Rider: Diego MacKinnon
Rides: Limited Edition White Pearl Chilcotin
Handle: @diego.strangerm
How tall are you? And how did you set up your new ride?
I am 181 cm, have long legs and arms and chose a size large Chlcotin. To get a comfortable pedaling position, I had to raise the seat quite a bit, and then when descending the seat was touching my inner thigh while riding. For that reason, I already ordered a Fox Transfer Factory 200mm dropper post that will match perfectly with the Factory 38. Also I've seen that the reach is a bit short for me so I will be making some adjustments in the cockpit as I ride the bike a bit more and find that sweet spot. I've put spacers beneath my stem to raise the handlebar as much as possible.
I am 181 cm, have long legs and arms and chose a size large Chlcotin. To get a comfortable pedaling position, I had to raise the seat quite a bit, and then when descending the seat was touching my inner thigh while riding. For that reason, I already ordered a Fox Transfer Factory 200mm dropper post that will match perfectly with the Factory 38. Also I've seen that the reach is a bit short for me so I will be making some adjustments in the cockpit as I ride the bike a bit more and find that sweet spot. I've put spacers beneath my stem to raise the handlebar as much as possible.
What’s your build spec?
- Fork: Fox Float 38 29" Grip2 Factory 170mm
- Headset: FSA Orbit ZS44/56
- Stem: RaceFace Aeffect R 35mm x 50mm
- Handlebar: RaceFace Next R 35mm x 800mm, 20mm Rise
- Grips: Chromag Basis Black
- Brakes: Shimano XT 4 Piston M8120
- Rotors: Shimano XT 203mm / 180mm (6-Bolt) SM-RT76
- Shifter: Shimano XT 12spd M8100 (I-Spec EV)
- Seatpost: SDG Tellis 170mm, 31.6
- Saddle: Chromag Lynx DT
- Crankset: Shimano XT M8130 30T, 170mm
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano XT MT800 BSA, threaded
- DÉRAILLEUR: Shimano XT M8100 12spd, Shadow Plus
- Cassette: Shimano XT M8100 12spd, 10-51T, Hyperglide+
- CHAIN: Shimano XT M8100
- Wheelset: Spank Oozy Trail 345 HEX 32h J-Bend, 29" 15x110 / 12x157
- Front Tire: Maxxis Assegai 29" 2.5WT 3C MaxxGrip Dh casing
- Back Tire: Maxxis DHR2 29" 2.4" 3C MaxxTerra DH casing + Cush core.
As soon as I got the bike, I changed the stock Maxxis Assegai and DHR 2 for their DH casing versions and installed Cush Core on the back wheel.
I really like having a coil shock on this bike. I'm just entering the coil world for the first time and it's been really fun to investigate which would be the ideal spring rate for my riding style and weight. I'm very excited about the 425lb SLS Fox shock I ordered, I think it's going to look absolutely sick on the bike and hopefully it's going to jackpot that perfect sag. And if not... I also got a 450lb shock for a more firm feel! But the fact of having the 500lb spring that came with the frame to install for those bike park days, it's just super cool to play a little bit with the components to find the right suspension set up. I also ordered a custom orange Race Face remote controller to match the SLS spring.
What’s the intended use (where are you riding it)?
This bike has 3 main objectives:
- Coaching
- Bike Park/Shuttles
- Ultimate Enduro machine
In the past, I've been into more descent focused bikes but during the past few years. I've come to realize that Enduro riding is my jam. I often race 1 Enduro per season and I enjoy long days on the saddle. I also pedal a lot for work, so I am excited to take this Chilcotin on some big adventures. I already tried it in some technical double blacks in Whistler and the bike makes it feel so easy!
Where do you live?
Currently in Whistler but I am moving back to Revelstoke for the Fall. Riding in Revelstoke at that time of the year is just epic. Steep loam and a great community.
What’s your favourite trail?
Tough question! I like to ride a little bit of everything and specially to discover new trails! But if I have to mention a couple: Cream Puff, Jaws, Ride don’t Sile, Crazy train, Bob Marley Cafe, 22 stitches and Baked Tuna. Also I'm a big fan of Epic Enduro/Alpine missions/Descents like Alpine Capone. I feel this bike is perfect for that.
Why do you love your new ride?
GRIP. The double 29" wheels get traction everywhere. The Chilcotin moves well on tight terrain and as soon you point it straight down, it picks up momentum so easily! It makes chunky terrain smooth and stable.
The other big win for me is it's pedaling capabilities. As a coach, I pedal a lot and for being a big bike, it rolls with ease. Something very important if you see yourself in the saddle frequently.
