I found the stock fork a little harsh and chopper esque so I replaced it with a Zion fork designed for 26” wheels. It does not overly alter the head angle but I feel it does so just enough to make the ride a little quicker. The fork is flexy as hell but I don’t really mind as it takes some of the edge off and is much more comfortable that the stock fork. The stock V-brakes came off immediately and were replaced with the ever dependable Avid BB-7 cable discs. Levers are Avid Speed Dials. I still have not really warmed up to these but they are solid and get the job done. Cranks were switched out immediately as well. My old race face Turbines have never let me down and I’ll ride them till they break which I don’t imagine will be any time soon. Surly’s stainless steel rings mate well with these cranks and create a solid, long-wearing , low maintenance drive train.

The wheels are essentially the only part of the bike I left stock. I have heard horror stories but
they have not given me the least bit of trouble. I have no beef with them at all. They are heavy but again they get the job done. The build is rounded out with King headset, Koski stem and cheapo super wide and swept back Titec Bars.

At this point I have over 7000 miles or so on the rig in roughly a year and a half. It has been a daily commuter to work year round in all weather as well as a trail rig. It has seen a White Rim in a day run as well as an epic weather Porcupine Rim loop. It gets me from my front door to some great Front Range trail heads and shows me a good time in the dirt. Sure I won’t ride this bike forever and I have ridden lighter more responsive frames but for the $ 400 this is hands down the best bike in existence. A trail worthy rig need not cost an arm and a leg. All you have to do is get out there.