Congrats on the new bike

So with that in mind, it felt like the lowest gear ratio was not quite as low as my older bike, my knees feel strained a little bit (I'm mid-50's now, no longer a spring chicken).


I am on the other side of 50 as well and that's why I prefer the 2x I think once you get used to it it will be fine. It is a good system

with the older GT, I'd almost never climb a hill out of saddle. With this bike, while I was impressed how it felt going up a hill. But I'm wondering if climbing out saddle would dramatically alter the suspension characteristics such that I might not want to do that?


I tend to lock out my front when standing and mashing up hill and leave my rear alone. Most of the bob goes away but not all of it when I sit back down I adjust my shock

Is there some kind of general guideline when climbing with these newer designs, or can some one point me to something that I can research/read?


Yes ride it like you feel comfortable

And my other question is to ask if I do, do I just replace the front chain ring with one with a couple of less teeth if I decide that I still want to lower my gearing a little?


The rear has more effect so if you have room I would start there before adjusting the front

enjoy the new ride!