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I’ve found that the too cold and wet is no factor. If it is still wet out, then it isn’t too cold. When it is cold, wet is now solid. So there is that. When you’re below -teens and the wind is above 20 or so knots, I usually keep it short ~30-40 mins. As for just wet …depends. Some trails here you can ride when wet, the leader and community ride when it is wet and we all pitch in to keep it up. However, I usually look to hit some urban action because cleaning mud is not something that I enjoy. Although, I will admit that the 2 thunderstorms that I have been caught in were 2 of my most fun rides. However, when it’s really nasty out, that is my reason to get some up-keep done around the house.
@ Sunspot I’m with you and agree. Fat bikes can be good for any weather and any terrain. I bought a cheap one and threw some better parts at it just to have something better in the snow. I still ride it any time of the year whether on trails or urban. However, it is my more “go-to” bike for when the weather is nastier. Where I am, there can still be some muddy spots and some people just go thru them, trail leader says to “just go straight thru” He’s always out there and we have many people in the community to help.
Fat bike is just another bike to have fun with.
I didn’t change anything. If I want to go to a store that’s open, I go.
Been all over the globe serving active duty before retirement and been around some nasty stuff. Have situational awareness and practice good hygiene.
@Bike Nerd – quote “Wear some sort of mask even if it is just a cloth tied around your mouth and nose. While not 100% effective, masks do reduce virus transmission. *(Why do you think doctors where them?)* An added benefit is that masks discourage you from touching your face.”Doctors wear masks to prevent the transmission of bodily fluids during surgical procedures or during a procedure where the body is opened up either exposing a natural or created orifice to the environment where it wouldn’t normally or intended be. Masks “can” reduce virus transmission, however there are too many factors and variables that exist. N95s are only as good until you know that they are contaminated and then they should be immediately disposed of. Most of the face coverings out there that are being worn by the public aren’t sufficient to stop a virus or even many bacteria.
This Medical journal article was published in Jun 2015, before all the covid matters. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480558/
More people are touching near their face to adjust their mask, so I’m not sure that it’s safe to conclude that it mitigates the average person from touching near their face. However, as a community, we have learned much from this.
Glad to see that people are out more and riding. Where I live, there has certainly been an increase in trail traffic.
Very much. I’ve recently retired from my active duty career and did not have the time to ride as much as many seem to get too. There were some times that I could get away and ride some neat places, which that also was afforded from travel with work. Now on my second career, it’s just as demanding. This season in our family life has other priorities that make it hard to have the time to get out and ride as much as I want to. A long time staff member on this site once inferred (after I replied to another member out of innocent “envy” for his ability to travel so much and ride) that I wasn’t making the time. You have to have time to make the time. Just is what it is for now anyway.
Matt,
I began mountain biking again years ago, because I had a medical procedure and some sciatic issues. Despite what the doctors told me, I refused to stay still. Biking was deemed a “safe” low-impact exercise that I could perform. As with me, nothing is never “low-impact”. However I have seen the benefits of weight loss and shredding down. Despite how much or how hard you ride, diet is the biggest key, just the same with lifting weights. I’ve ridden just about all disciplines, however, road is not my thing. I have lost weight? Yes. However, it’s what I fuel my body with that makes the difference. Being military field activities will require a high caloric intake and there are times, where despite treacherous climates and rigorous activity, you wouldn’t see a reduction in weight if you had the food, resources, and/or rations to keep it packed on. I can honestly testify that I have had a reduction in 22 lbs in 6 months easy (I’m guessing/about, for me at least) from biking and just eating better. Control your portions and fuel your body with the right stuff, that makes all the difference. That makes me wonder, what would the results be from those that are strict on Keto? I can’t do that, I believe that the Cookie is one of man’s greatest inventions and refuse to turn that down.
I bike because I love the outdoors, hitting jumps, cutting up and feeling like a kid. The exercise is something that just comes with it. My goal to stay lighter is the desire to be a little faster and easier to get fancy behind the bars. I know it’s not a regimen so to say, however that’s my piece. Take care.
-GT
Been shredding here for years, some sweet spots for air, especially the last 2 grueling miles.
-GT
I’ll have to look back to specific areas and try to make some contacts, it’s been a while. Considering that region, you won’t have an issue communicating with the locals. They mostly understand English as they are taught it. Deutsch/German, even some of the slang, you would get by with just fine. One thing about the Alps is that their roads really hug the mountain side, so be ready for a ride around those especially if you take the buses. Those drivers all think they’re Andretti and will drive like it. Usually the valleys are rich with towns and things to do.
My wife and I were out there before I knew about this website. If you’re trying to stay around the Bavarian area to catch proximity to the other neighboring countries, you can check out Neuschwanstein Castle as well. The terrain out there great. I think it’s just figuring out what you want to ride and see, it’s pretty consistent unless your looking for particular landmarks or water.
Jungfrau is a beautiful area in Switzerland and has trails with epic sites. (Just remembered that one)
PM me back if you like and I’ll see if I can dig into some older stuff and pull something up.
Happy Hunting.
-GT
My pleasure. I’ve actually heard thank you more in this past year than I have my whole career.
-GT
Lol drcbrath, got me there. Suppose my mind was thinking of higher components and such for that level. Yup, this is a great start. My bad lol. ????????
-GT
I know you said enduro, however I have taken my Trek Fuel EX all over the world. It has been able to take anything I’ve thrown at it. Granted I’m running a Fox 36 TALAS up front, beefier wheels and tires, and with other upgraded components. I’ve ridden different mountain ranges, climates, and it takes em all. I think you can find the package you are looking for except the -3k range, unless it’s used. The capabilities and technology (with R&D behind it) are going to run those prices. Unfortunately, it is what it is. With Pinkbike.com and others like it, perhaps you strike a deal? When you find what you are looking for, throw up a pic and share, we’d love to see how it worked out. Take care.
-GT
Start easy and see what fits you best and makes you most comfortable. Go from there and as you feel more confident and your skill increases, that will change. Everyone on here has answers and they are all right, however style plays a big part. One time you may want to rip down with no brakes, next time carve a line with your rear, then another endo down the slope. An aspect of mountain biking that makes it awesome is that you can do what makes you feel good and still have fun without being in trouble lol. Have fun and take care.
-GT
The X2 is max at 250psi. As mentioned earlier by Aaron, you could increase your pressure a little or get spacers. Getting knowledgeable in this area will give you appreciation down the road when you get to tuning it how you like. Try to learn as much as you can about it. I was initially thinking that the pressure in the air chamber below your floating bolt was leaking or low. That would definitely act as you stated and throw everything off. When I started riding I was 227 (used to lift a lot) and I had the same issue and still do although I’m lighter. Riding hard will push your suspension when set just at your limits.
Hopefully, you figure it out soon and get dialed in. Have a good one.
-GT
The issue with you question is that it’s singular. Could we make this plural, one for each bike discipline? lol
My Fuel Ex has been terrific! I’ve taken it everywhere and it’s never came out lacking. Of course it’s modded, but I think the only thing I could go for would be more travel. So maybe a Slash, however I’ve though about a Salsa Bucksaw for the fatty side.
Hard question …for me.
-GT
You can’t be 5.10 period. I have the Freerider and the Freerider Contact, the original Freerider is more durable than the contact. You can get 5.10s on closeout and Zappos sells them a little cheaper too. I ran some DVS that had great grip before, however nothing out there beats 5.10. So, if you’re FLATS for life like me, go with quality 5.10s. My original Freeriders have held up past 2 years and are great.
-GT
Hesitation.
Hesitation causes you to second guess your confidence and judgement, and can be disastrous. Second guessing yourself and sacrificing physics for the sake of confidence usually ends up in you going too slow and ending up somewhere that looks nothing like what you had in mind. Confidence paired with using a little skill will allow you to push the envelope to another level while mitigating a yard sale due to hesitation.
Probably my biggest one there…
Take care,-GT
I take a shower with mine… but really.
Washing is as needed. Dusty, things get wiped down and chain cleaned. If it requires a wash then yea…
Jim Klass is my kinda guy. Moving parts require more attention that structural. I’m kinda like that, go through everything and check. I ride hard and love to push limits, so taking really good care of my rig is in my best interest. I also periodically check torques, even thought I use loctite. Annually, I conduct an overhaul of the bike to include suspension. Everything gets checked, and replaced as needed. I’m big on keeping those bearings and other moving parts clean and smooth. I can feel a difference if something isn’t moving as it should. Besides, nothing feels better on your bike that fresh fluids and new seals on a worked over shock and fork! You appreciate it much more too.
-GT
Tailgate covers are best IMO. However, if your tailgate has that spoiler type lip to it, don’t even bother. The bike won’t rest fully under the headtube and will just be unstable. Single bike transport, just running a strap around your seat-tube part of the frame to one set of D-ring/hooks on the corners of your bed and then turn your front wheel 90 degrees and the other strap wrap around the upper head tube and secure to the other lower d-rings/hooks has always worked well for me. Even going off-road, desert, mountain, NEVER and issue when secured this way.
Multiple bikes is when you need to consider making a rack with either PVC or lumber. Because my Titan Pro-4X has the cleat system all over the bed, I just run the cleats where I need them and I have secured 5 mountain bikes while on an 8+ hour trip (one-way). I’ve also seen people who purchase skewers and fabricate and/or weld them to the front bed rail, sometimes the side to secure the bikes.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and I think that depending on your particular truck, could be a fun project to experiment and see what works best for you.
Best of luck on your EPIC endeavors!
-GT
MaxwellD, the others make great points. Biggest thing is, how do you ride and what are you looking for… If your savvy enough, you can make the adjustments on a shock that you desire depending on its capability. Personally, I’d go with the Float X. However, “Will it fit your bike?”, is something that obviously must be checked. When it comes to “matching” suspension, other than preferred travel, it’s all in matching the performance to your riding style and needs. Hopefully, you find the right fitting shock.
Think you’re on the wrong site buddy.
If it were me, I’d go with the GT. Mainly due to the fact that there is a smoother transition of shifting. If you look between the two, you have nice and smooth on the GT, but the Fuji goes from 6 to one tall granny gear, kinda gross. But it works too. Also ne more gear on the GT. Pretty comparable, but I’d go GT. Good luck and take care.
-GT
