Moab: Braaaping with no engine
My past couple Moab trips were motorized. Moab is big, sandy and well suited to engines. I always swore I wouldn’t go back with a bicycle, but I did last week, and there was plenty of braaap.
All the sweet bikes and parts. Mmm … parts.
Stumpy vs. Trance?
Hey Lee,
I just donated my 10-year-old hardtail Cannondale mtn bike (fully upgraded to xt over the years) to force myself to buy a new bike. Who knew it would be so hard to let go, she just fit perfectly. I’m noticing full suspension bikes just don’t fit the same.
Anyways, I’m looking at three bikes essentially. The ’07 ($1800) or ’08 ($2100) Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp and the ’08 (2100) Giant Trance X1. I’ve currently been riding primarily xc with no drop offs greater than 2-3′. I really like technical riding and having a bike I can really maneuver around. Porcupine Rim in Moab has been my most challenging/favorite ride to date.
Cheers, Ryan
Square vs. round tyres?
Lee,
I read that squarer tyre profiles are grippier than more rounder profiles. How much truth is there is this?
I normally run 2.1 tyres on a Mavix XM117 rim – how wide a rim would I have to run to: 1) get a noticably squarer profile on my 2.1 tyres? 2) sensibly run a 2.3 tyre?
Thanks, Don
Is my Mavic rim dead?
Short answer: Yes.
140mm travel fork too tall for dirt jumping?
Lee,
I really dig your website and all the solid advice and especially all the good pump track action.
I recently built up a new dirt jumping bike with an azonic steel head frame which has classic dirt jumping geometry. I got a great deal on a new fox vanilla rlc 32 fork.
This bike rides great on trails and really soaks up bigger drops. I haven’t gotten a chance to jump it yet since there is still lots of snow around as Flagstaff Arizona is at 7000ft. Is such a tall fork going to be a problem dirt jumping?
BRAAAAP
Jay Holt
Flagstaff, Arizona
20 vs. 24 vs. 26 for BMX riding
Lee,
The city I live in just opened its first skate/bmx park. I really want to learn some bmx riding, I have been a mountainbiker for about 12 yrs. I never had the opportunity to try bmx when I was younger, I am 44 and have never ridden a bmx bike. Which style of bike would you recommend? 20″ bmx, 24″ bmx, or something like a P series from Specialized? Thanks!
Jeff
Bad idea: Long travel fork on trail hardtail
Hi Lee,
I just got myself a 2008 GT Avalanche 2 2 months ago and now I’m planing to upgrade the fork. I’m looking into 2008 Marzocchi 55ATA2 and 2008 Fox 36 Talas for all mountain and DH rides.
Could you kindly advise which fork is more suitable? I heard FOX have issue with the seal from my LBS.
Thanks. Skyler
Tires for Sea Otter DS?
Hey Lee. What tires would you recommend for the dual slalom course at Sea Otter? I’m using a pair of Maxxis High Rollers in a 2.3. I was using these at Sand Hill this weekend and when I started to braap; I was losing traction in the rear a little bit. I was running about 40psi and the course was hardpacked and a bit dry. I know the soil will be different in Monterey. What do you think?
Dan
Specialized asymmetrical rear end?
Hi Lee,
Love the book, it’s really helped me progress.
Since I visit your site and see you have the inside line with Specialized I was hoping you could answer the following question. The 06 and up Big Hits are said to have an asymmetrical rear triangle. I’ve noticed the wheel that came with the bike is not dished, but rather offset about 5mm away from the brake side (i.e. when I set the dishing tool against the hub locknut on the drive side first, the tip is then 5mm away from the hub locknut on the brake side. I’ve checked and the wheel is true.)
I have used aftermarket wheels that were dished and can’t say I noticed a difference. My 2.5 had no frame clearance issues. Should I offset this new wheel? What’s the purpose of the asymmetrical rear triangle?
Thanks! Matt
Heckler vs. Enduro?
Lee,
I just came across your site and I can use all the help in making this decision as possible. I am 5’ 10”, 225lbs. I currently ride a Specialized XC that I have slapped a 130 mm fork on. Because of my weight I blow through my rear travel pretty easily.
I am looking at getting a new bike. I live in the San Fernando Valley which is the Northern Most part of L.A. County. All the trails I ride are just as much up as down. I have set a price cap at $2,300. I had my heart set on an ’08 Heckler, which is right at $2k. But then I came across a deal on a brand new ’06 Enduro S-Works for $2,700 out the door. I tried the Enduro but am concerned about banging the bottom bracket or big ring on rocks.
I do like the FSR. What is your opinion? Please HELP!!!
Fernando
Lopes’ proto GT hardtail
I originally wrote this in June 2006, but at the time Brian insisted I pull it off the site. His signature bike is now available, and he’s leaving GT, so I guess it’s OK to put this back up.
Lately I’ve received questions about sizing for dirt jump/4X bikes. Brian Lopes left his prototype GT Lopes signature model in my garage for a day, and while he was gone I made some measurements.
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Demo 9 rider with an upgrade itch
Our man Doug loves his Demo 9, but dreams of lightness are flitting through his mind. What to do?
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