Questions, comments and criticisms

Manuals: Get it up

Hello Lee. my son is 9 and at the stage where he needs to learn how to manual so he can hit the rythym sections on the bmx track/mountain trails. Do you have any tips to begin developing the skill of manualling? If my memory serves me you had an article on this in the past?
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Fitness bike for a big rider

Mr McCormack: My son in law wants to start biking for weight loss and fun. He weighs over 350 lbs and is 6 ft tall. Can you recommend a bike?
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Light-duty kneepads


Hey Lee,

Love the site, love your book! I recently saw a picture of you riding Hall Ranch and you had on a set of knee guards. They looked small and comfortable. What brand were they? I want to get a pair but have been told it’s better to get a knee/shin guard combo (stays on better, etc…). I really just want knee guards but haven’t found any “real” recommendations.
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40-something success story

Another happy reader who has discovered the joys of jumping, dropping and all-around ripping.
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Yeti ASR or 575?

It depends on your riding style.
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Why weight (lift)?

I’ve been getting lots of questions about weight training, especially for downhill and 4X. This is a really complex topic, and everyone has a different idea. But here’s my approach:

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Rear derailleur rubbing on 34t cog

A reader doesn’t enjoy the grind-grind-grind of his XTR derailleur on his 2003 Enduro’s cassette. What to do?

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Flat pedals for a beginner

Hey, quick question. I’m thinking about getting into some flat pedals for a bike I’ve mocked up for jumping and stuff. Any recommendations? Oh, I’ve also heard that a pair of shin/knee guards are necessary for “beginners” on the flats.

Whadya got?

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What’s up with 9-speed?

Hi Lee,

I was thinking lately about the whole 9speed thing in DH and 4X.

You can get almost the same gear range with a 8speed and you’ll get smoother and more precise shifting.

So why do most of the guys ride with 9speed?

Cheers,

Simo
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Strong chains for 4X racing

Hey Lee,

What is the best chain for 4x out there? I’ve been snappin’ my Shimano chains and it hurts.

Thanks,

Ron
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Repairing Specialized Lo Pro Mag pedals


These are great pedals, but some early production hiccups are causing issues. Luckily, they’re solvable.
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Trail bike for a big guy

A robust reader is breaking his trail frame, and he’s looking for an upgrade. I think he should step up to an “all-mountain” bike.
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