1.5 hours Stromlo

I think I have tamed the new beast. After playing around with the bar height, I think I have nailed the sweet spot, placing more weight over the front end.

Climbing is easier than the older Anthem but steering is slower. Only time on the bike is going to get me in Zen with the bike.

The nicest trait of the new Anthem is the super lively rear end. Its just so much more lively in and through its travel. I don't beleive this is due to the extra travel but more so due to the updated suspension arrangement.

I was dubious about the Sid Team fork at first but am a huge fan now. Again its lively in its travel. It doesn't have the plushness of the Fox float but in comparison is a racers drean. Pushing on it (carpark test) shows that its stiffer and harder but in real use on the trails its a dream.

Oh the ride was fun to at 80%

New bike Anthem X0

I picked up my new bike and headed out to Stromlo for its first ride.
I should have listened to Michael from Onya Bike Belconnen on the front tyre.
I opted for a Crossmark Lust Non UST and after a slow climb to the top we regrouped and headed down the berm track.

Well it happened the front tyre burped air and the bars crossed over resulting in my first off I hurt both knees but more annoyingly the front wheel is untrue.

I think a new UST front tyre is going on!

What I noticed from this short ride was that the steering is slower and will require some getting used to. The bike is definetely more rigid then last years model and offers 4" travel up from 3.5".
Next ride will be a solo one so I can muck around with the stem height in an attempt to get more weight over the front end.