The Official: Mountain Biking Thread

[sactojesse]

Nice! It's nice to have more of a platform than what the Eggbeaters offer.

 

I was up at Northstar on Sunday, taking advantage of the excellent trail conditions before they close up for the season in a week. The bike is an ancient, by DH standards, 2001 Schwinn Straight 8.

 

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs382.ash2/66061_450583698005_671303005_5349149_4464966_n.jpg

[Irrational Exuberance]

Nice! It's nice to have more of a platform than what the Eggbeaters offer.

 

I was up at Northstar on Sunday, taking advantage of the excellent trail conditions before they close up for the season in a week. The bike is an ancient, by DH standards, 2001 Schwinn Straight 8.

 

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs382.ash2/66061_450583698005_671303005_5349149_4464966_n.jpg

 

Nice. Some solid MTB looks fun. I haven't been riding the Inglis nearly enough... been doing hot laps of Lake Natoma and allot of running to prep for Cyclocross (race #1 was last Saturday).

 

got killed anyway >_< thats what i get for racing SS.

[RJS5689]

Uh oh, I'm bringing this thread back from the dead! It's been about four years since I rode (I didn't do any riding in college), but today I pulled my 2004 Rocky Mountain Fanatik out of the shed and went for a ride. I'm in love again, I need to keep riding every day now.

 

My Fanatik is a bit older, so I think it's time for a new bike -- and my how the technologies have changed. It looks like I'm going to have to do quite a bit of shopping, but I'm eying a Specialized Camber, Pitch (possibly a Stumpjumper FSR), a Giant Trance or Reign and possibly a Cannondale RZ120. I still need to do some research and do some test riding.

 

So who's riding and what are your rides?

[goneskiian]

I can't believe I haven't found this thread sooner!

 

I've been riding on the dirt more and more the last couple years. Last year I did my first 100 mile race. Actually I did 2! The High Cascade 100 in Bend and the Capitol Forest 100 in Olympia Washington. I also did my first full season of 'cross here in the Seattle area and won the 35+ Cat 1/2 overall in one of the two series we have running here.

 

When I was first getting back into mtbing 6 years ago I decided to give the big wheels a try so I picked up a Salsa Dos Niner. Last year I decided I wanted something with full squish so I went with a Specialized Epic Marathon 29. I had so much fun on it that I knew I wanted to do more riding so I went whole hog and got the S-Works Epic 29.

 

No, I don't have all of these in the garage, just the S-Works.

 

Pics are of the Salsa and the 2 Specialized rides. Then me racing the HC100, cyclocross last fall and a mtb race this spring.

 

Cheers!

[BMA44]

i never saw this thread either. i have a 2005 Gary Fisher tassajara. did a ton of riding last fall but not much this year.

[RJS5689]

I can't believe I haven't found this thread sooner!

 

I've been riding on the dirt more and more the last couple years. Last year I did my first 100 mile race. Actually I did 2! The High Cascade 100 in Bend and the Capitol Forest 100 in Olympia Washington. I also did my first full season of 'cross here in the Seattle area and won the 35+ Cat 1/2 overall in one of the two series we have running here.

 

When I was first getting back into mtbing 6 years ago I decided to give the big wheels a try so I picked up a Salsa Dos Niner. Last year I decided I wanted something with full squish so I went with a Specialized Epic Marathon 29. I had so much fun on it that I knew I wanted to do more riding so I went whole hog and got the S-Works Epic 29.

 

No, I don't have all of these in the garage, just the S-Works.

 

Pics are of the Salsa and the 2 Specialized rides. Then me racing the HC100, cyclocross last fall and a mtb race this spring.

 

Cheers!

The S-Works Epic is, well, quite an epic bike! I'd ask you how you like it, but I'm sure you'd say you absolutely love it (am I correct?)

How do you like riding a 29er compared to the standard 26er? People keep recommending I try out a 29er; I think I'm going to have to see what they're all about.

[goneskiian]

The S-Works Epic is, well, quite an epic bike! I'd ask you how you like it, but I'm sure you'd say you absolutely love it (am I correct?)

How do you like riding a 29er compared to the standard 26er? People keep recommending I try out a 29er; I think I'm going to have to see what they're all about.

Yes it is. Yes I do.

 

Like I said, I haven't been on a 26" wheeled bike in at least 7 years or so. I understand the physics of how they would be quicker to flick side to side and to accelerate but I love how the big wheels roll over stuff and carry momentum.

 

All I can say is try it you might like it. Obviously give it time too though. You can't expect to feel dialed unless you ride the big wheels for long enough to get used to them. So give it some time and get out on your favorite trials. Then switch back and forth once you know how they react differently to riding inputs.

[goneskiian]

I have to thank mattg for the Central Oregon fix. I lived and rode there in the early 90's and absolutely fell in love with the riding and the town. I need to get back more often. My HC100 trip last year was a blast if not a bit exhausting.

 

Cheers!

 

North Fork trail. This is Tumalo Falls. The largest and most famous falls of the 7 on this section of trail.

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/websize/6.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/websize/5_1.jpg

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/websize/4_1.jpg

 

before the descent

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/websize/2_2.jpg

 

Log feature on one of the newest and best sections of trail we have. This is off of Funner trail, which features tons of jumps, berms, rock drops etc...

 

This log is ~ 100' long then it drops off to a nice sloping transition. Around a 6-8' drop depending on how fast you hit it. The drop is a piece of cake if you can ride the log the whole way.

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/websize/Photo_103009_002_1.jpg

 

Rock drop on Funner

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/websize/Photo_110209_003.jpg

 

Multi route log ride on Funner

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/websize/Photo_110209_004.jpg

[Bbc84]

I just got a 29er mountain bike. What psi should the tires be? Place where I bought it did 15psi/20psi. I bumped it up to 55psi and it rides much easier, but lot less grip on loose gravel/dirt

[goneskiian]

55!?! That's fine for on the road where it's nice and smooth.

 

I run between 25 and 30 psi front and 30-35 psi rear. I weigh about 215 all kitted up for a ride.

 

I like my tire pressure just high enough so I don't get my tires folding over in hard corners.

 

Higher pressure will actually be slower on rough surfaces because the wheel will literally have to roll OVER obstacles instead of having the tire absorb and allow the wheel to maintain momentum.

 

That's about as clear as mud!

[RJS5689]

55!?! That's fine for on the road where it's nice and smooth.

 

I run between 25 and 30 psi front and 30-35 psi rear. I weigh about 215 all kitted up for a ride.

 

I like my tire pressure just high enough so I don't get my tires folding over in hard corners.

 

Higher pressure will actually be slower on rough surfaces because the wheel will literally have to roll OVER obstacles instead of having the tire absorb and allow the wheel to maintain momentum.

 

That's about as clear as mud!

I should probably drop my pressure a bit. I'm running about 45psi in 2.2" tires. I weigh about 150 during my rides.

[Qckslvr]

I ride this exact frame, including color lol. Love it. Mines built with a hammerschmidt and fox float 36

 

Lookie what I got. Built her last night, maiden voyage this afternoon.

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/large/IMG_5421.JPG

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/large/IMG_5423.JPG

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/large/IMG_5424.JPG

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/large/IMG_5429.JPG

[goneskiian]

I should probably drop my pressure a bit. I'm running about 45psi in 2.2" tires. I weigh about 150 during my rides.

Yeah, you can get away with a bit less than that.

[mattg]

I ride this exact frame, including color lol. Love it. Mines built with a hammerschmidt and fox float 36

I love it too. It doesn't climb as good as my buddies 5" bikes, but it shreds the rocks, jumps and drops. Is your float travel adjustable? I'm running the xfusion HLR which is adjustable, but it has to be taken apart to adjust travel.

 

In action on a local trail the other day.

 

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/avatars/websize/jump.jpg

[BDII]

just dusted off my stump jumper after almost 3 years of storage

 

I need to get back into riding.

[Qckslvr]

I love it too. It doesn't climb as good as my buddies 5" bikes, but it shreds the rocks, jumps and drops. Is your float travel adjustable?...

 

No, I have rebound damping adjustment,low and high speed compression damping, and air pressure only. My one beef is that the fork is too damn tall to climb well!

[mattg]

So my fork is pretty much the same as yours as far as specs go. Yeah, this bike wants to wheelie when the climb gets steep.

[stocklgt]

Suprised I haven't found this sooner. Just got into some light XC stuff this year on my Fisher Mamba. I've been using my buddies Kona Dawg-matic as well when he's not riding. Anyone in the Tri-State area interested in some DH? Mountain Creek just reopened the Diabo Freeride and DH park and it looks like you can rent out a Gt Fury and get a half day lift pass for ~$90 with gear...

http://bikepark.mountaincreek.com/

PM me if anyone is interested!

[c-lo]

while not MTBing.......I thought I'd share my new purchase, sorry...can't post pics at work.

 

http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/cyclocross/zurigo

[bert90987]

I used to have a Specialized Hardrock but sold it and recently got a Giant Trance X4 2012 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/trance.x4/9034/48902/

 

I am planning a trip to Kingdom Trails in Vermont. Does anybody know of good or bad trails there?

 

Thanks

[05GT Guru]

Didn't even know there was a mountain bike thread in here. I am a total noob at trail riding. I have done a few labeled novice and intermediate but who knows how tough they really are unless you know trails well. I decided to get into mountain biking about 4 months ago because I wanted a fun was to get a good cardio workout. My bike is nothing special just a 29er with front suspension that rides straight, alum frame. I have been having a blast even on these somewhat easier trails. Any tips or hints are always welcome by me.

[BDII]

Wait to upgrade your bike until you know it's something you will really get into. Even then, buy used.

 

For single track you'll want a full suspension bike, hydraulic brakes and clips ins. Invest in good gear. Good shoes, a camel back, a strong helmet and emergency gear like spare tubes, spoke tuner, spare chain links and a multi tool.

 

Nothing sucks more than being 4 miles in the woods and having your bike go down because you're ill prepared.

[HDTurbo]

I'll add: a small hand-pump, plastic tire-"levers", insect repellent, zip ties, carry some snacks/bars, camera (never know what you'll see!), and your mobile device. Might want some first aid like bandages, though most of my injuries have been more internal....torn ACL; separated shoulder; dislocated distal phalanx; broken scapula, ribs and clavicle done in one crash...i gots no skills...

[BDII]

Plastic tire levers will be your best friend when you pop a tube

 

All great additions!

[HDTurbo]

and the popped tube makes a great sling:lol: