Tires: I’ve gone through a number of sets of tires this summer.
I started with a set of WTB Bronson 2.3 TCS. After I smoked those tires in about a month, I got a pair of Schwalbe Hans Dampf 2.35 Tubeless Tires. These tires were incredibly light, grippy, and predictable; I also wore out the rear tire in three weeks while the front lasted for about five. Other than their durability, the Schwalbe tires were impressive, and I’d like to try the Hans Dampfs in a more durable rubber compound. I am currently running a pair of Kenda Nevegal 2.35 UST tires. These are the heaviest tires I’ve run on this bike but have proven to be far more durable than any of the above mentioned meats.
Handlebar: Giant Contact Trail Rise, 750mm wide, 19mm rise
This is the widest bar I’ve ever used. It took a little getting used to, but now I enjoy the feel of the wide bar. I do occasionally clip a tree, rock, or bush with my bars, and eventually I plan to upgrade to lighter, but same size, bar.
Stem: Giant Contact AM, 70 mm, 5-degree rise
Another of the Giant branded components on this bike. This stem is short, low, and stout. My favorite thing about this stem is the placement of the bolts: they are wrapped around on the inside where you can never knee them accidentally.
Seatpost: Giant Contact Switch remote
This is a Giant brand dropper post with four inches of travel. This post has a cable-actuated hydraulic cartridge and is infinitely adjustable. It has worked surprisingly well so far, although I’d like to eventually swap it out for a post with more travel.
Saddle: Fi’zi:k Nisene
This saddle is super light and comfortable. Prior to this bike, I swore by WTB Rocket V Saddles, but after spending thousands on my bike, I wasn’t coughing up any more money for a new seat.
Grips: WTB Moto-X
I bought these about a month ago to replace the cheesy Giant brand grips that came on my bike. These grips have a much beefier tread than the previous grips and allow me to keep a kung-fu grip on my bars at all times.