Send questions to lee@leelikesbikes.com

MTB vs moto prices: rip-off?


Hey Lee,
I like MTBiking and moto like you, and certainly favour MTB. The question I always have is the prices of MTB. A motor bike is not much dearer than a top of the line MTB. I thought motorbike has a lot more technology and R&D costs associate with it. Are MTB companies just ripping us off?
Chay

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How to manual – again

Hey lee. I’ve been trying relentlessly to figure out how to manual. For months I can’t seem to get my front wheel high enough, but when I do, I tend to get sideways and lose balance and tip to the side. My pals say I look like I’m too high up but when I get low, I cant seem to lift the wheel.. HELP!! I want so bad to master this trick.
Dan

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Fruita vs. Moab


Hi Lee,

What’s your opinion on the pros and cons of Fruita vs. Moab at the end of February? I am a trail rider from Minnesota, and am looking for rock, scenery and a change from home.

Tjaard

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Rocking one bike for all Sea Otter events?


Hey Lee,
First time caller- long time listener. You’re the only rider I know of who rocks all the disciplines for these questions, so here it goes. I have my ’06 Reign 1 set up for Super D but want to also try downhill and 4x at Sea Otter this year. I’m thinking about swapping the 36 Talas with something longer and plusher for the DH but what about the 4x? My only other ride is a XC hardtail with a 71.5 head tube angle. I have a shorty stem for it but would prefer a slacker frame. Is there any way to setup the RP3 on the Reign to at least try 4x? Thanks for your time.
Oso Negro

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The link between air pressure and rebound damping


Lee,

I own a new OEM 2008 Fox TALAS RL 32. The rebound has 14 clicks. The slowest rebound takes about 2 seconds – very SLOW. The fastest rebound is just “normal.”

I would expect a very bouncy feel – but no. Others have written that their fastest setting just knocks them off the bike. Is my rebound circuit in need of service despite it being new? Is this normal for FOX forks? How do I test to make sure my rebound is working properly?

I weight 195 pounds geared, and my fork has 70 PSI. That gives 25% sag. How much correlation is there with air pressure and rebound?

Thanks, James

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Which weight oil should I use in my fork?

Hey Lee,
I just recently serviced my Fox TALAS fork and i put in fox’s 7wt susspension fluid. My question is what is the difference in the weight of the oil? And what is best for XC and DH racing through full on extream Freeride.
Thanks,
Chris

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How do I measure rear shock sag?


Hi Lee,

I’m a beginner mountain biker from Peru and want to thank you for a great book, it’s helping me a lot!!

I have a question: how do i calculate the recommended 25% sag?. Do i base it on the stroke of my rear shox or the eye to eye distance? Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards, César (in Peru)

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Turn my bunny hops into rabbit hops


Lee,
I have your book and it greatly helped last year. I think the biggest thing is that I can go into a situation knowing what to do so I stay loose.

Anyways since its winter I figured I would work on some basic skills. For bunny hops I used to just weight the whole bike and make it hop. After your book I weight the front tire maybe a half second before the rear and have noticed an increase in height. Should I actually be busting into an actual manual or wheelie then weight the rear for the jump. If I try to do this my front tire violently slams down.

Thanks
Nate

ps because of your book a few friends started calling me a crazy rider. But they’re the ones who seem to wipe out more often. Thanks a lot.

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Aftermarket shock for 2006 Enduro?

Hey Lee
I have your book and look through it and your website almost daily. Really appreciate all you bring to the sport.

I was influenced in getting a 06 enduro(elite) from your book.When I test rode it I was sold.I have not been sorry since, I love it.

My question is about the DHX4.0 shock. The ProPedal was no longer working so I send it back to Fox through my bike shop.I was thinking about getting a spare to keep from having any down time.I then considered Push industries and getting a DHX coil shock and having them tune it.I was told by Push that DHXair was custom made for the enduro and that no other shock will fit the enduro.Is this true? and am I really left with no other options for my bike?

Shawn

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Pump/jump in San Luis Obispo?

Hey Lee…..Just wondering if you know of any pump/jump spots in San Luis Obispo area of California. I am traveling there a week from today and I would like to hit some spots. I know of some great areas to MTB around but I am looking for the “other” kind of riding. : ) Trying to figure out what bike to bring.
Thanks – Ray, OKC

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4X in CO?


Hey Lee,
Great site ya got! Hey I’ve been out of serious bike stuff (just playing at the BMX tracks and skateparks with the kiddos) for awhile. Anyway, I’m trying to find more info on 4X for ’08, like is there a series in CO and if so, where?
Thanks, Eric

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Any more CX braaaping?

Lee,
Got any updates on the cx braaaping you were doing a while ago? Been thinking about
ditching the street/jump bike because it is not nice to my bones and something like
the tricross seems super fun and practical.
Stephen

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