Official MTB / Mountain Biking Chit Chat

[Shinook]

I'm way out of riding shape, but trying to get back to it. If I ever get back to Pisgah shape (that's a whole nother level of fitness LOL) I'll hit you up and maybe we can get in a ride sometime. Never got to ride Butter Gap. Did do upper Black before it was re-routed though. Sheesh, was a brutal hike a bike up though.

For sure, hit me up!

The hike a bike up Black is always rough, the more you do it and the stronger you get, the less pushing there is but it is always a drain. When you get off fire road climbing in Pisgah, you know it's gonna be an adventure.

New 510 Freeride Pro shoes. I thought I'd give them a try. Well they are no where near as good as the original 510 shoe from way back in the day. Originals were like super sticky glue on the pedals. New rubber compound not even close.

Try washing them, I find this helps the rubber a lot. What pedals are you using?

I've tried a lot of different shoes and none of them grip as well as 5.10s do, the Ride Concepts I had were among the worst. Terrible quality (the tongue loop broke on day 1, stitching was coming out), very uncomfortable for me, and poor grip on the pedals. I returned them after a while and, after trying some other brands also, decided to just stick with 5.10. They may not be what they were before, but they are still better than everyone else IMO.

For knee pads, avoid iXS or anything distributed by the Gravity Cartel like the plague. Mine were smoked after 3 months of use and they told me to pound sand when I tried to warranty them, $130 down the drain. I've had Dakine pads last almost 2 years of regular riding on really rough terrain, my current set is several years old (admittedly I don't wear them as much, even though I should).

 

[cul8tr]

After thinking about the shoes. They may have been in the store for a while and have got the dreaded store rot. I wore them all day. Got home sprayed PB blaster on the sloes let them set until dry. I'll take the wire brush to them tomorrow to scuff the soles. Wash the in Simple Green and try them again.

I may have jumped the gun not liking the 510's. Store rot from just sitting on the shelf may be the issue.
I haven't used platform shoes and pedals in a long time.

Pedals are Kona Wah Wah 2's. New.

Thanks for the heads up on the Ride Concepts.

Pads I have some 661's with the hard plastic covers. new in pkg. that I may try for now.

 

[cul8tr]

Shinook it just hit me. I got the Losi Grave digger from you.

 

[Fallen]

Ugh, I've never been happy with 661 pads. They're super comfortable, but they gladly move right out of place during a crash.

G-Form Pro X3 pads are excellent if you're looking for something lightweight.

If you want some heavier padding, POC is always worth the money. It's top notch gear that is protective, comfortable and durable.

I use my old POC downhill pads for motocross now.

 

[Shinook]

Shinook it just hit me. I got the Losi Grave digger from you.

Oh nice! Hope it worked out well for you! I still have my roller, replaced a LOT of parts on it One of my favorite RCs still.

I tried without luck to get a solid axle MT race scene going here, but I couldn't really get much interest going on it.

 

[Levi]

Not sure how I missed this thread all this time lol. So here it goes. Got the itch for warm weather and the damn trails to dry out. I'd settle riding the bike park close to home. But every time we get almost clear trails it just snows again. Maybe time to invest in a fat bike one day. This year we've had over 700 inches of snow. If I had more time I'd love to jump on the road bike and even put some miles on the road, just very tough thing to do with my schedule. Got the kid a new bike to race with for nica. He's all excited to start his next year of riding. He's dying to get out and start practicing. I really love going to watch his races, great environment to be in, but mom thinks otherwise lol. She gets bored really fast.

 

[Greatscott]

Reviving the thread...

I just ordered a new mountain bike, a Specialized Rockhopper Elite XXL, which is a high-end, entry-level bike. I should get it by the end of next week, or the beginning of the next... just in time for the triple digit weather!!!!

Anyhoe...
The bike I have is very old, 20+ years, its a Gary Fisher Marlin. I rode the dog-snot out of this bike when I was in San Diego, but 10-plus years later, I haven't touched it much. It is beyond time replacement.

I am not looking at doing anything crazy with this bike, mainly trail/cross-country riding. The new bike is fairly well equipped, has good forks, and good components. The wheels are tubeless-ready, but it comes with tubes installed.

I am looking for advice on a couple of things...
• Tools and supplies. What tools and parts should be carried on the bike?

• Drop post. Should I get one?

• Tubeless Wheels. What are the benefits of getting rid of the tubes?

A couple of weeks ago I dusted off the old bike, get air in the tires, and got it on the road. Other than the front derailer being broken, the bike was functional. One thing the bike wasn't was comfortable to ride. The local bike shop had a XL and XXL version of the Rockhopper, I was immediately amazed how much more comfortable the two bikes were, with the XXL being the best. It makes sense, the XXL is for people that are 6'3" and taller. I am 6'5".

 

[bgredjeep]

Reviving the thread...

I just ordered a new mountain bike, a Specialized Rockhopper Elite XXL, which is a high-end, entry-level bike. I should get it by the end of next week, or the beginning of the next... just in time for the triple digit weather!!!!

Anyhoe...
The bike I have is very old, 20+ years, its a Gary Fisher Marlin. I rode the dog-snot out of this bike when I was in San Diego, but 10-plus years later, I haven't touched it much. It is beyond time replacement.

I am not looking at doing anything crazy with this bike, mainly trail/cross-country riding. The new bike is fairly well equipped, has good forks, and good components. The wheels are tubeless-ready, but it comes with tubes installed.

I am looking for advice on a couple of things...
• Tools and supplies. What tools and parts should be carried on the bike?

• Drop post. Should I get one?

• Tubeless Wheels. What are the benefits of getting rid of the tubes?

A couple of weeks ago I dusted off the old bike, get air in the tires, and got it on the road. Other than the front derailer being broken, the bike was functional. One thing the bike wasn't was comfortable to ride. The local bike shop had a XL and XXL version of the Rockhopper, I was immediately amazed how much more comfortable the two bikes were, with the XXL being the best. It makes sense, the XXL is for people that are 6'3" and taller. I am 6'5".

Nice bike. New bike day is always exciting.

The changes in bike geometry between an older bike like your gf, and any modem bike are really crazy. I've still got my old trek 7000 that I got for Christmas in 1996, and it's so awkward to ride compared to my newer bike (2014 breezer supercell).

When i was riding, for tools on the trail, I carry a crank brothers multi tool. Not sure on the model, but something like the m17 or m19 with the chain tool. A spare tube as well while you are still running tubes. I have a small length of chain in my bag as well (like 5-6 links) just in case. A patch kit is also useful while tubed.

I did add a dropper post and it's really nice once you get used to dropping it for down hills.

I have mine setup tubeless. The advantages are that you can generally run a bit lower pressure since you don't have to worry about pinch flats. You also run a liquid sealant in the tires so small punctures will automatically seal off (kinda like fix a flat). Down side is that it's not maintenance free. You are supposed to add fresh sealant every so often, but its like every few months from what i recall.

I haven't been on my mountain bike (offroad) since 2019 or early 2020 when I had a couple back surgeries. I've been planning to get back to it soon, but on an emtb. Just saving up my credit card reward point for a few more months, and I need to sell my current bike to make room.

 

[JimrC]

I second the Crank Brothers (M17 is what I have), good quality tool. Also have an older mtb ... 2000 Specialized which like a fool ... I rebuilt from ground up in 2015 ish for overnight bike camping and the likes ... it's also been hung up since 2019 due to getting auld and falling to bits lol

 

[Greatscott]

Crank Bothers has some good equipment at reasonable prices.

I am debating between the M19 and the M20 right now. Given that I am running rubes, I don't need the M20's patch tools, but my wheels are tubes-ready, and it would be nice to already have the tool if I need it. I am going to buy a Crank Brothers inflator, the one that mounts behind the water bottle cage.

I did stop by the bike where I ordered the bike from and ask for a dropper post to be installed. I may not need it, but I think I will.

One big quest that I am on is to find a frame-mounted pack that will hold the tools, a spare tube, car keys, phone and wallet. It seems like by going with a hard-tale, I have a lot of options. Any recommendations?

What other tools should I have on the bike?

 

[cul8tr]

Dropper post try 1 on a friend's bike if you're on the fence about it. 4 of my bikes have droppers and I love them.
D'Amazon at the PO absolutely kills any and all of my free time. So riding and crawling are almost non existent.

 

[Levi]

Nice bike. New bike day is always exciting.

The changes in bike geometry between an older bike like your gf, and any modem bike are really crazy. I've still got my old trek 7000 that I got for Christmas in 1996, and it's so awkward to ride compared to my newer bike (2014 breezer supercell).

When i was riding, for tools on the trail, I carry a crank brothers multi tool. Not sure on the model, but something like the m17 or m19 with the chain tool. A spare tube as well while you are still running tubes. I have a small length of chain in my bag as well (like 5-6 links) just in case. A patch kit is also useful while tubed.

I did add a dropper post and it's really nice once you get used to dropping it for down hills.

I have mine setup tubeless. The advantages are that you can generally run a bit lower pressure since you don't have to worry about pinch flats. You also run a liquid sealant in the tires so small punctures will automatically seal off (kinda like fix a flat). Down side is that it's not maintenance free. You are supposed to add fresh sealant every so often, but its like every few months from what i recall.

I haven't been on my mountain bike (offroad) since 2019 or early 2020 when I had a couple back surgeries. I've been planning to get back to it soon, but on an emtb. Just saving up my credit card reward point for a few more months, and I need to sell my current bike to make room.

That's awesome you got a new bike. Always exciting. But old bikes can be fun in their own ways. Tubeless is always a debate. It's a personal thing. Depending on where you ride you could be just fine running tubes. Tubes are easy to deal with if needing to fix a flat and not messy. Running tubes requires a high psi and you give up a little traction, performance, and comfort. But if you don't ride much it's so much easier to just pump up your tires when it's time to ride again.

Running tubeless gives you the benefit of running a lower pressure, better traction, more comfortable, and most times never have to worry about a flat. But always carry a tube as a backup in case you can't fix the tubeless setup. Setting up tubeless assuming your doing might be a struggle. It can be done with a floor pu.lmp, compressor, etc. Personally I don't think it's hard setting up a tubeless wheel. But keep in mind you'll have to add sealant somewhere in the year to freshen up or change the sealant. Leave it too long and goes bad.

Ride with tubes for now and see what happens. Far as things to carry for a ride. Insay depends on how long your rides are going to be. I have a old friend I ride with. He rides with one maybe two water bottles at most and carries a multi tool and patch kit. He rides minimal and hopes for the best. Let's say he's had to walk a bike back to the trailhead or if he rides on the road he calls for help lol.

Myself I have three different setups I ride with. My short rides I use a hip pack that holds one water bottle and another hip pack that holds two water bottles and gets used when the Temps get hotter. If needed I use the water bottle cages on the bike for extra drinks. In these hip packs I carry a multi tool, patch kit, three co2 cartridges, quick links, a mini first aid kit and a strap that mounts to the bike to told a tube and two co2 cartridges.

On my long rides I use my hydration pack. I carry a multi tool, patch kit, quick links, spare derailleur hanger, zip ties, a small first aid kit and around 4-6 co2 cartridges. A small lunch and snacks to refuel. And i always carry a spare tube. Maybe two on the super ling rides. I like being prepared as best I can.

I ride clipless and like to carry a few extra screws for the shoe. Sunglasses are a must. Gloves are a personal thing but I like riding with gloves regardless of riding mountain or road.

Just ride and have fun. Theirs times I like riding alone and times I like riding with others. Would like to hear how your adventures go on the new bike. Keep us updated.

 

[Greatscott]

Wow, sounds like you have a world of experience Levi, which is exactly what I am looking for. This is a healthy step up from my last bike, and I am looking to avoid, as much as possible, the typical noob pitfalls. Admittedly, I had one after my first long-ish ride. I found my tire pressure to be a lot lower than I like, so I went to put more air in the tires... Before I even took the cap off the stem I asked myself, "what in the hell is that?" This was my first introduction to the Presta-style stem. After 15 minutes on YouTube I discovered what they were, why they are used, how to fill them, and how to use a Shrader adaptor.

One noob thing I am looking to avoid is ruining my back disc brakes by getting chain lubricant on them. So, my research right now is how to properly clean my bike.

Right now I am on a quest to get tools. I am dividing tools into two categories, "Need to have" and "Good to have". Each of those are broken down to two subcategories, "on-bike" and "garage". Of course, I have all of the normal hand tools.

I have a frame-mount bag on order, and I have a small round tool pouch that fits in a bottle cage. I have a Crankbrothers M20 on order. I have a hand-pump that mounts onto the bike, that also accepts CO2. I have an extra tube, tire tools, and an air gauge.

From the research I have done, one tool that everyone recommends is a bike stand. So, I kind of made my own. I bought a $35 wall v-mount style stand off of Amazon, and threw together some 2x6, clamping the whole mess to one of my benches. For what little I have done with it, the stand seems to work fairly well. It puts the bikes cross-bar at about 65", allowing me easy access to everything, and almost full movement of the steering.
The stand can easily be broken down and stowed under the workbench if more important work needs to be done, like working on a crawler. The stand also came with an extra v-mount, but I have not found a good place to mount it just yet.

Untitled by Scott O, on Flickr

The whole mess is fairly basic. Two clamps in the front hold it in place, the notch in the back keeps it stable.
Untitled by Scott O, on Flickr

This picture is a bit busy, but there the stand is, installed into the v-mount.
Untitled by Scott O, on Flickr

It claps snuggly to the crossbar. I might have to go to the dropper after installing the frame pack.
Untitled by Scott O, on Flickr

Untitled by Scott O, on Flickr

One of the first mods I am looking at is getting a couple of inches of height on the handle bars. It is a XXL frame (I'm 6'5"), and it is a lot more comfortable to ride than my old bike, but I would like to be a little more upright.

 

[hpiguy]

Bike stand is a must for sure. Just don't spray lube anywhere near your discs or calipers and you'll be fine. I'm overly paranoid about it, and generally put my lube on a rag, and then pull my chain through the rag by pedaling. Same for cleaning the chain.

 

[Greatscott]

I have a couple of hours and a good number of miles on my bike, and I am happy to say I get into Forrest Gump mode while riding it. I normally go out with a route in mind, and I end up going a lot further than what I intended.

I am at the point where I need to start making adjustments to make riding more comfortable. The first thing on the list are the handlebars, I need to raise the 3-4cm.

Next, I need to look at getting a larger sprocket on the front. I have found I run out of gears at higher speeds, and the first two gears on the back cassette are hilariously useless.

Overall, I really like this bike and having a good time on it.

 

[Greatscott]

In my research, I have found a common thread regarding the guys at the bike shop... Most, if not all say they are 'a$$holes'. I am not ready to outright disagree with this common opinion, but I would have to say they are more curt than anything. These guys are busy, and they have little time for BS. They don't sugarcoat their opinions, and will tell you directly if they think you are wrong. I have found that I can have a constructive conversation with them, and so very useful two-way communication about maintenance and upgrades.

Taking a page out of my RC experience, mainly racing and comp crawling, I am working on improvement to my bike, changing one thing at a time, evaluating its performance and/or impact, making adjustments, and when I am satisfied, moving to the next thing. The biggest change I have made has been new handlebars. The stock handlebars were too low for my likely, and needed to be raised about 2cm. Given there is only about 10mm of adjustment in my stem, I went with a new set. After a ride or two, I am liking the new height, I feel more comfortable on it, and more in control. I still have some adjustments to do on my shifters and brakes, but they are, for the most part, tweaks.

Next thing to upgrade will be pedals, so I am researching options. Some of the offerings scare me a little, so look like cheese graders, and it makes me wonder what will happen to my shin of my foot slips off.

 

[bgredjeep]

If you are running flats, the cheese grater is what's going to help keep your foot on the pedal.

I've been running crank brothers mallet pedals (clipless) on my bikes for years. I've used Shimano in the past as well and no complaints, just prefer the cb pedals I've been using. I can ride with regular shoes for a casual cruise, or with clips for actual mountain biking. I also use cb pedals (candy i think) on my peloton so same shoes work there as well.

 

[89Industries]

Next thing to upgrade will be pedals, so I am researching options. Some of the offerings scare me a little, so look like cheese graders, and it makes me wonder what will happen to my shin of my foot slips off.

I rode with clipless pedals for almost 25 years and the last 7 years mostly with flat pedals of the cheese grater variety.

Tips for flat pedals:
1. Thin profile. Getting your shoe down close to the spindle helps keep you from rolling off the pedal from the pushing and pulling of your foot near top and bottom of stroke or when hitting a big bump.

2. Adjustable/replaceable pins are good. You replace them when they break or you can put shorter or longer ones in different places to adjust how much grip they have on your shoe. Some are just m3 shcs.

3. Get real flat pedal shoes such as 5-10, specialized, giro, etc. Do not get shoes that can convert to clipless/cleats. Regular sneakers, trail runners etc with better than convertible shoes. Pins on pedals will tear up your regular shoes though.

I have really good luck with the plastic versions of crank Brothers, Kona wah wah ii, pnw, and race face new chester pedal.

I weigh about 140lbs and normally just smash my pedals to bits off of rocks, etc. the plastic works for me.

Aluminum bodied pedal does better with bearing durability for bigger people, but cost more, at least initially.

 

[Levi]

Sounds like your on the right page greatscott. A bike repair stand is a must. I have to repair stands I use. They are both park tool stands. One I keep at home and isn't so portable. The other stand I have I use for my son's races and bike trips. Bike shops are what they are. Its like anything else. One of my favorite bikes shop is close to me. He is a one man shop for the most part. He knows his regular customers and always good to help out with questions or finding parts or ordering stuff. Finding a good shop is like finding your favorite lhs.

If you do ever want to try something else for a repair stand look at park tool and feedback repair stands. They make great stuff. Not cheap but well worth it. But I think you'll be happy with what you built.

Bike tools are like rc tools. Mip makes great drivers for example. Park tool, feedback, pedros are some good brands to check out. But again not all your tools need to be bike brand specific imo. I have tools that are park tool, harbor freight, part store tools, etc. Just depends on what I'm looking for.

Far as pedals go it's the on going battle, flats or clipless. I love my clipless pedals. Flats are great as well. I keep meaning to get my own pair. When I ride the kids bike from time to time he has Flats and loves them I like them as well. But definitely something that will give you some grip. Keep in mind when taking off pedals. There is left and right handed threads.

If your looking for how to videos park tool has a library full of videos on YouTube. Another how to is syd fixes bikes on YouTube. These guys are racers and I like how sometimes they explain things more simple than the park tool guys. Rj the bike guy also has some interesting stuff.

 

[Greatscott]

Many thanks for the input!!! Even though I cycled my ass of the last time I lived in San Diego, I am approaching this whole thing as if I am a complete noob. The idea and hope here is that get a good base understand of the bike and how to ride better, and in the process, learn properly how to ride and maintain my bike, shedding bad habits along the way.

I bought a set of OneUp composite flats, and I am a bit amazed about the effect they have. It seems like I am wasting less energy, and somehow, the bike feels more comfortable.

My next area of focus is ride data. I have bought the Garmin cadence and speed sensors, and have paired them to my Garmin Instinct. A big part of this to shed tonnage, and performance monitoring helps. So far, the only thing I that I don't like is not being able to see my speed or cadence while I am riding. I can bring both up on the watch, but trying to look at them while riding is not ideal. I have thought about getting a ride computer, like the Garmin 130+, but I don't know if I want to go that far.