Questions, comments and criticisms
Timing devices and techniques for racing
Hi Lee,
I am a big fan of your website and book (with BL). The fountain of information has definitely made biking a lot more fun. Thanks a lot man. Anyway I am just a recreational rider but I love to watch local DH and XC races here in the Philippines. I noticed though that race participants are still crudely timed manually via radios or cellphones and can’t help but wonder if this is accurate enough considering that a difference of less than 1 second can spell the difference between podium finish and not. I wonder what sort of timing devices and techniques are used in US or UCI DH and XC races.
regards,
Hansen Dy
Philippines
International Figure 8 cone spacing standard
I usually reserve this info for clinics, but you guys have been asking, so …
Help: My right turns suck
Hey Lee,
So I was wondering. I’m really trying to focus on improving my skills this spring before the race season gets going again. I ride Right foot forward and as far as left turns go, I’m pretty good. I can rail ’em and hold a drift pretty well, open turns and tight turns, but when it comes to turning right, all bets are off. I feel so awkward trying to turn right on everything from open turns to hairpins, though the tighter it is the more awkward I feel. I’ve also noticed that I sort of have my weight going to the outside(left) when I do tight right handers. What can I do to feel more confident with turning right?
-Andrew
Flat pedals vs. clips: Looking for data
Yo lee,
Where is the actual performance data for situational power output for clipless and flats? I have run across some articles on the web but nuthin super scientific.
You sound like you have seen some solid numbers. Do tell…
All the Best,
Bruce
DJ fork for 40something rider?
Hi Lee,
I’m 44 and have spent the last two years ripping up the local trails on my Kona Coiler (Your book has helped a lot).
Recently I aquired a single speed Santa Cruz Chameleon for off road commuting, the local BMX track (I will manual properly even if it kills me), street and general trails — and the last couple of weeks have been fun but the bike feels nose heavy, notably it’s really hard to lift when I’m doing jumps or drops.
Guys at the LBS thought the RS Argyle was the go, but I’m interested in the Recon 351 … What sort of things should I be looking for in a fork? FYI the current fork is 2005 Dirt jumper 3.
John
Role of arms in jumping
Andrew poses a fantastic question. Let’s rock this, shall we?
Figure 8’s on dirt: Weighting the front end?
Lee
OK, I have a silly question for you. I’ve been practicing my figure 8’s on our gravel road and I’ve noticed that my front wheel washes out before my rear wheel even though I seem to be weighting it pretty heavy. Even though it feels scary, should even be putting more weight on the front wheel? Because doing this would really take me out of the “attack position.”
Nate
All balled up: suspension/wheels/seat
Nate is having problems with his suspension, wheels and seat rails. Could they be related?
Free wheel: Should I rock it?
Lee,
I’ve finally decided to get a new fork for my Blur LT. After much consideration and nearly 2 years on the 32 TALAS (recently rebuilt), I’ve decided to sell
the 32 and buy an 09 36 TALAS RC2. I have a wheel with 20mm hub (gift from a friend), but not sure if it’s burly enough (Sun) with no name hub. I have faith in my LBS and will follow their advice, but do you have any input? I currently have mostly LX components on bike. Current wheels have been great for 2 years on Montara Mountain (Mavic 321 with LX hubs).
Should I buy a hub (if so, suggestion?) and relace to the Mavic? Or run the sun with the mystery hub and upgrade later?
I’m still NOT hucking or dropping anything worth mentioning, but I do ride hard and heavy (200lbs with gear) on rocky terrain (with light hands) 😉
Take care. Tony
Preparing for the XC Indoor Challenge at Ray’s Indoor MTB Park
hey lee-
i am super lucky and super psyched. i’ve been invited to do an indoor mtb timetrial at ray’s indoor bike park in ohio.
2009 Tri-Flow XC Indoor Challenge at Ray’s Indoor MTB Park
was wondering if you’ve ever ridden there and if you have any advice. i’m racing my hardtail which i feel pretty good on. per the website, the course sounds like mostly xc riding and 2 technical lines. don’t know what you could say, but thought i’d ask. i’m reviewing mastering mountain bike skills by some guy l. mccormack as we speak.;)
thanks!
judy
* * * * *
tough girl cycling team
judy-freeman.com
Follow up questions: One month post op: Back on the trail
Hey Lee, Great to hear you are out riding again!
Your post sparked a few questions about your bike set up and training.