Followup: Specialized Eskar tires
The new Specialized Eskar trail/all-mountain tire has been out for a while, and people are getting some miles on it. More than you wanted to know:
Dropping in: Coping with the coping
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the great site: it’s good therapy while waiting for the snow to melt.
In the meantime, I’ve been riding at the local skatepark and was curious if you had any tips on how to progress towards dropping into a bowl/quarterpipe. I’m in my thirties, and looking down from the coping is super intimidating.
BTW, will your new book on BMX have a section on how to ride pipes and get air?
Thanks!
PS – the two privates classes I did with you were the best thing I ever did for my riding.
jeff
Help, my wheel is crooked!
Hey Lee,
I have a slight problem with my rear end (on the bike). I have a 05 Jamis Dakar XLT with Mavic crossmax XL wheels and the problem I am having is my rear tire sits slightly to the left.
I have already replaced the entire rear triangle and swing arm and even when I put another wheel in its place it still sits crooked. It is really annoying because whenever I pit down the power the tire rubs the chainstay when I mash the right crank. I am baffled about what to do next. Can you give me a few ideas on what the trouble might be?
Thanks a lot, Chris
DH-ability: Is it the rims?
Lee –
I recently rode my friend’s brand new Santa Cruz Nomad. He’s got it set up for heavy duty free ride and can run the Northstar DH trails on it. He’s got WTB LaserDisc FR (30MM wide) with 2.3 Weirwolfs on them. I ride a Heckler with similar compnents but am using the WTB LaserDisc XC (24mm wide) with the same weirwolfs.
My question is would simply rim width explain why his bike feel so much more stable and planted going down hill over things and around turns? His bike felt like a DH bike and mine like a XC bike.
Thanks, Scot
The great BMX odyssey of 2008: Day 1
As some of you know, I’m busy working on the definitive BMX how-to book. It’s coming along well, and I’m learning a lot from some of the best racers in the sport.
The way I see it, if I’m gonna write about BMX, I should RACE BMX! So …
Training: BMX track with TVR
Yesterday was No. 5 in Terminal Velocity Racing’s 5-clinic pre-season program, and the Dacono BMX track treated us right.
Gary Fisher GED upgrades?
Lee, I am looking to convert my ’05 Gary Fisher GED into a better pump track / dirt jump rig. The main thing is the fork, right now it has a 130mm Marzocchi Drop-Off. I’m thinking of swapping it for a 100mm fork, like the Marzocchi 4X. What other forks should I be considering? Anything else you would recommend to make this bike BRAAAP! on a pump track?
Thanks for the cool site, Tom
Public Mountain Bike Skills Clinics
Master the essential skills of mountain biking. Beginners will gain a solid foundation for safe, enjoyable riding. Experts will improve their smoothness and speed, and learn to ride new terrain. Learn new skills. Increase your confidence. Have more fun!
These public clinics are the world’s quickest and least expensive way to learn the good stuff. Every rider will benefit.
Upgrade: Swinger 3-Way to RP23?
Hey Lee, I have a Giant VT2 which runs a Manitou 3-way rear shock. It will cost me a bit to get it serviced and change all of the parts….ok…I just needed an excuse to upgrade. I’ve been looking at the Fox RP23, my questions are:
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Time on his hands: Rear hub maintenance?
Hey Lee,
A little bike maintainance question concerning the hub/pawl drive assembly on modern mtb wheels like mavics or azonic outlaws, etc. Since these wheels have sealed bearings, should you put any lubrication inside the freewheel or on the drive pawls? If so, should I use grease, oil, or what? (It seems like the lubricant just attacts dirt to me) Or should I just clean everything and leave it dry? After all the bearings in the wheel are sealed. Also, what about the skewers? Grease them or leave them clean and dry? Hope you can solve this mystery for me?
Walt
Braaaping and back pain
Hey Lee!!
Love the site, love the book. I was wondering if you have had any lower back issues during the course of your cycling experience. Yesterday I was braaaping and today I feel a lot of stiffness and soreness in my lower back. I never had any serious injuries to constitute any sniveling. I’m 37, slightly overweight.I ride a hard-tail similar to the P-series bikes. Usually I find that some heat therapy or even a chiropractor is good when it requires it. My question is this, could it be my technique or should I consider specific back exercises to reduce pain after braaaping? Thanks Lee. See ya’ at Sea Otter!!
Dan
More DH Training at Left Hand Canyon
Yesterday, for session No. 4 in Terminal Velocity Racing’s pre-season program, we hiked and rode, hiked and rode.