Member of the Month

je_t.aime_canard
January, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Official mountain biking thread

profile picture
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.
POLL
Edit Poll
Votes:

Take care when editing a poll; Options should be similar to maintain vote integrity.

More options will be added automatically as you type. You must supply a question and at least two options. No HTML is allowed.

Jun 9 2014 5:41PM
2045 153
profile picture
bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
Europe or a new bike this spring? Mmmhhh
Feb 4 2015 1:36PM
0 0
profile picture
*SID*
Posts: 3133 - Karma: 975
BakerpowEurope or a new bike this spring? Mmmhhh


Europe
Feb 4 2015 2:26PM
0 0
profile picture
bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
*SID*Europe


Yeahhh that's iv leaned towards. Just booked some connecting flights so it's happened
Feb 4 2015 3:13PM
0 0
profile picture
*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15089 - Karma: 9,231
BakerpowYeahhh that's iv leaned towards. Just booked some connecting flights so it's happened


Europe for sure.
Feb 6 2015 3:18PM
0 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,055
BakerpowEurope or a new bike this spring? Mmmhhh


Man, I'm in the bike or try to be a ski photog all summer dilemma.... I want to ride so bad but I don't think it's gonna be worth it for me at this point, so I'll probably hold off on getting another rig
Feb 6 2015 3:39PM
1 0
profile picture
Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
om nom nom.
New fatty my brother just built



Feb 7 2015 12:53PM
8 0
profile picture
B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 361
I saw some dude riding one of your brothers bikes up at galbraith one day. Was that anybody from this thread?
Feb 7 2015 2:38PM
0 0
profile picture
Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
B-rungeI saw some dude riding one of your brothers bikes up at galbraith one day. Was that anybody from this thread?


Probably my buddy Tucker. Was it a white hard tail 27.5? Sweet bike, cool dude
Feb 7 2015 5:48PM
0 0
profile picture
DrZoidberg
Posts: 5676 - Karma: 4,297
Where can I look at bikes/parts I can't afford online? And what's the NS of mountain bikes? Like what's the evo or backcountry for mountain bikes. I don't ride, but I have in the past on rented/borrow bikes and I used to do dirt jumps a bit. There's trails and jumps in the woods right near my house, which is where I used to mess around on bmx bikes all the time.

Also what do short people do? I just measured, and I'm somewhere between 5'4" and 5'5"... Am I automatically out of contention for a 29er? Small frame sizes fo lyfe? I tried my friend's bike but he's like 6' something. So that was interesting and/or difficult.
Feb 7 2015 7:12PM
0 0
profile picture
NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,410
DrZoidbergWhere can I look at bikes/parts I can't afford online? And what's the NS of mountain bikes? Like what's the evo or backcountry for mountain bikes. I don't ride, but I have in the past on rented/borrow bikes and I used to do dirt jumps a bit. There's trails and jumps in the woods right near my house, which is where I used to mess around on bmx bikes all the time.

Also what do short people do? I just measured, and I'm somewhere between 5'4" and 5'5"... Am I automatically out of contention for a 29er? Small frame sizes fo lyfe? I tried my friend's bike but he's like 6' something. So that was interesting and/or difficult.


Pinkbike would be the NS equivalent, Jenson USA and Chain Readtion Cycles would be the retailer counterparts. MTBR is a decent forum to.

As far as being short goes it shouldn't be a big factor, I feel like wheel size/tire size should be influenced by the terrain you ride.
Feb 7 2015 10:05PM
0 0
profile picture
*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15089 - Karma: 9,231
DrZoidbergWhere can I look at bikes/parts I can't afford online? And what's the NS of mountain bikes? Like what's the evo or backcountry for mountain bikes. I don't ride, but I have in the past on rented/borrow bikes and I used to do dirt jumps a bit. There's trails and jumps in the woods right near my house, which is where I used to mess around on bmx bikes all the time.

Also what do short people do? I just measured, and I'm somewhere between 5'4" and 5'5"... Am I automatically out of contention for a 29er? Small frame sizes fo lyfe? I tried my friend's bike but he's like 6' something. So that was interesting and/or difficult.

Pinkbike is the online NS equivalent, but it's less mature. Talk to theLorax about height stuff with bikes; I know he's a pretty short dude.

I demoed a carbon hardtail (whatever this year's Specialized is) yesterday and I was kind of ambivalent about it. It was a great climber but it was missing something in terms of playfulness.
Feb 10 2015 1:27PM
0 0
profile picture
JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
*TURBONERD*Pinkbike is the online NS equivalent, but it's less mature. Talk to theLorax about height stuff with bikes; I know he's a pretty short dude.

I demoed a carbon hardtail (whatever this year's Specialized is) yesterday and I was kind of ambivalent about it. It was a great climber but it was missing something in terms of playfulness.


That'd likely be the Stumpjumper HT. I personally wouldn't buy anything from the specialized hardtail line... I don't know what it is, they're just sort of bland.
Feb 10 2015 1:32PM
0 0
profile picture
JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
*TURBONERD*Pinkbike is the online NS equivalent, but it's less mature


Coming from someone who spends way too much time on both Pinkbike & NS, this is the pot calling the kettle black haha.
Feb 10 2015 1:33PM
3 0
profile picture
byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,872
I am 5'5" and have ridden a few small 29ers no problem. I prefer how nimble 26 is though, not sure if it has to do with my size.
Feb 10 2015 2:04PM
0 0
profile picture
El.Guapo
Posts: 2139 - Karma: 3,173
What's the poor man's version of the transition cover?
Feb 10 2015 2:12PM
1 0
profile picture
*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15089 - Karma: 9,231
JuliusJComing from someone who spends way too much time on both Pinkbike & NS, this is the pot calling the kettle black haha.


Does Pinkbike have anything equivalent to LM though?
Feb 10 2015 5:10PM
1 0
profile picture
byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,872
TheFapWhat's the poor man's version of the transition cover?


Im going to assume you mean covert. So the cheapest 27.5 covert is $3199, so something cheaper than that? You can get a dialed yt capra for like $3000 flat, and that is probably the best deal on a complete going. Check this out too. http://www.vitalmtb.com/features/Brand-New-Bargain-Bike-26-inch-160mm-travel-for-under-2900,844
If you want a good modern enduro bike for much cheaper than that, you are probably going to have to look used.
Feb 11 2015 1:32AM
0 0
profile picture
cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/740843/Bear-Attack--Man-is-trying-to-run-away-from-attacking-Bear--GoPro
Feb 11 2015 10:39PM
0 4
profile picture
Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Rode Tiger Mountain for the first time today, it was super fun.
Went out with no idea where we were going, so we just kind of sent it haha. Ended up riding down joyride.
It was great to be back on a bike.
Feb 13 2015 9:45PM
0 0
profile picture
B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 361
SklarProbably my buddy Tucker. Was it a white hard tail 27.5? Sweet bike, cool dude

It was a white hardtail for sure, he was a nice guy! I recognized your bros mushroom emblem on his headtube and grilled him about it. I need to start heading south and north more often for shred. Vancouver and issaquah are both an hour away from where I live, galbraiths getting too familiar and i dont know any cool mtnbike brahs to show me the super secret goodies in bellingham. North-van, tiger mtn, and duthie all look like so much fun to explore
Feb 14 2015 1:18AM
0 0
profile picture
Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
Looking to get back into biking after a few years off (and was never that big into it in the first place). My budget is fairly low at the moment but woulf a kona stinky be a decent bike to start again with. Want to do mostly downhill and some xc but I've always been of the mentality of get stronger to use your gear, don't automatically go for the lightest set up. Would that be a good idea or any other recommendations? Also sizing... Large or medium for somebody 5'10 and 170lbs?
Feb 14 2015 2:46AM
0 0
profile picture
BackseatBen
Posts: 78 - Karma: 235
Blake.PLooking to get back into biking after a few years off (and was never that big into it in the first place). My budget is fairly low at the moment but woulf a kona stinky be a decent bike to start again with. Want to do mostly downhill and some xc but I've always been of the mentality of get stronger to use your gear, don't automatically go for the lightest set up. Would that be a good idea or any other recommendations? Also sizing... Large or medium for somebody 5'10 and 170lbs?


Sizing definitely depends on the company and what you want to be riding. For example, I'm on a Transition TR250 and I'm 5'10", but that thing runs way small. I sized down since I'm not gonna be riding anything where I'll be hauling, just jump lines.

With the bikes you're looking at, you're definitely gonna have to make a decision between wanting a burly downhill specific bike, or something for xc. While weight plays a factor as well, the geometry of each bike is so different that what one does very well, the other might be hellish trying to do the same thing on (i.e. climbing hills on DH bikes). Right now, I'd suggest looking at either a hard tail xc bike, or something with just a little suspension in the rear as well. It's gonna be a lot easier to build skills on that bike that you can apply to the future, plus learning how to ride more DH oriented trails on a hard tail is great for teaching flow and not getting lazy with 7+ inches of travel to soak everything up.
Feb 14 2015 3:03AM
0 0
profile picture
BackseatBen
Posts: 78 - Karma: 235
Wow, sizing talk fail. I'm on a MEDIUM TR250, but I could be on a large. You could just pull off large with a fair number of companies out there.
Feb 14 2015 3:05AM
0 0
profile picture
B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 361
I like riding smaller bikes more than bigger ones. My enduro is a large and I'm 6'3", it feels better suited to me and my riding style than my buddies XL devinci spartan (though that bike still kicks ass!). I like to throw my bike around on the trail and smaller frames just feel more playful/fun to me.
Feb 14 2015 10:39AM
2 0
profile picture
DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
Does anyone ride with clip in peddles? What are the pros and cons?
Feb 14 2015 2:45PM
0 0
profile picture
*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15089 - Karma: 9,231
DIPED_IN_SAUCEDoes anyone ride with clip in peddles? What are the pros and cons?


As soon as you get used to it, there are no cons, and the advantages include greater efficiency and bike control, as well as the possibility of utilizing different muscle groups.
Feb 14 2015 4:34PM
0 0
profile picture
byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,872
*TURBONERD*As soon as you get used to it, there are no cons, and the advantages include greater efficiency and bike control, as well as the possibility of utilizing different muscle groups.


There are definately cons. I rode clipless for a while, and found that I like to position my feet differently depending on what Im riding, so I switched back to flats. I also like the support of a full platform, but there are platform clips like the mallets to get around that now. I also like kicking out can cans and no footers and such while Im riding.
Feb 14 2015 7:33PM
4 0
profile picture
NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,410
byuboundThere are definately cons. I rode clipless for a while, and found that I like to position my feet differently depending on what Im riding, so I switched back to flats. I also like the support of a full platform, but there are platform clips like the mallets to get around that now. I also like kicking out can cans and no footers and such while Im riding.


Yeah clipless vs. flats definitely depends on the kind of riding your doing, the terrain you're riding, and your style of riding.
Feb 14 2015 8:43PM
0 0
profile picture
BackseatBen
Posts: 78 - Karma: 235
Got out on the Klunker for the first time in a while the other day. It sure was nice to remind myself of what it's like to fear for your life a good 1/3 of the time on a bike.
Feb 14 2015 8:43PM
3 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
DIPED_IN_SAUCEDoes anyone ride with clip in peddles? What are the pros and cons?


When I'm riding for fun and on familiar trails I love my clipless set up. However if I'm trying some steep technical and unfamiliar terrain I'll be riding my flats.

I don't care how good you are at releasing from your clips, it's still a liability in techy situations.

I do love pedaling and the bike control that come with clipless though.
Feb 15 2015 7:13PM
1 0
profile picture
*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15089 - Karma: 9,231
byuboundThere are definately cons. I rode clipless for a while, and found that I like to position my feet differently depending on what Im riding, so I switched back to flats. I also like the support of a full platform, but there are platform clips like the mallets to get around that now. I also like kicking out can cans and no footers and such while Im riding.


That's fair. I ride pretty much pure XC with the occasional bit of float DH thrown in, and I haven't noticed the foot position part, or had a desire for additional support, but that's my side.
Feb 16 2015 11:23PM
1 0
profile picture
DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
Thanks everyone, I think I'm just going to pick up some stickier flats for now, and think about clip-less on my road bike.
Feb 19 2015 11:37PM
0 0
profile picture
NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,410
DIPED_IN_SAUCEThanks everyone, I think I'm just going to pick up some stickier flats for now, and think about clip-less on my road bike.


Clipless is the only way to go on a road bike forsure. Try it out there and if you love it, try it on the MTB bike. As far as pedals and shoes go if you're just a casual road guy there's nothing wrong with buying a MTB shoe and pedal for your road bike. That's the way I would go, and I know a lot of people who do it.
Feb 20 2015 12:26AM
0 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
NinetyFourClipless is the only way to go on a road bike forsure. Try it out there and if you love it, try it on the MTB bike. As far as pedals and shoes go if you're just a casual road guy there's nothing wrong with buying a MTB shoe and pedal for your road bike. That's the way I would go, and I know a lot of people who do it.


I've definitely sold a lot of MTB clipless set ups for people on road bikes because you want really walk in road clips too well. So if you're out for a ride on your roadie and wanna stop at a bar or to get some food walking is hard and the cleats arent really made for it.
Feb 20 2015 9:21AM
1 0
profile picture
erica
Posts: 3457 - Karma: 24,089
The referenced post has been removed.


Can we talk about how you made a wishlist for parts on my bike?
Feb 20 2015 8:10PM
2 0
profile picture
stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
just finished stackin&packin a new hip. cant wait to get sendy and add on to the line. the landing:

Feb 22 2015 12:11AM
1 0
profile picture
NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,410
That's a smoooooth looking landing Stupendous.

But shit, I do feel kind of broken for you guys. Your profile says Oregon, and that's really what you've got right now? Never in my life have I felt bad for west coasters until this year...
Feb 22 2015 12:19AM
0 0
profile picture
*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15089 - Karma: 9,231
NinetyFourThat's a smoooooth looking landing Stupendous.

But shit, I do feel kind of broken for you guys. Your profile says Oregon, and that's really what you've got right now? Never in my life have I felt bad for west coasters until this year...

I was in Washington and Oregon last week, and it really is ridiculous. I went to Steven's Pass for a few days and it felt like it was mid-March in NH in terms of Snowpack and temperature.
Feb 22 2015 12:35AM
2 0
profile picture
stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
NinetyFourThat's a smoooooth looking landing Stupendous.

But shit, I do feel kind of broken for you guys. Your profile says Oregon, and that's really what you've got right now? Never in my life have I felt bad for west coasters until this year...


Yep I kinda just gave up on skiing for now haha. My pumptrack has taller rollers than the Mt. Hood snowpack
Feb 22 2015 1:17AM
3 0
profile picture
JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
NinetyFourThat's a smoooooth looking landing Stupendous.

But shit, I do feel kind of broken for you guys. Your profile says Oregon, and that's really what you've got right now? Never in my life have I felt bad for west coasters until this year...


what don't feel bad! Skiing has sucked this year, seriously sucked. I have barely paid off my pass i think. But i've biked all winter long which has been rad as fuck.
Feb 22 2015 11:51AM
0 0
profile picture
Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
Not sure if there are any fatbikers here, but yesterday I did my very first fat bike ride, which was also a 15 mile point to point snow bike single track race. Right off the couch, no training.
3.5 hours later and my ass was kicked.



Coming down the finish area.
Feb 22 2015 10:50PM
5 0
profile picture
stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
Should have packed that landing a bit more in hindsight. The beginnings of a new line

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/757766/fishbone-warp-crash
Feb 23 2015 10:17PM
2 0
profile picture
Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
anybody have any recommendations on pedals? i just picked up a kona coiler but it has composite/plastic pedals and im skeptical about them. i would prefer some metal ones and to swap those over to my old bike that i use for getting around campus. thinking of crank brothers 5050 2's but im open to suggestions
Mar 3 2015 11:18PM
0 0
profile picture
BackseatBen
Posts: 78 - Karma: 235
Blake.Panybody have any recommendations on pedals? i just picked up a kona coiler but it has composite/plastic pedals and im skeptical about them. i would prefer some metal ones and to swap those over to my old bike that i use for getting around campus. thinking of crank brothers 5050 2's but im open to suggestions


I really dig Deity pedals. They've been burly enough to survive some pretty hard hits for me.
Mar 3 2015 11:26PM
0 0
profile picture
-WZ-
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 6,582
LOOK AT MY NEW BIKE GUYS

im in love
Mar 4 2015 12:54AM
1 0
profile picture
BackseatBen
Posts: 78 - Karma: 235
-WZ-LOOK AT MY NEW BIKE GUYS

im in love


Awesome, Banshees are neat!
Mar 4 2015 1:00AM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)