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Review on the Travers SOFTi. by Stuart Carmichael See below a few pictures from my recent adventure in Scotland on my Travers SOFTi. It’s the sort of riding I had in mind when I approached Michael Travers about building a Ti softail - something for long days back to back on single and double track where carrying the bike was a strong possibility. It’s a 29r with room for 3” tyres so I can keep it comfortable without lots of suspension. For this trip I ran tubeless Maxxis Forekaster tyres 2.25 rr 2.35ft on Mikes 35mm wide rims; the idea was for good air volume but not too draggy. With a 100mm fork and 80mm available at the rear the balance between traction on loose climbs, comfort all day and fun factor on the descents was better than I had hoped for. I put a lot of this down to the frame geometry; well done Mike. The bike climbs so well it feels like it’s accelerating! There is the perfect amount of compliance out back to keep the rear tyre in contact with the ground without pinging about and there was no bob the DTSwiss shox, it had three settings - open, climb and lock but such was the positive action I kept it open the whole time even on steep tarmac climbs! On rocky fast descents line choice was no problem, the bike was stable and solid through twisty loose switchbacks as well as open let it all go straighter stuff even with only 100mm fork - perfect head tube angle. On two feet being Ti it’s still light enough to carry for mile or so and get over eight foot high deer fencing! Can this bike do it all? It’s pretty damn close, I raced a couple of the Kings Lynn Mtb club winter series on it in the three hour vets and managed 4th in the series. So to sum up - best bike I’ve had, well done Mike, and I’ve had a lot of bikes but this is a keeper. If you want a test ride then give me a shout. 
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Just 1 week to go before online entries close for the final round of the #TraversMTBSeries. The weather forecast is looking perfect 23º and sunny, bring your lunch and suntan lotion...and bike! http://www.traversbikes.com/race-info.html The jumps are ready for the dual slalom, nice little kick if you want to get some air or easily rollable. Thanks to John Forsyth for his help with design and construction. Thanks to our sponsors Fibrax Limited, Lauf, Creative Cycling, Jump photography, traversbikes.com #bikejump #woodenjump #dualslalom #mtb #cycling #airtime  Internal cables/hoses are extremely easy to install on the Travers RUSSTi. Simply before installing the forks in the frames headtube guide the gear cable/brake hose in to the rear internal hose/cable entrance (nearest the seat tube). If it doesn't pop out into the headtube you might need to help guide it with your finger to the exit. That's it, no fishing around with a piece of wire/magnet/vacuum inside the tube! Depending on the cable/hose you use it might rattle around inside the tube when going over rocky sections. There is a very simple solution. Step 1 You will need cable frame protector. Here is am using a Fibrax spiral frame protector because they are easy to wrap around the cable in a tight confined space.  Step 2 You only need 1 protector per cable/hose, cutting it in half makes it easier to put on the cable/hose.  Step 3 Install the cable/hose, cut it to length but do not attach the brake or run the cable through the rear mech. Pull the cable forward about 30cm, install the cable protector over the cable/hose, then slide the cable hose back inside the frame. I found 1 was enough to stop any noise but you can add a cable protector every 10 cm, just by sliding the cable in smaller steps and adding another cable protector.  Step 4 Do the same on the other cable/hose. 
Some great photos of Jake Darragh from Mud Sweat and Gears - Eastern XC Series on his Travers RUSSTi Photo credit to Basil Thornton Photography Thanks to Fibrax Limited (Sponsor of the Travers MTB Series) we have £280 worth of vouchers to give away at the Potash Summer Classic (Rnd 5). These are not discount vouchers but real (Voucher) money to spend with Fibrax. Check out their wide range of Rotors, Pads, cables, bolts, frame proctors...the list goes on. www.fibrax.com  |
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