All the sweet bikes and parts. Mmm … parts.
A cyclocross bike seems like a versatile and braaapable alternative to a road bike. Jason “The Man” Emmanuel from Specialized loaned me his brand new 2008 Tricross Expert, and I’ve been wringing it out all week.
Hi Lee,
I have relatively short legs for my height. I am 5’10” with a 30 inch inseam. How big a concern is stand-over height? Particularly in regards to 6″ travel bikes?
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Hi Lee,
I need a new crankset on my Iron Horse Mark III team 5″ trail bike. I’m thinking I would like to get a 180mm crankset instead of the normal 175mm that I have. I ride a lot of steep trails here in Idaho and I think I will get more power. I am a big person too at 6’3′ and 194 lbs. Years ago, I replaced the crankset on my hardtail that was a 170mm to a 175mm and I could not believe what a difference 5mm made. So, why wouldn’t another 5mm be even better? Why are these 180mm cranks so rare? What are the disadvantages? I’m looking and the race face crank. Please explain this crank length stuff. Roadies like their cranks short and some bmx racers long. But, that’s all I know. Thanks
Walt
Our tall friend rides a large MTB for slalom, and he’s looking for a BMX cruiser. Top tube length? Material? Head angle? … What to do?
I’ve been getting some long, increasingly annoying emails about chains making funny noises, derailleurs not working properly and whatnot. Two common themes: 1. People mixing used components. 2. People turning screws with no idea what those screws do. Real quick:
This rider is getting pitched over his bars. Is it the bike or the rider? I’m sure you can guess.
Hey Lee, love your book! I’ve got a Dilemma going on right now, I’m in the market for a new fork but I’m stuck at a crossroads regarding price vs. travel vs. quality.
I’ve got an ’05 Reign with 152mm rear wheel travel and I need a fork with a 20mm through axle to replace my QR Nixon. I’ve looked at getting a Pike for cheap but only 140mm travel. Then theres the big Fox 36’s and Lyrics but those are ridiculously spendy at $800-$1000+! I’ve had really bad experiences with Marzocchi stuff so their mid-range stuff is out to keep my sanity intact, how would you go, do I need that extra inch or will 140mm do me? I’m pretty much 50% pedaling and 50% shuttling mostly steep downhill trails, but the climbs are pretty steep too!
Josh
hey lee, we just bought some new motos and are going to head out west to ride some desert trails soon. did you do any mods to your 450X? we ride the 450R on the tracks as supermotos and plan on using the 250X for the trail.
ciao
carol
Hey Lee,
Quick question: I recently got my first disc-brake mountain bike and it rocks. I’m using cable brakes instead of hydraulic. Is there any special maintenance I have to do with disc brakes that I don’t do with rim brakes.
Thanks,
Alex
Lee – Good day! I wondered if there was any science to the sizing of 29er frames. There does not appear to be much in the way of resources available on the subject and the manufacturers occaisionally list recommended rider sizes for frames but leave the fit to the Local Bike Shop. In looking at Titus frames, for example, the large 26er frames closely match the dimensions (effective Top Tube, that is) of the Medium 29er frames. In choosing a 29er frame, is there any reason not to maintain the same effective Top Tube as one would on a 26er?
Thanks,
Jeff
Hi Lee,
I am interested in purchasing a new DH race steed. I am a competitive expert racer and I was wondering if a 7-inch bike would be a major disadvantage on MSC and G3 racecourses. I am specifically looking at the Commencal Supreme DH, which I understand a few of the WC teams are running. However, I am still skeptical of a 7-inch Down Hill race frame. I am not the gutsiest or smoothest rider, but I very much enjoy going fast down a racecourse.
Thanks For Any Advice,
Jeff
P.S. I appreciate what you are doing for the mountain biking community!
Lee,
I’m taking your advice and installing a shorter stem. My question is “how short is too short?” I’m riding a Giant Trance with a 110mm stem; would going straight to a 40mm stem be too big a change? Or just too short for the bike?
Thanks! Dan