[GTXC4]

"dgaddis" wrote

[quote="SCHucker":5dfoortx]As per weight, that is moot. I fly on the 2.4’s and I really don’t feel any difference. Ardents are fast rollers with an aggressive grip! 😄

That all depends on what you’re used to. I’ve got a 2.4" Ardent up front on my rigid bike for a little extra cushion (I use less than 20psi), but no way would I want it out back. It’s an 800g tire! I use an Ikon on the back, it’s only 520g. That’s almost 3/4 of a pound difference, and the Ikon is a faster rolling tire. But, even the 2.25" Ardent is a heavy tire at 760ish grams. I’m talking all 29er weights here.

Once summer rolls around I’ll be switching to a 2.35" Ikon on the front, pretty much the same volume/comfort but it’ll roll faster than the Ardent and drop about 100g.

The Ardent does grip a lot better in loose stuff than the Ikon, that’s for sure.[/quote:5dfoortx]

I’m used to 2.20, the Bonty Jones’ sooo, that is the only reason why I’m reluctant on the 2.4. I’m feeling more towards keeping them the same size, but I’m itching over the 2.4 because of other’s testimonies. I also ride year around, so when the snow drops and then it freezes over hard packed, I ride that too. I read that the 2.25 is fat for it’s size compared to other 2.25s, so that right there would be a gain for me. I just don’t know. I might just go for it… any personal comparisons?

Thanks so much and take care,
-GT

[GTXC4]

"Cotharyus" wrote

The Ardent for the front is a no brainer. I’m running a 2.4 EXO on the front of my Anthem and it’s as close to perfect a front tire as I’ve had. When the rear gives up, I’m going to look at either the 2.25 Ardent or the Crossmark.

I’m seeing that looking around. The hard part for me now is, do I run a 2.4 up front or a 2.25? Either way, I’m going Ardent front and rear. I’m seeing the Ardent used more together than, combined with another. Just don’t want to go with the 2.4 if it isn’t neccessary, (not sure how heavy this would be/feel). I’ve seen both 2.4, both 2.25, and 2.4 front/2.25 rear. I plan on going EXO on both and running tubeless. Too many great testimonies to pay more for UST when they work great as non-UST.

Wondering if I should say "forget it" and just pick something. I just don’t want regrets on the size is all. 😕

Definitely letting you all know how this turns out. Thanks for all your input.

Take care,
-GT

[GTXC4]

"Poimein" wrote

I’m a pastor and ride at least once a week – and whenever I mention it in a sermon or from the pulpit I always have 3 or 4 people come up to me to let me know they ride. Have 10-12 guys that go up with me each month. Seems to me that the trails are getting busier over the past 6-8 years.

Poimein: Praise the Lord.

I know since I have been assigned here, I have had quite a few of my guys join over time and now it’s blowing up in other sections at work. Pretty neat to watch over the past 3 years.

[GTXC4]

I was excited when I got my SPD set and it’s solid. Practiced a lot in the house before I ever rode. Only accident I had was in the house (in front of my wife). I like my SPD set, but I perfer flats. Honestly, I don’t see how clips made me any better. Only benefit to me was it’s easier to pull up. But. I’d rather do that out of skill and not because of the set. Additionally, I didn’t see any speed benefit either. I don’t agree on that whole upstroke deal, but that’s me. Either way, it’s easier to save yourself coming off on flats when you’re getting after it something gnarly. I’m debating if I’m going to sell my set or not. It’s all a preference really, whatever you enjoy, rock it out!

Take care,
-GT

[GTXC4]

Yes, but it’s so true, so true… 😆

[GTXC4]

Welcome as you embrace your new addiction… don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal.

-GT

[GTXC4]

"SailorTed" wrote

I never use my Fox shock lock, except when I’m testing something. That said, I just did a tough ride after accidentally leaving it locked. After using a full-sus bike for just over a year, the twitchiness was very noticeable. I guess I am officially addicted to full sus. Hope I didn’t hurt the shock though. Is damage to the shock possible when making big drops on a locked shock?

Oooops. Na just kid, just kid. You didn’t hurt it. They didn’t spend "millions" of $$$, but you get the idea. You’ll be al ight. I tried the lock feature for like 30 feet and was like "GROSS!!!", I set it back and continued shredding. My wife thinks I don’t need it either.

Have a good one,
-GT

[GTXC4]

I know this is late, but I service mine about twice a year. I went a little over a year with my Fox fork and let’s just say it was due. My forks, I just service the lowers twice a year and perform a good inspection. The air can (rear), I service that as well and just perform a good inspection. If you service them and keep them clean and well lubed, you won’t need to rebuild them as often. I put hundreds of miles on mine in 6 months easy, so that’s why I service mine more frequently. Hopefully, you get it sorted out and at intervals that suit your need. Take care and enjoy.

-GT

[GTXC4]

Alright then, I’ll take your words for it. I just wish I had a chance to try them out first. Looking at them, I don’t feel so sure. You wouldn’t happen to have any inputs on wear life would you?

Also, for the Crossmarks… how well do they bite? I’ve read in some places that they tend to get away from you. Others didn’t state this, I suppose riding styles?

But, after much following up and research, now I’m considering the Ardent (front) and either Crossmark, Ardent, or Ignitor (rear). Why is this so hard???

By the way, kicking my Bonty Jones XR’s for this new set. If anyone can compare.

Thanks again so much!

-GT

[GTXC4]

Honestly, you just have to practice as others are saying. YouTube how to bunny hop a bike, one of the best videos I found was some young teenage boys. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNvDrN-F9PQ It’s just real basic and basic instruction. Other videos, people talk to much. I hate my clips even more because It seems that jumping in flats became foreign over a short period of time. Another tip that might help is, use small bumps, lips, and climbs to your advantage to get air. This helped me get more of a feel for it naturally and I began to get much better and higher on flatter runs. Most importantly, don’t be discouraged. One day it will just click and you’ll realize, I just did that back there! 😮

Have fun and take care,
-GT

[GTXC4]

Thanks for the link, I really appreciate all your inputs and recommendations. Take care and have fun riding.

-GT 😃

[GTXC4]

Thanks again guys! The pics were a huge help as well to get a vantage point with your previous ones. My wife was like "It never ends with you and that bike…" 😆 I ran my clips for a few days just cause and… it’s okay, but it ain’t flats. Can’t get a wide stance and push it in the turns like I want too. Anyway, I’m so busy with work stuff, it might be a bit before I get my order and test ride on. Thanks again so much!! I’ll post up what I mount up. Take care.

-GT

[GTXC4]

Thanks all, I greatly appreciate it! Running some Mongoose flats with studs that are pretty darn good, but not the best. Sportin’ some DVS Berra’s, hey it was the best shoe I had for flats. lol I manage pretty well, just looking for a real deal. Thanks again and have fun out there, I know I do. 😆

[GTXC4]

I’m guessing somewhere are $100, maybe a little more. Wanted to sell my clips and shoes first.

Those Twenty6’s are dope… but…I dont think I’m willing to pay close to $200 for a set. The Spanks are nice and would be willing to pay for those. Right now, I’ve had my eye on the Straitline’s for a while due to testimonies, but I would like to keep the weight down if I can. I guess I’ll keep looking, was hoping for more input from people on what’s solid and what they use instead of having to go through my own test phase. I appreciate it. Thanks and take care.

[GTXC4]

"ichibaneye" wrote

I have ridden many platforms and have come to love my Specialized Bennies platform pedals the most. They are not heavy, very strong, have a large surface area and have a total of 12 replaceable pegs on each side. In just any normal shoe these things keep your foot in place. Add a flat bottom shoe, like the 5 ten freerider I use and your foot is not moving at all! You actually have to lift your foot off of the pedal to adjust its position. These pedals are insane. Check them out if you can and good luck in your search.

Thanks so much, I’ll check em out and I appreciate your input! Take care.

[GTXC4]

I was going to do the same thing with my Duster Wheels, but the rim tape wasn’t centered on all the holes. Way to go factory!!!

[GTXC4]

I got a nice clip-pedal/shoe Shimano setup at the beginning of the year. Practiced, and I liked it. Rode at a place by the in-laws where there were downed trees after a storm and cleared every single one of them. I thought/felt that some aspects of the clips were nice. BUT, it felt that I sacrificed all other aspects just for being able to pull the bike up higher off the ground. Not too mention, my shoes were so close to the bike. Didn’t feel natural. So after a couple of months, I ditched them.

I put my platforms back on and now I’m researching for some great ones (actually looking for opinions around here). Flats are just better, in my opinion. I ride with people who have clips and I have no issues keeping up, much less passing them. Your skill level and technique become much better than that of those who ride only clips. My cornering for one, has always been much faster in flats than clips just to give you an example. As for hopping, bunny hops, whipping the tail …etc, you’ll get that part down through practice. Besides, it’s more fun riding flats and although I didn’t wreck in my clips… I didn’t want it to be worse because of it. I’ve been pretty successful, lucky, and/or blessed with my evasive skills to not eat nature on the way down. I think you should go to flats.

[GTXC4]

In case you or anyone ever looks for this… The bolt should be torqued to 150 in-lbs. It’s a lighter alloy than the frame and should give out so that it doesn’t damage the frame. You need to go through a Trek dealer to get the correct bolt and the part number that you are looking for is W305185. Right now they run roughly $7. In addition, you should apply some blue thread lock to the bolt when installing it. Sorry I wasn’t around earlier to get this info to you. Take care.

-GT

[GTXC4]

Not sure what’s my best. Seems, either you have a great crash and don’t get hurt or a pathetic incident where you do…
1. Was riding a very hilly trail which is fast and coming up to a short 3 foot long wood bridge, I was floating a bit and my front tire caught, something (I have no idea to this day what) and I went flipping over the handle bars to my left, with bike in hand (so front flip?) and began to slide downhill in all of the tall "fall" grass and weeds. When I came to a stop I was so mad because I still had no idea what I hit and began yelling "Why!?" over and over. Within seconds I got up, picked up my bike, and headed to the truck dead mad like I was dragging a brat out of Wal-Mart. As I ventured back to the truck, there were some spectators. 😆
2. I was on another trail booking down a little bit before it got serious and decided to remove my left hand to scratch my face (which I have done several times before) and a few feet later I hit a root and went over and sideways to the right. So I got up and was going to keep going until I noticed red all down my left leg. One of the spikes on the pedal tore a gash just under my knee cap pretty deep. I had to hike it stiff-legged a mile and a half to my truck, then drove to get stitches. 😎

Is what it is.

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