Send questions to lee@leelikesbikes.com

Gearing for DH race bike

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Hi Lee.

I have a Demo 9 that I use for DH racing. Right now I have 34t chainring and an 11-34 cassette. I want to switch to a road cassette. Which one should I use?
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Budget bike: Mountain Cycle San Andreas?

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Hello Lee. I’ve been looking for a good all mountain frame for riding on new england trails (very rocky/rooty). I’m on a tight budget and noticed the Mountain Cycle San Andreas is on sale cheap with a Manitou Swinger 4 way.
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Moto for DH training?

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Oh Wise Sage –

I am considering buying a motocross bike for the winter training season and possibly doing a few races. I am planning to upgrade from Expert to Semi Pro downhill next year and am trying to decide my best off-season training options.
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Setup (and skills) for flat drops

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Hi Lee,

Love the site and the book. Since you are the Fox guru I have a question about suspension setup. I have a Santa Cruz Nomad with a Fox 36 RC fork and Fox DHX 5.0 Air shock.
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Which clip-in pedals and shoes?

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Hey Lee,
I ride and race DH and 4X with flats and it suits me well, but I’ve been hearing about all the benefits of clips and I would really like to try them out this fall and winter.
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Staying stoked to ride

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Hi Lee,
This might not be a question that you can identify with since it seems you’re always so excited to ride (at least from your articles it seems so) BUT I figured I’d ask anyway and see what you think: lately, riding just hasn’t been as fun. It has been much more of a challenge to motivate myself to go ride (there are a number of factors/excuses including 1) long time riding buddy no longer riding 2) busy at work and school 3) don’t want to drive to ride b/c of gas prices and local stuff is getting boring 4) can’t justify any cool new parts to buy, etc.). Anyway, what ideas do you have? What are your thoughts? What keeps you stoked to ride? Thanks a bunch.
– Dub
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What cameras do I use?

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Hey Lee,

I was wondering what type of cameras you use? Having just had our first kid has got me thinking about getting a descent camera. I was thinking along the lines of Olympus E500, or Nikon D50?

Steve
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XC to DH conversion

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Lee,

Okay, I know that this is a really in depth request, but I have decided to make a big change in my life and your book sort of inspired it. I am a pretty average mountain biker, I’ve raced XC at the collegiate level but I’m not happy with it. I tried a DH race a month ago and it was amazing. I would like your opinion on how to really get into DH. For example what are the skills, in what order should they be learned, what kind of schedule do you have to follow, etc… Basically I am starting at square one, but I am prepared to focus a lot of energy on this. My goal is to race Expert class with some proficiency.

Thanks, JOSH
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Downieville hand syndrome

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Hey Lee
Got a question for you. A few weeks ago I headed to Downieville to do a couple runs that were gnarly! I usually brake with my index fingers, but this time I felt like I had no control over my fingers and hands going on such a high speed single track. I usually do downhill runs, but is it the duration and harshness of the trail that cause the loss of function of my hands and fingers? How can I work on this, and is it only me?
Gabe
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Looking for a DJ/4X bike

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Lee,

i was wondering what would be the best DJ 4X urban bike for a 12 year old that is 107 pounds 5 foot 8 and has an inseam of 33 inches for under 1,200 dollars?
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Hill for dual slalom?

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Hey Lee,

I’m looking to get started building a Dual Slalom course. I obviously have a hill in mind but I’m not sure how tall or steep it needs to be.

What do you know about Dual Slalom courses as far as hill height and grade is concerned? Any help is appreciated.

thanks,
Brock
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20×60 pump track?

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Lee,
Just read the article in the Aug. Mt Bike Action and was wondering if my yard would be big enough to build a pump track. It is 20″ by 60″… I could build the berms out of 2*4 and plywood (I’ve built halfpipes and bowls) My yard would be perfect for a ramp but as I’m 36 I just want something a bit tamer and more applicable. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Andy Small
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