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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2021 9:29:04 GMT -5
Starting this thread so I don’t step on toes by posting under Videos about my new, beginner status as a MTB rider. @brownscoat4ever asked about my new steed, after I posted up about what one could do with the $$$$$ used to open lots of loot chests if instead that $$$$$$ was used for awesome IRL stuff, and my answer:  This is a full list of stock components:   So, anyone else MTB? Any good endo stories, or great beginner tips? Myself, I have access to many trails locally, and I live in the greater Seattle, WA area. Bike on, dudes! |
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Post by Browncoats4ever on Jun 17, 2021 10:08:13 GMT -5
Pluralize coats and you would've tagged me. I've never heard of Tektro brakes, then I looked at mine...Tektro. I'm going back to the US at the end of the month. I was considering WA, but maybe sometime in the future. I took my first MTB to MOAB a few years ago...awesome. I'd like to visit a few trails here and there. Canada has some sick trails that are probably waay out of my league. You want an Endo story? Well, my Canadian friend, my co-worker's husband got me interested in mountain biking. I had just moved to Japan and living in Shiga (Oumi, if you're a Japanese History buff) and he convinced me to check it out...He wanted a male riding mate since Shiga is waay out in the boonies. We did a 2-day ride around around Japan's largest lake on a borrowed cross-bike, got several flats then borrowed a couple mountain bikes to finish the ride. Rob, my Canadian friend, introduced me to his friend who owned a bicycle shop...so I ordered a brand-new 2000 Schwinn Moab 2 for $1100. I still have it and I'm going to ride it when I return to the US. So, as you might or might not know, Japan is a fairly mountainous country. We did a lot of rides on single-track and fire trails. One afternoon, we were ballin' down a single-track through the woods and outta nowhere, my front tire drops into a ditch the exact width of the tire. The bike stopped...I didn't. Somehow, since the front of the bike dropped so drastically and so rapidly, my legs swung around the handlebars and the next thing I knew, I was standing upright in front of my bicycle in the center of the trail. Lucky for me, my buddy was ahead of me and waiting for my dismount...which would've garnered a 10, even from the East German judges. No damage, just a puzzled look on my face. My interval bike. I’m selling it before I return to the US.  When she was new. October 2018. A week ago:  |
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Post by Eradicator1 on Jun 17, 2021 12:21:33 GMT -5
Man o man are you guys talking my language. I read about and love biking on a daily basis. Mostly road biking, but I do ride my cannondale hard tail mtb once a week or so. Just on flat trails though. South Jersey is kinda flat and sandy. I used to love to run, but as I got older my joints and bones couldn’t take it anymore. Cycling is such great exercise, fun, and easy on the knees. I’ll try to remember to post a pic of my ride.
Ps. The Tour starts in a little over a week!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2021 14:42:25 GMT -5
Nice Giant, BC…..I’m still working on the muscles and endurance, just beginner stuff for this season. I bought a hydration backpack, and am still stocking it with needed goodies, including a spare tube.
Bombing hills is out for me, as at my age, falling is a very bad thing, lol. I do have the goal of getting good enough for Intermediate trails, but may never get on the expert trails. Iv’e watched many YT vids on gnarly endos, that is not for me, lol!
There is a place with multiple trails within 10, 15 minutes of my house, it’s a state park called Saint Edwards….really nice place to ride, and medical help is nearby😉
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Post by 乃ㄥ卂乙 on Jun 18, 2021 3:18:27 GMT -5
Nice rides dudes! Here's my baby
 Only, it's defiled with kiddos seat for the last 5 years... I also didn't have a decent ride with it for that time period. But once, a long time ago in a country far far away, it was like a part of my body, my third leg if you will. Had awesome times with it, rare were the occasions i was seen without my bike. I even had a photo session in a suit with it on the day of my wedding Love you baby, I'm so sorry i neglected you  |
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Post by Browncoats4ever on Jun 18, 2021 4:30:15 GMT -5
Nice rides dudes! Here's my baby
Only, it's defiled with kiddos seat for the last 5 years... I also didn't have a decent ride with it for that time period. But once, a long time ago in a country far far away, it was like a part of my body, my third leg if you will. Had awesome times with it, rare were the occasions i was seen without my bike. I even had a photo session in a suit with it on the day of my wedding Love you baby, I'm so sorry i neglected you I have never seen a child seat on a mountain bike  That seat could deflect a lot of mud...jus' sayin'. When I get settled in back home, I'll post a photo of my 21yo baby. The pic on my laptop is huge so I have to take a fresh one...just 11 more days to be re-united. Gotta dig up my race day pic too. This is what my other bike looks like, except the ugly brown seat. I got the pic from the internet.  |
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Post by Grrrega on Jun 19, 2021 0:49:23 GMT -5
Hey fellow MTB-ers and cyclists. Here's my prescioussss:  I rode FS before (Stumpjumper). That's a nice looking GT there. No endos story but I might have fallen at the red light when fresh with SPDs. I use flats now (not because of the incident, just prefer it). Beginner tip: learn to trackstand. It has great carryover to actual riding and sliding. (and you don't fall at the red light even in SPDs) |
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Post by Browncoats4ever on Jun 19, 2021 2:14:27 GMT -5
Hey fellow MTB-ers and cyclists. Here's my prescioussss: I rode FS before (Stumpjumper). That's a nice looking GT there. No endos story but I might have fallen at the red light when fresh with SPDs. I use flats now (not because of the incident, just prefer it). Beginner tip: learn to trackstand. It has great carryover to actual riding and sliding. (and you don't fall at the red light even in SPDs) I agree. Good looking bike. I don’t have the will power to learn to track stand, besides there aren’t a lot of lights on the trail. Usually the lights aren’t that long when I’m city riding so if I coast to the light, I can backpedal long enough to pass the light. If you’re using flats, the need to trackstand is greatly reduced. I prefer to use my clip-less pedals to increase pedal efficiency. (Keeps me from inadvertently potato mashing). Not too keen on the single front sprocket though. Too many years with 21-27 gears, I guess. I haven’t had a 10-speed since I was a teenager. I looked at some of the new Trek bikes Thursday and they all had 10-12 speeds. They had a few Fattys too. Still scratching my head about those. (When I was younger, a ‘fatty’ meant something completely different)…kids these days. |
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Post by Eradicator1 on Jun 19, 2021 5:59:23 GMT -5
Ok. Got a story about crashing because of spd pedals. I do a couple of duathlons a year (run/bike/run). A few years ago after the first run I go into the bike split. My favorite part. Ease my way up a small incline, at about 15 mph or so I stand up to lay down some watts to get to race pace faster. At that moment the right pedal becomes detached from my shoe. Must not have fully clipped in. Rookie mistake. Bars start to swap. Hit my family jewels on the top bar. Right knee decides to protect my body by taking most of the impact on the pavement. Finally come to a complete stop and check myself out. My Irish blood is both boiling and coming out of my knee at this point. Check out the bike and myself. All is good to keep going, so I remount and get going again only to see the bars are slightly tweaked. Pull over to the side of the road to fix them only to “forget” to unclip. Fall harmlessly on the left side in some dirt. Sheesh. What a noob move. Crashed twice in one minute. Got up and finished in a decent time, for me, even with the crash. Race director sees the blood at one point in the race and asks if I’m alright........tiz nothing but a flesh wound I tell him.
As a side not, I know that the wife won’t be taking care of me if anything bad happens. She almost threw up when I asked her to clean the gravel out of the knee. Had to get my mother in law to do it. No big deal to her. All in a day’s work.
Moral of the story: Make sure to hear that “click” when getting into spd pedals. And don’t forget to unclip when coming to a stop.
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Post by 乃ㄥ卂乙 on Jun 19, 2021 9:51:31 GMT -5
Hehehehe. Spd, no thanks. I never even bothered to try them, always felt so unnatural, being locked to a MTB, million things just waiting to go wrong...
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Post by Browncoats4ever on Jun 19, 2021 10:03:59 GMT -5
Hehehehe. Spd, no thanks. I never even bothered to try them, always felt so unnatural, being locked to a MTB, million things just waiting to go wrong... They’re basically for efficiency. You feet are placed at the proper position on the pedals so the maximum amount of power is transferred from your legs to the sprocket. Energy is also transferred from the pull, as well as, the push. They’re easy to disengage when you want to. You may freak out at first, but with a little practice they become second nature. They’re a lot safer in wet conditions too. |
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Post by Eradicator1 on Jun 19, 2021 10:45:01 GMT -5
Hehehehe. Spd, no thanks. I never even bothered to try them, always felt so unnatural, being locked to a MTB, million things just waiting to go wrong... I will never put them on my mtb. I am a squirrel on that thing and need to jump off without thought at any time. The road bike thought. That’s another story. Totally needed for that. |
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Post by Browncoats4ever on Jun 19, 2021 20:44:36 GMT -5
Just sold my Giant for about $300. I'm a little sad, but glad someone else will enjoy it. I was almost resigned to abandoning it with all the paperwork and keys at my apartment complex. Shipping it home would've added to the cost and I'm leaving in just 8 days. I just hope my Schwinn doesn't need too much maintenance to bring it back to riding order.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2021 14:11:23 GMT -5
I’m getting close to hitting trails….some needed items were bought for me for Father’s Day, and I just ordered my mtb shoes. Last item needed is knee protection, then I can go find out how trail riding is……
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Post by Grrrega on Jun 20, 2021 14:40:59 GMT -5
Out of curiosity, which shoes did you get (seeing your GT has flats)? Five ten?
Oh, and another beginner tip: ride with other people. Preferably those better than you. Watch their technique, the line they choose, the places they brake (and when they don't)...
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2021 17:20:08 GMT -5
Out of curiosity, which shoes did you get (seeing your GT has flats)? Five ten? Oh, and another beginner tip: ride with other people. Preferably those better than you. Watch their technique, the line they choose, the places they brake (and when they don't)... I’ve been researching a lot for good MTB shoes, and my top pick is Shimano GT-7. However, they are like $150 or so, and as a beginner that seems a bit much atm…..so, I started looking for good cheaper shoes, and bought these:  If I get into this sport and continue, after a couple, three seasons I’ll drop the coin for top shelf. |
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Post by 乃ㄥ卂乙 on Jun 21, 2021 8:16:19 GMT -5
Shoes named jacket. That doesn't sound promising  |
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Post by Grrrega on Jun 21, 2021 11:03:30 GMT -5
I wonder if they make a jacket called shoe... :]
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Post by grump76 on Jun 21, 2021 20:18:54 GMT -5
I try to get in at least 30 miles a week on the trails. Try to go every day but our trails here in Georgia close when it’s too wet or rainy. Just sold my 15 year old Rockhopper and built up a Canfield Nimble 9 hard tail 29er. I’ve yet to come across anything this bike can’t go up, down or over.
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Post by Grrrega on Jun 22, 2021 1:59:57 GMT -5
Ooooooo that Nimble 9 is a steel beauty!
That's my kind of a bike!
What is your build? Forks, brakes, drivetrain, tires?
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Post by grump76 on Jun 22, 2021 20:15:09 GMT -5
Ooooooo that Nimble 9 is a steel beauty! That's my kind of a bike! What is your build? Forks, brakes, drivetrain, tires? Steel is real! Mine is the new Chrome version. I’m running SRAM GX drivetrain with Raceface Atlas cranks, SRAM Code brakes with 200m rotor up front 180 rear. 140 Marzochi Z1 bomber. Nukeproof Horizon V2 29” wheels with Maxxis Disector 2.6 on the front and a Maxxis 2.4 Rekon on the rear. Also have a DHR and an Agressor for the gnarlier stuff. So basically a mid-level build that I can slowly upgrade as stuff wears out. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2021 20:40:25 GMT -5
Ooooooo that Nimble 9 is a steel beauty! That's my kind of a bike! What is your build? Forks, brakes, drivetrain, tires? Steel is real! Mine is the new Chrome version. I’m running SRAM GX drivetrain with Raceface Atlas cranks, SRAM Code brakes with 200m rotor up front 180 rear. 140 Marzochi Z1 bomber. Nukeproof Horizon V2 29” wheels with Maxxis Disector 2.6 on the front and a Maxxis 2.4 Rekon on the rear. Also have a DHR and an Agressor for the gnarlier stuff. So basically a mid-level build that I can slowly upgrade as stuff wears out. I’m too new at this to know what that build is, but when I looked the bike up, all I found was unavailable or out of stock….what does a rig like that go for? |
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Post by grump76 on Jun 22, 2021 22:03:55 GMT -5
Steel is real! Mine is the new Chrome version. I’m running SRAM GX drivetrain with Raceface Atlas cranks, SRAM Code brakes with 200m rotor up front 180 rear. 140 Marzochi Z1 bomber. Nukeproof Horizon V2 29” wheels with Maxxis Disector 2.6 on the front and a Maxxis 2.4 Rekon on the rear. Also have a DHR and an Agressor for the gnarlier stuff. So basically a mid-level build that I can slowly upgrade as stuff wears out. I’m too new at this to know what that build is, but when I looked the bike up, all I found was unavailable or out of stock….what does a rig like that go for? I bought just the frame for $799 off their website. Actually preordered it in January and it got here at the beginning of June. Then I built it up from the frame using some of the components from my old bike plus some new ones. All in it probably cost around $2000. But since I scavenged parts from my old bike and had six months to slowly acquire new ones, it was easier on the finances. Plus I rebuilt my old bike using cheaper parts and sold that for even more than I bought it for, which also helped with the funds. Definitely cheaper to buy a complete bike, but I love working on bikes and I get to choose what to scrimp on what not to. |
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Post by Grrrega on Jun 23, 2021 8:07:12 GMT -5
Ooooooo that Nimble 9 is a steel beauty! That's my kind of a bike! What is your build? Forks, brakes, drivetrain, tires? Steel is real! Mine is the new Chrome version. I’m running SRAM GX drivetrain with Raceface Atlas cranks, SRAM Code brakes with 200m rotor up front 180 rear. 140 Marzochi Z1 bomber. Nukeproof Horizon V2 29” wheels with Maxxis Disector 2.6 on the front and a Maxxis 2.4 Rekon on the rear. Also have a DHR and an Agressor for the gnarlier stuff. So basically a mid-level build that I can slowly upgrade as stuff wears out. Didn't realise they make 140mm Z1, but I am so happy to see Marzocchi back in the game. My first serious fork was actually a Z1 from 2 decades ago... What's your feeling about your current Z1? |
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Post by grump76 on Jun 23, 2021 11:05:02 GMT -5
Didn't realise they make 140mm Z1, but I am so happy to see Marzocchi back in the game. My first serious fork was actually a Z1 from 2 decades ago... What's your feeling about your current Z1? So far I’m loving the Z1. Granted I’m coming from a Rockshox Recon with 100 mm of travel, and before that an old Judy which was garbage. It’s got plenty of travel for the trails I ride, I’ve yet to bottom out. Reasonably priced with a Fox Grip damper and not overly complicated. I’m a big dude (220 lbs) so the 36mm stanchions give plenty of support. |
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Post by Eradicator1 on Jun 23, 2021 12:25:47 GMT -5
Ok, took a while, but here she is. Cannondale Kujo.  |
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Post by Grrrega on Jun 23, 2021 12:42:37 GMT -5
Didn't realise they make 140mm Z1, but I am so happy to see Marzocchi back in the game. My first serious fork was actually a Z1 from 2 decades ago... What's your feeling about your current Z1? So far I’m loving the Z1. Granted I’m coming from a Rockshox Recon with 100 mm of travel, and before that an old Judy which was garbage. It’s got plenty of travel for the trails I ride, I’ve yet to bottom out. Reasonably priced with a Fox Grip damper and not overly complicated. I’m a big dude (220 lbs) so the 36mm stanchions give plenty of support. Haha RS Judy! I rode that. That must have been my first suspension fork. It was a complete joke. A proper 2.6 tire works better than that thing. I think it had 63mm of "travel" if I recall correctly. I'm also quite heavy and that Judy flexed laterally so much... This new axle thru forks are sooo much better in corners... That Cannondale looks great! What's that light on the handlebars? Do you trail ride at night? I do, scarry as &*!! |
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Post by Eradicator1 on Jun 23, 2021 15:43:09 GMT -5
So far I’m loving the Z1. Granted I’m coming from a Rockshox Recon with 100 mm of travel, and before that an old Judy which was garbage. It’s got plenty of travel for the trails I ride, I’ve yet to bottom out. Reasonably priced with a Fox Grip damper and not overly complicated. I’m a big dude (220 lbs) so the 36mm stanchions give plenty of support. Haha RS Judy! I rode that. That must have been my first suspension fork. It was a complete joke. A proper 2.6 tire works better than that thing. I think it had 63mm of "travel" if I recall correctly. I'm also quite heavy and that Judy flexed laterally so much... This new axle thru forks are sooo much better in corners... That Cannondale looks great! What's that light on the handlebars? Do you trail ride at night? I do, scarry as &*!! The light is a mako if I remember correctly. Super bright for night riding. During the winter I have no choice but to ride at night. Between kids and work, it is hard to find the time during daylight hours. Otherwise, all I would do is play this darn game. Lol. Plus I can’t stand riding on the trainer. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2021 18:43:59 GMT -5
One step closer to the trails….got my MTB shoes today, amazingly a perfect fit first time and comfy!
Gonna have high heat this weekend, so some early morning hill work, but next weekend I hope to catch some dirt! Clean shoes are for losers, right?😉😈😈
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Post by Browncoats4ever on Jul 5, 2021 20:27:18 GMT -5
I’ve been back in Ohio for 5 days and w was able to retrieve my bicycle from my dad. Am soooo happy. I still have to replace the tires and one of the pedals is broken, but it’s otherwise completely rideable. The pic makes it look better than real life. I still have to give it a deep clean and reset the cyclometer. I couldn’t finish it up today because I had to help my older brother work on his Peterbuil today. Here’s the pic:  And this is when it was new…just over 20 years ago.  |
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That seat could deflect a lot of mud...jus' sayin'. When I get settled in back home, I'll post a photo of my 21yo baby. The pic on my laptop is huge so I have to take a fresh one...just 11 more days to be re-united. Gotta dig up my race day pic too.
