1 Week update... and a few new pics...

I've been riding my ARC for about a week now. The bike is amazing...thats all I can say! Here's a quick recap of my thoughts after about 5 good rides...

- The ARC is a little over 4lbs lighter than my previous bike. This is a HUGE difference. I especially notice it on climbs, and the bike feels much more nimble under me. Light = Good!

- The frame is stiff... but not as stiff as other aluminum frames I've had, which IMHO is a good thing. I've had several Cannondale hardtails and those always beat the crap out of me. A couple years back I had a Specialized S-Works hardtail which I liked quite a bit, but so far I like the Yeti much better. Its definitely not as "plush" as my previous Ibis steel hardtail, but the Yeti's loop stays seem to smooth things out quite a bit. More on this later when I get a chance to race the bike.

- I am still playing around with my Fox F100 fork, but so far it's awesome. I've been using the lockout quite a bit... reach down and lock it out prior to long climbs, then I just need to remember to reach down and UN-lock it when I get the top. I'm still learning how to use the adjustable lockout force, which will supposedly let you leave the fork locked out all the time, and it will "blow off" when rough terrain is encountered.

- The Avid Juicy Ultimate brakes are incredible. Even on really long dowhills, I am not getting any fade, and stopping power is near perfection. I like them quite a bit more than the Avid Mechanicals I used to use. And so far I'm getting no squeal.

- The new lightweight Selle Italia Flite Kit saddle is pretty comfortable. Since I didn't go with the gel model, I was a little worried about comfort, but so far so good.

More later...

Comments

[ongpinboy]

Your ride looks really good. nice set up; because of your blog, I went ahead and bought one too (thanks!) My question is, I've seen the 1st generation arc (back in the 90's) and the tubing feels like a beer can (really really insanely thin;) Are the new ARCs like yours feel like that or are more solid? ( tap it with your fingernails to tell if it is thin or thick)
Just a comment, I think you can shorten your cables as I feel it is on the long side.

Also, how come you don't post your comments no more?

[Simon Kear]

Hello both, I'm looking for a hard tail also. I'm using a Giant Glory for downhills, Nomad for all-mountain rides, and a 2003 Kona Kula for training.
I was looking at a Santa Cruz Chameleon, Whyte 19 and at the moment, my heart looks set on the YETI ARC after using and regretfully selling my Yeti ASR-sl....
Do the rear triangle ride with flex on the climbs when stood up and digging in, as i'm around 16st in weight but a smooth and experienced rider, looking for an all-day training bike, to cover around 30-40 miles on the weekend runs. Any feedback would be good,

Thanks from a South Wales UK rider.