GEAR CHECK

2000km on the Maxxis Chronicle tire & other components

By Erik Plankton

December 7^th, 2014

Maxxis chronicle 29x3

I built up the Kona Wo with 29+ wheels with some epic off road bike touring in mind. During the summer I did various bike packing trips in Finland and a ten day totally self supported tour of the highlands in Iceland. I have now clocked a bit over 2000 kilometers on this build, so it´s time to do a quick review of some of the components. The 29+ wheel size really hits the spot on off road touring, but it works brilliantly for a versatile all-rounder as well. You get great traction and superb comfort on running lower pressures, but it still rolls really nicely when pumped up 25-30 PSI. I have ridden the Chronicle for about 1200 km on various gravel roads, from Finland´s hard packed and smooth mellow country ways to the incredible Icelandic routes, where the conditions change ever so ofter from totally loose sand to washboard and to sharp rocks. Other types of riding consist of around 500 km on asphalt and 300 km on single track. The pattern on the tire has worn down only about 1mm in the center but is still in very good condition. The side knobs are almost like new. I would estimate that there should be an easy 1000-2000km of riding left in these tires, probably even more. I have been running a normal lightweight Maxxis 29” inner tube without sealant. For some reason I’ve been blessed with good karma and have not yet had a single flat!

SURLY RABBIT HOLE RIMS

The Rabbit Holes seem to be a very sturdy and well made rim. Mine are laced with Sapim Race spokes to Salsa Fat Conversion hubs. Despite the very rocky and uneven routes of Iceland under a full expedition load (bike + 10kg food + 10kg gear + racks, bags, etc) the wheels have stayed very true and I have not bothered the tune them once. I think this has a lot to do with the high quality wheel build at hi5bikes.

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Salsa hubs

The hubs feel solid and roll smoothly. The design of the quick release levers is one of the best in the market. A classic. Easy to operate with gloves on and elegant in design. My only gripe is that one of the the rear hub pawls broke at the 1500km mark. It was warrantied without question so it was not a big deal, since I was only commuting to work that day. But if it would have happened somewhere remote, there would be no possible way to fix it on the go.

Drivetrain

I am running a 1X10 setup with a Sram X9 derailleur with a X7 trigger shifter. The Raceface Narrow/Wide 30t ring up front and a General Lee 40t range extender in the rear. This combo has been fantastic. I have dropped the chain twice in six months, and I think both times it was because the tent on the handlebars pushed the shifter cable and created extra tension on it. The X9 provides very reliable and precise shifting with no issues whatsoever. The gearing has been very good for off road touring and climbing with a loaded bike. The top end is still enough for faster paced commuting. I average around 20-21km/h on my mostly gravel ride to work. I think I will do a 1X10 setup on my cyclocross bike next.

points of contact

For long days in the saddle the Brooks is very worth the slight weight penalty it has. After broken in the comfort is superior. It has developed a minor creaking sound on rougher terrain, but still feels very solid.

Friends warned me not to go full retard, but I did with the Jones 710 Loop H-Bar. It gives you the possibility to use multiple different hand positions during the day and is an awesome platform to strap stuff on. My tent fits snug behind the cables, which have been left intentionally long and then a drybag with clothes can be strapped to the outer loop of the bar. The angle is comfortable for long rides. I really like this bar.

This is my third pair of Shimano DX pedals. Very reliable basic pedal that just works. The platform design makes it easy to ride short distances for example with camp shoes or sneakers without slipping and busting your ankles.

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FORK AND FRAME

I was a bit nervous having a full carbon fork with a heavily loaded bike. The Carver O´Beast weighs only 570g, but has proven to be sturdy enough. Very nice ride quality and vibration damping.

I have had no issues with the Kona Wo frame. I have a size XL and the geometry suits very nicely. It is nice to have as short as possible rear end, but the clearance for 29+ tires is only a few millimeters. Occasionally small rocks and mud clog up a bit. The frame was designed for 26X4 tires and on them there are no clearance issues.

Very happy with the overall setup of the bike. For the moment :)

Disclaimer: I am not associated with any of the brands reviewed here and have paid for all of the stuff with my own money. But I would not mind a partnership with a company with the right gear for testing purposes.