Questions, comments and criticisms

Pushing through a BMX double

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Dear Lee,

I bumped onto your site whilst desperately seeking info on a jumping technique that seems to be difficult to find on the web, at least if one doesn’t know the name of it. So in this video that is attached, Mike Day uses it as per text book example in the first jumps after the gate: he pumps the rear wheel mid-air.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsR_TjG_brU

My question then is, what does this achieve: I think that it is to scrub speed so as to allow for taking the lip of the jump with more speed and then scrub off some mid-air so as to not land too far. Am I correct in my thinking?

Yours,

Rauli

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Making a DJ bike feel like a good trail bike

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Hey there, Lee – how are things? I just have a quickie bike question for you. I don’t know much when it comes to DJ bikes, but I do know that I would like to be in the market. I’ve been going to Valmont Bike Park when I can (why is it so addicting?), and I have been annoyed that I can’t get my seatpost any lower on my trailbike. So I went over to The Fix and rented a dj bike for an hour. There was a pretty big difference…the right tool for the terrain I guess. Even though I need a lot of work keeping my weight on the flat pedals. Anyway, I was kind of into the Specialized P.2 pro (I believe, one of the P’s with front susp)….how do you think it compares to the Kona type version?

Not sure if you have any input – the only thing about the bike I rented was it doesn’t corner like my trailbike, it felt slow and wide, unless I just have to get used to the much wider bars or something. My trailbike feels great and sticks hard to those banked corners. I wonder if the Kona would feel any different than the Specialized? Thanks for any info!
Hope all is good –
Dawn

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Command Post vs. quads

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Lee,
I got a Command Post this year and absolutely love how it changes the riding experience. Even here in Minnesota on primarily cross country trails I end up using it all the time.

I have noticed a couple of “issues” using it though. The first is pretty minor, more of an annoyance than anything else. With the post dropped all the way it throws off the angles between your arms, hands and brake levers. I only really notice it on longer downhills, but I would imagine out west that it may be something to take into consideration-maybe “split the difference” in your set up.

The other issue is a bit more of a problem. As a cross country rider with a thoroughly mediocre fitness level I have noticed my quads reacting poorly when pedaling with the seat lowered or if just “hovering” over the saddle when it is dropped. Yesterday while climbing out of the bottom of an extended downhill stretch my quads just locked up with cramps. I had to get off the bike for a few minutes. After that if I dropped the saddle I could feel my quads start to freak out again. Twice more in just a couple of miles I was off the bike trying to get my legs to uncramp so I could get back to the trailhead.

I am wondering if you have heard of, or even felt these effects yourself, and if you can suggest ways to mitigate the issue.

Thanks
Sean

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Fork for Intense Tazer VP?

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Hi Lee,

I am building up an Intense Tazer VP and I am torn between building it up with a Fox 831 or a 120mm Float. I ride rougher terrain with braking bumps, trail trash, and a lot of jumps (i.e. Carlmont, CA). At first, I was dead-set on the 831. It has stiff valving that works great in berms and jumps, but I am not sure that its 100mm of travel is quite enough for gnarlier downhills. The Float with its longer legs would be better for the rough stuff, but the out-of-box valving might be a little to spongy for pumping. I am not as concerned about plushness and bump absorption as I am about having control in turns and jumps and having the bike track straight. I am 5′-11″ and I weigh 175 lbs if that is any help. I also race BMX. Thanks a lot. -Rex

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Constantly crashing on the BMX bike

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Hi Lee, I’ve got a question for you that your blog readers might find entertaining, if not useful. I’m a lifelong cyclist and have been riding (small “r”) for over 30 years. Road, track, cyclocross, triathlon, touring, commuting, mtb, and have just recently started to dabble in BMX. For some inexplicable reason I crash nearly ever session. Sometimes it’s the front tyre that washes out. Other times it’s the rear. Sometimes I have no idea what happened – I just find myself rolling in the dirt trying not to get run over. Sure I crash from time to time on the mtb and during cyclocross, and have gone down on the road a few times as well – but I generally know why and have *never* crashed as much as I seem to on the BMX. Any idea as to what’s up?

Thanks,
Khai

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Fore-aft balance when jumping

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The comments for The end of flat pedals at World Cup downhills? tracked into this subject, and I think it’s pretty interesting. Check it out:

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Benefits of full suspension if you know how to Ride

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Lee,
Question is hardtail vs. FS. Been riding a Gary Fisher 29er Paragon hard tail for 5 or 6 yrs. Have thought about trading up for a full suspension bike but started thinking about your riding style advice (have a couple of your books and looks at your website) and realize that usually one is out of the saddle when in technical terrain. I definately hover and have tried to use your attack position for all challenges. Sooo.. how active would a full suspension be and how would it benefit my riding?? thanks, jake

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Wanted to thank you

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Hi Lee,
I bought Mastering Mountain Bike Skills several years ago and made it my bible for quite a while. A couple years later, I started getting cocky about my riding skills and forgot all about the book. I stacked it hard about a month ago, managing to knock myself out, separate and dislocate my shoulder and injure my lower back.

I was riding too fast for conditions on a trail I didn’t know well and completely deserved it. This blow to my ego (and head) gave me some time and the impetus to re-read your book. A friend also turned me onto your website which is full of awesome tips.

I had my first long trail ride yesterday since the wreck. I got back to the basics of pumping corners, attack position and flow. I forgot all about going stupid fast and had an absolute blast. I just wanted to thank you for all the info which I promise not to forget this time!

Thanks,
Zach

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Stumpy 29 EVO too long to turn?

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Hey Lee

I’m a happy owner of Stumpjumper FSR 29 2012. As I read, you have the EVO version of the same bike. My question is regarding the wheelbase: Compared to my old Scott Genius 26er the wheelbase is rather long. The EVO has an even longer wheelbase. What do you think about steering through narrow corners with such a long bike? Is this much different with a 450mm chainstay, than with a 420mm? I’m interested what your thoughts are on this.

Thanks and regards.
Reto from Switzerland

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Frustrated by switchbacks

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Lee,

Super bummed you are not heading to NorCal, but I am hoping I can ask you one question though. My Kryptonite is switchbacks, I have the absolute worst time on them. I have read your book, taken a few skills clinics (other companies) just plain tried to ride them, and I have the hardest fricken time with them. I don’t know if it is a mental block or something either. Are there any tips and maybe a drill or two I can practice in my driveway or something? I am tired of dismounting when I know that is something my skill level should totally be able to ride with no problems. Thank you!!

Frustrated by switchbacks, -Brandy

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BRAIN upgrade for Stumpy?

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Lee, in the 300+ hours I’ve been crafting a pump track this summer i’ve been doing a thought experiment on the “Swiss Army Knife” bike i want to buy in the spring.

I’m pretty much concrete on a Stumpy 29er but limited funds will probably = entry spec bike.

During the summer I tested an Epic and the Brain made me very, VERY happy (and shockingly fast). My question is at a later date when i’ve saved my “upgrade” pennies can one add a Brain to a lesser model Stumpy?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Alastair

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Short stem leads to awkward position

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Lee, I am 5′ 9″ guy working to dial in his fit on an 18″ El Mariachi frame. I began with a 75mm stem and low rise bars. Felt a bit too much forward weight bias, had trouble lofting the front end over curbs and logs, lacked room to move about on the bike. Decided to try 60mm, then 70mm, and settled for awhile on 50mm stem with higher rise bars. (All my bars are 690mm).

The 50mm stem leaves me plenty of room for forward and backward movement. Yet when I’m just pedaling cross-country, I feel too bolt-upright on the bike. I don’t like that feel. Last night I put on a 70mm stem and low-rise bars, and will give that combination a go.

Do I accept that a short stem for maneuvering will result in an awkward position when just pedaling along? Should I move up one frame size, to a large? Should I work on my flexibility so as to better move about with a longer stem?

I know I have to experiment to find what works. Am just curious if you have any wisdom to offer here.

Jonathan

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