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Getting Back Into Mountain Biking
- Thread starter hpiguy
- Start date
JesterSpec
RCC Addict
I had a 29'er at one point and I didn't care for the "bulldozing". I like to be nimble, and it was just not working. I like the technical stuff though more than the flowing trails.
OTHGbronco82
RCC Addict
Just got a new rear shock for my 2011 Kona Stinky TL. 2012 Fox RP23.
One of my riding buddies has a 29er and he just leaves me in the dust when climbing. But I pass his ass on the down hills. I actually had to slow down on one part of the local trail just so I would'n run him over. You'll get used to it. It just takes time and practice."thumbsup"
One of my riding buddies has a 29er and he just leaves me in the dust when climbing. But I pass his ass on the down hills. I actually had to slow down on one part of the local trail just so I would'n run him over. You'll get used to it. It just takes time and practice."thumbsup"
hpiguy
Rock Crawler
Thanks Bronco, congrats on the new shock too.
Got out for my first day back in the saddle today. First thoughts; **** ME, I'm old, fat, and way outta shape. :lmao:
Much like there are many different RC's for different purposes, bikes are no different. The 29'er is just a different tool for a different job is all. I rode the little Tennessee greenway (biking / jogging path that is paved, and 5 miles long) to get my lungs and muscles back in tune, so no actual mtn biking per say. I had to stop a few times when I was sucking wind, but I didn't cheat. If I stopped mid climb, I started right where I stopped, no walking the bike. I did about 3 miles today, and was beat afterwards, but it felt good to get back out there though. Gonna hit some trail riding on Saturday if they've dried out by then.
Got out for my first day back in the saddle today. First thoughts; **** ME, I'm old, fat, and way outta shape. :lmao:
Much like there are many different RC's for different purposes, bikes are no different. The 29'er is just a different tool for a different job is all. I rode the little Tennessee greenway (biking / jogging path that is paved, and 5 miles long) to get my lungs and muscles back in tune, so no actual mtn biking per say. I had to stop a few times when I was sucking wind, but I didn't cheat. If I stopped mid climb, I started right where I stopped, no walking the bike. I did about 3 miles today, and was beat afterwards, but it felt good to get back out there though. Gonna hit some trail riding on Saturday if they've dried out by then.
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RiceBurner
Quarry Creeper
Try a stem change, motorXers tend to like short steep angled stems.
Totally agree with tdlosinc, was on a 26 for two years before going 29 and am NEVER going back.
Totally agree with tdlosinc, was on a 26 for two years before going 29 and am NEVER going back.
OTHGbronco82
RCC Addict
Yup. 50mm stem, maybe a little shorter and some 28 or 29 inch wide bars and you will be really happy. I have a hardtail with 25.5 inch wide bars and my Kona and GT with 28"+ bars. Way better with wide bars and a short stem. Less strain on the back, a lot more comfortable, and it opens up your chest more for better breathing. Your ass will thank you too.:mrgreen:"thumbsup" If you can, go to the store and get a magazine called Mountain Bike Action. So much useful info and tips.
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RiceBurner
Quarry Creeper
I must confess though, I also have a Yeti SB75(650B). Wanted a more aggressive downhilly bike to change things up once in a while. The only place this thing beats my camber is in a downhill corner. And maybe rocky climbing.
OTHGbronco82
RCC Addict
I like the though of 650B, but a mine are all 26"...for now.:twisted:
RiceBurner
Quarry Creeper
"thumbsup" For what you ride I think 26 rules. I don't wanna try to push any one wheel size on anybody. Every trail is its own beast. For Missouri 29 seems to rule cause it's mostly cross country-ish.
Has anyone rode a Kona 134,153 or even a 111. Really wanted to ride one of these puppies before I bought my yeti but not stocked around here.
May buy a frame only and put all my yeti goods on it.
hpiguy
Rock Crawler
Hmmmm, I'll snag a 50mm stem to try then, thanks guys.
My next bike will likely be a FS 650b actually. Most of the stuff around here is XC oriented also, but there are some trails that seem like they'd lend themselves to something a bit more lively though. And if I'm going full squish, I want something more playful and smaller feeling for general goofing around anyway.
And I'll still have the X Cal for pure XC stuff also.
My next bike will likely be a FS 650b actually. Most of the stuff around here is XC oriented also, but there are some trails that seem like they'd lend themselves to something a bit more lively though. And if I'm going full squish, I want something more playful and smaller feeling for general goofing around anyway.
And I'll still have the X Cal for pure XC stuff also.
hpiguy
Rock Crawler
Ordered a 50mm stem of ebay, just got home any my bars are 28" already so maybe they'll be OK, but we'll see.
Also, I prefer bike mag to MBA, I have a digital subscription on my tablet. The rest I read online as far as tips and stuff, or bug you guys about it. :mrgreen:
Also, I prefer bike mag to MBA, I have a digital subscription on my tablet. The rest I read online as far as tips and stuff, or bug you guys about it. :mrgreen:
I hope it works out for you. I test rode a few of the 29er's last fall when I was thinking about getting a new ride. I couldn't get past how slow and numb the steering felt. I've got a good 30 years on 26" bikes, so maybe that's my issue but I wasn't going to spend the $$ to find out.
OTHGbronco82
RCC Addict
I just get MBA because of all the pics they have and the only other bike mag we get around here is Dirt Rag.:roll: Helps when you're a visual learner like me. The 50mm stem should do good things for you. I need to get a shorter stem and wider handle bars for my single speed. 25.5" bars and a long stem don't really inspire confidence.
hpiguy
Rock Crawler
My 50mm stem showed up today. I won't get to ride any trails till late week due to weather, but holy crap what a difference just from riding around the driveway. I feel more centered, more in control, and don't have that feeling like I'm laying down on the bars over the fork. I can actually loft the front wheel at will also. That was really bothering me, I won't own any bike that doesn't wheelie well. :mrgreen: Thanks for the tip guys!
OTHGbronco82
RCC Addict
No problem. And if you need to weight the front wheel you can just move forward on the saddle or lean forward. Plus it can help you get a little farther back on the rear wheel when going down hill on sketchy stuff.
hpiguy
Rock Crawler
That's a good point Bronco. Also, I thought I had a 70mm stem stock, but it was a 90mm stem with a 7deg rise. And I went to the 50mm with 10deg of rise. The trails need to dry up, like now. :mrgreen:
OTHGbronco82
RCC Addict
And I'm just sitting here with 80* weather for the next month.
hpiguy
Rock Crawler
Dammit man!
JK, won't be long it will be prime riding season here for both the mtn bike and the motorcycles, as wet as it was last summer, I'm really hoping it's better this year. I think I rode my motorcycle five times last year.
OTHGbronco82
RCC Addict
:mrgreen: Socal is good for weather sometimes. We do need rain though. Big drought this year and it sucks.
hpiguy
Rock Crawler
Did a few miles at the local trails today after work, climbs are still whipping my ass but I love the 50mm stem so far, much more comfortable and doesn't feel twitchy at all with the 28" bars. I also picked up a computer today, didn't get it installed until I got home however. This way, I'll know exactly how lazy I am each week. :mrgreen:
