Any Mountain Bikers?

[Fly Or Die]

I started this thread cuz I always wondered how many of us lived here and have only met one. Also I started it as a friendly thread to go alongside "any road bikers". So, is there anyone out there? Most of us probably exist on mtbr if there are any, but it would be cool to link this and rc together {however you want to see that}. Ive been riding for about 6 years, and just love it. After a holiday I fell out of shape though and have yet to get back the motivation to ride {been thinking too much about planes}. Anyone else wanna share their stories? Im currently on a specailized rockhopper, and sometimes do road rides on the same bike. Hope to hear from y'all, peace out. :D

[Usta Bee]

I haven't ridden "singletrack" in a while, mostly fire roads and old railroad beds. My MTB skills suck as far as going over logs and riding in big rocks. Last time I tried to go over a fallen tree I got my timing wrong, and the resulting crash gave me a bruise the size of a football on my left inner thigh.


I've been to several 24 hour MTB races as a spectator, mostly Canaan, Snowshoe and Big Bear in WV, and Seven Springs in PA. First year I went to Big Bear I walked about 5 miles out into the course when it was way too late, and found myself out in the woods without a light at 10PM. Had to walk the whole way back following the course in reverse, with only being able to see the trail as a faint gray path in the blackness. I managed to make it back around 1AM, but only after forgetting about the puddles on the course and walking into one of them up to my ankles. :o :D

[checkenbach]

I do a little of both(road and mountain) with a dose of 'Cross thrown in for good measure. I'm currently riding an '04??? Specialized Enduro Expert, tried a BUNCH of bikes before I bought it. I wanted a long travel, full suspension, bike with disc brakes that I could ride cross country and the occasional downhill run at Tahoe with, and the Enduro fit the bill. It has 0"-3"-4" travel in front, 0"-3"-5" in the rear, all available at the flick of a switch(or two). I wasn't too thrilled about having an airsprung shock outback, but it has worked very well so far. A little hefty compared to a hardtail, or competive X-C racer, but works fine for me. I've had great luck with Specialized also.
Chris

[Fly Or Die]

Specialized rocks. I swear I would have never guessed that usta was a mountain biker {nothing personal, just pointing out that it could be anyone you've seen on here who rides too}. I think this thread is a good idea. Who knows who else will drop in? What stuff do you guys fly, so we can also get an idea of rider type-bike/pilot type-plane? :D

[checkenbach]

I fly slope sailplanes mostly, it's windy most of the time where I live, I have a DLG I fly a few times a year when the wind is calm. I fly foam and glass, all types, getting into F3F and nicer stuff now that I can bring planes home in one piece most of the time.
Chris

[Usta Bee]

IFOs mostly.....I gots me a Slow Stick, Tipsy, and Hyperwing too, but almost never fly them due to time constrains and the need to drive to a field.

[Usta Bee]

I swear I would have never guessed that usta was a mountain biker


I have a Fine Art degree in Photography too......imagine that. :o :D

[Bilbobaker]

Specialized rocks. I swear I would have never guessed that usta was a mountain biker {nothing personal, just pointing out that it could be anyone you've seen on here who rides too}. I think this thread is a good idea. Who knows who else will drop in? What stuff do you guys fly, so we can also get an idea of rider type-bike/pilot type-plane? :D
I kind of thought he was. Way to knowledgeable about the bike trails made from converted rail lines.
I really enjoy riding mine but now that I'm in my mid fifties I mostly like riding "comfort" bike and railroad grade and easy trails.
Nothing more than 30 miles or less per day once or twice a week etc.
I posted a tread with some pictures of my favorite local trail.
Bill

I like flying Ifo's and slow sticks at night both loaded with leds and in the day time combat wings and a miracle 900 from Hobby lobby plus a few other home built foamies.

[oldcoot88]

I started this thread cuz I always wondered how many of us lived here and have only met one. Also I started it as a friendly thread to go alongside "any road bikers". So, is there anyone out there? Most of us probably exist on mtbr if there are any, but it would be cool to link this and rc together {however you want to see that}. Ive been riding for about 6 years, and just love it. After a holiday I fell out of shape though and have yet to get back the motivation to ride {been thinking too much about planes}. Anyone else wanna share their stories? Im currently on a specailized rockhopper, and sometimes do road rides on the same bike. Hope to hear from y'all, peace out. :D
Here is my humble contribution -
http://community-2.webtv.net/oldcoot/TurboTipsyand/page2.html

In addition to the 12V 12AH field battery, the bike is also equipped with a "diesel horn" powered by a 16V lipo battery. It's an auto horn is rated at 133db at 12 volts, but is noticibly louder and brassier on 16V.:D The horn was inspired chiefly by red light runners which are pandemic here. Blast the horn at 'em, and they usually just flip you the bird anyway.:eek: :p

oc88(Bill)

[Fly Or Die]

Guess I should post for my self too. I fly a 3d parkzone typhoon, and used to fly a built up parkzone stryker. Right now Im wanting to get a gws focke wulf 190, and also fly a esky honey bee fp2 and picoo z. I do mostly single track aggresive xc/light all mountain.

[Usta Bee]

I do a little of both(road and mountain) with a dose of 'Cross thrown in for good measure. I'm currently riding an '04??? Specialized Enduro Expert, tried a BUNCH of bikes before I bought it. I wanted a long travel, full suspension, bike with disc brakes that I could ride cross country and the occasional downhill run at Tahoe with, and the Enduro fit the bill. It has 0"-3"-4" travel in front, 0"-3"-5" in the rear, all available at the flick of a switch(or two). I wasn't too thrilled about having an airsprung shock outback, but it has worked very well so far. A little hefty compared to a hardtail, or competive X-C racer, but works fine for me. I've had great luck with Specialized also.
Chris



The purpose of fully suspended mountain bikes is to increase your speed over rough terrain so your crashes can go from the point of "getting hurt" to "getting REALLY hurt". ;) They didn't invent the term "hospital air" for nothing.

Anyhoo......suspension (front or rear) is for candyasses anyways, REAL men don't need it. :p

[singletracker]

I ride a single speed Karate Monkey 29er with a rigid fork. I'm a sucker for punishment. :D

[Fly Or Die]

I ride a hardtail with a good fork equipped with a lockout. :o I would really like a 29'er single speed, but with a fork up front. What do you fly single?

[wattsup_kz]

I'm glad to see this thread. I could stand to be educated on MBs. I have never tried MB'ing but I know mountain type bikes far outsell road types, and have for over 20 years. Most of the bikers I see riding the roads are on mountain bikes.

Brian

[Usta Bee]

I know mountain type bikes far outsell road types



That's because mountain bikers beat the living :censored: out of their equiptment and have to keep replacing components and frames all the time....the component makers LOVE mountain bikers. ;)

Seriously though, mountain bikes have outsold road bikes mainly because they're more versatile and durable, and you can always put a set of narrow slick tires on a mountain bike if you want to run on the road.

[checkenbach]

I'll be the first to admit it's easier to ride over your head on a full suspension bike than a rigid bike, but that's half the fun!!!!!
I've got a cyclo-cross bike that's fully rigid, nothing like seeing the look on peoples faces when you blow by them in the dirt on the drops, some have asked why are you riding your road bike in the dirt?????
It's a good training tool as well, you have to be careful picking your lines with a rigid bike, or you could bail quite easily.
Cycling helps with riding motorcycles and flying also, tactile sense transfers to a better feel for traction, or lift when flying slope, or braking on the street. It all helps. Chris

[wattsup_kz]

Seriously though, mountain bikes have outsold road bikes mainly because they're more versatile and durable, and you can always put a set of narrow slick tires on a mountain bike if you want to run on the road.

I imagine that the upright posture and cushy tires have something to do with that as well.

[bleach]

That's because mountain bikers beat the living :censored: out of their equiptment and have to keep replacing components and frames all the time....the component makers LOVE mountain bikers. ;)

Seriously though, mountain bikes have outsold road bikes mainly because they're more versatile and durable, and you can always put a set of narrow slick tires on a mountain bike if you want to run on the road.

i know what you mean i own a Banshee Scream Downhill mountain bike. to give you an idea on how many parts i brake (about a 6-8 months. )

-Front shocks- 4x
-rear shock- 2x
-disc brake- 3x
-rear derailler - 20+
-cranks- 2x
-wheels front- 6x // rear- 7x
-frame before this bike- you don't what to know
-chains- i eat chains like crazy.
-bash and chainring- 10x

danm i don't know how much i spend in parts :eek: . well the good new is my bike shop loves me i get 20% off any parts i buy(and the money i save goes back to my bike as well.).

[Fly Or Die]

Lets keep this thread going! I forgot about it for a while, but spread the word or something! I would like to see how far we can take this.

[Usta Bee]

I would like to see how far we can take this.





Where are we going ?. :p





OK, here's a semi-rant..........I live in an area that is perfect for mountain biking, lots of singletrack, forest roads, and jeep trails. Funny thing is though 75% of the population is rednecks who sit around drinking, smoking, watching sports on TV, and driving pickups/riding Harleys. "Outdoorsman" around here means getting a case of beer, loading up the truck with guns, and goin' huntin' or muddin'. Lots of hillbillies with muddy trucks and ATVs, but no one hardly riding mountain bikes offroad. It seems all the best areas for mountain biking are populated by cast members from Deliverance.

[planelover93]

I love planes very much with all my heart.

[Fly Or Die]

I dont know where were going. I just know I want to get there. I believe that that is the meaning of the great journey. Hows that ustabee?

[Mister UHU]

I've got a cyclo-cross bike that's fully rigid



Comments on photo:

Brake levers mounted low on bars,
Seat post has no lay-back,
Rear section of rear brake cable is slightly short,
Wheel QRs in non standard positions,
(should point more towards bottle cage).

For a cyclo cross bike it is spotlessly clean !

[Mister UHU]

OK, here's a semi-rant..........I live in an area that is perfect for mountain biking,
lots of singletrack, forest roads, and jeep trails.

Funny thing is though 75% of the population is rednecks
who sit around drinking, smoking, watching sports on TV, and driving pickups/riding Harleys.

"Outdoorsman" around here means getting a case of beer,
loading up the truck with guns, and goin' huntin' or muddin'.
Lots of hillbillies with muddy trucks and ATVs, but no one hardly riding mountain bikes offroad.

It seems all the best areas for mountain biking are populated by cast members from Deliverance.


Usta you have really got to move,
what's a sophisticated city slicker like you,
doing in an area populated by Neanderthals.

Surely someone with your sense-of-humour would fit in with Hollywood.
I can't believe that you couldn't write funnier comedies
than many of the rubbish TV shows that get churned out by the US TV industry.

Irsudog & Tolladay work sort-of in this industry,
maybe they could comment ??

[Usta Bee]

Wheel QRs in non standard positions,
(should point more towards bottle cage).


I use titanium/aluminum "semi-quick releases" that use an allen wrench to remove and tighten. They're lighter, and better looking visually, and I don't race so the extra couple of seconds it takes to put them on or remove doesn't matter to me.

[Trisquire]

..............I can't believe that you couldn't write funnier comedies than many of the rubbish TV shows that get churned out by the US TV industry.............Yup, we don't make 'em like Fawlty Towers.

Tom

[Mister UHU]

I use titanium/aluminum "semi-quick releases" that use an allen wrench to remove and tighten. They're lighter, and better looking visually, and I don't race so the extra couple of seconds it takes to put them on or remove doesn't matter to me.

Ti = nice = $s

Also a bit more theft resistant.

Less likely to get accidentally moved, unlike a QR lever
(or hit by a tree, while mountain biking).

Some pro racers have tried them in time trials, (to be more aero),
by the problems of wheel changes mean they haven't caught on.

Neat idea of Mavic to include computer wheel sensor in QR.


I have found quality problems in some QR skewers,
Campag ones bend, and some Taiwanese ones suddenly snap.

Shimano are more reliable, (stiff and don't snap).

[Usta Bee]

Surely someone with your sense-of-humour .....




I worked at a grocery store one time, whenever I saw other employees doing their shopping in the store I'd try to slip something into their cart while they weren't looking.....one time it was a box of prunes. :D


Anyhoo....to keep this on track.....there are three types of cyclists in the area:

1. Fitness riders looking to get exercise

2. DUI offenders

3. Guys that go around looking for aluminum cans

The DUI offenders and aluminum can guys often look the same (flannel shirts, blue jeans, and a cigarette hanging out of their mouth), but the aluminum can guys usually have a wire handlebar basket on their bike with a small dog in it, and they smell worse due to the wood stove smoke and stronger B.O. odor.

[checkenbach]

Mister Uhu, the brake levers work for me with the ergo bars, laid back seat posts belong on downhill bikes (in California at least), :p As for the rear housing, I was running short on gray when I built this, it has a mix of Ultegra and XTR also, slightly different color. The pic is of the bike right after the build, it hadn't even been around the block, that's why it's so clean. The rear skewer QR IS at an odd angle in the pic, it's where it's supposed to be now, more in line with the seat stay. I don't race it, it's my commuter.
Chris

[Mister UHU]

laid back seat posts belong on downhill bikes (in California at least), :p
Chris

I think upright seat posts belong on time trial bikes
(and sometimes triathlon bikes).

I prefer a far back seat position,
as many road pros do too,
(I have some photos to prove it, when the Tour De France
visited London last month).

Siting back allows a more relaxed riding position,
it is much easier to climb hills in the saddle,
and helps bike control when descending.
The muscles can extend fully,
and it is possible to apply more force to the pedals.

The standard Shimano and Campag seat posts have lay-back,
for most people and body shapes this is the right choice.


Photo shows Team Astana (Vino et al) at the Tour start.
They are using the AMERICAN Easton seat post,
which has a bit more lay-back than standard.

Every other road bike I photoed at the Tour,
also has a seat post with some lay-back.


With a further back riding position,
the brake levers will naturally feel more comfortable slightly higher.

Checkout the lever positions on the Astana bikes,
(you can tell the rider it belongs to by the race-number).

[Bilbobaker]

Usta
How many miles do you average per year?
I get in just under a thousand on my mtn bike.

[Usta Bee]

Usta
How many miles do you average per year?
I get in just under a thousand on my mtn bike.








Maybe around 3,000+........last year I was doing 30-50 miles a day, 5 days a week. No REALLY long rides though, my longest day ride was probably around 70 miles.

[Usta Bee]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srwk-i5aXRQ

[apmc2203]

yup yup, I'm a mountain biker...or as such, I own a bicycle which is more than capable of negotiating big hills!

it all began around 8 or 9 years ago. I had a lot of disposable cash, and was walking around Liverpool City Centre. At the time, there was a bicycle shop/cafe which had opened. I thought it would be a good idea to grab a quick coffee, muse over the daily newspapers and stuff...nice idea!

I ended up falling in love with a piece of art which Trek had made. I ended up riding out of the store on a Trek Y series bicycle which cost in the region of £1000, yea, thats $2080, or AU$ 2280. I think you will agree, a lot for a novice.

The problem is, there are not many mountians in Liverpool, I bought it because of its design, a blokey thing, and the wow factor. I did use it, but only for commuting, it has probably only accumulated around £600 from new. A sin really, but it does look good hanging on my wall!

You know, I think I will take it out this weekend! YEAH!

:)

[apmc2203]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srwk-i5aXRQ

THAT IS AMAZING! :eek:

What a piece of engineering, however, I don't really see how it will benefit anybody...and there is a distinct lack of, well mountains!

I'm jesting of course! lmao

:D

[bjaffee]

Frame cracked just 3 days before the warranty expired! Kona is replacing the frame, but with a slightly newer version....different color too. Damn, I loved that blue! Oh well, should be back on the trails in a week or so.

[Usta Bee]

Frame cracked


Where at ?.

[bjaffee]

At the front of the head tube, starting up from the bottom. It was an inch long by the time I noticed it.

[checkenbach]

I had Specialized warranty a 92(93???) StumpJumper frame years ago due to a steer tube that went oval - the headset would not stay tight no matter what was done. They sent me a new frame in a week, the new frame had massive re-inforcements at the steer tube-bottom tube junction. No more problems.
Chris

[Usta Bee]

I had Specialized warranty a 92(93???) StumpJumper frame years ago due to a steer tube that went oval - the headset would not stay tight no matter what was done. They sent me a new frame in a week, the new frame had massive re-inforcements at the steer tube-bottom tube junction.


Steel or aluminum frames ?

[checkenbach]

Aluminum, or Metal Matrix as there propaganda states. The original was an M/2 series, the replacement was an M/2XX The only frames I've ever seen break( due to riding, not outside influence), are aluminum or carbon fiber. Specialized frames are warrantied five years for alloy, ten years for steel, I have no experience with their carbon stuff.
All my bikes are Specialized, mostly due to their great custiomer service.

[Trisquire]

I'm a regular recreational bike path user. I'm out there for the workout. I'm not really trying to get from point A to B, and I don't particularly care how fast I'm going. I usually ride a Specialized hybrid. I think they go for about $450 these days.

This time of year the bike path is largely iced over. Too icy for my hybrid. However, I've noticed that mountain bikes have no problem getting traction on it. Now, I'm thinking of getting a mountain bike, but I'm not sure I want to spend a lot of money for bike that I will only use on an iced over bike path. All things considered, Columbus winters are relatively mild.

So here is my question. How much would you spend on a 'part time' mountain bike? Trek and Specialized seems to start at about $350. Walmart mountain bikes start at $100.

Also, as a relatively tall guy, I've been giving some thought to 29" wheels as opposed to the usual 26". Unfortunately, 29ers start at about $850. Should I keep looking, and see if I can find a less expensive 29er?

Tom

[ashdec87]

could you just change your tires??

[bjaffee]

Yeah...not sure how you'd get any more traction on a mountain bike then you would on a hybrid...it's more about the tires.

As far as 29'ers go, I thought that increased wheelsize was more about being able to roll over stuff, not the size of the rider.

[Bilbobaker]

but a bunch of nylon wire ties on your bike tires and see if it handles snow and ice any better.

[Trisquire]

Good call about the tires. For some reason I thought that you needed the width of a mountain bike wheel in order to get good traction on ice. The wheels on my hybrid are almost as narrow as a road bike. I think I'll give that wire tie idea a try too.

Tom

[CyberJay]

Wow... Haven't seen this thread before. I rode a TON for about 12 years. The last two years I haven't ridden as much, we moved, had a baby, changed jobs, etc etc etc. I hope to start riding again this spring. I miss it and my legs and lower back are definitely out of shape.

I see a lot of conversation about breaking stuff.. You need to choose parts more carefully. :) I'm around 350lbs and rarely break parts anymore. I did break a lot in the early days, but over time I found stuff that works.

Here's some of my toys...

-Jay

[Bilbobaker]

let us know if it works Tom.

[ashdec87]

you can get tires that are slightly wider than your tires are now. It'll def help with the traction. So will getting tires with a good tread pattern. They do have snow tires if yu really want.

[TooBadd]

I ride in the ice and its pretty fun actually. After your up to speed it goes pretty smooth. just getting momentum is the hard part. But I enjoy riding in the summer much more.

If you really want to try riding and you don't want to get a new bike you could try studding the tires with screws or another trick is make tire chains.
http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2007/02/13/diy-tire-chains/
as for the studs i would do the screw version but here is a pop rivit that might be worth a try.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Pop_Rivet_Ice_Tires_for_Your_Road_Bike/

[RyanPSU21]

Yeah...not sure how you'd get any more traction on a mountain bike then you would on a hybrid...it's more about the tires.

As far as 29'ers go, I thought that increased wheelsize was more about being able to roll over stuff, not the size of the rider.

They are supposed to be a bit smoother rolling over things and be harder to Endo on. The 29er frames supposedly get difficult for geometry if the frame gets too small. If you are a taller person they look more proportional. I'm 6' and it only looks slightly large when I am riding it.

I bought a 29er to give a try in the fall after getting back into mountain biking last year after about a 9 year break. I bought a low end conventional bike for a few months before buying that just to see if I would enjoy riding these days. I can't say I am really horribly impressed with the 29er. You definetely notice the higher rolling resistance of the wheels and slower turning. I also found when climbing if you really want granny gear it is a struggle because due to the larger wheel size you will not have as much reduction and the larger wheels spinning at lower RPM when going granny up the hill feel really unstable.

I just found a killer deal on a 1 year old Stumpjumper FSR that I couldn't pass so I'm going to be selling off the 29er shortly. If you are interested in a 29er I would really recommend finding a store that will let you take an extended demo (overnight so you can try out some trails and things and more then a 5 minute trip down the sidewalk) to see if it's to your liking or not. Some people seem to really love them. Other's don't. I will say that after a 9 year brakes. Disc breaks are great and I don't know how we ever got along on pinching brakes before.