Do You Mountain Bike?

[MrCrash]

Have you been going to these?

I haven't - this will be my first. They may be changing the day its held, as the gal who puts it on can no longer do Wednesdays because of a schedule conflict.

 

[fawndog]

When she tested the Trek @ MTBike Oregon, she felt a lot more confident descending on the Trek than she did on her Blur - unfortunately, there aren't many (any) women-specific AM bikes in her size on the market.

I took the time to pay attention to girl bikes, I'm not sure I buy into it. Just not really sold on the tiny variances, couple that with little support and it's clear the industry views women as an afterthought.
Roxy likes the Intense 5.5 (my race bike) better than her old Turner, both small. (Lisa is free to try it) The nod went to a SC Nomad for AM though.

After a season of racing I'm feeling more comfortable on small frames, I think my requirements keep changing.

 

[Harpo]

Women, try the Stumpy, ...

I'm not gonna say how/why I know this could be a fit, but all I can say is that any women having trouble with fit should try a Specialized Stumpy "woman's specific" version.


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[Rick T.]

I'm not gonna say how/why I know this could be a fit, but all I can say is that any women having trouble with fit should try a Specialized Stumpy "woman's specific" version.


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It's got a seriously sloping top-tube...

 

[Rick T.]

A friend suggested using fork/shock boots - like the ones from Lizard Skinz. He claims that the fork/shock is susceptible enough to tiny dirt particles that may damage internals. I see using these to protect the fork/shock from potential damage in a crash (i.e. rocks, etc) - but still not sold. Not concerned about wt, just want to avoid "gimmicks".

Anyone use these? Thoughts?

 

[MrCrash]

I took the time to pay attention to girl bikes, I'm not sure I buy into it. Just not really sold on the tiny variances, couple that with little support and it's clear the industry views women as an afterthought.
Roxy likes the Intense 5.5 (my race bike) better than her old Turner, both small. (Lisa is free to try it) The nod went to a SC Nomad for AM though.

I'm hoping we can make some minor changes / adjustments to make Lisa's Blur feel more like the Trek she tested. Two things she really liked:

1. The shorter top tube. 20.7 inches on the small WSD Trek, 21.8 inches on the small Blur. Lisa's back usually bothers her on longer rides, but she had no issues after 15 miles on the Trek. We're going to try to go to a shorter stem to compensate.

2. Narrower handlebars with a higher rise. We're going to try to find a similar set.

The WSD Trek also had smaller diameter grips, shorter crank arms, and brakes levers that required a shorter reach, but she didn't really notice it. Those items are nothing we can't fit to the Blur. The end result on the Trek was increased confidence descending, with far less discomfort during extended pedaling. Granted, the Trek is an XC Trail bike with more relaxed angles and increased travel while the Blur is an XC Race bike with steeper angles.

After a season of racing I'm feeling more comfortable on small frames, I think my requirements keep changing.

It took me a while to figure out what I was comfortable with myself.

I've found that I like my AM / DH bikes to be on the small end of acceptable, making them more maneuverable while also allowing me to move around on the bike a little more to make it handle the way I want. Short top tube. High bars. Rider positioned with lots of weight on the rear wheel. My small Cannondale seems just right for that.

My XC bike needs to be just right for optimum pedaling power and minimal fatigue / discomfort. My medium Specialized seems just right for that.

 

[fawndog]

A friend suggested using fork/shock boots - like the ones from Lizard Skinz. He claims that the fork/shock is susceptible enough to tiny dirt particles that may damage internals. I see using these to protect the fork/shock from potential damage in a crash (i.e. rocks, etc) - but still not sold. Not concerned about wt, just want to avoid "gimmicks".

Anyone use these? Thoughts?

I used them.
Cheap protection against light scratches from whatever you do that might abuse the fork. Nice if you have a shock in a "position to get dirty" like below/behind seatpost. But the dust gets everywhere, can't avoid cleaning.

Clean your suspension, store bike upside down once a week.

 

[Rick T.]

I used them.
Cheap protection against light scratches from whatever you do that might abuse the fork. Nice if you have a shock in a "position to get dirty" like below/behind seatpost. But the dust gets everywhere, can't avoid cleaning.

Clean your suspension, store bike upside down once a week.

Thanks. I think I'll get them. Cheap insurance. Shock is in front of the seat tube so it shouldn't get as mush dirt flung at it from the rear wheel.

 

[Rick T.]

Well, looks like a road/training ride for me tomorrow afternoon. I was called to work tomorrow morning so... no Skyline!

And Sunday, I actually ride my MOTORCYCLE!

Have a great weekend guys/gals!!

 

[Yody]

Hit 53 minutes at Tamarancho yesterday and barely broke a sweat! Had 3 dabs though, 2 switchbacks and one part in the rock garden. I hate putting my foot down through the rock garden

 

[Rick T.]

Hit 53 minutes at Tamarancho yesterday and barely broke a sweat! Had 3 dabs though, 2 switchbacks and one part in the rock garden. I hate putting my foot down through the rock garden

Sweet. Looks like Tamarancho for me in a week...

 

[Yody]

Sweet. Looks like Tamarancho for me in a week...

Let me know when you're gonna be there!arty

 

[MrCrash]

Hit 53 minutes at Tamarancho yesterday and barely broke a sweat! Had 3 dabs though, 2 switchbacks and one part in the rock garden. I hate putting my foot down through the rock garden

Don't forget to post the seconds. Big difference between 53 minutes and 53 minutes, 54 seconds when the Tamarancho title is on the line

All we have to do now is decide when to make a run at the mythical 50 minute barrier!

 

[Yody]

Hey my real intentions were to not put a foot down the whole ride and make sure there were no stops, the good time I made was just a bonus

I don't see how I would not be able to improve from that time, so I feel pretty confident with the time stated

I'll tell you though I rode really really smooth trying to worry more about not putting my feet down and concentrating less on time, but now that I got a taste of blood its going to be hard to ignore the stopwatch! Was a good week though first on Tuesday 45 minutes on west-eastridge nostop (although I was hurting pretty bad to get that time) and then the 53 minute tamarancho no stop thursday

 

[fawndog]

I see Mike breaking 50m first, unless Gorman starts riding again.

I'll be out Sat. for the first time since DVille. I'm really happy with that weekend, on my 2nd run I cleaned both the up/down and the waterfall

 

[Yody]

I see Mike breaking 50m first,

I'd like to be right behind him

 

[Harpo]

Hit 53 minutes at Tamarancho yesterday and barely broke a sweat! Had 3 dabs though, 2 switchbacks and one part in the rock garden. I hate putting my foot down through the rock garden

Don't forget to post the seconds. Big difference between 53 minutes and 53 minutes, 54 seconds when the Tamarancho title is on the line

All we have to do now is decide when to make a run at the mythical 50 minute barrier!

You guys all SUK!!
I am feelin' soooooo fuckin' old an' broken now it's depressing.

Feeling like at this point the only place I could even have fun riding with you guys would be on the DH stuff and I'm not even sure my body can take that anymore. FUUUUUUUUUUUUKKKK!!!

Looks like I might just be sitting in my recliner (which is actually now my bed as I can't lie down flat anymore) and knitting you guyz (and girlz) padded sweaters for the winter.


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[sjensen]

when is everyone going back to tamarancho? which loop is the 50 minute loop? i want to give it a shot

 

[Yody]

Whenever you want to go! 50 minute loop is the standard loop starting at the trailhead and ending back at the same place. Its pretty much the most travelled trail.

 

[MrCrash]

when is everyone going back to tamarancho? which loop is the 50 minute loop? i want to give it a shot

I was gonna say, I'm sure you or Ryan have it with a few minutes to spare.

Former DH MTB champ and Bikeskills.com guy Joe Lawwill told me he did it in 37 minutes. When he did Downieville in 2003, he was only 3 minutes 25 seconds behind Weir, which makes 37 seem all the more reasonable...