Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

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
loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
Dt Swiss EX 471 vs. Stan's Flow Ex vs. WTB Frequency team i25s

Anyone have recommendations on the above rims? I'm building a wheel set on DT Swiss 350 hubs (54 T engagement, oh baby). I have been using Flows the past two seasons with no complaints, but maybe looking to switch things up.

I love DT Swiss but I can get WTB 45% off. I'm about 180 lbs with gear on and an aggressive rider (racer).
May 5 2016 8:21AM
0 0
profile picture
Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
mike759what's better to ride with vans or running sneakers?


Vans, the waffle bottoms will be really helpful keeps control with the pins
May 5 2016 8:56AM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
SlushVans, the waffle bottoms will be really helpful keeps control with the pins


Vans are better than running shoes, but the get torn up real quick and offer zero protection depending on where/how you ride.


Start on vans, but if the guy actually likes biking and wants to do it a bunch, a lair of five ten flats or clips are a good investment.
May 5 2016 3:48PM
0 0
profile picture
saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
loopieDt Swiss EX 471 vs. Stan's Flow Ex vs. WTB Frequency team i25s

Anyone have recommendations on the above rims? I'm building a wheel set on DT Swiss 350 hubs (54 T engagement, oh baby). I have been using Flows the past two seasons with no complaints, but maybe looking to switch things up.

I love DT Swiss but I can get WTB 45% off. I'm about 180 lbs with gear on and an aggressive rider (racer).


I've got Stan's Flow Ex on DT Swiss 340's and have absolutely no complaints. I'm about 100lbs heavier than you and they've been holding up great (albeit I'm probably not as aggressive as you. Still getting back into the swing of things and figuring out what it's like to ride real trails).
May 5 2016 4:11PM
0 0
profile picture
Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
californiagrownVans are better than running shoes, but the get torn up real quick and offer zero protection depending on where/how you ride.


Start on vans, but if the guy actually likes biking and wants to do it a bunch, a lair of five ten flats or clips are a good investment.


I have a pair of five ten flats and they are fantastic.
May 5 2016 8:23PM
0 0
profile picture
Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
Sorry for dub post, can someone recommend me a good cheap seat? I have some specialized one I paid like 50$ for and it gets painful after 20 min. I think it might just be old because the thing is hard as concrete
May 5 2016 8:25PM
0 0
profile picture
stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
SlushSorry for dub post, can someone recommend me a good cheap seat? I have some specialized one I paid like 50$ for and it gets painful after 20 min. I think it might just be old because the thing is hard as concrete


sounds like you need one of these

May 5 2016 9:37PM
0 0
profile picture
Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
stupendous-mansounds like you need one of these



Yea but those weigh a shit ton hahaha
May 5 2016 10:11PM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
SlushSorry for dub post, can someone recommend me a good cheap seat? I have some specialized one I paid like 50$ for and it gets painful after 20 min. I think it might just be old because the thing is hard as concrete


Honestly, seats are very individual. read up on google about how to fit seats, and then find a seat that "should" fit your dimensions. But, at the end of the day, seats are a very personal thing. For me, i always takes a few rides before im comfy on a new seat.

You are wearing a chamois, right?
May 6 2016 1:55AM
0 0
profile picture
Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
californiagrownHonestly, seats are very individual. read up on google about how to fit seats, and then find a seat that "should" fit your dimensions. But, at the end of the day, seats are a very personal thing. For me, i always takes a few rides before im comfy on a new seat.

You are wearing a chamois, right?


I just wear cargo shorts hahaha. I think I just need a different shape or something, it always feels like it's creating pinching in this one spot where I sit on it.
May 6 2016 8:42AM
0 0
profile picture
ShredAZ
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 641
SlushSorry for dub post, can someone recommend me a good cheap seat? I have some specialized one I paid like 50$ for and it gets painful after 20 min. I think it might just be old because the thing is hard as concrete


http://www.jensonusa.com/Charge-Spoon-Cromo-Saddle



Boom. $25. Looks are stunning. Light weight. SUPER comfortable.
Snagged one to replace a crank bros seat. The seat itself is stiffer but WAY more comfortable. The pressure relief channel fits my ass like a glove.

Lot of guys I ride with run these. Zero complaints. Also invest in chamois if you haven't already.
May 6 2016 10:40AM
0 0
profile picture
Slush
Posts: 1915 - Karma: 12,945
ShredAZhttp://www.jensonusa.com/Charge-Spoon-Cromo-Saddle



Boom. $25. Looks are stunning. Light weight. SUPER comfortable.
Snagged one to replace a crank bros seat. The seat itself is stiffer but WAY more comfortable. The pressure relief channel fits my ass like a glove.

Lot of guys I ride with run these. Zero complaints. Also invest in chamois if you haven't already.


Shit, thanks dude. I'm picking one of these up, they look great
May 6 2016 12:17PM
0 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
Looks like I'm finally going to Whistler this June. I've dreamed about that since 8th grade but never actually taken steps to make it happen, so I'm pretty stoked!


And I've got a 12 hour race in two weeks and haven't ridden yet this season, it's gonna be rough.
May 9 2016 12:15PM
3 0
profile picture
loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
saskskierI've got Stan's Flow Ex on DT Swiss 340's and have absolutely no complaints. I'm about 100lbs heavier than you and they've been holding up great (albeit I'm probably not as aggressive as you. Still getting back into the swing of things and figuring out what it's like to ride real trails).


Nice man, that's impressive at that weight, I've seen you in the "gym" thread and you put up some insane numbers. Just curious do you ride air shocks?
May 9 2016 5:56PM
0 0
profile picture
saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
loopieNice man, that's impressive at that weight, I've seen you in the "gym" thread and you put up some insane numbers. Just curious do you ride air shocks?


Thanks. The gym has definitely been inconsistent for the past 6 months or so, but I just moved to Calgary, so there has been way more actual biking (mountain and commuting). Working on getting that weight down as there is definitely a lot that isn't necessary. Ha ha.

I'm currently running an older RS Lyric 2-step up front and a CC DBair CS in the back. Both are around maxed out and probably not ideal, but they seem to be working. Again, I'm also not riding super hard. Hoping they'll make due until l lighten up a bit. Ha ha.
May 9 2016 6:29PM
0 0
profile picture
byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
RIP Stevie Smith. Absolutely gutted to hear this.
May 10 2016 6:37PM
8 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
byuboundRIP Stevie Smith. Absolutely gutted to hear this.


At a loss. This year has not been kind to our legends.
May 10 2016 6:49PM
0 0
profile picture
BushDid9-11
Posts: 134 - Karma: 588
This year has been pretty terrible
May 10 2016 10:16PM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51672 - Karma: 162,626
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/827952/Stevie-Smith---Seasons-Segment

https://vimeo.com/50799736


RIP
May 10 2016 10:16PM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
its scary. it doesnt take much, just an unlucky edge catch, or tire washout at the wrong time. Gotta manage risk, but sometimes youre gonna get bit. that video above is especially sad that everyone who has seen one of the most popular MTB videos ever can immediatley put a face to his mother. Just tragic for her, and people close to him. All i lost was a video segment a few times per year... but people lost a close friend, a brother, a son, lover. Shitty.


I thought enduro moto was slow speed, just kinda riding up hill, or generally just tight tech stuff?
May 10 2016 11:09PM
0 0
profile picture
loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
californiagrownI thought enduro moto was slow speed, just kinda riding up hill, or generally just tight tech stuff?


Pretty much anything on a dirt bike has the potential for high speeds just because they are such fast machines. Only takes a 100 yd section where you can pin it to reach speeds you can kill yourself.

I do think I over an entire mx enduro course the average speed is slower because there are some really sow sections.
May 10 2016 11:33PM
0 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
californiagrownI thought enduro moto was slow speed, just kinda riding up hill, or generally just tight tech stuff?


He died of a head injury in the hospital. he could have just fallen off a smaller feature like 10ft or something and just got unlucky. it doesnt take much.

So sad.
May 11 2016 5:52PM
0 0
profile picture
riddsicle
Posts: 684 - Karma: 264
Just rode this bad boy for the first time today. Still needs a few tweaks here and there but super fun
May 12 2016 10:54PM
0 0
profile picture
ghosthop
Posts: 631 - Karma: 1,027
Any of you nerds in SE Idaho? I'll be passing through the area in the next few days, would love to meet up or some trails recommendations
May 14 2016 5:48PM
0 0
profile picture
QuantumMechanic
Posts: 1029 - Karma: 891
Question for any of y'all who have ever traveled with your bikes: how do bike bags tend to work with airlines? Do they meet max dimensions for normal checked baggage or do they usually have to be counted as oversize? If they meet normal dimensions, have you ever been charged for oversize due to weight?
May 15 2016 11:46AM
0 0
profile picture
SCOO-WOOP
Posts: 1264 - Karma: 244
SklarI'm trying to buy a bike soon, finally going to get a decent mtb.
Still deciding on hardtail vs full. Looking in the 900-1,100 used range.

My brother is a frame builder, i wish I could afford one of his bikes, they look rad.
https://www.facebook.com/Sklarbikes




Those are some sweet frames.

Have you tried the, "Mom said if you don't build me a frame, you're grounded" approach?

My little bro pulled that one on me when he found out I work part time in art installation and wanted one of his paintings put up in his room.
May 15 2016 12:34PM
0 0
profile picture
saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
This past Wednesday I went on a group ride with one of the local shops and it was awesome. Long ride up (about 500m elevation gain) in wet, snowy conditions (full out rain/snow by the time we reached the top) and then an awesome, if not sketchy, wet, low light ride down a fantastic trail with lots of berms.

It was my first time riding the trail and the first time riding wet, muddy conditions, but it was still fantastic. Still learning to trust my bike and tires, but it was a huge confidence builder to have made it down without any trouble. Didn't come prepared to be as covered in mud as I was, so had to clean out the car the next day. Ha ha.
May 15 2016 3:14PM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
saskskierThis past Wednesday I went on a group ride with one of the local shops and it was awesome. Long ride up (about 500m elevation gain) in wet, snowy conditions (full out rain/snow by the time we reached the top) and then an awesome, if not sketchy, wet, low light ride down a fantastic trail with lots of berms.

It was my first time riding the trail and the first time riding wet, muddy conditions, but it was still fantastic. Still learning to trust my bike and tires, but it was a huge confidence builder to have made it down without any trouble. Didn't come prepared to be as covered in mud as I was, so had to clean out the car the next day. Ha ha.


good shit. ride different trails, different conditions, and with different folks as much as possible.


Di my first race today, Cat 2 at the pro GRT in port angeles. Got absolutely smoked. Snapped my chain about 3/4 of the way down, but even without that i would have finished close to the very bottom hahaha. One day, a long time from now, hopefully ill not be the shittiest rider in the group lol.
May 15 2016 11:31PM
0 0
profile picture
Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
How many of you guys do fork service by your self? My Marzocchi Bomber 55r probably need a full service now and I'm considering trying to do it myself to save some money and avoid sending it away for weeks. Probably lots of info on how to do it online but I just want to know if its generally something you can do yourself without the risk of messing something up to bad.
May 20 2016 1:17PM
0 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
First race of the year is tomorrow.

Also my first 12 hour race.

Also I'm doing it on my Giant Reign

Also my third MTB ride of the year.

This is going to be fun?
May 20 2016 2:45PM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
cydwhitFirst race of the year is tomorrow.

Also my first 12 hour race.

Also I'm doing it on my Giant Reign

Also my third MTB ride of the year.

This is going to be fun?


Yikes. I guess I'm not a masochist so I never understood the draw of ultra endurance type of events. ESPECIALLY on a borderline DH bike... and when very out of shape.

I'd rather just bang out some fun pedal laps for 6-8 hrs, and have beer and BBQ through out. But that's just me haha.


Good luck though. It's gonna be tougher than normal so make sure you have excess food and hydration. Nothing more crushing than bonking.
May 20 2016 2:58PM
0 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
californiagrownYikes. I guess I'm not a masochist so I never understood the draw of ultra endurance type of events. ESPECIALLY on a borderline DH bike... and when very out of shape.

I'd rather just bang out some fun pedal laps for 6-8 hrs, and have beer and BBQ through out. But that's just me haha.


Good luck though. It's gonna be tougher than normal so make sure you have excess food and hydration. Nothing more crushing than bonking.


I just bought four pounds of gummy worms and 8 snickers bars.

And I am on a four person team, so it should be ok. Hopefully.
May 20 2016 3:25PM
0 0
profile picture
Tanner-D
Posts: 2061 - Karma: 4,116
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFndvUiu4IG/?taken-by=therealpizzaboytanner

Shreddy times in Tahoe. Dirt is so good and I know I should go ski while we still have snow, but I have gone full biker mode!
May 20 2016 3:56PM
1 0
profile picture
GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
So stoked. Just quit my restaurant job to follow Kirt Voreis on the road this summer to film for the Allride tour. First stop is Big Bear bike park in SoCal in a couple weeks. Last stop.......Crankworx.

hope to see some NS'ers at one of the stops. Holler at the camera man! Also follow my insta for lots of MTB content. @sports_doug
May 20 2016 7:34PM
8 0
profile picture
division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
GANDALFSo stoked. Just quit my restaurant job to follow Kirt Voreis on the road this summer to film for the Allride tour. First stop is Big Bear bike park in SoCal in a couple weeks. Last stop.......Crankworx.

hope to see some NS'ers at one of the stops. Holler at the camera man! Also follow my insta for lots of MTB content. @sports_doug


Yup, you win.

Kirt's the man.
May 21 2016 1:58AM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
GANDALFSo stoked. Just quit my restaurant job to follow Kirt Voreis on the road this summer to film for the Allride tour. First stop is Big Bear bike park in SoCal in a couple weeks. Last stop.......Crankworx.

hope to see some NS'ers at one of the stops. Holler at the camera man! Also follow my insta for lots of MTB content. @sports_doug


Fuck yeah homie!! thats badass!!
May 21 2016 2:03AM
0 0
profile picture
J_Berg
Posts: 562 - Karma: 2,031
Guys I'm getting a 2011 Specialized Camber comp. What are your thoughts? It's basically brand new, less than 5 hours of riding.
May 23 2016 10:10AM
0 0
profile picture
byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
J_BergGuys I'm getting a 2011 Specialized Camber comp. What are your thoughts? It's basically brand new, less than 5 hours of riding.

Solid bike for getting into the trail riding scene. What are you paying for it if you dont mind me asking?
May 23 2016 1:50PM
0 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
cydwhitI just bought four pounds of gummy worms and 8 snickers bars.

And I am on a four person team, so it should be ok. Hopefully.


They canceled for rain after two laps.

I was our first rider, and the course was poorly marked, a bunch of people cut the course, and got in 20 mins early. I went down the wrong way for 5 minutes, realized I was going the wrong way, and turned around, so I lost a bunch of time, which sucked.

Also riding a 9 mile, buff course on a Reign with flat pedals, at race pace sucks.

But turns out, when they called it, we were in Second place for mixed quad teams!

Now I'm way too stoked about bike racing.
May 23 2016 4:32PM
0 0
profile picture
J_Berg
Posts: 562 - Karma: 2,031
byuboundSolid bike for getting into the trail riding scene. What are you paying for it if you dont mind me asking?


800
May 23 2016 10:47PM
0 0
profile picture
onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
J_BergGuys I'm getting a 2011 Specialized Camber comp. What are your thoughts? It's basically brand new, less than 5 hours of riding.


800 bucks is a good deal. But if a bike has been sitting around for 5 years, you will probably need new tires (rubber dries out and can crack, so give them a good check), the fork will probably need new seals because again the rubber has probably dried out, and the brakes will most likely need to be bled. So take into consideration it might cost you another 100-150 bucks if these things are present.
May 24 2016 2:49AM
0 0
profile picture
Rodigan
Posts: 1300 - Karma: 1,858
tracy.
May 24 2016 4:57PM
1 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
Bought a full face and the pass is riding well!

Hit me up if anyone makes it to the tetons, we've got a couch and are always down to show people around, and there is a lot of riding here!
Jun 1 2016 11:35AM
0 0
profile picture
saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Managed to snap a seat rail yesterday on my Chromag Trailmaster saddle on a weird crash. I'm not really sure what happened, but I do know I have a massive bruise on my right thigh, so I'm sure that had something to do with it. Picked up another one today (it's comfy).

Also went on a 17-ish km group ride tonight. I thought my fitness level was starting to get better (and I think it is), but it was pretty rough. Around 580-ish meters of climbing, but a lot of super fun, flowy descents in between and good times post-ride. I'm stoked to have a shop that is willing to have different levels come out and it's great to be pushed by better riders!
Jun 2 2016 3:32AM
0 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
onenerdykid800 bucks is a good deal. But if a bike has been sitting around for 5 years, you will probably need new tires (rubber dries out and can crack, so give them a good check), the fork will probably need new seals because again the rubber has probably dried out, and the brakes will most likely need to be bled. So take into consideration it might cost you another 100-150 bucks if these things are present.


Damn, $100-$150 for new tires, seals, and a brake job? I wanna know where you shop.
Jun 3 2016 2:58AM
1 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
TingaDamn, $100-$150 for new tires, seals, and a brake job? I wanna know where you shop.


Doing all that would cost me $80 and a 12 pack of beer. And that includes top spec maxis tires.

Ya either gotta know people, hunt for good online deals, or learn to wrench yourself. In my case I'm just lucky enough to know people.

It'd probly be under $150 if I had it done at a shop and didn't get top line tires. How much does it cost near you?
Jun 3 2016 3:25PM
0 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
I don't know how much seals would cost but tires and bleed job would be $150.
Jun 3 2016 6:34PM
0 0
profile picture
TrickyDick470
Posts: 443 - Karma: 2,350
Provided I can't repair my front wheel on my DH sled, I might need to buy a replacement wheel setup.

I'm a noob when it comes to bike parts, is there anything I need to look for other than it being a DH/FR specific rim and the hub matching the 20mm thru axle size?
Jun 4 2016 1:23PM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
TrickyDick470Provided I can't repair my front wheel on my DH sled, I might need to buy a replacement wheel setup.

I'm a noob when it comes to bike parts, is there anything I need to look for other than it being a DH/FR specific rim and the hub matching the 20mm thru axle size?


Talk to a few bike shops on your area. Some of the time if you buy from and have them build a wheel you will get free lifetime trues. If that is the case with one of the shops near you, it'd be worth it go through them.
Jun 4 2016 2:28PM
0 0
profile picture
cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
great feeling when you go to grab your bike from the bike rack and it's not there. i guess i'm in the market for something new
Jun 4 2016 5:37PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)