is the setting of the +ve and -ve air ! 1st off following the suggested air settings given is not recommended. Coz that is where I started from, but the fork felt too rigid. At the end of it all, the most comfortable settings was at about 110psi (+ve) and 100psi (-ve) or something like that. Bare in mind that I'm a 100kg rider. I was unable to find the balance between the plushness and the sag of the fork..

So I decided to give it up and give FOX Vanilla a try, after much poison from CS. Landed ourselves in Bike Pro, Tmn Megah. I must add, despite all the reviews of Boon Foo being a lan si seller. This time he was exceptionally friendly to us.. In fact he was friendly to all of us. At that time, the 07 Vanilla weren't available yet. But he assured that if were to order, the fork would arrive in a week or less. Nevertheless, there was a 06 Vanilla still available at his shop - KIV... Spoke to Boon Foo and Lim (MTB) to make sure that the Vanilla forks were able to convert travel to 100mm, for normal XC use mar. Plus my bike frame is not built for long travel forks.

On Monday, I called up Bike Pro to check on the stock of the 07 Vanilla. To my luck (and my surprised) NEW 07 forks just came in.. Once again asked more details about the 07 Vanilla, especially on the price and if it is able to travel adjust. IF I'm not mistaken, on Tuesday nite I confirmed with the buyer for my REBA + an original FOX air pump for RM1000nett. Thus on Wednesday morning, I called Bike Pro again, just to reserve 1 Vanilla 07 for me.. Guess I was speaking to Lim (MTB) at that time, reconfirmed with him again, that the 07 Vanilla was travel adjustable. I wanted the Vanilla to be at 100mm. Okay ! Confirm got fork and confirm can change travel.. Even booked the time slot to bring my bike in. Went to the shop with CS, only when Lim (MTB) dismantle the fork.. Realised that the 07 Vanilla model is not travel adjustable ! After checking the manual, it confirms so. Oh well, just not my luck of getting a new fork. Thankfully there was another 06 Vanilla in the shop. So I opted for that, and of course, the travel has to be adjusted to 100mm.

I have to add, at that time there were few other ppl/riders hanging out at BikePro. Most of them thought that I was stupid to change the travel to 100mm. But they'll NEVER understand.. Someone even asked me a few times to take the Talas, coz that is travel adjustable - on the fly. I keep telling them, I get Talas (another air fork) then what is the difference from using a REBA ? Kept asking me, until Lim (MTB) snapped at them.. "No point asking him to take Talas or Float R, what he wants is the spring coil feel. Some riders just want the spring coil feel. When speaking to him over the phone, I also know liow." May not be his exact words. But his comment was a direct HIT ! I was shocked ! He knew exactly what I was looking for.. Me and CS couldn't stop praising him, finally someone that understood ! From there on, everyone left us alone.. Hahahaha !!

Back to BikePro on Thursday nite, wanted to bring my bike home.. Sadly, after a very very spin on the tarmac.. Something was wrong with the fork ! The rebound was not working. Sigh... back to the hands of Lim. So pai seeh coz I held them back till 8pm. It meant that the bike had to stay for another nite. Damn I was pissed. It could possibly be the last chance for me to own a Vanilla fork.. Boon Foo also gave up, offered me a lower price for the 07 Vanilla / Float R. Just to solve off my problems. SEE ! Who says Boon Foo is arrogant ?!

Give it another last chance.. Heading back to BikePro on Friday evening, to my luck, there was no electricity. Headed straight into the shop and looked for my bike in the dark. Once I saw the bike installed with the 06 Vanilla R, damn relief ! Apa lagi ! Took the bike out for a test run ! If fact, not only we tested the bike... CS went on the test the fork and adjusted the settings for me, which I'm quite happy with ! There was not much of a problem with the SAG vs PLUSH, as I experienced with the REBA. Lim also proceeded to test the fork, he also agreed on the plushness of the Vanilla. Though there were still ppl asking me why I put it to 100mm, and asking me to change to the harder coil spring (red color). But I'll know once I test it out in Kiara. Since no electricity, Boon Foo allowed me to take the bike 1st, and pay him only the following day. I actually tested the fork 1st, then only paid for it. He assured me with the full package, 1 year warranty + 2 coil springs, manual and the FOX sticker.

Saturday morning... Woke up and it was drizzling outside. Because of the urge to test out the Vanilla was too strong. We headed to Kiara also. Just lepak for almost 40mins, before we started our ride. Since fish arrived all the way from Klang. Lets not like a little bit of rain dampen our spirit !

Instantly could feel the difference on the Vanilla. It was bobbing with every pedal I made. So my bike was like on ecstasy, feeng tou all the way up to tarmac X-junction. Doesnt matter lar, still can live with it. It only shows the plushness of the fork (??). Proceeded to ride up to Tokong, after a power stick break of course. Could feel that it was easier to climb, rolling over the rocks and roots was a breeze. Unlike using REBA, if ride too hard over roots/rocks, the bike feels like flipping over. The Vanilla is absorbing the terrain better. Though I did pushed most of my way upto Tokong.. =)

That aside, once the downhill from Tokong towards the Shriner's Convention entrance. That was when the feel of the Vanilla HIT me right in the face ! I realised that I was going down faster than before, it felt so much smoother. Cause of that, had more confidence and laid off the brakes. Till I reached the ramp, which I stopped. Cause I thought that I had a punctured tyre ! Checked nothing wrong, so proceeded down again, didn't press brakes till I could see the rest of them waiting at the junction. It was a feeling that I never felt before. WOW !!! It was smooth downhill all the way ! Was going faster than before, made me feel bit scared.. It was pure adrenalin rush !

Difference on a REBA is, it is more rigid. I think due to the +ve and -ve air settings, I was unable to find the correct balance. Feels like there has to be a threshold pressure applied on the fork, before the fork / travel begins. It created a very bumpy feel and sometimes pushes you forward. Having the REBA requires a lot of trial and error with the settings. You will just have to test all possibilities till you find your own ideal air settings. Those REBA users out there, share your setting experience with others.. It really helps !

Okay.. From there on, we entered Shriner's Convention, but then exited at the Carnival loop entrance to the tarmac. All the way, I was following CS line down. I think he foong shui.. So that I could follow him. I always have a problem with switchbacks, that ride, I managed to clear a few of them. SO HAPPY ! Since now rolling over roots / rocks weren't a problem.. Cleared a few parts which went on so smoothly, despite the damp condition. Damn Happy ! Was laughing and smiling down all the way !

From there we entered and did part of 4K and exited at the KLGCC... Sigh... sadly couldn't ride more due to time constraint ! But it was good enough for me to realised the sweetness, plushness and smoothness of a coil spring, specifically the FOX Vanilla. For sure the next ride (coming Sunday morning), it is gonna be another experience of the Vanilla ! Can't WAIT !

Basically, in terms of weight the Vanilla R is only 0.5pound heavier than the REBA Race. And since this is a coil spring and not air, won't be hearing the air blow-off anymore. BUT instead you'll be hearing me screaming and laughing all the way down.. Wooo HOooo !! The handling and cornering of the bike felt more stable. Definitely more grips over the rocks and roots. Bare in mind, it was still raining during the whole ride. The only thing that needs to overcome is personal fear / phobia. Certain sections where I've had bad falls, still haunts me till today. Something that needs to be overcome internally.

To those looking for a new fork, or have doubts with a coil spring fork. Trust me, no regrets ! This especially goes to those riders, who are in the HAPPY weight (90kg above) category. No need to susah trouble yourself with the air settings, just a few clicks and turns on the Vanilla, kaw tim !

p/s - Since the other parts of the ride has already been blogged, there is no need for me to repeat. And fish, hope that you are recovering well from the roll...

NK_Merida @ The wOOfer
::who needs a SOFT 6inch, when mine is HARD::
Hardtail'ers

Morning Ride @ Kiara

when?: 1st 0ct 06
Start:8:30am
Venue: Kiara
Route: X-road=>Twin Peak=>Tokong=>Twin Peak=> TnT=>Boulder=>Barracuda=>X-Road=>2k=>X-Road=> Climb to Shriner's convention Entrance=>Carnical=>TCSS @ Restaurant=>Fork Service @ Project Maheez
Riders: Major+Red Dragon XTCBoy+LaywerMa+Yang+Nick(New)+ Jimmy's Group + Eddie(only Shiner's onward)

Reached to KSH @ 8:00. After TehTarik and TCSS, wheels roll about 8:30am. Started the ride with only 4 riders. RD,XTC,Ma and I. Then we meet Yang and Nik @ X-road. Without any rest @ X-road, i continue to climb to twin peak then reverse to Tokong. Saw some riders playing freeriding @ the Tokong Ramp. Raymond and others. Then, we climb to twin peak again. Go down to TNT, my first time to there. It was fun. Not as technical and bumpy as Upper Short but a lot of switch back. There are easy switch back unlike Shiner's. Good for beginner. It end up @ SnakeN'Ladder entrance.

We didn't manage to go into the SnakeNLadder, but we take a reverse to the boulder. Then went Barracida. Took the steep climb tarmac back to X-road. Met Jimmy's group who just came out from 2k. So, we went down to 2k. Damn, today damn good form. All 2k DH cleared. Then climb back to X-road again and met Jimmy's group again because they were waiting for us to go Shriner's convention.

Then we climb all the way up to the Shiner's entrance, then we play with the switch back. XTCboy's gang waited @ certain corner to study the line. Hell. Today i clear all the switch back. Back track abit, met Eddie @ X-road then only we went to the Shiner's. Then of course it joined to the carnival. The LittleGhost(Shang), over took me easily there. Then TCSS @ restaurant YTD.

After the ride, RD and i went to the Maheez. Serviced my fork there. Credits to Jason. I can see he is sick and still work patiently on my fork. Thx a lot. Now it is as plush as i 1st bouhgt. Project Maheez hurray!!!

Photo? Left my camera @ Maheez. Photo coming soon. Only some scenic pic.

:::Hardtail'ers Major:::
:::Hardtail'ers Resort:::