Specialized Brain vs. Triad shock for all-around kung fu
Eric has been mashing a single speed hardtail, and he wants a rear shock that’ll let him keep mashing. I say get an all-around bike and smooth out your stroke.
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Dates posted for Yeti Spring Series
You can expect fun courses, stiff competition, awesome scenery and good times.
Place: Captain Darner’s ranch in Nathrop, CO
Dates: April 7-8 and April 28-29 (Sea Otter is April 12-15, so no excuses)
Events: Saturday XC and dual slalom, Sunday mountain cross
Details: www.rpmcycling.org
Flat Pedals vs. Clipless, Which is “Safer”
Lee,
I recently volunteered to coach a MTB XC team, and the head coach is requiring all riders to be using clipless pedals by the start of the race season as he feels that it is “safer.” His thought is that by being clipped in, a rider will not be bounced off the pedals when he/she hits a bump or rock. This concept is being pushed by the league as well.
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Masters training: Enduro/hare scrambles
My friend Jason Smith is a 40-something high-level moto hare scramble/enduro racer. Last year he placed 3rd in his class in the national series, and he’s an invitee at the Red Bull Last Man Standing. He works 40-50 hours per week and commutes 100 miles per day, and he has a family. This man is busy — here’s how he trains to succeed in his sport.
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Gee, thanks guys
It’s 3 degrees here.
Brian Lopes and Chris Powell just called from Socal, to tell me how much fun they had today — riding on dirt, not snow.
“Oh man, it’s cold,” said Brian, “it’s like 48 degrees.”
Gee, thanks for the update.
Training for Sea Otter XC
Hey, Lee-dude
I’m entered in the Sea Otter Classic, XC, Beginner 50-54. The course looks grand — how should I train?
Best,
Scott
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Chain fu: Not for you
Hi Lee,
I have a question about my chain. I’m wondering what the common practice is when you replace a chain? Mine seems a little too slack and jumps off of the front ring. how many if any links should I remove to prevent this from further re-occurences?
Thanks for your help, and I always enjoy all the great info you’ve been throwing out here.
Matt
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Purpose
I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s important. Satisfaction, security, purpose, that sort of stuff.
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XC-ifying a freeride bike
Many of us (not me) are selling our quivers for that single long-travel bike, and the question arises: How do I make it better for XC?
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Nishiki Pueblo to get in shape?
Hey Now Lee,
Just read a great short bio on you…I’m looking at at Nishiki Pueblo…i’m 45 yrs old and out of shape 5’11” tall with a short inseam 31″ yet wish to ride my way to work and into shape and some light trail stuff…
Good first bike? what do you think? Guy is selling it to me for $85 bucks here in L.A.!
be well
kb peace out
Climbing on an AS-X vs. an SX Trail?
Lee-
I’m currently rocking a Yeti AS-X with a Marz 66RC2X up front. Bike is great but it pedals like poo, seat tube angle is super slack which makes seated pedaling a constant struggle, and the braking characteristics leave a lot to be desired.
I’ve been looking at the SX Trail as a replacement. The geometry is a bit lower and slacker which I like. How does the SXT pedal while standing? I’m 6’5″, 220, live in SoCal and visit Mammoth a couple times a year. My main rides are quasi shuttles up Mt. Wilson that require a fair bit of pedaling. I’ll also shuttle Cold Springs and Tunnel every so often.
Thanks
Scott
Enduro SL vs. Enduro for trail riding?
Here at Lee Likes Bikes, we tackle the important questions.