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Which DH bike should I get? (again)

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Dear Lee,

Recently I’ve been looking at the Yeti 303 RDH in a medium. I’m also looking at the demo 8 2010 in a small b/c of the shorter wheelbase than the medium demo.
Some of my reasons to get the yeti would be the adjustable geometry, shorter wheelbase, and longer tt? maybe (not sure if this is true). Some of the reasons why I would get a demo 8 would be that i have an 08 now so i’m familiar with it and the lower price ($400). I ride on the east coast so primarily the dh courses are through the trees and it’s a bit tighter. I’m just curious as to what you think I should do. I’ve been able to ride both bikes and like them both. Tough decision though. Any input that you have on either bike that would make you lean either way in which one you think I should get would be great.

Thank you, Billy

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Pump track for downhill training?

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hi…i have a question about pump track for fitness…if i train every day on pump track its can be a good train for fitness for downhill(skills , fitness , endurance) ???
i place far of the downhill tracks and i can ride just 2 times a week on there… a pump track can be a good choice for my train + gym ? how stuff of train u recomend? 5 laps full speed…or more…

obs: my pump track is only for bmx bikes because my garden is not too big for mountain bikes…

thanks a lot man…i see ur site many times to see the news

(sorry for my BAD english, im a brazilian and here we not use this language)

Dario

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Jakarta pump track: Steeper berms?

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Hi Lee, hope all is well… this is the little park that me and my partner designed in Jakarta-Indonesia. I have build the pump track following the guide from your book. Please have a look and tell me what you think of it? I’m planning to build another one on my friend’s backyard. Do you think the berms are not steep enough? I’ve always loose my front end on them as I get faster…. Thanks in advance

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Help: I’m building a new wheelset

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And now for a mish-mash of tire, tube and rim questions:

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Pump track within a pump track?

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I had read a PDF of “Pumptrack Nation” a few years ago. If this question can be better answered in your print version I’ll have to order one of those.

I’m building a public track here in NYC and am planning a dual-slalom style set of rollers/camels around the perimeter of our track. I’d like the inside and outside lines to have roughly the same speed so as to not put either at a disadvantage after the berms.

What can I do? Also, If its not too much trouble, when I’ve finished my scale-drawings, would you mind taking a look at them?

— Thanks! Christopher

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Lateral flex of Gary Fisher Fat Possum swingarm

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Aloha Lee,
I have a 2007 Gary Fisher Fat Possum XT. I love this bike except that the swingarm flexes a lot when climbing. This seems to be a problem with heavier riders like me (I weigh 205). I can’t afford to buy a new bike and I’m pretty much stuck at my current weight-I can’t afford to lose weight cause I do a lot of heavy lifting at work. Is there anything I can do to alleviate this problem or do I just suck it up and keep riding?
Keoni

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Top tube length on Bubba Harris cruiser?

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I am about to get back into racing after a 23 year break and have the opportunity to buy a Redline Bubba Harris signature series 24″ cruiser (2007) but cannot seem to find any frame dimensions, specifically the top tube length.
Can you please help.
Kai

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Intense 951 or Specialized Demo 8?

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Just a quick question for you. I’m looking for a new bike and have the opportunity to get either a 2010 Demo 8 II or 2010 951 w/ SRAM build kit for nearly the same price. I’m kind of inclined to go with the Demo simply because it has a much better build for the $$$ (Boxxer WC, Elixir CR, etc.) but I’m just wondering if you had any thoughts on the matter.

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Help: I want a new bike for everything

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Hi Lee
I am in the process of getting a new bike. I have out grown my heckler and i want to get a 29r, but I love to jump bikes and when I land I land hard. I looked at a specialized stumpjumper 29r and a gary fisher rumblefish. I also looked at a specialized sx which my dad says that fits my personality very well, but I want to race and be competitive. i race xc a few times a year and we ride am/trail. the jumps are three to four feet that i build in the back yard. My dad offered me his 07 specialized enduro sl. What do you think? Thanks JD.

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2008 vs. 2009 vs. 2010 Specialized Demo 8

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Hi Lee,

If you would care to expound on the differences between the 08, 09, and 2010 Demo 8 I would be grateful. I am aware that the 2010 model has been dialed for world cup racing and that distinguishes it from its predecessors. I am looking at an ’08, but am not sure what changes occurred between ’08 and ’09.

Thanks,
Dan

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Seat tube angles on DJ bikes!

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Lee, was checking in and read How seat tube angle affects bike character. Have you ever ridden a Cannondale Chase 1 DJ? Both small and med frames have a 77 degree seat tube angle and 69 degree head tube angle. What would be the purpose of such an extreme ST angle unless perhaps it does not matter if you don’t use the seat as a peddle platform. BTW love my Chase!!!
Enjoy those kids- they grow up too fast.

Mike

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How seat tube angle determines bike character

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This bike comparison shows how seat tube angle can influence your bike’s purpose in life.

Part of the continuing seat-tube-angle saga.

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