All the sweet bikes and parts. Mmm … parts.
Hi Lee,
I have just bought the Marzocchi 888 ATA WC, 2008 model. I notice that there are a lot of conflicting thoughts of proper setup for it. I weigh 191lbs. How much air should I put in the upper and lower chambers respectively? The manual is not that clear on many of the settings. And do you have any other setup tips regarding this fork for DH?
Keep rocking this brilliant site!
Adrian
Hey Lee,
I’d been riding Specialized Chunders and Maxxis Minions on my freeride bike and absolutely love the DH/freeride treads for their cornering and braking/driving strength. However, due to some financial issues, I’ve recently had to switch back to my hardtail with Specialized Resolution tires. Since the switch, I’ve been more shaky in the
corners and more prone to skidding while braking. Would it be feasible to mount some beefier tires on a hardtail? Or should I just learn to ride the Resolutions (and save the $$ for the next big bike)?
Thank you,
Matt
P.S. Congrats on the twins!
We’ve all been wondering about the best way to set suspension sag — sitting or standing? — so I asked The Man Himself: Mark Fitzsimmons at Fox Racing Shox. As Fox’s MTB race manager, Fitz does suspension testing and setup at the highest level of our sport. He is also a ripper.
Lee,
I came across an interesting idea on a forum on farkin.net — someone was saying that you should set up the sag on you suspension while you’re standing. Everything I’ve come across previously says set the sag when you’re on the seat but the more I think about it the more it makes sense to set it while standing — when you are in attack position.
So when you’re in attack position you’ve got the correct sag front and rear and the suspension works at its best. When you’re sitting the forks will be a bit stiffer and the rear shock will be a bit softer so maybe you’ll get a bit more pedal feedback when you climb but maybe this is a good trade off? What do you think?
PS – link for that forum is: http://www.farkin.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165738
regards, Paul
Hi Lee,
Great site. A quick one:
The Bighit 2003 came out standard with a 24″ rear wheel. I’ve changed the seatstay to accommodate a 26″ wheel and I use the most progressive (bottom) hole on the frame and position A on the shock link. How will this affect the headtube angle? I do a lot of DH and some “downhill” freeriding if I can call it that. I know with the 24″ rear wheel the slackest angle is 66.3 degrees, but I’m concerned it has negatively impacted that angle. I have a 2004 Boxxer Team up front – 7″, and a Fox Vanilla RC at the back.
Regards, Adrian
Here’s a common theme, but a helpful one.
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Hey,
I’m building up a new DH wheelset, and I’m thinking about trying a lighter tire than my current Minions. I’ve been thinking that the SX casing from Specialized could suit me well, but I can’t decide between the Clutch and Chunder. I live and ride in the Bay Area of NorCal, about an hour and half from Santa Cruz. Firstly, is the SX casing burly enough to not roll over in corners and handle DH riding? Also, which tread pattern is better for the riding out here?
-Zack
Yo lee,
Where is the actual performance data for situational power output for clipless and flats? I have run across some articles on the web but nuthin super scientific.
You sound like you have seen some solid numbers. Do tell…
All the Best,
Bruce
Hi Lee,
I’m 44 and have spent the last two years ripping up the local trails on my Kona Coiler (Your book has helped a lot).
Recently I aquired a single speed Santa Cruz Chameleon for off road commuting, the local BMX track (I will manual properly even if it kills me), street and general trails — and the last couple of weeks have been fun but the bike feels nose heavy, notably it’s really hard to lift when I’m doing jumps or drops.
Guys at the LBS thought the RS Argyle was the go, but I’m interested in the Recon 351 … What sort of things should I be looking for in a fork? FYI the current fork is 2005 Dirt jumper 3.
John
Over the past few weeks, I’ve researched and written about bikes made by Cervelo, Fuji, Cannondale, Trek, Gary Fisher and Specialized. This has me thinking.
Nate is having problems with his suspension, wheels and seat rails. Could they be related?
MTB strength trainer James Wilson and I have joined forces to save humanity from poor fitness and riding technique.
We plan a series of podcasts that will get you excited and curious — and hopefully help you ride better. Here’s the first.