Questions, comments and criticisms
How seat angle affects handlebar location
Inspired by the discussion surrounding Why is a slack seat angle so rip-able?.
With a diagram this time.
Why is a slack seat angle so rip-able?
Hey Lee,
I know what I like but don’t know why. I have been riding a few demo bikes and find the slack 71.5-72 seat angle to feel great and very rip-able. When I jump on the 73/74 deg angle it feels … off even with similar head angles and bb heights. Any reason why? I also feel like I can ride with my seat lower with the slacker seat tube. Climbing and pedaling has the same results. Everyone keeps telling me “oh 73-74 will climb better.” I don’t see it. Lay it out for me bro.
MW
Does this BMX bike fit me?
Hello Lee,
I hope all is well with you and your wife + kidlets!!!
I’m thinking of getting into BMX and was wondering if you can take a look at the pic below and tell me if this bike is too long for me. I’d like to get the right size bike to start with. I’m 5’3” and this is an Intense Race Pro XL with 21” Top Tube. It does feel a bit too big.
Thanks, in advance, for your advice.
Ramon
Weight distribution for turning
Lee,
As I have said in previous e-mail; you book has been a great help to me and other, lent it out to many riding buddies. I am looking forward to ii. Any chance on an advanced copy?????
My question is weight % on corning / turns. As I have read and been working on most of the season is dropping the outside pedal and placing weight on it and at the same time placing weight and pulling on the handle bar, opposite to pedal side. Should I be distributing my weight similar to downhill skiing turns 80 / 20 rule (80% down on pedal and 20% on handle bar??????). I have noticed that if you do to much on the bar it actually tips you funny and also puts more weight down on the front tire, giving me to much traction.
Would this also apply for either hardtail for full suspension?
Any help would be great. I am always looking forward to your tips and advice.
Rob
Pump tracks: What about hot guys?
In the Welcome to Pump Track Nation I mention all the hot chicks who will hang out at your new track. Megan, who just bought a copy, wonders about the hot guys.
Cornering drills for the twisty-turnies
Lee,
On my p57 of my copy of MMBS is a pair of illustrations: “loading a turn” and “light between turns.” What do you recommend for drills for this? I am slow when the trail gets twisty-turny, so the statement: “technical single track will never be the same” really gets my attention.
I already rock this: leelikesbikes.com/cornering-drilling-the-basics and I struggle with leelikesbikes.com/how-to-pump-a-flat-surface.html, in which you appear to be a self licking ice cream cone.
Also, do I rock these drills with the big bike? the all mountain bike? the DJ bike? the BMX bike? or the road bike (it’s all about performance!)?
Thanks,
-Jim
Setting up a DS/4X suspension bike for trail riding
Love the site. Love the book. I recently bought a 2009 Specialized SX (not Trail) frame to set up for all around trail use. I’ve ridden a few DS/4X bikes and I love how they feel. I’m gonna run a single front ring for sure and know to use 34t with a mtb 11-34 cassette. What other stuff do you suggest as far as setup goes such as fork, crank size?
Danny
Working through a wall
Hi Lee,
I am 33 & mom of five in Show Low, AZ. I have been biking for almost 3 years now. There are some awesome trails up here but I feel like I’ve hit a wall. I really want to be able to improve on some of my mtb skills but feel like I’m almost limited in the small town I live in. There are no coaches here. I just purchased your book and I am also looking into the strength training program that James Willson offers. Outside of this can you give me any other suggestions?
I am completely addicted to this sport and want to take my biking to the next level! I have the bruises and scars to prove it 🙂 Any advice you have would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Aly
Telescopic seatpost for a DJ hardtail
Our man Kirk, a longtime lurker, bought a P.2 and wants to rock it for trails. He needs a longer seatpost, that’s for sure.
Cornering, MMBS style
Hi Lee,
I was in a local short course type XC race yesterday and aside from getting gassed on an uphill section I realized I wasn’t handling the corners well at all. I was spending the night in a hotel and had thought to bring along my Mastering Mountain Bike Skills book so I pulled it out and studied the section on cornering. I identified that the two main pieces messing me up were when I was braking and the line I was choosing. In today’s longer XC race I focused on those two aspects as I cornered and it made a HUGE difference. Thanks for putting together such a user friendly book!
Karmen
Steep, loose downhill turns
Hi Lee, I’d like to start off by commending you on your book and website. It’s not common that you can become substantially better at a sport by merely reading up on it but thanks to you, it’s happened to me. Currently, however, I’ve been running into some difficulties that I’m hoping you can help remedy.