Official mountain biking thread

[saskskier]

The nomad is the "original enduro" but considering that a hightower is burly enough for josh lewis and brycland, I think it can probably take just about anything. I have a bronson and loooove it, have not ridden a nomad, but if you plan on needing to climb I think that the bronson or ht would provide a better range of capability. Fucking sick that your job requires a bike!

I have an old Nomad (v2, 26") and while it's pretty great, the geo definitely has something to be desired for steep, technical climbs. The front end is often hunting for traction.

I imagine the v3 (27.5") is way better, but if I had the option of a new bike right now, I'd go for a aggressive 29er or possibly even 29+. Of of the guys I ride with has a Trek Farley EX (fs fat bike) he uses for fat biking in winter and throws a 29+ wheel set on for summer and it looks like a blast.

 

[matt.rad]

Thanks for the reply. And yeah I am pretty stoked that some days I'll essentially be getting paid to ride my bike

I'm going to keep my eyes or for anything enduro and I'll give the Bronson a look. I've also been looking into some Knollys if anyone has input on those.

I only have a couple of rides on my new endorphin but my initial impression is that the bike can handle a lot more than you may think based on the suspension travel specs being a bit short compared to other enduro bikes. So far I've been very impressed by the balance of nimbleness and stability at speed.

 

[ThaLorax]

Update: Cut down my handlebars and holy shit, I felt so much more comfortable. Just ordered a new Holy Roller II for the rear tire and new XT Brakes to replace my Deore brakes. Almost got her dialed for my Europe trip in two weeks.

About to experiment with applying 3m Scotchgard to my bike in key areas to protect the carbon from rocks/chips/cable rub. Has anyone else done this before? Found some at a local car retailer for cheaper than the internet, so I figured it's worth a shot since it's clear and will only help protect the frame.

3m tape was a yuuuuge success. Happy to give advice/post pictures if anyone is interested. It's pretty time intensive, but I'd highly recommend it if you have a carbon frame, or care about your paint job/want to sell your bike eventually.

I leave for my mtn bike trip through the Alps of Europe tomorrow. I can't explain how excited I am!

 

[onenerdykid]

I leave for my mtn bike trip through the Alps of Europe tomorrow. I can't explain how excited I am!

Sick! Hope you have good weather. Where are you headed?

 

[cydwhit]

Went from rocking my 26" Reign for everything to now just riding the On One 45650B with a 150 mm Pike for everything. It's a huge change, but I'm loving it, I've got a dropper on it, and it's been a blast to learn to ride technical trails on a HT. Going tubeless this week and then I should be good to go!

It pedals so much better than the Reign (even though it's actually heavier) so I'm stoked to start pushing the limits of how far I ride!

 

[.nasty]

Went from rocking my 26" Reign for everything to now just riding the On One 45650B with a 150 mm Pike for everything. It's a huge change, but I'm loving it, I've got a dropper on it, and it's been a blast to learn to ride technical trails on a HT. Going tubeless this week and then I should be good to go!

It pedals so much better than the Reign (even though it's actually heavier) so I'm stoked to start pushing the limits of how far I ride!

Everything pedals better than a reign, it has the longest wheel base and slackest seat tube angle of pretty much all trail bikes.

 

[dropimg]

Whats my next upgrade? Ive got a kona precept and have put on new bars, front wheel, brakes, pedals, drive train and rear shock. But am.wondering if I keep upgrading or just saveup and get a new bike.

 

[Tinga]

Whats my next upgrade? Ive got a kona precept and have put on new bars, front wheel, brakes, pedals, drive train and rear shock. But am.wondering if I keep upgrading or just saveup and get a new bike.

Start saving for a new platform. There are better platforms to invest in.

 

[dropimg]

Start saving for a new platform. There are better platforms to invest in.

If i do that, should i turn the precept into a ski bike?

 

[division.bell]

Been a while fellas...

Spent my morning in the garage putting together my latest build and can't wait to get the new bike dirty for the first time. A short travel 29er/27.5+ to complement my Bronson.

I'm going to keep my eyes or for anything enduro and I'll give the Bronson a look. I've also been looking into some Knollys if anyone has input on those.

Anything enduro? That doesn't narrow it down much now does it?

Do yourself a favor and quit jerking it to bikes on the computer, drag your ass to some local demo days/rent bikes from local shops and or mountains and figure out which bike works best for you. You've referenced some very different bikes during your social daydreaming sessions, and it's obvious you're not quite sure which bike will best suit your needs. Do yourself the favor and ride some shit before thinking of dropping some cash, you'll thank yourself in the end.

I love my V2 Bronson. I also have time on the Nomad (N3) and Hightower as I saw those bikes mentioned above. If you have any questions, just ask.

I've also owned the last gen Endorphin, 140mm 26" frame and I loved it. I was definitely looking at the Warden Carbon during my last bike hunt as I really enjoyed how the Knolly's ride. Ended up on a Bronson and haven't looked back.

 

[.lencon]

Been a while fellas...

Spent my morning in the garage putting together my latest build and can't wait to get the new bike dirty for the first time. A short travel 29er/27.5+ to complement my Bronson.

Anything enduro? That doesn't narrow it down much now does it?

Do yourself a favor and quit jerking it to bikes on the computer, drag your ass to some local demo days/rent bikes from local shops and or mountains and figure out which bike works best for you. You've referenced some very different bikes during your social daydreaming sessions, and it's obvious you're not quite sure which bike will best suit your needs. Do yourself the favor and ride some shit before thinking of dropping some cash, you'll thank yourself in the end.

I love my V2 Bronson. I also have time on the Nomad (N3) and Hightower as I saw those bikes mentioned above. If you have any questions, just ask.

I've also owned the last gen Endorphin, 140mm 26" frame and I loved it. I was definitely looking at the Warden Carbon during my last bike hunt as I really enjoyed how the Knolly's ride. Ended up on a Bronson and haven't looked back.

Looks like NS still isn't short of dicks who think they know everything... lol.

Been on Devincis, Giants, Treks, Specializeds, NS, Trek and will have the opportunity to get on some Scotts and Norcos before I buy. For where I am located, that is pretty darn good considering our shops.

I know I want an enduro style bike, love going downhill, but want something that does decently well on the uphill. I found the Spartan to be sluggish on the uphill, but the Reigns weren't too bad. The Treks I have been on I have liked. NS and Specialized weren't really my style.

Right now I currently have my eyes on a few Bronsons, Genius, Slash, Endorphins, Range, and Reings.

I would love to know how the Bronson handles as an all around bike, as I said, I will be doing a lot of both downhill and uphill. If anyone has any other info on the bikes I listed I would love to hear.

 

[division.bell]

Looks like NS still isn't short of dicks who think they know everything... lol.

Been on Devincis, Giants, Treks, Specializeds, NS, Trek and will have the opportunity to get on some Scotts and Norcos before I buy. For where I am located, that is pretty darn good considering our shops.

I know I want an enduro style bike, love going downhill, but want something that does decently well on the uphill. I found the Spartan to be sluggish on the uphill, but the Reigns weren't too bad. The Treks I have been on I have liked. NS and Specialized weren't really my style.

Right now I currently have my eyes on a few Bronsons, Genius, Slash, Endorphins, Range, and Reings.

I would love to know how the Bronson handles as an all around bike, as I said, I will be doing a lot of both downhill and uphill. If anyone has any other info on the bikes I listed I would love to hear.

What, you can't handle your nipple being twisted a bit? So sensitive...

Glad to hear you've ridden some bikes. It's just intriguing to see someone looking at bikes ranging from 130mm - 165mm of rear travel for the same kind of riding. With all of the bikes you've ridden so far, what has kept you from narrowing your scope regarding rear travel and geometry?

Head back to page 54, I typed up a little regarding Nomads and Bronsons a while back. If you need anything more specific, I'd be happy to answer.

 

[freewillie]

Been a while fellas...

Spent my morning in the garage putting together my latest build and can't wait to get the new bike dirty for the first time. A short travel 29er/27.5+ to complement my Bronson.

Anything enduro? That doesn't narrow it down much now does it?

Do yourself a favor and quit jerking it to bikes on the computer, drag your ass to some local demo days/rent bikes from local shops and or mountains and figure out which bike works best for you. You've referenced some very different bikes during your social daydreaming sessions, and it's obvious you're not quite sure which bike will best suit your needs. Do yourself the favor and ride some shit before thinking of dropping some cash, you'll thank yourself in the end.

I love my V2 Bronson. I also have time on the Nomad (N3) and Hightower as I saw those bikes mentioned above. If you have any questions, just ask.

I've also owned the last gen Endorphin, 140mm 26" frame and I loved it. I was definitely looking at the Warden Carbon during my last bike hunt as I really enjoyed how the Knolly's ride. Ended up on a Bronson and haven't looked back.

I bet you cant even roost

 

[.lencon]

What, you can't handle your nipple being twisted a bit? So sensitive...

Glad to hear you've ridden some bikes. It's just intriguing to see someone looking at bikes ranging from 130mm - 165mm of rear travel for the same kind of riding. With all of the bikes you've ridden so far, what has kept you from narrowing your scope regarding rear travel and geometry?

Head back to page 54, I typed up a little regarding Nomads and Bronsons a while back. If you need anything more specific, I'd be happy to answer.

Haha that kinda is my narrowed list.. a least a little bit.

I am just trying to keep my eyes and ears open, especially since I am on a budget.

My current bike is a 2005 Giant Reign with 130mm of travel.. and for downhill/jumping/climbing.. it got most of the job done. But more travel would be nice for sure. There are just very nice adjustable suspension systems these days, so I am not too worried.

Honestly, I would like something around the 150mm mark, so it will handle the uphills better than the 165mm range but also handle the downhills better than the 130mm

 

[cydwhit]

Man, I was so stoked about going tubeless and now it turns out my rear tire had a hole in the sidewall. Yay! New rubber, spending money!

Think I'm gonna go with a Minion SS...

 

[.lencon]

Man, I was so stoked about going tubeless and now it turns out my rear tire had a hole in the sidewall. Yay! New rubber, spending money!

Think I'm gonna go with a Minion SS...

Get the minions. What tubeless were you running before?

 

[chodo]

Haha that kinda is my narrowed list.. a least a little bit.

I am just trying to keep my eyes and ears open, especially since I am on a budget.

My current bike is a 2005 Giant Reign with 130mm of travel.. and for downhill/jumping/climbing.. it got most of the job done. But more travel would be nice for sure. There are just very nice adjustable suspension systems these days, so I am not too worried.

Honestly, I would like something around the 150mm mark, so it will handle the uphills better than the 165mm range but also handle the downhills better than the 130mm

The biggest thing I can stress is be realistic about what you actually need! Every body wants a 6" bike that can shred downhill at warp speed, but a lot of people end up buying too much bike and sacrifice some of the fun that you could be having if you were on something more suitable!

When I bought my new bike last year I had narrowed it down to the Bronson and the Hightower. I decided to go with the hightower because living in Colorado, there arent many rides where you end up with less than 1,500-2,000' of climbing! Id much rather have a more evenly balanced bike than be absolutely miserable for half my ride during the climb. Along with the better climbing performance, the 135mm vs 150mm of travel difference is nearly negligible, its hardly more than 1/2 inch! Just be realistic of what you need out of the bike, we are not all Richie Rudes or Aaron Gwins.

Also geometry needs to be taken in consideration. If you have short arms, a bike with a long reach isn't going ride nearly as well for you as it will some people! This goes back to just keep demoing/renting bikes untill you really find one that clicks with you

Good luck in your hunt, and make sure to post pictures of what you get!

Man, I was so stoked about going tubeless and now it turns out my rear tire had a hole in the sidewall. Yay! New rubber, spending money!

Think I'm gonna go with a Minion SS...

I have a minion SS on as a rear currently and have a love hate with it. It is a very fast rolling tire, corners extremely well like its other minion siblings, but it has HORRIBLE braking traction. When you have the bike pointed down, any bit of rear break pretty much locks of the rear wheel. Just something to take into consideration. I currently have an Aggressor on order that I will be replacing the Minion SS with.

 

[cydwhit]

I have a minion SS on as a rear currently and have a love hate with it. It is a very fast rolling tire, corners extremely well like its other minion siblings, but it has HORRIBLE braking traction. When you have the bike pointed down, any bit of rear break pretty much locks of the rear wheel. Just something to take into consideration. I currently have an Aggressor on order that I will be replacing the Minion SS with.

Yeah, basically what I've heard. Shop didn't have it, so back to a Hans Damph for the moment, and will swap to SS when they get it in. My rear rim is super narrow, so I'm ending up with a really awkward tire profile regardless haha.

 

[.lencon]

The biggest thing I can stress is be realistic about what you actually need! Every body wants a 6" bike that can shred downhill at warp speed, but a lot of people end up buying too much bike and sacrifice some of the fun that you could be having if you were on something more suitable!

When I bought my new bike last year I had narrowed it down to the Bronson and the Hightower. I decided to go with the hightower because living in Colorado, there arent many rides where you end up with less than 1,500-2,000' of climbing! Id much rather have a more evenly balanced bike than be absolutely miserable for half my ride during the climb. Along with the better climbing performance, the 135mm vs 150mm of travel difference is nearly negligible, its hardly more than 1/2 inch! Just be realistic of what you need out of the bike, we are not all Richie Rudes or Aaron Gwins.

Also geometry needs to be taken in consideration. If you have short arms, a bike with a long reach isn't going ride nearly as well for you as it will some people! This goes back to just keep demoing/renting bikes untill you really find one that clicks with you

Good luck in your hunt, and make sure to post pictures of what you get!

I have a minion SS on as a rear currently and have a love hate with it. It is a very fast rolling tire, corners extremely well like its other minion siblings, but it has HORRIBLE braking traction. When you have the bike pointed down, any bit of rear break pretty much locks of the rear wheel. Just something to take into consideration. I currently have an Aggressor on order that I will be replacing the Minion SS with.

Yeah. I definitely don't need one with 165mm of travel, but I would like more than 130mm, as that is what I am currently on. I do think around 150mm would be good, and even with a better rear suspension system since mine is pretty outdated.

 

[division.bell]

Haha that kinda is my narrowed list.. a least a little bit.

I am just trying to keep my eyes and ears open, especially since I am on a budget.

My current bike is a 2005 Giant Reign with 130mm of travel.. and for downhill/jumping/climbing.. it got most of the job done. But more travel would be nice for sure. There are just very nice adjustable suspension systems these days, so I am not too worried.

Honestly, I would like something around the 150mm mark, so it will handle the uphills better than the 165mm range but also handle the downhills better than the 130mm

What kind of budget are you on? Are you only looking at used bikes at this point? And what kind of terrain are you going to be riding; singletrack/shuttle trails/bike park/everything? Lots of climbing required for descents or more up and down type terrain where climbing isn't as big of a focus?

Most anything from the last few years is going to be better than a 12 year old Reign, as you stated the suspension technology is leaps and bounds above what it was 12 years ago.

For me personally, anything more than 150mm of travel just isn't any fun to pedal uphill. Granted, I'm not a sit and spin, take it easy kind of climber.

Regardless of what modern bike you end up on, you're going to enjoy it more than your old Reign.

Yeah, basically what I've heard. Shop didn't have it, so back to a Hans Damph for the moment, and will swap to SS when they get it in. My rear rim is super narrow, so I'm ending up with a really awkward tire profile regardless haha.

If you have any interest in a DHR II, let me know. I have 4 brand new ones laying around unused in my garage and I would be more than happy to hook you up. PM me for a killer deal if interested Cy.

 

[.lencon]

What kind of budget are you on? Are you only looking at used bikes at this point? And what kind of terrain are you going to be riding; singletrack/shuttle trails/bike park/everything? Lots of climbing required for descents or more up and down type terrain where climbing isn't as big of a focus?

Most anything from the last few years is going to be better than a 12 year old Reign, as you stated the suspension technology is leaps and bounds above what it was 12 years ago.

For me personally, anything more than 150mm of travel just isn't any fun to pedal uphill. Granted, I'm not a sit and spin, take it easy kind of climber.

Regardless of what modern bike you end up on, you're going to enjoy it more than your old Reign.

If you have any interest in a DHR II, let me know. I have 4 brand new ones laying around unused in my garage and I would be more than happy to hook you up. PM me for a killer deal if interested Cy.

Yep, just looking at used bikes. Probably will end up spending around 2k-2.5k, I have seen some good deals, but haven't bit the bullet on anything and probably won't for another few weeks or so.

I will be doing everything on this bike. Bike parks, downhill, shuttles, climbs, single track. The whole shebang. And I will do a fair amount of each. So it would be great to have a really well rounded whip.

 

[chodo]

Yep, just looking at used bikes. Probably will end up spending around 2k-2.5k, I have seen some good deals, but haven't bit the bullet on anything and probably won't for another few weeks or so.

I will be doing everything on this bike. Bike parks, downhill, shuttles, climbs, single track. The whole shebang. And I will do a fair amount of each. So it would be great to have a really well rounded whip.

You should look into the Guerrilla Gravity Mega Trail, you can flip between 150 and 160 rear travel. You can also get one brand new for a little over 3k. I know thats over your budget, but a lot of times saving a little more and getting a new bike can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run.

And GG is a kick ass company!

 

[.lencon]

You should look into the Guerrilla Gravity Mega Trail, you can flip between 150 and 160 rear travel. You can also get one brand new for a little over 3k. I know thats over your budget, but a lot of times saving a little more and getting a new bike can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run.

And GG is a kick ass company!

I have looked into those a bit and they don't really tickle my fancy. I also haven't seen one in person, let alone ride one.

 

[mike759]

Just arrived:

 

[.lencon]

Well.. if anyone has anything to say about a Scott Genius I would love to hear. I found a really good deal on one and am able to demo one before I make the purchase.

 

[jblaski]

Last weekend's Moab trip was a bit rough.

 

[loopie]

Anyone in the SLC area have a tailgate pad they would sell me? I will love you long time

 

[ShredAZ]

The 2017 Vassago Jabberwocky is actually insanely sick...

**Not my bike

[img=]868563[/img][img=]868564[/img]

 

[jblaski]

Anyone in the SLC area have a tailgate pad they would sell me? I will love you long time

Check out the MTB Enthusiasts of Utah facebook page. One just popped up for dirt cheep.

 

[mike759]

Should I buy:

($56)

or

($69)

 

[Raz.]

Should I buy:

($56)

or

($69)

please god neither. just get a regular ass helmet. TLD makes stuff that doesn't look like it was inspired by swat gear

 

[mike759]

please god neither. just get a regular ass helmet.

suggestions?

 

[Tinga]

please god neither. just get a regular ass helmet. TLD makes stuff that doesn't look like it was inspired by swat gear

suggestions?

Are you against the trail style helmet? or just those two? DO you mean a cross country or roadie helmet as a normal helmet?

I think the extra back of the head protection is nice. Either is a good option.

 

[freewillie]

Are you against the trail style helmet? or just those two? DO you mean a cross country or roadie helmet as a normal helmet?

I think the extra back of the head protection is nice. Either is a good option.

Agree with the back of the head protection 100%.

Bell super 2r is what I ride with. I wouldn't spend the extra money on the chin bar though if I were you bc I did, and now I never use it.

 

[jblaski]

Agree with the back of the head protection 100%.

Bell super 2r is what I ride with. I wouldn't spend the extra money on the chin bar though if I were you bc I did, and now I never use it.

I'll second both the trail style helmet as well as the Super 2R. I love mine, and I actually do wear the full face. Not on most trails, but any downhill-ish, or when I'm riding some park or jumps.

 

[onenerdykid]

Should I buy:

($69)

I have the TLD lid and it is the first mtn bike helmet that fits comfortably and doesn't look retarded on my weird shaped head (ymmv). If you've tried it on and it fits, go for it.

 

[mike759]

Are you against the trail style helmet? or just those two? DO you mean a cross country or roadie helmet as a normal helmet?

I think the extra back of the head protection is nice. Either is a good option.

Agree with the back of the head protection 100%.

Bell super 2r is what I ride with. I wouldn't spend the extra money on the chin bar though if I were you bc I did, and now I never use it.

I'll second both the trail style helmet as well as the Super 2R. I love mine, and I actually do wear the full face. Not on most trails, but any downhill-ish, or when I'm riding some park or jumps.

I'm deciding between these two because they get good reviews and they're on sale, so which one?

 

[freewillie]

I'm deciding between these two because they get good reviews and they're on sale, so which one?

Go try them on at a bike shop if you can. Helmet is almost (but not at all) like ski boots. You want the one that fits your head well and is comfortable. That way you wont mind having it on your head all the time. Also if you are hot headed like my alcoholic uncle, then make ventilation a priority as well.

 

[saskskier]

Of those two, provided it fits, is go with the TLD. They can be super gaudy, but that ones not bad and they are great helmets.

I ended up going from a Giro Hex to a POC Tectal and love it. It was definitely pricey, but fits way better than the Giro and I like how it looks (which is always subjective).

 

[ShredAZ]

I have the TLD lid and it is the first mtn bike helmet that fits comfortably and doesn't look retarded on my weird shaped head (ymmv). If you've tried it on and it fits, go for it.

So much this. THE most comfortable helmet I've owned. I've owned Bell, Giro, Fox, and TLD. This lid blows them away.

 

[Mar-O]

Finally bought myself a used downhill bike the other day, posted the photo in the latest purchase thread, but figured I might as well post it here to. 2013 model mondraker summum

Sending the fork/shock in for a service this week, hopefully there is nothing wrong there!

Also I'm wondering how many of you ride with neck braces? I'm considering getting one but they are so expensive and I'm afraid I wont end up using it so would love to hear your thoughts about them. Also do people prefer knee/shin guards or only knee for bike park riding? I feel like the added shin protection could come in really handy but may be a bit uncomfortable in the long run (and dosent look so good which shouldn't matter at all, yet kind of does.).

 

[TroyAntipasta]

Finally bought myself a used downhill bike the other day, posted the photo in the latest purchase thread, but figured I might as well post it here to. 2013 model mondraker summum

Sending the fork/shock in for a service this week, hopefully there is nothing wrong there!

Also I'm wondering how many of you ride with neck braces? I'm considering getting one but they are so expensive and I'm afraid I wont end up using it so would love to hear your thoughts about them. Also do people prefer knee/shin guards or only knee for bike park riding? I feel like the added shin protection could come in really handy but may be a bit uncomfortable in the long run (and dosent look so good which shouldn't matter at all, yet kind of does.).

I ride fox shin guards for dh/bikepark. They are hard plastic and go from my shins and cover the top of my knee cap.http://www.motosport.com/product/?a...ww.google.com%2F&pssource=true&segment=badger here is the link pretty cheap and worth it imo

 

[onenerdykid]

Finally bought myself a used downhill bike the other day, posted the photo in the latest purchase thread, but figured I might as well post it here to. 2013 model mondraker summum

Sending the fork/shock in for a service this week, hopefully there is nothing wrong there!

Just an FYI - you really don't want to be clamping your work stand to anything but the seat post. Even though it's a DH bike, the aluminum in the spot you clamped is the thinnest of all spots on the frame. Do yourself the favor and clamp it to the seat post (provided you have the proper amount of post inserted in the frame as well).

 

[Mar-O]

Just an FYI - you really don't want to be clamping your work stand to anything but the seat post. Even though it's a DH bike, the aluminum in the spot you clamped is the thinnest of all spots on the frame. Do yourself the favor and clamp it to the seat post (provided you have the proper amount of post inserted in the frame as well).

Thanks for the tip, never thought about that as a problem before. Got used to it from my other bike though witch have a reverb dropper seat post so I'm pretty sure I have to mount that one to the frame or what do people usually do in that case?

 

[dropimg]

Thanks for the tip, never thought about that as a problem before. Got used to it from my other bike though witch have a reverb dropper seat post so I'm pretty sure I have to mount that one to the frame or what do people usually do in that case?

I've seen a few techniques, but the most common is to just take the lower section of the reverb out of the frame enough so you can clamp on to it, if you are worried about not getting the seat height right after service, ad a line of silver sharpie where it would normally sit

my local shop has old tubes wrapped around the clamp, but i would only do this if you are confident that it will not pull on the post to much due to gravity

 

[Mar-O]

I've seen a few techniques, but the most common is to just take the lower section of the reverb out of the frame enough so you can clamp on to it, if you are worried about not getting the seat height right after service, ad a line of silver sharpie where it would normally sit

my local shop has old tubes wrapped around the clamp, but i would only do this if you are confident that it will not pull on the post to much due to gravity

Thanks, just tried taking the reverb up a bit and it worked but a bit tricky with the hose in the way (I have the normal, not stealth version) so will probably just start putting in the old seat post.

Anyways new question, I'm trying to bleed my Avid Juicy 3 brakes but can't seem to get it right. I'm using the reverb bleed kit which don't have the hose clamp so I think this may be the problem, however I tried clamping the hose with some small glue clamps which seemed to work okay but a little bit of air can probably still come through. I followed some guides for the bleed and it seemed to work fine (saw allot of air bubbles getting out etc.) but as soon as I take the bike off the bike stand and put it upside down the lever goes all the way in to the handelbar and I have to "pump" them to get some braking power back. Any idea what the problem may be before I try a 3rd time? My back brake seems fine.

And before someone asks, no, I wont be using the reverb bleed kit for anything else than brakes and dot fluid.

 

[dropimg]

Thanks, just tried taking the reverb up a bit and it worked but a bit tricky with the hose in the way (I have the normal, not stealth version) so will probably just start putting in the old seat post.

Anyways new question, I'm trying to bleed my Avid Juicy 3 brakes but can't seem to get it right. I'm using the reverb bleed kit which don't have the hose clamp so I think this may be the problem, however I tried clamping the hose with some small glue clamps which seemed to work okay but a little bit of air can probably still come through. I followed some guides for the bleed and it seemed to work fine (saw allot of air bubbles getting out etc.) but as soon as I take the bike off the bike stand and put it upside down the lever goes all the way in to the handelbar and I have to "pump" them to get some braking power back. Any idea what the problem may be before I try a 3rd time? My back brake seems fine.

And before someone asks, no, I wont be using the reverb bleed kit for anything else than brakes and dot fluid.

I've had similar problems after putting the bike upside down. Its air from the resivour traveling down the hose and into the caliper, my quick fix is to tilt the bike onto the front wheel (90°) and grab both brakes 3 or so times. With shimano brakes there is a quick bleed hole which i use instead of the syringes. It works well.

There is Simple answer however: don't ever use avid

 

[jblaski]

Thanks for the tip, never thought about that as a problem before. Got used to it from my other bike though witch have a reverb dropper seat post so I'm pretty sure I have to mount that one to the frame or what do people usually do in that case?

As long as your seatpost is extended all the way out, there is no problem clamping it with a Reverb. The problems occur when the seatpost isn't extended all the way out and the post is getting pulled up, creating a suction or negative pressure under it. I've been clamping to my Reverb post for over 2 years with zero problems.

 

[DrZoidberg]

Let's say I wanted to buy a new hardtail for around +/-$800, maybe a bit more. I don't need anything crazy expensive. I'll be using it for my only bike, so that includes just riding around on pavement and whatever for no reason other than to ride after work each night. I'm 5'5" 120lbs so I'm probably not going to blow up a fork, tires or anything that comes with a not top tier bike.

I went and road a size small 2017 giant roam 2 today. Nice bike, but I'm thinking I'd be better with a mtb hardtail rather than a hybrid so as to not sacrifice trail performance. I'm not racing, going super far or anything like that so I'm sure the on road performance will be fine enough for me. I rode a $100 front suspension bike around at school for four years an was fine, and sometimes I went pretty far. I probably won't get to real trails all that much right now, but when I do get on trails I want to be aggressive and not worry about the bike. Maybe I'll get more into it in the future, which is why I'm thinking about not buying a hybrid. Basically, I'm a good skier and skateboarder and I have a bit of BMX skill too, so if I do start riding more mtb type stuff I want the equipment to keep up.

Things like the specialized rockhopper, top tier giant talon, cannondale trail 5 and stuff like that are what I'm looking at. The talon seems to have a big following, especially after an upgrade or two, but I feel like I could do better with my budget. The 29" wheels are scaring me off the rockhopper. I feel like they'd be clumsy for somebody of my size, especially in the air.

 

[Tinga]

Let's say I wanted to buy a new hardtail for around +/-$800, maybe a bit more. I don't need anything crazy expensive. I'll be using it for my only bike, so that includes just riding around on pavement and whatever for no reason other than to ride after work each night. I'm 5'5" 120lbs so I'm probably not going to blow up a fork, tires or anything that comes with a not top tier bike.

I went and road a size small 2017 giant roam 2 today. Nice bike, but I'm thinking I'd be better with a mtb hardtail rather than a hybrid so as to not sacrifice trail performance. I'm not racing, going super far or anything like that so I'm sure the on road performance will be fine enough for me. I rode a $100 front suspension bike around at school for four years an was fine, and sometimes I went pretty far. I probably won't get to real trails all that much right now, but when I do get on trails I want to be aggressive and not worry about the bike. Maybe I'll get more into it in the future, which is why I'm thinking about not buying a hybrid. Basically, I'm a good skier and skateboarder and I have a bit of BMX skill too, so if I do start riding more mtb type stuff I want the equipment to keep up.

Things like the specialized rockhopper, top tier giant talon, cannondale trail 5 and stuff like that are what I'm looking at. The talon seems to have a big following, especially after an upgrade or two, but I feel like I could do better with my budget. The 29" wheels are scaring me off the rockhopper. I feel like they'd be clumsy for somebody of my size, especially in the air.

When I worked at a bike shop I had a million customers come in and say the same thing as you. The thing is If you want something for just around town but also want to be aggressive on trails with, that bike just doesnt exist. I would usually point them to something like the three bikes you mentioned.

Other than the bike something to think of is it might just be better to buy an old cheap road bike for like $100 for around town and then buy a decent hardtail you can thrash on the trails.