The Baaron. A Bike Check.

I met Aaron at his trails the other day to do some digging. One look at these trails will tell you that Aaron no stranger to hard work. He rides smooth and fast (Semi-Pro DH racer), pays for his own bike parts, and believes in the power of Black Jeans. Aaron sticks to the old-fashion notion of buying good stuff, and taking care of it. It's safe to assume he'll be riding this set-up for years to come.
If you like these bike checks, we'll try and run through the Tonic Posse.

Here's a list of the parts:

Frame:Tonic Fab Howie #1. He's got the first one.

Fork: Manitou Sherman Jumper. What went wrong with Manitou?

Stem: Thomson 25.4 50mm.

Bar: Easton EA70 (very) Low Rise. Might switch to something taller.

Grips: ODI Longnecks.

Brakes: Hope Mini. 140mm Rotor.

Seat: Odyssey Junior.

Seat Post: Thomson.

Headset: FSA Impact.

Front Wheel: Profile Non-Disc Hub / Sun Rhynolite / DT Butted Spokes.

Rear Wheel: Profile Single Speed / Ti Cassette / 12t cog / Rhynolite / DT Spokes.

Front Tire: DMR Moto Digger.

Rear Tire: DMR Moto R/T or Tioga FS100

Cranks: Profile Race / Mid BB.

Chainwheel: Profile Imperial 28t.

Pedals: Specialized Mags.

Aaron's low-slung trails machine.


Production bikes have a degree steeper ST angle for a little more tire and seat slamming clearance. Aaron rides the rear wheels slammed, and a big tire is a snug fit against the seat tube. This is probably my favorite feature of the Howie.


Profile hubs sound good. Aaron's partial to Hope brakes.


Profile disc free front.


Mid-BB.


Thomson Stem...good stuff.


Aaron at his trails.


Same caption, different photo...


-L