Questions, comments and criticisms

The right tool for the job, Volume 129

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Lee,

I absolutely love the feel of the demo. The slack angles and rear suspension feel perfect on the decents. However, the type of riding most available to me is more suited for an enduro sl or even a stumpjumper. The local trails here aren’t easily shuttled, and I’ve grown quite accustomed to getting out of the saddle and pedaling the demo up hill. I guess what I’m trying to get at is… I’m a one bike kind of guy. Is it worthwhile to have a bike like the demo when you’re doing mostly xc/all-mountain riding, or would it be more worthwhile to trade in my demo for something more practical?

Matt

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Backyard dirt jump liability

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Hey Lee,

I have a set of jumps that I built on my parents land behind their house. I built the jumps so that I could share them with the local kids and riders, who I have met riding my local skatepark. I am trying to promote and build a positive bike scene. The jumps are beginning to get popular and my parents have expressed concern about someone getting hurt. I know you are not a lawyer, but I need to know how I can protect my parents and myself from any lawsuits.

Also thanks for the advice on a DJ bike (20 vs 24 vs 26 for BMX riding) that I wrote to you about, I have the 09 Fit cruiser complete on order

Chris

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What’s with the forks on the 2009 Enduro SLs?

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People have been asking why the new Enduro SLs, except for the S-Works model, are using FOX 32 forks instead of last year’s Specialized E150. I got the answer from The Doctor himself, Brandon Sloan.

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DH training with limited terrain

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Lee,
I live in Mt. Airy, MD where there are no pump tracks or dirt jumps. I go Dh ing every sunday. I am planning on starting dh racing in the spring and summer. I just picked up some Kreitler rollers for fun. What can i do on the other days of the week to get prepared.
P.S. I am so jealous of all the places you guys have to ride.

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Dirt-jump hardtail for all-around riding?

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Billy is considering a Giant STP-0 for his do-all bike, and I think that’s a fine idea.

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Darn those weak hip flexors

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Hi Lee;

In Chapter 3 of MMBS you do what I think is a good job of explaining the pedalling process.

I’ve been paying more attention to my legs and where they seem to get tired on climbs, and I am of the opinion that my hip flexors are the weak link. (seems to be the same thing running intervals on the treadmill)

Does this make sense to you and can you offer any additional exercises to the ones in your book that might address my self diagnosis?

Great book and web site by the way, keep up the good work.

Cheers Greg

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Thanks from a stoked reader/rider

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Hi Lee

I started biking this year in April. I’m 45 and was getting out of shape and since I’m a mad keen life long skier I figured that this would be the ideal sport for me.
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Shorter-stroke shock on my bike?

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Hi Lee, i need help from you.

i have a damaged 8inch I2I shock with 2.75 stroke that is sent back for warranty claim from my mongoose black diamond triple.
so my pal say he have a same 8inch i2I xfusion shock with 2 inch stroke sitting around that he can lend it to me.
cos due to the I2I is the same but shock stroke is different, can i still use it? wat kind of problems will i face?

we were debating whether i will lose some travel as the result of the stroke difference, but we cant figure out how much lost in the end. due to the fact that the shock is in a different states, i hope you can enlighten me before i spend so money in shipping the shock in.
thanks!

myk

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New racing classes: What about the fast vets?

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Hey Lee,
Just curious on your feelings about the change to international Cat. System of classes (or whatever it is officially called) that they are going to for 2009? I agree to have an international standard, but do you think it may take a few years to level out?

I’m an Expert that was jumping to Semi-pro for 09 but no way ready for the big boys and at 36 don’t see having the time to make it there. So dominate the Ex class forever? Doesn’t seem fair, but the big boys are just in another league. I take it your going Pro?

It sounds like you have the choice to own the Cat 1 experts or go Pro? I just hope local folks like Southridge keep the Vet Pro classes for this “in-betweener.”
Marshall

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Places to ride a DH bike?

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Hello Lee,
Your site is most helpful. I am considering buying a Demo 7. I live in Castle Rock, CO. Do you know of any close DH/FR areas in the Front Range (non resort) to ride it? Thanks for your help.
Paul

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Marzocchi 55 or 66 for SX Trail?

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Lee,

Your articles are always spot on. Thanks for all the informative info and advice.

I have a 2007 SX Trail. I am debating between the 2009 Marzocchi 55 ATA or the 2009 66 ATA. This bike is my only bike and I do everything from long XC rides, DJ, DH and FR. I have worked my way up to 20-25ft gaps and 6ft + drops. The problem is I like to do everything on this bike. It kicks arse. I know that I must compromise. So what do you think is the best compromise between these two forks. Thanks.

Christian

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FOX air fork rebound clank

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Lee,
I have adjusted the spacers in my f29er Fox fork from 80 mm to 120mm. I am experiencing a clank on the rebound. Is this due to not having enough oil in the top end? Any thoughts as to why this clank is occurring? And what weight oil should I use and how much in order to slow down the rebound as to alleviate the clank? Thanks for your insight.

Pressure: 115 psi. Rebound: One click counterclockwise from all the way counterclockwise.
Chris

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