Official mountain biking thread

14515926:snowmosexual said:
I’m about 70% trail riding and 30% bike park. I think it’d be worth it to get something that climbs better

I think specialized might be running sales on the stumpy evo too, that seems directly up your alley but I’m not sure about the prices
 
14515846:snowmosexual said:
I'm looking to upgrade to an enduro finally. Been riding hardtails aggressively for years and this season I'm finally biting the bullet to spend 2500-3000 on a bike. My friend suggested the ibis ripmo AF, the canyon spectral 29 AL 5, or the specialized status 160.

I've been riding mtb for 8 years now but still have no clue what I'm looking at when shopping. I'm leaning towards the ripmo based on reviews

i have the af, love it. climbs surprisingly well and goes down down great. however i find the rear end gets overwhelmed, however all the trails here are very rough and chunky. i am going to upgrade to the cascade link this szn which makes it quite a bit more progressive which i need. also worth noting im on air. other than that and the crap cable routing its a great bike. i would also be interested in the status for the mullet
 
I'd like to upgrade to a Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 130f/120r, but cannot find a Small in my province. Rocky puts a 5'5" person firmly on a Small, and I haven't got a chance to try a Medium to be sure. Bummed I missed the 2022 closeout prices on them as well.

However, a Hei Hei CR has been sitting at 20% off since January... but been reading that the Hei Hei has one of the slackest seatpost angles across downcountry bikes, and some have claimed this makes them an awkward seated climber, especially since the chainstay length does not scale across all framesizes. Anyone gone from a slacker seat tube bike to a steeper one and noticed a difference? Climbing performance is still important to me. I have the 2019 Hei Hei currently in Aluminum, but the 100 rear travel is getting limiting.
 
14516158:Dani-B said:
I'd like to upgrade to a Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 130f/120r, but cannot find a Small in my province. Rocky puts a 5'5" person firmly on a Small, and I haven't got a chance to try a Medium to be sure. Bummed I missed the 2022 closeout prices on them as well.

However, a Hei Hei CR has been sitting at 20% off since January... but been reading that the Hei Hei has one of the slackest seatpost angles across downcountry bikes, and some have claimed this makes them an awkward seated climber, especially since the chainstay length does not scale across all framesizes. Anyone gone from a slacker seat tube bike to a steeper one and noticed a difference? Climbing performance is still important to me. I have the 2019 Hei Hei currently in Aluminum, but the 100 rear travel is getting limiting.

Guessing when you say province, you're in Canada? Otherwise my shop does have two smalls (one c50 build, and one c70 build) in stock. Elements were hard to get last year so don't be too bummed you missed their sale, as barely any actually made it to the sale.

Seat tube angle isn't everything but I know I sure as heck enjoy a steeper one, it just really makes you feel like you're pedaling on top of the bike versus behind it. The 74-75 degree angle on the hei hei is defintiely slacker than I would want, once I got on a bike that had 76 degree+, the difference was very noticeable and welcomed. Also that bike has quite a bit steeper head angle as well, which isn't a bad thing depending on your preference but it definitely has that bike sitting more in the regular XC bike realm rather than downcountry.
 
14516208:.nasty said:
Guessing when you say province, you're in Canada? Otherwise my shop does have two smalls (one c50 build, and one c70 build) in stock. Elements were hard to get last year so don't be too bummed you missed their sale, as barely any actually made it to the sale.

Seat tube angle isn't everything but I know I sure as heck enjoy a steeper one, it just really makes you feel like you're pedaling on top of the bike versus behind it. The 74-75 degree angle on the hei hei is defintiely slacker than I would want, once I got on a bike that had 76 degree+, the difference was very noticeable and welcomed. Also that bike has quite a bit steeper head angle as well, which isn't a bad thing depending on your preference but it definitely has that bike sitting more in the regular XC bike realm rather than downcountry.

Yeah, Ontario. Good to know I was not dreaming that these bikes (C50, C70) were hard to get! I am seeing some smalls start to pop up in Quebec on the dealer's site, but that's quite a hike for me, a full days driving. So for now I'll wait.

Feeling 'on top of the bike' is exactly what I'm looking for in my next bike! Especially because I'm not long in the torso or arms, all legs. When you say, "also that bike has quite a steeper head angle", were you referring to the Hei Hei or the Element? I'm thinking the Hei Hei based on 99spokes, but want to be sure.

The 22/23 Element was so well reviewed, I think it'll be worth the wait for more stock to come in. A friend acquired the Trek Top Fuel 9.7, but that bike doesn't spark my interest like the Element does!
 
14516479:Dani-B said:
Yeah, Ontario. Good to know I was not dreaming that these bikes (C50, C70) were hard to get! I am seeing some smalls start to pop up in Quebec on the dealer's site, but that's quite a hike for me, a full days driving. So for now I'll wait.

Feeling 'on top of the bike' is exactly what I'm looking for in my next bike! Especially because I'm not long in the torso or arms, all legs. When you say, "also that bike has quite a steeper head angle", were you referring to the Hei Hei or the Element? I'm thinking the Hei Hei based on 99spokes, but want to be sure.

The 22/23 Element was so well reviewed, I think it'll be worth the wait for more stock to come in. A friend acquired the Trek Top Fuel 9.7, but that bike doesn't spark my interest like the Element does!

Yeah was talking about the hei hei, it's HTA comes in at like 67.5 where as the Element is 65-66 degrees (depending on where you set the adjustable geo). I have my Element set at the neutral setting for HTA which is around 65.5 I believe and love it
 
14516008:dognuts said:
i have the af, love it. climbs surprisingly well and goes down down great. however i find the rear end gets overwhelmed, however all the trails here are very rough and chunky. i am going to upgrade to the cascade link this szn which makes it quite a bit more progressive which i need. also worth noting im on air. other than that and the crap cable routing its a great bike. i would also be interested in the status for the mullet

I'm 90% sold on the ripmo. Do you ride coil or air shock? I'm having trouble deciding which one
 
14517681:snowmosexual said:
I'm 90% sold on the ripmo. Do you ride coil or air shock? I'm having trouble deciding which one

air, the topaz, its nice for setting the bike up for different things and tuning, but sorta wish i had gone with the coil at times. although everyone i have talked to on coil has had to get a progressive spring which is a bit of a pain.
 
14517762:dognuts said:
air, the topaz, its nice for setting the bike up for different things and tuning, but sorta wish i had gone with the coil at times. although everyone i have talked to on coil has had to get a progressive spring which is a bit of a pain.

The progressive shock is what’s making want to go air. The work with dialing in air makes me want to go coil. Why do you want the coil sometimes?
 
14517775:snowmosexual said:
The progressive shock is what’s making want to go air. The work with dialing in air makes me want to go coil. Why do you want the coil sometimes?

in rough and fast terrain i feel like the coil is better suited, where the air starts to get outgunned. i also was/am bottoming out the air quite a bit but from what i have heard those issues should be fixed by the cascade link. i do love how poppy i can set the bike up with the air. in the end just depends if you want a more jibby or planted bike. also there is a great thread on pinkbike on the af and one on mtbr as well.
 
Ibis is really solid.

Stay the fuck away from Canyon bikes.

I have mixed feelings about The Big S. Status models are interesting though.

Another one to look at, the Commencal Meta TR starts at $2500, really great bike, and I can personally vouch for their awesome customer support on multiple occasions.

14515846:snowmosexual said:
I'm looking to upgrade to an enduro finally. Been riding hardtails aggressively for years and this season I'm finally biting the bullet to spend 2500-3000 on a bike. My friend suggested the ibis ripmo AF, the canyon spectral 29 AL 5, or the specialized status 160.

I've been riding mtb for 8 years now but still have no clue what I'm looking at when shopping. I'm leaning towards the ripmo based on reviews

I definitely notice, but I'm 6'6. The shorter you are, the less difference it will make. With an insanely long 240mm dropper, the seat moves WAY behind the pedals. For shorter posts, it makes less of a difference.

14516158:Dani-B said:
I'd like to upgrade to a Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 130f/120r, but cannot find a Small in my province. Rocky puts a 5'5" person firmly on a Small, and I haven't got a chance to try a Medium to be sure. Bummed I missed the 2022 closeout prices on them as well.

However, a Hei Hei CR has been sitting at 20% off since January... but been reading that the Hei Hei has one of the slackest seatpost angles across downcountry bikes, and some have claimed this makes them an awkward seated climber, especially since the chainstay length does not scale across all framesizes. Anyone gone from a slacker seat tube bike to a steeper one and noticed a difference? Climbing performance is still important to me. I have the 2019 Hei Hei currently in Aluminum, but the 100 rear travel is getting limiting.
 
14517775:snowmosexual said:
The progressive shock is what’s making want to go air. The work with dialing in air makes me want to go coil. Why do you want the coil sometimes?

I ride a Clash with both coil and air, here's my 2C:

Air: poppy, playful, flickable, lighter, easily tuned

Great for climbing, trail riding, jumping, popping, jibbing, XC.

Harsher off-the-top, so less grip and more trail feedback

Coil: plush, planted, ground-hugging, grip monster, heavy,

Great for heavy, rapid impacts and holding grip in all conditions, very smooth off-the-top

Deadened feeling compared to air, so not as fun to jib/jump, also heavier

Best of both worlds IMO, grab a Marzocchi coil shock to bash on for bike park days and keep the air shock that comes stock nice for your trail rides and big climbing days.

Honestly, as long as it's not a Float X2, any shock will do the job. X2's are ticking time bombs.

**This post was edited on Mar 9th 2023 at 10:46:57pm
 
Things in my bike search have changed quickly. A shop in town has a specialized eduro elite from 2020 for sale at 3000. I rode it today and I think I’m gonna go for if
 
14518117:snowmosexual said:
Things in my bike search have changed quickly. A shop in town has a specialized eduro elite from 2020 for sale at 3000. I rode it today and I think I’m gonna go for if

Enduro is a great bike, lots of reviewers and riders love it. More DH focused than that Ripmo or Status though.

Is that new or used? Regardless, just make sure you get a warranty with it. The Enduro sometimes cracks at particular spots in the frame, but Specialized is known for great customer service, so they'll have your back if anything happens.

Cascade Components makes a cool linkage for it too. Stock Enduro reportedly overdelivers at 176mm of rear travel, but you can swap on the CC link and a 65mm stroke shock for ~200mm rear travel, and it's dual crown rated, so it can also do full on 200/200 DH bike duty. Lots to tinker with.
 
14518125:jimbobs said:
Enduro is a great bike, lots of reviewers and riders love it. More DH focused than that Ripmo or Status though.

Is that new or used? Regardless, just make sure you get a warranty with it. The Enduro sometimes cracks at particular spots in the frame, but Specialized is known for great customer service, so they'll have your back if anything happens.

Cascade Components makes a cool linkage for it too. Stock Enduro reportedly overdelivers at 176mm of rear travel, but you can swap on the CC link and a 65mm stroke shock for ~200mm rear travel, and it's dual crown rated, so it can also do full on 200/200 DH bike duty. Lots to tinker with.

It was used by one of the older shop managers for a couple months. Still in good shape, I did my best inspecting everything. It comes with a frame warranty.

I figure it's gonna be the better bike to invest in. I rode the ripmo and was very impressed until I got on the enduro and realized I want a bike that is gonna push my limits downhill

I didn't know about those possible upgrades, that's really sick. I'm really stoked to finally get on a bike that has a higher speed limit than I'm willing to go.

**This post was edited on Mar 10th 2023 at 1:38:58am
 
14518149:snowmosexual said:
It was used by one of the older shop managers for a couple months. Still in good shape, I did my best inspecting everything. It comes with a frame warranty.

If you enjoyed riding it, then I'd say go for it. Price is good for a 2020 Enduro Elite with a warranty.

Before you fork over the cash, though, one tip. Bikeshop folk ride their bikes hard, and sometimes slack on their own bike maintenance because they do so much of it at work already. Tell them you're on board, but only if they throw in a service on it before you take it home.

Worst case they say no, or offer a discount on one instead, but I bet they'll say yes. The used bike market is flooded with good bikes currently, so just being able to sell one is a big move.

If they do agree to a full service, I'd drop off a 6-pack of some craft beer on your way out as a thank you. Great way to get on a shop's good side, and way cheaper than paying for the job.
 
Just picked up new Chromag high rise bars, the Fubar 40mm rise, and a stem! Super pumped to put them on for spring riding.

fu40-red_1fd06362-5a40-4091-9223-bd61b16156da_1800x360.jpg


chromag-hifi-bsx-5_1200x.jpg
Also grabbed this sexy little cap

chromag-top-cap-black_1200x.jpg
Everything is going on my stock Norco Fluid

p5pb20440964.jpg
 
14518832:littleman34 said:
Just picked up new Chromag high rise bars, the Fubar 40mm rise, and a stem! Super pumped to put them on for spring riding.

fu40-red_1fd06362-5a40-4091-9223-bd61b16156da_1800x360.jpg


chromag-hifi-bsx-5_1200x.jpg
Also grabbed this sexy little cap

chromag-top-cap-black_1200x.jpg
Everything is going on my stock Norco Fluid

p5pb20440964.jpg

LOL yeah bro, those items will definitely approve your riding.
 
14518841:skierman said:
LOL yeah bro, those items will definitely approve your riding.

Yeah man just having the bars a little higher and closer will be so nice. Also they will be nice to look at.

I'm moving out to Revelstoke this summer so I'm trying to upgrade by bike as much as possible for the riding out there. I just got some new Shimano rotors too to start rebuilding the brake system. Got em both for 50 off Pinkbike! Installing brake systems seems so tricky though, I'm not excited for it.

p5pb22662390.jpg
 
14518848:littleman34 said:
Yeah man just having the bars a little higher and closer will be so nice. Also they will be nice to look at.

I'm moving out to Revelstoke this summer so I'm trying to upgrade by bike as much as possible for the riding out there. I just got some new Shimano rotors too to start rebuilding the brake system. Got em both for 50 off Pinkbike! Installing brake systems seems so tricky though, I'm not excited for it.

p5pb22662390.jpg

Moves to Revelstoke just to ride flow trails. Guaranteed.
 
All flat pedal bike shoes look so shitty. I kinda want to get some Nike skateboard shoes, stiffen up the sole, and maybe add some toe protection, and just ride on those. The bases already seem decently stiff and durable.

Is this a stupid idea?
 
How would you go about stiffening and adding protection?

14519084:Vish-shoe said:
All flat pedal bike shoes look so shitty. I kinda want to get some Nike skateboard shoes, stiffen up the sole, and maybe add some toe protection, and just ride on those. The bases already seem decently stiff and durable.

Is this a stupid idea?
 
14519086:littleman34 said:
How would you go about stiffening and adding protection?

might just go with a stiffer insole for the stiffness. looking into it further, the toe probably won’t need much, It’s already pretty strong in that area.
 
Yeah right on good ideas, stiffer is always better for sure but protection just kind of kills the feeling. You wanna be able to feel every berm in the trail right.

14519131:Vish-shoe said:
might just go with a stiffer insole for the stiffness. looking into it further, the toe probably won’t need much, It’s already pretty strong in that area.
 
Right on that's wicked! I'm moving to Revelstoke this summer so definitely trying to hit some of those nice parks in the area. Lots of good trail riding I hear too.

14519212:techdeckjuul said:
Usually Sunpeaks but Id like to check out some more resorts this summer.
 
14519084:Vish-shoe said:
All flat pedal bike shoes look so shitty. I kinda want to get some Nike skateboard shoes, stiffen up the sole, and maybe add some toe protection, and just ride on those. The bases already seem decently stiff and durable.

Is this a stupid idea?

If you think flats are ugly try finding a decent looking pair of clipless shoes.

Personally I like the Vans half cab for flats as it has good support and cushioning, I also find them to be the perfect stiffness. I understand your thought processes with wanting to use nikes but I highly doubt the tread pattern of a nike sb will work well with flat pedals.

**This post was edited on Mar 13th 2023 at 3:03:50pm
 
14519216:techdeckjuul said:
If you think flats are ugly try finding a decent looking pair of clipless shoes.

Personally I like the Vans half cab for flats as it has good support and cushioning, I also find them to be the perfect stiffness. I understand your thought processes with wanting to use nikes but I highly doubt the tread pattern of a nike sb will work well with flat pedals.

**This post was edited on Mar 13th 2023 at 3:03:50pm

Those don’t look bad, might just go with those.
 
just picked this thing up and its STUPID fun. Im currently without an actual mountain bike (waiting on a stumpy evo) but between the new gravel bike and the e-bike ive been having so much fun lately

1067953.jpeg

1067954.jpeg
 
14524206:partyandBS said:
Not really MTB but what’s the go to for Dirt Jumpers? I am considering getting a DJ or a BMX or maybe both.

DJ's haven't changed in years, and they're all very similar. Starting to see bigger sizes with longer reaches occasionally for tall riders from brands like Transition, but if you're average height, you have plenty to choose from. I'd suggest finding some models with the geo you're looking for (reach specifically), then getting one used off Pinkbike or FB marketplace. Lots of riders buy one thinking they'll ride it, never do, and then sell it after it collects dust for a while. I don't buy used MTB's, but I do buy used DJs and BMX bikes.

BMX bikes are similar. Some are tweaked for dirt jumps, some for street, some for all-around. BMX's are cheaper than DJ's if that's a consideration. A DJ rides more similarly to a mountain bike than a BMX, so maybe go DJ if you want to maintain that 'trail bike' feel, but both will carry skills over and between. If you want to hit street spots and skateparks, you'd probably enjoy a BMX more. Both work great for dirt jumps and pumptracks. Both work well for getting around, as long as there's no major hills. In terms of what to look for specifically... Try to avoid a cheap spring fork if you can, an air fork rides significantly nicer, but are more expensive.

For ref, I have a Transition PBJ. My buddy never used it, so I bought it from him. Absolutely thrashed, but still runs perfect. DJ's (and BMXs) are tanks. Feels great on dirt jumps and pumptracks, without being super different to my trail bikes. Rides like I shrunk a hardtail and made the fork really stiff.

Also got a used Fit 22" wheel BMX. It's a lot more compact and I don't get to ride it as much, but it's fun at skateparks, dirt jumps, and tricks. Feels significantly different than a MTB. Really short chainstay, which is a blast to pop off lips. Just pull up hard and press your heels in hard, works absolute magic.

**This post was edited on Mar 29th 2023 at 12:03:03am
 
Trails are drying up in Ontario, and I caved on the Santa Cruz factory sale and picked up a Joplin (Tallboy). Hyped to ride! No pics until I get around to swapping the decals.

But I'm now riding a bike with DOT fluid brakes. I'm realizing that DOT fluid can't be stored indefinitely like mineral oil can. Manufacturers (SRAM) suggest buying it in small quantities to circumvent degradation when exposed to air.

Sucks for the wallet, since buying in cost-effective quantities from motorcycle stores was a good strategy for fork oils.

So my question is: has anyone actually noticed a performance decline from buying and using larger containers of DOT fluid?
 
14526187:Dani-B said:
Trails are drying up in Ontario, and I caved on the Santa Cruz factory sale and picked up a Joplin (Tallboy). Hyped to ride! No pics until I get around to swapping the decals.

But I'm now riding a bike with DOT fluid brakes. I'm realizing that DOT fluid can't be stored indefinitely like mineral oil can. Manufacturers (SRAM) suggest buying it in small quantities to circumvent degradation when exposed to air.

Sucks for the wallet, since buying in cost-effective quantities from motorcycle stores was a good strategy for fork oils.

So my question is: has anyone actually noticed a performance decline from buying and using larger containers of DOT fluid?

Dot fluid is very hydroscopic but it's like 4 bucks for more than you'll ever use.
 
14526192:ASSholebomber22 said:
Dot fluid is very hydroscopic but it's like 4 bucks for more than you'll ever use.

Yes cheap, but I am conscious about wasting it. Are you using it in larger quantities and not worried about or noticing any issues with it over time?
 
14526196:Dani-B said:
Yes cheap, but I am conscious about wasting it. Are you using it in larger quantities and not worried about or noticing any issues with it over time?

LOL you have zero clue what you're fucking doing if you think you need that much DOT fluid.
 
14526196:Dani-B said:
Yes cheap, but I am conscious about wasting it. Are you using it in larger quantities and not worried about or noticing any issues with it over time?

I’ve been dipping into the same little bottle for years and I haven’t noticed any bad effects. If something felt wrong you could just get fresh fluid, but if you’re worried about having too much on hand you could always just save bleeds for shops and not have to worry about it. Paying for something you can do sucks tho
 
14526199:skierman said:
LOL you have zero clue what you're fucking doing if you think you need that much DOT fluid.

Fuck off. I'm by no measure bleeding at shop frequency, but I bleed my gravel and mountain bikes, and my friends' bikes for beer. The 1L Shimano mineral bottle was great because I knew I'd have what I needed it on hand, and for a long time. So that's why I was asking about DOT.
 
14526196:Dani-B said:
Yes cheap, but I am conscious about wasting it. Are you using it in larger quantities and not worried about or noticing any issues with it over time?

If you're being a hippy about it buy the 4oz bottle from sram for like 15 bucks and waste less. Or buy a 12oz bottle of the cheapest dot4 you can find at walmart for 4 bucks and toss the rest out. Or try to save the bottle till next season and risk moisture in your brakes.

I'm not risking spongy brakes for 4bucks.
 
14526202:Calculator said:
I’ve been dipping into the same little bottle for years and I haven’t noticed any bad effects. If something felt wrong you could just get fresh fluid, but if you’re worried about having too much on hand you could always just save bleeds for shops and not have to worry about it. Paying for something you can do sucks tho

Thanks Calculator. You buying the 4 oz bottles?
 
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