Are you pumping too hard?
Yeah har har.
Most riders are way too passive on their bikes. For most of you I say attack all backsides. Crush them!
If you’re already an aggressive pumper, especially on a suspended bike, consider this:
All the sweet bikes and parts. Mmm … parts.
Making a DJ bike feel like a good trail bike
Hey there, Lee – how are things? I just have a quickie bike question for you. I don’t know much when it comes to DJ bikes, but I do know that I would like to be in the market. I’ve been going to Valmont Bike Park when I can (why is it so addicting?), and I have been annoyed that I can’t get my seatpost any lower on my trailbike. So I went over to The Fix and rented a dj bike for an hour. There was a pretty big difference…the right tool for the terrain I guess. Even though I need a lot of work keeping my weight on the flat pedals. Anyway, I was kind of into the Specialized P.2 pro (I believe, one of the P’s with front susp)….how do you think it compares to the Kona type version?
Not sure if you have any input – the only thing about the bike I rented was it doesn’t corner like my trailbike, it felt slow and wide, unless I just have to get used to the much wider bars or something. My trailbike feels great and sticks hard to those banked corners. I wonder if the Kona would feel any different than the Specialized? Thanks for any info!
Hope all is good –
Dawn
Big suspension and big sine waves
Mike Levy at Pinkbike posted a must-read article:
The Argument For Short Travel Bikes – Opinion
Levy speaks a lot of truth. Here’s an additional thought:
Fork for Intense Tazer VP?
Hi Lee,
I am building up an Intense Tazer VP and I am torn between building it up with a Fox 831 or a 120mm Float. I ride rougher terrain with braking bumps, trail trash, and a lot of jumps (i.e. Carlmont, CA). At first, I was dead-set on the 831. It has stiff valving that works great in berms and jumps, but I am not sure that its 100mm of travel is quite enough for gnarlier downhills. The Float with its longer legs would be better for the rough stuff, but the out-of-box valving might be a little to spongy for pumping. I am not as concerned about plushness and bump absorption as I am about having control in turns and jumps and having the bike track straight. I am 5′-11″ and I weigh 175 lbs if that is any help. I also race BMX. Thanks a lot. -Rex
The Caveman’s Command Post
Four-time world Xterra champion Conrad Stoltz races off-road triathlon with a Specialized Command Post remote seatpost because it helps him Ride (capital R) better.
“I’m 185 pounds, so 200 grams is not going to make a big difference,” Conrad says. “I really like the way I’ve been able to go through the corners faster and safer, and just handle the bike better.”
Benefits of full suspension if you know how to Ride
Lee,
Question is hardtail vs. FS. Been riding a Gary Fisher 29er Paragon hard tail for 5 or 6 yrs. Have thought about trading up for a full suspension bike but started thinking about your riding style advice (have a couple of your books and looks at your website) and realize that usually one is out of the saddle when in technical terrain. I definately hover and have tried to use your attack position for all challenges. Sooo.. how active would a full suspension be and how would it benefit my riding?? thanks, jake
Stumpy 29 EVO too long to turn?
Hey Lee
I’m a happy owner of Stumpjumper FSR 29 2012. As I read, you have the EVO version of the same bike. My question is regarding the wheelbase: Compared to my old Scott Genius 26er the wheelbase is rather long. The EVO has an even longer wheelbase. What do you think about steering through narrow corners with such a long bike? Is this much different with a 450mm chainstay, than with a 420mm? I’m interested what your thoughts are on this.
Thanks and regards.
Reto from Switzerland
BRAIN upgrade for Stumpy?
Lee, in the 300+ hours I’ve been crafting a pump track this summer i’ve been doing a thought experiment on the “Swiss Army Knife” bike i want to buy in the spring.
I’m pretty much concrete on a Stumpy 29er but limited funds will probably = entry spec bike.
During the summer I tested an Epic and the Brain made me very, VERY happy (and shockingly fast). My question is at a later date when i’ve saved my “upgrade” pennies can one add a Brain to a lesser model Stumpy?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Alastair
Purgatory vs. Ground Control on Stumpy 29?
Hola, instructor to the Stars,
I am replacing my tires on the trusty Stumpy 29. Currently running a Purgatory 2.2 in the front and Ground Control 2.1 in the back. The back tire needs replacing, so, I bought another Purgatory, thinking I would try that on the back also. I like the Ground Control just fine. I do notice sometimes I lose the rear end on corners but never thought it was a problem or related to tire selection. My concern (not a big concern) is that running the Purgatory front and back will bring slower rolling resistance.
Thoughts?
Chris
My P.3 rips the lower Valmont pump track
Watch world champion 15X BMX racer Collin Hudson tear up the lower Valmont pump track on my P.3. I handed him the bike, he took 0.1 seconds to adjust to the suspension and wheels, then he rocked these amazing laps.
Brian Lopes testing 29ers?
Uh oh, the end is nigh.
Converting Stumpy 29 to EVO?
(Question inspired by Week one: Stumpjumper FSR 29 Carbon S-EVO)
Hello Lee,
I added a fox 34 hoping it would improve my bikes handling about the same time I discovered you site (awesome articles by the way) and was happy to see I wasn’t the only one who tried and loved the 34!
My question is you mention the EVO conversion for the rear. 1) where can I find this, it’s not on the big S site and my searches turn up nothing? 2) have you tried this yet and what were the results?
My hope is the extra 5mm travel would be nice and with the lower BB height the bike might take sharp switchbacks better.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Kyle