Questions, comments and criticisms

Losing the front end in turns

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Hi Lee,

I’ve been a fan of your site and 1st edition for a couple of years now. I’ve learned a lot from both your site and book which has put my riding to a new level. Unfortunately, there’s been a particular issue that’s put me on the ground a couple of times recently and I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. It involves going downhill on a fairly steep and long, fairly supported berm. Generally I’m trying to turn harder than the berm, so I’m leaning the bike, not the body into the turn and pushing pretty hard. I keep “heavy feet, light hands” in mind and look ahead and through the turn towards the next trail feature. Somehow my front wheel manages to tuck in the same direction as the turn, which stops the bike and sends me over the bars. It happens so fast that I don’t even know what happened until I’m on the ground.

Fortunately, I’m wearing my full face helmet and protective gear so I haven’t had any serious injuries but I’d like to try and figure out exactly what’s going on so this can stop happening. I’ve considered if it was just line choice (loose stuff in the turn?) or front/aft weighting (front wheel too light?). I’m riding a Santa Cruz Blur 4x which is a pretty slack and low and likes to rail turns.

Thanks!

-Joe

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First time racing DH

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Hey, I’m going to Northstar this weekend to race in the beginner’s (junior) class (karpiel, speed control, sticks & stones). This is my first time racing DH and I need some tips. I will be riding my Trek Remedy. I already have a chainguide, 28″ bars, 40mm stem, a RS lyrik, and 2.3 DTC nevegals F&R. Thanks!

Joseph

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Pump track design critique #1

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Lee-

We finally were able to get going on the design for our city bike park.

Based on the information I got from your book, I’ve come up with the attached preliminary lay-out for the pump track. I wonder if you can take a few minutes and provide your input. To be honest with you, I’m not totally in love with it, but this is about the 5th incarnation.

I have roughly 175’x115’ set aside for the pump track. I’m almost worried that this is too big. What do you think?

I appreciate whatever input you could provide. Thanks!

Corey, Professional Engineer

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Great book, is there a video?

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Hi Lee

Bought your book when I randomly found it on the internet (got to admit, it having the words ‘Brian Lopes’ on the front cover helped persuade me!!). I got into MTB aged 40, two Christmas’s ago when I decided it was time to get fit and keep up with my son (11) so bought a cheap XC bike. In the 18 months since I’ve lost 20lbs (and way more £££’s!!) and am now into dirt jumping and downhill!

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Do I need an instructor?

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Hey Lee,

I’ve been looking at your website a little bit, and you seem to really understand how to coach mountain biking. I live in the Bay Area (south of San Fransisco, CA), and was wondering if you know of any good instructors in the area. Also, if not, in your opinion do you think it is possible for me to teach myself using your book or do I really need an instructor?

Thanks,
Caleb

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Chain guide for trail riding?

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Hi Lee,
I have a Giant reign that I use for trail riding, light downhill (medium sized jumps up to 6′) and really rocky trails. I’m already running a 2×9 system (24/36) with a bash guard but no chain guide. My question is: Is it a good idea to use a chain guide for the kind of riding I do or are chain guides primarily for gravity riding? Some days, I do 25 milers all on single track. So, I don’t want a lot of resistance. Do these things cause restistance or do you barely notice it? I was thinking about the E13 DRS. Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Walt

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Slamming into berms?

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Hey Lee,

I was at Sol Vista a few weeks ago and had a question about proper technique for max speed/smoothness/what-have-you. There are a lot of berms that have what seems like a jump or bump leading up to them. If you go even moderately fast, it seems pretty much impossible to entirely suck up the bump. So, I figures proper technique would be to pre-jump the lip, land on the backside and pump into the berm. However, I saw some people who appeared to be much faster than I am (at least they were clearing long tables that I couldn’t) who looked like they were just blasting off of the initial bump and slamming into the berm.

What’s the right way to do it?

Thanks, Scott

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Foot angle on flat pedals

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After breaking his ankle, our compadre John asked about keeping his feet on the pedals while he jumps. Now he’s asking about the angle of his feet on the pedals.

Another good question.

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Easing the transition: Enduro to Epic

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Our friend Rhys in Queensland switched from a medium Enduro to a large Epic. He’s loving the climbs but fearing the descents.

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Changing the no-helmet culture

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Lee,

Do you ever run into the problem of convincing kids, especially teens, to wear helmets when riding? I live in an area with zero “helmet culture.” I’ve a neighbor kid who likes to borrow my bike. But he despises helmets, no one in his peer group wears them, they are considered as “geeky,” he “never crashes,” etc. Putting my foot down is one thing, but changing the attitude and the local culture, that’s the interesting problem. I am wondering how to attack it.

Jonathan

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Foot came off pedal during jump = not good

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Our man John fancies himself a smooth rider, yet he lost his pedal on a jump and broke his ankle. He’s searching for meaning in this disaster.

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Overcome the fear of turns

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Lee,

Thanks for your incredible site! I was hoping you could help me turn my MTB. My local trails are hardpack with random patches of gravel. Some turns have sweet berms and most are flat. I really haul on the brakes before each turn, berm or no berm. Self-preservation is kicking in but I know I have tons more speed.

What are some “swing thoughts” to have when approaching turns? My friends are leaving me in the dust!

Thanks,
David

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