Crestline RS 181.2 thread – builds, reviews, technical info

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This one is for the weight weenies and maybe less sendy riders like me.

The 2027 Super Deluxe 205x65 just barely fits in the RH2. It weighs 565g, the Float X2 (with bearing hardware) was 810g. It brought my bike down from 47.64 lbs down to 47.10 lbs.

I did have to lightly shave the head of the Super Deluxe with a file. Unfortunately forgot to take a picture of that, but you can’t see it after install. On full compression I can slide a piece of paper back and forth freely between the shock and frame now. I think on RH3/RH4 you guys have more room and wouldn’t need to do this.

Shock feels surprisingly good! It has excellent support on medium drops with HSC in middle and 1 token position at my 165lb weight. It gets a little more of a poppy trail feel over the X2. It’s massively easier to adjust rebound now, and still easy enough to check sag because Rockshox has sag lines printed on the shaft.

Most importantly, color and brand matches my Zeb. With the Zeb and X2 factory combo the bike was literally unrideable.

IMG_3126.webp
 
I haven’t put the DH 7speed cassette on yet. I’m waiting until I put on my 200mm DH linkage, which I have now. But I’m going to ride 180/180 for a little while before I make it 200/200 and then throw on the 7 speed. However I have been running my 34t chainring with my 11 speed 10-42 cassette and not using the 42. The 34 x 36 is low enough for anything that’s steep enough to actually ride up. So I think the 7sp will be good for bike park and a 10-36 good for everything else.
Thanks for the update! I’m really interested in the SRAM XX DH thus asking
 
Anybody that got a Plaid with a Zeb and a vivid air know what volume spacers/tokens are preinstalled? I’m still working on getting the suspension to feel right for me and I’m thinking it’s too progressive but I don’t have lot of experience with the adjusting that.
 
Anybody that got a Plaid with a Zeb and a vivid air know what volume spacers/tokens are preinstalled? I’m still working on getting the suspension to feel right for me and I’m thinking it’s too progressive but I don’t have lot of experience with the adjusting that.
Enter the serial numbers into the TrailHead app to confirm. My Vivid had 1, B1 Zebs usually have none bc of the ABO.
 
The sram power cable is a PIA to route. Good god it took me forever.
Having all the linkage off makes it super easy. Literally took about 30 seconds to tape and pull it through. And the whole bike assembly is rather straightforward and easy. Went very quickly. Even if I didn't have to remove it all for the wrap, I would have done so anyway. Just like to make sure the lube, thread-locker and torque situations are all dialed from the start.
 
Man, I tired the line, string, shifter cable, all taped to the cord and nothing.

Finally a fished some trimmer wire in there and taped the end butt to butt and barely made it through. Something about the chain stay bend was getting the plug hung up.

Glad it’s over though. Now it’s time to set up the cockpit. I’m a little worried the 210 dropper is too long for me though. If it’s not it’s right on the edge.

I might swap it for a 185 slammed and just rock it slightly shorter than ideal for climbing. After all the motor helps with that so much.
 
I taped some shifter housing to the stock puller tube. then taped the sram wire to the shifter housing. Pulled through like nothing. Had me wondering if there was tube in tube in the chain stay.
 
Speaking of the sram power cable, how are y’all routing it to the hanger? Currently mine is routed between the UDH mount ears on the derailleur.
 
Speaking of the sram power cable, how are y’all routing it to the hanger? Currently mine is routed between the UDH mount ears on the derailleur.
I did the same. Was worried about it snagging something when on the outside.
IMG_4242.webp
 
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I'm trying to hit Jarods on Sat is i have the build done.
Have you been to Jarrods since getting your bike together? Im considering going next Thurs-Fri-Sat. Im not sure, as I would probably be solo. I still need to hit that new flow trail at Coldwater too. Red Clay Buffet maybe?

After much debate, I have run my Sram cable the same way you described. No issues so far.
 
Speaking of the sram power cable, how are y’all routing it to the hanger? Currently mine is routed between the UDH mount ears on the derailleur.
I have it outside the frame. Seems to sit flush and doesn't move. I didn't like how running through the UDH mount made a big gap under the chain stay.
IMG_4425-X2.jpg
 
Man, I tired the line, string, shifter cable, all taped to the cord and nothing.

Finally a fished some trimmer wire in there and taped the end butt to butt and barely made it through. Something about the chain stay bend was getting the plug hung up.

Glad it’s over though. Now it’s time to set up the cockpit. I’m a little worried the 210 dropper is too long for me though. If it’s not it’s right on the edge.

I might swap it for a 185 slammed and just rock it slightly shorter than ideal for climbing. After all the motor helps with that so much.
I went with the Wolf Tooth 200mm dropper post. Shortest insertion length available. If the 210 is on the edge of being too long, 200 with better insertion will be on the money, I’m guessing.
 
Anyone take off their stock chainring and check the offset (and possibly have a photo of the markings)? I've been having 3rd gear and overall chain slipping issues on my gx transmission setup. Have rechecked, reinstalled everything and I can't get my chain and cassette to play nicely.

Also, anyone with RH2 was your sram setup key A and 118 links on the chain?
 
Chassis No 53 checking in......had to go and rescue from the USA and the Build is starting.......if anyone in the USA needs a 800w battery I have mine stuck in Florida (no go on airlines).....now sold to another Crestline owner.....👍

also have to sell a Pole Voima and or Sonni as 3 top tier Ebikes in the Garage is a bit silly.

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Chassis No 53 checking in......had to go and rescue from the USA and the Build is starting.......if anyone in the USA needs a 800w battery I have mine stuck in Florida (no go on airlines).....PM me.

also have to sell a Pole Voima and or Sonni as 3 top tier Ebikes in the Garage is a bit silly.

View attachment 184610
Sorry to hear about your battery. Is that the Forged or the Raw frame?
 
its a raw Plaid. will be robbing bits of the Poles for the build.......got a loan Battery until I can get one over here....
Glad you were able to get a loaner battery. I had similar issues when I bought an emtb from Canada and tried to ship to US.

How do you like the Raw Plaid finish? Looks to be black and you can see the "raw" carbon depending on the angle of light.
 
I put Ride wrap on the bike and found it hard to make it "perfect" but yes indoors it looks black........in daylight it looks like it has a silver sheen inside......I like it a lot.......kinda industrial and not showy......one of the reasons I loved the Poles was the fact you could see and feel the engineering that went into it.
 
Chassis No 53 checking in......had to go and rescue from the USA and the Build is starting.......if anyone in the USA needs a 800w battery I have mine stuck in Florida (no go on airlines).....PM me.

also have to sell a Pole Voima and or Sonni as 3 top tier Ebikes in the Garage is a bit silly.

View attachment 184610
Nice! I also parted out my Voima to build my raw Plaid. You’re going to love it. I’m curious to see how it compares to both of your Poles. My Voima has the CX Race, and the Avinox blows it away. Way more power, but also more controllable. Climbs that were super steep and technical are now a lot easier on my Plaid. It’s also 3.5lbs lighter than my Voima with the 750 battery. Seems like Leo is losing a lot of customers to Crestline.
 
Have you been to Jarrods since getting your bike together? Im considering going next Thurs-Fri-Sat. Im not sure, as I would probably be solo. I still need to hit that new flow trail at Coldwater too. Red Clay Buffet maybe?

After much debate, I have run my Sram cable the same way you described. No issues so far.

Waiting on a few parts still.

Should have it together before Memorial Day but we are going to Hilton Head that week. So my riding will have to wait till the weekend after.
 
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