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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
I know there are more brown pow lovers on this site, yah there is pinkbike but lets be honest, newshcoolers is wayyyy cooler. so lets posts our rides, questions about components, mechanic questions etc in this thread.

I just bought this beauty and i definitely sacrificed uphill capabiltiy in order to get a beefier dh/park bike. id been on a nomad for a while and it's a huge switch in riding styles for me. definitely getting used to the weight and having to keep speed a lot more.

specs for said beauty, 2011 rc2 dh totem, 2012 dhx rc4, highrollers front and back (gona go dhf front and highroller in the back), mtx 33 wheel set, slx brakes, diablous cranks, FSA 760mm Handlebar, Shimano SLX Shifter & Shimano Deore XT Derailleur.



Alright newschoolers, post your bikes. i wanna see some sexy steeds.
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Jun 9 2014 5:41PM
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DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
Any advice on some good 7-8 mile bike rides around Seattle? I've been riding Soaring Eagle park for a quick workout. Any other good trails I should know about?
Nov 22 2014 1:51PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
I tHonk Rockshox offers cold weather parts and thinner oils for the Bluto so that it will operate smoothly below freezing. I'll be doing either that or buying a Salsa carbon fork for when shit gets too cold.
Nov 22 2014 4:48PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
The referenced post has been removed.


I will admit, it's a quintessential form of transportation for any hipster who lives where it snows any decent amount. Reading the PYLP on the fatbike MTBR forums it's quite apparent as EVERYONE who posts in there is buying fucking temp gauge stem caps that don't even really work, or some high-class glass table syrup looking thing that's actually their water bottle. So yeah, I could somewhat see why it might be an easy group/trend to hate.

For me, just being able to spin the legs and get out of the house on weeknights is the real beauty of it.
Nov 24 2014 11:22PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
DIPED_IN_SAUCEAny advice on some good 7-8 mile bike rides around Seattle? I've been riding Soaring Eagle park for a quick workout. Any other good trails I should know about?


Try to get to tiger for a really good fire road climb and super fun descent. It will close soon though. Tokul is a similar type of trail. Grand ridge is good, but it is not an out and back like the others, so you need a car on both ends. Hit me up if you want to ride some time. The eagle is like 2 minutes from my house.
Nov 24 2014 11:34PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
DIPED_IN_SAUCEAny advice on some good 7-8 mile bike rides around Seattle? I've been riding Soaring Eagle park for a quick workout. Any other good trails I should know about?


byuboundTry to get to tiger for a really good fire road climb and super fun descent. It will close soon though. Tokul is a similar type of trail. Grand ridge is good, but it is not an out and back like the others, so you need a car on both ends. Hit me up if you want to ride some time. The eagle is like 2 minutes from my house.


Duthie is the closest to Soaring Eagle and has a good mix for every type of rider.

Grand Ridge is definitely an out and back and can be ridden in a variety of ways. I will either park at duthie and ride south through the park to link up to Grand Ridge to the retention pond near Central Park and back hitting up the dual slalom course on my way back through duthie. Or I will park at Central Park and ride north to duthie, do a few laps and head back.

You can literally ride from Soaring Eagle to Duthie to Grand Ridge to Tiger and back if you want to. Lots of good riding up there.

Tolt, both Tokuls, Paradise Valley and others are not far away either.
Nov 25 2014 2:28AM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
The referenced post has been removed.


definitely an option, but dude you live in minnesota, a fatbike would be so sick there. literally would be one of my first purchases if I ever happen to move back...
Nov 25 2014 2:43AM
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dmski
Posts: 328 - Karma: 360
division.bellDuthie is the closest to Soaring Eagle and has a good mix for every type of rider.

Grand Ridge is definitely an out and back and can be ridden in a variety of ways. I will either park at duthie and ride south through the park to link up to Grand Ridge to the retention pond near Central Park and back hitting up the dual slalom course on my way back through duthie. Or I will park at Central Park and ride north to duthie, do a few laps and head back.

You can literally ride from Soaring Eagle to Duthie to Grand Ridge to Tiger and back if you want to. Lots of good riding up there.

Tolt, both Tokuls, Paradise Valley and others are not far away either.


Good options, also take a look at South Sea Tac (SST) and exit 27, and even collonade under I5 if you are into gravity related stuff. If not, tiger mnt and big finn st. park are good xc runs. I found that singletracks.com has a good list of locations under the washington trails section. Most of it is spot on for the popular stuff, but to find more hidden trails you kinda have to get in with a group who will tell you some secret spots.
Nov 25 2014 10:50AM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
Any of you Seattle people ridden ape canyon by mt st helens?
Nov 25 2014 10:57AM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
dmskiGood options, also take a look at South Sea Tac (SST) and exit 27, and even collonade under I5 if you are into gravity related stuff. If not, tiger mnt and big finn st. park are good xc runs. I found that singletracks.com has a good list of locations under the washington trails section. Most of it is spot on for the popular stuff, but to find more hidden trails you kinda have to get in with a group who will tell you some secret spots.


Good options, but not all of those are in the same vicinity as the trails listed above.

As far as looking at local trails online, check out http://www.evergreenmtb.org. They sponsor and build/maintain a lot of our trails and have a pretty comprehensive trail listing.

JuliusJAny of you Seattle people ridden ape canyon by mt st helens?


Have yet to do that ride. Hoping I will check it off my list next summer. The views look incredible.
Nov 25 2014 11:40AM
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DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
division.bellDuthie is the closest to Soaring Eagle and has a good mix for every type of rider.

Grand Ridge is definitely an out and back and can be ridden in a variety of ways. I will either park at duthie and ride south through the park to link up to Grand Ridge to the retention pond near Central Park and back hitting up the dual slalom course on my way back through duthie. Or I will park at Central Park and ride north to duthie, do a few laps and head back.

You can literally ride from Soaring Eagle to Duthie to Grand Ridge to Tiger and back if you want to. Lots of good riding up there.

Tolt, both Tokuls, Paradise Valley and others are not far away either.


Duthie looks like a lot of fun, thanks for that. Is it mostly constructed stuff like the google image searchers or is their some good dirt trails too?
Nov 25 2014 11:08PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
DIPED_IN_SAUCEDuthie looks like a lot of fun, thanks for that. Is it mostly constructed stuff like the google image searchers or is their some good dirt trails too?


The 4 trails that create the perimeter of the park are the xc oriented trails; Bootcamp, Movin' On, Braveheart, Step it Up. They are all dirt with lots of sculpted berms, some rocks, logs, small wood bridges etc., there are frequent optional advanced features and lines if you want to deviate from the norm.

Boot camp is the beginner xc trail and is usually hard packed and free of mud. Once you get to the top of the climb you have 3 ways to get down. Each is fun in its own way. The dual slalom course is addicting.

Lots to ride there if you want xc, freeride, jumps, pump tracks, skill area with progressive drops and low risk skinnys.
Nov 26 2014 1:38AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
What are the odds Tiger is open on TG and/or Friday? Im gonna head up there one of those days me thinks, then drive over to Snoqualmie pass to get to know the drive and take a look at Alpy and see where ill be skiing most this year.


Curiously, anyone here ever ridden down in the Bay Area? My local trails were at Skeggs and im just wondering how they fair in the grand scheme of things.
Nov 26 2014 1:55AM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
californiagrownWhat are the odds Tiger is open on TG and/or Friday? Im gonna head up there one of those days me thinks, then drive over to Snoqualmie pass to get to know the drive and take a look at Alpy and see where ill be skiing most this year.


Check here for Tiger closures;

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/OpenClosureNotices/Pages/amr_south_puget_sound_region_rec.aspx#tiger

Still open, but they've been encouraging riders to give the trails a rest with all of this recent rain. No one will stop you from riding the trails. I saw some people parked in the lot loading bikes when I drove by on Monday.
Nov 26 2014 10:19AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
There is a work party on tiger this Saturday. The free shuttle up is well worth a few hours of work imo.
Nov 26 2014 10:36AM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/739892/Aggressive-Downhill-Mountain-Bike-Racing---Red-Bull-Hardline
Nov 26 2014 11:02AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
division.bellCheck here for Tiger closures;

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/OpenClosureNotices/Pages/amr_south_puget_sound_region_rec.aspx#tiger

Still open, but they've been encouraging riders to give the trails a rest with all of this recent rain. No one will stop you from riding the trails. I saw some people parked in the lot loading bikes when I drove by on Monday.


Yeah I've been checking the evergreen site and its hasn't been updated since last week. I know the closures are "suggested" not mandatory, but I just don't want to be the out-of-towner who fucks up the trails.

Any other similar options- long climb to the top, long descent back down. I've been at big Finn a bunch, but that's real quick intown ride, though still pretty fun.

byuboundThere is a work party on tiger this Saturday. The free shuttle up is well worth a few hours of work imo.


I was thinking about checking one of those out, I'm new to the area and figured it would be a good way to meet some folks. Ur going Saturday's? I've got apple cup festivities that day, but I'm thinking about Friday or Sunday...
Nov 26 2014 11:54AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
californiagrownYeah I've been checking the evergreen site and its hasn't been updated since last week. I know the closures are "suggested" not mandatory, but I just don't want to be the out-of-towner who fucks up the trails.

Any other similar options- long climb to the top, long descent back down. I've been at big Finn a bunch, but that's real quick intown ride, though still pretty fun.



I was thinking about checking one of those out, I'm new to the area and figured it would be a good way to meet some folks. Ur going Saturday's? I've got apple cup festivities that day, but I'm thinking about Friday or Sunday...


I wouldnt mind going to the friday one, as long as stevens or crystal doesnt open.
Nov 26 2014 12:08PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
californiagrownYeah I've been checking the evergreen site and its hasn't been updated since last week. I know the closures are "suggested" not mandatory, but I just don't want to be the out-of-towner who fucks up the trails.

Any other similar options- long climb to the top, long descent back down. I've been at big Finn a bunch, but that's real quick intown ride, though still pretty fun.


Officially the trails are still open. I wouldn't worry too much about fucking up the trails. They did a lot of work getting the trails to drain water compared to years past. Usually the trails close on October 15th, so get it while you can.

I've heard rumors that some trails (lower trails) will be open all winter but haven't seen anything to confirm or deny those rumors.
Nov 26 2014 12:16PM
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dmski
Posts: 328 - Karma: 360
division.bellOfficially the trails are still open. I wouldn't worry too much about fucking up the trails. They did a lot of work getting the trails to drain water compared to years past. Usually the trails close on October 15th, so get it while you can.

I've heard rumors that some trails (lower trails) will be open all winter but haven't seen anything to confirm or deny those rumors.


I've heard that too but keep an eye on evergreens website. Would be nice to ride all winter during the week and ski the weekends.
Nov 26 2014 12:24PM
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QuantumMechanic
Posts: 1029 - Karma: 891
Getting home for break this afternoon. Hopefully I'll be able to get a first ride on my new bike
Nov 26 2014 2:52PM
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DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
division.bellThe 4 trails that create the perimeter of the park are the xc oriented trails; Bootcamp, Movin' On, Braveheart, Step it Up. They are all dirt with lots of sculpted berms, some rocks, logs, small wood bridges etc., there are frequent optional advanced features and lines if you want to deviate from the norm.

Boot camp is the beginner xc trail and is usually hard packed and free of mud. Once you get to the top of the climb you have 3 ways to get down. Each is fun in its own way. The dual slalom course is addicting.

Lots to ride there if you want xc, freeride, jumps, pump tracks, skill area with progressive drops and low risk skinnys.


Went to duthie today, now at home bleeding with a few ice packs on. Best day of biking I've had in a long time, thanks everyone for letting me know about it!
Nov 26 2014 7:36PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
DIPED_IN_SAUCEWent to duthie today, now at home bleeding with a few ice packs on. Best day of biking I've had in a long time, thanks everyone for letting me know about it!


Duthie is so good for short rides.
I love how this thread has basically become solely Seattle people.
Nov 27 2014 1:29AM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
Tingagot out on a borealis echo last night. Super fun to be back out on a bike again. kinda weird though. dropper post seat doesnt work below freezing and rock shox doesnt recommend riding the bluto below 31 degrees. What the hell is the point?


Is your dropper post hydraulic?
Nov 27 2014 9:02AM
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 360
Bit of a turkey-day TR: I drove to the Oregon coast to meet my family for thanksgiving and brought my bike along to shred along the way.

I hopped off the interstate straight to Collonade in seattle after getting sick of sitting in I-5 bullshit for an hour. That place is so god damn fun to test your skills on all the little features/techies/skinnies that someone put all of their love into(you can tell)! A lot of the park was in disrepair but the bigest jump line was flowing well still. The most fun looking freeride-line was covered in trash and transient people so that wasnt ideal. Dodging dirty needles (actually), broken glass, trash piles, and human shit got kind of old after a while and it sure is a whole lot less romantic than dodging trees, rocks and mushrooms in the middle of the woods. That said, I'm definitely going to go back there when it stops raining so I can send a bunch of the skinny-lines and wood berms that were wet and slippery. I might even hit it up again on my way back to Bellingham if any of you seattle people want to shred under the bridge on sunday or monday. I'm also thinking of hitting up Duthie for the first time instead if anyone wants to show me around some of the flowy/jump trails up in Issaquah.

Yesterday I went to Black Rock mountain bike area with my dad and OH. MY. GOD! The trails there are on a whole other level than anything i've ever ridden. I swear the mastermind behind the lines and features is a savant or some kind of trail-building genius, haha. I got jealous when I started comparing it to Galbraith and it really made me want to build my own trails like them up in Bellingham. We got there kind of late and my dad doesnt like to catch air or ride on wood (he has herniated discs in his back) so we only rode bonsai downhill and sickter gnar which are the two easier trails. I'll be driving down there and camping for a weekend next time it's sunny because I could ride just those two all day and there are like 4 "black diamond" trails that we didnt even touch our tires to. I'm getting antsy just thinking about how I can't go ride them right now or anytime soon. If you live anywhere within 6 hours of this place and enjoy freeride style trails you've got to get out there as soon as possible!

Exploring new places in the saddle with tires rolling underneath me is for sure one of my favorite things in the world. I'm pretty damn sure I like mountain biking more than powder-skiing now which is creating a skier-identiy crisis in my brain, haha. I'm so fucking stoked on living in the Northwest right now and having endless, world class trails to go check out in every direction. I just got my car fixed so when i get back to bellingham I want to do a couple of Canada excursions. If anyone wants to do a day-trip to Van.'s northshore from bellingham soon you're welcome to come along with me. I need to go check out squamish, coast gravity park, and so many other places too!
TL:DR: Boring WA>OR trip report, half-assed invitations to come ride bikes with me, and hashed out Canadian brown-pow fantasies. Go check out Collonade and Black Rock as soon as possible!
Nov 27 2014 2:25PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
I can ride duthie whenever.
Nov 27 2014 3:05PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Hit up Tiger this morning, and my god that place is awesome. Its not too bad of a grunt to get to the top and then its a super long down with some fairly tech sections mixed in. Easily the flowiest, most tech trails ive ridden in my very limited experience.

It also made me realize how much room i had for improvement haha. I got used to being one of the best riders at my local trail back down south, but my ego got checked for sure today haha. There were a few instances where i had to rely on the old skiing philosophy - "when in doubt, straightline out" in stead of being in total control haha. But i guess thats to be expected riding trails blind... my largest chain ring took a fucking beating though haha.
Nov 27 2014 5:10PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
californiagrownHit up Tiger this morning, and my god that place is awesome. Its not too bad of a grunt to get to the top and then its a super long down with some fairly tech sections mixed in. Easily the flowiest, most tech trails ive ridden in my very limited experience.

It also made me realize how much room i had for improvement haha. I got used to being one of the best riders at my local trail back down south, but my ego got checked for sure today haha. There were a few instances where i had to rely on the old skiing philosophy - "when in doubt, straightline out" in stead of being in total control haha. But i guess thats to be expected riding trails blind... my largest chain ring took a fucking beating though haha.


Which trails did you ride? And of the trails you rode, which one is your favorite so far?

I'm hoping to ride there Sunday or Monday, but I'll need to borrow a bike as my shock is still out of commission. Hopefully I can get it back in my hands and thrown on the bike soon as I'm getting itchy to ride it again and it tortures me to see the bike sitting there teasing me with no rear shock.
Nov 27 2014 6:26PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
division.bellWhich trails did you ride? And of the trails you rode, which one is your favorite so far?

I'm hoping to ride there Sunday or Monday, but I'll need to borrow a bike as my shock is still out of commission. Hopefully I can get it back in my hands and thrown on the bike soon as I'm getting itchy to ride it again and it tortures me to see the bike sitting there teasing me with no rear shock.


Did the main summit road up and then OTG-Fully rigid-joyride loop. Off the grid was really awesome. It was fast and flowy with fun little lips and landings everywhere, and had some fairly tech(for me atleast) rocky areas that were real, real slick. Id never ridden purpose built MTB trails before so this was really cool.


One feature of the trails that I really noticed is there are a ton of little 2-3 ft drops over rocks, or roots. On the ones i didnt have much speed for i beat the shit out of my chain ring. I need to get better for the sake of my wallet haha. Any tips other than speed and wheely off them?


Some very short parts of the trail- mainly on fully rigid and joyride had water running down them or had some muddy parts but for the most part the trails were in great shape. OTG was fucking immaculate except for the very slippery roots and rocks- i guess, welcome to PNW riding right?
Nov 27 2014 6:41PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
looks like i should have kept my bike. winter seems rather far off for washington. damn, might get out this weekend for a galby ride if i can borrow my neighbors ride
Nov 28 2014 12:11AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
californiagrownOne feature of the trails that I really noticed is there are a ton of little 2-3 ft drops over rocks, or roots. On the ones i didnt have much speed for i beat the shit out of my chain ring. I need to get better for the sake of my wallet haha. Any tips other than speed and wheely off them?

I wouldnt really think of it as a wheelie, more just focusing on keeping your weight back and keeping the front wheel from going down, rather than pulling it up. Way too many people try to pull their front wheel up as if they were on flat ground, and this puts you in a really bad body position as soon as your wheel starts going back down.
Nov 28 2014 12:29AM
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
i ride snowy trails with my skinny Niner (in MN no less) so no one can complain about not being able to ride! once the fat bikes are out on the trails, it's smooth sailing. Honestly it's only a little slower than dirt and plus you get to play around in slippery snow and test your limits while improving handling skills.

it's honestly a great time, just remember to keep your feet warm.
Nov 28 2014 1:10PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
MEDSKI_i ride snowy trails with my skinny Niner (in MN no less) so no one can complain about not being able to ride! once the fat bikes are out on the trails, it's smooth sailing. Honestly it's only a little slower than dirt and plus you get to play around in slippery snow and test your limits while improving handling skills.

it's honestly a great time, just remember to keep your feet warm.


made the mistake of wearing cotton socks on a night time snow ride... never again
Nov 28 2014 8:54PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
Dustin.Is your dropper post hydraulic?


I just demoed the borealis. but yeah they specced a hydraulic dropper post. and hydraulic brakes. and a bluto fork you;re not supposed to ride in under 32 degree weather.
Nov 29 2014 1:39AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
The bluto isn't designed to go below freezing? Sounds like a massive oversight by rs.
Nov 29 2014 3:06AM
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ghosthop
Posts: 631 - Karma: 1,027
byuboundThe bluto isn't designed to go below freezing? Sounds like a massive oversight by rs.


I think it was mentioned in this thread but you have to change the weight of the fork oil.

I don't know what kind of snow biking you've done but the conditions where I want to roll a bike with 5 inch tires don't really lend themselves to riding fast down trails where I would feel the need for a fork. The bluto seems like something for people using fat bikes on slickrock trails for the increased traction.
Nov 29 2014 4:52AM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Fatbike build(s) initiated.

The availability on any Fatboy model is quite a ways out now and still growing, but the frame sets are readily available...wasn't planning on going this route but at least now I don't have to wait for a complete bike.

Will likely be 1x11's with XT brakes. No plans for a Bluto yet as I want to see how the stock carbon fork works out first. Looking forward to rolling 4.6" tires in some snow this winter.

californiagrownDid the main summit road up and then OTG-Fully rigid-joyride loop. Off the grid was really awesome. It was fast and flowy with fun little lips and landings everywhere, and had some fairly tech(for me atleast) rocky areas that were real, real slick. Id never ridden purpose built MTB trails before so this was really cool.


One feature of the trails that I really noticed is there are a ton of little 2-3 ft drops over rocks, or roots. On the ones i didnt have much speed for i beat the shit out of my chain ring. I need to get better for the sake of my wallet haha. Any tips other than speed and wheely off them?


Some very short parts of the trail- mainly on fully rigid and joyride had water running down them or had some muddy parts but for the most part the trails were in great shape. OTG was fucking immaculate except for the very slippery roots and rocks- i guess, welcome to PNW riding right?


Did you ride all the way to the top and start with the East Summit trail? Then link up with Off the Grid once you've crossed over the road you climbed up and continue into the woods?

Yup, welcome to WA. What tires are you running?
Dec 1 2014 10:40PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
division.bellFatbike build(s)


Niiiice! Hyped to see how they turn out.

On the building note, I'm taking the week off from ski building to build something for my fatbike endeavours. The project involves carbon fiber, SPD cleats, and a set of insulated rubber boots. Yeah, if these things turn out right I'm going to be hyped. Will post pictures when I make some progress (and maybe some pictures of the Farley, for real, this lifetime...)
Dec 2 2014 1:03AM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10719 - Karma: 55,326
NinetyFourNiiiice! Hyped to see how they turn out.

On the building note, I'm taking the week off from ski building to build something for my fatbike endeavours. The project involves carbon fiber, SPD cleats, and a set of insulated rubber boots. Yeah, if these things turn out right I'm going to be hyped. Will post pictures when I make some progress (and maybe some pictures of the Farley, for real, this lifetime...)


Excited to see the pictures of this, sound sounds like it's gonna be fun.

I recently had the pleasure of riding the Norco Bigfoot 6.1. If I had the money I would splurge on that bike in a heartbeat.
Dec 2 2014 2:54PM
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ghosthop
Posts: 631 - Karma: 1,027
ImmasExcited to see the pictures of this, sound sounds like it's gonna be fun.

I recently had the pleasure of riding the Norco Bigfoot 6.1. If I had the money I would splurge on that bike in a heartbeat.


Just food for thought, but there really isn't a ton of usable trails around here for fat biking in the winter. The reason being that the trails that are groomed in the winter are user specific (nordic/sleds) and once the gates go across the fire roads, the laws are archaic and read no wheeled use instead of making a distinction between motorized and non-motorized. Last season a there were a couple people heavily fined on their way to a bc hut for riding on a gated fire road, so the fs is out there.

Anyone else have issues with fat bikes on their local trails? New and non traditional use of public lands is always interesting, especially considering many of the laws were written decades ago and it usually takes a major advocacy group to get the wheels turning on change.
Dec 2 2014 7:00PM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10719 - Karma: 55,326
ghosthopJust food for thought, but there really isn't a ton of usable trails around here for fat biking in the winter. The reason being that the trails that are groomed in the winter are user specific (nordic/sleds) and once the gates go across the fire roads, the laws are archaic and read no wheeled use instead of making a distinction between motorized and non-motorized. Last season a there were a couple people heavily fined on their way to a bc hut for riding on a gated fire road, so the fs is out there.

Anyone else have issues with fat bikes on their local trails? New and non traditional use of public lands is always interesting, especially considering many of the laws were written decades ago and it usually takes a major advocacy group to get the wheels turning on change.


Yeah, I've noticed that as well. In Truckee (where I used to do my winter riding) there were quite a few trails I could easily access. In Bozeman I notice more people using fat bikes as an actual mode of transportation vs pleasure riding. I've heard of people being stopped for riding, but didn't think that was true. They really need some distinction in the laws.
Dec 2 2014 7:04PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
ghosthopJust food for thought, but there really isn't a ton of usable trails around here for fat biking in the winter.


We got lucky this winter. The local IMBA chapter raised enough funds to get a winter bike trail grooming program going. stoked.
Dec 2 2014 10:17PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
Had the Farley in the shop tonight so I could work on my boot project. One cute little big bike:



It's all stock right now except for the two bottle cages (wow, much custom, very amaze). All I've asked for from my entire family for Christmas is some sub-zero Orange Seal so I can take this thing tubeless and save some weight, more importantly rotating mass. So hopefully that happens. If not I'll make it happen in the new year. Then I'd maybe like to buy a frame bag for it, or I'll stitch a nice rugged one up that mounts to the bottle cage screws and Velcro straps to the top tube. It may get a carbon bar so I'm not losing as much heat from my hands to the frame to. Somewhere in the bikes life it will get some real brakes, but I'll shred the DB3's in the cold first.

And hopefully I'll have made some good headway on the boots by Thursday night to post pictures.
Dec 2 2014 10:52PM
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
Bakerpowmade the mistake of wearing cotton socks on a night time snow ride... never again


Cold feet biking is possibly one of the worst feelings in the world. I have some pretty tight fitting, carbon soled XC shoes I ride with (XC racer, duh) and getting them weatherproofed is a chore. Even then, my big toes will get cold.


I haven't experienced the level of pain I felt as my toes were warming up from a 0 degree morning ride for a long, long time. It was wretched, burning pain. Worth it though.
Dec 2 2014 11:00PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
division.bellFatbike build(s) initiated


Framesets shipping the day I placed my order was a nice surprise. Should be in my hands very soon.

1x11's they shall be. Ordered up (3) X1 sets today (shifter/rear derailleur/cassette/chain) for the two fatbikes and an upgrade to my wife's hardtail. Just need a few more components and the 4.6"ers should be steamrolling trails and dreaming of fresh snow to play in within the next few weeks.
Dec 4 2014 3:20AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
The referenced post has been removed.


If you live in Denver you should definitely keep the Status. There's so many good downhill trails within driving distance of Denver. Unless you never plan on riding DH again. The Atroz is Diamondbacks entry level XC bike with single pivot suspension design. Theres so many bike options out there now, I think you can do better than the Atroz, especially if you are a serious rider and not just a few times a year rider.
Dec 4 2014 12:07PM
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booniemon
Posts: 328 - Karma: 1,056
Kona Shonky DJ rear hub just took a dump yesterday. The hub is blowing apart. The wheel was moved all the way to the frame, brakes were rubbing real bad. Got soo pissed that I just ripped the brakes off, and shoved the hub components back together. Now riding a brakeless DJ, that is ready to blow.
Dec 4 2014 3:02PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
division.bellFramesets shipping the day I placed my order was a nice surprise. Should be in my hands very soon.

1x11's they shall be. Ordered up (3) X1 sets today (shifter/rear derailleur/cassette/chain) for the two fatbikes and an upgrade to my wife's hardtail. Just need a few more components and the 4.6"ers should be steamrolling trails and dreaming of fresh snow to play in within the next few weeks.


Framesets arrived today. I'm expecting the wheels, tires, and X1 drivetrain components to show up in the next day or so.

These things are coming together much faster than anticipated...fuck yeah.

As to not disappoint, here's a picture of my current builds; 2 Fatboys and my Chameleon singlespeed project that has yet to be started.

Dec 5 2014 1:01AM
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