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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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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
Went for my first ride of the season at Stillwell Woods last week

Also, does anyone know anything about hydraulic brake maintenance?
Apr 10 2016 7:47PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
mike759Went for my first ride of the season at Stillwell Woods last week

Also, does anyone know anything about hydraulic brake maintenance?


whaddaya want to know?


FYI, everything you ever wanted to know about bike maintenance/installation is on youtube.
Apr 10 2016 7:54PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
californiagrownwhaddaya want to know?


FYI, everything you ever wanted to know about bike maintenance/installation is on youtube.


I havent really looked into it yet online, but idk whether I need new brake pads or new fluid
Apr 10 2016 7:56PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
mike759I havent really looked into it yet online, but idk whether I need new brake pads or new fluid


Describe the issue in detail.
Apr 10 2016 8:04PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
californiagrownDescribe the issue in detail.


My rear brake isnt as responsive as it used to be and in order to completely stop the wheel I have to squeeze with a lot of force
Apr 10 2016 10:38PM
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tac0.slayer
Posts: 254 - Karma: 947
mike759My rear brake isnt as responsive as it used to be and in order to completely stop the wheel I have to squeeze with a lot of force


Sounds like it just needs to be bled, and possibly replace the pads depending on how worn down they are.
Apr 10 2016 10:46PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
mike759My rear brake isnt as responsive as it used to be and in order to completely stop the wheel I have to squeeze with a lot of force


If the levers are spongy, or they pull to the bar on the first pull but after pumping them up(squeezing them a few times) they work again... it needs to be bled.

What you are describing is sounds more like a brake pad/rotor issue. I would guess that you accidentally fouled the brake pads or the rotor will lube/grease. Accidentally getting chain lube or suspention oil, or just random grease on the rotor or brake pads will either cause a gnarly squeal, cut your braking power by 75%, or both! this likely happened while you were tuning up your bike after its winter hibernation.

If your brake pads are just worn down a ton, youll be scratching the rotor, and youll absolutely know haha. But its always a good idea to check their life. Less than the thickness of a dime, and youll want to think about swapping them out.


but my money is on fouled brake pads.
Apr 10 2016 11:12PM
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skiskate
Posts: 787 - Karma: 823
californiagrownWhere do you ride? What's your budget?


About $1000 to 1500. I live in the prairie in the summer so its mostly cross country. Little bit of downhill single track in the valleys. But go to banff and bc a bit too.
Apr 11 2016 10:19PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
skiskateAbout $1000 to 1500. I live in the prairie in the summer so its mostly cross country. Little bit of downhill single track in the valleys. But go to banff and bc a bit too.


IDK how big you are, or how often you actually get into trails that need slack geometry and 6" of travel, but from what you described this would be a very good option: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1946973/


My advice would be to buy a used bike off pinkbike. Then again, hunt around and you can likely get a lowend build stumpjumper or something brand new for your price range. Im not a huge fan of shitty lowend hard tails like what they are pushing you towards. Look for full suspension trail bikes from last year on closeout. And if you do buy a bike from this year, for the love of god, haggle with the shop- theyll be able to cut a good chunk of the sticker price.

Either one of the bikes you mentioned will be extremely limiting when you take it away form the praire. And you can get a much better hardtail used for the same price as those new.
Apr 11 2016 10:40PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Where to go for buff XC cruising in WA?
Got a free week, too bad it's going to rain again.
Apr 12 2016 2:23AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
SklarWhere to go for buff XC cruising in WA?
Got a free week, too bad it's going to rain again.


How long are you looking for? The grand ridge-duthie-soaring eagle ride is a fun mellow lap.
Apr 12 2016 2:26AM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
byuboundHow long are you looking for? The grand ridge-duthie-soaring eagle ride is a fun mellow lap.


Trying to get back into the swing of things, so fairly mellow
Apr 12 2016 2:28AM
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Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
I went biking today for the first time in months and died. My lungs were on fire and I threw up twice. Yaaaaaay day 0
Apr 13 2016 11:36PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
Put about 20 miles on the bike yesterday. Everything from long singletrack to downhill. Longest ride of the season so far. Can't believe how much I love this bike.
Apr 13 2016 11:55PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
SlushI went biking today for the first time in months and died. My lungs were on fire and I threw up twice. Yaaaaaay day 0


yeah not looking forward to this... but I strangely am for some reason.
Apr 14 2016 10:45AM
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270on420out
Posts: 7508 - Karma: 51,058
Going out tomorrow. It'll be my first time since late September. Definitely taking it mellow
Apr 15 2016 12:58AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
The referenced post has been removed.

Just fyi, mounting a seatpost backwards will void all warranties and greatly increase wear on the internals of the dropper.
Apr 16 2016 10:39AM
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Pancake_Fucker
Posts: 1843 - Karma: 1,917
Bought a 2010 cove shocker on pinkbike for 775.
Medium frame
888 forks with three rides on them
Dhx 5.0 shock
26 d max wheels
Chromag osx bars
Code r brakes
Don't know the rest since I'm headed to whistler today to pick it up. Super stoked.
Apr 16 2016 10:44AM
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Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
Went to a local free ride place today, soooooo much fun! First time I've ever gone to something like that before. However, I suck at jumping so I got pretty fucked up.

could someone pleeeeease recommend me some elbow pads and/or shin guard things. I don't have a lot of money, so looking for something that will keep my arms from getting shredded up but won't break the bank. Anyone got any recommendations?

Also, I have my skateboarding helmet as the helmet I use for my newfound love for freeride/DH. Shoooould I get a full face? Basically looking to protect myself without spending too much money.
Apr 16 2016 9:57PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
SlushAlso, I have my skateboarding helmet as the helmet I use for my newfound love for freeride/DH. Shoooould I get a full face? Basically looking to protect myself without spending too much money.


I finally bought a full face after hitting the bike park a couple times with my trail helmet and I can say the full face does give me quite a bit more security which helps loads when riding.

As far as a suggestion on a model... I bought the 661 something or other for like $60. pricepoint routinely has them on sale. Get on their email list and wait till a nice full face pops up.
Apr 16 2016 10:35PM
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tac0.slayer
Posts: 254 - Karma: 947
Smashing your knee on the sharp edge of your stem is honestly one of the shittiest things in mountain biking. Practically ended my ride then and not so sure about skiing tomorrow damnit!
Apr 17 2016 12:39AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
tac0.slayerSmashing your knee on the sharp edge of your stem is honestly one of the shittiest things in mountain biking. Practically ended my ride then and not so sure about skiing tomorrow damnit!


Knee pads. They're a good thing :)
Apr 17 2016 12:46AM
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tac0.slayer
Posts: 254 - Karma: 947
californiagrownKnee pads. They're a good thing :)


Haha I actually own a pair of Leatts but they're pretty hot and bulky and I hate wearing them on longer pedally rides like today, definitely regret not wearing them for sure though
Apr 17 2016 1:14AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
tac0.slayerHaha I actually own a pair of Leatts but they're pretty hot and bulky and I hate wearing them on longer pedally rides like today, definitely regret not wearing them for sure though


I guess we don't have many of those rides here. It's usually long sustained climbs followed by descent trails.
Apr 17 2016 10:15AM
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tac0.slayer
Posts: 254 - Karma: 947
Went for a solo huck sesh today, rode some new features that were recently built. These are some local freeride features people have been building in the past few years, some are pretty huge.

(Plus a pic of mi bicicleta)
Apr 17 2016 9:46PM
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tac0.slayer
Posts: 254 - Karma: 947
Don't know why they all posted sideways....
Apr 17 2016 9:46PM
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Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
When you thought you had riding friends but you actually don't. A good friend I normally rode with has pretty much stopped riding with me because he found some cooler guys to ride with... It just makes me feel really shitty and unimportant
Apr 17 2016 10:52PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
SlushWhen you thought you had riding friends but you actually don't. A good friend I normally rode with has pretty much stopped riding with me because he found some cooler guys to ride with... It just makes me feel really shitty and unimportant


Are they faster than you? Riding different trails/terrain than you?
Apr 18 2016 11:51AM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
californiagrownIDK how big you are, or how often you actually get into trails that need slack geometry and 6" of travel, but from what you described this would be a very good option: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1946973/


My advice would be to buy a used bike off pinkbike. Then again, hunt around and you can likely get a lowend build stumpjumper or something brand new for your price range. Im not a huge fan of shitty lowend hard tails like what they are pushing you towards. Look for full suspension trail bikes from last year on closeout. And if you do buy a bike from this year, for the love of god, haggle with the shop- theyll be able to cut a good chunk of the sticker price.

Either one of the bikes you mentioned will be extremely limiting when you take it away form the praire. And you can get a much better hardtail used for the same price as those new.


how reliable is pinkbike for picking up bikes? I want to get a new one and have been looking around at some used ones but coming off of two brand new bikes the past 10 years makes me hesitant to buy into a nicer used model. Budget around $2000 and looking for a solid 6 inch trail bike that I can take into a bike park when I move to colorado but also can rip around trails as well.
Apr 18 2016 12:10PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
KravtZhow reliable is pinkbike for picking up bikes? I want to get a new one and have been looking around at some used ones but coming off of two brand new bikes the past 10 years makes me hesitant to buy into a nicer used model. Budget around $2000 and looking for a solid 6 inch trail bike that I can take into a bike park when I move to colorado but also can rip around trails as well.


I picked up an older SC Nomad last summer for 2k. It's not the newest or fanciest bike out there, but it's in good shape and does what I need it to do. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again (and probably will) when the time comes to upgrade the frame or whole bike.
Apr 18 2016 12:33PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
KravtZhow reliable is pinkbike for picking up bikes? I want to get a new one and have been looking around at some used ones but coming off of two brand new bikes the past 10 years makes me hesitant to buy into a nicer used model. Budget around $2000 and looking for a solid 6 inch trail bike that I can take into a bike park when I move to colorado but also can rip around trails as well.

It's reliable, but just make sure to cover your ass- make them clean it up, lots of current pics, get their personal contact info, be clear what you are purchasing both components and condition, use PayPal, local pickup if possible, etc.

If I was you, I'd be looking for a long travel 29er. They will be able to crush DH laps, or normal trail laps. Enduro 29er would be my go to choice- the industry is still playing catch-up to it.
Apr 18 2016 1:02PM
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Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
californiagrownAre they faster than you? Riding different trails/terrain than you?


We're the same skill level, and we like to ride the same stuff, but they're better and older. I mean I get it if he wants to ride with better people but it's kinda lame to just ditch me all the time
Apr 18 2016 1:47PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
How many of you have experience flying with bikes? I'm moving to New Zealand for 6-7 months, and plan on bringing my bike. Is it worth the money to buy a real bike bag even though I'll probably only be using for the flight there/back? Or should I go hunt down a box from a shop, and just pack it really carefully and save the $350-500 for my travels?

The other caveat is the weight of the bike bags. The bags I've been looking at (EVOC and Chain Reaction Cycles are all around 19-20lbs, my bike is 30ish lbs, and the limit before they charge you $170 overweight fee is 50lbs.
Apr 18 2016 6:15PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
ThaLoraxHow many of you have experience flying with bikes? I'm moving to New Zealand for 6-7 months, and plan on bringing my bike. Is it worth the money to buy a real bike bag even though I'll probably only be using for the flight there/back? Or should I go hunt down a box from a shop, and just pack it really carefully and save the $350-500 for my travels?

The other caveat is the weight of the bike bags. The bags I've been looking at (EVOC and Chain Reaction Cycles are all around 19-20lbs, my bike is 30ish lbs, and the limit before they charge you $170 overweight fee is 50lbs.


Just like ski bags it's usually pretty easy to hold up a part of the bag so it weighs under 50lbs.

I'd just use cardboard, foam and a few rolls of tape. Unless you plan on using the bag once you're home tge cost is too much gor a one time use IMO. You can always buy a used bag and then sell it when you're done with it though.
Apr 18 2016 6:33PM
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loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
ThaLoraxHow many of you have experience flying with bikes? I'm moving to New Zealand for 6-7 months, and plan on bringing my bike. Is it worth the money to buy a real bike bag even though I'll probably only be using for the flight there/back? Or should I go hunt down a box from a shop, and just pack it really carefully and save the $350-500 for my travels?

The other caveat is the weight of the bike bags. The bags I've been looking at (EVOC and Chain Reaction Cycles are all around 19-20lbs, my bike is 30ish lbs, and the limit before they charge you $170 overweight fee is 50lbs.


I actually did this exact same thing a couple years ago.

I just packed mine in a cardboard box with a bunch of padding. Easy and simple, but you need to arrange ahead of time with the airlines for smooth sailing.

If you are going to be flying with your bike frequently I would invest in a bike bag otherwise it's too expensive for my tastes.

Skyline is insane, Rotorua is out of this world, and beacon hill in Dunners is pretty decent too. Hope you enjoy.
Apr 18 2016 7:16PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
californiagrownJust like ski bags it's usually pretty easy to hold up a part of the bag so it weighs under 50lbs.

I'd just use cardboard, foam and a few rolls of tape. Unless you plan on using the bag once you're home tge cost is too much gor a one time use IMO. You can always buy a used bag and then sell it when you're done with it though.

Maybe it's because you were typing on your phone, but I'm confused as to how folding up a bag will make is weigh less. I agree though. For two uses (there/back), it seems more economical to just use a carboard box.

loopieI actually did this exact same thing a couple years ago.

I just packed mine in a cardboard box with a bunch of padding. Easy and simple, but you need to arrange ahead of time with the airlines for smooth sailing.

If you are going to be flying with your bike frequently I would invest in a bike bag otherwise it's too expensive for my tastes.

Skyline is insane, Rotorua is out of this world, and beacon hill in Dunners is pretty decent too. Hope you enjoy.


Thanks, I've heard of Skyline and Rotorua, but not Beacon Hill yet. I'm excited to go exploring. How was the weather on the North Island in the winter?
Apr 18 2016 7:48PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
ThaLoraxMaybe it's because you were typing on your phone, but I'm confused as to how folding up a bag will make is weigh less. I agree though. For two uses (there/back), it seems more economical to just use a carboard box.



Thanks, I've heard of Skyline and Rotorua, but not Beacon Hill yet. I'm excited to go exploring. How was the weather on the North Island in the winter?


Shit. No. I meant box is cheaper unless you plan on using the bike bag more than a few times.

To get around the weight issue, you can usually help "balance" your oversized luggage on the scale and bring it down 10+ lbs... I do it everytime I fly with a ski bag.
Apr 18 2016 7:59PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
californiagrownTo get around the weight issue, you can usually help "balance" your oversized luggage on the scale and bring it down 10+ lbs... I do it everytime I fly with a ski bag.


Ohhhhh. Gotcha
Apr 18 2016 8:22PM
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loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
ThaLoraxThanks, I've heard of Skyline and Rotorua, but not Beacon Hill yet. I'm excited to go exploring. How was the weather on the North Island in the winter?


Beacon Hill is in Dunedin. It's a trail network with a good amount of vert, but you can shuttle it. Definitely more geared towards downhill riding.

I didn't spend nearly as much time on the north as I did the south, but my experience is the north gets way better weather.

Also check out Wellington. Some great trails there but more "trail/all mountain" oriented. NZ really has it all in regards to the outdoors. I know there are tons of other great riding areas but those are the ones I got the chance to ride.

To me the northern island was way more populated, touristy, and warm, while the south is way way less populated but a lot more outdoors adventures to be had. I can remember driving on the south island for multiple hours without running into a single car. Not something that really ever happens in America even at crazy hours of the night like 3 AM.
Apr 18 2016 11:34PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
If any of you WA guys are interested, I have a bunch of bike stuff I'm going to be putting up for sale over the next few days.

I'll list a few...

Large Day Glow Yellow Knolly Endorphin Frame w/ Cane Creek DDBA-CS
also includes pewter Chris King headset and Thomson seatpost

Medium Matte Black Knolly Endorphin Frame w/ Cane Creek DDBA-CS
also includes navy blue Chris King headset and Thomson seatpost

I have matching wheels consisting of de-stickered Stan's Flow EX rims and Chris King hubs, one set with pewter hubs and the other navy blue. I'd also be willing to part out the hubs as pairs if you're not interested in the 26" wheels. Hubs are 15mm SD fronts and 142mm rear with XD drivers.

I have some other 26" related shit lying around including wheels, tires, rockshox sektor fork, basically shit I do not want or need. Dirt cheap, or free. Inquire for more details.

Then I have some extra handlebars, stems, saddles new and slightly used, brand new reverb stealth posts, brand new race face turbine cinch cranks with direct mount rings, etc, etc, etc that I do not want or need.

If there's any interest, just let me know and I can get more details to you. I'll be taking pictures of everything tomorrow.
Apr 20 2016 2:08AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
I am also selling off all my stuff in WA. Let me know if you are interested in a prime ticket s, tld knee pads, or probably some tools and nutshell helmets.
Apr 20 2016 2:19AM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
I've got a rock shox argyle RCT that's extended to 145mm for sale if anyone is interested
Apr 21 2016 12:09AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
Well A trail system in town just opened this morning... Super early for us.

Funny thing is that it is always the gnarliest trail system that opens first.
Apr 21 2016 9:50AM
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Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
I want a new bike frame but I'm poor. I have a kinda old frame (Haro x2 extreme) and I feel like the older geometry of the bike is holding me back. Should I save up for a new frame? Or just save even more and get a new bike altogether... I want a slightly more dh/freeride bike that can still enjoy trails and single track. Bike totally rips, but I feel like I'm longing for a new bike
Apr 21 2016 9:52AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
SlushI want a new bike frame but I'm poor. I have a kinda old frame (Haro x2 extreme) and I feel like the older geometry of the bike is holding me back. Should I save up for a new frame? Or just save even more and get a new bike altogether... I want a slightly more dh/freeride bike that can still enjoy trails and single track. Bike totally rips, but I feel like I'm longing for a new bike


New modern frames will definitely have the right geometry you're looking for, but you can almost guarantee that none of your old parts will fit on the new frames. Lots of new "standards" have crept into the bike industry (some for the better) but it does mean that your old parts won't easily swap over.

I would say find a used but good condition Specialized Enduro on Pinkbike. You'll be way happier and it will come out cheaper for you in the end.
Apr 21 2016 9:56AM
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Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
onenerdykidNew modern frames will definitely have the right geometry you're looking for, but you can almost guarantee that none of your old parts will fit on the new frames. Lots of new "standards" have crept into the bike industry (some for the better) but it does mean that your old parts won't easily swap over.

I would say find a used but good condition Specialized Enduro on Pinkbike. You'll be way happier and it will come out cheaper for you in the end.


Ok, thank you!
Apr 21 2016 9:59AM
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AidanCski
Posts: 420 - Karma: 860
Anybody doing any races/events this season?

I signed up for downhill thrill at Pat's Peak on June 12. Gonna be my first downhill race. Always wanted to do one since I was a little kid but injury has kept me away from them. I'm super stoked!

I also think I'm gonna do the Enduro and DH race at Killington in early July. Should be a blast!

If an NSers have done DH races, some advice would be great as it's my first one.
Apr 21 2016 11:02AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
AidanCskiAnybody doing any races/events this season?

I signed up for downhill thrill at Pat's Peak on June 12. Gonna be my first downhill race. Always wanted to do one since I was a little kid but injury has kept me away from them. I'm super stoked!

I also think I'm gonna do the Enduro and DH race at Killington in early July. Should be a blast!

If an NSers have done DH races, some advice would be great as it's my first one.

I'll probly do the proGRT at Port Angeles in may, and maybe another NW cup stop. I want to see if I can convince my coworker to train and do an enduro with me this summer too. I'll be doing it on an enduro 29er.

From everything I've heard from the guys I ride with(all race), it's pretty much just a normal shuttle day with one timed lap. Just as much fun drinking and shenanigans as usual.

I'm not too worried, I expect to finish pretty low down in Cat 2.
Apr 21 2016 12:34PM
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big_tent
Posts: 174 - Karma: 320
Does anyone have any thoughts on the kona coiler? I am looking to use it as a downhill/bike park rig, but i would also use it for climbing uphill on XC trails, no crazy vert, just a few hundred feet because i live in MN lol
Apr 21 2016 3:57PM
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