MEDSKI_What's the racing situation in Iowa?

NinetyFourFor you guys who are racing, what's your typical track length and elevation gain?

for right now, absolutely nothing. But I live right on the border of illanois and wisconsin. I'm looking to get into some WORS races, and we have a few local ones.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a pretty decently challenging race get to this. There is a 11 and 22 mile race, but they are technical and challenging.

https://www.facebook.com/events/647453125291902/?ref=22

It's called the blockhouse roll. this year will be the 19th year. My dad and a bunch of his friends formed a group years ago. Numbers have been struggling, but should be big this year. If you end up going, I will be amongst o the group of "free flight" riders. With a green and black x-cal. Don't be afraid to say hi.

Iraq_Lobsterfor right now, absolutely nothing. But I live right on the border of illanois and wisconsin. I'm looking to get into some WORS races, and we have a few local ones.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a pretty decently challenging race get to this. There is a 11 and 22 mile race, but they are technical and challenging.

https://www.facebook.com/events/647453125291902/?ref=22

It's called the blockhouse roll. this year will be the 19th year. My dad and a bunch of his friends formed a group years ago. Numbers have been struggling, but should be big this year. If you end up going, I will be amongst o the group of "free flight" riders. With a green and black x-cal. Don't be afraid to say hi.

Wors races can be intense. I've only done 1, but damn. You're a little too far to do any MNMBS races I guess. That platteville race looks cool though - i might check it out come October.

theBearJewHow long do you guys think I should wait after ACL surgery to get back on some trails?

It was 6 months for me both times.

division.bellI was holding out for page 3, and we made it.

My current builds...

His and Hers 2014 Knolly Endorphins with Cane Creek DBAir-CS shocks

Oh, did I mention my shit glows in the dark? (I had a ton of fun shooting these pictures in my bathroom. It was hard keeping the frame evenly "charged" with high power flashlights for the longer exposures, but they turned out better than I expected.)

Can't fucking wait to get them built up and dirty.

so jealous, an endo is my dream frame, only i would probably opt for a monarch or ctd over the db air.

b-kulso jealous, an endo is my dream frame, only i would probably opt for a monarch or ctd over the db air.

Personal preference. I wouldn't run a Fox CTD, but that's me.

These bikes have been a long time coming, and should be ready to ride very soon. Just waiting on some final parts to show up then it should be time to get them built up.

09' Specialized p2 Chromo

Thinking about a single speed conversion, how hard is it to do myself?[/QUOTE]

Its super easy with a freehub, all you gotta do is buy whatever size cog you want and space it out to line up with the chainrings.

Heres my full rigid 26er SS.

division.bellPersonal preference. I wouldn't run a Fox CTD, but that's me.

These bikes have been a long time coming, and should be ready to ride very soon. Just waiting on some final parts to show up then it should be time to get them built up.

yeah, i would prefer the monarch over the ctd but for me a single can just makes more sense. the db air is just more advanced/ too heavy for me to ever want/ need for how i ride.

b-kulyeah, i would prefer the monarch over the ctd but for me a single can just makes more sense. the db air is just more advanced/ too heavy for me to ever want/ need for how i ride.

If the option to go with the DB Air Inline was available when I bought the frames, I probably would've gone that route to save a bit of weight, but I'm really looking forward to getting the DB Air setup. The Endorphins will have the DB Air Inline option in the next few weeks...

I don't have any time on a Monarch myself, but I would definitely choose Rock Shox over Fox any day.

imo rs is much better than fox. even a rlt is better than a top end fox.

Did a big 40KM 'solstice' ride today through the local hills. We just had about 4 days of rain so it was an absolute slog fest; and I never even checked the tire pressures until I got home, but I was running 45psi, aha way too much. Was still a lot of fun though, I've never done anything that long before, with creek crossings and stuff to. The bike will need some work to keep it rolling smoothly after today though.

Thought I would contribute and post my rigs. If anyone is riding bike park, trails,or dj's in Whistler, hit me up. I'm riding most days. I'll post some actual bike riding soon aswell.

DH - 2011 Norco Aline

Rockshox Boxxer RC

Fox Van R

Shimano Saint/Zee Drivetrain

Shimano Saint Brakes

Race Face Atlas Bars

Trail - 2011 Norco Truax dropped to 150mm + Converted to 650b wheels

XFusion Vengeance (best fork I've owned)

Rockshox Monarch

Shimano XT drivetrain 1x10, with raceface narrow wide chainring

Shimano Saint brakes/hubs

Race face atlas handelbar/stem

KS Lev dropper post (life changing)

DJ - Commencal 4x

Marzocchi DJ3

Shimano Saint 9spd drivetrain

Avid CodeR rear brake.

DMR bar stem

I fucked my knee up pretty badly this year so running on pavement is out of the question, doing a 20km ride round trip to the gym... will never have to do cardio once there on the upside

building some shenanigans

1/3 of my pumptrack

small jump that gaps the pumptrack

table in progress

SILVER STAR BONUS WEEKEND

that is all

Here is my bike

08 enduro expert (:

Today was good

Does anyone here use Strava? I find it kind of fun to compete against other riders. Keeps me in good shape too.

Anyway i have a 2008 Santa Cruz Nomad with a bunch of upgraded parts. Bummed my dropper post broke though :(

Pic on the trails at my house

Total noob here when building bikes but is it possible if I buy a kona stinky delux (or any starter dh rig for cheap from around that time) from 06'ish, buy a newer better frame down the road, and take the parts from the old stinky and put it on the newer frame a I get down the road?

The reason why I said this is the guy who I work with DH's and said the newer the frame I get the better ride I will get. Is this also true?

last_tangoTotal noob here when building bikes but is it possible if I buy a kona stinky delux (or any starter dh rig for cheap from around that time) from 06'ish, buy a newer better frame down the road, and take the parts from the old stinky and put it on the newer frame a I get down the road?

The reason why I said this is the guy who I work with DH's and said the newer the frame I get the better ride I will get. Is this also true?

Depends what parts i know the headtube and bottom brackets have changed alot since 06. But yes i newer frame will ride alot better. The technology going into the new bikes is insane, especially in the rear suspension and strength to weight ratio

I just took a new route on a run from my new house and had a pretty sweet surprise! Off in the woods about a mile from my house someone has built upwards of 15 DH style trails covering the entire hill! Jumps, berms, smooth looking single track, tons of options. I live in a super small town on the country side, so I hope to meet this person and I can't wait to grab my bike. This might be my daily wind down after work!

What are some companies to check out if i'm looking into buying a bike for xc or downhill? Im just doing some preliminary research to see whats out there. I really want to get into it though.

My budget will be around $1500 to $2000 if that matters, and Ive used a specialised XC bike once, but they are crazy expensive so thats probably out of the question.

MLJWhat are some companies to check out if i'm looking into buying a bike for xc or downhill? Im just doing some preliminary research to see whats out there. I really want to get into it though.

My budget will be around $1500 to $2000 if that matters, and Ive used a specialised XC bike once, but they are crazy expensive so thats probably out of the question.

In hindsight, Im probably looking for a trail bike, being decent for ascents but still great for descents.

I will probably be doing 50% uphill or xc, 40% Downhill tracks and 10% little jumps and stuff, but nothing more than 15 feet so i think getting a dh bike would be overkill and it would suck for going up. What would be a good bike in the middle that could be used for everything?

MLJIn hindsight, Im probably looking for a trail bike, being decent for ascents but still great for descents.

I will probably be doing 50% uphill or xc, 40% Downhill tracks and 10% little jumps and stuff, but nothing more than 15 feet so i think getting a dh bike would be overkill and it would suck for going up. What would be a good bike in the middle that could be used for everything?

Do you have any bike shops in your area to check out, or will you be researching and purchasing online?

If you have local shops, go check out some bikes and see what they carry and what feels comfortable. For a general trail bike, I'd be looking for something with 140-160mm of travel front and rear.

There are so many bike companies out there these days it can get pretty overwhelming if you don't narrow down your search parameters.

^+1. 140-160 mm is the sweet spot. probably 650b since thats what way the market is going. don't let anyone convince you brand x sucks, every company offers a good trail bike, you just have to find the one that suits your riding and budget. imo the giant trance probably offers the best bang for the buck in the segment. but ride as many bikes of all styles that you can.

Rocking 150mm right now on an older Giant rig. Use mostly for XC and trailriding. While I really wish I had more going downhill...I think it would be overkill. Never really hit any jumps / drops bigger than 10 ft so DH bike is way to big. 140-160 is the sweet spot

Anyone have experience with the 2013 Giant Reign 1? Bike seems like good value with a dropper post and now that they included ISG tabs I'm considering it for an "enduro/all mtn" rig.

I raced DH for three seasons, so my main concern is durability. I'm not looking to hit the 100% gnar DH trails but I would want to take the bike into the bike park and do a couple of enduro style races.

Am I asking too much out of this bike?

loopieAnyone have experience with the 2013 Giant Reign 1? Bike seems like good value with a dropper post and now that they included ISG tabs I'm considering it for an "enduro/all mtn" rig.

I raced DH for three seasons, so my main concern is durability. I'm not looking to hit the 100% gnar DH trails but I would want to take the bike into the bike park and do a couple of enduro style races.

Am I asking too much out of this bike?

I don't know about the 2013 model but I am on a 2011 reign and I ride all the same stuff I used to ride on a full DH bike on it and it doesn't feel too much slower. It handles the NW gnar just fine, I love my reign

loopieAnyone have experience with the 2013 Giant Reign 1? Bike seems like good value with a dropper post and now that they included ISG tabs I'm considering it for an "enduro/all mtn" rig.

I raced DH for three seasons, so my main concern is durability. I'm not looking to hit the 100% gnar DH trails but I would want to take the bike into the bike park and do a couple of enduro style races.

Am I asking too much out of this bike?

Probably. Id say the reign is a very capable trail bike but won't be up to park use. Id look at the reign sx or x (just different years). Beefier build capable of more abuse (also a bit more travel) but still capable of taking on an enduro race.

MLJWhat are some companies to check out if i'm looking into buying a bike for xc or downhill? Im just doing some preliminary research to see whats out there. I really want to get into it though.

My budget will be around $1500 to $2000 if that matters, and Ive used a specialised XC bike once, but they are crazy expensive so thats probably out of the question.

trek and giant are your bang for your buck company where brands like cannondale and specialized are a bit more expensive. those are kinda of the big four brands. scwinn and diamond back.... not worth your time. for around $2000 yours looking at a nice hard tail or an entry level full suspension. on a hard tail you can get entry level trail components with hydraulic disc brakes and an air fork for about $1300. the equivalent full suspension bike is going to run you around $2200. go 650b for a wheel size because thats where the market is going. if you go to a bike shop they will probably have a 29er or 26er on sale because no one wants to buy those wheel sizes any more except for the die hards.

Tingatrek and giant are your bang for your buck company where brands like cannondale and specialized are a bit more expensive. those are kinda of the big four brands. scwinn and diamond back.... not worth your time. for around $2000 yours looking at a nice hard tail or an entry level full suspension. on a hard tail you can get entry level trail components with hydraulic disc brakes and an air fork for about $1300. the equivalent full suspension bike is going to run you around $2200. go 650b for a wheel size because thats where the market is going. if you go to a bike shop they will probably have a 29er or 26er on sale because no one wants to buy those wheel sizes any more except for the die hards.

man, I would really say go used, for under $1300 I got my reign with full x9 build and a dropper post, and I wouldn't say 29 and 26 are for diehards, there is still a great market for both of those wheel sizes. 27.5 may be the future but the past sure hasn't died all the way yet.

I'm glad this thread has not died off or lost interest so far! I'll get some trail shots posted when I get out on the trails again. Let's keep this shit going.

Build update: Only missing headsets, saddles, and tires for both Endorphins; everything else has been delivered or is en route. But I've run into a wall and would appreciate some insight, especially from the riders in the PNW.

I cannot for the life of me. decide on tires. I'm currently running the first gen Conti Mountain King 2.4 Protections. They are acceptable for the riding I do, but lack tremendously when there are loose on hard surfaces in corners, and when things get a little greasy. I don't know how many times my front tire has partially washed out nearly sending me to certain death; I'm fucking done.

Currently looking at the obvious, Minion DHF/DHR II combo, Trail King 2.4's, and not really considering the Kenda Nevegals or Excavators. If you (Bakerpow, I know you've got something for me here) have any experience on any of these tires, please help me out! If you can be specific about which width/compound/ply, that would definitely help.

Thanks guys! Pictures to come as soon as I have everything in hand.

Handlebar that showed up for me today:

cydwhitman, I would really say go used, for under $1300 I got my reign with full x9 build and a dropper post, and I wouldn't say 29 and 26 are for diehards, there is still a great market for both of those wheel sizes. 27.5 may be the future but the past sure hasn't died all the way yet.

thats a hell of a deal. you can get great deals buying used bikes but you can also get royally fucked. so be careful.

Wheel sizes. I think there will always been a market for a good XC 29er bike. I think the 26er is dying faster than anyone wants to admit. and it should really. the only reason 26 was ever the standard was because that just happened to be the size tire schwinn made in the width and nobbies the first mountain bikers liked. don't buy a 26er.

division.bellI'm glad this thread has not died off or lost interest so far! I'll get some trail shots posted when I get out on the trails again. Let's keep this shit going.

Build update: Only missing headsets, saddles, and tires for both Endorphins; everything else has been delivered or is en route. But I've run into a wall and would appreciate some insight, especially from the riders in the PNW.

I cannot for the life of me. decide on tires. I'm currently running the first gen Conti Mountain King 2.4 Protections. They are acceptable for the riding I do, but lack tremendously when there are loose on hard surfaces in corners, and when things get a little greasy. I don't know how many times my front tire has partially washed out nearly sending me to certain death; I'm fucking done.

Currently looking at the obvious, Minion DHF/DHR II combo, Trail King 2.4's, and not really considering the Kenda Nevegals or Excavators. If you (Bakerpow, I know you've got something for me here) have any experience on any of these tires, please help me out! If you can be specific about which width/compound/ply, that would definitely help.

Thanks guys! Pictures to come as soon as I have everything in hand.

Handlebar that showed up for me today:

I'll throw in my $.02 as an Idaho rider. I used to be on a nevegall/blue groove combo that was sick but pretty slow, now I am the DHF DHR II combo and it is insane. I have only been on it for a couple weeks but it has been dope. I bought the bike used from a guy in bellingham and it came with a DHF 2.5 in the back and a DHR 2.4 in the front and so far it has been great in the mud and on some tacky or dusty trails I have had recently.

MLJIn hindsight, Im probably looking for a trail bike, being decent for ascents but still great for descents.

I will probably be doing 50% uphill or xc, 40% Downhill tracks and 10% little jumps and stuff, but nothing more than 15 feet so i think getting a dh bike would be overkill and it would suck for going up. What would be a good bike in the middle that could be used for everything?

i got my Santa Cruz Nomad for 2000$ used with a dropper post on Pinkbike.com, i have but like another 1000 into it ( i didn't have to but wanted to), its a do it all bike, decent at pretty much everything, i can keep up with the xc guys and the dh guys. If you do decide to buy used i would definitely make sure to check it in person before.

MLJIn hindsight, Im probably looking for a trail bike, being decent for ascents but still great for descents.

I will probably be doing 50% uphill or xc, 40% Downhill tracks and 10% little jumps and stuff, but nothing more than 15 feet so i think getting a dh bike would be overkill and it would suck for going up. What would be a good bike in the middle that could be used for everything?

whats your budget? RM Slayer or Specialzed Enduro Evo would be some of my recommendations

division.bellCurrently looking at the obvious, Minion DHF/DHR II combo, Trail King 2.4's, and not really considering the Kenda Nevegals or Excavators. If you (Bakerpow, I know you've got something for me here) have any experience on any of these tires, please help me out! If you can be specific about which width/compound/ply, that would definitely help.

on my old nomad i ran the dhf/dhr combo and it killed it, it was just what came with the bike from the shop. at that point in my biking i just kind of rode what the shop suggested. iv now realized i can make my own decisions;) only problem was they wore out pretty quickly so i was replacing tires a little fast. i dont remember the specifics of those tires as that was over 2 years ago... i still miss that bike:(

for my front im probably gona go with a dhf 2.35 or 2.5, 2ply most likely or whatever my friend who works at a shop can get his hands on cheaply. after blowing all my cash on the bike iv been antsy to get tires but havent had the cash. high rollers came with my bike on front and back so im thinking just run a dhf up front with highroller in the back then depending on how it feels either stick with that combo or go back to dhr. high rollers up front are a ridiculous notion where i ride.

my friends who ride for scott run magic carpets front and bike and they love em. but those are on their gamblers so theyre not doing any uphill whatsoever. iv ridden the trail king on a buddies operator and from the one ride they were amazing. not enough time on them to really give a review though. from the years biking in the nw iv always ran minions of some sort, iv never really been given a reason to switch tires. hope that helps somewhat haha.

cydwhitand I wouldn't say 29 and 26 are for diehards, there is still a great market for both of those wheel sizes. 27.5 may be the future but the past sure hasn't died all the way yet.

Agreed. 26 inch wheels are not dead. 650b has been around for a long time and is finally getting hype behind it. These trends are nothing new. All three wheel sizes; 26, 27.5 (650b), 29, will continue to be available

cydwhitI'll throw in my $.02 as an Idaho rider. I used to be on a nevegall/blue groove combo that was sick but pretty slow, now I am the DHF DHR II combo and it is insane. I have only been on it for a couple weeks but it has been dope. I bought the bike used from a guy in bellingham and it came with a DHF 2.5 in the back and a DHR 2.4 in the front and so far it has been great in the mud and on some tacky or dusty trails I have had recently.

Thanks dude, I appreciate the information! Do you know which compound you're running?

Bakerpowran the dhf/dhr combo and it killed it,

Seems like this will most likely be the route I go. The Trail Kings seem like really nice tires and would definitely be an upgrade over my old Mountain Kings, but there's not as much glowing reviews of the Trail Kings in comparison to the Minions, especially for our area.

Thanks!

Mine are the 3c. They seem like they are gonna be pretty perfect for around here but I really need to dive into some summer dust to have a complete opinion. By the way, where are you riding these?

cydwhitMine are the 3c. They seem like they are gonna be pretty perfect for around here but I really need to dive into some summer dust to have a complete opinion. By the way, where are you riding these?

I'm about 30 miles or so east of Seattle. I ride all over though, mostly western WA, with trips to central or eastern WA, as well as the Bend area. And I don't shuttle or typically ride bike parks; pedal power.

division.bellI'm glad this thread has not died off or lost interest so far! I'll get some trail shots posted when I get out on the trails again. Let's keep this shit going.

Build update: Only missing headsets, saddles, and tires for both Endorphins; everything else has been delivered or is en route. But I've run into a wall and would appreciate some insight, especially from the riders in the PNW.

I cannot for the life of me. decide on tires. I'm currently running the first gen Conti Mountain King 2.4 Protections. They are acceptable for the riding I do, but lack tremendously when there are loose on hard surfaces in corners, and when things get a little greasy. I don't know how many times my front tire has partially washed out nearly sending me to certain death; I'm fucking done.

Currently looking at the obvious, Minion DHF/DHR II combo, Trail King 2.4's, and not really considering the Kenda Nevegals or Excavators. If you (Bakerpow, I know you've got something for me here) have any experience on any of these tires, please help me out! If you can be specific about which width/compound/ply, that would definitely help.

Thanks guys! Pictures to come as soon as I have everything in hand.

Handlebar that showed up for me today:

specialized tires all day. the guy that designed the dhf left maxxis to work for spec. basically their tires are upgraded maxxis patterns on way better casings. 2bliss is hands down the easiest conversion out there. any type of casing/ compound spec has. cheaper than other premium brands too.

usually not a huge spec guy but they have their tires dialed.

^one more thought, if you are ready to sacrifice everything for cornering poweress try a steve peat modded nev. doesn't want to roll very fast but my god can you lean it. i tried it for a day and ultimately didn't have the balls to get the most out of the tire.so if you're into smashing corners like brendog try it.

b-kul^one more thought, if you are ready to sacrifice everything for cornering poweress try a steve peat modded nev. doesn't want to roll very fast but my god can you lean it. i tried it for a day and ultimately didn't have the balls to get the most out of the tire.so if you're into smashing corners like brendog try it.

I've looked at the Butcher and Purgatory tires in the past, but for some reason I just can't spend money on anything with the big "S" branded on it.

I'm not trying to sacrifice anything to be honest. I need a sturdy do-it-all tire for the often wet and slippery roots and rocks that we have in the PNW. But, they also do need to be able to hold a solid line when things get dusty during our infrequent spurts of hot and dry weather.

I'm trying to find something under 900 grams per tire, the less weight the better, but I don't want to be concerned with sidewall tears or punctures. I will be running tubes all the time so no need for UST or tubeless specific tires. And I have no real budget, but I just want predictable and confidence inspiring tires. My tires are anything but...

Main complaints with my current Mountain King 2.4's:

loss of traction in the rear during steep and tech climbing, regardless of body position (in the saddle, on the nose of the saddle, or standing and grinding it out)

lack of traction in the rear wheel during hard braking, especially in loose or wet conditions. Also wet roots and rocks, things can get sketchy quick if you get off your line.

unpredictable front tire during hard cornering in loose on hard surfaces, and the really slick and greasy mud days.

i can understand the hang up on spec. unfortunate because they make exactly what you want but it is what it is. a dhf/ dhr2 combo sounds up your alley but will be heavier than you want. id also check out the hr2. also I've never been on it but people give the hans damphf rave reviews, but it is a schwable so it is expensive and will chunk. muddy marry could work too but same problems as the hd.

b-kuli can understand the hang up on spec. unfortunate because they make exactly what you want but it is what it is. a dhf/ dhr2 combo sounds up your alley but will be heavier than you want. id also check out the hr2. also I've never been on it but people give the hans damphf rave reviews, but it is a schwable so it is expensive and will chunk. muddy marry could work too but same problems as the hd.

I intend on stopping by the local Specialized shops as I have two nearby and playing with the tires in hand a bit before I make any decisions. Which tires would you recommend for my needs?

I've considered both Schwalbe and the HD, but I haven't heard the greatest in regards to reliability. I guess it depends on the compound, but I haven't seen enough consistent reviews to want to try them out.

division.bellI intend on stopping by the local Specialized shops as I have two nearby and playing with the tires in hand a bit before I make any decisions. Which tires would you recommend for my needs?

I've considered both Schwalbe and the HD, but I haven't heard the greatest in regards to reliability. I guess it depends on the compound, but I haven't seen enough consistent reviews to want to try them out.

the butcher is a dhf clone. lots of casings and compounds to choose from. out back id look at a new purg. bites hard but rolls fast. thats what i ran and was impressed pretty much everywhere.id say though if you prioritize the down over the up run a butcher/ butcher setup. more confident braking and not much of a hit in terms of rolling speed.

The best tires ive ever ridden are some schwable hans dampfs on a demo bike.

/Users/William/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Masters/2011/07/16/20110716-111109/DSCF1223.JPG

b-kulthe butcher is a dhf clone. lots of casings and compounds to choose from. out back id look at a new purg. bites hard but rolls fast. thats what i ran and was impressed pretty much everywhere.id say though if you prioritize the down over the up run a butcher/ butcher setup. more confident braking and not much of a hit in terms of rolling speed.

Thanks man. I'll definitely look in to the Specialized tires a bit more. Is there a specific compound to choose or avoid in your opinion with the Specialized tires?

B-rungeThe best tires ive ever ridden are some schwable hans dampfs on a demo bike.

What were the conditions like?

How long were you able to ride on the tires?

What other tires have you ridden and liked/disliked?

And do you know which compound they were?

i run control versions of the butcher and the purg, both are lightweight 2bliss carcasses and 50a and 60a/50aa respectively. i like that casing and compound (155 pounds, dry conditions). if you are heavy and want a stickier compound check out the sx, 45a on a tougher carcass. or even the dh, 42a over 70a on a 2 ply. there are lots of options, if you want give me specifics and ill recommend one.

Tingaif you go to a bike shop they will probably have a 29er or 26er on sale because no one wants to buy those wheel sizes any more except for the die hards.

This is a blatant falsehood. 27.5 isn't even extremely popular yet and 29ers continue to dominate the market. 29 is still the most popular wheelsize for XC by a long shot.