Official mountain biking thread
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tac0.slayer
Member
13671612:mike759 said:
Sounds like it just needs to be bled, and possibly replace the pads depending on how worn down they are.
californiagrown
Active member
13671612:mike759 said:
If the levers are spongy, or they pull to the bar on the first pull but after pumping them up(squeezing them a few times) they work again... it needs to be bled.
What you are describing is sounds more like a brake pad/rotor issue. I would guess that you accidentally fouled the brake pads or the rotor will lube/grease. Accidentally getting chain lube or suspention oil, or just random grease on the rotor or brake pads will either cause a gnarly squeal, cut your braking power by 75%, or both! this likely happened while you were tuning up your bike after its winter hibernation.
If your brake pads are just worn down a ton, youll be scratching the rotor, and youll absolutely know haha. But its always a good idea to check their life. Less than the thickness of a dime, and youll want to think about swapping them out.
but my money is on fouled brake pads.
californiagrown
Active member
13672288:skiskate said:
IDK how big you are, or how often you actually get into trails that need slack geometry and 6" of travel, but from what you described this would be a very good option:http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1946973/
My advice would be to buy a used bike off pinkbike. Then again, hunt around and you can likely get a lowend build stumpjumper or something brand new for your price range. Im not a huge fan of shitty lowend hard tails like what they are pushing you towards. Look for full suspension trail bikes from last year on closeout. And if you do buy a bike from this year, for the love of god, haggle with the shop- theyll be able to cut a good chunk of the sticker price.
Either one of the bikes you mentioned will be extremely limiting when you take it away form the praire. And you can get a much better hardtail used for the same price as those new.
270on420out
Active member
Going out tomorrow. It'll be my first time since late September. Definitely taking it mellow
byubound
Active member
13674801:asian_allen said:
Built a Trek Ticket S frame outta my stash of 26" parts! Using it as a half super fun short travel trail bike and half jump bike. Has a KS Lev DX dropper on it, installed backwards so the saddle can get angled back properly for jumping. Super fun bike that's really easy to toss around!
Just fyi, mounting a seatpost backwards will void all warranties and greatly increase wear on the internals of the dropper.
Pancake_Fucker
Active member
Bought a 2010 cove shocker on pinkbike for 775.
Medium frame
888 forks with three rides on them
Dhx 5.0 shock
26 d max wheels
Chromag osx bars
Code r brakes
Don't know the rest since I'm headed to whistler today to pick it up. Super stoked.
Medium frame
888 forks with three rides on them
Dhx 5.0 shock
26 d max wheels
Chromag osx bars
Code r brakes
Don't know the rest since I'm headed to whistler today to pick it up. Super stoked.
Slush
Active member
Went to a local free ride place today, soooooo much fun! First time I've ever gone to something like that before. However, I suck at jumping so I got pretty fucked up.
could someone pleeeeease recommend me some elbow pads and/or shin guard things. I don't have a lot of money, so looking for something that will keep my arms from getting shredded up but won't break the bank. Anyone got any recommendations?
Also, I have my skateboarding helmet as the helmet I use for my newfound love for freeride/DH. Shoooould I get a full face? Basically looking to protect myself without spending too much money.
could someone pleeeeease recommend me some elbow pads and/or shin guard things. I don't have a lot of money, so looking for something that will keep my arms from getting shredded up but won't break the bank. Anyone got any recommendations?
Also, I have my skateboarding helmet as the helmet I use for my newfound love for freeride/DH. Shoooould I get a full face? Basically looking to protect myself without spending too much money.
Tinga
Active member
13675178:Slush said:
I finally bought a full face after hitting the bike park a couple times with my trail helmet and I can say the full face does give me quite a bit more security which helps loads when riding.
As far as a suggestion on a model... I bought the 661 something or other for like $60. pricepoint routinely has them on sale. Get on their email list and wait till a nice full face pops up.
tac0.slayer
Member
Smashing your knee on the sharp edge of your stem is honestly one of the shittiest things in mountain biking. Practically ended my ride then and not so sure about skiing tomorrow damnit!
californiagrown
Active member
13675230:tac0.slayer said:
Knee pads. They're a good thing
tac0.slayer
Member
13675233:californiagrown said:Knee pads. They're a good thing
Haha I actually own a pair of Leatts but they're pretty hot and bulky and I hate wearing them on longer pedally rides like today, definitely regret not wearing them for sure though
californiagrown
Active member
13675238:tac0.slayer said:
I guess we don't have many of those rides here. It's usually long sustained climbs followed by descent trails.
tac0.slayer
Member
Went for a solo huck sesh today, rode some new features that were recently built. These are some local freeride features people have been building in the past few years, some are pretty huge.
(Plus a pic of mi bicicleta)
(Plus a pic of mi bicicleta)
tac0.slayer
Member
Don't know why they all posted sideways....
californiagrown
Active member
13675571:Slush said:
Are they faster than you? Riding different trails/terrain than you?
13672301:californiagrown said:
how reliable is pinkbike for picking up bikes? I want to get a new one and have been looking around at some used ones but coming off of two brand new bikes the past 10 years makes me hesitant to buy into a nicer used model. Budget around $2000 and looking for a solid 6 inch trail bike that I can take into a bike park when I move to colorado but also can rip around trails as well.
saskskier
Active member
13675765:KravtZ said:
I picked up an older SC Nomad last summer for 2k. It's not the newest or fanciest bike out there, but it's in good shape and does what I need it to do. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again (and probably will) when the time comes to upgrade the frame or whole bike.
californiagrown
Active member
13675765:KravtZ said:
It's reliable, but just make sure to cover your ass- make them clean it up, lots of current pics, get their personal contact info, be clear what you are purchasing both components and condition, use PayPal, local pickup if possible, etc.
If I was you, I'd be looking for a long travel 29er. They will be able to crush DH laps, or normal trail laps. Enduro 29er would be my go to choice- the industry is still playing catch-up to it.
ThaLorax
Active member
How many of you have experience flying with bikes? I'm moving to New Zealand for 6-7 months, and plan on bringing my bike. Is it worth the money to buy a real bike bag even though I'll probably only be using for the flight there/back? Or should I go hunt down a box from a shop, and just pack it really carefully and save the $350-500 for my travels?
The other caveat is the weight of the bike bags. The bags I've been looking at (EVOC and Chain Reaction Cycles are all around 19-20lbs, my bike is 30ish lbs, and the limit before they charge you $170 overweight fee is 50lbs.
The other caveat is the weight of the bike bags. The bags I've been looking at (EVOC and Chain Reaction Cycles are all around 19-20lbs, my bike is 30ish lbs, and the limit before they charge you $170 overweight fee is 50lbs.
californiagrown
Active member
13675962:ThaLorax said:
Just like ski bags it's usually pretty easy to hold up a part of the bag so it weighs under 50lbs.
I'd just use cardboard, foam and a few rolls of tape. Unless you plan on using the bag once you're home tge cost is too much gor a one time use IMO. You can always buy a used bag and then sell it when you're done with it though.
13675962:ThaLorax said:
I actually did this exact same thing a couple years ago.
I just packed mine in a cardboard box with a bunch of padding. Easy and simple, but you need to arrange ahead of time with the airlines for smooth sailing.
If you are going to be flying with your bike frequently I would invest in a bike bag otherwise it's too expensive for my tastes.
Skyline is insane, Rotorua is out of this world, and beacon hill in Dunners is pretty decent too. Hope you enjoy.
ThaLorax
Active member
13675975:californiagrown said:
Maybe it's because you were typing on your phone, but I'm confused as to how folding up a bag will make is weigh less. I agree though. For two uses (there/back), it seems more economical to just use a carboard box.
13675992:loopie said:
Thanks, I've heard of Skyline and Rotorua, but not Beacon Hill yet. I'm excited to go exploring. How was the weather on the North Island in the winter?
californiagrown
Active member
13676014:ThaLorax said:
Shit. No. I meant box is cheaper unless you plan on using the bike bag more than a few times.
To get around the weight issue, you can usually help "balance" your oversized luggage on the scale and bring it down 10+ lbs... I do it everytime I fly with a ski bag.
13676014:ThaLorax said:
Beacon Hill is in Dunedin. It's a trail network with a good amount of vert, but you can shuttle it. Definitely more geared towards downhill riding.
I didn't spend nearly as much time on the north as I did the south, but my experience is the north gets way better weather.
Also check out Wellington. Some great trails there but more "trail/all mountain" oriented. NZ really has it all in regards to the outdoors. I know there are tons of other great riding areas but those are the ones I got the chance to ride.
To me the northern island was way more populated, touristy, and warm, while the south is way way less populated but a lot more outdoors adventures to be had. I can remember driving on the south island for multiple hours without running into a single car. Not something that really ever happens in America even at crazy hours of the night like 3 AM.
division.bell
Active member
If any of you WA guys are interested, I have a bunch of bike stuff I'm going to be putting up for sale over the next few days.
I'll list a few...
Large Day Glow Yellow Knolly Endorphin Frame w/ Cane Creek DDBA-CS
also includes pewter Chris King headset and Thomson seatpost
Medium Matte Black Knolly Endorphin Frame w/ Cane Creek DDBA-CS
also includes navy blue Chris King headset and Thomson seatpost
I have matching wheels consisting of de-stickered Stan's Flow EX rims and Chris King hubs, one set with pewter hubs and the other navy blue. I'd also be willing to part out the hubs as pairs if you're not interested in the 26" wheels. Hubs are 15mm SD fronts and 142mm rear with XD drivers.
I have some other 26" related shit lying around including wheels, tires, rockshox sektor fork, basically shit I do not want or need. Dirt cheap, or free. Inquire for more details.
Then I have some extra handlebars, stems, saddles new and slightly used, brand new reverb stealth posts, brand new race face turbine cinch cranks with direct mount rings, etc, etc, etc that I do not want or need.
If there's any interest, just let me know and I can get more details to you. I'll be taking pictures of everything tomorrow.
I'll list a few...
Large Day Glow Yellow Knolly Endorphin Frame w/ Cane Creek DDBA-CS
also includes pewter Chris King headset and Thomson seatpost
Medium Matte Black Knolly Endorphin Frame w/ Cane Creek DDBA-CS
also includes navy blue Chris King headset and Thomson seatpost
I have matching wheels consisting of de-stickered Stan's Flow EX rims and Chris King hubs, one set with pewter hubs and the other navy blue. I'd also be willing to part out the hubs as pairs if you're not interested in the 26" wheels. Hubs are 15mm SD fronts and 142mm rear with XD drivers.
I have some other 26" related shit lying around including wheels, tires, rockshox sektor fork, basically shit I do not want or need. Dirt cheap, or free. Inquire for more details.
Then I have some extra handlebars, stems, saddles new and slightly used, brand new reverb stealth posts, brand new race face turbine cinch cranks with direct mount rings, etc, etc, etc that I do not want or need.
If there's any interest, just let me know and I can get more details to you. I'll be taking pictures of everything tomorrow.
Slush
Active member
I want a new bike frame but I'm poor. I have a kinda old frame (Haro x2 extreme) and I feel like the older geometry of the bike is holding me back. Should I save up for a new frame? Or just save even more and get a new bike altogether... I want a slightly more dh/freeride bike that can still enjoy trails and single track. Bike totally rips, but I feel like I'm longing for a new bike
onenerdykid
Active member
13677611:Slush said:
New modern frames will definitely have the right geometry you're looking for, but you can almost guarantee that none of your old parts will fit on the new frames. Lots of new "standards" have crept into the bike industry (some for the better) but it does mean that your old parts won't easily swap over.
I would say find a used but good condition Specialized Enduro on Pinkbike. You'll be way happier and it will come out cheaper for you in the end.
Anybody doing any races/events this season?
I signed up for downhill thrill at Pat's Peak on June 12. Gonna be my first downhill race. Always wanted to do one since I was a little kid but injury has kept me away from them. I'm super stoked!
I also think I'm gonna do the Enduro and DH race at Killington in early July. Should be a blast!
If an NSers have done DH races, some advice would be great as it's my first one.
I signed up for downhill thrill at Pat's Peak on June 12. Gonna be my first downhill race. Always wanted to do one since I was a little kid but injury has kept me away from them. I'm super stoked!
I also think I'm gonna do the Enduro and DH race at Killington in early July. Should be a blast!
If an NSers have done DH races, some advice would be great as it's my first one.
californiagrown
Active member
13677634:AidanCski said:
I'll probly do the proGRT at Port Angeles in may, and maybe another NW cup stop. I want to see if I can convince my coworker to train and do an enduro with me this summer too. I'll be doing it on an enduro 29er.
From everything I've heard from the guys I ride with(all race), it's pretty much just a normal shuttle day with one timed lap. Just as much fun drinking and shenanigans as usual.
I'm not too worried, I expect to finish pretty low down in Cat 2.
Tinga
Active member
13677634:AidanCski said:
Our local IMBA chapter does a free enduro series. It's like 6-7 races on all the different trail systems in town. I'll probably hit a few of those up this summer. Also there is a Leadville event close by called the Lutsen 99er.... I may do the 39er this summer. We'll see. There is also Duluth's big bike festival with a nice enduro and a DH race. I'll probably just do the enduro.
I don't claim to be an accomplished racer in any sport but I do notice that there is a certain "race mindset" that one needs to enter for races. You should be focused and realize that you're not there to have fun. You're there to put down the fastest run you can. You enter rock gardens you've never done before and you just send them because it's a race. This mindset usually helps me don't know how it is for others though.
californiagrown
Active member
13678009:Tinga said:
I'm not a fan of that mindset. If you're not having fun, why are you paying money and taking large risks? High level racing is serious business, but the type of stuff we would be racing is akin to beer league softball- it's cool to be competitive, but not cool to take it super serious IMO.
I mean honestly, I'm not riding for sponsors of money. I'm on my bike for fun, and to see how fast I can go on one balls to the wall race run. I have done too many serious, pressure filled, future defining things in other sports to take a wacky sport like mountain biking seriously haha.
Looking for some advice on set up with tires. Running tubeless in the rear, stans flow ex 27.5 wheels with Magic Marys @ 27 PSI on a 2015 GT Sanction.
Problem I keep encountering is not being able to corner as fast as I want. Pretty consistently, if I'm really railing a corner the tire will roll over on it self and I'll lose half my PSI. Then I'll have to stop hand pump it up.
Suggestions? I find it slows me down when I'm coming into corners because I don't want to burp the rear tire.
Problem I keep encountering is not being able to corner as fast as I want. Pretty consistently, if I'm really railing a corner the tire will roll over on it self and I'll lose half my PSI. Then I'll have to stop hand pump it up.
Suggestions? I find it slows me down when I'm coming into corners because I don't want to burp the rear tire.
13677634:AidanCski said:
I'm not sure what your experience level is some of this might be useless but here's a few tips:
Line Choice: Spend a little time walking the course and watching other people go through rock gardens and corners. You can make or lose a huge amount of time by taking the right or wrong line choice in a rock garden.
Corners are all about maximizing exit speed...you want to think: "Do I want to exit inside or out to set up best for what's after?" Brake before entering a corner not during.
Really it's all about having fun, which is super easy to do at a DH race, but my point is line choice is a subtle thing but adds up greatly over the entirety of a race run.