Official mountain biking thread

I put this 3m Scotchgard Pro protective tape on my Ibis bike because I'm terrified of cracking/chipping carbon, paint protection, helping resale, and making cleaning easier. It's much more difficult to do on a bike than a car since a car has more surface area, but it's definitely worth the time/effort if you care about maintaining the bike frame. I took some pictures of the process, and can post instructions and a few before/after pictures if anyone is interested.

 
So I went mtb for the first time in a while yesterday and that was rough. I am looking to get better, anyone got some good tips and such, I just felt slow and weak in the trail, (I don't think its fitness because I can ride a road bike for next to forever).
 
13833684:Yellow89 said:
So I went mtb for the first time in a while yesterday and that was rough. I am looking to get better, anyone got some good tips and such, I just felt slow and weak in the trail, (I don't think its fitness because I can ride a road bike for next to forever).
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Mountain biking and road biking are two very different sports. Mountain biking is more about your anaerobic fitness and road biking is all about aerobic. Overall fitness is a big help though.

As far as technique tips though the biggest one is "light hands, heavy pedals" When descending shift your weight back, when you're climbing shift your weight forward. Also learn to lean your bike independent of your body. in flat corners lean your bike more than your body and in berms lean with your bike.

And as always brake less.
 
Any of you guys ride downhill with a neck brace? I just bough a used leatt moto gpx brace but I'm wondering what body armor people use thats good with a brace. I want full back coverage, elbow pads and ideally also chest protection. Any ideas? Been searching quite a bit but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for yet.
 
Here's a little highlight video from Crankworx whip-offs that i shot while i was there

[video]https://vimeo.com/231136156[/video]
 
Ok guys, I need to make a decision in the next few hours.

I can get this Trek Fuel EX8 for $550:
https://boise.craigslist.org/bik/d/trek-fuel-ex8-full-suspension/6282669541.html

Or a fucking badass 1996 Trek Y11 OCLV for $160:

f5L25Nf5Fe3Kd3Ld3Hac7s98f63f1ede6e1157.jpg


What would you do? I'm coming from a Diamondback Overdrive 29er that was a little too big. The 29er was fun, but I don't care too much about moving back to 26. The EX8 seems pretty nice, I know it's in good condition, and would probably have a slightly better resale value a few years from now. On the other hand, the Y11 is ridiculously cool, crazy lightweight (it weighs 4 pounds less than my old hardtail lol), but probably needs some work. The suspension fork bottoms out on pretty much anything, and I'm only 135lbs. But did I mention it's super fucking cool?

Basically I can't decide if I want a pretty nice, fairly modern full suspension that I won't hate pedaling too much, or a super rad old-ass bike I can thrash relentlessly. This will be my only mountain bike, but I also have a roadie
 
13833843:treebeard said:
Ok guys, I need to make a decision in the next few hours.

I can get this Trek Fuel EX8 for $550:
https://boise.craigslist.org/bik/d/trek-fuel-ex8-full-suspension/6282669541.html

Or a fucking badass 1996 Trek Y11 OCLV for $160:

f5L25Nf5Fe3Kd3Ld3Hac7s98f63f1ede6e1157.jpg


What would you do? I'm coming from a Diamondback Overdrive 29er that was a little too big. The 29er was fun, but I don't care too much about moving back to 26. The EX8 seems pretty nice, I know it's in good condition, and would probably have a slightly better resale value a few years from now. On the other hand, the Y11 is ridiculously cool, crazy lightweight (it weighs 4 pounds less than my old hardtail lol), but probably needs some work. The suspension fork bottoms out on pretty much anything, and I'm only 135lbs. But did I mention it's super fucking cool?

Basically I can't decide if I want a pretty nice, fairly modern full suspension that I won't hate pedaling too much, or a super rad old-ass bike I can thrash relentlessly. This will be my only mountain bike, but I also have a roadie
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Is that even a question? Get the Y11. It's a much better deal for the money. That 20 years old suspension design still holds its own against modern technology. Plus, it's got climbing bars and vbrakes, so it'll be great on long, wewe'd descents.
 
13833848:ThaLorax said:
Is that even a question? Get the Y11. It's a much better deal for the money. That 20 years old suspension design still holds its own against modern technology. Plus, it's got climbing bars and vbrakes, so it'll be great on long, wewe'd descents.
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I think the only logical choice here is to buy both
 
13833864:treebeard said:
sure do
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How are the trails and everything up there? I might end up living there for a few years.. I know there's pretty decent riding, the man made Surf wave looks fun too.

But yeah, how is everything including the riding?
 
13833865:.lencon said:
How are the trails and everything up there? I might end up living there for a few years.. I know there's pretty decent riding, the man made Surf wave looks fun too.

But yeah, how is everything including the riding?
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the foothills are great because they're so close. mostly trail riding, a handful of techy trails, especially at table rock, but the majority are fairly smooth. hardtails are pretty ideal here, but we're close enough to Brundage, Tamarack, and Jug mountain which all have fantastic downhill. Bogus really went for it this year upgrading trails and building new ones, so that's worth considering as well.

trails aside, I really love Boise as a city. I'm not much of a water person, but the surf wave is very popular with surfers and kayakers. close proximity to the Payette river which has some of the best whitewater in the world. Bogus is fun, and actually has some good skiing when there's enough snow. Brundage is awesome
 
13833868:treebeard said:
the foothills are great because they're so close. mostly trail riding, a handful of techy trails, especially at table rock, but the majority are fairly smooth. hardtails are pretty ideal here, but we're close enough to Brundage, Tamarack, and Jug mountain which all have fantastic downhill. Bogus really went for it this year upgrading trails and building new ones, so that's worth considering as well.

trails aside, I really love Boise as a city. I'm not much of a water person, but the surf wave is very popular with surfers and kayakers. close proximity to the Payette river which has some of the best whitewater in the world. Bogus is fun, and actually has some good skiing when there's enough snow. Brundage is awesome
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Thanks man. That's one thing I like about Poky. Super close to everything in the outdoors. Water sports kinda lack though, so getting a boat or spending a little bit of time on the surf wave would be fun.

If I come up to Boise I'll have to drop a line so you can show me around;)

I was actually supposed to do some riding in Tamarack this weekend but I had work.
 
13833870:.lencon said:
Thanks man. That's one thing I like about Poky. Super close to everything in the outdoors. Water sports kinda lack though, so getting a boat or spending a little bit of time on the surf wave would be fun.

If I come up to Boise I'll have to drop a line so you can show me around;)

I was actually supposed to do some riding in Tamarack this weekend but I had work.
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yeah i'd be down, just let me know
 
Anyone ever ride at Duthie Hill out in Issaquah area Washington?? I ride at Softies near sea-tac if anyones evere heard of that
 
13834152:Espen519 said:
Anyone ever ride at Duthie Hill out in Issaquah area Washington?? I ride at Softies near sea-tac if anyones evere heard of that
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Should also mention I mostly ride DJ as i only have a hard tail DJ at the moment
 
Any of you guys have experience with Poc helmets? I need a new one and can get a pretty good deal on poc gear
 
13833113:ThaLorax said:
How much is it? I know Whyte Bikes are great but I've never heard of White Bikes. If you want a capable and affordable hardtail for both commuting and occasional trail riding, look at the Giant Talon 29. 29 will be faster for your commuting, and if you're riding non-technical XC, it'll be faster on the trails too. You get a lot for your money with Giant bikes. If that White bike is around $750ish or less, go for the White because it's got marginally better specs on it. I've just never heard of the brand.
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Thanks for the advice. Maybe White bikes are just under a different brand name in some European countries? Looking at the price tags for most White MTB/cyclocross (1500-2500 dollars) it seems like a known or at least a quality product.

Anyway, I ended up buying a White hybrid SC Comp FF 17. I got a 200 EUR gift certificate from work today so I decided to go with this one instead of a MTB, plus they gave me three yearly maintenances for free so I couldn't pass that deal.

9379861331998_1132050_Black_1_jpg.jpg
 
13834236:DayMan said:
Any of you guys have experience with Poc helmets? I need a new one and can get a pretty good deal on poc gear
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Get one of the new tectals with the SPIN technology. More advanced than MIPS and affordable with your pro deal.
 
Snowmass finally added a techy DH trail to our repertoire and I finally got to ride it yesterday for the first time. So much fun... and it has a big road gap. We've needed a steep, DH designated, techy trail so bad.
 
Sold the Nomad yesterday and starting a new build. It's going to be an aggressive 29er and currently leaning heavily towards a Canfield Riot frame, but if that falls through, I think my backup is a Devinci Django 29er (a little shorter travel). That said, there is also an Evil Following that would definitely be pushing the budget, but damn if it isn't sexy.
 
13835538:saskskier said:
Sold the Nomad yesterday and starting a new build. It's going to be an aggressive 29er and currently leaning heavily towards a Canfield Riot frame, but if that falls through, I think my backup is a Devinci Django 29er (a little shorter travel). That said, there is also an Evil Following that would definitely be pushing the budget, but damn if it isn't sexy.
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Wanna buy mine? :}

hY2yYdy.jpg
 
13835556:Sklar said:
Can't find the Evil anywhere?
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That whole thing where no one in town carries Evil, and my freaking awesome local shop that kills it, and hooks it up, carries SC.....I'll take the Hightower just for the level of service and maintenance that comes with buying local haha.
 
Hey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?
 
13836378:pmw said:
Hey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?
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INTENSE

lol I have just fallen in love with Intense Bikes. What bikes did you ride when you rented/demoed? What did you like/not like?
 
13836378:pmw said:
Hey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?
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Look for an "enduro" bike with 150/160mm travel and preferably adjustable travel on the fork. I have a pike rct3 and can adjust my fork to 140mm with the turn of a dial for climbs and less gnarly stuff then when it gets chunkier you raise the travel back to 160. Also any 150/160mm+ bikes rip at bike parks. I have a 2015 giant reign advanced 0 FWIW.
 
13836378:pmw said:
Hey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?
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I work at evo hq in Seattle, I know the demo fleet at evo Portland just went on sale. A lot of the bikes have barely been ridden, it's worth a look for sure,
 
13836378:pmw said:
Hey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?
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Pinkbike is your friend. I always see the Giant Trance on there for a great price. People love to move from Giant to more boutique brands, and selll their old steed, but the Trance is still a super rad bike.
 
Canfield Riot frame with Cane Creek DB Air CS will arrive on Tuesday. Picked up a Cromag bar, some tires and a 160mm Yari RC (will be dropping to 150 or 140mm).

Rest of the build will come along slowly over the winter. Likely going XT 1x11 on Race Face cranks and will probably build my own wheels on Hope hubs. Dream brakes would be Magura MT7's, but chances are I'll get Saint's or Zee's.
 
13836971:saskskier said:
Canfield Riot frame with Cane Creek DB Air CS will arrive on Tuesday. Picked up a Cromag bar, some tires and a 160mm Yari RC (will be dropping to 150 or 140mm).

Rest of the build will come along slowly over the winter. Likely going XT 1x11 on Race Face cranks and will probably build my own wheels on Hope hubs. Dream brakes would be Magura MT7's, but chances are I'll get Saint's or Zee's.
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Zee's are 120 but saint's and mt7's are about the same price on crc/jenson.
 
What's the deal with people riding with speakers blasting music? Is it #kookoftheday or is it so other people hear them coming? Maybe ironically cool if a good rider is doing it? Went out riding Sunday morning and saw/heard a few of these people. I'm still relatively new to mtb in general so I'm genuinely curious.
 
13837163:sdrvper said:
Always wanted to get a rear shock similar to the DB air, nice.
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I had one on my old Nomad and it treated me well. That said, it sounds like the Riot really comes alive with a coil, so we'll see if it lasts. Definitely keeping it on for now.
 
13837172:DrZoidberg said:
What's the deal with people riding with speakers blasting music? Is it #kookoftheday or is it so other people hear them coming? Maybe ironically cool if a good rider is doing it? Went out riding Sunday morning and saw/heard a few of these people. I'm still relatively new to mtb in general so I'm genuinely curious.
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I'll do this once in a while, but I don't play obnoxious music, especially when people are around. I stick with the classics, unless I know I'm out on a trial that has minimal to no people. I rarely do it though. I usually only do it when people aren't out as much or when I'm on a trail that doesn't have much traffic at all.
 
13837172:DrZoidberg said:
What's the deal with people riding with speakers blasting music? Is it #kookoftheday or is it so other people hear them coming? Maybe ironically cool if a good rider is doing it? Went out riding Sunday morning and saw/heard a few of these people. I'm still relatively new to mtb in general so I'm genuinely curious.
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Personally, there aren't many mtn bikers near me so if someone on the trails is listening to music through a pack speaker it's nbd, but I prefer to use headphones for solo rides.
 
13837305:saskskier said:
This is how she's going to sit for a while until I pick up some more things.

p4pb15182453.jpg
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I use one sometimes. For me it was just a safer alternative to headphones, on my outdoor tech one it's easy enough to turn it down when you encounter people (I also don't encounter many people on the trails I ride).
 
Can anyone recommend some good flowy single track near the front range, preferably within a couple hours of fort collins. I'm looking for a trail that's not straight up for 5 miles and then straight down for 5 miles. Those are fun but my Minnesota native head ass needs something where I'm not dead for the entire down hill.
 
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