The Queen's Maiden Voyage

Weeee....

I think I can finish two laps now.

Thanks to my new Kona King Supreme (painted up like a Queen Kikapuu).

As anyone who knows me knows, I love my steel mtb hardtail. So much so, that although other mountain bikes have come my way, my hardtail has been my main mtb for over 5 years now.

But along came the Queen.

And one lap on the Sea Otter course was enough to convince me. I had so much fun on my ride that I wasn't ready for it to be over. I wish it would stop raining so I could ride it here on my local trails after work (hurray time change!!)

2.5" of travel in the rear was just enough to soak up the bumps and chatter. I was bombing down the center instead of tiptoeing across the best lines. And the Fox RP3 rear shock has this cool on the fly adjustment thing so I could lock it out on the paved or fireroad climbs, or open it halfway for those bumby climbs. I could stand on this bike and it felt just as solid under pedaling as my hardtail.

In addition, this bike handles very well. After a few miles I found that sweet spot of where to lean and felt almost as agressive in the turns as I do on my hardtail. I found that I could be even more aggressive on bumby turns because I could stay seated. I think I gapped my fiance on one of those turns. And I know I gapped him on the firebomb descents. Neener neener neeener.

Overall, for a course like Sea Otter, this bike rocked. I feel a little better about having to do two laps now that I have a bike that will allow me to go faster and save energy. ........And look good.

Installing the new SRAM X-O shifters



SRAM X-O rear derailleur and Easton XC wheels

Fox RP3 shock and cool bella graphics

Kula Primo (above) waits its turn. The Queen built up lighter than my steel hardtail with the following components:

Easton 70 Seatpost and Stem
Easton Monkeylite SL bar
Easton XC One Wheels
Avid BB7 Brakes
Crankbrother Eggbeater pedals
Chris King Headset
SRAM XO Shiters and derailleurs
Fox 80X Fork
Schwalbe Jimmy tires