Buying a dented DH bike
I’m looking to buy a downhill bike. I am currently looking at a stock 2007 demo 7 that’s going for 1500. The owner does say that there is a small dent on the down tube “an inch long and a third of an inch deep”. I am a light rider (130 lbs) and I’m wondering if this will affect the integrity of the frame, and if the asking price is reasonable.
Thanks
Joseph
Why I haven’t been posting lately
Just launched a new site for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. This was all about getting ‘er done quickly on a low budget.
Also doing a huge relaunch for Backshop loan origination software. I re-designed the user interface to make it cleaner and easier to use; while they were at it, the engineers converted the application to the .NET platform.
Meanwhile: Working on the coaching manual for NICA (due in a few weeks; yikes!), planning a new book (stay tuned), trying to get stronger and trying to be a good daddy. The Twins are almost a year old!
Whatever you’re doing, give it!
Right BMX bike for skilled old guy
Hi Lee,
I’m curious to what BMX bike would you recommend for me. I’m 43 and been out of the sport since 1985. I was an local semi pro (17+ expert/a-pro open) until I broke my knee and moved on to MX and three/four wheelers and then eventually national level Jetski racing. I see bikes have changed. My son is now 5 and riding and I’m going to get him a Micro, he has few normal BMX bikes now, but I don’t know what adults are riding? I’m not really interested in a 20” right now, I remember cruisers being cool back in ’85. I’m 5’ 10” and going to weigh 170 in a month or two! I do have a couple of MTB’s I race now and then. Giant Anthem full suspension and a GT Zaskar race hard tail.
Also, I raced MX for many many years and the front brake was the most important brake and when I raced BMX (at least 4 times a week) we used the front brake, tracks look faster than the old days. What gives the new bikes don’t come with front brakes?
Thanks,
John
Boulder riders: Sign this petition!
if you ride in Boulder, you must show support to expanded MTB access in the West TSA by signing this petition.
You want new trails, right? This will only take a few minutes.
Wide and flat is the new riser
Lee,
I have noticed that wide and flat is the new riser. It seems that everyone from DH guys to rigid singlespeed riders are rocking the wide flat bars. What gives is this the latest fad like dayglo lycra and 150mm stems or is there a true benefit to rocking this set up.
E
Steel*Wool cyclocross team and jersey
This comes from Boulder Cycle Sport. I am not affiliated with this shop, but this is pretty darn clever.
BOULDER CYCLE SPORT INVITES YOU TO JOIN THE STEEL*WOOL CYCLOCROSS TEAM
Back home safe
We tried this yesterday but fled back to the hotel because the power was out. Right now we’re de-evacuating (un-evacuating?) — bringing stuff in, putting stuff away, emptying the refrigerator. The babies have been asleep since we loaded them at the hotel. When they wake up Life (capital L) should be back to normal.
We feel very blessed that our family and house are safe. Our heart goes out to everyone who lost their homes. Huge thanks to all the firefighters who rocked it. Helicopters are still pulling water from our reservoir to fight the remaining fire. I hope everyone comes out of this OK.
LeMond Revolution indoor bike trainer
Since I’m basically a professional trainer rider (at least during the winter), I’m all excited about the new trainer from LeMond Fitness.
Progressing
Lee,
It was some time ago, that I talked to you about learning to jump and drop. Well I am proud to report that I finally learned, and am finally comfortable. The last two weekends we rode Winter Park, and for the first time I just rode all the jumps and drops with all the confidence I needed. My braking and cornering needs work, but at least I have visible progress in my riding skill. I guess I will have to read Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 2nd Edition, the first edition help me a lot with my skill progression. I now try to ride more relaxed (tea cup fingers), weight in my feet (huge for jump take-offs and not getting bucked off), and looking beyond my front tire. So thanks, and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Daniel
Feels like rain (I hope)
Clouds are gathering above the Fourmile Fire, and solitary drops are falling in town. Hoping for the best.
These maps were posted about an hour ago.
 Overview of the fire area. Yeti racer Joey Schusler’s house is in there. Dude, I am really sorry. |
 It takes about 20 minutes to climb from my house (blue icon) to the eastern edge of the fire. That’s a bit close. |
Best wishes to everyone for safe families and homes.
Willow at Worlds
Lee,
I hope you and your family are weathering the fire — how scary! I live in Littleton and can see the smoke from my house. Keep everybody safe and we’re happy to help in any way.
I participated in your skills clinic for the Colorado Mountain Bike coaches clinic in June. What an awesome event and I loved your information! I hoped to join Gil, Grant and Connor at the Colorado Springs event, but we had other events that day. If you have more skills clinic later this year or next year, we will definitely participate.
I saw this picture from Worlds race in Canada and I thought about you. What great position and technique Willow Koerber is portraying in this photo! She gives me inspiration.
Take care,
Erlinda