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March, 2024

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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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GayWolf420
Posts: 36680 - Karma: 110,599
1st time out on the season yesterday. Just mellow laps in the statepark near my house, mostly flats and some mellow climbs and fun DH sections. Good to get out, honestly. While the skiings been great its kinda hard to stick to one activity for 6-8 months lol.
Apr 9 2019 12:44PM
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Sharkie14
Posts: 95 - Karma: 325
I ride a Specialized carbon demo 8 and mostly stick to Trestle bike park in WP but keystone is fun, too!
Apr 10 2019 3:45PM
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r00kie
Posts: 5193 - Karma: 58,789
Sharkie14I ride a Specialized carbon demo 8 and mostly stick to Trestle bike park in WP but keystone is fun, too!

Keystones fun, hopefully won't put me the hospital this summer.
Apr 10 2019 6:58PM
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bergobeanz
Posts: 264 - Karma: 962
I live in Minnesota and race for my high school, even though xc is lame, the fitness that comes along with it is absolutely amazing.
Apr 10 2019 11:10PM
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Sharkie14
Posts: 95 - Karma: 325
r00kieKeystones fun, hopefully won't put me the hospital this summer.


Lmao heard that. I have to be super careful, too!
Apr 10 2019 11:24PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
Some trail porn
Apr 11 2019 5:23PM
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
Fatbikes are very fun on dirt. Just went out for a rip on mine and had a blast. Don't sleep on the fatbike!
Apr 14 2019 2:47PM
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Phillydog1
Posts: 195 - Karma: 305
I race XC because I don't live close to a good DH spot, and all my friends do xc/trail. I ride a the new Santa Cruz Highball. Wish I could ski all year but don't want to destroy my nice skis on a summer setup.
Apr 14 2019 8:30PM
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mtbakerpow
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 927
New bike porn























Apr 23 2019 12:20AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
Finally got back out on the bike last weekend. First rides on the new bike, Transition Smuggler. Can't believe how much I love this bike. Ended up putting together a kind of weird build / setup, but it's so perfect for my priorities. Will post photos once I get it cleaned up a little.
Apr 23 2019 11:34AM
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
cydwhitFinally got back out on the bike last weekend. First rides on the new bike, Transition Smuggler. Can't believe how much I love this bike. Ended up putting together a kind of weird build / setup, but it's so perfect for my priorities. Will post photos once I get it cleaned up a little.


Weird builds are the best builds. Definitely post the specs! I have a very unique RM Thunderbolt that I bought off a colleague of mine when I lived out west. Nothing like having a true one-off.
Apr 23 2019 1:06PM
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ModeloTime
Posts: 100 - Karma: 275
Any homies in central MN trynna shred some trails, haven’t biked in a bit but I wanna get on the trails again.
Apr 24 2019 10:29AM
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CalumSKI
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 23,046
anyone have experiance on the 2012 trek slash 7
Apr 24 2019 10:36AM
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
CalumSKIanyone have experiance on the 2012 trek slash 7


No experience, but just checked out the specs on the archive. Is a tad outdated in terms of what it offers. 26 inch wheels 2x10 drivetrain are both majorly extinct.

That being said, if you want something to just mess around and have a good time on then by all means. the wheels will still roll and the the crank will still turn!

If used, just make sure the suspension components have been regularly serviced, and try to make sure the frame isn't cracked. The last thing you'd want is to buy a bike that is a total lemon.
Apr 24 2019 10:43AM
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CalumSKI
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 23,046
BdoobzNo experience, but just checked out the specs on the archive. Is a tad outdated in terms of what it offers. 26 inch wheels 2x10 drivetrain are both majorly extinct.

That being said, if you want something to just mess around and have a good time on then by all means. the wheels will still roll and the the crank will still turn!

If used, just make sure the suspension components have been regularly serviced, and try to make sure the frame isn't cracked. The last thing you'd want is to buy a bike that is a total lemon.


not for me but for one of my buddies
thanks tho
will pass on your help
thanks
Apr 24 2019 10:55AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
BdoobzWeird builds are the best builds. Definitely post the specs! I have a very unique RM Thunderbolt that I bought off a colleague of mine when I lived out west. Nothing like having a true one-off.


Haha, yeah, can't believe how much I love this bike.




2018 Transition Smuggler, stripped to brushed aluminum, with rust accents and logos
Overforked to 150 mm Fox 36 (standard offset)
GX Eagle drivetrain
OneUp 170 mm dropper
Loam Lever
Industry 9 Enduro 305 wheels
32 mm Anvl Stem

Later this summer I want to bump to the 210 mm OneUp post, get their new carbon bar, and put a smaller tire on the rear (currently running a 2.5" High Roller II, want to go to the 2.3" version)

Have just never had a bike that put my weird ass body in such a comfortable climbing position, but also jumped so intuitively. Gonna be hard to convince me to get off Transition.
Apr 24 2019 11:20AM
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
cydwhitHaha, yeah, can't believe how much I love this bike.




2018 Transition Smuggler, stripped to brushed aluminum, with rust accents and logos
Overforked to 150 mm Fox 36 (standard offset)
GX Eagle drivetrain
OneUp 170 mm dropper
Loam Lever
Industry 9 Enduro 305 wheels
32 mm Anvl Stem

Later this summer I want to bump to the 210 mm OneUp post, get their new carbon bar, and put a smaller tire on the rear (currently running a 2.5" High Roller II, want to go to the 2.3" version)

Have just never had a bike that put my weird ass body in such a comfortable climbing position, but also jumped so intuitively. Gonna be hard to convince me to get off Transition.


Dude..... crazy cool build. How do you find the extra 10mm of travel up front? Mess with the the geo/ride at all?

Also, did you just strip the paint yourself? Would be something I may look into for my thunderbolt...
Apr 24 2019 11:42AM
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cozzey
Posts: 1353 - Karma: 1,814
Anyone have any suggestions on dropper posts to purchase? My KS Lev Integra post is slowly losing steam and I am looking to upgrade.
Apr 24 2019 11:54AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
BdoobzNo experience, but just checked out the specs on the archive. Is a tad outdated in terms of what it offers. 26 inch wheels 2x10 drivetrain are both majorly extinct.

That being said, if you want something to just mess around and have a good time on then by all means. the wheels will still roll and the the crank will still turn!

If used, just make sure the suspension components have been regularly serviced, and try to make sure the frame isn't cracked. The last thing you'd want is to buy a bike that is a total lemon.

Just because a bike has 26" wheels and a 2x10 drivetrain does not mean it is majorly extinct. Both are still sold on the market, so they're not extinct. I still happily ride my 26" wheeled 2013 Mojo HD and 2012 Giant Faith.

cydwhitHaha, yeah, can't believe how much I love this bike.




2018 Transition Smuggler, stripped to brushed aluminum, with rust accents and logos
Overforked to 150 mm Fox 36 (standard offset)
GX Eagle drivetrain
OneUp 170 mm dropper
Loam Lever
Industry 9 Enduro 305 wheels
32 mm Anvl Stem

Later this summer I want to bump to the 210 mm OneUp post, get their new carbon bar, and put a smaller tire on the rear (currently running a 2.5" High Roller II, want to go to the 2.3" version)

Have just never had a bike that put my weird ass body in such a comfortable climbing position, but also jumped so intuitively. Gonna be hard to convince me to get off Transition.


Curious, with all that customization, why'd you go for the GX build?
Apr 24 2019 2:46PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
cozzeyAnyone have any suggestions on dropper posts to purchase? My KS Lev Integra post is slowly losing steam and I am looking to upgrade.


My Fox dropper has been the most reliable one I've owned
Apr 24 2019 5:50PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
BdoobzDude..... crazy cool build. How do you find the extra 10mm of travel up front? Mess with the the geo/ride at all?

Also, did you just strip the paint yourself? Would be something I may look into for my thunderbolt...

Eh, I've never ridden it with the stock fork, so I really don't know. Figured I'd run it at 150 and lower it if I hated it. So far I love it. But I've also got a weird riding style, I'm pretty aggressively over the front, and then I just sorta let the back do its thing and skip around so I have always over-forked bikes. Still climbs better than my old bike (hightower LT) with the big fork.

cozzeyAnyone have any suggestions on dropper posts to purchase? My KS Lev Integra post is slowly losing steam and I am looking to upgrade.

OneUp dropper for sure. So affordable, been on mine for a year with no issues. Best bang for my buck I've found.
ThaLoraxJust because a bike has 26" wheels and a 2x10 drivetrain does not mean it is majorly extinct. Both are still sold on the market, so they're not extinct. I still happily ride my 26" wheeled 2013 Mojo HD and 2012 Giant Faith.



Curious, with all that customization, why'd you go for the GX build?

Eh, it's not really that custom...Bought an S build Hightower LT last year, sold the frame, bought the Smuggler frame, sold the reverb (hate reverbs) bought the OneUp dropper, and then upgraded the wheels. The wheels make the biggest difference of any upgrade I've done to any bike.

And GX sorta is my sweet spot. Affordable, performs very well (in my experience), and way cheaper to replace when stuff breaks or wears out.

I'd always rather throw money at wheels or suspension than upgrade from GX. I don't really care about weight, I just want it to change gears when I push the button and not cost me an arm and a leg for a new chain.

My partner just built up her new Bronson with a similar build, S Kit, I9's, OneUp dropper, but went for carbon bars and cranks. But she also breaks a lot less stuff than I do.
Apr 24 2019 6:19PM
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_IRRELEVANT_
Posts: 944 - Karma: 4,423
Want to get some new pedals for my bike it came with plastic ones but I want something metal don’t really know too much about pedals want something cheap but will last
Apr 25 2019 9:47PM
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,035
cozzeyAnyone have any suggestions on dropper posts to purchase? My KS Lev Integra post is slowly losing steam and I am looking to upgrade.


The referenced post has been removed.


Just swapped my reverb for a rainier, a brand new rainier cost about as much as it does just to rebuild the reverb and its only a pound heavier. One of my friends bought one last season and she loves it. I highly recommend checking out PNW for a new dropper post.
Apr 26 2019 10:21AM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
cozzeyAnyone have any suggestions on dropper posts to purchase? My KS Lev Integra post is slowly losing steam and I am looking to upgrade.


I highly recommend the Bike Yoke Revive
Apr 27 2019 4:45AM
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r00kie
Posts: 5193 - Karma: 58,789
If going for flat pedals I highly recommend Nukeproof Evos. Nylon with replaceable studs. Take a beating and are much cheeper than full metal flats.
_IRRELEVANT_Want to get some new pedals for my bike it came with plastic ones but I want something metal don’t really know too much about pedals want something cheap but will last
Apr 27 2019 7:18AM
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CalumSKI
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 23,046
Been looking into a 2013 norco aurum le
Seems lit
Apr 28 2019 1:14AM
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jblaski
Posts: 5561 - Karma: 1,027
Got out on my first ride of the season the other day. Purposely didn't air up my tires until ski season was finally over.
Apr 28 2019 1:28AM
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Phillydog1
Posts: 195 - Karma: 305
ElizabethWarrenI live in Minnesota and race for my high school, even though xc is lame, the fitness that comes along with it is absolutely amazing.

Same bro-I race NICA MN as well!
Apr 28 2019 1:23PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
Phillydog1Same bro-I race NICA MN as well!


NICA is so rad. My partner has been a coach forever and I get some of the NICA kids to help me coach in my feeder program for 6-11 year olds. So jealous of you kids growing up with a framework for competitive mountain biking!
Apr 28 2019 6:08PM
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bergobeanz
Posts: 264 - Karma: 962
Phillydog1Same bro-I race NICA MN as well!


Yoooo, what team???
Apr 28 2019 11:09PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
Good to hear about you guys racing. My friend and I started the mtn bike team at my High School in 2004 in the NorCal HS MTB League and now they're one of the top teams in the State
Apr 28 2019 11:56PM
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Lonely
Posts: 6599 - Karma: 59,648
CLQ doesn't know how to ride a bike
Apr 28 2019 11:56PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Felt so good to start the biking season this weekend, 3 days of shuttling really good trails at a bike festival made me stoked to go to more festivals and enduro races this season!

Also what sunglasses and goggles do you use and recommend, preferably on the cheaper side? I have the Spy Breakaway goggles, and while I do like the frame and was happy with the lens when it was new I find the spare lenses to be absolutely terrible and already scratched up when you buy them. For sunglasses I have been looking at Oakley with the Trail Prizm but they are a bit to expensive at the moment.
Apr 29 2019 4:13AM
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CLQ
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 11,259
Those NICA races are a lot of fun, while the courses are mellow, the amount of people and the community feel is awesome. There are so many more kids mountain biking now then just a few years ago, its awesome. To bad they moved the finals to Durango.
Apr 29 2019 9:28AM
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Calculator
Posts: 122 - Karma: 742
Mar-OFelt so good to start the biking season this weekend, 3 days of shuttling really good trails at a bike festival made me stoked to go to more festivals and enduro races this season!

Also what sunglasses and goggles do you use and recommend, preferably on the cheaper side? I have the Spy Breakaway goggles, and while I do like the frame and was happy with the lens when it was new I find the spare lenses to be absolutely terrible and already scratched up when you buy them. For sunglasses I have been looking at Oakley with the Trail Prizm but they are a bit to expensive at the moment.

Ive been using 100% googles for a long time now, they've got a few different models at different prices but I think most of the lenses are cross compatible and should be easy to find
Apr 29 2019 10:55AM
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TOUCHE
Posts: 1183 - Karma: 162
I'm just getting into riding, got lucky and picked up a '08 Giant Reign for $250 CAD ($185USD) at a bike swap the other day
Apr 29 2019 12:31PM
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WI_skier
Posts: 174 - Karma: 302
Been having a great mtb season so far especially since I bought a Fuel Ex. 9.8 which is my first full suspension bike. I know its not much of a trail bike compared to most these days but its enough to rip the trails near me.

Interesting to hear others talking about racing NICA, I raced in the WI league during high school and it was such a good experience and community and part of the reason Im so into mountain biking now. Fuckin stoked to ride more this summer, gonna focus on taking trips to ride trail instead of doing a XC races. Might even try to get into the enduro scene, seems like where a lot of the sport is going.
Apr 29 2019 2:22PM
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saeb101
Posts: 64 - Karma: 167
Anyone here like to ride I Street bike park in slc?
Apr 29 2019 3:37PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5414 - Karma: 11,608
Do people not wear chamois anymore? I was in sacred ride in Nelson today looking for a new pair of shorts and almost none of the shorts on the racks came with a chamois.
May 9 2019 7:22PM
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evaroni
Posts: 3895 - Karma: 3,774


Lots and lots of this so far. The dirt is coming into prime season so I’m getting the mountain bike patched back together.
May 9 2019 10:46PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
SkibumsmithDo people not wear chamois anymore? I was in sacred ride in Nelson today looking for a new pair of shorts and almost none of the shorts on the racks came with a chamois.


Plenty of folks still do I'm sure, but anecdotally, in my friend group, very few of us do. We all used to be on the chamois train, and for various reasons aren't anymore.

Personally, I've found that if I get the right saddle for my weird ass, it's more comfy without a chamois that with. Just make sure you've got some good technical undies.

Still rock the padded diaper on my gravel bike, just because washboard bumps on my taint really add up.
May 10 2019 10:34AM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5414 - Karma: 11,608
cydwhitPlenty of folks still do I'm sure, but anecdotally, in my friend group, very few of us do. We all used to be on the chamois train, and for various reasons aren't anymore.

Personally, I've found that if I get the right saddle for my weird ass, it's more comfy without a chamois that with. Just make sure you've got some good technical undies.

Still rock the padded diaper on my gravel bike, just because washboard bumps on my taint really add up.


Technical undies? Like they’ll charge your phone and shit?
May 10 2019 3:53PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
SkibumsmithTechnical undies? Like they’ll charge your phone and shit?


Yep, they'll charge your phone and you can even post to Instagram with em.

The goal of all undies is not to shit though.

Nah, Just something not-cotton that won't ride up and get all bunchy.
May 12 2019 10:00PM
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foolmetwice
Posts: 600 - Karma: 1,008
Im living in truckee for 2 more weeks and wanna explore some trails in the region now that melting has started. Anybody got some recommendations for trails within an hr or so of truckee that will be melted out by now. Ideally similar to jackass trail in truckee but longer, that is a decent climb and then a flowy trail on the way down with jumps and berms
May 13 2019 1:09PM
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foolmetwice
Posts: 600 - Karma: 1,008
Also will be roadtripping back to minnesota at the end of the month so if anybodies got trail recs in between here and there that would b dope. And also also also I’ll b heading up to cuyuna and dooloof as much as possible when im back if anyone wants to join
May 13 2019 1:13PM
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cadebucket
Posts: 294 - Karma: 968
I plan on attending Utah state University this fall and was wondering if anybody know some good trails in the logan area.
May 13 2019 9:21PM
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