Questions, comments and criticisms

Cornering: Why are their butts out?

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Lee,
I never thought I could learn so much from a book about mountain biking! My cornering has improved incredibly after reading (and re-reading countless times) the section on railing.

There’s something I’m trying to figure out, though. If you watch Andrew Shandro and others in The Collective and Roam you’ll see the riders cornering with their butts off to the outside of the turn. There seems to be more going on than just leaning the bike more than the body, but I can’t quite figure out the dynamics. What gives?
Harry

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Tires for Sea Otter DS?

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Hey Lee. What tires would you recommend for the dual slalom course at Sea Otter? I’m using a pair of Maxxis High Rollers in a 2.3. I was using these at Sand Hill this weekend and when I started to braap; I was losing traction in the rear a little bit. I was running about 40psi and the course was hardpacked and a bit dry. I know the soil will be different in Monterey. What do you think?
Dan

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Specialized asymmetrical rear end?

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Hi Lee,
Love the book, it’s really helped me progress.

Since I visit your site and see you have the inside line with Specialized I was hoping you could answer the following question. The 06 and up Big Hits are said to have an asymmetrical rear triangle. I’ve noticed the wheel that came with the bike is not dished, but rather offset about 5mm away from the brake side (i.e. when I set the dishing tool against the hub locknut on the drive side first, the tip is then 5mm away from the hub locknut on the brake side. I’ve checked and the wheel is true.)

I have used aftermarket wheels that were dished and can’t say I noticed a difference. My 2.5 had no frame clearance issues. Should I offset this new wheel? What’s the purpose of the asymmetrical rear triangle?
Thanks! Matt

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Heckler vs. Enduro?

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Lee,
I just came across your site and I can use all the help in making this decision as possible. I am 5’ 10”, 225lbs. I currently ride a Specialized XC that I have slapped a 130 mm fork on. Because of my weight I blow through my rear travel pretty easily.

I am looking at getting a new bike. I live in the San Fernando Valley which is the Northern Most part of L.A. County. All the trails I ride are just as much up as down. I have set a price cap at $2,300. I had my heart set on an ’08 Heckler, which is right at $2k. But then I came across a deal on a brand new ’06 Enduro S-Works for $2,700 out the door. I tried the Enduro but am concerned about banging the bottom bracket or big ring on rocks.

I do like the FSR. What is your opinion? Please HELP!!!
Fernando

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Trail riding with a 3-legged dog

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Lee,

I was talking to my brother Seth this morning about my dog Chilibean who recently had to have her rear right leg amputated. Seth (aka. Bubba) works for Yeti in Golden and he mentioned that you have a dog with a similar condition.

I was wondering if you could shed some light on how your dog responded after surgery to trail riding. Chilibean is my number one riding companion and I am trying to find the best way to get her back in the woods. I would appreciate any insight you could lend.

Thank you, Ben

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Racing vs. long trail ride?

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Hey Lee
so spring break is coming up, signalling the end of winter’s deathgrip on the high sierra’s of lake tahoe and high schools around the globe. ive been presented with two great opportunities, one to ride the white rim trail, or to race in the Junior beginner/sport class at Sea Otter in superD and XC.

ive never done a formal mountain bike race before but im super stoked on the idea, and ive qualified for the Nordic Junior Olympics so ive got the base fitness needed to not die in the XC events. on the other hand, ive heard tyhe white rim is spectacular ride and im really interested in that. I’m torn Lee, in your opinion which one is better?
Stefan

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Riding wheelies!

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Hi Lee,
I am a great fan of your book and website. I think you are genius in explaining and putting the right photos.

I have been practicing wheelies, following your book’s advices. The problem is that I can’t lean back to keep the wheelie going. I can only do 5 or 6 pedal strokes and that’s it. Very sad… I have a feeling that this is probably due to my fear of falling back on my back??? not sure. Do you have any advice or trick to conquer my problem? I really appreciate anything you can advice me. Thank you!!!!

Naoko
Small rider riding Titus Motolite
Los Angeles, CA

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Spreading The Love?

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Lee,

There has been a lot of talk about Sea Otter lately, and I know many of us are going to race. I noticed last year there were a couple of people who put ‘leelikesbikes.com’ as their sponsor.

Do you mind us doing this? I know we may not be ‘sponsored’ by you, but perhaps we all can help spread The Love. It is the least we could do after you have answered our questions, written us books and taught us to be better riders.

I might go down and help man a booth for a friend, but I may just race the XC as I hear the course is beautiful and otherwise closed to the public. But don’t expect a podium from me, I am going to wait until the pack has sprinted away and then give the fun bits of the course a good braappping!

What say you Lee? What say you all?

Chris.

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Demo 9 rider with an upgrade itch

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Our man Doug loves his Demo 9, but dreams of lightness are flitting through his mind. What to do?
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Adding dirt to a pump track

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Hi Lee,
I haven’t been here in a while, but Spring is around the corner and I am about to order more dirt for my somewhat settled pumptrack. My question is…

What is the best way to “mesh” new dirt with the old, hard packed track?? Should I wet the old track and put the dry dirt on top of the mud and then re-water? I’m afraid that I will end up with a bunch of new, loose dirt over the hard stuff. Thanks Lee!
pmac

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Dual slalom racing: Am I worthy?

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Lee,
I am interested in competing in a beginner’s dual slalom event (possibly Sea Otter). The problem is that I have never ridden a dual slalom course and don’t want to irritate fellow competitors or organizers if I should not be there. I enjoy dirt jumping, moderate drops, and light free riding. I have never competed in a race or seen what the level of rider a beginner should be. Barring the possibility to ride a DS course, do you have any benchmarks that would indicate that I could participate appropriately enough to not make an ass of myself?
Thanks, Mauricus

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Cockpit length vs. braaapablity

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Hi Lee,
I keep hearing you say “….Longer is more XC-able; shorter is more braaapable and a longer bike with a shorter stem is a great compromise.” You said the same thing in your book! I believe you but I never really understand why. …
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