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October, 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
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
NinetyFourYeah, I definitely think everyone should be riding with a saddle or frame bag that has at least a tube, some kind of inflator, and tire levers if you need them. My bag is loaded, a 29er tube, inflater head, two co2 cartridges, a multi-tool with a chain breaker, quick links, a brake pad spacer, and a map of where I'm riding. I know of soooo many people who ride without a thing. I have no idea why, it's not even that expensive to put all of that together.


Yup, I'd add a little food (powerbars, shot blocks, goo, whatever) and a $20 bill, especially if you are somewhere you don't know very well.
Sep 22 2014 10:24PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7481 - Karma: 11,497
Should I get a 3x9 or 2x9 if I am building an XC bike for the NE area
Sep 22 2014 10:39PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
.MASSHOLE.Should I get a 3x9 or 2x9 if I am building an XC bike for the NE area


well youre going to have a wider range on both low end and high end with a three by nine but of course you need to shift to get there and front derailleurs suck. if you have been riding the area on a bike you know you have a pretty good idea of how much gear you think you need and you can compare the two different set ups by looking at the gear ratios.
Sep 22 2014 11:11PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
.MASSHOLE.Should I get a 3x9 or 2x9 if I am building an XC bike for the NE area


2x10 or 1x11
Sep 22 2014 11:13PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7481 - Karma: 11,497
Tingawell youre going to have a wider range on both low end and high end with a three by nine but of course you need to shift to get there and front derailleurs suck. if you have been riding the area on a bike you know you have a pretty good idea of how much gear you think you need and you can compare the two different set ups by looking at the gear ratios.

I unfortunately haven't. I am "building" a bike but my friend has a bunch of excess gear, and since this is my first MTB, he suggested we just throw some stuff together. One of the pieces he has is a 9-speed drivetrain.
Sklar2x10 or 1x11
Sep 22 2014 11:22PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
.MASSHOLE.I unfortunately haven't. I am "building" a bike but my friend has a bunch of excess gear, and since this is my first MTB, he suggested we just throw some stuff together. One of the pieces he has is a 9-speed drivetrain.


i mean if might as well make it a 3x9 then if you already have a 9 speed drivetrain.
Sep 22 2014 11:28PM
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erica
Posts: 3450 - Karma: 24,083
biking is fun because asian_allen never waits for me and I get lost


on a real note though I'm half excited to pour too much money into my bike next spring.
Sep 22 2014 11:29PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
.MASSHOLE.I unfortunately haven't. I am "building" a bike but my friend has a bunch of excess gear, and since this is my first MTB, he suggested we just throw some stuff together. One of the pieces he has is a 9-speed drivetrain.


Keep it simple and go 1x9. If you can't find the legs or gearing for a local hill then size down the chainring.

It will also be cheaper since you won't need to buy a front derailleur or front shifter. Go with a narrow/wide style chainring to help keep chain dropping to a minimum without the front derailleur there to catch the chain.

Losing front derailleurs makes mountain biking so much more enjoyable. Less drivetrain noise and no annoying front derailleur/shifter mis-shift bullshit.
Sep 22 2014 11:47PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
NinetyFourYeah, I definitely think everyone should be riding with a saddle or frame bag that has at least a tube, some kind of inflator, and tire levers if you need them. My bag is loaded, a 29er tube, inflater head, two co2 cartridges, a multi-tool with a chain breaker, quick links, a brake pad spacer, and a map of where I'm riding. I know of soooo many people who ride without a thing. I have no idea why, it's not even that expensive to put all of that together.


Ya, so I forgot to mention that the spare tube I carried was a shrader and this specific rim (being a tubeless specific rim) only took presta valves.

It wasn't my friend's bike, and he hadn't ridden in a long time, so he obviously didn't carry around spare 650b size tubes. Hell, he didn't even know 650b was the new popular tire size. So honest mistake on his part. We waited like 30min on the trail til someone with a spare presta tube came by and I traded them for my shrader tube. It was so hard getting the tubeless 27.5" tire to properly seat the tubless rim with a 26" tube inside it, but it saved us a 1.5 hour hike out.

Long story short, I now know it's possible to rig a 26" tube into a 27.5 rim and wanted to impart that knowledge on my fellow NSers.
Sep 22 2014 11:55PM
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*N_Wist*
Posts: 422 - Karma: 79
I really want to build a slope/ freeride bike, just a pipe dream but I want to start getting a list of components to see what cost would be. I was thinking either a Blkmrkt Killswitch frame, or a Ns soda slope. Any other similar suggestions?
Sep 23 2014 1:24AM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
*N_Wist*I really want to build a slope/ freeride bike, just a pipe dream but I want to start getting a list of components to see what cost would be. I was thinking either a Blkmrkt Killswitch frame, or a Ns soda slope. Any other similar suggestions?


Seen a lot of people riding Specialized Pslope and Trek ticket S
Sep 23 2014 2:17AM
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 361
ThaLoraxand somehow managed to tear a hole in the tubeless tire on a rock, half way through the ride, while essentially at a standstill. We had to rig the 26" tube I carry around as a backup (I ride tubeless too) onto his 27.5 wheels. Wasn't easy, but it got us through the rest of the ride.


I only run 26inch tubes on my 27.5 enduro and it has worked beautifully so far. They have been just as easy to install for me and the old tubes are only 5 bucks where as the 27.5 ones are around 10 at my local shop. The guys there all said they run have been running 26" tubes on the new wheels since they came out with no issue
Sep 23 2014 2:46PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
B-rungeI only run 26inch tubes on my 27.5 enduro and it has worked beautifully so far. They have been just as easy to install for me and the old tubes are only 5 bucks where as the 27.5 ones are around 10 at my local shop. The guys there all said they run have been running 26" tubes on the new wheels since they came out with no issue


Interesting. I have heard that the difference in diameter is so minute that it shouldn't be an issue so we put the idea to the test. In that light, I don't think it was the tube making it difficult. I think the difficulty of getting the tube in was more the fact that we were trying to get a tube into tubeless tire and a tubeless rim. Re-seating it was difficult. Is your 27.5 a tubeless setup?
Sep 23 2014 3:20PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
I am moving up to Kirkland, WA next week from the Bay Area and have the week off before i start my new job. What are some fun trails in the area(20 minutes or so away) that are fun, flowy AM trails not requiring a fuck ton of climbing. Im looking for a quick hour or so ride in between picking up furniture off craigslist, and setting up my apartment.


I have a 2011 Stumpjumper FSR and constantly blow out spokes on the back wheel anytime i get remotly sideways. Im a big dude(6'4" 200lbs) so i was thinking about getting a burly new wheel, but honestly is it worth it to spend close to half what my bike is worth on a rear wheel? I dont know if i should keep upgrading the bike, or just sell it over the winter and save up to buy a ~$1500 used bike in the spring?
Sep 23 2014 8:17PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
californiagrownI am moving up to Kirkland, WA next week from the Bay Area and have the week off before i start my new job. What are some fun trails in the area(20 minutes or so away) that are fun, flowy AM trails not requiring a fuck ton of climbing. Im looking for a quick hour or so ride in between picking up furniture off craigslist, and setting up my apartment.


I have a 2011 Stumpjumper FSR and constantly blow out spokes on the back wheel anytime i get remotly sideways. Im a big dude(6'4" 200lbs) so i was thinking about getting a burly new wheel, but honestly is it worth it to spend close to half what my bike is worth on a rear wheel? I dont know if i should keep upgrading the bike, or just sell it over the winter and save up to buy a ~$1500 used bike in the spring?


http://www.evergreenmtb.org for trail info

St Edwards is probably the closest to you. They've been building new trails over the summer. Have yet to get up there.

Most of the other trails in the area will likely require a short drive. Duthie bike park in Issaquah is worth checking out, they have something for most riders there. And you can link up other trails from the park; soaring eagle is to the north, and grand ridge to the south. Tiger is just across i90 from grand ridge and has the best trails in the area. It does require a lot of climbing but is more than worth it.

Check out the MTBR Washington forum for some more information.
Sep 23 2014 8:23PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
division.bellCheck out the MTBR Washington forum for some more information.


http://forums.mtbr.com/washington/
Sep 23 2014 8:29PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7481 - Karma: 11,497
Just purchased a few things for the hard tail Sette I will be using for a while.

Fork-Marzocchi Marathon LR 26' with 100mm of Travel
Breaks-Shimano SLX BR-M675 Disc Brake
Discs-Avid BB5 160mm
Crankset-Truvativ Holzfeller 2.2RG with 32-22t
Sep 23 2014 10:33PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
Got the new 27.5 Reign Advanced 1 about 2 weeks ago
Holy shit, best bike I've ever ridden hands down
Sep 23 2014 10:48PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Well that looks really fucking sick. Whats the best and worst thing about it so far?
Sep 23 2014 11:00PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
GokuGot the new 27.5 Reign Advanced 1 about 2 weeks ago
Holy shit, best bike I've ever ridden hands down


Fuck yeah. How much did that run you? That thing is sick. I want one so bad.
Sep 24 2014 12:11AM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
ThaLoraxFuck yeah. How much did that run you? That thing is sick. I want one so bad.


I work at a Giant Dealer so I got a pretty good deal.

Good:
Climbs like a banshee. Coming off a Trance SX onto this and this climbs better.
Pike fork is what dreams are made of.
Point and shoot. Doesnt matter what line you take, this bike just takes it all in. I have never bounced off so many big rocks and roots and been able to ride away.
Price Point. If this said Trek, Specialized, or Yeti it would be a $9500 bike. High retail is about $4600

Bad:
I never want to get off the bike.
Weighs as much as an aluminum Trance SX, but once you get used to it it feels super stable.
Wheel base is a little long at first, but again, once you get used to it it rips.

Hands down the best bike I have ever owned. I'd recommend to anyone that wants a "big bike" but doesn't want to be locked into a gravity bike.
Sep 24 2014 9:22AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,008
GokuI work at a Giant Dealer so I got a pretty good deal.

Good:
Climbs like a banshee. Coming off a Trance SX onto this and this climbs better.
Pike fork is what dreams are made of.
Point and shoot. Doesnt matter what line you take, this bike just takes it all in. I have never bounced off so many big rocks and roots and been able to ride away.
Price Point. If this said Trek, Specialized, or Yeti it would be a $9500 bike. High retail is about $4600

Bad:
I never want to get off the bike.
Weighs as much as an aluminum Trance SX, but once you get used to it it feels super stable.
Wheel base is a little long at first, but again, once you get used to it it rips.

Hands down the best bike I have ever owned. I'd recommend to anyone that wants a "big bike" but doesn't want to be locked into a gravity bike.


I have been eying that thing for a while now, seems so perfect, gonna have to get rich and successful now so I can afford it...
Sep 24 2014 11:26AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
GokuI work at a Giant Dealer so I got a pretty good deal.

Good:
Climbs like a banshee. Coming off a Trance SX onto this and this climbs better.
Pike fork is what dreams are made of.
Point and shoot. Doesnt matter what line you take, this bike just takes it all in. I have never bounced off so many big rocks and roots and been able to ride away.
Price Point. If this said Trek, Specialized, or Yeti it would be a $9500 bike. High retail is about $4600

Bad:
I never want to get off the bike.
Weighs as much as an aluminum Trance SX, but once you get used to it it feels super stable.
Wheel base is a little long at first, but again, once you get used to it it rips.

Hands down the best bike I have ever owned. I'd recommend to anyone that wants a "big bike" but doesn't want to be locked into a gravity bike.


You think it climbs better than the trance? I had the OG trance with 4" travel and it was so much fun. You got the carbon version? I've been debating this as my next bike since they make it in an XS (I'm only 5'2") but I already have a Turner 5 Spot which I don't want to get rid of, so I feel like my bike quiver would get a bit redundant.
Sep 24 2014 11:26AM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
ThaLoraxYou think it climbs better than the trance? I had the OG trance with 4" travel and it was so much fun. You got the carbon version? I've been debating this as my next bike since they make it in an XS (I'm only 5'2") but I already have a Turner 5 Spot which I don't want to get rid of, so I feel like my bike quiver would get a bit redundant.


On par with a regular Trance if you get the Pike fork, you can drop 30mm of travel on the fly. pretty much puts you at a Trance front end. Better than the TALAS I had last year.
Better than my Trance SX for sure though
Sep 24 2014 11:31AM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
And yes it's Carbon.
Sep 24 2014 11:32AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
Hmmm, I'm either considering the Reign or going less travel with and finding a used Blur TrC since they just discontinued the blur.
Sep 24 2014 11:42AM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,572
californiagrownI am moving up to Kirkland, WA next week from the Bay Area and have the week off before i start my new job. What are some fun trails in the area(20 minutes or so away) that are fun, flowy AM trails not requiring a fuck ton of climbing. Im looking for a quick hour or so ride in between picking up furniture off craigslist, and setting up my apartment.


I have a 2011 Stumpjumper FSR and constantly blow out spokes on the back wheel anytime i get remotly sideways. Im a big dude(6'4" 200lbs) so i was thinking about getting a burly new wheel, but honestly is it worth it to spend close to half what my bike is worth on a rear wheel? I dont know if i should keep upgrading the bike, or just sell it over the winter and save up to buy a ~$1500 used bike in the spring?


Good luck in Kirkland. Lotta yuppies there.
Sep 24 2014 3:36PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
GANDALFGood luck in Kirkland. Lotta yuppies there.

I dont like big city life, at least what SF has become anyways, but i still want to live close to it. My job's in Kirkland too, and im really fucking over commuting haha.

Im cool with yuppies, hell, i am one from the strict definition. From my experience going to college in WA and visiting, the yuppies in WA are a lot more outdoorsy and generally less pretentious than those in the Bay Area. I wont know till i live there for a while though, so who knows.

Regardless, this move will put me one helluva lot closer to skiing, and good trails. I am excited.

If anyone from that area wants a riding partner, either MTB or skiing hit me up. Im a 26 year old yuppie ex super jock turned gaper outdoorsman doing Civil Engineering. Packing the 4runner up to the ceiling as we speak, and heading out Saturday. No MTBing for a few weeks until my health insurance kicks in though ahaha.
Sep 24 2014 4:20PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,572
Well heck of you ever make it up north to bellingham give me a shout!
Sep 24 2014 4:28PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
ThaLoraxHmmm, I'm either considering the Reign or going less travel with and finding a used Blur TrC since they just discontinued the blur.


Buy the new 27.5 Reign. It's titties
Sep 24 2014 9:59PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
ThaLoraxHmmm, I'm either considering the Reign or going less travel with and finding a used Blur TrC since they just discontinued the blur.


I know its a bit older but i fucking love my Blur LT...
Sep 24 2014 10:08PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
*N_Wist*I really want to build a slope/ freeride bike, just a pipe dream but I want to start getting a list of components to see what cost would be. I was thinking either a Blkmrkt Killswitch frame, or a Ns soda slope. Any other similar suggestions?
I am currently on a Trek Ticket S, which is super rad. Other options are like a Diamondback SS/Dreamliner, Transition Double, Morpheus, YT play, Dobermann Le Pink, or Specialized P-Slope.
Sep 24 2014 11:52PM
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kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,671
Would anyone be interested in trading their bike for an Iron Horse 7point3? I'm looking for less of a DH bike, something all mtn/trail with similar components to my bike. I'm located in Denver, CO so local would be great but I could also ship. Lightly ridden

2007 size large frame
2x9
Fork: Marzocchi Super T RV 185mm travel
Rear: Fox Vanilla R Coil
Brakes: Avid Juicy 3 8"
Rear Derailleur: Sram x7
Tires: 26 x 2.50" Maxxis Minion DHF 3C
Rims: Sun MTX S-Type

Sep 25 2014 4:09PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
kung_powpowWould anyone be interested in trading their bike for an Iron Horse 7point3? I'm looking for less of a DH bike, something all mtn/trail with similar components to my bike. I'm located in Denver, CO so local would be great but I could also ship. Lightly ridden

2007 size large frame
2x9
Fork: Marzocchi Super T RV 185mm travel
Rear: Fox Vanilla R Coil
Brakes: Avid Juicy 3 8"
Rear Derailleur: Sram x7
Tires: 26 x 2.50" Maxxis Minion DHF 3C
Rims: Sun MTX S-Type



Didn't you just get that for a really good deal? If I were you and you and I lived in Denver, I'd keep it and use it for riding Winter Park, Keystone, Snowmass, Frisco Bike Park, or shuttle runs on Lookout Mountain.
Sep 25 2014 5:06PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
The referenced post has been removed.


honestly... I liked the component set up on this one better than the team.
And the color is just freaking gorgeous in the sun
Sep 25 2014 5:23PM
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kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,671
ThaLoraxDidn't you just get that for a really good deal? If I were you and you and I lived in Denver, I'd keep it and use it for riding Winter Park, Keystone, Snowmass, Frisco Bike Park, or shuttle runs on Lookout Mountain.


Yeah it was a steal even though it wasn't quite exactly what I was looking for. I've been to Apex a few times now but the uphill is a real struggle. What's the lookout mtn shuttle? I've never heard of it
Sep 25 2014 5:27PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
kung_powpowYeah it was a steal even though it wasn't quite exactly what I was looking for. I've been to Apex a few times now but the uphill is a real struggle. What's the lookout mtn shuttle? I've never heard of it


I think they changed the trail access since I lived in Denver. You might not be able to shuttle it anymore with the new trail regulations. I haven't ridden there since they put in the uphill/downhill regulations for biking at Apex. It used to be that you could get dropped off at the top of Lookout Mtn and you could ride down to Apex/Enchanted Forest without having to ride uphill at all. It was sweet. Long ass downhill run. You just had to make sure to have a car at both ends.
Sep 25 2014 7:03PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
The referenced post has been removed.


Sorry I couldnt hear you over the squeal of your avids. What were you saying?
Sep 25 2014 11:46PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
TingaSorry I couldnt hear you over the squeal of your avids. What were you saying?


Ach, I hate my Juicy 7's. The XT's on my hardtail are immeasurably better.
Sep 25 2014 11:51PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
It's always easy to tell who cheats at "no pedal no brake" when they're running avid's.
Avid claims the new Guides are squeak free though. We'll see I guess.
Sep 25 2014 11:53PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
This is my friend from High School, Jeff Herbertson, riding in the qualifiers. I heard he got 5th which is epic:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=709967795747495
Sep 27 2014 3:38PM
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erica
Posts: 3450 - Karma: 24,083
Rewarding the return of my bike with a new fork :)

Sep 28 2014 3:16PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Rode Galbraith up in Bellingham for the first time yesterday.
Pretty sweet spot!
Sep 28 2014 4:24PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
SklarRode Galbraith up in Bellingham for the first time yesterday.
Pretty sweet spot!


what did you ride??
Sep 28 2014 4:50PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Bakerpowwhat did you ride??


Wound up a bunch of different trails to the top then down some flowy jumpy stuff.
I forget the names except for unemployment line and a-dog on the way down
Sep 28 2014 4:57PM
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*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15081 - Karma: 9,158
SklarRode Galbraith up in Bellingham for the first time yesterday.
Pretty sweet spot!


Galbraith is the shit
Sep 28 2014 5:16PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
SklarWound up a bunch of different trails to the top then down some flowy jumpy stuff.
I forget the names except for unemployment line and a-dog on the way down


yah thats a sweet line, tons of great stuff up there. nothing that big but lots of fun things to haul ass down
Sep 28 2014 6:37PM
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