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Mountain Biking Megathread/Q&A Hello there! This is your one-stop shop for anything related to mountain biking. Whether you've been riding for 10 years and have a garage full of bikes worth more than most people's cars or you're completely new to the sport, this thread is for you. Use this thread to talk about your most recent epic ride, to meet up with other mountain bikers in your area, and to masturbate/complain over how expensive your gear is. What this thread is NOT for: Discussion of road/commuting cycling or which form of cycling is best because it’s clearly mountain biking that wins that argument Riding Disciplines/Styles Cross-Country (XC) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irIXRM9mmso The most common style of riding- XC encompasses everything from more leisurely, long-distance rides to full-on spandex-clad sprinting. XC is where most mountain bikers get their start, and ultimately, it's where many choose to stay. XC bikes are similarly diverse and are largely dependent based on the preferences, skill, terrain commonly ridden and intent of the rider in question. XC riders choose to ride hardtails or full-suspension bikes depending on their own subjective needs; you technically don't need full suspension to ride ANY trail (but it sure does help sometimes.) XC bikes are usually very light, (under 30 pounds for most, some much lower). All-Mountain (AM) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z_-LlgccN8 All-mountain should be regarded as more than XC, but less than freeride. Typical AM riders will want to be able to ride technical terrain both up AND down the trail, so most AM bikes are designed to be beefier than their lighter XC counterparts but without the overall bulk of a freeride or downhill bike. Freeride http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zLuqKNKOqs Freeride is built around jumping, dropping and going fast. These bikes will feature a lot of suspension (6"+ both front and rear), weigh significantly more than their XC or AM buds, and generally perform a lot better pointed downhill than they will pointed up. Within freeride, there's other subsets, including slopestyle and big mountain. Slopestyle borrows heavily from similar snowboarding competitions, with a lot of emphasis on huge tricks launched off large, machine-cut jumps and style. Big mountain generally refers to launching off large, natural terrain features like huge drops and occasionally cliffs. Downhill (DH) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwsLxrOlGGE Downhill shares some similarities with freeride, but with less of a focus on tricks or stunts. Built to take a beating and handle at high speeds, DH bikes are very heavy (think 30+ pounds), but new technological advancements are bringing the weight down each season. Both freeride and DH fall under the umbrella of "gravity" riding, i.e. going with gravity (going downslope) rather than fighting it (climbing back up.) Downhill bikes differ from their freeride counterparts in terms of geometry- amongst many other things; a DH bike will have a very slack head tube angle for stable handling at high speeds and a lower bottom bracket than a freeride bike. Racing is common for all of the above styles with perhaps the exception of freeride. Enduro racing is starting to become bigger, and it's seemingly a hybrid of XC and DH racing where the focus is on descending, but the course itself will entail some moderate climbing. There are of course other types of riding like dirt jumping, trials riding, racing, cyclocross, mountain bike touring and other forms, but these are the most commonly encountered and I'll let others chime in about those. Looking for a bike? Here is a link to MTBR's subforums for mountain bike manufacturers. Frequently Asked Questions 1. I'm looking to get into mountain biking! What kind of bike should I get? This answer will vary on an individual basis. You should first spend some time researching what kind of riding options you have near you, looking at what others are riding, and assessing your general comfort level and knowledge of cycling in general. Ask around on what shops are good or cater to mountain bikers, and go there. A good bike shop worker should be more concerned about sending you home with the best bike for you rather than overselling you, but unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. Take into account your maximum budget, and the terrain you'll be riding the most. Go to the major manufacturer sites - Specialized, Trek, Giant - and look at the bikes in your price range. These three major manufacturers have offerings from entry level to high end, and you can't go wrong in choosing one of their bikes. Consider the bikes that are available and then consider the terrain you'll be riding - are there lots of extended climbs? Rocky and rooty terrain? Is it tame and mellow? These kinds of questions can help you decide, or can help you bring the right information to this thread so we can help. Most people tend to think that beginners should start off with a hardtail, but of course, this is all subject to your local terrain and what kind of riding you'd like to do. Expect to spend at least $1000-1500 USD for a fairly decent new one; also check with your LBS (local bike shop) to see if they have any deals on last year's models. A lot of shops will also have really good deals on demo bikes (bikes used at the shop for people to test ride) that are usually maintained fairly well and generally not ridden too terribly hard. Used bikes can also be a good way to enter the sport, but make sure to check the frame for any deformities, cracks, or anything beyond normal wear and tear on the frame itself and make sure the components are in good condition. Bring a friend who knows something about bikes with you if you don't know what to look for. Mountain bike technology moves really fast compared to other cycling disciplines, a 5 year old mountain bike is getting pretty dated, a 10 year old mountain bike is absolutely ancient. So if you’re looking to get a used bike, make sure it’s not too old. Don’t hesitate to ask the thread for advice, we’ll be more than happy to help. What's a 29er and should I get one? A 29er is a mountain bike with wheels measuring 29 inches in diameter. This allows them to roll more easily over obstacles, but they do have arguable drawbacks like not feeling as nimble on the trail as their smaller-wheeled brethren. People will argue all day long about the pros and cons, but the best way to decide is to throw a leg over one and give it a shot. Only you can tell if it's the style that suits you. What's a 650b and should I get one? Also known as 27.5” it was really popular for a little while but 29ers are the current hotness. Still a lot of good 27.5 bikes out there but if you’re looking to buy a new bike this is probably not the way to go. What‘s 26”? Old, they’re fine if you already have one, but don’t buy one unless you’re getting it for a specific reason I found a sweet, full-suspension model with disc brakes at Wal-Mart for only $150! It even comes with a free kickstand! Is this a good deal or WHAT!? You will die a horrible, horrible death and no one will mourn you. Mountain biking has a fairly high barrier to entry in terms of cost, and department store bikes should not be considered adequate for riding down anything more technical than a gentle, grassy hill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkMnk_eCDQU This video shows what happens when you take a department store bike on serious terrain. Granted, this is an extreme example, but it goes to show that you shouldn't expect decent performance or durability from a super cheap bike. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Bikes are complicated! How do I know what I should call each part? Ask us, it’ll take a while to get the nomenclature down but here’s a basic start:  What's singletrack? Singletrack refers to a type of trail that is wide enough to accommodate one rider. It does not refer to the type of terrain- singletrack can be extremely smooth and polished or full of roots and rocks. Doubletrack and fire roads are also common riding terrain. My friend rides downhill and says that XC riders are all lame. My XC riding friend says downhillers are fat shitheads. Who's right? They both are, people that argue this are lame. All bikes are good (except hybrids) Hey, I've decided that I really enjoy this mountain biking thing and would like to help out with advocacy, trailbuilding, etc. How do I get started with this? Your first stop should be the International Mountain Bike Association's (IMBA) local clubs page. IMBA helps local cycling clubs/cycling advocacy organizations with lots of things, including trailbuilding projects, and you can probably find a local organization that would be happy to have your time, effort, money, or all of the above. If you can't find a local organization, talk with the guys at your LBS and see what else is out there- some clubs may not be officially related with IMBA and may not be on the website. Hey I really want to get into this mountain bike thing, where should I start for a bike? e.pilot fucked around with this message at 00:48 on Jul 27, 2020 |
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Jul 25, 2020 15:51
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minarets posted:Re: the thread title, a reminder that there are sweaty lady MTBers as well. yes but that doesn’t make for a subtle gay joke  hemale in pain posted:im a sweaty bear 
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Jul 25, 2020 19:21
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Sadi posted:Almost done repainting my Karate Monkey. Just need one more coat and then clear. Next step is cutting some matte gold vinyl for the KM logos and what not. I was going to get some custom fox fork stickers ordered this week for a Factory 34 I picked up, but fox hosed me on that. What color is that? I want that for the dick wood™
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Jul 29, 2020 16:57
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BeastPussy posted:I'm not partial to purple on my own bikes mods
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Jul 29, 2020 23:10
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jesus WEP posted:Thread title  mods?
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Aug 1, 2020 14:30
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Elmnt80 posted:That's so many button pushes though! Like at least 3! Ok fine.  Ropes4u posted:If I was going to buy an aluminum bike I would go pick up a Ripmo AF 
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Aug 1, 2020 22:26
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Kona Jake the Snake has the same style routing. I actually kind of like it, it lets water and dirt drain out without collecting around the BB.
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Aug 2, 2020 15:23
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My old wheel cameo 
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Aug 10, 2020 04:43
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Bad News:  Racmmer communication sucks, at the rate it was going of one message a day this wasn’t going to happen for a long time. Good News:  I dug through ali express and found another vendor that has really similar looking jerseys with the nicer arm cuffs and fabric. Their sizing charts are the same as well. Better News:  They also have bibs and hats. Even Betterer News:  Orders are open.  So here is how this will go down, I have to make one large order and and have it shipped to me, I will then ship out the kits to everyone. Final cost should be around $35-65 shipped depending on what your order. I will ship with priority flat rate envelopes, shipping cost will be a bit more if you are outside of the US. Kit and hat prices are here: DO NOT ORDER FROM HERE THIS IS SO YOU CAN SEE THE PRICES ONLY https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32492346631.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001110300703.html DO NOT ORDER FROM HERE THIS IS SO YOU CAN SEE THE PRICES ONLY Fill out this form for what you’d like to order:  https://forms.gle/VaPigc3e7Sar31FKA Don’t pay attention to the weights on the sizing chart, they’re hilariously wrong (ex: I am 6’ 84kg and wear a large) If in doubt, order a size up from your normal US size and accept that it may be more of a club fit Just fill it out more than once if you want more than one set. I will contact everyone that orders via email with a total price and my paypal or venmo as orders are submitted via the google form.  !!!ORDERS CLOSE OUT AND PAYPAL/VENMO MUST BE RECEIVED AT MIDNIGHT ZULU TIME ON THE 25TH!!!(afternoon of the 24th for USA time zones). I will be placing the order with Barton the following morning, so make sure payment is to me before then. Disclaimer: The images below are just preview images, these are china kits and I assume no responsibility for their printing quality and potential asian sizing quirks, if you have ordered china kits before you should know what you’re getting in to, while they’re good most of the time I cannot guarantee they will be 100% of the time, this is a lot of words to basically say no refunds unless something is grotesquely wrong If you want to spend 4-5x as much I’d be happy to link you to my jakroo team store (where I made these designs)       
e.pilot fucked around with this message at 19:45 on Aug 12, 2020 |
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Aug 12, 2020 19:30
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Suburban Dad posted:I've never not worn baggies but these are hilarious so I'm interested. Any idea what size shorts you'd go with? Sounds like we're similar in size. I’m 6’ 85kg and wear a large in china kit, XL fits well too but it’s a little loose
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Aug 13, 2020 00:31
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I’m amazed the lock pin didn’t pop open from riding it.
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Aug 20, 2020 00:24
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DHF aggressor combo 4 lyfe
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Aug 21, 2020 12:54
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Omgz posted:Also, hello I'm posting in this thread. 
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Aug 31, 2020 07:31
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thatguy posted:So I'm looking at a job in DFW area, 4 miles or so for North Richland Hills and one of the line items is hobo control. Dystopia merica-style My town built a mile long MUP expressly for the purpose of cleaning out homeless camps and enabling the town cops to easily patrol along the river. They also are currently doing this:  
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Sep 2, 2020 17:58
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Steve French posted:I know one good way to wear down the tread on those tires If the answer isn't sweet skids I don't want to hear it.
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Sep 4, 2020 06:10
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Boogalo posted:I grew up in Northern CA and moved to Virginia many years ago and the things they try to pass as mountains out here are pretty cute. I moved to Northern California from Colorado and the things they call mountains and high altitude are downright adorable. “Tahoe is so high up!” at 6200ft 
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Sep 18, 2020 22:43
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Nocheez posted:The best trails are ones with good views along the way. My favorite thing is to see a spot on the top of a farawayhill on the horizon and say, "I'm going to be standing there in 2 hours" and then doing it.
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Sep 21, 2020 18:24
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the trails around castle rock are a hoot on a gravel bike
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Sep 21, 2020 22:57
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DeesGrandpa posted:
My old trails 
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Oct 14, 2020 17:18
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Nocheez posted:That may be important, too. I'm 4'20" (or 5'8" in lame units) and the 29ers feel like I'm sitting much higher overall, with a higher center of gravity. The 27.5 feels more natural and easier to throw around and correct mistakes on. too bad you’re not 1” taller
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Nov 1, 2020 05:23
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wax for moon dust, it doesn’t attract anything because it’s not sticky, just pull the chain off before you hose the bike down
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Jan 23, 2021 19:47
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Steve French posted:Well, once I finish building this and the snow melts, I can let you know my thoughts on the topaz. But I wouldn’t wait around. 
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Mar 3, 2021 19:15
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I’ve got a pair of wheels with the caps all marred up, it’ll be fine.
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Mar 7, 2021 16:23
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Mar 12, 2021 06:12
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165 is the way
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Mar 13, 2021 07:04
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Mar 13, 2021 19:18
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Blacknose posted:Maybe with good technique you could make better posts.
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Apr 30, 2021 15:53
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Steve French posted:For those interested in checking out riding in the sierras and foothills, here's Hoot trail in Grass Valley, one of the two we did on that ride: lol I’m so out of practice thanks again for bringing the DV9 down, it was fun to get out on the dirt again jokes on me for selling my MTB last summer thinking the bike market would be back to normal by now and I could pick something up this season 
e.pilot fucked around with this message at 15:44 on May 1, 2021 |
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May 1, 2021 15:41
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bicievino posted:Riding when it's smokey isn't just bad for your lungs, it's bad for your eyes, too. I was riding with a full on respirator around portland last year. 
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May 2, 2021 20:04
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bicievino posted:* figure out a better way to carry a spare tube. I had it strapped to the toptube with a voile strap but lost it on a bouncy descent part way through. Felt bad about littering and felt bad not having the safety blanket. https://www.rei.com/product/126493/dakine-hot-laps-gripper-bike-bag
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May 10, 2021 04:09
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Just like working with power tools or carrying heavy objects, don’t wear metal rings/bands/bracelets or anything that’ll deglove your fingers/hands should they get caught on something.
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Jun 15, 2021 06:05
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me your dad posted:I'm never riding with my ring again. I had a friend who would take his off during really gnarly stuff but it was in case he fell and broke his finger and it became swollen. De-gloving is a whole new worry. I had a scare not long ago where my left hand got caught on a branch and it ripped a finger off my glove. It spooked me pretty good and this is a nice reminder. I used to build air cargo pallets at an old job, and part of the training was the importance of not wearing jewelry while working on them. I’ll never forget the pictures. 
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Jun 15, 2021 21:58
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Safety Dance posted:No it wont. A doctor I know had to get the fire department to cut a guy's scrotum stretcher off once. They put a butter knife between metal and skin, and kept the area cool with water. 
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Jun 17, 2021 06:44
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I (very loosely) have (parts of) a mountain bike again.   Mostly I just wanted to be part of the nicest page number.
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Oct 18, 2021 21:36
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paberu posted:Can I get a double check if I need a boost or non boost crankarm for the bike? My current crank arms are FC-M5100-1 and the rear spacing is listed 12x148mm BOOST which makes me believe that I should order the FC-M8120-1 Boost 1x12 crankset if I'm upgrading to 12sp. Boost crank for boost hub is correct.
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Oct 23, 2021 03:32
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paberu posted:Thank you, put in an order for I'm guessing to arrive some time next year. ICAN wheels are basically the same thing for way cheaper.
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Oct 24, 2021 02:44
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I have part of a thing  
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Oct 27, 2021 03:09
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Eejit posted:I live in Colorado and ride a bike. What is a good lube that's not Boeshield? wax
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Dec 1, 2021 00:45
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I can let you know what a ribbon coil is like tomorrow.
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Dec 6, 2021 08:03
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| # ¿ May 13, 2024 13:53 |
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New MF’in bike day, I can legally post in the MTB thread again 
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Dec 6, 2021 20:38
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