Official mountain biking thread

[Lonely]

like an actual fixie or a single speed? I think the simplicity of a fixie isn't worth how dangerous they can be.

Where I live having a single speed just isn't practical. Too many hills.

Actual fixie. It's pretty snowy... and hilly where I'm at but there's this group of guys that rip around in the snow on fixies with mtb handlebars and wider tires.

They're kinda like Frankenstein bikes and I'm kindve intrigued by them.

 

[Carl_the_Llama]

What do y'all think about fixies?

I have an old vintage road bike I stripped and turned ss that I have fun with, just been in Melbourne, where literally everyone has a fixie or a ss and it got me really stoked to put some work into that this summer. They're a lot of fun, I live in a pretty hilly place, so sometimes you have to walk up a hill, and idk if I would be comfortable totally brakeless, but all in all I'm a big fan.

 

[cozzey]

Actual fixie. It's pretty snowy... and hilly where I'm at but there's this group of guys that rip around in the snow on fixies with mtb handlebars and wider tires.

They're kinda like Frankenstein bikes and I'm kindve intrigued by them.

I’ve got a single speed that can be switched over to a fixie but I haven’t had the balls to switch it yet

 

[Lonely]

I’ve got a single speed that can be switched over to a fixie but I haven’t had the balls to switch it yet

I currently ride a giant trance, but I'm definetly looking for a fixie to rip around downtown and campus over the summer.

Any recommendations? Or should I just keep the stance and put money into that

 

[cozzey]

I currently ride a giant trance, but I'm definetly looking for a fixie to rip around downtown and campus over the summer.

Any recommendations? Or should I just keep the stance and put money into that

I honestly just found a cheap old cool one on craigslist that had character and put some work into it and for just cruising around it rips fine. I just got a Marin Attack Trail pro so all my cash will go from that bike to this one. Fixies don’t require nearly as much upkeep for sure and get one that can switch around.

 

[ModMommy]

What do y'all think about fixies?

Flip hubs are cool, but I prefer my single speed.

 

[saskskier]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on my first bike and was thinking that there has to be some kind of cool pedal company out there, but have no idea. So, does anyone know of any really cool pedal companies to look at for DH? I feel like there's gotta be a company that makes dope pedals like some cool pole companies in skiing. Maybe I'm wrong but if someone knows what I mean and has an answer for me, lmk haha

I don't think there is much for 'pedal-specific' companies, but there is a ton of great stuff out there. Depending on what you want, they can go from relatively affordable to pricey AF.

I picked up some OneUp composite flats for about $60cad. The aluminum version is about $160cad. Both have awesome reviews.

Other companies to look at are DMR, Deity, HT, Race Face, Spank, Chromag, Nukeproof and about thousand other options.

 

[mmccarthy81]

I don't think there is much for 'pedal-specific' companies, but there is a ton of great stuff out there. Depending on what you want, they can go from relatively affordable to pricey AF.

I picked up some OneUp composite flats for about $60cad. The aluminum version is about $160cad. Both have awesome reviews.

Other companies to look at are DMR, Deity, HT, Race Face, Spank, Chromag, Nukeproof and about thousand other options.

Yup sweet, thank you

 

[zues]

It's a medium... I'm 190 Lbs and 5'10 and its good for me, I could see someone smaller riding it though.

27.5 wheels

What size?

 

[mmccarthy81]

On a Commencal Supreme V4.2, I’m assuming I should go for a large. I’m 5’ 11” ~150lbs, does anyone think that a medium would be better before I order this thing soon?

 

[zues]

I'm also inquiring about this.... I weight 190 and I'm 5'10 and ride a medium frame for DH - Enduro is different. I have two friends who have the Transition Patrol in Medium and they are both my size. Obviously different bikes fit differently.

I'd say ride both to see which you like

On a Commencal Supreme V4.2, I’m assuming I should go for a large. I’m 5’ 11” ~150lbs, does anyone think that a medium would be better before I order this thing soon?

 

[mmccarthy81]

I'm also inquiring about this.... I weight 190 and I'm 5'10 and ride a medium frame for DH - Enduro is different. I have two friends who have the Transition Patrol in Medium and they are both my size. Obviously different bikes fit differently.

I'd say ride both to see which you like

I won’t ever have the opportunity to demo this bike. I’m just buying it based off of research and will trade or sell it if I end up wanting a different bike or don’t like it for any reason.

Edit: I’ve ridden a large glory and it felt fine but wanted to see if I could get an opinion anyway

**This post was edited on Feb 23rd 2018 at 10:39:54am

 

[cozzey]

I'm also inquiring about this.... I weight 190 and I'm 5'10 and ride a medium frame for DH - Enduro is different. I have two friends who have the Transition Patrol in Medium and they are both my size. Obviously different bikes fit differently.

I'd say ride both to see which you like

I won’t ever have the opportunity to demo this bike. I’m just buying it based off of research and will trade or sell it if I end up wanting a different bike or don’t like it for any reason.

Edit: I’ve ridden a large glory and it felt fine but wanted to see if I could get an opinion anyway

**This post was edited on Feb 23rd 2018 at 10:39:54am

I am 6’1 and just got a large Marin Attack Trail Pro. I think that bike does run a bit small but I couldn’t find as good of a deal in XL so I’m just hopping it fits or I can flip it and br so even.

 

[zues]

Larges usually fit most people you should be good i'd think. But again it all depends on the make of the bike.

Commencal has great deals i'm getting closer to pulling the trigger

I am 6’1 and just got a large Marin Attack Trail Pro. I think that bike does run a bit small but I couldn’t find as good of a deal in XL so I’m just hopping it fits or I can flip it and br so even.

 

[cydwhit]

Damn dude. I wish I could I could justify a dedicated bikepacking rig. to have a bike between the fat bike, gravel bike and the trail bike is just too hard.

Yeah, I feel ya. IDK, I am really skeptical of ever getting on the fat bike game, I really don't think I need one. But between the Stache 5 (29+ bikepacking rig) Hightower LT (trailbike / bikepark bike) and probably a Kona Sutra I'll have my basses pretty well covered... And then maybe a DJ or a BMX since now I live a block from the skatepark and have a few good dirt jump lines right by the house. N+1.....

Also hyped because the Targhee shuttle picks up a block from my house which means in theory I can come home from work, hitch a shuttle up, and ride Mill Creek back home with like an hour round trip all summer....

 

[zues]

Damn dude. I wish I could I could justify a dedicated bikepacking rig. to have a bike between the fat bike, gravel bike and the trail bike is just too hard.

I got a buddy who has 4 bikes all 3 years old or less. People who ride are serious about riding. Transition DH, Transition Patrol Enduro, Fat bike - Canyon Dude (which is fucking awesome), Dirt BMX bike. It basically turns into your ski quiver, just much much more expensive.

 

[zues]

I initially hated fat bikes, but they're fucking awesome. Great winter bikes or slop bikes. You can find relatively cheap ones because of the lack of Rear Susp. If you're itching to ride during the winter / early spring its perfect.

 

[.nasty]

new whip, rides amazing. Anyone have any good flat pedals they recommend?

after riding DMR vaults, Crampons, Xpedo, etc. my favorite by far is the Deity Tmac. Sure it's not the thinnest pedal but the amount of concave it has coupled with the best pin/platform pattern (IMO) has proven to be the grippiest pedal on the market for me

 

[*TURBONERD*]

In reference to all the sizing stuff, I'm 5'11, 140 and ride L mtbs (56-57 road).

Also just tested a BMC TeamElite 01 today. Absolute fire xc bike, and the first time on a soft-tail was noticeable. Gonna have to widen that 720 mm cockpit if I buy it, though...

 

[TrickyDick470]

Could use some thoughts on a predicament I am having...

I'm getting sent out of town for 6-8 weeks to a place where I won't be able to ski. I was there before, and I was able to rent a mountain bike (a Trek Fuel EX 8, 2017) for about $60 per day (which isn't bad considering my per diem is $40 per day and I used hardly any of that since I load up on supplies in Tucson before hand).

I'm debating on flying down with my own bike (2015 Stumpy) and my gear to make my time down there better. I can of course ride weekends, and I think it may be possible to ride during the week after daylight savings time begins. Otherwise there isn't shit to do other than hike or run which I find boring.

So do you guys think I should just bring my helmet, CamelBak, and tools and rent a bike.... Or should I fly my own bike down? 6 weeks is a long time, but it is more to worry about transporting my own bike (Ubers to/from the airport, etc).

Any input is appreciated!

 

[Tinga]

Could use some thoughts on a predicament I am having...

I'm getting sent out of town for 6-8 weeks to a place where I won't be able to ski. I was there before, and I was able to rent a mountain bike (a Trek Fuel EX 8, 2017) for about $60 per day (which isn't bad considering my per diem is $40 per day and I used hardly any of that since I load up on supplies in Tucson before hand).

I think most airlines It's like $150 to check a bike. I'm not sure whether that is one way or round trip. So factor that it and it depends on how often you will ride. Renting bikes can be a good way to check out different bikes if you are potentially looking at getting a new bike or would just like to try a different platform than you are interested in.

If I was looking into getting a new bike in a year or so I would rent different bikes to figure out what I enjoy riding. If I was perfectly happy with my current set up and wasn't concerned with other bikes I would just bring my own.

 

[TrickyDick470]

I think most airlines It's like $150 to check a bike. I'm not sure whether that is one way or round trip. So factor that it and it depends on how often you will ride. Renting bikes can be a good way to check out different bikes if you are potentially looking at getting a new bike or would just like to try a different platform than you are interested in.

If I was looking into getting a new bike in a year or so I would rent different bikes to figure out what I enjoy riding. If I was perfectly happy with my current set up and wasn't concerned with other bikes I would just bring my own.

Though that is a great point, it is a super small town and a super small shop so the bike I mentioned is the only one I could ride. While I was decently happy riding it the last time I went, I was thinking if it might just be worthwhile riding my own and starting my bike season early nice and warmed up (normally I don't start riding until April).

But also with that said, there is that $150 fee (I'm flying with United since it was last minute, hopefully Southwest on the way back since I think it is only $50 unless it exceeds certain criteria).

If I bring my own bike I might be more inclined to ride more often during the week since I don't have to arrange for picking up a rental bike from the shop, whereas with a rental I have to commit ahead of time since it is a small town where everything opens later and closes sooner compared to Denver. But if I bring my bike down I am tempted to drop $400 on a dedicated bike bag on top of airline costs.... but I won't have to pay that rental fee ($60+) every time I ride.

After typing this all out I'm leaning towards shipping my bike. Feels good to be on one's one steed.

 

[Blake.P]

I’m searching for my first bike right now... climate change has switched me to investing in bikes instead of skis.

On that note I’ve been searching around Pinkbike and craigslist for awhile and have come up with a few ideas. My top right now is a Giant Trance Advanced 1 due to a few people selling them. They seem like a very high quality enduro bike, less bulky than the reign, as I am looking to do a lot of pedaling. Next I’m thinking about an Intense Tracer or Carbine, again pretty similar but personally I enjoy the lower center of gravity from the Giant Trance. Top it off with the Santa Cruz Nomad or 5010 given it’s a good price.

Anyone have any ideas/suggestions? Any links to good deals would be greatly appreciated! I’m also not trying to demo a bike due to the pricing adding up but local sales around Colorado could allow me to try em out. Specs I’m searching for are about 140-150mm travel in the rear, 27.5, size large, 1x11 drivetrain. Other than that I am open to suggestions!!

thanks

Buy mine! 2017 Santa Cruz Bronson, fits what you are looking for perfectly and I'm in Colorado too!
https://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/2334083/

 

[ThaLorax]

Could use some thoughts on a predicament I am having...

I'm getting sent out of town for 6-8 weeks to a place where I won't be able to ski. I was there before, and I was able to rent a mountain bike (a Trek Fuel EX 8, 2017) for about $60 per day (which isn't bad considering my per diem is $40 per day and I used hardly any of that since I load up on supplies in Tucson before hand).

I'm debating on flying down with my own bike (2015 Stumpy) and my gear to make my time down there better. I can of course ride weekends, and I think it may be possible to ride during the week after daylight savings time begins. Otherwise there isn't shit to do other than hike or run which I find boring.

So do you guys think I should just bring my helmet, CamelBak, and tools and rent a bike.... Or should I fly my own bike down? 6 weeks is a long time, but it is more to worry about transporting my own bike (Ubers to/from the airport, etc).

Any input is appreciated!

Invest in an EVOC bike bag. You can throw your bike and most of your gear in with it and it will be much easier to transport and is safer than a bike box. I've used mine a handful of times and the protection of it alone has saved me. Airlines are not very friendly to bike boxes.

 

[TrickyDick470]

Invest in an EVOC bike bag. You can throw your bike and most of your gear in with it and it will be much easier to transport and is safer than a bike box. I've used mine a handful of times and the protection of it alone has saved me. Airlines are not very friendly to bike boxes.

In the future I think I will, but for this trip I ended up just taking my gear only and renting. I am out here for 6 weeks and I have a lot of work equipment and stuff so it would be a pain to lug the bike too. If it was a shorter personal trip I would have got the bag.



Still super fun, gotta get used to this rental bike though.

 

[jca]

Just picked up this bad boy for a killer deal. '17 Trance Advanced 1.

 

[saskskier]

 

[cadebucket]

Just ordered a YT capra 29, can't wait for it to come!!

 

[mtbakerpow]

Also just ordered a new Capra, 27 AL,still thinking I should change the order to the CF frame but isk it’s kts worth $1200 more than this:/

**This post was edited on Mar 26th 2018 at 6:22:21pm

 

[GarFrom09]

https://www.commencalusa.com/Mobile/meta-ht-am-origin-650b-red-2018-c2x23712345 Saving up for this hoping to get it by mid summer And then just send everything.

 

[Aomame]

Good set of knee/shin pads for like trail riding? Is that called XC? It's skinny trails through woods and forests. I know people say they don't use them for this because there's lots of pedaling but I ride in places with rocks and tree stumps in the ground and I don't want to explode a kneecap or shin on one, or have my pedals become one with my shin.

And also gloves with some protection?

 

[commencaldh]

Good set of knee/shin pads for like trail riding? Is that called XC? It's skinny trails through woods and forests. I know people say they don't use them for this because there's lots of pedaling but I ride in places with rocks and tree stumps in the ground and I don't want to explode a kneecap or shin on one, or have my pedals become one with my shin.

And also gloves with some protection?

the fox dirtpaw gloves are good

 

[.nasty]

5th bike in 4 years. It’s a good problem to have. Ditching the hideous orange grips that came on it though.

 

[coloradoBruh]

Good set of knee/shin pads for like trail riding? Is that called XC? It's skinny trails through woods and forests. I know people say they don't use them for this because there's lots of pedaling but I ride in places with rocks and tree stumps in the ground and I don't want to explode a kneecap or shin on one, or have my pedals become one with my shin.

And also gloves with some protection?

The Dakine Slayers are pretty good pads. I've been running them for 5 months with frequent crashes and they're still good

 

[cydwhit]

So ready for bike season. Didn't get any new bikes for the last two years and then bought three new bikes, and sold all three of my old bikes, so I've got pretty much my dream quiver right now!

-Santa Cruz Hightower LT in the GX build for trail / bike park duties

-Trek Stache 5.5 29+ for bikepacking / general hardtail tomfoolery

-Kona Sutra LTD for gravel, gravelpacking / commuting

I also bought a sewing machine, so all the bikes have frame bags. They might look a little silly, but I LOVE having nothing on my back, and keeping the center of gravity lower. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to be able to fit everything I need for full all-day missions in the Hightower, but I'm going to be dang close. Right now, between two frame bags, and the One-up EDC pump I can fit all my tools, spare tube, spare parts, One tallboy, one regular beer, one water bottle, snacks, and a rain coat.

Anyone else on the frame bag game? Making them myself has really changed the game, gonna start playing with some accessory bags once I get a free minute....

 

[Sklar]

So ready for bike season. Didn't get any new bikes for the last two years and then bought three new bikes, and sold all three of my old bikes, so I've got pretty much my dream quiver right now!

-Santa Cruz Hightower LT in the GX build for trail / bike park duties

-Trek Stache 5.5 29+ for bikepacking / general hardtail tomfoolery

-Kona Sutra LTD for gravel, gravelpacking / commuting

I also bought a sewing machine, so all the bikes have frame bags. They might look a little silly, but I LOVE having nothing on my back, and keeping the center of gravity lower. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to be able to fit everything I need for full all-day missions in the Hightower, but I'm going to be dang close. Right now, between two frame bags, and the One-up EDC pump I can fit all my tools, spare tube, spare parts, One tallboy, one regular beer, one water bottle, snacks, and a rain coat.

Anyone else on the frame bag game? Making them myself has really changed the game, gonna start playing with some accessory bags once I get a free minute....

Needs more beer storage.

 

[cozzey]

So ready for bike season. Didn't get any new bikes for the last two years and then bought three new bikes, and sold all three of my old bikes, so I've got pretty much my dream quiver right now!

-Santa Cruz Hightower LT in the GX build for trail / bike park duties

-Trek Stache 5.5 29+ for bikepacking / general hardtail tomfoolery

-Kona Sutra LTD for gravel, gravelpacking / commuting

I also bought a sewing machine, so all the bikes have frame bags. They might look a little silly, but I LOVE having nothing on my back, and keeping the center of gravity lower. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to be able to fit everything I need for full all-day missions in the Hightower, but I'm going to be dang close. Right now, between two frame bags, and the One-up EDC pump I can fit all my tools, spare tube, spare parts, One tallboy, one regular beer, one water bottle, snacks, and a rain coat.

Anyone else on the frame bag game? Making them myself has really changed the game, gonna start playing with some accessory bags once I get a free minute....

Would be interested in seeing these and possibly buying one... my Marin Attack Trail could definitely use some storage.

 

[cct_222]

Any Seattle rippers in here??

Taking a trip there for the first time next month and wanna escape my family for a day and ride me some PNW. Need some recommendations!

Trail wise, I don't need to ride any crazy DH or bike parks. But I was hoping to find a fun trail system with a good mix of everything that's close to downtown Seattle.

Also, any recommendations on a reliable shop that I can demo a do-everything trail bike ?

 

[Sklar]

Any Seattle rippers in here??

Taking a trip there for the first time next month and wanna escape my family for a day and ride me some PNW. Need some recommendations!

Trail wise, I don't need to ride any crazy DH or bike parks. But I was hoping to find a fun trail system with a good mix of everything that's close to downtown Seattle.

Also, any recommendations on a reliable shop that I can demo a do-everything trail bike ?

I live here, the mountain biking in Seattle is pretty awesome, with lots of new trail opening every year.

Next month being May? Mostly everything should be melted out I would imagine, most probably still have snow at the top right now.

Tiger Mountain is the classic, nice climbing trail, fun descending, option for a gnarlier descent on Predator.

Raging River is a big, pretty full-day ride, but awesome.

Olallie is super buff and smooth, but really fun nonetheless, very pretty.

I work at evo, our Seattle store should have demos ready to go by then, lat year we had Transition, Santa Cruz, Yeti, and Giant demos. Seattle bike demos (this years info will be up in the next week or two)

 

[cydwhit]

Would be interested in seeing these and possibly buying one... my Marin Attack Trail could definitely use some storage.

Oooh. Dang, yeah, you could fit a big bag in the Marin. Shoot me a PM if you're serious. I'm not making super fancy Porcelain Rocket style bags, but my last one held up to some serious abuse, and I'd be happy to sew something up for you.

 

[TrickyDick470]

Good set of knee/shin pads for like trail riding? Is that called XC? It's skinny trails through woods and forests. I know people say they don't use them for this because there's lots of pedaling but I ride in places with rocks and tree stumps in the ground and I don't want to explode a kneecap or shin on one, or have my pedals become one with my shin.

And also gloves with some protection?

A bit late but I use Fox Launch Enduro knee pads. They are quite comfortable even on long pedaling days, I would recommend them. I no longer ride without knee pads.

 

[saskskier]

Ended up buying an old, 24" dirt jumper yesterday. Needs a little work (a new BB, eventually some pedals and new high rise bars and then cleaning up a couple rusty spots), but for $200, why not. We have a skatepark where I work so will mostly end up using it to help teach kids, so I'm stoked.

 

[commencaldh]

I live here, the mountain biking in Seattle is pretty awesome, with lots of new trail opening every year.

Next month being May? Mostly everything should be melted out I would imagine, most probably still have snow at the top right now.

Tiger Mountain is the classic, nice climbing trail, fun descending, option for a gnarlier descent on Predator.

Raging River is a big, pretty full-day ride, but awesome.

Olallie is super buff and smooth, but really fun nonetheless, very pretty.

I work at evo, our Seattle store should have demos ready to go by then, lat year we had Transition, Santa Cruz, Yeti, and Giant demos. Seattle bike demos (this years info will be up in the next week or two)

also check out Duthie Hill and Exit 27

 

[nxtyrsfulltilts]

Ended up buying an old, 24" dirt jumper yesterday. Needs a little work (a new BB, eventually some pedals and new high rise bars and then cleaning up a couple rusty spots), but for $200, why not. We have a skatepark where I work so will mostly end up using it to help teach kids, so I'm stoked.

Nice find, but the tension on the chain looks super whack.

 

[saskskier]

Nice find, but the tension on the chain looks super whack.

It doesn’t have a bottom bracket...

 

[nxtyrsfulltilts]

It doesn’t have a bottom bracket...

I think this bike might need more than a little work...

 

[saskskier]

I think this bike might need more than a little work...

Why? It has everything except a BB. It's a threaded BB, so probably the easiest part to change on the whole bike. Bars and pedals are just personal preference. I'll probably get rid of the brake too, because brakeless is simple and fun.

I've always done my own wrenching, and of all my bikes (mtb, road and now this) this is hands down the simplest to work on.

 

[cozzey]

I know theres some Evo people on here and I was wondering if you guys usually sell your demo bikes? My mom is looking to get a Juliana Joplin and I've seen a few of them at Evo so just checking to see if they have them at a discounted price.

Gracias.

 

[Sklar]

I know theres some Evo people on here and I was wondering if you guys usually sell your demo bikes? My mom is looking to get a Juliana Joplin and I've seen a few of them at Evo so just checking to see if they have them at a discounted price.

Gracias.

All the stores sell their demos at the end of the summer

 

[TheDoughAbides]

Finally bought my first serious bike! Sooo much fun!