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Good moto to learn on?

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Hey Lee,
it’s Simon again. Glad you liked the pics from Sea Otter, I can see one in your homepage!

Time for a moto question: I’ve recently tried a moto and I’m super stoked on it. Problem is, I’m a total beginner. I’d like a simple, easy motorbike that I can learn on, ride trails on and also do a bit of track riding. What could be a good choice? I’m pretty big in size, 6’3″ and about 200 pounds, so I think a tiny, 4-stroke 125cc would be a bit too mellow for me. Some friends say that the best would be a 400cc 4-stroke enduro bike, like the Honda XR400, which has a more manageable engine than, let’s say, a 250cc 4 stroke. What you think?
It wouldn’t hurt if the bike could be street-legal, because here in Rome it could be of great use, at least in fair weather.

Thanks for helping, keep up the great work.

Simon

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Light-casing tires for DH?

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Lee,

The last few seasons I have been running light casing tires (2.5) on my DH rig and have had very good luck with flats. I’m usually running 35 lbs and from rocks to races enjoy the faster spinning setup. My question is: Am I missing out on anything other than durability with a dual ply? I have heard you can run lower pressure on a full DH tire for more traction but I like to have a fast roll to stay on the podium. Thanks, MW

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Little bike and pump track for teenage girl?

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Hey Lee.
I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a 14 year old girl, 5’7″, 140 lbs. pump track and free ride bikes. We kind of have a budget and can’t get too expensive. What bikes would you recommend?

And also, would a 20×30 space work for a small practice pump track? Or would we have to find a larger space?

Cherilyn

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Pump track sustainability

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hi Lee, i purchased the ebook Welcome to Pump Track Nation a while back and am now scripting a proposal for our local parks. one concern is of course sustainability. i know that tracks treat their dirt with something to harden it up. do you know that is and have you used it?
thanks, john

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Talas 36 and 2.3 tires on my Stumpy?

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Lee,
I love my 2007 Stumpjumper FSR but I think it is slowing down my riding progression. In the past 3 years, I went from a hardtail 1993 Stumpjumper (steel frame with Manitou Mach V forks – creepy elastomer spring), to a used 2001 Fisher Sugar 3, to my current ride.
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The strongest saddle rails?

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hey Lee,

i am a bigger guy, 6′ and 250 lbs. i have a question about saddles. what is stronger, the chromoly rails, or the titanium rails? i am 15 years past caring about gram weight; i just want the strongest saddle. at the same time, i like a sleek racer saddle, so i don’t want some brick like jumping seat.
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Racing 4X with one gear?

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Hi Lee, i was wondering if it’s possible to race 4X with a single speed bike and be successful with racing? Let me know what you think.
Thanks, Cameron

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Slappin’ bigger tires on the Sprinter

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Lee,
I’m about to buy new tires for my Dodge Sprinter and need to know what size your Sportsmobile came with. According to Dodge I can’t go any bigger than stock, but I find that hard to believe with the amount of room this thing has.
Mikey

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Small DH bikes for big people?

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Hey Lee, I am six feet tall and have been running large dh bikes for years. Would a medim be too small? I do come from a BMX background and like to flick the bike when possible. I was wondering if the smaller bike would be more unstable at speeds?
Don

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How important is standover height?

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Hi Lee,
I have relatively short legs for my height. I am 5’10” with a 30 inch inseam. How big a concern is stand-over height? Particularly in regards to 6″ travel bikes?
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Which length crank do I need?

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Hi Lee,
I need a new crankset on my Iron Horse Mark III team 5″ trail bike. I’m thinking I would like to get a 180mm crankset instead of the normal 175mm that I have. I ride a lot of steep trails here in Idaho and I think I will get more power. I am a big person too at 6’3′ and 194 lbs. Years ago, I replaced the crankset on my hardtail that was a 170mm to a 175mm and I could not believe what a difference 5mm made. So, why wouldn’t another 5mm be even better? Why are these 180mm cranks so rare? What are the disadvantages? I’m looking and the race face crank. Please explain this crank length stuff. Roadies like their cranks short and some bmx racers long. But, that’s all I know. Thanks
Walt

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BMX cruiser for a tall rider

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Our tall friend rides a large MTB for slalom, and he’s looking for a BMX cruiser. Top tube length? Material? Head angle? … What to do?

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