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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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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
R there any cool upgrades I should add?
Oct 25 2015 8:01PM
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SteezOnSkis12
Posts: 907 - Karma: 1,446
mike759R there any cool upgrades I should add?


Depends on the budget
Oct 25 2015 8:25PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
SteezOnSkis12Depends on the budget


idk, watcha got in mind?
Oct 25 2015 8:27PM
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SteezOnSkis12
Posts: 907 - Karma: 1,446
mike759idk, watcha got in mind?


A lot of stuff, just need a budget.
Oct 25 2015 8:29PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
SteezOnSkis12A lot of stuff, just need a budget.


like $100-200
Oct 25 2015 8:30PM
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SteezOnSkis12
Posts: 907 - Karma: 1,446
mike759like $100-200


Well if I were you, I would replace the stem and handlebars with something flatter and wider along with a water bottle cage in case you get thirsty on the mountain.
Oct 25 2015 8:35PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
SteezOnSkis12Well if I were you, I would replace the stem and handlebars with something flatter and wider along with a water bottle cage in case you get thirsty on the mountain.


You can't tell what handlebars hes using, let alone the rise. Plus, risers vs flat is personal preference and riding style based, which he hasnt stated. For example, I prefer medium riser bars and medium length handlebars. Especially for wooded trail riding.

Keep your stock handlebar for now until you can ride a few bikes with flat and riser bars so you know which you like bettter preferentially. A camelback is a better investment than a bottlecage (I've never used a bottle cage in my 15+ years of riding). You can't carry water, a jacket, food and a spare tube in a bottle cage.

Affordable upgrades id recommend:
-Shorter stem
-New tires. Check out the Maxxis Ardent, or the WTB Weirwolf for good all purpose tires.
-Maybe consider converting to tubeless. You'll be able to run a lower tire pressue, making your ride smoother and giving you better traction (all important things for a hardtail) with less frequent flats.
-hydraulic brakes when you can afford it. The Shimano XT is affordable and reliable

Other than that, just ride what ya got until you feel like you're progressing to the point that you're out riding it. Theres no better way to get the basics of mtn biking skills dialed than to start learning the skills on a hardtail like yours. The best setup for a beginner is the one their having fun on and able to progress on.
Oct 25 2015 11:05PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
Forgot to mention, looks like you're running a pretty cheap derailleur too, but it's hard to tell from the picture. If you start having shifting issues, consider upgrading that too. Id get some flat pedals with pins too.

Of course, with the budget you mentioned, replace things as they wear/break rather than all at once (unless you can afford to).

Personally, id do the shorter 50mm stem and new pedals to start. That should hit your budget quota alone, and you'll have much better control over the bike.
Oct 25 2015 11:12PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
ThaLoraxYou can't tell what handlebars hes using, let alone the rise. Plus, risers vs flat is personal preference and riding style based, which he hasnt stated. For example, I prefer medium riser bars and medium length handlebars. Especially for wooded trail riding.

Keep your stock handlebar for now until you can ride a few bikes with flat and riser bars so you know which you like bettter preferentially. A camelback is a better investment than a bottlecage (I've never used a bottle cage in my 15+ years of riding). You can't carry water, a jacket, food and a spare tube in a bottle cage.

Affordable upgrades id recommend:
-Shorter stem
-New tires. Check out the Maxxis Ardent, or the WTB Weirwolf for good all purpose tires.
-Maybe consider converting to tubeless. You'll be able to run a lower tire pressue, making your ride smoother and giving you better traction (all important things for a hardtail) with less frequent flats.
-hydraulic brakes when you can afford it. The Shimano XT is affordable and reliable

Other than that, just ride what ya got until you feel like you're progressing to the point that you're out riding it. Theres no better way to get the basics of mtn biking skills dialed than to start learning the skills on a hardtail like yours. The best setup for a beginner is the one their having fun on and able to progress on.

Thank you for all this, since the pic was taken i have replaced the pedals for platform pedals and the brakes came as hydraulic brakes but i was looking at shorter stems
Oct 26 2015 12:15AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
ThaLoraxYou can't tell what handlebars hes using, let alone the rise. Plus, risers vs flat is personal preference and riding style based, which he hasnt stated. For example, I prefer medium riser bars and medium length handlebars. Especially for wooded trail riding.

Keep your stock handlebar for now until you can ride a few bikes with flat and riser bars so you know which you like bettter preferentially. A camelback is a better investment than a bottlecage (I've never used a bottle cage in my 15+ years of riding). You can't carry water, a jacket, food and a spare tube in a bottle cage.

Affordable upgrades id recommend:
-Shorter stem
-New tires. Check out the Maxxis Ardent, or the WTB Weirwolf for good all purpose tires.
-Maybe consider converting to tubeless. You'll be able to run a lower tire pressue, making your ride smoother and giving you better traction (all important things for a hardtail) with less frequent flats.
-hydraulic brakes when you can afford it. The Shimano XT is affordable and reliable

Other than that, just ride what ya got until you feel like you're progressing to the point that you're out riding it. Theres no better way to get the basics of mtn biking skills dialed than to start learning the skills on a hardtail like yours. The best setup for a beginner is the one their having fun on and able to progress on.

I rode ardents for a few months, and would not recommend them unless you are only riding them in the dry. Very scary in the wet. That being said, I have a set of 650bx2.35 if you want them for cheap, haha.
Oct 26 2015 12:24AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
byuboundI rode ardents for a few months, and would not recommend them unless you are only riding them in the dry. Very scary in the wet. That being said, I have a set of 650bx2.35 if you want them for cheap, haha.


Definitely not the best wet condition tire, but a tire that excels at everything doesn't exist yet. The only problem I've had with mine is the sidewalls were less durable than expected. I ripped an inch hole on mine, patched it, and have had it running tubes now the past month.

WTB is from my hometown, so I'm kind of biased to their product lines though. I'm sure I've busted one of their sidewalls at some point though too. Rocks happen.
Oct 26 2015 12:47AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
ThaLoraxDefinitely not the best wet condition tire, but a tire that excels at everything doesn't exist yet. The only problem I've had with mine is the sidewalls were less durable than expected. I ripped an inch hole on mine, patched it, and have had it running tubes now the past month.

WTB is from my hometown, so I'm kind of biased to their product lines though. I'm sure I've busted one of their sidewalls at some point though too. Rocks happen.

I have certainly ridden tires that are better over a wider range of conditions than ardents. High rollers were great to me. For a faster rolling, more hardpack tire like an ardent I liked small blocks. Schwalbe rons and ralphs are excellent, if a little fast wearing.
Oct 26 2015 1:04AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Went out to the shuttle day at dry hill in Port Angeles on Sunday with some folks. Apparently every cat 1 and pro racer did too. Holy hell were folks ripping.

Gnarly but not too gnarly, steep but not too steep, and fast as you had the balls for. What a great collection of trails. Super fun day. Another huge ego check haha, but definitely progressed a lot too. Missed the ferry back and just got hammered in Port Townsend for 3 hours while waiting. Good times for sure.
Oct 26 2015 4:59PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
Muddy Mary too much tire for bend Oregon? Might sell it and get a magic or a minion
Oct 27 2015 1:58PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
GANDALFMuddy Mary too much tire for bend Oregon? Might sell it and get a magic or a minion


They bill it as an "intermediate" tread pattern, but for me it rolls waaaay too slowly. So hard to wrong with a Minion DHF for anything but pure slop.
Oct 27 2015 2:18PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
GANDALFMuddy Mary too much tire for bend Oregon? Might sell it and get a magic or a minion


Minion or high roller IMO. You're riding in a desert so anything that is good on wet roots/rocks and mud is useless out there.
Oct 27 2015 2:33PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
californiagrownWent out to the shuttle day at dry hill in Port Angeles on Sunday with some folks. Apparently every cat 1 and pro racer did too. Holy hell were folks ripping.

Gnarly but not too gnarly, steep but not too steep, and fast as you had the balls for. What a great collection of trails. Super fun day. Another huge ego check haha, but definitely progressed a lot too. Missed the ferry back and just got hammered in Port Townsend for 3 hours while waiting. Good times for sure.


I wanted to be there so bad as I missed last year as well. Glad to hear it was awesome. I really want head out there to poke around that trail network, but having a shuttle is a whole lot more appealing. Maybe next year.

How's the E29 holding up for you? Ridden Predator on it yet?
Oct 28 2015 1:52AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
division.bellI wanted to be there so bad as I missed last year as well. Glad to hear it was awesome. I really want head out there to poke around that trail network, but having a shuttle is a whole lot more appealing. Maybe next year.

How's the E29 holding up for you? Ridden Predator on it yet?


Its probly only a 20 minute pedal to the top FYI. Its a pretty ideal trail network for a "enduro" bike.


Ive been off the bike due to mono for about 6 weeks prior to this past weekend. did one lap at tokul west on saturday and deemed myself fit enough to ride dry hill the next day. I had a small idea what i was getting myself into, but my coworker invited me so i bummed a ride with him and ended up linking up with his buddies who all race cat 1 or pro haha. All great dudes, all got to the bottom probly 30-60 seconds before me haha. But they were stoked i was stoked.


The E29 has really opened some doors for me terrain wise. I am still super careful with my line choice and dont neccessarily utilize the aggressive nature of the bike and suspension all that well yet, but it sure as fuck gets me out of situations where im going too fast and miss a line down something steep and tech. I can generally just find a skipping line and plow through which is awesome ahah. I will probably do a OTG-predator lap next weekend(when its not a torrential downpour haha) with my coworker and a buddy or two.

The bike absolutley kills it. I mean, i was able to ride legit DH fairly well, and i actually was quicker through some tight sections than waaaaay better riders on DH sleds. The bike handles me blasting through brake bumps, 50-50 casing 20 ft doubles, and i can roll any drop under 3 ft basically. It has really, really opened up a whole nother level of terrain and trail to me... and it is still a bike that will be fun on mellow single track. And this is all with a straight set it and forget it suspension setup haha. I would like to actually go to tokul and just lap outhouse while tinkering with the suspension. But it is fairly heavy. cant tell while riding it though.

Aftermarket stuff that i have on::
-780mm bars
-Reverb stealth
-OneUp 42tooth chainring
-Minion 2.5" tires
Oct 28 2015 2:46AM
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Connor_Sullivan
Posts: 479 - Karma: 1,686

Going to be getting new Grips and Petals. Have to bring it down to a shop to get my free hub disassembled and cleaned out. all in all I like it so far
Oct 28 2015 7:34AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
GANDALFMuddy Mary too much tire for bend Oregon? Might sell it and get a magic or a minion


onenerdykidThey bill it as an "intermediate" tread pattern, but for me it rolls waaaay too slowly. So hard to wrong with a Minion DHF for anything but pure slop.


Yeah, it's gonna take a lot to get me to switch away from DHFs, so solid, so predictable.


On another note, I finally went 1x. Race face 30T with Shimano XT 10 speed, really like the gear range, climbs just fine for me, and so much better than 2x. Unfortunately broke my chain and torqued my rear derailleur at the same time so now I'm losing the chain off my smallest cog all the time. Think I'll limp through the last few weeks till ski season and get a new cassette, chain and maybe derailleur when spring hits.
Oct 28 2015 12:08PM
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AWOLASIAN
Posts: 92 - Karma: 163
MTB is the shiz...next to skiing
Oct 28 2015 2:11PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
californiagrownThe E29 has really opened some doors for me terrain wise. I am still super careful with my line choice and dont neccessarily utilize the aggressive nature of the bike and suspension all that well yet, but it sure as fuck gets me out of situations where im going too fast and miss a line down something steep and tech. I can generally just find a skipping line and plow through which is awesome ahah. I will probably do a OTG-predator lap next weekend(when its not a torrential downpour haha) with my coworker and a buddy or two.

The bike absolutley kills it. I mean, i was able to ride legit DH fairly well, and i actually was quicker through some tight sections than waaaaay better riders on DH sleds. The bike handles me blasting through brake bumps, 50-50 casing 20 ft doubles, and i can roll any drop under 3 ft basically. It has really, really opened up a whole nother level of terrain and trail to me... and it is still a bike that will be fun on mellow single track. And this is all with a straight set it and forget it suspension setup haha. I would like to actually go to tokul and just lap outhouse while tinkering with the suspension. But it is fairly heavy. cant tell while riding it though.

Aftermarket stuff that i have on::
-780mm bars
-Reverb stealth
-OneUp 42tooth chainring
-Minion 2.5" tires


I really want to get some time on one of those at some point as they sound exceptionally capable for our area.

I was able to borrow an X01 spec'd Nomad for a while and took it on local singletrack as well as a good test at Tiger and ultimately determined it wasn't what I was looking for. The E29 was the next thing on my list until I was able to get out on the new Bronson V2 CC X01. I'm fucking sold after the first ride (23 mile shake down ride this afternoon) and will be getting it out to Tiger in the next day or so for the real test. It will be my next bike for certain as it's everything I've been looking for in a 650b trail bike, sucks they are backordered for 6+ weeks at this point though.
Oct 29 2015 2:16AM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
division.bellI was able to get out on the new Bronson V2 CC X01. I'm fucking sold after the first ride (23 mile shake down ride this afternoon) and will be getting it out to Tiger in the next day or so for the real test. It will be my next bike for certain as it's everything I've been looking for in a 650b trail bike.


yeah pretty sure I'm gonna hop on that train too. Maybe a new stumpy ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ time will tell i guess
Oct 29 2015 2:36AM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
JuliusJyeah pretty sure I'm gonna hop on that train too. Maybe a new stumpy ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ time will tell i guess


I've got a 16 Stumpy too. It's a 29er and a damn fun and capable bike but it's in a different realm than the new Bronson.

For one, the Fox CTD factory shock on my Sworks stumpy is a piece of shit. I've never been a fan of Fox in general but this shock is disappointment in a new low. I plan to get a Rock Shox Monarch Plus when they become available but it still won't compare to the ridiculous new Bronson.

I know someone going from a 16 650b Carbon stump to a new Bronson already too. The lackluster rear shock being the reason.

My distaste for Fox however was surprised by how awesome that Float X factory evol is on that Bronson. It's the best product I've used by Fox period. Can't wait to get back out on that Bronson already.
Oct 29 2015 3:14AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
division.bellI've got a 16 Stumpy too. It's a 29er and a damn fun and capable bike but it's in a different realm than the new Bronson.

For one, the Fox CTD factory shock on my Sworks stumpy is a piece of shit. I've never been a fan of Fox in general but this shock is disappointment in a new low. I plan to get a Rock Shox Monarch Plus when they become available but it still won't compare to the ridiculous new Bronson.

I know someone going from a 16 650b Carbon stump to a new Bronson already too. The lackluster rear shock being the reason.

My distaste for Fox however was surprised by how awesome that Float X factory evol is on that Bronson. It's the best product I've used by Fox period. Can't wait to get back out on that Bronson already.



Ive been contemolating the Bronson as my next steed too. Does the Bronson have shorter chainstay/playful geometry like the old Blur or did they make it more low and long enduro? The Turner DHX and Rocky Mountain Altitude look sweet too.

I'm super short, so I gravitate towards the playful geometry over "enduro" setups. I went from riding an original Giant Trance to a hard tail DJ/AM bike (Trance was stolen) to a Turner 5 Spot. Love the 5 spot, but really miss being able to manual like I could on the hard tail and Trance with shorter chainstays.
Oct 29 2015 11:02AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
ThaLoraxIve been contemolating the Bronson as my next steed too. Does the Bronson have shorter chainstay/playful geometry like the old Blur or did they make it more low and long enduro? The Turner DHX and Rocky Mountain Altitude look sweet too.

I'm super short, so I gravitate towards the playful geometry over "enduro" setups. I went from riding an original Giant Trance to a hard tail DJ/AM bike (Trance was stolen) to a Turner 5 Spot. Love the 5 spot, but really miss being able to manual like I could on the hard tail and Trance with shorter chainstays.


Here's a review of the Bronson:http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2016-santa-cruz-bronson

I rode it, fun bike but didn't really stand out to me that much
Oct 29 2015 12:55PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
division.bellI've got a 16 Stumpy too. It's a 29er and a damn fun and capable bike but it's in a different realm than the new Bronson.

I know someone going from a 16 650b Carbon stump to a new Bronson already too. The lackluster rear shock being the reason.


Do they not make other rear shocks with that eye to eye size or why haven't you already swapped then? I was planning on doing the same or upgrading to a new fox if i went with specialized
Oct 29 2015 1:14PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
JuliusJDo they not make other rear shocks with that eye to eye size or why haven't you already swapped then? I was planning on doing the same or upgrading to a new fox if i went with specialized

Special-ed has a fun little extra piece that doesn't allow for a lot of shocks on the market. It's not as simple as eye to eye. And similar travel unfortunately.

If I can swing a really good deal over winter I might upgrade my shock as well, but I think a second pair of bomber bike park wheels might be the first thing on my list.
Oct 29 2015 4:20PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
ThaLoraxIve been contemolating the Bronson as my next steed too. Does the Bronson have shorter chainstay/playful geometry like the old Blur or did they make it more low and long enduro? The Turner DHX and Rocky Mountain Altitude look sweet too.

I'm super short, so I gravitate towards the playful geometry over "enduro" setups. I went from riding an original Giant Trance to a hard tail DJ/AM bike (Trance was stolen) to a Turner 5 Spot. Love the 5 spot, but really miss being able to manual like I could on the hard tail and Trance with shorter chainstays.


Bronson's chainstays are just over 17" which by a lot of people's standards is a pretty short chainstay. Yes, there are shorter, but most of the industry is still rocking longer chainstays. The V2 Bronson in my opinion definitely blends the gap perfectly between a short and nimble trail bike with the long, low and slack "endurbro" bikes that everyone is scrambling to manufacture. Getting the front wheel up for manuals or wheelies is pretty easy from my one day's experience thus far.

For whatever it's worth, Santa Cruz's new V2 5010 has even shorter chainstays than the new Bronson, but with 20mm less travel and a 1 degree steeper head tube angle. If you don't need a slack 150mm trail bike, the 130mm V2 5010 could be a perfect bike for your needs.

JuliusJDo they not make other rear shocks with that eye to eye size or why haven't you already swapped then? I was planning on doing the same or upgrading to a new fox if i went with specialized


My intentions were always to put a Monarch Plus on the new Stumpy, I wasn't considering any other options so I don't really know or care about whatever else is out there that could be purchased immediately. Unfortunately the Monarchs haven't yet become available for the 2016 models yet. Last I checked the ETA was still the beginning of December. I'll likely have a new Bronson around the same time I finally get the new Monarch for my Stumpy.

californiagrownIf I can swing a really good deal over winter I might upgrade my shock as well, but I think a second pair of bomber bike park wheels might be the first thing on my list.


What shock would you even go with on that, Ohlins I hope?
Oct 29 2015 8:13PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
division.bellBronson's chainstays are just over 17" which by a lot of people's standards is a pretty short chainstay. Yes, there are shorter, but most of the industry is still rocking longer chainstays. The V2 Bronson in my opinion definitely blends the gap perfectly between a short and nimble trail bike with the long, low and slack "endurbro" bikes that everyone is scrambling to manufacture. Getting the front wheel up for manuals or wheelies is pretty easy from my one day's experience thus far.

For whatever it's worth, Santa Cruz's new V2 5010 has even shorter chainstays than the new Bronson, but with 20mm less travel and a 1 degree steeper head tube angle. If you don't need a slack 150mm trail bike, the 130mm V2 5010 could be a perfect bike for your needs.


This, I rode both at Interbike as was a huge fan of the 5010 over the Bronson. It's still plenty capable (my first run was on one of the gnarlier trails I've ridden and the thing was great) but feels less like overkill on more average trails.
Oct 30 2015 1:26PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
cydwhitThis, I rode both at Interbike as was a huge fan of the 5010 over the Bronson. It's still plenty capable (my first run was on one of the gnarlier trails I've ridden and the thing was great) but feels less like overkill on more average trails.


Word. The 5010 is basically the old Blur Tr with 27.5 wheels. Which was the perfect trail bike IMO. I rode the transition scout and really want a poppy fun bike like that.
Oct 30 2015 6:15PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
There was a Trek demo in SLC that I just went to and put some miles down, hot damn is the Remedy fun! 140mm on a Fox 36 is something I actually can entirely get behind.

Rode a Fuel EX which was fun and capable, but yeah I am looking for a little bit more in a bike, but it was a snappy thing that whipped uphill. Also rode a Slash, pretty rad too. I bonked by the time I actually got to any DH on it, but felt pretty nimble, almost more than my Enduro.

I know the 5010 would be fun, but there would be days I am positive I'd be wishing for more travel.
Oct 30 2015 10:46PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
ThaLoraxWord. The 5010 is basically the old Blur Tr with 27.5 wheels. Which was the perfect trail bike IMO. I rode the transition scout and really want a poppy fun bike like that.


The V2 5010 is definitely right up your alley.

Knolly makes some really fun and poppy trail bikes. Their new 27.5 Endorphin is 130mm travel down from 140mm on the 26" version I have. They also have the 150mm Warden with 27.5 wheels.
Oct 30 2015 10:59PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
division.bellThe V2 5010 is definitely right up your alley.

Knolly makes some really fun and poppy trail bikes. Their new 27.5 Endorphin is 130mm travel down from 140mm on the 26" version I have. They also have the 150mm Warden with 27.5 wheels.


Ya, my friend has a Knolly and it rips. I don't think their size smalls are small enough for me though. I need a really low standover height on a bike since I'm only 5'2". That's why I'm on the 5 Spot right now. It's got an insanely steep top tube so I can keep my manhood intact.
Oct 31 2015 12:18AM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,411
Pretty fucking bummed. Was going to go for a Halloween night ride in the local forest tonight but of course the heavens opened up duuuummped rain... I guess we could have pretty cool swamp monster costumes if we went out though...
Oct 31 2015 12:19PM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,962
I put a cyclocross tire on the front of my fixed gear road bike and have been ripping around the mellow singletracks in the neighborhood parks of Bozeman in the middle of the night to get my fix.

I want a mountain bike again really bad.
Oct 31 2015 12:39PM
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frank9190
Posts: 81 - Karma: 245
Hey guys I'm bumping this thread because I'm looking to buy a bike for next summer. It will be my first DH bike. I don't want an entry level bike that I will need to upgrade all the part after a summer of biking but I don't want to pay 8000$ heither. Right now I have an offer for a GIANT glory advance 1 2015 for 4000$. I should buy it or no? Can I have something better for the same price?
Nov 1 2015 7:17PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
frank9190Hey guys I'm bumping this thread because I'm looking to buy a bike for next summer. It will be my first DH bike. I don't want an entry level bike that I will need to upgrade all the part after a summer of biking but I don't want to pay 8000$ heither. Right now I have an offer for a GIANT glory advance 1 2015 for 4000$. I should buy it or no? Can I have something better for the same price?


how big/old are you?

where do you ride?

what other bikes have you ridden?

How good of a rider are you?
Nov 1 2015 7:37PM
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frank9190
Posts: 81 - Karma: 245
californiagrownhow big/old are you?

where do you ride?

what other bikes have you ridden?

How good of a rider are you?


I will ride at bromont QC, I have ridden a norco team DH from 2010 and I tried my buddy's specialized demo. I'm a beginner who learne fast.
Nov 1 2015 7:58PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
frank9190I will ride at bromont QC, I have ridden a norco team DH from 2010 and I tried my buddy's specialized demo. I'm a beginner who learne fast.


Consider a trail bike too. Trail bikes these days can handle a lot. And give you the option to pedal. Kona process/devinci spartan/santa Cruz nomad etc...
Nov 1 2015 8:06PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
frank9190I will ride at bromont QC, I have ridden a norco team DH from 2010 and I tried my buddy's specialized demo. I'm a beginner who learne fast.


I would highly suggest you not get a top spec'ed bike right out of the gate. I would highly reccomend buying a bike in November and especially december.

Why do you feel you need such a nice bike?
Nov 1 2015 8:09PM
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frank9190
Posts: 81 - Karma: 245
californiagrownI would highly suggest you not get a top spec'ed bike right out of the gate. I would highly reccomend buying a bike in November and especially december.

Why do you feel you need such a nice bike?


I don't know I went to the giant dealer today and I tell him I wanted a DH under 4000 and he offer me this bike for 4000 tax in. It seem like a nice deal but I know nothing in DH.
Nov 1 2015 8:30PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
frank9190I don't know I went to the giant dealer today and I tell him I wanted a DH under 4000 and he offer me this bike for 4000 tax in. It seem like a nice deal but I know nothing in DH.


Id really look into getting a used DH bike off pinkbike or ebay. You can get a much better deal, and you really dont need a nice new bike.

Are you getting a season pass to the bromont bike park? Are you planning to strictly shuttle or ride at bike parks? or do you also want to be able to ride around local single track as well?
Nov 1 2015 8:59PM
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frank9190
Posts: 81 - Karma: 245
californiagrownId really look into getting a used DH bike off pinkbike or ebay. You can get a much better deal, and you really dont need a nice new bike.

Are you getting a season pass to the bromont bike park? Are you planning to strictly shuttle or ride at bike parks? or do you also want to be able to ride around local single track as well?


I Will Get a season pass and only cherlift to go up the hill. Tanks for the advice I will look on pinkbike.
Nov 1 2015 9:05PM
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Leafman
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 251
Been riding a little bit here and there



Tokul at night



Sun Top



Tiger Summit looking at Mt. Rainier



Further down Tiger

Cle Elum Goodness



Earl Peak Saddle



Stand Up Creek Basin



Very narrow off camber equestrian trail below the saddle, Bean Creek Trail



Stand Up Creek Trail



Just below Navajo Pass, snow on Earl Peak



Little Argonaut, Colchuck and Argonaut on the far left



Lunch time

Got a new bike, just waiting on a longer brake line and it will be done







Planning on connecting Paris Creek to Esmeralda Basin with a few bonus ridges this week. Should be fun.

Happy riding as always
Nov 2 2015 11:51AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
frank9190I Will Get a season pass and only cherlift to go up the hill. Tanks for the advice I will look on pinkbike.


I'm sure you can find something used in the Montreal/northern VT areas through Pinkbike. Bromont is such a gnarly and fun place to ride. If you get good there, you will be well prepared for most anything in the world. Have fun!
Nov 2 2015 12:26PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Anyone else not ready for ski season yet? 4 more days of local lifts here and cool sunny weather all week.









Nov 2 2015 2:43PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
I have no experience with bike maintenance and just bought a used mountain bike from a local shop and have already run into some issues.

-The back brake is ridiculously loud when I put any pressure on it
-A lot of the times when I change gears, it will take a long time for the shift to actually take place (this happens especially when I'm going uphill, but also randomly on flats)
-Chain clicks when I'm going up hills

I get 6 months of free maintenance from the shop I bought it from so I plan on taking it back, but I'd like to learn to fix basic issues like these on my own.
Nov 4 2015 2:37PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
RedPandaI have no experience with bike maintenance and just bought a used mountain bike from a local shop and have already run into some issues.

-The back brake is ridiculously loud when I put any pressure on it
-A lot of the times when I change gears, it will take a long time for the shift to actually take place (this happens especially when I'm going uphill, but also randomly on flats)
-Chain clicks when I'm going up hills

I get 6 months of free maintenance from the shop I bought it from so I plan on taking it back, but I'd like to learn to fix basic issues like these on my own.


If you don't have a buddy who knows his stuff, the best way to learn (and the way I did) was YouTube, and asking if I could watch while a shop tech wrenched on my bike. I'd just sit on a stool and have the tech explain how he was installing my chain, adjusting my derailure, installing my brake pads, etc. Have them show you basic maintenance once and you can handle all that stuff at home with the multitool you should be carrying on rides anyways.
Nov 4 2015 2:45PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
californiagrownIf you don't have a buddy who knows his stuff, the best way to learn (and the way I did) was YouTube, and asking if I could watch while a shop tech wrenched on my bike. I'd just sit on a stool and have the tech explain how he was installing my chain, adjusting my derailure, installing my brake pads, etc. Have them show you basic maintenance once and you can handle all that stuff at home with the multitool you should be carrying on rides anyways.


This exactly. Youtube helps a ton, but any mechanic worth their salt shouldn't mind you watching them do work, especially if you're paying to have it done
Nov 4 2015 3:35PM
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