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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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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
Did a couple laps of my local singletrack on a singlespeed. There's a lot of climbing. So damn fun... 10/10 would suffer again

gearing was 32x15, so nothing crazy but just enough to feel the burn on the steep stuff. My pace was only a couple minutes off normal too, so I'm stoked on that
Jul 10 2014 12:39PM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,962
Demoed a Santa Cruz 5010 last weekend and oh boy was it great. I was locked out most of the time I was climbing, but when I wasn't I was really surprised by how little I noticed that I was losing power to my suspension.

It had the FOX CTD and I really liked it personally, I know most people don't, but it was simple, easy to use, and quick.

As always the trails in Winter Park and Fraser were awesome. I tried some new stuff in the USFS Idlewild trails and they were great for a short ride. Would recommend
Jul 10 2014 1:04PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
stupendous-man


house line step down on the big hit. gopro coming through with the not-blurry screencap


sending!
Jul 10 2014 1:15PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
Stupid question, do you guys brake with your index finger or middle finger? I've always used my index and I had a friend tell me I was wrong and I should be using the middle. that just doesn't feel right...
Jul 10 2014 1:23PM
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
JuliusJStupid question, do you guys brake with your index finger or middle finger? I've always used my index and I had a friend tell me I was wrong and I should be using the middle. that just doesn't feel right...

I brake with my pointer and middle fingers, or if i'm one-fingering, just my pointer. I have huge Magura MTS levers though.

I feel like I wouldn't be able to pull my brake lever with power if I only used middle...
Jul 10 2014 1:27PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Sh4dowI am looking for the same thing. One that was recommended to me and looks pretty awesome is the Specialized Pitch Pro.

thanks man, looked to see if I could find any good deals on one but didn't find any used one in my area..

However did find a Scott Genius 10 2012, Scott Genius 30 2008, Scott Genius 30 2012 and Specialized Stumpjumper comp EVO. Leaning towards the Stumpjumper (unused) or the Genius 30 2012 but I would need to talk the price down a little bit on both these two. Might go with the Genius 30 2008 if I can't get the price down on the other bikes but I don't like that it only have 130mm travel instead of 150mm on the other two. The Genius 10 also looks like a good deal but it having a kind of rusty chain makes me think that it might not have been taken care of the way it should have.


Thoughts??
Jul 10 2014 3:30PM
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-WZ-
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 6,582
JuliusJStupid question, do you guys brake with your index finger or middle finger? I've always used my index and I had a friend tell me I was wrong and I should be using the middle. that just doesn't feel right...


i use my pointer finger, i used to brake with two fingers and you lose alot of control with 2
Jul 10 2014 5:57PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Damn, my brother just finished building this bike for my friend, so much want.


http://www.sklarbikes.com/pictures/
Jul 10 2014 6:55PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
-WZ-i use my pointer finger, i used to brake with two fingers and you lose alot of control with 2


ok. yeah i do the same.
Jul 10 2014 8:23PM
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Where-am-I
Posts: 1635 - Karma: 281
SklarDamn, my brother just finished building this bike for my friend, so much want.


http://www.sklarbikes.com/pictures/


Hardtail AM bikes look awesome, but I don't get the appeal. Then again the trails near my home are really rough, maybe the are really fun on smoother trails?
Jul 11 2014 1:46AM
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
Where-am-IHardtail AM bikes look awesome, but I don't get the appeal. Then again the trails near my home are really rough, maybe the are really fun on smoother trails?


I would always ride hardtail or rigid if I had the choice. Full sus is fun for DH but there's something about whippin a hardtail around turns that I love.
Jul 11 2014 11:28AM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Got to ride some trails at big sky. I like riding out here a lot more than back east. I can point my bike straighter for longer out here which is nice cause I can't turn for shit.
Jul 14 2014 12:08AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,007
Put in 24 miles on my reign last night, it hurt but was totally worth it, now I just hope I don't have to reap the repercussions of a mid ride break to drink not so clear creek water.
Jul 14 2014 12:16AM
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
last_tangoGot to ride some trails at big sky. I like riding out here a lot more than back east. I can point my bike straighter for longer out here which is nice cause I can't turn for shit.


That would be nice once and a while. In Minnesota almost everything is tight and twisty (only thing straight is XCski trail) which is awesome, but riding out west is great because you just get long stretches of trail to haul down (or up) and it's less... Stressful
Jul 14 2014 12:35AM
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*N_Wist*
Posts: 422 - Karma: 79
Do any of you guys have dropper posts? Looking into getting one. What should I expect price wise/ what are some good brands?
Jul 15 2014 12:46PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
MEDSKI_That would be nice once and a while. In Minnesota almost everything is tight and twisty (only thing straight is XCski trail) which is awesome, but riding out west is great because you just get long stretches of trail to haul down (or up) and it's less... Stressful

this is what I use to dh on out in maine. start at :50
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6611fZ6j4Q
you almost have to stop to turn.


About to hop on a xc and do some xc trails at moonlight basin. Everything DH is closed for a week due to logging.
Jul 15 2014 2:19PM
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LoathesRaisins
Posts: 3612 - Karma: 4,735
I'm looking for a mountain bike that I can use to go downhilling at my local mountain and that can be used to ride on the road for exercise. Is there such a thing? I'm 5'6" 155lbs if that matters.
Jul 15 2014 2:26PM
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Where-am-I
Posts: 1635 - Karma: 281
ChrisMcCandlessI'm looking for a mountain bike that I can use to go downhilling at my local mountain and that can be used to ride on the road for exercise. Is there such a thing? I'm 5'6" 155lbs if that matters.


Road riding and DH are basically on opposite ends of the bike spectrum, but you could get longer travel trail bike like a Santa Cruz Nomad or a Yeti SB-66 which are great at descending and would still have good pedaling efficiency. But riding them on the road would be a bit of a waste, they are made to go up and down mountain bike trails, why bother riding on the road, just get on an XC trail.
Jul 15 2014 2:44PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
ChrisMcCandlessI'm looking for a mountain bike that I can use to go downhilling at my local mountain and that can be used to ride on the road for exercise. Is there such a thing? I'm 5'6" 155lbs if that matters.

I would get two bikes.

For a road bike I would just go get something cheap sub $100 on craigslist that fits you decently well. The road bike is going to be for exercise anyway so you don't need this super carbon frame that you are going to do 40+mile rides.

You really don't want to skimp on a mountain bike. Do you want your dh rig to blow out after taking a drop or when you are hauling ass around a berm? I see more risk on a mountain bike and therefor I want equipment that is 100% made for what I'm doing and feel confident with.
Jul 15 2014 2:55PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
ChrisMcCandlessI'm looking for a mountain bike that I can use to go downhilling at my local mountain and that can be used to ride on the road for exercise. Is there such a thing? I'm 5'6" 155lbs if that matters.


You could use a cross country mtb for commuting and really easy downhill but for downhill you'll probably want an all mountain/enduro or downhill/freeride bike. They will be too heavy, too much suspension, too big of tires, and in the case of the latter, not enough gear ratios available, to comfortably use for commuting.

Get a good mountain bike for downhill, and get a cheap OTS (old ten speed) on Craigslist for commuting.
Jul 15 2014 5:50PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
anybody selling gloves or knee pads?
Jul 15 2014 7:25PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
*N_Wist*Do any of you guys have dropper posts? Looking into getting one. What should I expect price wise/ what are some good brands?


They are awesome! Especially if you like to pedal up then do more aggressive riding on the way down, thats what i love to do. Sadly my dropper post is toast, got it used, and the grooves on the seat post are too worn to keep the seat in place. It depends how much you want to spend, personally i think i would go with rock shox, specialized or the fox one if i had the money, but i might go with the new KS one that is like 175$ just cuz money is tight
Jul 15 2014 8:42PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Didn't go to moonlight but stayed on the big sky side
Jul 15 2014 9:12PM
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*N_Wist*
Posts: 422 - Karma: 79
*cgski*They are awesome! Especially if you like to pedal up then do more aggressive riding on the way down, thats what i love to do. Sadly my dropper post is toast, got it used, and the grooves on the seat post are too worn to keep the seat in place. It depends how much you want to spend, personally i think i would go with rock shox, specialized or the fox one if i had the money, but i might go with the new KS one that is like 175$ just cuz money is tight


That's pretty much my exact reason for getting one, I looked at a comparison video of a bunch of them and price looked around 350- ~450 at the high end which I'm not willing to spend (although the rock shox stealth one where the cable goes through the frame looked awesome).
Jul 15 2014 10:35PM
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Logey.
Posts: 2996 - Karma: 457
Just picked up a Giant Trance frame and rockshox pike forks for a sweet deal from my buddy! Anyone selling a 20mm thru-axle front wheel or a nice wheel set for cheap??
Jul 15 2014 11:09PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
Logey.Just picked up a Giant Trance frame and rockshox pike forks for a sweet deal from my buddy! Anyone selling a 20mm thru-axle front wheel or a nice wheel set for cheap??


they make the pike with a 20mm axel?
Jul 15 2014 11:14PM
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ajax
Posts: 2852 - Karma: 1,245


Mushroom drop in Moab, UT.
Jul 15 2014 11:23PM
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Logey.
Posts: 2996 - Karma: 457
Logey.Just picked up a Giant Trance frame and rockshox pike forks for a sweet deal from my buddy! Anyone selling a 20mm thru-axle front wheel or a nice wheel set for cheap??


I Guess so, I took it to a local bike shop and they measured it. It kind of sucks because 20mm are way harder to find.
Jul 15 2014 11:30PM
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Where-am-I
Posts: 1635 - Karma: 281
Logey.Just picked up a Giant Trance frame and rockshox pike forks for a sweet deal from my buddy! Anyone selling a 20mm thru-axle front wheel or a nice wheel set for cheap??


pinkbike buy/sell if you are in a bind for cash, you can pick up a front wheel for real cheap. or if you want a new wheelset on the cheap check out the stan's notubes flow ex, under 600 for a 20mm compatible tubless wheelset, i just got a set and love em'
Jul 16 2014 1:19AM
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special-J
Posts: 1572 - Karma: 4,477
so is anyone looking for a:

CHEAP ALL-MOUNTAIN BIKE: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1603517/




DIRT JUMP/PARK BIKE: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1602490/




DOWNHILL BIKE: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1602512/




or DOWNHILL FRAME? http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1469134/




you could say I'm doing some garage cleaning. PM me
Jul 16 2014 3:26AM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
If only you had large frames. Finding anything affordable in a large is a bitch.
Jul 16 2014 4:30AM
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Logey.
Posts: 2996 - Karma: 457
http://lacrosse.craigslist.org/bik/4558069640.html
Good deal NS?
Jul 16 2014 10:56AM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
Logey.http://lacrosse.craigslist.org/bik/4558069640.html
Good deal NS?


the fuck, an Eastern dh frame? Pretty good deal though
Jul 16 2014 1:28PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
ajax


Mushroom drop in Moab, UT.


dam, seriously do not want to mess up on that landing
Jul 16 2014 2:02PM
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Randel
Posts: 123 - Karma: 178
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=bb2f3a5a29&view=fimg&th=147416f24767bd65&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8p5Ukl_UJl-pUgaw2qqLuLCfaxjP_JChyRJoU0-JVe0IOy3Lr85u_pnUBduBA-9AZ5ulb-LZR81UvpS2Cw-a9mh_j3d4ClFlgmXnz43vT_rq4gaR-IGpWiwj0&ats=1405552126734&rm=147416f24767bd65&zw&sz=w1443-h620

Current bike. Stock 2013 trek fuel ex7. Right now I'm using Maxxis Minion DHRs for both front and rear tires. Work great in dry, rocky conditions.
Jul 16 2014 7:14PM
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Randel
Posts: 123 - Karma: 178
RandelSkishttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=bb2f3a5a29&view=fimg&th=147416f24767bd65&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8p5Ukl_UJl-pUgaw2qqLuLCfaxjP_JChyRJoU0-JVe0IOy3Lr85u_pnUBduBA-9AZ5ulb-LZR81UvpS2Cw-a9mh_j3d4ClFlgmXnz43vT_rq4gaR-IGpWiwj0&ats=1405552126734&rm=147416f24767bd65&zw&sz=w1443-h620

Current bike. Stock 2013 trek fuel ex7. Right now I'm using Maxxis Minion DHRs for both front and rear tires. Work great in dry, rocky conditions.


What the actual fuck is this shit?
Jul 16 2014 7:15PM
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Such_Doge
Posts: 204 - Karma: 704
I've checked Pinkbike and found a few options. But for anyone selling or knows anyone selling I'm looking for a dh bike. Not too picky just at least 160 travel full suspenion( obviously) and under $1200. I'm located in Washington and could possibly pay for shipping. Thanks. On a separate note I just started biking at Stevens pass and I have a question after each run my hands are in brutal pain and I can't even bend my fingers but at the top I'm fine again. My friend says it's just because I just started riding dh but I'm not sure. I'm currently riding a giant trance x3 with 120 in the front. Yeah I know that's not a lot of travel for dh but that's what I got to work with. Any answers? Thanks.
Jul 17 2014 2:43AM
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.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,861
I'm going to highlands in a few days. anyone been there before? just want to know what to expect.
Jul 17 2014 2:51AM
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Where-am-I
Posts: 1635 - Karma: 281
Such_DogeI've checked Pinkbike and found a few options. But for anyone selling or knows anyone selling I'm looking for a dh bike. Not too picky just at least 160 travel full suspenion( obviously) and under $1200. I'm located in Washington and could possibly pay for shipping. Thanks. On a separate note I just started biking at Stevens pass and I have a question after each run my hands are in brutal pain and I can't even bend my fingers but at the top I'm fine again. My friend says it's just because I just started riding dh but I'm not sure. I'm currently riding a giant trance x3 with 120 in the front. Yeah I know that's not a lot of travel for dh but that's what I got to work with. Any answers? Thanks.


in regards to your hands, totally normal, especially with such a short travel fork, you might try being more conscious of your grip and making sure you aren't holding your bars with a death grip. its only if you can't bend your fingers after riding, or the next day then you should back off. i've gotten trigger finger in my pinky and ring finger before from riding too much, they wouldn;t close all the way until a month after bike season
Jul 17 2014 3:23AM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Bought a Scott ransom 40 a couple of days ago. 165/160mm suspension might be a bit overkill for the biking I do but it climbs pretty decent with the lock out on the shock. Also just bought a Race Face light weight bash for it and now I need to get a chain guide. Any tips on what guide to get, gonna have a 22t and 32t chainring+ 32t bash if that matters?

And I need to get a repair stand, anyone have experience building one or should I just save the time and buy one?

Photo of my bike (previous owners photo)
Jul 17 2014 9:46AM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
.FRY.I'm going to highlands in a few days. anyone been there before? just want to know what to expect.


Highlands or Highland? Highland Mountain Bike Park is amazing. Such a fun place to shred, if you don't have a bike that can handle it though i would definitely recommend renting one. They have stuff for everyone though
Jul 17 2014 9:00PM
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J-Mel
Posts: 402 - Karma: 1,413
Rad to see this thread on NS!
Figure a video is a better way to show my bike than a picture so here it is! Whistler in the summer is rad for bikes too!

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/whistler-local-jesse-melamed-video-2014.html

Rocky Mountain Altitude 799MSL
Shimano XTR, Fox suspension and dropper post, Stan's wheels, Maxxis tires, and Raceface cockpit.
Jul 18 2014 12:21PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
Such_DogeI've checked Pinkbike and found a few options. But for anyone selling or knows anyone selling I'm looking for a dh bike. Not too picky just at least 160 travel full suspenion( obviously) and under $1200. I'm located in Washington and could possibly pay for shipping. Thanks. On a separate note I just started biking at Stevens pass and I have a question after each run my hands are in brutal pain and I can't even bend my fingers but at the top I'm fine again. My friend says it's just because I just started riding dh but I'm not sure. I'm currently riding a giant trance x3 with 120 in the front. Yeah I know that's not a lot of travel for dh but that's what I got to work with. Any answers? Thanks.


Yah that's called death grip haha. Happens all the time.

I'm actually going to be selling my bike here pretty soon. It's the one pictured in the op. Im located in Bellingham if you wanna take a gander sometime otherwise you can ask for pictures specs that I haven't already listed in the thread.
Jul 18 2014 8:24PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
BakerpowI'm actually going to be selling my bike here pretty soon.


Already? Something new on the horizon?

My wheels showed up on Wednesday (there may be a teaser picture posted later for some pre-build stoke), and I will be picking up my headsets later this evening. Parts are now all in, and I hope to be riding the new bike next weekend. Beyond stoked.
Jul 18 2014 8:28PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
Mar-Othanks man, looked to see if I could find any good deals on one but didn't find any used one in my area..

However did find a Scott Genius 10 2012, Scott Genius 30 2008, Scott Genius 30 2012 and Specialized Stumpjumper comp EVO. Leaning towards the Stumpjumper (unused) or the Genius 30 2012 but I would need to talk the price down a little bit on both these two. Might go with the Genius 30 2008 if I can't get the price down on the other bikes but I don't like that it only have 130mm travel instead of 150mm on the other two. The Genius 10 also looks like a good deal but it having a kind of rusty chain makes me think that it might not have been taken care of the way it should have.


Thoughts??


You are concerned about 130mm being not enough travel but are also considering the Stumpjumper? The Stumpjumper has only 80mm front and none in back (hardtail). I've heard great things about it, but it's a XC/trail bike, not intended for downhill at all.
Jul 18 2014 10:22PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
division.bellAlready? Something new on the horizon?

My wheels showed up on Wednesday (there may be a teaser picture posted later for some pre-build stoke), and I will be picking up my headsets later this evening. Parts are now all in, and I hope to be riding the new bike next weekend. Beyond stoked.


Yah I want something lighter probabky. Ideally I would sell it in September or october. Then save up for something in may.
Jul 19 2014 2:47PM
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b-kul
Posts: 4350 - Karma: 1,111
Sh4dowYou are concerned about 130mm being not enough travel but are also considering the Stumpjumper? The Stumpjumper has only 80mm front and none in back (hardtail). I've heard great things about it, but it's a XC/trail bike, not intended for downhill at all.


Probably means the stumpy fsr evo. It's a great bike, one of the most dialed trail bikes available imo.
Jul 19 2014 3:09PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Sh4dowYou are concerned about 130mm being not enough travel but are also considering the Stumpjumper? The Stumpjumper has only 80mm front and none in back (hardtail). I've heard great things about it, but it's a XC/trail bike, not intended for downhill at all.


The EVO type is at least full suspension, link. However as posted above I ended up getting a Scott ransom 40, it might be a bit overkill with the 165/160mm travel but its still pretty decent climbing so Im stoked!
Jul 19 2014 3:09PM
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balzach
Posts: 241 - Karma: 2,616
dont really wanna deal with pictures.

my rides:

~2010 jamis kromo, dj3 fork, hayes stroker rear brake, race face bars and cranks, ns stem, spank rims, atomlab hubs, single speed, ns pedals

~2011 santa cruz bullit, totem fork, fox dhx coil shox, raceface cranks and bars, atom lab rims and stem, spank hubs, sram cassete, hayes stroker front and rear brakes, ns pedals
Jul 19 2014 3:31PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
J-MelRad to see this thread on NS!
Figure a video is a better way to show my bike than a picture so here it is! Whistler in the summer is rad for bikes too!

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/whistler-local-jesse-melamed-video-2014.html

Rocky Mountain Altitude 799MSL
Shimano XTR, Fox suspension and dropper post, Stan's wheels, Maxxis tires, and Raceface cockpit.


Nice edit and riding man!
Jul 19 2014 3:58PM
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