All the sweet bikes and parts. Mmm … parts.
Hey Lee!
What do you think about using flat pedals for high level XC and Enduro DH racing? I have been a clipless guy for years but have recently made the switch back and have found that I prefer flats, mostly because they are just more fun. It seems like everyone (literally) racing expert level Enduro is on clips. Do you think it’s possible to be competitive on flats?
Thanks. -Markus
Lee,
Have you given any thought to a 29er version of Captain America? How do you think a do-it-all bike with 29er wheels would go for occasional pump and jump?
Thanks, Ben from Melbourne, Australia
Hi Lee!
First of all : Best wishes for You and Your Family in 2012 ! 😉
Just short question. Enduro racing, terrain is something like Superenduro in Italy or Trans Provence. One day race, total distance about 30 miles.
Which tyre is better: 2,35 or 2,5 from Maxxis ? Both are Minion 2ply (lots of rocks, don’t wanna puncture at all) 2,35 is slightly lighter and I think it’s rolling easier. 2,5 may provide better traction ? Rims are en 321 form Mavic. Which one would You choose ?
Thanks and (as always) greetings from Poland 😉
Szczepan
In Bike for Texas (and other) trails?, Scott asked about switching from a Stumpy 29 to a Camber 29 for the rocky trails in Austin, TX. I told him I enjoyed the Camber on his terrain, and that he should give one a try.
Well, he did.
Hi Lee — since reading your skills book I’ve been working on my pedal stroke on my commute. I’m in Chicago and I’m thinking of switching my single-speed to a fixed gear for more control in snow and ice. Any advice on how this will affect pedal stroke or what to focus on? Would using foot retention hamper pedaling improvement? Any other advice on working on braaap skills during the city commute (about 3.5 miles each way)?
Thanks!
Allen
Dang, just when I was about to get “29” tattooed on my chest, in came a set of high-end SRAM carbon 26er trail wheels.
Never has my Stumpy felt so alive.
Read more
The original Specialized Ground Control, designed back in the day by Wilderness Trail Bikes, lived in an era when we rode one mountain bike for all situations, and a good tire was one that worked everywhere. Heck, I don’t think we gave our tires much thought.
The new Ground Control appears to share that go-everywhere mission.
Dear Lee:
Great to read that your recent clinic in Texas was a smashing success! I hope you will have time to head down to Austin again for an open clinic in the near future. I have no doubt that you would fill several.
I’m currently riding a Stumpjumper FSR Expert 29 am considering either the 2012 version of the same bike or else the Camber Carbon Expert 29. I ride almost exclusively on the rocky and technical side of the Greenbelt (since your report listed some of the trails, I typically ride: Ed’s Bowl, Ridge Trail, Hill of Life, Sweet 16, Pump House, and Travis Country).
At any rate, which of these bike do you think better suits our terrain down here? I never blow through all 130mm of my current travel, and I wouldn’t mine a more maneuverable bike in the trees. At the same time, I don’t want to be punished for my frequent sucking, and the Stumpy is a bit slacker and has a thru axel front rather than just oversized end caps. I’d be on a medium and my weight runs 185-200, depending on the season.
I’d love any advice you have, and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help get you down here again.
I hope all is well with you and your family.
Best,
Scott
Captain America — my experimental Stumpjumper HT EVO 26 — has been fighting crime for almost a year. Here’s the long-term report:
Hi Lee
I’m thinking of selling my 2010 Enduro and getting a 2012 Spec FSR 29er as I feel overbiked for the majority of my riding. The problem is I can’t decide which – I rode an XL carbon camber and was blown away by how good it felt (really like a super stable 26 inch bike and the first bike really fit my 6ft6 body). However I’m really tempted by a Stumpjumper or SJ Evo 29er. Trails round here are a mix of rooty, twisty, muddy gnar and open moors – no rocks but plenty technical. What are your opinions on the different models?
Thanks
Matt
Also a one-ride review of the 2011 Specialized Epic EVO 29
By now everyone knows Specialized Epics are badass XC race machines. Regarding the S-Works Epic 29, Mountain Bike Action said, “This is the best mountain bike we have ever ridden.” Epics are used by skinny nerds the world over to win races and wax their buddies. But I’m here to tell you the Brain is not just about pedaling. It’s about braaap.
As some of you know, I’m a huge fan of the LeMond Revolution trainer. It has a solid base and a realistic feel — and it’s the only trainer I’ve ridden that accurately simulates acceleration. Yesterday I did my first session with the accompanying Power Pilot computer.
More details to come, but for now:
