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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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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Of those two, provided it fits, is go with the TLD. They can be super gaudy, but that ones not bad and they are great helmets.

I ended up going from a Giro Hex to a POC Tectal and love it. It was definitely pricey, but fits way better than the Giro and I like how it looks (which is always subjective).
May 19 2017 10:33AM
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ShredAZ
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 641
onenerdykidI have the TLD lid and it is the first mtn bike helmet that fits comfortably and doesn't look retarded on my weird shaped head (ymmv). If you've tried it on and it fits, go for it.


So much this. THE most comfortable helmet I've owned. I've owned Bell, Giro, Fox, and TLD. This lid blows them away.
May 22 2017 8:34PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Finally bought myself a used downhill bike the other day, posted the photo in the latest purchase thread, but figured I might as well post it here to. 2013 model mondraker summum :)

Sending the fork/shock in for a service this week, hopefully there is nothing wrong there!

Also I'm wondering how many of you ride with neck braces? I'm considering getting one but they are so expensive and I'm afraid I wont end up using it so would love to hear your thoughts about them. Also do people prefer knee/shin guards or only knee for bike park riding? I feel like the added shin protection could come in really handy but may be a bit uncomfortable in the long run (and dosent look so good which shouldn't matter at all, yet kind of does.).
May 23 2017 6:27PM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
Mar-OFinally bought myself a used downhill bike the other day, posted the photo in the latest purchase thread, but figured I might as well post it here to. 2013 model mondraker summum :)

Sending the fork/shock in for a service this week, hopefully there is nothing wrong there!

Also I'm wondering how many of you ride with neck braces? I'm considering getting one but they are so expensive and I'm afraid I wont end up using it so would love to hear your thoughts about them. Also do people prefer knee/shin guards or only knee for bike park riding? I feel like the added shin protection could come in really handy but may be a bit uncomfortable in the long run (and dosent look so good which shouldn't matter at all, yet kind of does.).


I ride fox shin guards for dh/bikepark. They are hard plastic and go from my shins and cover the top of my knee cap. http://www.motosport.com/product/?adpos=1o3&cc=us&creative=188670690388&device=c&gclid=CjwKEAjwu4_JBRDpgs2RwsCbt1MSJABOY8anokajt4F9EOx9b07OrcgbYN1l4XdG_Wj7smNqDi8NfRoCX1Dw_wcB&key=Fox-Racing-2017-Titan-Race-Knee-Shin-Guards&matchtype=&network=g&product_id=FX4-TRK-BLACK&psreferrer=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F&pssource=true&segment=badger here is the link pretty cheap and worth it imo
May 23 2017 6:31PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
Mar-OFinally bought myself a used downhill bike the other day, posted the photo in the latest purchase thread, but figured I might as well post it here to. 2013 model mondraker summum :)

Sending the fork/shock in for a service this week, hopefully there is nothing wrong there!


Just an FYI - you really don't want to be clamping your work stand to anything but the seat post. Even though it's a DH bike, the aluminum in the spot you clamped is the thinnest of all spots on the frame. Do yourself the favor and clamp it to the seat post (provided you have the proper amount of post inserted in the frame as well).
May 24 2017 2:36AM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
onenerdykidJust an FYI - you really don't want to be clamping your work stand to anything but the seat post. Even though it's a DH bike, the aluminum in the spot you clamped is the thinnest of all spots on the frame. Do yourself the favor and clamp it to the seat post (provided you have the proper amount of post inserted in the frame as well).


Thanks for the tip, never thought about that as a problem before. Got used to it from my other bike though witch have a reverb dropper seat post so I'm pretty sure I have to mount that one to the frame or what do people usually do in that case?
May 24 2017 4:49AM
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dropimg
Posts: 89 - Karma: 109
Mar-OThanks for the tip, never thought about that as a problem before. Got used to it from my other bike though witch have a reverb dropper seat post so I'm pretty sure I have to mount that one to the frame or what do people usually do in that case?

I've seen a few techniques, but the most common is to just take the lower section of the reverb out of the frame enough so you can clamp on to it, if you are worried about not getting the seat height right after service, ad a line of silver sharpie where it would normally sit

my local shop has old tubes wrapped around the clamp, but i would only do this if you are confident that it will not pull on the post to much due to gravity
May 24 2017 7:11AM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
dropimgI've seen a few techniques, but the most common is to just take the lower section of the reverb out of the frame enough so you can clamp on to it, if you are worried about not getting the seat height right after service, ad a line of silver sharpie where it would normally sit

my local shop has old tubes wrapped around the clamp, but i would only do this if you are confident that it will not pull on the post to much due to gravity


Thanks, just tried taking the reverb up a bit and it worked but a bit tricky with the hose in the way (I have the normal, not stealth version) so will probably just start putting in the old seat post.


Anyways new question, I'm trying to bleed my Avid Juicy 3 brakes but can't seem to get it right. I'm using the reverb bleed kit which don't have the hose clamp so I think this may be the problem, however I tried clamping the hose with some small glue clamps which seemed to work okay but a little bit of air can probably still come through. I followed some guides for the bleed and it seemed to work fine (saw allot of air bubbles getting out etc.) but as soon as I take the bike off the bike stand and put it upside down the lever goes all the way in to the handelbar and I have to "pump" them to get some braking power back. Any idea what the problem may be before I try a 3rd time? My back brake seems fine.
And before someone asks, no, I wont be using the reverb bleed kit for anything else than brakes and dot fluid.
May 24 2017 5:36PM
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dropimg
Posts: 89 - Karma: 109
Mar-OThanks, just tried taking the reverb up a bit and it worked but a bit tricky with the hose in the way (I have the normal, not stealth version) so will probably just start putting in the old seat post.


Anyways new question, I'm trying to bleed my Avid Juicy 3 brakes but can't seem to get it right. I'm using the reverb bleed kit which don't have the hose clamp so I think this may be the problem, however I tried clamping the hose with some small glue clamps which seemed to work okay but a little bit of air can probably still come through. I followed some guides for the bleed and it seemed to work fine (saw allot of air bubbles getting out etc.) but as soon as I take the bike off the bike stand and put it upside down the lever goes all the way in to the handelbar and I have to "pump" them to get some braking power back. Any idea what the problem may be before I try a 3rd time? My back brake seems fine.
And before someone asks, no, I wont be using the reverb bleed kit for anything else than brakes and dot fluid.


I've had similar problems after putting the bike upside down. Its air from the resivour traveling down the hose and into the caliper, my quick fix is to tilt the bike onto the front wheel (90°) and grab both brakes 3 or so times. With shimano brakes there is a quick bleed hole which i use instead of the syringes. It works well.

There is Simple answer however: don't ever use avid
May 24 2017 5:46PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
Mar-OThanks for the tip, never thought about that as a problem before. Got used to it from my other bike though witch have a reverb dropper seat post so I'm pretty sure I have to mount that one to the frame or what do people usually do in that case?


As long as your seatpost is extended all the way out, there is no problem clamping it with a Reverb. The problems occur when the seatpost isn't extended all the way out and the post is getting pulled up, creating a suction or negative pressure under it. I've been clamping to my Reverb post for over 2 years with zero problems.
May 24 2017 7:25PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
Let's say I wanted to buy a new hardtail for around +/-$800, maybe a bit more. I don't need anything crazy expensive. I'll be using it for my only bike, so that includes just riding around on pavement and whatever for no reason other than to ride after work each night. I'm 5'5" 120lbs so I'm probably not going to blow up a fork, tires or anything that comes with a not top tier bike.

I went and road a size small 2017 giant roam 2 today. Nice bike, but I'm thinking I'd be better with a mtb hardtail rather than a hybrid so as to not sacrifice trail performance. I'm not racing, going super far or anything like that so I'm sure the on road performance will be fine enough for me. I rode a $100 front suspension bike around at school for four years an was fine, and sometimes I went pretty far. I probably won't get to real trails all that much right now, but when I do get on trails I want to be aggressive and not worry about the bike. Maybe I'll get more into it in the future, which is why I'm thinking about not buying a hybrid. Basically, I'm a good skier and skateboarder and I have a bit of BMX skill too, so if I do start riding more mtb type stuff I want the equipment to keep up.

Things like the specialized rockhopper, top tier giant talon, cannondale trail 5 and stuff like that are what I'm looking at. The talon seems to have a big following, especially after an upgrade or two, but I feel like I could do better with my budget. The 29" wheels are scaring me off the rockhopper. I feel like they'd be clumsy for somebody of my size, especially in the air.
May 24 2017 7:42PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
DrZoidbergLet's say I wanted to buy a new hardtail for around +/-$800, maybe a bit more. I don't need anything crazy expensive. I'll be using it for my only bike, so that includes just riding around on pavement and whatever for no reason other than to ride after work each night. I'm 5'5" 120lbs so I'm probably not going to blow up a fork, tires or anything that comes with a not top tier bike.

I went and road a size small 2017 giant roam 2 today. Nice bike, but I'm thinking I'd be better with a mtb hardtail rather than a hybrid so as to not sacrifice trail performance. I'm not racing, going super far or anything like that so I'm sure the on road performance will be fine enough for me. I rode a $100 front suspension bike around at school for four years an was fine, and sometimes I went pretty far. I probably won't get to real trails all that much right now, but when I do get on trails I want to be aggressive and not worry about the bike. Maybe I'll get more into it in the future, which is why I'm thinking about not buying a hybrid. Basically, I'm a good skier and skateboarder and I have a bit of BMX skill too, so if I do start riding more mtb type stuff I want the equipment to keep up.

Things like the specialized rockhopper, top tier giant talon, cannondale trail 5 and stuff like that are what I'm looking at. The talon seems to have a big following, especially after an upgrade or two, but I feel like I could do better with my budget. The 29" wheels are scaring me off the rockhopper. I feel like they'd be clumsy for somebody of my size, especially in the air.


When I worked at a bike shop I had a million customers come in and say the same thing as you. The thing is If you want something for just around town but also want to be aggressive on trails with, that bike just doesnt exist. I would usually point them to something like the three bikes you mentioned.

Other than the bike something to think of is it might just be better to buy an old cheap road bike for like $100 for around town and then buy a decent hardtail you can thrash on the trails.
May 24 2017 8:42PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
TingaWhen I worked at a bike shop I had a million customers come in and say the same thing as you. The thing is If you want something for just around town but also want to be aggressive on trails with, that bike just doesnt exist. I would usually point them to something like the three bikes you mentioned.

Other than the bike something to think of is it might just be better to buy an old cheap road bike for like $100 for around town and then buy a decent hardtail you can thrash on the trails.


Okay, so I'm basically asking for a ski that will be good in 5ft of fresh and solid ice park jumps and rails. I'm probably just going to ride a few bikes like the ones I've mentioned, buy one I feel good about and live with it. They've all got two wheels. I've got some time off next week so I'll go to a few shops.
May 24 2017 9:23PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
the Raleigh Tokul is a decent priced hardtail that seems aggressive and well spec'd
May 24 2017 9:40PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
DrZoidbergLet's say I wanted to buy a new hardtail for around +/-$800, maybe a bit more. I don't need anything crazy expensive. I'll be using it for my only bike, so that includes just riding around on pavement and whatever for no reason other than to ride after work each night. I'm 5'5" 120lbs so I'm probably not going to blow up a fork, tires or anything that comes with a not top tier bike.

I went and road a size small 2017 giant roam 2 today. Nice bike, but I'm thinking I'd be better with a mtb hardtail rather than a hybrid so as to not sacrifice trail performance. I'm not racing, going super far or anything like that so I'm sure the on road performance will be fine enough for me. I rode a $100 front suspension bike around at school for four years an was fine, and sometimes I went pretty far. I probably won't get to real trails all that much right now, but when I do get on trails I want to be aggressive and not worry about the bike. Maybe I'll get more into it in the future, which is why I'm thinking about not buying a hybrid. Basically, I'm a good skier and skateboarder and I have a bit of BMX skill too, so if I do start riding more mtb type stuff I want the equipment to keep up.

Things like the specialized rockhopper, top tier giant talon, cannondale trail 5 and stuff like that are what I'm looking at. The talon seems to have a big following, especially after an upgrade or two, but I feel like I could do better with my budget. The 29" wheels are scaring me off the rockhopper. I feel like they'd be clumsy for somebody of my size, especially in the air.


the Raleigh Tokul is a decent priced hardtail that seems aggressive and well spec'd

sorry for double post
May 24 2017 9:41PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
just had 10 straight days of riding in bellingham. so fucking good. very tired.
May 25 2017 1:00AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
TingaWhen I worked at a bike shop I had a million customers come in and say the same thing as you. The thing is If you want something for just around town but also want to be aggressive on trails with, that bike just doesnt exist. I would usually point them to something like the three bikes you mentioned.

Other than the bike something to think of is it might just be better to buy an old cheap road bike for like $100 for around town and then buy a decent hardtail you can thrash on the trails.


So much this.

I saved up, got an awesome mountain bike (fs) and then picked up a sweet road bike for a steal, but was still frustrated I couldn't just rip around town. I couldn't just go for coffee/grab groceries/cruise because I wasn't comfortable leaving the other two locked up. Picking up a beater fixie (not actually. Volume Cutter frame, Phil Woods hubs, etc) was one of the best purchases I've made this year. I ride it more then the other two.

It's WAY easier to find a do it all ski than a do it all bike.
May 25 2017 2:27AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,100
I finally got my bike built up and its been raining so much here. Dont want to rut up the trails so I only have 4 days training for my trip.
Heading out to Moab first week of June for riding and hiking. Anyone else going to be out there? My dad (riding partner) just tore his ACL and cant ride with me and I dont want to pay to ride with a shop group and am not comfortable riding alone out there.
May 26 2017 12:54PM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,157
kingsskierI finally got my bike built up and its been raining so much here. Dont want to rut up the trails so I only have 4 days training for my trip.
Heading out to Moab first week of June for riding and hiking. Anyone else going to be out there? My dad (riding partner) just tore his ACL and cant ride with me and I dont want to pay to ride with a shop group and am not comfortable riding alone out there.


Only southerners are in Moab in June, it's too damn hot! hahaha
May 26 2017 4:45PM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,100
.nastyOnly southerners are in Moab in June, it's too damn hot! hahaha


I normally go in August to avoid the crowds. It's normally 100-110 mid day in August. June highs are around 90 and maybe get some clouds. I have seen rain for 10 minutes in 10 years of going in August. Most years I don't ever see a cloud.
But I love the heat so it's perfect for me. Almost killed my dad once though. Had to drive the truck back to get him.
May 26 2017 5:17PM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,157
kingsskierI normally go in August to avoid the crowds. It's normally 100-110 mid day in August. June highs are around 90 and maybe get some clouds. I have seen rain for 10 minutes in 10 years of going in August. Most years I don't ever see a cloud.
But I love the heat so it's perfect for me. Almost killed my dad once though. Had to drive the truck back to get him.


Yeah plus you can just camp higher up towards the La Sals in June and it's perfect weather. There's a ton or trails stemming from that Warner campground area too.
May 26 2017 6:23PM
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paige.
Posts: 1932 - Karma: 924
kingsskierI finally got my bike built up and its been raining so much here. Dont want to rut up the trails so I only have 4 days training for my trip.


It hasn't stopped raining for more than a day here either. I just picked up a secondhand Specialized Rumour Expert, got it all set up, and am dying to take it out. And now that it's supposed to clear up for a bit, some dickwad has stolen my license plate. The DMV here is closed on weekends and by 4:30 for most of the week, so I won't have access to my car until next Thursday as the earliest. Which means no driving to the trails.
May 27 2017 12:59PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
Anybody have anything to say about Felt, specifically the seventy seventy? Never heard of them but I went and rode the seventy eighty and it seemed nice. I could afford the upgrade to the higher spec version. I also rode a giant talon, and the Felt seemed a bit quicker steering and more responsive/maneuverable. There's also a Giant Fathom, but I got to ride a medium which was a bit too big for me. That seems like a nice bike though. Stock dropper post.

I tried a few 29ers too. I think I like the 27.5" better.
May 27 2017 1:36PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13084 - Karma: 18,731
DrZoidbergAnybody have anything to say about Felt, specifically the seventy seventy? Never heard of them but I went and rode the seventy eighty and it seemed nice. I could afford the upgrade to the higher spec version. I also rode a giant talon, and the Felt seemed a bit quicker steering and more responsive/maneuverable. There's also a Giant Fathom, but I got to ride a medium which was a bit too big for me. That seems like a nice bike though. Stock dropper post.

I tried a few 29ers too. I think I like the 27.5" better.

Try considering the Norco Range. Its a 27.5" wheels, 170cm-180cm travel. Its quite the bike... Its a do it all bike that does it all very well! The 2017 model has changed from the 2015 model I rode, but I am sure little has changed, other than the new components.

I have a Devinci Wilson 2008 and the Range felt like the Wilson on the way down, but I was able to pedal all the way up to my trails.

Felt is a great brand, but there are no dealers in my area.
May 28 2017 7:32PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
freestyler540Try considering the Norco Range. Its a 27.5" wheels, 170cm-180cm travel. Its quite the bike... Its a do it all bike that does it all very well! The 2017 model has changed from the 2015 model I rode, but I am sure little has changed, other than the new components.

I have a Devinci Wilson 2008 and the Range felt like the Wilson on the way down, but I was able to pedal all the way up to my trails.

Felt is a great brand, but there are no dealers in my area.


The shop near me has them, which is why I asked. I'm gonna go ride it again, but out of the few i've tried it felt the best, which is why I'm considering it.
May 28 2017 9:40PM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293


Selling my SX Trail, looking for $1500. Thing is a classic. Currently located in San Luis Obispo, CA. but I'll be back in Portland with it mid-June. Full post here https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2188402/
May 29 2017 9:51PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
Lol I went to order that felt 7 seventy since I liked how the lower spec version rode... Turns out they don't make it anymore. So, back to square one... Was looking at bikes on Norco's site and was like wow these are expensive, but then I realized the prices were in Canadian dollars.
Jun 1 2017 5:14PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
DrZoidbergLol I went to order that felt 7 seventy since I liked how the lower spec version rode... Turns out they don't make it anymore. So, back to square one... Was looking at bikes on Norco's site and was like wow these are expensive, but then I realized the prices were in Canadian dollars.


check out commencal bikes
Jun 2 2017 12:37AM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268


Well I did it. Went and rode this bike. Decent parts and everything felt right about it, so I bought it. Size small Norco Charger 7.3. Just went to explore my local woods where I used to ride when I was younger. I'm not sure if it's actively being built, ridden and maintained by a specific group but there's some stuff built in there. I'll have to try and bump into whoever it is sometime.
Jun 2 2017 5:07PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13084 - Karma: 18,731
DrZoidberg


Well I did it. Went and rode this bike. Decent parts and everything felt right about it, so I bought it. Size small Norco Charger 7.3. Just went to explore my local woods where I used to ride when I was younger. I'm not sure if it's actively being built, ridden and maintained by a specific group but there's some stuff built in there. I'll have to try and bump into whoever it is sometime.

That bike will treat you well.

If someone is building in your area; go buy a pair of gloves, shovel, pick axe and rake. Then work up the dirt. As long as its not private property, your trails will last longer and be more fun to ride. If you build it; they will come!

High tension power line trails out east offer free, long distance trails without death traps and unpassable gullies. Check out trailforks.com for a rich network of official trails.

Congrats on your buy!
Jun 2 2017 7:53PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
freestyler540That bike will treat you well.

If someone is building in your area; go buy a pair of gloves, shovel, pick axe and rake. Then work up the dirt. As long as its not private property, your trails will last longer and be more fun to ride. If you build it; they will come!

High tension power line trails out east offer free, long distance trails without death traps and unpassable gullies. Check out trailforks.com for a rich network of official trails.

Congrats on your buy!


Yeah these woods are just woods, or like "township property" or something of that nature, I'm sure. But at one point there was a jump over a refrigerator among other things, so I'm sure things will be fine.

Two questions:

Pedals are more or less universal right? Like if I go buy deity comps there shouldn't be any fitment issues?

Is there any specific maintenance I need to know about for sand exposure? There's apparently sand in the woods.
Jun 2 2017 8:38PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
Is there a best time of year to buy? 4th of July is coming up.
Jun 3 2017 10:06AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
a_pla5tic_bagIs there a best time of year to buy? 4th of July is coming up.


Off season (fall winter)?
Jun 3 2017 10:50AM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13084 - Karma: 18,731
DrZoidbergTwo questions:

Pedals are more or less universal right? Like if I go buy deity comps there shouldn't be any fitment issues?

Is there any specific maintenance I need to know about for sand exposure? There's apparently sand in the woods.

I tend to stay with platform pedals for the error margin. Pedals are not something I know too much of, but my guess is no... unless you buy the universal types. Most companies prefer having their own brands of shoes fit their own clips. However, ask the guys at the bike shop, they will know the answer and help you find the right one for you.

Sand itself is not a problem for bearings or suspension. Dust, however, is...but no worries! For the bottom bracket, headset and hubs; a simple wash down will suffice, but avoid using a fine brush to not push the dust into the bearings. Most greases are designed to catch and hold the dust in suspension to avoid contact with the metal on metal. By experience, headsets are done every 2-3 years (until they have some resistance) and bottom brackets will creak and crack... usually every 3-5 years.They are fairly cheap, but use the correct tools if you are going to do them yourself. Ive never had problem with wheelsets so just dont open them up.

For suspension, You should get it maintained every year if budget permits. Dust is scrapped off by the top seals and washed by the fork's internal oil. As long as you keep them plungers scratch free, dont worry about it!

Where sand does cause a problem, is the chain and derailleur. It will get into the guide cogs...but dont worry, its easy to clean with a rag. For the chain, I recommend dry condition chain lube from the shop. It will prevent buildup and keep the chain squeaky clean. Apply some before and after the ride for best protection and best performance. There is a wear tolerance you should be aware of; but they are cheap and changing them is pretty easy, with the right tools. Dont let the chain skip from wear...that will cost you in the long run

If tldr, dont worry about sand, the bike will be fine
Jun 3 2017 5:09PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
freestyler540I tend to stay with platform pedals


Ha yeah platform pedals are what I meant. Not trying to die cause I can't ditch the bike just yet. What I meant is the hole in the crank for the pedals to screw into is common to all pedals?
Jun 3 2017 5:43PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13084 - Karma: 18,731
DrZoidbergHa yeah platform pedals are what I meant. Not trying to die cause I can't ditch the bike just yet. What I meant is the hole in the crank for the pedals to screw into is common to all pedals?

yes, they are! Im happy to hear im not the only one that prefers platform over clip
Jun 3 2017 6:50PM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,157
Having flats/platform pedals isn't just a plus when learning for ditching the bike, it teaches you better technique for downhill as you're not able to use your feet to lift.
Jun 3 2017 6:59PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
DrZoidbergHa yeah platform pedals are what I meant. Not trying to die cause I can't ditch the bike just yet. What I meant is the hole in the crank for the pedals to screw into is common to all pedals?


There are two pedal spindle sizes. 9/16" and 1/2", however you will only find 1/2" pedals on one piece cranks. You will only find one piece cranks on kids bikes and the cheapest bikes. Unless you have one of those, your pedals will always be 9/16", regardless of brand or style.
Jun 3 2017 11:26PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
freestyler540I tend to stay with platform pedals for the error margin. Pedals are not something I know too much of, but my guess is no... unless you buy the universal types. Most companies prefer having their own brands of shoes fit their own clips.


If you have clipless mountain shoes, they will basically work with any clipless mountain pedal. The cleats are the specific part that needs to be matched to the pedals, which come with the pedals when you buy them.
Jun 4 2017 4:06AM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
Just got a new bike with a 2x10 drivetrain. Down the line if I wanted to switch it to 1x10, what size chainring would I want?
Jun 4 2017 3:02PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
mike759Just got a new bike with a 2x10 drivetrain. Down the line if I wanted to switch it to 1x10, what size chainring would I want?


Chain ring size depends on the size of your legs, the size of your cassette and what you'll most often be riding.

Most people usually spec a 32 t chain ring. if there is a lot climbing you'll be doing you may want to go down. If your cassette is winde range like 11-42 you may be able to spec up. If your overall fitness is high you can probably spec up.

With all that said Probably just get a 32t.
Jun 4 2017 9:09PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
If there's something I can't get in a local shop, wheres the place to order online? I know evo and backcountry have stuff but is there a more dedicated biking place that everyone uses?
Jun 5 2017 11:54AM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
Got one more for yall - if I need to cut the seat post to be able to make it shorter so I can fit on the bike (i'm small), is that going to impact the function of a dropper post? The one where you press the button and it drops the seat.
Jun 5 2017 4:43PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
a_pla5tic_bagIf there's something I can't get in a local shop, wheres the place to order online? I know evo and backcountry have stuff but is there a more dedicated biking place that everyone uses?


Chain Reaction Cycles is probably the biggest out there. If you are in the states, Jenson USA is a big one. For road stuff, I go between wiggle.co.uk, Ribble or probikekit.com

a_pla5tic_bagGot one more for yall - if I need to cut the seat post to be able to make it shorter so I can fit on the bike (i'm small), is that going to impact the function of a dropper post? The one where you press the button and it drops the seat.


I don't think you can cut a dropper. If it's too big, you probably need to get a shorter dropper. For example, the Rockshox Reverb comes in sizes between 100mm and 170mm. If yours is too big,
Jun 5 2017 5:09PM
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doitbig
Posts: 4818 - Karma: 315
Threads because I was just gifted a bike and am loving it so far.
Jun 5 2017 7:28PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
Has anyone here dealt with shipping a bike from Canada to the US?

Have my eye on a bike up north.. but do not want to pay too much for shipping and other costs that could come along with it.
Jun 5 2017 9:15PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
First bike packing trip done! Just a short trip less than 24 hours car to car but we got ride 44 miles of mostly singletrack, rode some rad new trails, systems worked well, slept well, and nobody got hurt or broke a bike. Think I'm hooked!
Jun 5 2017 10:03PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
cydwhitFirst bike packing trip done! Just a short trip less than 24 hours car to car but we got ride 44 miles of mostly singletrack, rode some rad new trails, systems worked well, slept well, and nobody got hurt or broke a bike. Think I'm hooked!


Nice. Wait till you do some multiple day trips. It always makes me feel like I have to really rely on myself and my bike.
Jun 5 2017 10:24PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
cydwhitFirst bike packing trip done! Just a short trip less than 24 hours car to car but we got ride 44 miles of mostly singletrack, rode some rad new trails, systems worked well, slept well, and nobody got hurt or broke a bike. Think I'm hooked!


You chose the wrong weekend to go... I think that was my only weekend off and I didn't even get to see you:(

Bike packing does sound fun... where did you go exactly?
Jun 5 2017 11:32PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
.lenconYou chose the wrong weekend to go... I think that was my only weekend off and I didn't even get to see you:(

Bike packing does sound fun... where did you go exactly?


Aww man! So bummed!

We went out in the Caribous, over by Palisade Resivour, and did a fair bit of derping and wandering!
Jun 6 2017 12:09AM
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