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Welcome!!!
I know we have several from your area. If you go to forum you have a "find member area just above the boards, this allows you to look up people by catagory. Check out the location option to find riders in your area. You can also hit the regional boards and post.
As far as trails go, this site is awsome. Click on the Mtn bike Trails link at the top, click on your region of the map and enjoy all the info. on the local scene.
If you make it out to Phoenix, lemme know.
Wow, Spaz!
I guess the lesson learned here is dont’ ride in front of anyone carrying a machette on their bike. Perfect viewing while I’m eating lunch I might add.
Here’s to stitches!
This is an awsome site! I’ve only found it recently and I can’t stay away. Now all I need is for everyone here to move to Phoenix and go riding with me!!! 😃
Clipless pedals are great for increasing your efficiency on rides, but if you do the bunny hop correctly the pedals would be a moot point.
I guess I’m saying it’s easier to cheat with the clipless, so practice without for good technique.
The only thing that woud freak me out about this purchase is that the seller is in China. I’m not knocking companies that make things there, I would just be leery of purchasing from a 3rd party there. Since China is King of "knockoffs" I would want some paperwork from the manufacturer with regards to authenticity.
I live in Phoenix and usually ride the WTB Veloceraptor (Raptor for short) it is an awsome all around tire. It is one of the most widely used tires ever produced.
It’s getting hot here now and I tend to migrate North into the mountains on the weekends and ride early mornings during the week down in the valley. When I head up north I switch to a Kenda Nevegal tire. This is another awsome "all around" tire and I think it handles the varying conditions a little better. I tend to hit more creek crossings, loose "deathdirt" mixed with some granite rocks, when I ride in Flagstaff. I would check with your LBS to see what the local buzz is for a good tire.
I seem to recall a nice article in Bike mag. or Mtn Bike mag (April Issue) regarding tires. It covered the different tire designs and gave a chart with tire suggestions for the different types of terrain that we encounter.
Just a follow up on the painting vs. powder coating. I found a guy in Phoenix that powder coats frames for $65.
After I buy the paint and prep materials, and factoring in the "time is money" aspect, it would be a wash. So I’m going to have the frame powder coated. He has 75 colors I believe. He advertises on Craigslist.
I’m in the process of rebuilding my 93′ Stumpjumper for my daughter and I plan on using my neighbor’s professional "spray" paint gun. It is meant for cars so I think it will work nicely for the bike. I will take some before and after photos. Be forwarned, she wants the color to be pink.
SierraNevadaTradingPost is a great resource for XXL items. They carry top of the line outdoor gear at a greatly reduced price from the retail stores and usually get the odd sizes like XXL. I think the website is http://www.sierratradingpost.com there are other sites that could help as well.
If it’s cool and damp outside I might wear two layers, with the base being some type of wicking material. If the wind is kicking I will wear a "windbreaker" vest by Pearl Izumi. It’s nice for cutting thru the wind and the back is mesh so my back stays nice and cool without getting all wet and sweaty. If the weather changes on a longer ride I can usually adjust the layers accordingly.
When I first started riding I had a bike that was small for my size. I would always have a sore back after a long ride (15 miles or more). You always want bend in the elbows. If you know your bike is a good fit for your size usually you shouldn’t have any back problems. There are many variables that could effect your back, but I would start with bike sizing and work from there.
You really want to have a good "Base" to climb better. By this I mean you want to go train on flat land "spinning" around 70% capacity. If you stay off the trails and do this consistantly you will notice with in a couple weeks the difference on your climbs. I like to get up early in the mornings during the week and spin for 30 – 45 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, and still go ride on the weekends.
Obviously technique on the saddle, your ability to stay relaxed and centered on your bike will help things, but having a strong base will help your feel for the bike as well.
I moved to Arizona, to combat the whole rain thing. 😃
Hey Mate,
You need to go hit McDowell Mtn. Park, just north of Fountain Hills. You will find some rip roaring single tracks set up for racing. It is awsome fun! $6 entry fee to the park (can get a pass). there are many other trails, but the loops are nice. Try the shorter sport loop a few times before you hit the long loop. If you want to test the skills add the technical loop into the mix.
As for other killer trails in the area check out the book; "Fat Tire Tales and Trails". By Cosmic Ray. That should get the blood going.
I saw that the May 09′ issue of Mountain Bike Mag had a nice article on the best tires for different conditions and style of riding. I seem to recall quite a few options for our terrain.
