Surly Instigator 2.0

Few days late, but now that I have a couple of rides down, I feel it's a proper time to talk about the new love of my life - the Surly Instigator 2.0!

I got my new bike as an early Christmas gift from Patrick. It's my second mountain bike and while I initially made the decision to get a new bike simply out of wanting a "tougher looking bike," I was not prepared for the night and day difference between my old Specialized and the Surly.

I started out with a Specialized Jynx, which was a wonderful beginner bike. However, my one and only resolution for the year (if you can even call it that) is to become a more serious mountain biker, so a new bike was in order.

Now if you've ever ridden with me or read any of my other posts, you know I'm the first to admit my beginner status. At this point, I'd rate myself at almost intermediate because I can finally make it down hill without slamming on my brakes at every turn, get off the ground on most rollers, and make it up most climbs. Whenever I'm talking about my riding experience, I feel like it's necessary to point out what phase of the game I'm in, because there's been many a times when I'm talking to someone about something they consider "easy" and it kicks my butt, or visa versa. Mountain biking is all about perspective anyway. ~~right, man?~~

I had heard a lot of other reviews talking about the Instigator's weight. With its stock 26+ tires and all its original parts, it weighs in at just around 31 lbs. So far, I've only done one ride with the fat tires on. It's a given to say that downhills were a BLAST, but the second there was any sort of elevation, I tired faster than I ever have. Granted, it might have been mostly mental as I watched my friends speed up the hill without any issues, leaving me to slug up a minute or two behind.
The day I got my bike, we put in an order for Mavic Crossride 27.5 wheels.
With the new wheels on, the bike's weight dropped to 26.5 lbs and man, it fliiiiiiiiiies now.
We paired the Mavics with Maxxis Ikon skinwall tires (because matchy). As my first pair of Maxxis tires, I can see now why people prefer them. When descending, I can feel the tread lock into place when cornering. There were several times that I think I should have ended up on the ground, but the tires kept me up. On climbs, these tires could crawl up rocks and roots without issue.

The Instigator has definitely already made me a much more confident rider, but with its aggressive geometry, climbing still wasn't as fast on it as it had been my Specialized. To help with that, we shortened the fork from 140 to 110. I haven't gotten to ride it with the shortened fork yet, so no reports on that. We are heading out for a long day of riding tomorrow at some trails I've never been to, so I'll be reporting back with a fresh trail review as well as updating on the fork.

To summarize, I would definitely recommend the Instigator to anyone looking to get rad. It's a machine that you just get on, hold on, and have fun on. It definitely delivers just that with no disappointments.

I'm stoked to continue testing it's limits, as well as making some additional upgrades to. Next up - dropper post!