New tire: Specialized Clutch 2.3
First impression of the Big S’s newest all-mountain, braaap-style tire.
All the sweet bikes and parts. Mmm … parts.
New world record: 100 laps of pump – 20″ style
This weekend I rocked the Intense Factory Alloy 20 on The Fix pump track, and the results were surprising.
Marzocchi 55 or 66 for SX Trail?
Lee,
Your articles are always spot on. Thanks for all the informative info and advice.
I have a 2007 SX Trail. I am debating between the 2009 Marzocchi 55 ATA or the 2009 66 ATA. This bike is my only bike and I do everything from long XC rides, DJ, DH and FR. I have worked my way up to 20-25ft gaps and 6ft + drops. The problem is I like to do everything on this bike. It kicks arse. I know that I must compromise. So what do you think is the best compromise between these two forks. Thanks.
Christian
FOX air fork rebound clank
Lee,
I have adjusted the spacers in my f29er Fox fork from 80 mm to 120mm. I am experiencing a clank on the rebound. Is this due to not having enough oil in the top end? Any thoughts as to why this clank is occurring? And what weight oil should I use and how much in order to slow down the rebound as to alleviate the clank? Thanks for your insight.
Pressure: 115 psi. Rebound: One click counterclockwise from all the way counterclockwise.
Chris
Promising sign: 5-year-old with a wide grip
Lee,
My son is 5 years old and riding much better than I ever did. However, I worry about his hand position on the bars when he rides. I grew up thinking you should grip the handlebars “in close” on the grips. He grabs them at the end of the bars so there is about an inch between his thumb/index finger and the grip “flange.” Is this “OK” or should I be encouraging him to grab in closer. Does all this make sense? As always, thanks for the time.
Justin
Sizing for pump track bike
Thought I would drop you question. I race a large frame Cdale rush for XC, and I have pump track in the back yard. I have a spare Large frame set to pump but I feel it is a bit too long I would like to drop in frame size for my pump bike. I am 6 foot tall. I am all about fullys I can pump the [heck] out of my full. Would you go with a medium or small.
Jeremy
New bike: Intense Factory Alloy 20
I am riding a 20, and it is good. Impressions from the first ride:
Pros and cons of a shorter stem
Lee,
I’m reading your section on doing wheelies – very helpful. I saw the note about going to shorter stem to aid in doing wheelies.
I have a 100mm stem. Is there a downside to going to shorter stem?
thanks,
Rick
Enduro SL chain guide and related issues
Hi Lee:
I saw your thread about an Enduro SL with a prototype chain guide. I am considering buying this or the pitch but I have heard chatter about the ISCG mounts being useless and needing an adapter bracket. Is there validity to this? I am trying to stay more on the all mountain side of a big travel bike and stepping to the SX trail is asking for way too much bike. Just need a little direction in my quest for a xc capable AM bike. Thanks in advance!
Nate
Real commitment: Cutting your steerer tube
Hey lee,
Simple question for ya. I am swapping out my 130mm fork (fox TALAS 32) for a 165mm fork (Marz 55 ATA). My question is, would it be better to cut my new steerer tube to the same as my old fork or cut it down to where i dont use any spacers? what would be the advantages/disadvantages of doing that?
Thanks for the great book and great website
Chris
Demo 8 sizing?
Hey Lee
I am currently riding an 07 Demo 8 size Medium Frame. I am 6′ 1″ and the bike feels cramped. I have a 50mm stem on the bike. Would putting a 65mm stem on the bike effect the bikes handling and stearing? Or would it be wiser to buy a size large frame for the Demo 8? Or even a size large Demo 7 which has the same wheel base as the Demo 8 but has a 1 degree steeper head angle as the medium Demo 8?
How tall are you and what size Demo do you ride? Do you know the size of the bikes the guys on Team America ride and their heights?
Thanks for your help.
Ted
Ergon grips for DH riding?
Would you ever recommend using Ergon grips for DH riding? I’ve been toying with the idea since my two end fingers get sooooo worn out after 8 runs down anything. I’m getting a softer spring for my Domain on Monday, and heading up for a last hoorah at WinterPark on Wednesday. Do you foresee the Ergon grips helping/hurting any part of “pinky/ring” finger muscle strain???
Thanks for all your help and all your help previously. You’re the best.