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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
2040 153
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
*TURBONERD*Anybody else race CX?


CX is all I race currently
Jan 12 2019 8:57AM
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*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15078 - Karma: 9,136
BdoobzCX is all I race currently


Hell yeah. Whereabouts?
Cy, you should absolutely do that.
Jan 12 2019 5:20PM
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
*TURBONERD*Hell yeah. Whereabouts?
Cy, you should absolutely do that.


In the renowned cycling location of Ontario
Jan 13 2019 12:06AM
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,035
My reverb is finally unusable w/o a rebuild but I'm thinking it would be a better call to pick a PNW ir rainier. Heard they are way more reliable and easier to maintain. Anybody here have experience with that product?
Jan 17 2019 12:49PM
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*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15078 - Karma: 9,136
BdoobzIn the renowned cycling location of Ontario


I mean, you can do cross anywhere.
Jan 19 2019 6:11PM
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CalumSKI
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 23,046
anyone got any experience with the 2010 transition bottle rocket
found a dope deal on a used one in great shape and i think im gonna cop in april or may if no one has bought it yet
Jan 20 2019 6:12PM
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sincos
Posts: 58 - Karma: 327
CalumSKIanyone got any experience with the 2010 transition bottle rocket
found a dope deal on a used one in great shape and i think im gonna cop in april or may if no one has bought it yet


make sure it has decent suspension; it is a really playful responsive and bombproof bike, awesome on the jumps and such. don't expect to climb any hills on it tho
Jan 24 2019 12:50AM
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CalumSKI
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 23,046
sincosmake sure it has decent suspension; it is a really playful responsive and bombproof bike, awesome on the jumps and such. don't expect to climb any hills on it tho


Thanks man I was looking to do more in the bike park than climbs tho but the rear suspension that was installed can lock so if I have to climb it is and option
Jan 24 2019 8:06AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4702 - Karma: 8,727
I feel like everyone insists on getting a bike that's super new because of geometry and whatnot but were people not shredding on bikes in like 05?? I'm broke but want a new bike so would it be the end of the world if I picked up something from like 08? I just can't drop more than like $1k on a bike rn but I feel like that shouldn't keep me out of the sport, even though the consensus in this thread seems to be that bikes older than 10 years are unrideable
Jan 24 2019 9:48AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
DayManI feel like everyone insists on getting a bike that's super new because of geometry and whatnot but were people not shredding on bikes in like 05?? I'm broke but want a new bike so would it be the end of the world if I picked up something from like 08? I just can't drop more than like $1k on a bike rn but I feel like that shouldn't keep me out of the sport, even though the consensus in this thread seems to be that bikes older than 10 years are unrideable


Just like skis & boots from 10 years ago, all of the new stuff is just better. Same goes for bikes, but here the difference is quite large. Developments in suspension and geometry literally allow you to ride better, across all disciplines.

Does that mean you can't have fun on a 2005 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp? Of course not. Search the classifieds in your area and pick up something in your budget and (if it's in good condition) ride the heckin heck out of it.
Jan 24 2019 9:51AM
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sincos
Posts: 58 - Karma: 327
DayManI feel like everyone insists on getting a bike that's super new because of geometry and whatnot but were people not shredding on bikes in like 05?? I'm broke but want a new bike so would it be the end of the world if I picked up something from like 08? I just can't drop more than like $1k on a bike rn but I feel like that shouldn't keep me out of the sport, even though the consensus in this thread seems to be that bikes older than 10 years are unrideable


you can totally shred an old bike, but you just have to be mindful of the bike you are buying. a 2009 rocky slayer, or 2009 bottlerocket will outperform a 2009 kona stinky or ellesworth etc. good parts; especially suspension make a huge difference.
Jan 24 2019 1:29PM
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Willgum
Posts: 3254 - Karma: 3,071
DayManI feel like everyone insists on getting a bike that's super new because of geometry and whatnot but were people not shredding on bikes in like 05?? I'm broke but want a new bike so would it be the end of the world if I picked up something from like 08? I just can't drop more than like $1k on a bike rn but I feel like that shouldn't keep me out of the sport, even though the consensus in this thread seems to be that bikes older than 10 years are unrideable

Here's my situation / opinion:

I bought a new $600 Giant Talon hardtail. For my local terrain, hardtail is doable. I will never spend more than $1k on a bike, and I'm in the camp that believes there are marginal returns per $ once you get past entry / mid level bikes. I received a $15k bonus in December and I didn't even consider upgrading the bike because i'm having too much fun with it. I rip it 3-4 times a week in the summer and plan at staying below $1k for all future bikes.

The reason you see all this bias towards $3k+ bikes is because the people who are the most gear obsessed & passionate will be the ones posting / talking the most, and will be the ones spending the most money. It's a sample bias imo.

**This post was edited on Jan 24th 2019 at 1:46:32pm

**This post was edited on Jan 24th 2019 at 1:47:56pm
Jan 24 2019 1:44PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
WillgumHere's my situation / opinion:

I bought a new $600 Giant Talon hardtail. For my local terrain, hardtail is doable. I will never spend more than $1k on a bike, and I'm in the camp that believes there are marginal returns per $ once you get past entry / mid level bikes. I received a $15k bonus in December and I didn't even consider upgrading the bike because i'm having too much fun with it. I rip it 3-4 times a week in the summer and plan at staying below $1k for all future bikes.

The reason you see all this bias towards $3k+ bikes is because the people who are the most gear obsessed & passionate will be the ones posting / talking the most, and will be the ones spending the most money. It's a sample bias imo.

**This post was edited on Jan 24th 2019 at 1:46:32pm

**This post was edited on Jan 24th 2019 at 1:47:56pm


I'm not sure where you live, but where I live a $600 hardtail couldn't hold a candle to a modern full suspension bike. That said, don't buy new bikes. I buy used bikes a couple years old off Pinkbike and wait for deals to pop up around $2-2500 for $6k worth of bike.
Jan 24 2019 1:56PM
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r00kie
Posts: 5194 - Karma: 58,798
WillgumHere's my situation / opinion:

I bought a new $600 Giant Talon hardtail. For my local terrain, hardtail is doable. I will never spend more than $1k on a bike, and I'm in the camp that believes there are marginal returns per $ once you get past entry / mid level bikes. I received a $15k bonus in December and I didn't even consider upgrading the bike because i'm having too much fun with it. I rip it 3-4 times a week in the summer and plan at staying below $1k for all future bikes.

The reason you see all this bias towards $3k+ bikes is because the people who are the most gear obsessed & passionate will be the ones posting / talking the most, and will be the ones spending the most money. It's a sample bias imo.

**This post was edited on Jan 24th 2019 at 1:46:32pm

**This post was edited on Jan 24th 2019 at 1:47:56pm


This right here. Yeah spending a ton gets you a better bike. Yes my Norco Storm is not the greatest but I still have a great time picking my through the ark valley all summer and even greens and blues at the bike park.
P.S. a 1x drivetrain and stronger brakes help a ton.
Jan 24 2019 2:34PM
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Willgum
Posts: 3254 - Karma: 3,071
ThaLoraxI'm not sure where you live, but where I live a $600 hardtail couldn't hold a candle to a modern full suspension bike. That said, don't buy new bikes. I buy used bikes a couple years old off Pinkbike and wait for deals to pop up around $2-2500 for $6k worth of bike.


Yeah good point on waiting a year or two. It's the same thing with cars, the difference in price between a 2 year old car with 30k miles and brand new car is huge, and it's the sweet spot for depreciation in price vs the actual depreciation of the physical car, if that makes sense. I'd imagine it's the same thing with bikes.
Jan 24 2019 6:57PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
WillgumYeah good point on waiting a year or two. It's the same thing with cars, the difference in price between a 2 year old car with 30k miles and brand new car is huge, and it's the sweet spot for depreciation in price vs the actual depreciation of the physical car, if that makes sense. I'd imagine it's the same thing with bikes.


It is. Don't get me wrong, learning to ride on a hartail is the best way to learn all the important skills. But where I live, hardtails get left in the dust on 90% of trails
Jan 24 2019 10:37PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
Cool article on a mtn bike legend

https://www.bikemag.com/features/profiles/the-last-of-my-kind/
Feb 25 2019 9:00PM
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JmckR
Posts: 1215 - Karma: 5,346
ThaLoraxIt is. Don't get me wrong, learning to ride on a hartail is the best way to learn all the important skills.


I really feel like this is a myth that people only say because it makes them sounds like pro riders who know better than the average joe.
Feb 25 2019 9:59PM
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sincos
Posts: 58 - Karma: 327
TheMailManI really feel like this is a myth that people only say because it makes them sounds like pro riders who know better than the average joe.


agreed

i mean hardtails are sick and definitely a good budget option for a total beginner.

but if you have the money for full sus i wouldnt sweat it, if thats what you want
Feb 25 2019 11:57PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
TheMailManI really feel like this is a myth that people only say because it makes them sounds like pro riders who know better than the average joe.


It's not a myth. To dumb it down: If you can learn ride hard on a less capable bike, you can even ride harder on a more capable bike. It's quite simple.
Feb 26 2019 1:11AM
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skierman
Posts: 8064 - Karma: 4,799
TheMailManI really feel like this is a myth that people only say because it makes them sounds like pro riders who know better than the average joe.


And you're clearly a fucking n00b that doesn't know what you're talking about.
Feb 26 2019 10:11AM
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ChadThundercock
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 785
skiermanAnd you're clearly a fucking n00b that doesn't know what you're talking about.


Oh this fucking cocksucker imposter again
Feb 26 2019 10:56AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
I learned to ride both trails and DH on a hardtail before full suspension was commonplace. Riding a hardtail teaches you how to spot lines better and more quickly, how to absorb with your body rather than relying on your suspension, how to counter balance your bike better, how to manual better and a litany of other skills that translates directly into being a more skilled rider when you get on a full suspension bike
Feb 26 2019 1:37PM
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old.man.tibbles
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,061
hardtails are for bitches. i grew up riding all the moab trails on a fucking tricycle.
Feb 26 2019 5:54PM
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Plankton
Posts: 3226 - Karma: 6,840
If anyones ever in Europe near the Italian Riviera I highly reccomend traveling to Finale Ligure to bike. It’s a stop for the Enduro World Series and the trails are insane. Was there last week on my break off school since snow in the Alps isn’t great right now and it was incredible. Massive shuttle descents mixing fast flow and gnarly tech all the way down to the sea. This article describes it well:

https://flowmountainbike.com/features/this-is-paradise-riding-finale-ligure/
Feb 28 2019 8:44AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
ThaLoraxI learned to ride both trails and DH on a hardtail before full suspension was commonplace. Riding a hardtail teaches you how to spot lines better and more quickly, how to absorb with your body rather than relying on your suspension, how to counter balance your bike better, how to manual better and a litany of other skills that translates directly into being a more skilled rider when you get on a full suspension bike


Well articulated.

If you don't develop solid fundamentals initially it is possible to purchase equipment that seems to make up for those deficiencies. However, that same equipment will make it much more challenging to develop the necessary skills to actually progress in more technical terrain. A full suspension bike helps make good body position and bike-body separation more effective. It doesn't eliminate the need for them.
Feb 28 2019 9:19AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
cydwhitWell articulated.

If you don't develop solid fundamentals initially it is possible to purchase equipment that seems to make up for those deficiencies. However, that same equipment will make it much more challenging to develop the necessary skills to actually progress in more technical terrain. A full suspension bike helps make good body position and bike-body separation more effective. It doesn't eliminate the need for them.


Every time I ride my hard tail, I feel like I ride better when I get back on my full suspension. Ride your normal trails on a hard tail a few times, then go back and ride the same trails on your FS and try to tell me riding a hard tail doesn't make you a better rider
Feb 28 2019 12:34PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
ThaLoraxEvery time I ride my hard tail, I feel like I ride better when I get back on my full suspension. Ride your normal trails on a hard tail a few times, then go back and ride the same trails on your FS and try to tell me riding a hard tail doesn't make you a better rider


Exactly.

Next level: Go try riding singletrack on a rigid gravel bike, it really gives you a better idea of what the smoothest line actually is haha.

Two years ago I was feeling pretty good about myself as a rider, but financial stuff forced me to sell my 6" bike and go back to a hardtail only for a whole year. Made a huge difference for my fundamentals, and meant when I bought a new bike I could use way more of its potential.
Feb 28 2019 1:25PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
cydwhitExactly.

Next level: Go try riding singletrack on a rigid gravel bike, it really gives you a better idea of what the smoothest line actually is haha.

Two years ago I was feeling pretty good about myself as a rider, but financial stuff forced me to sell my 6" bike and go back to a hardtail only for a whole year. Made a huge difference for my fundamentals, and meant when I bought a new bike I could use way more of its potential.


Ha, same. I had my full suspension stolen when I was in college, so I had to ride my NS Bitch steel freeride/DJ hardtail frame as a trail bike for 2.5 years. I just got a White Brothers fork and new stem for it (working on finding some brakes and a dropper post if anyone has some laying around?) so I can start taking it out again
Feb 28 2019 1:38PM
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Roberto907
Posts: 65 - Karma: 208
I ride that tight brown 2018 Santa Cruz Nomad with the 2018 Fox 36 Factory
Mar 15 2019 3:47AM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
Just got this bad boy built up. its a 140/150mm 29er with flipchip geometry. Im running it in low-mode with a 160mm fork. sporting a 64.5 degree head angle. so its essentially like a Sentinel. Been having so much fun on it.

Mar 22 2019 1:21PM
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cadebucket
Posts: 294 - Karma: 968
GANDALFJust got this bad boy built up. its a 140/150mm 29er with flipchip geometry. Im running it in low-mode with a 160mm fork. sporting a 64.5 degree head angle. so its essentially like a Sentinel. Been having so much fun on it.



Sickest niner I've ever seen.
Mar 22 2019 1:56PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
cadebucketSickest niner I've ever seen.


Thank you! Its definitely my favorite of the three I have owned. Rides so much better. They have some more rad stuff coming out in the future as well.
Mar 22 2019 4:16PM
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JmckR
Posts: 1215 - Karma: 5,346
Hitting Virgin in Utah late April. Fucking stoked!!
Mar 25 2019 7:05PM
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techdeckjuul
Posts: 256 - Karma: 738
i’m about to buy a commencal meta v4 i’m looking forward to bike season in british columbia (like sun peaks and whistler)
Mar 28 2019 2:20AM
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skierman
Posts: 8064 - Karma: 4,799
tech.deck.juuli’m about to buy a commencal meta v4 i’m looking forward to bike season in british columbia (like sun peaks and whistler)


How about riding outside of a lift-serviced bike park? I know that sounds insane but there are really good trails you have to actually pedal up to....
Mar 28 2019 11:16AM
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techdeckjuul
Posts: 256 - Karma: 738
skiermanHow about riding outside of a lift-serviced bike park? I know that sounds insane but there are really good trails you have to actually pedal up to....


oh yeah there’s lots of good places to ride in kamloops.
Mar 28 2019 11:18AM
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
Anyone ride fatbikes in here? I bought one this year to rip the trails in the winter but am stoked to get out there in the summer.
Mar 29 2019 12:24PM
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techdeckjuul
Posts: 256 - Karma: 738
i just picked up this 2017 giant reign! i’m so stocked
Apr 5 2019 8:39PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
The referenced post has been removed.


I used to work for a shop that was a retailer. Those can be finicky, but a good service and replacing the IFD will help. Have you checked the air pressure? if its slow to return, it probably has lost pressure.

I haven't worked in a shop for probably ~8 months now, but I remember issues with that post. I would try to warranty it so they rebuild it with the newer parts that don't have that issue
Apr 5 2019 10:13PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
The referenced post has been removed.


Worn seals then? I would bring it to your local dealer, I remember that they sent my shop a number of rebuild kits because we kept running into issues with them. That said, I was always doing other work and servicing reverbs, those were different than most other posts so only our head mechanic was doing those (maybe 5-10 over the summer, easy to handle with only training one person). Since I was never actually the person servicing them, I only vaugely remember the specific issues and fixes
Apr 5 2019 10:19PM
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JmckR
Posts: 1215 - Karma: 5,346
First evening back on a bike after smashing my wrist up in 4 places last August, this day has been a LONG time coming.
And it was everything i'd been dreaming of, so fucking stoked to be back!! The local trails around here (Swansea Mtn, next door to Panorama Ski Resort in BC) are dry and dusty as fuck already, awesome awesome conditions.


That's me in the camo jersey and the Norco Aurum MACHINE

**This post was edited on Apr 9th 2019 at 12:17:27am
Apr 9 2019 12:16AM
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