20-second review: Transition TransAm
When we talk about all-mountain hardtails over here, I often cite the Transition TransAm as a great example of a do-all machine. Last week I got to ride one. Briefly.
Weighting the front end in turns (again)
Hi Lee,
The two main things I need to work on I think are keeping my weight mostly on the pedals with heavy feet (less on the hands) and weighting the front wheel more in loose fast corners (I have had my front wheel wash out a few times recently, no I’m not braking).
How do I combine these two skills? They seem to be saying opposing things. When in your book you indicate that more weight should be put on the front wheel to stop it washing out and to track better, is this moving the hips forward and is it only a momentary change from the normal attack position with most of the weight through the pedals during loose corners?
I know you can weight and unweight, for example, pumping on a flat surface, but what about on an extended long corner which is loose gravel or mud and I am worried about the front washing out?
Thanks in advance
John
Recommended flat pedals and shoes
The right shoes and pedals will help even the stiffest ex-roadie rock the kung fu.
You can get great pedals and shoes anywhere. Here are some suggestions from Jenson USA.
Rocking the Sufferfest vids
If you’re gonna ride the trainer, you might as well be focused and pushed. Sufferfest videos — a favorite among the gnarliest roadies — are rad.
Lately I’ve been hammering “Downward Spiral” and “Hell Hath No Fury.”
Hardtail or suspension for a (re)learner?
Lee,
Throughout 2011, I’ve been trying to get to grips with flat pedals on my Enduro SL. After a couple of decades riding clips and straps then clipless, this past year has been about the worst I can remember. Admittedly, I haven’t managed to ride as much as I’d have liked, but when I do get out, I don’t feel secure on the bike and live in mortal dread of becoming detached from the bike should the rear wheel ever leave the ground… I’d really like 2012 to be different. So, would I be better served by a hardtail for re-learning some basic skills or am I kidding myself that switching to a hardtail will make any difference? Should I just knuckle down with MMBS and the Enduro?
Thanks,
Don
Check your helmet!
When I was packing for last week’s SoCal coaching adventure, I happened to look inside my helmet.
Yikes!
Rip Me, Gianna
I wrote this story about leg waxing for Bike Magazine in 1994. So glad I no longer shave … or wax.
Switch from Epic 29 to Stumpy 29?
Hi Lee,
In the middle of Mastering Mountain Bike Skills book, great reading. I’m thinking of getting a Stumpy FSR 29er. I’ve got an Epic 29er and I’m really happy with it but would like something for rougher trails and that I could do some jumps on. I can’t quite swing the Expert and was wondering if the Comp with the Triad is still compliant to root sized bumps in the propedal position. I’m not a fan of FSRs in fully open position but I think they are great with the Brain. Thanks, Bob
Skills clinic in San Jose, CA on Feb. 17
ONE SPOT JUST OPENED UP! NEVERMIND, SOLD OUT.
 Co-coach Lars Thomsen, owner of Trail Head Cyclery, rips a DH run at Santa Teresa in 2003. |
Stoked:
I’m teaming up with Trail Head Cyclery to rock a NorCal skills clinic.
When: Friday, Feb. 17; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Santa Teresa County Park in San Jose, CA
What: We will work skills and drills in the morning, eat some tasty lunch then apply our new kung fu on trails. Expect to learn about:
• Body position
• Braking
• Cornering
• Going up and down obstacles
• Pumping terrain
• Reading lines and just plan ripping
How much: $200 per rider, 10 riders max
Click here for more details or …
… sign up now
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Specialized pump track concept bikes
By now many you have seen the Specialized StumpPumper concept bike elsewhere on the interweb. Some hate it, some love it. I like it.
I think I’m gonna make a real-life concept bike: the P.PUMP
Growing some for a drop
Hey Lee,
One section that I’ve been rolling has eroded a bit and I need to get up to task (read: grow some) and drop this sucker! Chunky approach to a 4 foot ledge with a rutted downhill landing and runout… I ride a Santa Cruz Nomad with a coil fork and I’ll be sporting my body armor for sure.
Here’s a photo of the drop. Any tips for me?
Tony
29er for DS racing?
Lee, I am in need of a new bike and was about to write off 29ers because I want the most versatile bike for the bucks. When you endorse 29ers for pump and jump I’m back on the fence. I own an old copy of Mastering MTB Skills and it really helped to improve my riding. Here is the clincher Brian Lopes is not impressed with 29ers but you highly recommend them. If you are racing them in DH/DS events that require considerable technique I can only assume that they are up for the task. Is Lopes just set in his ways or is it that the level that he operates at demands a 26″ bike.
Billy