Easing the transition: Enduro to Epic
Our friend Rhys in Queensland switched from a medium Enduro to a large Epic. He’s loving the climbs but fearing the descents.
Send questions to lee@leelikesbikes.com
Changing the no-helmet culture
Lee,
Do you ever run into the problem of convincing kids, especially teens, to wear helmets when riding? I live in an area with zero “helmet culture.” I’ve a neighbor kid who likes to borrow my bike. But he despises helmets, no one in his peer group wears them, they are considered as “geeky,” he “never crashes,” etc. Putting my foot down is one thing, but changing the attitude and the local culture, that’s the interesting problem. I am wondering how to attack it.
Jonathan
Foot came off pedal during jump = not good
Our man John fancies himself a smooth rider, yet he lost his pedal on a jump and broke his ankle. He’s searching for meaning in this disaster.
Overcome the fear of turns
Lee,
Thanks for your incredible site! I was hoping you could help me turn my MTB. My local trails are hardpack with random patches of gravel. Some turns have sweet berms and most are flat. I really haul on the brakes before each turn, berm or no berm. Self-preservation is kicking in but I know I have tons more speed.
What are some “swing thoughts” to have when approaching turns? My friends are leaving me in the dust!
Thanks,
David
Ideal pump track tire?
Lee,
I downloaded your on-line book a few weeks back and we have just
started shaping the pump track in our backyard. Man, it’s going to be
sweet. Anyhow, I was wondering which tires you recommend. I know I want
something fast with low rolling resistance but I probably also need a bit
of tread. What are your thoughts on the Maxxis Holy Roller, Kenda K-Rad,
and Intense MK2? Other suggestions?
Thanks for all your knowledge,
Jason
Overcoming fear of jumps
Hey, I was wondering how I could ever face my fear of jumps. When I was 12, I ate major sh*t and got the breath knocked out of me for what felt like an hour. Ever since then, I have always been hesitant do jumps/drops. I know I have the skill to jump, but I can’t overcome this fear inside me. How should I get back in the air?
Joseph
Hub spacing and dish offset for 2007 Enduro
Hi, I have a Specialized Enduro SL Pro from 2007. I am thinking of replacing the wheels, but can’t find what the hub spacing is. Also, I heard something about Specialized off setting the drop outs. Did they do this with the Enduro as well?
Thanks
Joseph
Plus: An obscure punk rock reference.
2.2 or 2.4 Specialized Purgatory front tire?
Hi Lee,
I have a tire question for you. I’m running Specialized Purgatory 2.2 rear, tubeless and low pressure (~20-25 psi) and it kills for traction – best tire I’ve run so far. My terrain is New England trail and traction is really a major concern (wet, loose, shaley, slippery, you know what I’m talking about) – outside of rider skill, traction is typically the number one factor for cleaning a section or not.
So the question is about what to run up front. I would like to try a 2.4 Purgatory, but, this is trail riding and I guess I wonder if 2.4 would be overkill? I’m not racing but I don’t want to have to deal with pushing a ton of extra rolling resistance (I am assuming a 2.4 would have more rolling resistance than a 2.2). But, like I said, the ability to keep momentum via cleaning sections is huge and ultimately perhaps outweighs (sic) the weight penalty and rolling resistance of the fatter version? What do you think!?
Random second question – will you thrash a Stumpjumper FSR 29’er anytime soon?
Thanks Lee,
Matt
Protection for kid racing Super D
Lee
My son wants to start racing super d at diablo in there first time beginner class. my question is does he need a collar like i see the downhillers wearing? also what about a chest protector? He is 13 and bullet proof.
I realize that they are expensive but much cheaper than being paralyzed.
What are your thoughts?
thanks Jim
Sea Otter XC racing tips
Hey Lee, I am 13 year old kid and I’m going to be racing in the Sea Otter XC. Do you have any tips for me for the race? I have raced the CCCX xc race in similar terrain, so I know there will be a sh*t load of sand. I ride a 2007 Rocky Mountain Element 70 with Specialized The Captain s-work tires. What is the proper way to ride through deep sand? How should I pace myself through the race? Should I use a Camelback? If so, should I bring a spare tube/ tools, and if so, what should I bring?
Thanks
Joseph
Shorter-travel fork on a 2010 Enduro?
Hey Lee,
I just bought a 2010 Specialized Enduro Expert. I’ve been looking into a few different options to drop a little weight. I’d like to get it under 30 lbs. Right now it weighs about 32. One of the options I was considering was swapping the Lyrik 160mm fork for a Revelation 150mm or a Fox Talas 32 150mm, which would instantly drop a pound off the bike. This bike is designed around a 160mm fork, so I was wondering what changes I could expect if I did swap the fork out, positives and negatives.
Thanks for your help!
-Ian
New Stumpy vs. old Enduros?
Gear related question: How does the new Stumpy compare to the Enduros of yesteryear? 2003 vintage, and 2005-6 vintage? I know you’ve rawcked them all, and I’m wondering where the new Stumpy fits in, particularly on the strength/durability side.
Sly