boooyah!

7/29/2008 3:14:56 PM

Quote :

"I'd be tempted to try to park in the middle school lot and try from there."

I used to park there all the time to run. Other people did it all the time, but its not very well known. I found it to be a nice uncrowded alternative to Lake Johnson.

7/29/2008 4:42:42 PM

rode the reedy creek greenway today, honestly a little boring for a mountain biker until you get out near that pavilion thing by the art museum and there's some room to mess around on the hills.

my girlfriend and i have just started riding the greenways, is there one that's better for mountain bikers? (i realize they are probably all paved, but it's a girlfriend outing thing)

7/29/2008 10:19:28 PM

well, the greenways aren't really for mountain bikes.
see http://trianglemtb.com/map.php for where the actual mtn bike trails are around here

7/29/2008 10:27:32 PM

^ yeah i know, i was just thinking, maybe one with some cool terrain right off of it. The GF doesn't quite have the necessary skills or equipment to go on a real mtb ride

7/29/2008 10:36:47 PM

you could try umstead park. its basically a series of glorified dirt roads.

7/29/2008 10:48:57 PM

yeah, just do the bridal trails at Umstead. There are 12+ miles total of them, all wide and made of loose gravel or cinder. Mostly rolling terrain, some decent climbs. That will be good for the g/f to get a feel for her bike and learn to handle turns in loose rocks and work on climbing and descending.
And if you want to get a little bit of single track in on the side, just go to the far end of the Reedy Creek path (the main one, through Umstead) and go do the Lake Crabtree trails, or some of the bandit trails on the north side of 40

7/29/2008 11:01:52 PM

awesome, thanks. i've ridden out @ umstead a lot but never spent any time on the gravel trails. i'll see how it goes.

7/29/2008 11:08:32 PM

CC isn't dead, I just spent a little over an hour ridin' around it.

8/1/2008 11:27:34 AM

i just rode out at the feed / turf grass laboratory on lake wheeler, that's a pretty sweet place to do some freeriding just fyi.

8/3/2008 7:35:19 PM

broke my axle

8/4/2008 11:12:36 AM

^^ eh?

8/4/2008 11:13:37 AM

I'm in Crested Butte, CO right now doing 5 days of mtn biking. Gotten some killer rides in so far. i'm sure it goes without saying, but the trails here are amazing.

here are 2 of the trails I captured on GPS so far, one leaving from our rental in Crested Butte and one a few miles south of town



http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6491833



http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6499611

I don't have a helmet cam, but here's a video of the final descent on the 2nd trail above where I strapped my digital camera to my chest under my camelback - thats why it's pointed mostly right at my stem and not further down the trail. The guy standing in the middle of the trail about halfway through the video dislocated his shoulder on our first day of riding. about 3/4 of the way through the video I pinch-flatted my front tire, but was only about 100m from the end by then
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDsZeq_FBWg

8/13/2008 1:45:46 PM

haha

All the grunting and near endoing is mildly entertaining.

8/13/2008 2:04:43 PM

I live in Denver and a co-worker of mine just did the Leadville 100 last weekend

(100 miles, nearly 14,000 ft of climbing, he was in the open class racing with the likes of Lance Armstrong, finished in 8:53, yes as in 8 hours and 53 minutes)

http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/merchant.ihtml?id=1425&step=2

Quote :

"50 miles out and back. Start/Finish in the heart of Leadville @ 10,200’. 90%+ dirt or double track dirt roads. Steep climbs: serious descents. 7 mile climb to the 50 mile turnaround at 12,600 ft. Approximately 14,000’ elevation gain. Greater than 65% average finish rate under the 12 hour limit. Excellent support stations."

Not to mention this is at high altitude (low oxygen), you MTB's in NC have no idea, acclimation's a bitch

[Edited on August 13, 2008 at 4:26 PM. Reason : .]

8/13/2008 4:20:07 PM

I think that is the main reason he is out there for a week, so his pro-triathlete wife can get acclimated (as much as possible) before her race this coming weekend.

In general, we don't get the benefits of training at altitude, but I've seen some theories that training in the heat and humidity in the south starts to approximate the effects of reduced oxygen supply.

8/13/2008 5:04:47 PM

Quote :

"I think that is the main reason he is out there for a week, so his pro-triathlete wife can get acclimated (as much as possible) before her race this coming weekend."

mhum, or, you know... so we could have fun

8/14/2008 7:37:42 PM

I just got back from a 2 day trip to Tsali.

Drove over on Friday, camped out for the night. Rode Mouse Branch and Thompson Loops on Saturday and the Left and Right loops this morning.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Those trails are unlike anything we have around here in Raleigh. Some of the climbs are tough, but you're well rewarded with excellent descents.

10/12/2008 10:58:36 PM

Does anyone have a set of mountain bike cranks for sale? My left side crank arm is messed up. I thought my bottom bracket was going bad, but it turned out that my crank arm was a little loose. It rounded out the crank arm a little.

I rode at Lake Crabtree a couple times last week and hit up the Tobacco Trail over the weekend. The Tobacco Trail was a little disappointing. I wanted to ride about 25 miles (12-13 out and then back). I got to about the 7 mile marker and it was blocked off for construction. It was very tempting to just ride around the block. I could see where a lot of people had done it, but with my crank arm messing up I took that as a sign to head back to the car.

10/13/2008 12:03:01 PM

Im assuming that since you "rounded" the crank off that you have a square taper crank/bb. Any shop in the area will (should) have replacement square taper cranks. Non-drive are more common to round off, but you should still be able to find a similar drive side crank, should that be the one that you tore up

10/13/2008 12:33:18 PM

bttt

1/21/2009 2:05:08 PM

Are there any shops that sell spine protectors here?

1/21/2009 2:59:47 PM

^what for?

seriously asking, not trying to be an ass or anything...but what are you wanting the protector for (other than to protect obviously)?

sure you can have a freak accident on a flat sidewalk and paralyze yourself, but what type of riding (and where in NC) are you doing that would warrant the added bulk of a spinal protector?

that being said, i would check with cycle gear on tryon...its a moto shop, but they should have what you are lookin for

1/21/2009 3:22:36 PM

It's funny you say that, I've been to two shops and they both had the same reaction. Why is that? Do you people not travel to Moab?!

Anyhow it's not for riding it's for BASE jumping. It's kind of a modern requirement low cliff jumping and urban jumping where if you hit a cliff, building, or bolder it's a nice to have. I have friends that it saved.

1/21/2009 6:11:09 PM

Cycle Gear off tryon has some spine protectors as well as hard shell kits originally intended for roadracing and stuntriding. And of course they have the standard motocross gear, but i don't think that's what you are looking for

1/21/2009 6:19:57 PM

you should call the spin cycle in cary. they're going out of business so it would be on sale if they had it...i doubt it will be in stock, but it's worth the call.

[Edited on January 21, 2009 at 6:22 PM. Reason : .]

1/21/2009 6:21:32 PM

Alright, I am building an AM/XC FS bike. I already have some components, but I need some more and I need some help choosing some of the components.

Fork: Marzocchi DJ1 or Rock Shox Reba Race? The DJ1 is heavier, but would seem to put up to more AM type abuse. The Reba is lighter, which will be good considering the frame I chose is a lil on the heavy side, but I don't want to blow the Reba out. Other suggestions would be welcomed, but I would like to stay under $400.

Also, on a related note the DJ1 has a 20mm through axle and the Reba is a standard QR. Do people who have a 20mm through axle like it, or is it a hassle? Is it really needed for AM/XC riding?

Bottom Bracket: I already have a RaceFace ISIS crank that I like. I know that the ISIS system isn't the best, but I like the crank and would like to stick with it. So, which BB should I go with? I heard that the RaceFace evolve series is junk. I have heard mixed reviews about the Truactiv GigaPipe. I have heard that the SKF BFR 600 series is good, but it seems too expensive at $115. Any other suggestions?

How do people like their tubeless tire/wheel set up? Does it really work or is it a hassle?

Also, I am planning on going with custom built wheels, the Mavic 823 rim with XT hubs. Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes. XT front derailleur. FSA Orbit XL II or Pig DH headset. Dunno what kind of seatpost or saddle.

What I already have: LX shifter/lever combo; RaceFace cranks; XT rear derailleur; easton EA50 handlebar; RaceFace stem; and will use my old clipless pedals.

1/21/2009 9:17:28 PM

^ Reba maxle might also be a possibility.

http://www.treefortbikes.com/82_333222347878__09-Reba-Team-120mm-Maxle-Black-Disc-Only-Pushloc.html

1/21/2009 10:19:54 PM

Sorry, forgot to include that the fork needs to be 100mm. Thanks for the suggestion though.

1/21/2009 10:28:24 PM

honestly, I don't know enough about it to give you real advice. It does seem like if you need that stiff/strong a wheel, your axle is the next weak point of the setup. but will you ride places where you'll notice the difference? I would try to find some reviews as to how happy people are with the fork itself and not worry about the diff btwn a 20mm vs. a normal axle.

in any case, the '09 29er version of that fork is a maxle lite, and I'm fairly certain there's a 26er maxle lite fork also. It might be that the 120mm can be adjusted down to 100mm with spacers.

whats the frame, btw?

why not a fox f100? costs about the same, supposed to be a great xc fork.



[Edited on January 22, 2009 at 12:52 AM. Reason : ..]

1/22/2009 12:46:16 AM

I'm kinda embarrassed by the frame. It is a Mongoose that was given to me. I know I know. Why put all these mid-top end components on a Mongoose frame. I just want to build up a FS bike, and I might as well start with the Mongoose frame that was given to me. If I were to come across a better FS frame for cheap (probably under $100), then I would go for that; money is going to be tight enough as is with this build, without buying a new frame.

The frame is a little on the heavy side, but it's aluminum and I'm not really worried about the craftmanship. Its not like I'm gonna be taking 10-20 ft drops, just light drops/jumps/downhill and mostly XC.

It should work for my purpose.

As for the Fox F100...If I can find it for that cheap, then I might consider it. It would be good too, because I do want an air fork.

[Edited on January 22, 2009 at 2:38 PM. Reason : Fox]

1/22/2009 2:32:25 PM

Quote :

"I'm not really worried about the craftmanship."

oh no shit?

i really hope not, especially not with this mindset

Quote :

"a better FS frame for cheap (probably under $100), "

1/22/2009 5:41:41 PM

why do you want to build such a beefy bike for just riding xc?

1/22/2009 6:23:11 PM

it's not a walmart mongoose, is it?

1/22/2009 6:45:30 PM

No, it's not a Wal-Mart Mongoose.

I knew this was going to happen once I revealed the frame. Ohh well.

Also, none of the parts that I have bought so far are frame specific. Therefore, if I were to come across a better frame. I could still use all the parts that I have bought.

My whole goal for this bike was to build a mid-top end FS bike for under $1000 with the parts that I want. As of right now, with the parts that I have and want, I will be spot on. Installation of the fork/headset and BB/crank will put me over, but otherwise, I am spot on.

So, with that being said, if there is a FS frame that I could come across, then I will be all for it. Even if it were used.

Now that we are past this, does anyone have any suggestions for the components that I mentioned?

[Edited on January 23, 2009 at 1:03 PM. Reason : goal]

1/23/2009 12:59:07 PM

dude, no shame in that, it makes perfect sense. start with whatcha got, add what you can with a mind towards what you might swap out later.

1/23/2009 10:53:08 PM

yeah, its cool man, ride whatever you got. i'm certainly no bike snob, i didn't mean to give off the wrong impression. but pedaling around more bike than you need gets to be tiresome. On my main bike, i use mavic 317 wheels laced to xt hubs with avid 5 brakes. as for other components, the both bikes came with deore level stuff, and honestly i haven't had any complaints. i may upgrade if they ever break, but i'm 5 years into one bike and 3 years into another with no problems. if you're looking to save money, this may be something to consider.

regarding your forks, the two you've spec'd out are designed for totally different uses. personally i'd go with the Reba simply because its lighter than the DJ1 (1Kg in weight difference!). as long as you're not doing crazy drops to flat or hardcore DH, i wouldn't worry about the reba blowing out.

also newer forks are designed for frames that were designed around longer suspension travel in the front. as such, if you have an older frame, you may end up with some goofy geometry if you don't check it before hand.

hope this helps

1/24/2009 12:04:41 AM

I checked into all the geometry issues before starting this build. The frame is set up for a 100mm fork. So, as long as I don't get a 29er fork and the fork is only 100mm, I should be OK. I have never had issues with a BB before, but all my bikes were older with the square taper cranks. This new RaceFace crank I got is ISIS, which I have heard many complaints from. Therefore, the only component I am really worried about is the BB.

The wheels are also another concern of mine. When there are jumps on the trials, I enjoy hitting them. With my older bikes, the wheels would need constant truing, so I just want to get a quality set. Which is the reason why I am looking into the beefier Mavic 823 rim.

Well, hopefully I will have this build done by summer and can start hitting the trials more. My hardtail just isn't getting the trick done right now. It's a nice bike, but older. Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo with all XT components, Rock Shox Judy XC, and Mavic Crossland wheels.

1/24/2009 9:15:11 PM

After hearing yalls gripes about the frame that I was given, I started to think about it. It would obviously be better if I could find a better/lighter frame for cheap. So, I looked around online. Has anyone had any experience with a Jamis Dakar frame? I found one for $175.

I checked mtbr.com and there were 53 reviews with an average of 4.43/5.

1/25/2009 11:51:58 PM

the dakar line has been around forever

it is a nothing special, single pivot frame...it should be just fine for what you are looking to do

given your price range, you wont find anything better...although what shock does it have on it at that price?

1/26/2009 7:46:24 AM

Fox Float R

1/26/2009 9:11:31 AM

At least its a Fox...

The best thing you can do for yourself if you do get that frame...or any frame for that matter...is to spend the time to get the suspension set up as perfectly as possible.

Set the sag, wearing your riding gear. Have someone help you do this, it is next to impossible to get an accurate measurement and setting by yourself. To do this, measure eye-to-eye before you get on the bike. Next get on the bike, near a wall so you can balance with your hip or shoulder. Try not to bounce around too much, you dont want to compress the suspension more so than your normal body + gear would. Again, measure the eye-to-eye (actually, have your friend do this) You want sag to be around 20-30%.

Getting this set appropriately will really help how the bike feels on the trail.

Rebound is more of a personal matter, but again, spend the time to set it correctly...for the terrain. Find a section of trail that really works the suspension. Start with rebound all the way off...you will quickly see that after that first bump, your rear end is dead as hell. Try again with rebound set to the quickest setting. You'll probably have a hard time not getting bucked off. So...find the right balance...like I said, this is more of a personal feel type thing.

Also, spend the $ and buy a shock pump for yourself. Having an air shock is sorta dumb unless you can make adjustments to it...without having to take it into a shop everytime you want another few PSI added. And no, a tire pump wont work

1/26/2009 1:02:20 PM

Thanks for the recommendations. I have gone forward with the plans to purchase this frame. $175 isn't a bad price considering that the owner says that it has never been built.

1/26/2009 1:49:31 PM

Quote :

"$175 isn't a bad price considering that the owner says that it has never been built the shock i bought for my new frame was over $400. "

the "never been built" part is cool too

anyways, post up some pics when you finish it

*also, just because it is a cheaper frame doesnt mean that you shouldnt consider having the BB faced and chased before building it up

[Edited on January 26, 2009 at 3:54 PM. Reason : ]

1/26/2009 3:53:09 PM

Well the bottom bracket is something that I am concerned with. I haven't heard that many good things about ISIS type BB. I already have a RaceFace crank that I really like. The only one that I have heard good things about is the SKF BFR 600. I can only seem to find it through Jenson and it's $115. Any other suggesions?

I am definitely planning on having a LBS to install the BB/crank and headset/fork. This is something that I am just not comfortable doing.

1/26/2009 4:04:37 PM

DO NOT pay that much for that BB...or any BB (especially ISIS) unless it has ceramic bearings and was assembled by cute little angels

you can get a Race Face ISIS bb for less than $50, then you will have matching parts, which is always a good thing in my book

[Edited on January 26, 2009 at 4:26 PM. Reason : ]

1/26/2009 4:25:20 PM

The only reason that I was going to pay that much for a BB is because I hear that all the ISIS BB are crap and you will run through them very quickly (1-2 per year). However, I was contemplating buying the SKF because I hear that it will last much longer. So, it's the old argument of buying high quality that will last longer but cost more or low quality that will last less but is cheaper.

However, I hear the RaceFace series is crap. So, if I do go cheap, it will likely be the Truactiv Gigapipe. I hear better things about that.

I'm getting most of my review info from mtbr.

[Edited on January 26, 2009 at 6:01 PM. Reason : mtbr.]

1/26/2009 5:53:18 PM

Im not saying the race face BBs are the best out there, I've broken two and seen more than I can count, blown up.

Im just sayin...a $115 BB in a $175 frame (with shock) doesnt quite fly with me. Why would you want to invest this kinda money in a type of part (ISIS) that you dont even like to begin with?

Im sure the Truvativ will be just fine for your application.

Why are you stuck on the Race Face crank that you have? You could get a great crankset/BB combo from Gravity and that would solve all your problems. And likely be cheaper and lighter and last longer (through a couple frames) in the long run.

1/26/2009 6:36:43 PM

Stupid, but personal reasons. I used to ride a lot, and actually did pretty well racing during my middle school years. During that time I used to always want the RaceFace Turbine LP cranks in red. Could never afford them at the time, but I recently found some red RaceFace cranks and am still kinda connected to them. Got them for about $55.

I know I know, stupid reason for buying a crankset and that the external bearing BBs are better, but its what I want. I hear that RaceFace is coming back out with the red Turbine LP, but with an external bearing system. That would be nice, but I hear that they are going to be limited in numbers and expensive. We'll see.

I will start with what I got, and build it up from there.

1/26/2009 8:11:29 PM

hahaha no shit? i always wanted the yellow ones when i was younger!

last year, i was working part time in a shop and one day a sales guy from one of our distribs came by like he did every monday. i was pretty close with him and he always brought interesting oddities that he needed to unload. so one day he stops by, i ask if he had anything good. he said, "nah, just some shitty old race face cranks that no one will take"

so of course i ask which ones....

Oh yea...yellow turbines

I damn near hugged him... but instead just bought them.

[/no homo story]

ok so its a toss up...

1/26/2009 8:56:16 PM