1. My Ascend dropper has some side to side play. Serviced it last year and repumped air into it which eliminated it somewhat/maybe. It also has the issue of being a bit hit and miss with extending. Though it does extend most of the time, sometimes it needs an extra press to get that reassuring click/full extension.
Chain reactions had the bushings/maintenance kit in stock a month or so ago (this But now when you go to their site it only does this more expensive replacement cartridge.
Which do I take a chance on first, cos in my head the fact that they've stopped aelling the bushings/thingy kit for a tenner and instead started selling the replacement cartridge, means they might having been getting issues with the maintenance kit not really being the solution for most people. Purely speculation though and the price difference is £10 instead of £30, so wanna choose wisely.
For reference its roughly from about 2017 or so, so had a good life and much more than what a RS dropper would have given me I'd expect. Cleaning the tube and seals has always been maintained as well as regreasing it with some stanchion grease, lightly.
2. When going uphill on a trail with some loose rocks but generally hardpacked. Not having to worry about anything other than that one trail - going up and down it continuously, like you do! Is a thicker (2.8 or 3.0) more appropriate for the back as the wider footprint means less drag and more traction. Or is the smart persons choice to go with a 2.4 which wiuld obviously reduce drag on a smooth surface, but does it make sense here.
I'd also be able to loose some weight and if it comes at a cost benefit of traction then, happy days. Anyone think they know the answer due to proper research or evidence/lots of experience comparing the two. Up front (in my head) a slightly wider, which is currently a Chronicle 3.0, makes most sense... Though maybe that'll change once I get the heavier suspension forks in - currently on rigids.
3. Thanks for staying with me, so about the trail pedals with a wider platform around the spd mechanism. Has anyone experienced less numb foot syndrome even with stiff/nice shoes. I'm currently on some Shimano ME200, which I know are at the cheaper end of the scale, but generally really comfy.
Obviously going up and down the same trail (113 times) might be a limitation for most shoes/spd combinations. Thoughts before I do/don't decide on new shoes over pedals, or platform pedals pver shoes. Going flatties is not an option as I'll start flying off after about 50 reps or less.
Thanks again and look forward to proper informed thoughts/opinions (which I know most people have here
, thanks).[Edit: think I have the ans to the optimal tyre - seems I should keep the 2.8 according to a Bikeradatlr test in the dry by Seb!).
