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August, 2024

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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
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
2045 153
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Vish-shoe
Posts: 1949 - Karma: 14,446
All flat pedal bike shoes look so shitty. I kinda want to get some Nike skateboard shoes, stiffen up the sole, and maybe add some toe protection, and just ride on those. The bases already seem decently stiff and durable.
Is this a stupid idea?
Mar 13 2023 10:55AM
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littleman34
Posts: 1338 - Karma: 4,050
How would you go about stiffening and adding protection?
Vish-shoeAll flat pedal bike shoes look so shitty. I kinda want to get some Nike skateboard shoes, stiffen up the sole, and maybe add some toe protection, and just ride on those. The bases already seem decently stiff and durable.
Is this a stupid idea?
Mar 13 2023 11:00AM
1 0
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Vish-shoe
Posts: 1949 - Karma: 14,446
littleman34How would you go about stiffening and adding protection?

might just go with a stiffer insole for the stiffness. looking into it further, the toe probably won’t need much, It’s already pretty strong in that area.
Mar 13 2023 12:14PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6293 - Karma: 6,491
Got another bike for sale if anyone is in the market.

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3555095/
Mar 13 2023 1:25PM
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techdeckjuul
Posts: 256 - Karma: 738
littleman34Damn! That's a really nice ride man, where do you ride?


Usually Sunpeaks but Id like to check out some more resorts this summer.
Mar 13 2023 2:54PM
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littleman34
Posts: 1338 - Karma: 4,050
Yeah right on good ideas, stiffer is always better for sure but protection just kind of kills the feeling. You wanna be able to feel every berm in the trail right.
Vish-shoemight just go with a stiffer insole for the stiffness. looking into it further, the toe probably won’t need much, It’s already pretty strong in that area.
Mar 13 2023 2:57PM
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littleman34
Posts: 1338 - Karma: 4,050
Right on that's wicked! I'm moving to Revelstoke this summer so definitely trying to hit some of those nice parks in the area. Lots of good trail riding I hear too.
techdeckjuulUsually Sunpeaks but Id like to check out some more resorts this summer.
Mar 13 2023 2:59PM
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techdeckjuul
Posts: 256 - Karma: 738
Vish-shoeAll flat pedal bike shoes look so shitty. I kinda want to get some Nike skateboard shoes, stiffen up the sole, and maybe add some toe protection, and just ride on those. The bases already seem decently stiff and durable.
Is this a stupid idea?

If you think flats are ugly try finding a decent looking pair of clipless shoes.

Personally I like the Vans half cab for flats as it has good support and cushioning, I also find them to be the perfect stiffness. I understand your thought processes with wanting to use nikes but I highly doubt the tread pattern of a nike sb will work well with flat pedals.

**This post was edited on Mar 13th 2023 at 3:03:50pm
Mar 13 2023 3:02PM
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Vish-shoe
Posts: 1949 - Karma: 14,446
techdeckjuulIf you think flats are ugly try finding a decent looking pair of clipless shoes.

Personally I like the Vans half cab for flats as it has good support and cushioning, I also find them to be the perfect stiffness. I understand your thought processes with wanting to use nikes but I highly doubt the tread pattern of a nike sb will work well with flat pedals.

**This post was edited on Mar 13th 2023 at 3:03:50pm


Those don’t look bad, might just go with those.
Mar 13 2023 3:21PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4703 - Karma: 8,730
2250 is a killer price for a Status

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/status-160/p/199767?gclid=CjwKCAjwiOCgBhAgEiwAjv5whHQS8G79U_DYyuGo9EbCNIJTRu-JGLaynQ-xvJnRvJ0sVxGWLevRvRoCwL0QAvD_BwE&color=320388-199767

and this is also a sick ass deal

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-evo-comp/p/200528?color=336208-200528

**This post was edited on Mar 20th 2023 at 11:51:18am
Mar 20 2023 11:48AM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6595 - Karma: 69,781
Some impact I never noticed till now, or did it buckle?
Mar 25 2023 9:55PM
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skierman
Posts: 8263 - Karma: 7,056
ASSholebomber22Some impact I never noticed till now, or did it buckle?


LOL is that a serious fucking question?
Mar 26 2023 11:50AM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6595 - Karma: 69,781
skiermanLOL is that a serious fucking question?

Yes
Mar 26 2023 12:04PM
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skierman
Posts: 8263 - Karma: 7,056
ASSholebomber22Yes


LOL
Mar 26 2023 4:08PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6595 - Karma: 69,781
skiermanLOL


That's it? I expected more. Let it all out big guy let's hear it
Mar 26 2023 4:23PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6293 - Karma: 6,491
just picked this thing up and its STUPID fun. Im currently without an actual mountain bike (waiting on a stumpy evo) but between the new gravel bike and the e-bike ive been having so much fun lately




Mar 27 2023 1:28PM
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partyandBS
Posts: 4009 - Karma: 61,085
Not really MTB but what’s the go to for Dirt Jumpers? I am considering getting a DJ or a BMX or maybe both.
Mar 28 2023 8:12PM
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jimbobs
Posts: 226 - Karma: 2,316
partyandBSNot really MTB but what’s the go to for Dirt Jumpers? I am considering getting a DJ or a BMX or maybe both.

DJ's haven't changed in years, and they're all very similar. Starting to see bigger sizes with longer reaches occasionally for tall riders from brands like Transition, but if you're average height, you have plenty to choose from. I'd suggest finding some models with the geo you're looking for (reach specifically), then getting one used off Pinkbike or FB marketplace. Lots of riders buy one thinking they'll ride it, never do, and then sell it after it collects dust for a while. I don't buy used MTB's, but I do buy used DJs and BMX bikes.

BMX bikes are similar. Some are tweaked for dirt jumps, some for street, some for all-around. BMX's are cheaper than DJ's if that's a consideration. A DJ rides more similarly to a mountain bike than a BMX, so maybe go DJ if you want to maintain that 'trail bike' feel, but both will carry skills over and between. If you want to hit street spots and skateparks, you'd probably enjoy a BMX more. Both work great for dirt jumps and pumptracks. Both work well for getting around, as long as there's no major hills. In terms of what to look for specifically... Try to avoid a cheap spring fork if you can, an air fork rides significantly nicer, but are more expensive.

For ref, I have a Transition PBJ. My buddy never used it, so I bought it from him. Absolutely thrashed, but still runs perfect. DJ's (and BMXs) are tanks. Feels great on dirt jumps and pumptracks, without being super different to my trail bikes. Rides like I shrunk a hardtail and made the fork really stiff.
Also got a used Fit 22" wheel BMX. It's a lot more compact and I don't get to ride it as much, but it's fun at skateparks, dirt jumps, and tricks. Feels significantly different than a MTB. Really short chainstay, which is a blast to pop off lips. Just pull up hard and press your heels in hard, works absolute magic.

**This post was edited on Mar 29th 2023 at 12:03:03am
Mar 28 2023 11:58PM
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Ski_Alot
Posts: 5884 - Karma: 3,503
Goddamn this edit ripshttps://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1068256/-All-Around--With-Talus-Turk
Mar 31 2023 1:37PM
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Dani-B
Posts: 213 - Karma: 1,855
Trails are drying up in Ontario, and I caved on the Santa Cruz factory sale and picked up a Joplin (Tallboy). Hyped to ride! No pics until I get around to swapping the decals.

But I'm now riding a bike with DOT fluid brakes. I'm realizing that DOT fluid can't be stored indefinitely like mineral oil can. Manufacturers (SRAM) suggest buying it in small quantities to circumvent degradation when exposed to air.

Sucks for the wallet, since buying in cost-effective quantities from motorcycle stores was a good strategy for fork oils.

So my question is: has anyone actually noticed a performance decline from buying and using larger containers of DOT fluid?
Apr 4 2023 2:33PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6595 - Karma: 69,781
Dani-BTrails are drying up in Ontario, and I caved on the Santa Cruz factory sale and picked up a Joplin (Tallboy). Hyped to ride! No pics until I get around to swapping the decals.

But I'm now riding a bike with DOT fluid brakes. I'm realizing that DOT fluid can't be stored indefinitely like mineral oil can. Manufacturers (SRAM) suggest buying it in small quantities to circumvent degradation when exposed to air.

Sucks for the wallet, since buying in cost-effective quantities from motorcycle stores was a good strategy for fork oils.

So my question is: has anyone actually noticed a performance decline from buying and using larger containers of DOT fluid?

Dot fluid is very hydroscopic but it's like 4 bucks for more than you'll ever use.
Apr 4 2023 2:37PM
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Dani-B
Posts: 213 - Karma: 1,855
ASSholebomber22Dot fluid is very hydroscopic but it's like 4 bucks for more than you'll ever use.


Yes cheap, but I am conscious about wasting it. Are you using it in larger quantities and not worried about or noticing any issues with it over time?
Apr 4 2023 2:40PM
1 0
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skierman
Posts: 8263 - Karma: 7,056
Dani-BYes cheap, but I am conscious about wasting it. Are you using it in larger quantities and not worried about or noticing any issues with it over time?


LOL you have zero clue what you're fucking doing if you think you need that much DOT fluid.
Apr 4 2023 2:45PM
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Calculator
Posts: 122 - Karma: 742
Dani-BYes cheap, but I am conscious about wasting it. Are you using it in larger quantities and not worried about or noticing any issues with it over time?


I’ve been dipping into the same little bottle for years and I haven’t noticed any bad effects. If something felt wrong you could just get fresh fluid, but if you’re worried about having too much on hand you could always just save bleeds for shops and not have to worry about it. Paying for something you can do sucks tho
Apr 4 2023 2:48PM
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Dani-B
Posts: 213 - Karma: 1,855
skiermanLOL you have zero clue what you're fucking doing if you think you need that much DOT fluid.


Fuck off. I'm by no measure bleeding at shop frequency, but I bleed my gravel and mountain bikes, and my friends' bikes for beer. The 1L Shimano mineral bottle was great because I knew I'd have what I needed it on hand, and for a long time. So that's why I was asking about DOT.
Apr 4 2023 2:49PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6595 - Karma: 69,781
Dani-BYes cheap, but I am conscious about wasting it. Are you using it in larger quantities and not worried about or noticing any issues with it over time?

If you're being a hippy about it buy the 4oz bottle from sram for like 15 bucks and waste less. Or buy a 12oz bottle of the cheapest dot4 you can find at walmart for 4 bucks and toss the rest out. Or try to save the bottle till next season and risk moisture in your brakes.

I'm not risking spongy brakes for 4bucks.
Apr 4 2023 2:51PM
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Dani-B
Posts: 213 - Karma: 1,855
CalculatorI’ve been dipping into the same little bottle for years and I haven’t noticed any bad effects. If something felt wrong you could just get fresh fluid, but if you’re worried about having too much on hand you could always just save bleeds for shops and not have to worry about it. Paying for something you can do sucks tho


Thanks Calculator. You buying the 4 oz bottles?
Apr 4 2023 2:52PM
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Dani-B
Posts: 213 - Karma: 1,855
ASSholebomber22If you're being a hippy about it buy the 4oz bottle from sram for like 15 bucks and waste less.


Seems to be the way to go, thanks 👍
Apr 4 2023 2:53PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6595 - Karma: 69,781
Dani-BSeems to be the way to go, thanks 👍


-wants the most cost effective option

-chooses the option that costs 4x as much as the cost effective option.

Jesus christ.
Apr 4 2023 2:55PM
1 1
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muffMan.
Posts: 2672 - Karma: 25,162
partyandBSNot really MTB but what’s the go to for Dirt Jumpers? I am considering getting a DJ or a BMX or maybe both.


Bmx is fun, thinking of picking up a 24” bike for strictly dirt. And use my normal one for street
Apr 4 2023 3:04PM
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Dani-B
Posts: 213 - Karma: 1,855
ASSholebomber22-wants the most cost effective option

-chooses the option that costs 4x as much as the cost effective option.

Jesus christ.


I think you misunderstand my original question. I was seeking insight on if the most cost effective option was also not going to be wasteful when fluid performance over time is considered.

So any insights on the sweet spot for volume to buy before it goes to shit was what I was looking for.
Apr 4 2023 3:42PM
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Calculator
Posts: 122 - Karma: 742
CalculatorI’ve been dipping into the same little bottle for years and I haven’t noticed any bad effects. If something felt wrong you could just get fresh fluid, but if you’re worried about having too much on hand you could always just save bleeds for shops and not have to worry about it. Paying for something you can do sucks tho

Yeah I just go with the little 4oz, I find that especially with Sram brakes if I’m just doing a lever or caliper bleed and not a full flush it barely uses any fluid and I’ll just put what I had in the syringe back into the bottle. Doesn’t get all nasty like shimano so I’m ok with a tiny bit of cross contamination.


If you’re doing any of the newer brakes with the bleeding edge fitting on the caliper, a trick I figured out was after finishing your bleed, disconnect the lever syringe and leave the caliper syringe attached. Push it pretty hard, forcing some fluid back into the system. A little bit may appear on the relief hole on the lever and that’s ok. If you close the bleeding edge with the syringe still “pressurized” you’ll get a lever feel that’s almost shimano esque.
Apr 4 2023 7:46PM
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Dani-B
Posts: 213 - Karma: 1,855
CalculatorYeah I just go with the little 4oz, I find that especially with Sram brakes if I’m just doing a lever or caliper bleed and not a full flush it barely uses any fluid and I’ll just put what I had in the syringe back into the bottle. Doesn’t get all nasty like shimano so I’m ok with a tiny bit of cross contamination.


If you’re doing any of the newer brakes with the bleeding edge fitting on the caliper, a trick I figured out was after finishing your bleed, disconnect the lever syringe and leave the caliper syringe attached. Push it pretty hard, forcing some fluid back into the system. A little bit may appear on the relief hole on the lever and that’s ok. If you close the bleeding edge with the syringe still “pressurized” you’ll get a lever feel that’s almost shimano esque.


Good stuff to know, thanks again Calculator! I liked the quick bite on my SLX brakes, so we'll see if I can replicate it on these G2 Rs. I need to seek out a DOT fluid bleed kit soon.
Apr 5 2023 6:08PM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,130
Dani-BGood stuff to know, thanks again Calculator! I liked the quick bite on my SLX brakes, so we'll see if I can replicate it on these G2 Rs. I need to seek out a DOT fluid bleed kit soon.


Even with tricks, it'll be hard to get an R level brake to feel like that. The R vs RSC/Ultimate uses a different lever design entirely that almost never feels great.
Apr 6 2023 8:54AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,824
.nastyEven with tricks, it'll be hard to get an R level brake to feel like that. The R vs RSC/Ultimate uses a different lever design entirely that almost never feels great.


Agreed. I've tried a lot of things, including the little 3d printed free stroke adjusters, and the only way to get a SRAM "R" brake to feel like a Shimano is to buy an RSC lever for it, or buy cheap Shimano brakes.
Apr 6 2023 10:52AM
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Calculator
Posts: 122 - Karma: 742
cydwhitAgreed. I've tried a lot of things, including the little 3d printed free stroke adjusters, and the only way to get a SRAM "R" brake to feel like a Shimano is to buy an RSC lever for it, or buy cheap Shimano brakes.

If you haven’t tried what I described up there, give it a shot. It’s he closest I’ve got any Sram brake to that on/off feel
Apr 6 2023 11:24AM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,130
CalculatorIf you haven’t tried what I described up there, give it a shot. It’s he closest I’ve got any Sram brake to that on/off feel

Heck there’s plenty of tricks including what you mentioned, the R lever just blow. It’ll go spongy again after a few rides.

**This post was edited on Apr 6th 2023 at 1:01:46pm
Apr 6 2023 12:59PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,824
CalculatorIf you haven’t tried what I described up there, give it a shot. It’s he closest I’ve got any Sram brake to that on/off feel


Nice.

We've just fully moved to Shimano, so we only need one bleed kit. Their entry lever brakes blow Sram's out of the water IMO.
Apr 6 2023 12:59PM
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littleman34
Posts: 1338 - Karma: 4,050
Yo where do you ride! I'm located in Ottawa there's some great cross country tech trails nearby and decent downhill options within a couple hours drive (good for an Ontario boy that is). Super sumped to get some riding in soon, weather looks like we'll be on trail in a couple weeks!
Dani-BTrails are drying up in Ontario, and I caved on the Santa Cruz factory sale and picked up a Joplin (Tallboy). Hyped to ride! No pics until I get around to swapping the decals.

But I'm now riding a bike with DOT fluid brakes. I'm realizing that DOT fluid can't be stored indefinitely like mineral oil can. Manufacturers (SRAM) suggest buying it in small quantities to circumvent degradation when exposed to air.

Sucks for the wallet, since buying in cost-effective quantities from motorcycle stores was a good strategy for fork oils.

So my question is: has anyone actually noticed a performance decline from buying and using larger containers of DOT fluid?
Apr 10 2023 8:18AM
1 0
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GANDALF
Posts: 6293 - Karma: 6,491
I have a brand new We Are One/Industry Nine wheelset for sale if anyone is looking.

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3602049/
Apr 12 2023 11:05PM
1 0
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switchlip2
Posts: 1977 - Karma: 24,039
GANDALFI have a brand new We Are One/Industry Nine wheelset for sale if anyone is looking.

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3602049/


Those are sexy
Apr 13 2023 10:46AM
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macfive
Posts: 138 - Karma: 684
littleman34Yo where do you ride! I'm located in Ottawa there's some great cross country tech trails nearby and decent downhill options within a couple hours drive (good for an Ontario boy that is). Super sumped to get some riding in soon, weather looks like we'll be on trail in a couple weeks!


Couple hours? Fortune is 15 minuets away!
Apr 14 2023 10:11AM
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littleman34
Posts: 1338 - Karma: 4,050
I live outside the city in Almonte so fortunes is a bit further for me. Haven't ever rode there though I usually go to the Kanata Lakes area
macfiveCouple hours? Fortune is 15 minuets away!
Apr 14 2023 2:35PM
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macfive
Posts: 138 - Karma: 684
littleman34I live outside the city in Almonte so fortunes is a bit further for me. Haven't ever rode there though I usually go to the Kanata Lakes area


Get out to fortune on a lift day, tickets are like 30 bucks. It has some really technical downhill, basically if you can ride fortune you can ride anywhere!
Apr 14 2023 6:48PM
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thankagaper
Posts: 911 - Karma: -1,549
I load an ibis Ripley into the back of my Cadillac escalade.
I'd post a pick, but I already drove half the site insane...
Apr 14 2023 7:43PM
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littleman34
Posts: 1338 - Karma: 4,050
Good to know I'll have to check it out this year. And damn 30 bucks is a wicked deal
macfiveGet out to fortune on a lift day, tickets are like 30 bucks. It has some really technical downhill, basically if you can ride fortune you can ride anywhere!
Apr 14 2023 8:27PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6595 - Karma: 69,781
thankagaperI load an ibis Ripley into the back of my Cadillac escalade.
I'd post a pick, but I already drove half the site insane...


Is this suppose to be a flex or a middle age man acting 2004 rich
Apr 14 2023 10:57PM
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partyandBS
Posts: 4009 - Karma: 61,085
Anyone have any experience with concealing an airtag in/on your bike?? Would it work better inside a carbon frame vs aluminum? Seems like there are a few options out there.
Apr 19 2023 1:51PM
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techdeckjuul
Posts: 256 - Karma: 738
partyandBSAnyone have any experience with concealing an airtag in/on your bike?? Would it work better inside a carbon frame vs aluminum? Seems like there are a few options out there.


very much depends on the bike. there is a road orientated stem i’ve seen that has room in the inside for an airtag. if you have a carbon frame with some sort of access point on the bottom like a yeti or maybe a stash compartment like the new santa cruz that could work too. other than that there’s not much i’ve seen out there.
Apr 19 2023 2:01PM
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Dani-B
Posts: 213 - Karma: 1,855
littleman34Yo where do you ride! I'm located in Ottawa there's some great cross country tech trails nearby and decent downhill options within a couple hours drive (good for an Ontario boy that is). Super sumped to get some riding in soon, weather looks like we'll be on trail in a couple weeks!


I am based southwest of the GTA, so lots of Guelph, Waterloo, and Collingwood/SCMBC area riding. I haven't ridden any farther north than Loree!

We had a great weather window last week, but raining and snowing again now. Looking like a Turkey Point/sand weekend.
Apr 19 2023 5:22PM
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