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
GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
doing some riding and filming up in bellingham. here's a couple from last night that i shot.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/831879/jefe-rainbow
Jun 30 2016 4:49PM
1 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
anyone want to buy a bike? Located in Pocatello, ID.

2011 Trek Top Fuel 9.7
Medium frame, 26" wheels
Brand new seat and grips
Derailleur, shifters, and brakes upgraded to Shimano XTR
Jun 30 2016 5:20PM
0 0
profile picture
Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
californiagrownBuy a shitty bike for campus, buy a decent bike for fun. You will have your bike stolen if it's at all nicer than average and you use it daily. Locked or not.


I do have shitty bikes around that I could bring to get around but I'm not too worried about theft, small school and campus.
Jun 30 2016 6:03PM
0 0
profile picture
Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
.lenconanyone want to buy a bike? Located in Pocatello, ID.

2011 Trek Top Fuel 9.7
Medium frame, 26" wheels
Brand new seat and grips
Derailleur, shifters, and brakes upgraded to Shimano XTR


How much?
Jun 30 2016 6:03PM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
DeforestationHow much?


1500
Jul 1 2016 2:26AM
0 0
profile picture
Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
.lencon1500


shit nvm :l
Jul 1 2016 11:26PM
0 0
profile picture
loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
Anyone have any recommendations for upper body armor? I'm looking for shoulder, rib, chest, and back protection. Short sleeve too.

I have been participating in various gravity sports for about 15+ years now and have never hit my head so hard / had such a high speed impact. Scared me and now I'm looking to upgrade protection.

Considering Troy Lee Designs, Alpine Stars, POC, and the usual suspects. Any experience with this type of equipment out there?
Jul 2 2016 6:16PM
0 0
profile picture
loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
JuliusJwait what no. I would not recommend an XL for most companies, i'm 5'11" and the M/L he originally said is spot on. You're going to just have to ride the bike to find out if it works for you. I typically go a bit on the larger frame w/ a shorter stem.

@Cornolio get something like a Specialized Camber or something that is 130ish rear travel, it'll pedal well for when you ride XC most of the time and still get out on some burly terrain.


Just to be clear I said some companies, not most. Santa Cruz is notorious for having a short reach measurement. I'm 6'0" and would not go below an XL sizing on their bikes.
Jul 4 2016 7:10PM
1 1
profile picture
cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
loopieJust to be clear I said some companies, not most. Santa Cruz is notorious for having a short reach measurement. I'm 6'0" and would not go below an XL sizing on their bikes.


input from everyone is good. good to know sc runs small, there might be l/xl, others l/m, exactly why i asked the questions.

all input welcome, i'm still about to buy another ss 29 on cl for < $300 and then buy another bigger bike for whatever
Jul 5 2016 12:59AM
0 0
profile picture
saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
loopieJust to be clear I said some companies, not most. Santa Cruz is notorious for having a short reach measurement. I'm 6'0" and would not go below an XL sizing on their bikes.


Yup. I'm looking at new(er) frames and at the top of my list is a Banshee Prime (29") or Rune (26/27.5"). A large Rune has the same (even slightly longer) numbers as my older Nomad. The Nomad is mostly pretty good, but I'd rather have a larger frame with a shorter stem.

Soon enough...
Jul 5 2016 1:38AM
0 0
profile picture
jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
I'm 6'1" and ride a Large Nomad. It's not too small.
Jul 5 2016 10:53AM
1 0
profile picture
*N_Wist*
Posts: 422 - Karma: 79
Depending on how good your local shop is they should have a bike fitting service. Where they can determine the best frame size for you, then adjust stem length to better fit your reach...
Jul 5 2016 11:28AM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
jblaskiI'm 6'1" and ride a Large Nomad. It's not too small.


I can see that. My buddy's large nomad is not too terrible for me and I'm 6'4". But his large V10 is legit unrideable for me.

Ya gotta just sit on the bike to figure out how it fits you.



On an unrelated not, I managed to land a little too sideways on A-line Sunday and got bucked full speed into a rather stout tree. Full on George of the jungle style. I got my head out of the way, you can see the wood streak on the side of my helmet where it grazed the trunk, but took the full force to my chest and bounced backwards. One of the hardest impacts I've ever taken- now my sternum clicks and pops. If I wasn't in the gym building muscle as much as I am, things could been seriously bad as my developed pecs and abs cushioned my ribs and organs. Feels like my heart/lungs are fucking bruised
Jul 5 2016 12:21PM
0 0
profile picture
foodisfun
Posts: 5427 - Karma: 287
californiagrownFeels like my heart/lungs are fucking bruised


Careful with this. Last summer I had what was probably a less forceful crash and ended up with a collapsed lung. I hit a tree on a monday, and nothing hurt too bad until friday when I 100% thought I was having a heart attack
Jul 6 2016 6:02PM
0 0
profile picture
mikeystark
Posts: 82 - Karma: 101
I have 2013 giant reign x for sale. 160 mm of travel front and rear. Full slx 1x10 setup. Pm for pictures. I will accept any reasonable offers.
Jul 11 2016 1:22PM
0 0
profile picture
Brocka_Flocka
Posts: 1215 - Karma: 8,742
Anybody have a sweet single speed they would be willing to let go of for cheap?
Jul 13 2016 12:01PM
0 0
profile picture
GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
who is gonna be at crankworx?
Jul 13 2016 7:09PM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
GANDALFwho is gonna be at crankworx?


I'm thinking about it and I have a relatively free place to stay too. But I'd have to miss two days of work and wouldn't get back till early Monday. If I could go for fri-sun and ride 1 park day and 1.5 valley trail days, id go in a heartbeat.

Still might go anyways. Gotta see if other folks' plans jive with my own.
Jul 13 2016 7:47PM
0 0
profile picture
mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
If I have a hardtail and buy a rear suspension frame alone, can i use all of the other components of the hardtail on the full suspension bike?
Jul 14 2016 8:59PM
0 0
profile picture
Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Anyone done much riding on Vancouver Island?
Thinking about a trip
Jul 14 2016 9:27PM
0 0
profile picture
CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
mike759If I have a hardtail and buy a rear suspension frame alone, can i use all of the other components of the hardtail on the full suspension bike?


As long as wheel/axle, bottom bracket, and headtube sizings match up, yeah.
Jul 14 2016 11:12PM
0 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
mike759If I have a hardtail and buy a rear suspension frame alone, can i use all of the other components of the hardtail on the full suspension bike?


also make sure the fork fits with the sort of travel the frame is built for. don't buy a 150mm trail frame and throw a 100mm fork on it or the other way around.
Jul 15 2016 11:18AM
0 0
profile picture
Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Neat little video from Joey Schusler, Brody Leven and KT Miller.
Sweet Sklar bikes too :)

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/832797/Pedal-to-Peaks---Joey-Schusler---REDirect-Explore-2016
Jul 15 2016 6:35PM
0 0
profile picture
BaconSteezburger
Posts: 114 - Karma: 713
Is there a bike bst on NS? Trying to trade my 20" and some cash for a dj or slope bike
Jul 19 2016 9:10AM
0 0
profile picture
CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
BaconSteezburgerIs there a bike bst on NS? Trying to trade my 20" and some cash for a dj or slope bike


Just go to pinkbike
Jul 19 2016 10:21AM
0 0
profile picture
BaconSteezburger
Posts: 114 - Karma: 713
CheddarJackJust go to pinkbike


No one wants trades there
Jul 19 2016 11:29AM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
BaconSteezburgerNo one wants trades there


So sell your bike for money, then use that money to buy a bike! Was it really that tough to connect those dots?

If you can't get much money for your bike, why would someone want to trade for it?

Pinkbike is your best bet.
Jul 19 2016 12:29PM
0 0
profile picture
GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
anyone in tahoe? heading down to northstar on thursday morn. ill be riding friday and then i'll be filming on saturday/sun. message me if you wanna spin some laps
Jul 19 2016 4:06PM
0 0
profile picture
mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
mike759If I have a hardtail and buy a rear suspension frame alone, can i use all of the other components of the hardtail on the full suspension bike?


Follow up question: does anyone have a 650b, L or XL full suspension frame?
Jul 19 2016 4:47PM
0 0
profile picture
cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2005362/

thoughts on the heckler? this is priced around what i want to spend and seems like it could be a good do it all bike for the non lift accessed stuff i'll see most of the time.
Jul 20 2016 10:45PM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
cornholiohttp://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2005362/

thoughts on the heckler? this is priced around what i want to spend and seems like it could be a good do it all bike for the non lift accessed stuff i'll see most of the time.


That bike has a blown up low end fork, and a drivetrain that will need replacing sooner than later according to the current owner. I wouldnt trust the condition of the rest of the bike either. those facts alone would make me not pay close to $1600. I wouldnt pay over $1200 for it.

There are better deals out there, wait it out.
Jul 20 2016 11:22PM
0 0
profile picture
cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
californiagrownThat bike has a blown up low end fork, and a drivetrain that will need replacing sooner than later according to the current owner. I wouldnt trust the condition of the rest of the bike either. those facts alone would make me not pay close to $1600. I wouldnt pay over $1200 for it.

There are better deals out there, wait it out.


alright i'll keep looking, though the plan was to lowball on his number anyways. i will probably be picking up a cheap hardtail later this week to hold me over until the right bike shows up
Jul 21 2016 10:25AM
0 0
profile picture
Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Tried downhill for the first time last weekend and ended up going today/tomorrow to. So much fun, may have to dig into the bank account and get myself a downhill bike soon.
And to share some stoke here are some shots from today, staring to get a bit more comfortable on the rental bike

Jul 28 2016 2:45PM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
https://instagram.com/p/BIZEqpSDmoD/


went out with shin-bang last night and put this together... I really need a good job next year so I can save up for another year of school and get a new bike. I'm thinking an intense tracer 27A. The bike I'm on (I'm in front in the blue) is a 2005 giant reign 3 so it's 10+ years old, time for an upgrade. Still super fun though, summers don't suck as much as they used to.
Jul 28 2016 3:53PM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
The referenced post has been removed.


I hopefully will. I've also looked into black rock bikes since they carry intense.
Jul 28 2016 4:24PM
0 0
profile picture
GayWolf420
Posts: 37403 - Karma: 120,363
definitely looking into getting a bike to do something on my days off the rest of the summer/fall and figured this was the best place to start. i definitely wanna do some trail riding but also would love to haul ass and jump stuff/rail turns. i guess im wondering if there are bikes that are on the same level as a "one ski quiver". DH/Freeriding looks fun as fuck and especially appeals to me coming from a BMX racing background when i was like 5 till about 12-13.
Jul 28 2016 9:46PM
0 0
profile picture
californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
DeebieSkeebiesdefinitely looking into getting a bike to do something on my days off the rest of the summer/fall and figured this was the best place to start. i definitely wanna do some trail riding but also would love to haul ass and jump stuff/rail turns. i guess im wondering if there are bikes that are on the same level as a "one ski quiver". DH/Freeriding looks fun as fuck and especially appeals to me coming from a BMX racing background when i was like 5 till about 12-13.


Santa Cruz nomad
Specialized enduro
Trek slash
Kona process 153
Yeti Sb6
Giant reign


Literally every bike manufacturer has an "enduro" bike, which is what you're looking for. Don't skimp on price, look to spend about 3k, and you're bike will thrive on any and all trails... bike park and dh trails included.
Jul 29 2016 1:25AM
0 0
profile picture
jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
DeebieSkeebiesdefinitely looking into getting a bike to do something on my days off the rest of the summer/fall and figured this was the best place to start. i definitely wanna do some trail riding but also would love to haul ass and jump stuff/rail turns. i guess im wondering if there are bikes that are on the same level as a "one ski quiver". DH/Freeriding looks fun as fuck and especially appeals to me coming from a BMX racing background when i was like 5 till about 12-13.


Jul 29 2016 1:29AM
0 0
profile picture
GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
Just camped at Cold Creek and rode/filmed Thrillium. Fucking unreal trail! Pure speed
Jul 30 2016 2:20PM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
Man do mountain bike crashes hurt... took a beating today.


Also, I'm planning to get a bike next summer, a newer one. My bike is over 10 years old. I really like the intense tracers and trek slash. I'm really tempted to get another giant tho, if my reign has lasted 10+ years I think that's what I might get.
Jul 30 2016 9:36PM
0 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
.lenconMan do mountain bike crashes hurt... took a beating today.


Also, I'm planning to get a bike next summer, a newer one. My bike is over 10 years old. I really like the intense tracers and trek slash. I'm really tempted to get another giant tho, if my reign has lasted 10+ years I think that's what I might get.


I do love my reign....

I'd love to hop to a Transition at some point, but bang for your buck the Giant's are hard to beat IMO
Jul 30 2016 11:05PM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
cydwhitI do love my reign....

I'd love to hop to a Transition at some point, but bang for your buck the Giant's are hard to beat IMO


Yeah I don't have a whole lot of experience with other bikes, doing a demo for devenci bikes in a week tho, stoked for that. Just hope my wrist is healed by then.

Today I hit a decent sized step up, whipped too hard and was going too fast with lots of wind, landed okay but rode off the trail into same nasty stuff. Ribs ad wrists kill.

What reign do you have, and what year?
Jul 30 2016 11:35PM
0 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
.lenconYeah I don't have a whole lot of experience with other bikes, doing a demo for devenci bikes in a week tho, stoked for that. Just hope my wrist is healed by then.

Today I hit a decent sized step up, whipped too hard and was going too fast with lots of wind, landed okay but rode off the trail into same nasty stuff. Ribs ad wrists kill.

What reign do you have, and what year?


2013 with a custom build.

KS Lev

XT Drivetrain + brakes

Wolftooth 32T ring

Azonic Outlaw wheels

RF Atlas 35 cockpit

Got it used off PB and love it.

Those Devinci Spartans are real pretty though.
Jul 30 2016 11:40PM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
cydwhit2013 with a custom build.

KS Lev

XT Drivetrain + brakes

Wolftooth 32T ring

Azonic Outlaw wheels

RF Atlas 35 cockpit

Got it used off PB and love it.

Those Devinci Spartans are real pretty though.


Yeah that's what I'm planning on being on, the Spartan. You have to sign up for them and that was my first choice but if it's taken it will still be sweet to try out one of the others
Jul 30 2016 11:48PM
0 0
profile picture
onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
.lenconYeah I don't have a whole lot of experience with other bikes, doing a demo for devenci bikes in a week tho, stoked for that. Just hope my wrist is healed by then. /QUOTE]

When it comes to bikes, I've found it to be incredibly helpful owning a brand that is supported locally, as it makes finding replacement parts that much easier. Skis are one thing but bikes are a whole other level of investment just waiting to break/need replacement. Having owned super nichey frames where tracking down a replacement part meant waiting & consequently not riding for a while, it can be downright annoying and maddening. So if you have a choice between two rad bikes but only one is also supported by a local dealer, then I would choose the one you can more easily find parts for.
Jul 31 2016 8:38AM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
onenerdykidYeah I don't have a whole lot of experience with other bikes, doing a demo for devenci bikes in a week tho, stoked for that. Just hope my wrist is healed by then. /QUOTE]

When it comes to bikes, I've found it to be incredibly helpful owning a brand that is supported locally, as it makes finding replacement parts that much easier. Skis are one thing but bikes are a whole other level of investment just waiting to break/need replacement. Having owned super nichey frames where tracking down a replacement part meant waiting & consequently not riding for a while, it can be downright annoying and maddening. So if you have a choice between two rad bikes but only one is also supported by a local dealer, then I would choose the one you can more easily find parts for.


Yeah, I have two shops in my hometown, one carries Giant, Trek, specialized. And the other carries devenci, Norco, intense, and a few others.

So yeah I'll end up getting a giant, trek, intense, or maybe even a devenci. I'll most likely buy used tho, whether it's from our local used bike shop or just on pink bike/KSL, but I'll be sticking to those brands for sure.
Jul 31 2016 10:59AM
0 0
profile picture
cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
it's official, i own a bike that is worth more than my car
Jul 31 2016 9:51PM
0 0
profile picture
GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
cornholioit's official, i own a bike that is worth more than my car


Hell yeah! What you riding?
Jul 31 2016 11:47PM
0 0
profile picture
250r
Posts: 2276 - Karma: 1,013
GANDALFwho is gonna be at crankworx?


im in the park pretty much everyday. its only my first year biking though so it will be cool to see it this time from more of a riders perspective. stoked to demo carbon bikes all week long haha.
Aug 1 2016 1:58AM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)