Dirt-jump hardtail for all-around riding?
Billy is considering a Giant STP-0 for his do-all bike, and I think that’s a fine idea.
Send questions to lee@leelikesbikes.com
Darn those weak hip flexors
Hi Lee;
In Chapter 3 of MMBS you do what I think is a good job of explaining the pedalling process.
I’ve been paying more attention to my legs and where they seem to get tired on climbs, and I am of the opinion that my hip flexors are the weak link. (seems to be the same thing running intervals on the treadmill)
Does this make sense to you and can you offer any additional exercises to the ones in your book that might address my self diagnosis?
Great book and web site by the way, keep up the good work.
Cheers Greg
Shorter-stroke shock on my bike?
Hi Lee, i need help from you.
i have a damaged 8inch I2I shock with 2.75 stroke that is sent back for warranty claim from my mongoose black diamond triple.
so my pal say he have a same 8inch i2I xfusion shock with 2 inch stroke sitting around that he can lend it to me.
cos due to the I2I is the same but shock stroke is different, can i still use it? wat kind of problems will i face?
we were debating whether i will lose some travel as the result of the stroke difference, but we cant figure out how much lost in the end. due to the fact that the shock is in a different states, i hope you can enlighten me before i spend so money in shipping the shock in.
thanks!
myk
New racing classes: What about the fast vets?
Hey Lee,
Just curious on your feelings about the change to international Cat. System of classes (or whatever it is officially called) that they are going to for 2009? I agree to have an international standard, but do you think it may take a few years to level out?
I’m an Expert that was jumping to Semi-pro for 09 but no way ready for the big boys and at 36 don’t see having the time to make it there. So dominate the Ex class forever? Doesn’t seem fair, but the big boys are just in another league. I take it your going Pro?
It sounds like you have the choice to own the Cat 1 experts or go Pro? I just hope local folks like Southridge keep the Vet Pro classes for this “in-betweener.”
Marshall
Places to ride a DH bike?
Hello Lee,
Your site is most helpful. I am considering buying a Demo 7. I live in Castle Rock, CO. Do you know of any close DH/FR areas in the Front Range (non resort) to ride it? Thanks for your help.
Paul
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
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