650B wheel on Yeti 575 ?!?
Aaron wants to build a sweet new Yeti 575 with a 650B front wheel. This brings up some issues. Let’s have a look, shall we?
Questions, comments and criticisms
Which stem on Giant Trance?
Sergio is ripping a technical singletrack in Brazil called Dircuito das Pontes, and he’s wondering about his cockpit length. With video …
Pump tracks: Building a tight 180
Hey Lee,
I’m in the early stages of building a backyard track with thanks to inspiration from your site and the awesome e-book. Over the weekend I started the process with building a 180 berm that is confined in a tight corner of our yard. The space between a fence and shed measures only about 10′ across so I’m actually building a wall with some landscaping wood and rebar to support the backside of the berm and save room for the berm itself. …
Large-platform SPDs vs. small ones
Hi Lee,
I’ve been riding large platform clipless pedals (DX resin cage etc) since I started riding clipless way back when. I quite like them, however push is coming to shove and I’ve had enough sand kicked in my face etc etc, to cut a long story short, I have found myself needing to shed some weight from my bike. The weight difference between DX clip ins and say XT pedals is pretty enormous in the scheme of things.
Pedals must be rotating weight. Should this be as noticeable as lighter wheels and tyres?
With stiff soled race shoes, do you think I’ll miss the extra platform? From memory running regular spd size pedals doesn’t make you any less aggressive on the trail.
Thanks,
Chris Q.
Measuring stem length
Lee,
I was wondering if you could share with us the method of measuring stem length, and is this method shared by all manufacturers.
I am thinking of possibly stretching out the cockpit just slightly on my Giant STP, and was thinking maybe a slightly longer stem and possibly just a tad more rise in the bars. The stock stem measures in center to center at roughly 2cm or 20mm (I think thats right). I do not want to sacrifice too much of the responsiveness of the steering though as its great as is, its like auto pilot.
Thanks, Corbin
Lopes is winning on his Ibis Tranny
Hi Lee
I was surfing the net when I came across the Ibis Tranny, looks cool, concept of a sub 20 lbs bike that comes apart to fit into a suit case and comes along on trips, brilliant! I know you and Brian are buds, has he said anything to you about the Tranny? I am really attracted to this bike but am a little leery of the price. My hard tail is an 06 P2 CrMo, how would the Tranny compare? Besides almost half the weight, is it pump track compliant?
Thanks for the great site, I visit daily.
Stefan
DH training at the school gym
Could you recommend someone that offers skills clinics near Baltimore MD. I am specifically interested in down hilling. Are there any books you know about that are specifically about downhill training or technique. i already bought the mountain bike techniques book. lastly what exercises should i do, i have weight lifting in school for a hour and a half every day.
2009 P. Bike vs. P. All Mountain?
lee
I was wondering what the difference was between a Specialized P. bike and a Specialized P. All Mountain. I’m looking to purchase a new bike and I was recommended these, but I’m not sure which suits me better. Thanks a lot.
eli
High-altitude jetting for trail moto?
hey lee, wondering what you did to you 250x to make it run better at high altitude. we took the babes to switzerland trail and i think it’s time to get them better jetting for the mountains. who did the work for you? and do you know what exactly was done? also did you modify the rear tail light to add a brake light?
hope all is well
carol
Heavy feet, light hands
A new reader of Mastering Mountain Bike Skills has found the key to great riding — and it’s opening up a whole new world of stoke.
F100 vs. TALAS for Yeti 4X?
Hi Lee,
I have a 2008 Yeti 4x which i need to buy a fork for. Im undecided between the fox rlc f100 series or a fox 32 rlc talas with the 100/120/140mm setting and 15mm axle. I want the bike to be my most verstile bike in my stable and be a good all rounder. I would use it for 4x, slalom and aggresive x-country with some light downhill as well. I figure i would use the 100mm setting the most on 4x and slalom and the 120mm on slalom also? and downhills? What’s your opinon?
Cheers Andrew.
The joys of indoor training: Part 1 – Equipment
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the info reguarding weak hip flexors. I’ve started in on James’ DB combo workout too.
I am looking for some advice on a stationary trainer for intervals to complement my treadmill workouts for the winter. I’ve read about your recumbent on such a device, so I suspect you have an opinion on this.
I ride a GF HiFi Pro and have a RMountain Trailhead for commuting and easier trail riding. I have no racing aspirations, just like riding with a friend for exercise, conversation and fun.
Cheers Greg