Archive for category: Equipment

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more