Pump tracks: 180-degree berm radii?
I rarely offer specific feedback on pump track designs, but Louis here bought the ebook, is building a public track and raised a good question. So here we go:
Send questions to lee@leelikesbikes.com
Coil shock on Enduro?
Hi Lee!
I have a 2007 base level Enduro. I recently have gotten into jumping and I think I want to change out
the rear shock from a DHX air 3.0 to a DHX 5.0 coil. Is this possible? A guy at a bike shop said that the lower end Enduro is actually a different frame from the higher ends and he’s not sure if it will accept that much travel. Any help you could offer would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
Andrew
Ideal bike for Whistler (again)
Lee,
It is that time of the year…getting prepped for Whistler and my riding season. I am having a hard time identifying what the best bike would be for whistler. I am trying to decide between an SX Trail or the Demo 7. Could you let me know how you would approach this decision?
Marv
Followup: Specialized Eskar tires
The new Specialized Eskar trail/all-mountain tire has been out for a while, and people are getting some miles on it. More than you wanted to know:
Dropping in: Coping with the coping
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the great site: it’s good therapy while waiting for the snow to melt.
In the meantime, I’ve been riding at the local skatepark and was curious if you had any tips on how to progress towards dropping into a bowl/quarterpipe. I’m in my thirties, and looking down from the coping is super intimidating.
BTW, will your new book on BMX have a section on how to ride pipes and get air?
Thanks!
PS – the two privates classes I did with you were the best thing I ever did for my riding.
jeff
Help, my wheel is crooked!
Hey Lee,
I have a slight problem with my rear end (on the bike). I have a 05 Jamis Dakar XLT with Mavic crossmax XL wheels and the problem I am having is my rear tire sits slightly to the left.
I have already replaced the entire rear triangle and swing arm and even when I put another wheel in its place it still sits crooked. It is really annoying because whenever I pit down the power the tire rubs the chainstay when I mash the right crank. I am baffled about what to do next. Can you give me a few ideas on what the trouble might be?
Thanks a lot, Chris
DH-ability: Is it the rims?
Lee –
I recently rode my friend’s brand new Santa Cruz Nomad. He’s got it set up for heavy duty free ride and can run the Northstar DH trails on it. He’s got WTB LaserDisc FR (30MM wide) with 2.3 Weirwolfs on them. I ride a Heckler with similar compnents but am using the WTB LaserDisc XC (24mm wide) with the same weirwolfs.
My question is would simply rim width explain why his bike feel so much more stable and planted going down hill over things and around turns? His bike felt like a DH bike and mine like a XC bike.
Thanks, Scot
Gary Fisher GED upgrades?
Lee, I am looking to convert my ’05 Gary Fisher GED into a better pump track / dirt jump rig. The main thing is the fork, right now it has a 130mm Marzocchi Drop-Off. I’m thinking of swapping it for a 100mm fork, like the Marzocchi 4X. What other forks should I be considering? Anything else you would recommend to make this bike BRAAAP! on a pump track?
Thanks for the cool site, Tom
Upgrade: Swinger 3-Way to RP23?
Hey Lee, I have a Giant VT2 which runs a Manitou 3-way rear shock. It will cost me a bit to get it serviced and change all of the parts….ok…I just needed an excuse to upgrade. I’ve been looking at the Fox RP23, my questions are:
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Time on his hands: Rear hub maintenance?
Hey Lee,
A little bike maintainance question concerning the hub/pawl drive assembly on modern mtb wheels like mavics or azonic outlaws, etc. Since these wheels have sealed bearings, should you put any lubrication inside the freewheel or on the drive pawls? If so, should I use grease, oil, or what? (It seems like the lubricant just attacts dirt to me) Or should I just clean everything and leave it dry? After all the bearings in the wheel are sealed. Also, what about the skewers? Grease them or leave them clean and dry? Hope you can solve this mystery for me?
Walt
My Vans aren’t stiff enough!
Hey Lee,
I like wearing Vans Old Skool shoes when riding but the sole is pretty flexy. Is there a stiffer insert that I could put in to make it flex less? The stiffer inserts I have seen aren’t full length which I think would work the best. Any ideas?
Thanks, Brian
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