Official mountain biking thread

[DrZoidberg]

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.

Okay, so I'm basically asking for a ski that will be good in 5ft of fresh and solid ice park jumps and rails. I'm probably just going to ride a few bikes like the ones I've mentioned, buy one I feel good about and live with it. They've all got two wheels. I've got some time off next week so I'll go to a few shops.

 

[mike759]

the Raleigh Tokul is a decent priced hardtail that seems aggressive and well spec'd

 

[mike759]

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.

the Raleigh Tokul is a decent priced hardtail that seems aggressive and well spec'd

sorry for double post

 

[GANDALF]

just had 10 straight days of riding in bellingham. so fucking good. very tired.

 

[saskskier]

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.

So much this.

I saved up, got an awesome mountain bike (fs) and then picked up a sweet road bike for a steal, but was still frustrated I couldn't just rip around town. I couldn't just go for coffee/grab groceries/cruise because I wasn't comfortable leaving the other two locked up. Picking up a beater fixie (not actually. Volume Cutter frame, Phil Woods hubs, etc) was one of the best purchases I've made this year. I ride it more then the other two.

It's WAY easier to find a do it all ski than a do it all bike.

 

[kingsskier]

I finally got my bike built up and its been raining so much here. Dont want to rut up the trails so I only have 4 days training for my trip.

Heading out to Moab first week of June for riding and hiking. Anyone else going to be out there? My dad (riding partner) just tore his ACL and cant ride with me and I dont want to pay to ride with a shop group and am not comfortable riding alone out there.

 

[.nasty]

I finally got my bike built up and its been raining so much here. Dont want to rut up the trails so I only have 4 days training for my trip.

Heading out to Moab first week of June for riding and hiking. Anyone else going to be out there? My dad (riding partner) just tore his ACL and cant ride with me and I dont want to pay to ride with a shop group and am not comfortable riding alone out there.

Only southerners are in Moab in June, it's too damn hot! hahaha

 

[kingsskier]

Only southerners are in Moab in June, it's too damn hot! hahaha

I normally go in August to avoid the crowds. It's normally 100-110 mid day in August. June highs are around 90 and maybe get some clouds. I have seen rain for 10 minutes in 10 years of going in August. Most years I don't ever see a cloud.

But I love the heat so it's perfect for me. Almost killed my dad once though. Had to drive the truck back to get him.

 

[.nasty]

I normally go in August to avoid the crowds. It's normally 100-110 mid day in August. June highs are around 90 and maybe get some clouds. I have seen rain for 10 minutes in 10 years of going in August. Most years I don't ever see a cloud.

But I love the heat so it's perfect for me. Almost killed my dad once though. Had to drive the truck back to get him.

Yeah plus you can just camp higher up towards the La Sals in June and it's perfect weather. There's a ton or trails stemming from that Warner campground area too.

 

[paige.]

I finally got my bike built up and its been raining so much here. Dont want to rut up the trails so I only have 4 days training for my trip.

It hasn't stopped raining for more than a day here either. I just picked up a secondhand Specialized Rumour Expert, got it all set up, and am dying to take it out. And now that it's supposed to clear up for a bit, some dickwad has stolen my license plate. The DMV here is closed on weekends and by 4:30 for most of the week, so I won't have access to my car until next Thursday as the earliest. Which means no driving to the trails.

 

[DrZoidberg]

Anybody have anything to say about Felt, specifically the seventy seventy? Never heard of them but I went and rode the seventy eighty and it seemed nice. I could afford the upgrade to the higher spec version. I also rode a giant talon, and the Felt seemed a bit quicker steering and more responsive/maneuverable. There's also a Giant Fathom, but I got to ride a medium which was a bit too big for me. That seems like a nice bike though. Stock dropper post.

I tried a few 29ers too. I think I like the 27.5" better.

 

[freestyler540]

Anybody have anything to say about Felt, specifically the seventy seventy? Never heard of them but I went and rode the seventy eighty and it seemed nice. I could afford the upgrade to the higher spec version. I also rode a giant talon, and the Felt seemed a bit quicker steering and more responsive/maneuverable. There's also a Giant Fathom, but I got to ride a medium which was a bit too big for me. That seems like a nice bike though. Stock dropper post.

I tried a few 29ers too. I think I like the 27.5" better.

Try considering the Norco Range. Its a 27.5" wheels, 170cm-180cm travel. Its quite the bike... Its a do it all bike that does it all very well! The 2017 model has changed from the 2015 model I rode, but I am sure little has changed, other than the new components.

I have a Devinci Wilson 2008 and the Range felt like the Wilson on the way down, but I was able to pedal all the way up to my trails.

Felt is a great brand, but there are no dealers in my area.

 

[DrZoidberg]

Try considering the Norco Range. Its a 27.5" wheels, 170cm-180cm travel. Its quite the bike... Its a do it all bike that does it all very well! The 2017 model has changed from the 2015 model I rode, but I am sure little has changed, other than the new components.

I have a Devinci Wilson 2008 and the Range felt like the Wilson on the way down, but I was able to pedal all the way up to my trails.

Felt is a great brand, but there are no dealers in my area.

The shop near me has them, which is why I asked. I'm gonna go ride it again, but out of the few i've tried it felt the best, which is why I'm considering it.

 

[stupendous-man]

[img=]869400[/img]

Selling my SX Trail, looking for $1500. Thing is a classic. Currently located in San Luis Obispo, CA. but I'll be back in Portland with it mid-June. Full post here https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2188402/

 

[DrZoidberg]

Lol I went to order that felt 7 seventy since I liked how the lower spec version rode... Turns out they don't make it anymore. So, back to square one... Was looking at bikes on Norco's site and was like wow these are expensive, but then I realized the prices were in Canadian dollars.

 

[GANDALF]

Lol I went to order that felt 7 seventy since I liked how the lower spec version rode... Turns out they don't make it anymore. So, back to square one... Was looking at bikes on Norco's site and was like wow these are expensive, but then I realized the prices were in Canadian dollars.

check out commencal bikes

 

[DrZoidberg]

Well I did it. Went and rode this bike. Decent parts and everything felt right about it, so I bought it. Size small Norco Charger 7.3. Just went to explore my local woods where I used to ride when I was younger. I'm not sure if it's actively being built, ridden and maintained by a specific group but there's some stuff built in there. I'll have to try and bump into whoever it is sometime.

 

[freestyler540]

Well I did it. Went and rode this bike. Decent parts and everything felt right about it, so I bought it. Size small Norco Charger 7.3. Just went to explore my local woods where I used to ride when I was younger. I'm not sure if it's actively being built, ridden and maintained by a specific group but there's some stuff built in there. I'll have to try and bump into whoever it is sometime.

That bike will treat you well.

If someone is building in your area; go buy a pair of gloves, shovel, pick axe and rake. Then work up the dirt. As long as its not private property, your trails will last longer and be more fun to ride. If you build it; they will come!

High tension power line trails out east offer free, long distance trails without death traps and unpassable gullies. Check out trailforks.com for a rich network of official trails.

Congrats on your buy!

 

[DrZoidberg]

That bike will treat you well.

If someone is building in your area; go buy a pair of gloves, shovel, pick axe and rake. Then work up the dirt. As long as its not private property, your trails will last longer and be more fun to ride. If you build it; they will come!

High tension power line trails out east offer free, long distance trails without death traps and unpassable gullies. Check out trailforks.com for a rich network of official trails.

Congrats on your buy!

Yeah these woods are just woods, or like "township property" or something of that nature, I'm sure. But at one point there was a jump over a refrigerator among other things, so I'm sure things will be fine.

Two questions:

Pedals are more or less universal right? Like if I go buy deity comps there shouldn't be any fitment issues?

Is there any specific maintenance I need to know about for sand exposure? There's apparently sand in the woods.

 

[a_pla5tic_bag]

Is there a best time of year to buy? 4th of July is coming up.

 

[saskskier]

Is there a best time of year to buy? 4th of July is coming up.

Off season (fall winter)?

 

[freestyler540]

Two questions:

Pedals are more or less universal right? Like if I go buy deity comps there shouldn't be any fitment issues?

Is there any specific maintenance I need to know about for sand exposure? There's apparently sand in the woods.

I tend to stay with platform pedals for the error margin. Pedals are not something I know too much of, but my guess is no... unless you buy the universal types. Most companies prefer having their own brands of shoes fit their own clips. However, ask the guys at the bike shop, they will know the answer and help you find the right one for you.

Sand itself is not a problem for bearings or suspension. Dust, however, is...but no worries! For the bottom bracket, headset and hubs; a simple wash down will suffice, but avoid using a fine brush to not push the dust into the bearings. Most greases are designed to catch and hold the dust in suspension to avoid contact with the metal on metal. By experience, headsets are done every 2-3 years (until they have some resistance) and bottom brackets will creak and crack... usually every 3-5 years.They are fairly cheap, but use the correct tools if you are going to do them yourself. Ive never had problem with wheelsets so just dont open them up.

For suspension, You should get it maintained every year if budget permits. Dust is scrapped off by the top seals and washed by the fork's internal oil. As long as you keep them plungers scratch free, dont worry about it!

Where sand does cause a problem, is the chain and derailleur. It will get into the guide cogs...but dont worry, its easy to clean with a rag. For the chain, I recommend dry condition chain lube from the shop. It will prevent buildup and keep the chain squeaky clean. Apply some before and after the ride for best protection and best performance. There is a wear tolerance you should be aware of; but they are cheap and changing them is pretty easy, with the right tools. Dont let the chain skip from wear...that will cost you in the long run

If tldr, dont worry about sand, the bike will be fine

 

[DrZoidberg]

I tend to stay with platform pedals

Ha yeah platform pedals are what I meant. Not trying to die cause I can't ditch the bike just yet. What I meant is the hole in the crank for the pedals to screw into is common to all pedals?

 

[freestyler540]

Ha yeah platform pedals are what I meant. Not trying to die cause I can't ditch the bike just yet. What I meant is the hole in the crank for the pedals to screw into is common to all pedals?

yes, they are! Im happy to hear im not the only one that prefers platform over clip

 

[.nasty]

Having flats/platform pedals isn't just a plus when learning for ditching the bike, it teaches you better technique for downhill as you're not able to use your feet to lift.

 

[saskskier]

Ha yeah platform pedals are what I meant. Not trying to die cause I can't ditch the bike just yet. What I meant is the hole in the crank for the pedals to screw into is common to all pedals?

There are two pedal spindle sizes. 9/16" and 1/2", however you will only find 1/2" pedals on one piece cranks. You will only find one piece cranks on kids bikes and the cheapest bikes. Unless you have one of those, your pedals will always be 9/16", regardless of brand or style.

 

[onenerdykid]

I tend to stay with platform pedals for the error margin. Pedals are not something I know too much of, but my guess is no... unless you buy the universal types. Most companies prefer having their own brands of shoes fit their own clips.

If you have clipless mountain shoes, they will basically work with any clipless mountain pedal. The cleats are the specific part that needs to be matched to the pedals, which come with the pedals when you buy them.

 

[mike759]

Just got a new bike with a 2x10 drivetrain. Down the line if I wanted to switch it to 1x10, what size chainring would I want?

 

[Tinga]

Just got a new bike with a 2x10 drivetrain. Down the line if I wanted to switch it to 1x10, what size chainring would I want?

Chain ring size depends on the size of your legs, the size of your cassette and what you'll most often be riding.

Most people usually spec a 32 t chain ring. if there is a lot climbing you'll be doing you may want to go down. If your cassette is winde range like 11-42 you may be able to spec up. If your overall fitness is high you can probably spec up.

With all that said Probably just get a 32t.

 

[a_pla5tic_bag]

If there's something I can't get in a local shop, wheres the place to order online? I know evo and backcountry have stuff but is there a more dedicated biking place that everyone uses?

 

[a_pla5tic_bag]

Got one more for yall - if I need to cut the seat post to be able to make it shorter so I can fit on the bike (i'm small), is that going to impact the function of a dropper post? The one where you press the button and it drops the seat.

 

[saskskier]

If there's something I can't get in a local shop, wheres the place to order online? I know evo and backcountry have stuff but is there a more dedicated biking place that everyone uses?

Chain Reaction Cycles is probably the biggest out there. If you are in the states, Jenson USA is a big one. For road stuff, I go between wiggle.co.uk, Ribble or probikekit.com

Got one more for yall - if I need to cut the seat post to be able to make it shorter so I can fit on the bike (i'm small), is that going to impact the function of a dropper post? The one where you press the button and it drops the seat.

I don't think you can cut a dropper. If it's too big, you probably need to get a shorter dropper. For example, the Rockshox Reverb comes in sizes between 100mm and 170mm. If yours is too big,

 

[doitbig]

Threads because I was just gifted a bike and am loving it so far.

 

[.lencon]

Has anyone here dealt with shipping a bike from Canada to the US?

Have my eye on a bike up north.. but do not want to pay too much for shipping and other costs that could come along with it.

 

[cydwhit]

First bike packing trip done! Just a short trip less than 24 hours car to car but we got ride 44 miles of mostly singletrack, rode some rad new trails, systems worked well, slept well, and nobody got hurt or broke a bike. Think I'm hooked!

 

[Tinga]

First bike packing trip done! Just a short trip less than 24 hours car to car but we got ride 44 miles of mostly singletrack, rode some rad new trails, systems worked well, slept well, and nobody got hurt or broke a bike. Think I'm hooked!

Nice. Wait till you do some multiple day trips. It always makes me feel like I have to really rely on myself and my bike.

 

[.lencon]

First bike packing trip done! Just a short trip less than 24 hours car to car but we got ride 44 miles of mostly singletrack, rode some rad new trails, systems worked well, slept well, and nobody got hurt or broke a bike. Think I'm hooked!

You chose the wrong weekend to go... I think that was my only weekend off and I didn't even get to see you

Bike packing does sound fun... where did you go exactly?

 

[cydwhit]

You chose the wrong weekend to go... I think that was my only weekend off and I didn't even get to see you

Bike packing does sound fun... where did you go exactly?

Aww man! So bummed!

We went out in the Caribous, over by Palisade Resivour, and did a fair bit of derping and wandering!

 

[Sklar]

First bike packing trip done! Just a short trip less than 24 hours car to car but we got ride 44 miles of mostly singletrack, rode some rad new trails, systems worked well, slept well, and nobody got hurt or broke a bike. Think I'm hooked!

Yeeew. I did similar the other week, but on my cross bike and mostly road, still super fun.

 

[.lencon]

Aww man! So bummed!

We went out in the Caribous, over by Palisade Resivour, and did a fair bit of derping and wandering!

Oh nice.. we drove home through Swan and did some exploring over there.. forgot how pretty that area was. Once I have time and a new bike I think we'll be making more trips up to driggs! I forgot how close it was haha.. the drive up went by super quick.

Idaho is pretty dang cool. Not many places can you take a spontaneous road trip and be at the coolest places on earth in just an hour or two.

Also, since this is the mountain bike thread..

My bike list consists of

-Norco Range

-Norco Sight

- commencal meta (ht and fs)

-devinci troy

-santa Cruz Bronson

Just waiting for another paycheck or two and I'll be ready to squeeze the trigger on one of them. PUMPED!

 

[GANDALF]

Oh nice.. we drove home through Swan and did some exploring over there.. forgot how pretty that area was. Once I have time and a new bike I think we'll be making more trips up to driggs! I forgot how close it was haha.. the drive up went by super quick.

Idaho is pretty dang cool. Not many places can you take a spontaneous road trip and be at the coolest places on earth in just an hour or two.

Also, since this is the mountain bike thread..

My bike list consists of

-Norco Range

-Norco Sight

- commencal meta (ht and fs)

-devinci troy

-santa Cruz Bronson

Just waiting for another paycheck or two and I'll be ready to squeeze the trigger on one of them. PUMPED!

The new boric range and sight look so awesome. I'd probably go with the Range personally. Either way, you'll be stoked.

I've been riding everyday pretty much. Finally used to the 29inch wheels. Absolutely loving the sram eagle. Climbing is a joke. So easy. Love how aggressive my bike is for a 29er. 155mm of rear travel and 160 up front. Fuck yeah. Jumps really well and eats bumps and tech like no other.Super jazzed on biking right now gonna go for a rip!!

 

[DrZoidberg]

Turns out my local trails are kinda fun for beginners. There's a few things to jump off and it's sort of twisty and tight but not crazy steep. It's the right amount of challenge and danger. I've been riding almost every day after work. Was just out ten minutes ago and saw a red fox and a deer in there. Also rode by some gophers and they gave no fucks I was coming. Like I rode within a foot of one and it didn't even move.

My blue deity comps, gloves and little multitool are arriving tomorrow. That'll be the first deviation from stock for my bike.

 

[.lencon]

The new boric range and sight look so awesome. I'd probably go with the Range personally. Either way, you'll be stoked.

I've been riding everyday pretty much. Finally used to the 29inch wheels. Absolutely loving the sram eagle. Climbing is a joke. So easy. Love how aggressive my bike is for a 29er. 155mm of rear travel and 160 up front. Fuck yeah. Jumps really well and eats bumps and tech like no other.Super jazzed on biking right now gonna go for a rip!!

Yeah next Thursday I get to demo a Norco pretty stoked! Hopefully I like it enough to buy hahaa

 

[freestyler540]

Turns out my local trails are kinda fun for beginners. There's a few things to jump off and it's sort of twisty and tight but not crazy steep. It's the right amount of challenge and danger. I've been riding almost every day after work. Was just out ten minutes ago and saw a red fox and a deer in there. Also rode by some gophers and they gave no fucks I was coming. Like I rode within a foot of one and it didn't even move.

My blue deity comps, gloves and little multitool are arriving tomorrow. That'll be the first deviation from stock for my bike.

Most organized trails are for novices, but exploring is the whole point. You can cover greater distances in shorter times. When your area isnt developed, find hiking trails with elevation gain and nice descents. Think of it as going back to the beginnings of the sport; poaching hiking trails just for the chance to ride your bike in new locations.

Get a good biking backpack too; they are so light, you wont even know you a wearing one. I like to recommend knee and shin pads when the tough gets going.

Glad to hear your hooked on biking! It shows that if you wanna hate biking, buy a cheapo bike at walmart.

 

[DrZoidberg]

Get a good biking backpack too; they are so light, you wont even know you a wearing one. I like to recommend knee and shin pads when the tough gets going.

Glad to hear your hooked on biking! It shows that if you wanna hate biking, buy a cheapo bike at walmart.

Shin pads are something I plan on, especially now that I'll have pedals with actual metal pins in them. My left shin is fucked to begin with since I split it open soooo deep by colliding with a little kid on a bike at a skatepark once. When the doctor was stitching it she's like well there's some skin missing here so I'll do my best. Tapping it normally can cause a lot of pain so a full on pedal smack won't be fun.

I live near a place called six mile run, which is apparently a big deal around here.

 

[freestyler540]

I live near a place called six mile run, which is apparently a big deal around here.

Looking at the beta, looks like a pretty legit place. Not too far from home I guess. It looks pretty rural over there...Ill be hard to find long, worthwhile trails. If you need to add difficulty, try it at night! Its a good idea too look around before investing 200$ on a flashlight.

Knee and shin pads, gloves, full face, bike shoes and backpack are my essentials. I always carry water, food, patch kit with bike tools and a spare shirt in the pack. Money is a good idea, but I like being a minimalist.

Does your home mountain allow people on site on the off season? If you look hard enough, there could be a buried trail worth your time...

That was a big problem of mine in Quebec city; I could not find ridable, free, legal trails to ride.The center did their best on keeping people off the mountain in the summertime, they used to have awesome DH trails until they shut it down. They would even call the cops on ya. But, a few die hards riders would keep the trails ridable and a trail network started to develop in the backside. Once that was all bought up by landowners and I was getting searched by the police (trespassing), I left the province in search for better.

If you go on a road trip, I was told Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts has some west style trails in the east.

 

[DrZoidberg]

Does your home mountain allow people on site on the off season?

Mountain creek has like a whole lift serviced bike park thing or whatever in the summer, I think. I'll have to try that once. I'll have to get a full face and at least shin pads before I do that though.

Put my deity comps on. Looks sick. Didn't get to test but they seem stickier than the stocks for sure.

 

[Psullivan]

I am riding a Giant Talon 3 right now which is great for xc but awful for downhill and jump. If their is a chance that you will case a jump you might as well measure your coffin before you even hit it. Any suggestion for a cheap good DH full story suspension?

 

[freestyler540]

I am riding a Giant Talon 3 right now which is great for xc but awful for downhill and jump. If their is a chance that you will case a jump you might as well measure your coffin before you even hit it. Any suggestion for a cheap good DH full story suspension?

Thats question is impossible to answer... unless you have 3,000$ to spend for a new bike. Otherwise; www.pinkbike.com buy/ sell in your location is where your gonna get a deal.

First question is do you REALLY need a 37lbs 8 inch travel bike? If the answer is yes, then check out

- GT Fury, GT can be bought on a discount... 3,000$ for a decent ride

-Scott Spark, 180mm travel gravity bike for 2,500$

If the answer in no, aggressive trail bikes and long travel enduro bikes are gonna be your focus: Check out

-Airborne: a mail in order company in the US that The seeker 27.5 is 2,300$ fully loaded

-Haro: Reviews have been great and the bikes are pretty aggressive

- Norco, Canadian bike company with tried tested and true quality

- Kona...but their prices jump quite a bit

Thats off my head, go to different shops or buy online

 

[Psullivan]

Thats question is impossible to answer... unless you have 3,000$ to spend for a new bike. Otherwise; www.pinkbike.com buy/ sell in your location is where your gonna get a deal.

First question is do you REALLY need a 37lbs 8 inch travel bike? If the answer is yes, then check out

- GT Fury, GT can be bought on a discount... 3,000$ for a decent ride

-Scott Spark, 180mm travel gravity bike for 2,500$

If the answer in no, aggressive trail bikes and long travel enduro bikes are gonna be your focus: Check out

-Airborne: a mail in order company in the US that The seeker 27.5 is 2,300$ fully loaded

-Haro: Reviews have been great and the bikes are pretty aggressive

- Norco, Canadian bike company with tried tested and true quality

- Kona...but their prices jump quite a bit

Thats off my head, go to different shops or buy online

Thanks man. I defiantly don't have the 3,000 but I ave heard that bike parks sell their rentals at the end of the season. Do you know if this is true?