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  • in reply to: The 29ER DEBATE #73851

    I voted for 26 inch wheels, because thats what I ride and I don’t foresee myself switching to a 29er anytime in the near future. However, I agree with Jeremey, 29ers do have their place in mountain biking world.

    in reply to: The best MTB’s ever built???? #74547

    Okay my opinion may be ‘slightly’ biased, but i am just gonna throw it out there…

    Santa Cruz Heckler

    simplicity, durability, versatility, performance, stout tried and true single pivot design that just never seems to go out of style

    in reply to: The 29ER DEBATE #73846
    "steve32300" wrote
    .So tell me what is going here,are people more interested just being around moutain biking because it’s expensive or are people really out there getting off on riding the trail’s???

    Honestly I think this syndrome you describe is not isolated to mountain biking whatsoever, but rather runs much deeper. American "cultural" has evolved such that materialism and excess are common practices in virtually all aspects of life. Do any of us (non-racers) need the latest greatest full suspension systems, XTR parts, and $1000 front forks? NO, but we convince ourselves we do because quality parts definitely translate into better performance, durability, etc. Likewise, do any of us need an Audi A8 Sport Wagon or a BMW. NO, but I’m sure they are a hell of lot more fun to drive then my toyota. Do any of us need ipods, iphones, and blackberrys? NO, but they sure are more convenient than a 1980’s Sony walkman and pay phones. I could go on and on. I guess my point is that over buying is not isolated to mountain biking but rather is prevalent EVERYWHERE in our culture. People like to spend their hard earned money on nice things that they may not absolutely honest to god [i:28y5l28o]need[/i:28y5l28o], but they may absolutely honest to god [i:28y5l28o]want[/i:28y5l28o]. It is what it is. Honestly, I can’t fault people for buying big because, if you have the money….why not?

    in reply to: The 29ER DEBATE #73838

    I have been guilty of observing this post from a far without commenting, but I felt the need to comment today. I think some may be forgetting the most basic fundamental reason why we all mountain bike…too have FUN!!. I am never going to be a super skilled trials-esque rider nor am I going to win the Leadville 100. I ride to have fun. I rode a hardtail for 4 years, now I ride a FS. Riding my full suspension rig is 100x more fun then riding my old hardtail. I can ride tougher sections, I can climb better, I can ride harder, I can ride faster, I can ride longer. The same effort on my part yields superior results, ie longer, faster, more fun rides. Sure, my skills are not going to be on par with the rigid single speeder who rides the same trails as I do, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m more into fun than into pain.

    As far as the 29er debate, I’ve never actually ridden a 29er so I am in no place to comment. If you test one out and it feels good, do it.

    in reply to: Cycling computers? Yes or No? #74302
    "flamdrag8" wrote

    When I am out on the trail, I just want to float through nature without a care in the world. 😉

    That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling lately. But my inner math geek loves computing numbers and keeping tallies of everything under the sun. (Honestly, I also don’t want to sully my new ride with my ugly old computer 😃)

    in reply to: Stupid question… #74173

    Unwanted accidental shifting is why I switched back to shimano… well, that and I had durability concerns regarding SRAM, but I tend to be rough on bikes.

    in reply to: Stupid question… #74168

    Some people I know swear by SRAM but I must agree with sparzjensen, I wasn’t a big fan of the dual thumbshifters. I too have big hands and kept accidentally downshifting while riding due to the placement and sensitivity of the thumbshifter levers. Now I am back to good old shimanos which do the trick for me. One feature I did like about the SRAM shifters is the ability to downshift quickly through all 9 gears with one thumb push, but how often do I need such drastic shifting? Not often enough.

    in reply to: Flightline Expert… #74102

    I’ve had fantastic luck with a Gary Fisher Tassajara. I’m about due for frame upgrade myself, but that frame has taken a beating for the past 4 years and is definitely a capable trail bike that I can ride hard.

    in reply to: rear disk brake conversion #74116

    I put avid BB7 mechanicals on my 04 Fisher hard tail. There was an extra adapter I had to buy that was specific to Fisher that facilitates disc brake mounting on their hardtails. I would think there might be something for GTs as well but I don’t know off hand.

    in reply to: Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC #73878

    Yeah, the prices of all the FS rigs are definitely a bit prohibitive. I just got my tax return and its burning a hole in my pocket, but I still cringe at the thought of shelling of that kinda money on a bike (especially with my proclivity to eat it on trail 😕)

    in reply to: Mountain Bike To Enlightenment #73764

    I can’t say I have heard of any organized group mtb trips that focus on self-reflection and spirituality, but I most whole heartedly agree with you that epic mountain biking rides into the backcountry are more than just exercise for me, but can serve as a cleansing of the mind and soul. Granted, I feel similarly about backcountry skiing, rafting, or other pursuits that take you away from civilization. But mountain biking might be the most accessible means to leave the world behind and get in touch with the earth and yourself at a more primordial level.

    in reply to: Scratched upper stantion #73726

    Thanks for the info cjm. I’ll probably try sanding down the scratch some what just as a precaution to remove some of the roughness. I reckon the scratch is probably not deep enough to warrant filling in, but I’ll keep checking the seals to make sure they are holding up.

    in reply to: Meals on Wheels-What to eat on long hard rides #73682

    If I’m in the mood for something other than cliff bars, I’ll bring a couple super thick extra peanut butter, PB&J sandwiches and a piece of fruit or two.
    PB&Js can pack a lot of calories and energy for the punch.

    in reply to: Clipless or Flats for technical riding. #72419

    I just made the switch to clipless this season and I love it. Riding technical and rocky sections is far easier and I feel that my riding has instantly improved. The only down side is that I am still learning the pedals and definitely have taken a few spills when coming to a stop like a clumsy oaf. D’oh. I only have two clipless rides under my belt and still worry at times about not being able to get a foot out if I’m about to go down. I can’t wait until I get completely comfortable with them.

    in reply to: heavy bikes #73612

    My first wheel set upgrade was to Mavic Crossrides ~($200), their entry level mtb wheel. I measured a ~10% increase in speed vs my crap stock set coasting down a frequented hill. Great value for the money. Got ~600 XC miles so far and haven’t needed truing yet.

    in reply to: Jamis Dakar XAM?? and other possible XC AM bikes #73327

    I’m still working on that bike… or more accurately put still trying to justify spending that kinda money. AH, what a temptation it is though to finally splurge for a dream rig. I should be able to swing it by mid summer, but I’ve been starting to look around and ask questions early.

    I’m glad to hear that pivot/bearing issues of the VPP are clearing up a bit with recent models, at MTBR both the BLUR LT and the nomad have extremely high ratings with the only gripe being the pivots. Though I am no expert mechanic, I do tend to get a bit obsessive about keeping my bike clean, and I’m sure that fact will grow expontially with $$$ spent. I don’t typically ride in snow/mud/rain either since it 1)reeks havoc on the transmission, 2)reeks havoc on the trails, and 3) I always seem to end up stuck in the mud 😕 .

    Hmmm…I’m defintely gonna test ride both the LT, the Nomad, maybe a few choice others but those are my top two off the bat. I do like the idea of going slightly more agressive with the nomad since I’ll always have my hardtail for pure XC rides (I could never be parted with my old trusty hardtail anyways). There’s also something about that sexy hyrdo form tube top that I can’t keep my eyes off.

    Thanks for the input.

    in reply to: Buying a new bike. #73253

    Good stuff is definitely to be had on craigslist, but be wary…. some manufacturers’ warranties are void if you are not the original owner of the bike

    in reply to: Jamis Dakar XAM?? and other possible XC AM bikes #73324

    Thanks, for the tips/advice Bombardier. The devil on my shoulder is telling me to get a Nomad. If I am going to fork out some sizable cash, I might as all stretch a bit and get the bike I really want. Once the trails dry up a local shop rents high end bikes for demo with the fee going towards a future purchase. I’ve read rave reviews of the Nomad, and being a bigger rider I like the idea of a beefier, do anything trail bike for all day rides. I also wouldn’t mind something capable of a moderate chairlift run from time to time, but also capable of climbing the all day…( well half day, the other half is downhill :-)). Maybe that is being too greedy.

    I have heard great things of the VPP suspension, but funky things about the current VPP pivots and bearings; creaking and frequent need to replace. However I also read amongst info for the redesigned ’08 Blur LT that SC also especially redesigned the bearings for greater durabilty. i assume they would use the same redesigned bearings for the ’08 nomads as well.

    in reply to: Buying a new bike. #73249

    check out also the Gary Fisher Tassajara, good frame with a decent parts mix for the money ~800 or less depending on the particular build

    in reply to: Are there any other pod riders out there??? #72520

    I don’t own an ipod either, but I’ll rock the ole sony disc on occasion when I’m mtb biking. But nothing beats being in that righteous state of mind, listening to a sweet Phish show, and tearing up some Colorado singletrack.

Viewing 20 posts - 1 through 20 (of 20 total)