Riding a Specialized FatBoy: Day 1
A few days ago we got a foot of powder in the backyard. Yay! Freshies!
I grabbed a loaner FatBoy with visions of snowy radness.
The snow melted — but we still have radness.
All the sweet bikes and parts. Mmm … parts.
S-Works Stumpjumper hardtail with FOX Terralogic fork
Meet my new friend. We’ve only hung out a few times, but we’re starting to get along pretty well.
Are you strong enough for a 1×11 drivetrain?
1×11 drivetrains are all the rage. They promise to be simpler, lighter and more hardcore than multi-ring setups.
But is the lowest gear low enough for you?
Fatbike ride #2 — wow that was fun!
Yesterday’s dirt[mud/ice/snow]road ride wasn’t super exciting (Ride #1 on a fatbike).
Today, I rode in my back yard. And it was awesome.
Ride #1 on a fatbike
Not to be crass, but I am no longer a boy.
I am a man. A fatbike man.
We’ve all heard everyone gush about their fatbiking experiences. Here are my first-ride impressions:
Shorter cranks for my Stumpy EVO?
Hey Lee,
Happy new year! Quick question: Am I crazy for wanting to put 165mm cranks on my new Specialized Stumpjumper EVO? My inseam is 32 inches, and I ride aggressive trail, with some XC racing. I hope to squeeze in more pedal strokes in these tight Squamish trails, have more ground clearance and hopefully increase my average wattage by spinning a smaller, faster circle. What are your thoughts?
Nathan
Calculate gear inches like you give a f#$%
Traditional gear-inch calculations divide chainring by cog, then multiply by wheel diameter. The resulting number lets you compare gearing combinations, but it has no bearing on real life.
If you’re gonna be a nerd, be an informed nerd.
Pro BMX SKills book and gearing for juniors
Hi Lee,
Thank for your fast reply … the download link to the Pro BMX Skills ebook works well! I went through the pages quickly and it is very interesting. It’s very difficult to find this kind of book in France.
I had a question/observation … I’m very surprise by the gearings recommended in the book. For example, the book recommended 40/16 for junior and in France it’s common to have 37 or 38/16. Why this difference?
Thx !
Sebastien
Wheel sizes and diminishing marginal utility
In the old days we rode 26x2ish tires, and that was it. There were no other options and nothing to worry about. And we were happy.
26, 27.5, 27.5+, 29, 29+ … the list of mountain bike wheel options keeps growing.
More choices are better, right?
Stem length and handlebar path
Shorter stems usually create a more functional riding position, which is awesome.
Here’s another benefit of shorter stems: A simpler handlebar path.
Just like 1988?
Yesterday I rode my rigid S-Works Stumpjumper on Picture Rock Trail in Lyons, CO.
It felt just like riding my 1988 Diamondback Apex — except …
Switching from XC to trail shoes?
Hi Lee,
I attended your Oct 21st class in Temecula with Jon Farinholt. I was the guy with the white Ibis.
I have been wearing a pair of Sidi SRS Race Dragons (with the twist-up nylon gut tighteners) for the past 10 years. They are tight fitting, lightweight, and perfect for cross country rides but I now question their applicability to the kinds of riding we were doing Saturday that included rocky and tricky technical downhill chutes and descents.
I have also noticed that I am reluctant to unclip (and put my foot down) going down steep (and or) rutted chutes. because the shoes have little grip (probably because the replaceable “treads” are worn down, and this has decreased my confidence and probably contributed to most of my get-offs and crashes.
So I am wondering whether I should get a pair of the contemporary “tennis-shoe” designs favored by most riders today. I do like all the advantages that clip-ins offer though, and I would like to continue to use my XT MTB “mini-platform” pedals.
What are your thoughts and recommendations on this?
Also, thanks for a very very memorable experience. All of us were impressed.
Thanks.
Bill