Bicycles!

[Apex]

I wish I had some mountain trails closer to me. I find it rather counter productive to load up a bike and drive to the trail. I want to build my fitness up to a point where I can just ride my MTB to the trails, ride for a good hour or two, then ride back home.

It is a good thing I ride my bike to church all the time, nice 40-mile trips 2-3x a week.

[massacremasses]

I had to get some new tubes yesterday... boo.

Put that green goo in this time.

[choneofakind]

eww. Heavy stuff.

[massacremasses]

meh its a MTB I dont care adding another couple lbs. if that. lol

[choneofakind]

Haha, well it's in the outside of the wheels. Rotating weight is heavy!

[massacremasses]

thats just what the guys at the bike shop told me to do... so I did it.

[Apex]

Urban riding?

[choneofakind]

I've never blown tires in city riding. Idk why. I only seem to blow tires from thorns/glass on trails. So far, no pinch flats this season. knock on wood.


Also, I'm going through with the Defy1 assuming that the 2014 model is identical to the 2013 model.

I also just cleaned/repacked the bearings in both the stems of my road bike and MTB. So smooth now. They were both getting pretty gritty. Is there any kind of servicing required for FS MTB's? I should look into that.

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by Apex

Urban riding?

mixed

[rojoracing53]

Commuted to and from work twice last week which are normally 64 mile days of cycling but I figured that was to easy to I added a trip to the bike shop one day and the summit of Mt. Diablo the other. So my commute went from 64 of mostly flat to 90+ with lots of climbing

When I did Mt. Diablo on the way home I decided to see how fast I could get down the mountain if I actually tried to go fast. As it turns out I went about 30 seconds faster then that video I posted from last week and pretty much broke every Mt. Diablo descent segment on strava. I wasn't aware but apparently there's quite a following of riders that try to break the record for that descent all the time. I'm not sure why but I almost feel guilty for breaking the record, almost like I cheated. I hope someone doesn't hurt themselves trying to go faster

It's a good thing they don't have strava for motorcycles because that would have street racers chucking them selves off cliffs left and right

[Dark]

I love riding but I hate not having lots of time to do it.

the mtb:


the road:


the city:

[Apex]

Went to Bible study this morning. Lots of traffic had me looking around and watching for cars. One segment is almost too busy, so I ditched to the sidewalk. Part of a concrete ramp from the street to sidewalk was damaged, I didn't see it. I hit it rather hard on the roadie. I thought I would have had a pinch flat has hard as I hit it, but I got to church with no issues.

On the way home, I'm pedaling along just enjoying the weather. All of a sudden I hear the whistle of air escaping a tube. Steering got sluggish, so I knew exactly what it was. I pulled over, and to my surprise the flat was not a puncture flat, it was a pinch.

It lasted for quite a while. This is the first flat on my roadie in over 4-years. At that time I swapped a fresh Bontrager tube in and some Bontrager Hard Case tires.

I can't complain.

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by Apex

Went to Bible study this morning. Lots of traffic had me looking around and watching for cars. One segment is almost too busy, so I ditched to the sidewalk. Part of a concrete ramp from the street to sidewalk was damaged, I didn't see it. I hit it rather hard on the roadie. I thought I would have had a pinch flat has hard as I hit it, but I got to church with no issues.

I've been looking at CX bikes just because of that situation. I save the MTB for the trails, but Memphis roads often seem way too rough for the road bike.

[Dark]

Originally Posted by BRad704

I've been looking at CX bikes just because of that situation. I save the MTB for the trails, but Memphis roads often seem way too rough for the road bike.

I read this all the time and although it seems like a great idea there is little to no benefit with a CX bike compared to a road bike; the only exception would be one equipped with disc brakes if you're in an area with lots of hills where extended and repetitive braking would be used.

Most CX bikes are heavier and are just as vulnerable to flats and rough roads as a road bike, what it comes down to is tires. Tires that are great for commuters would be Continental Gatorskins, 4seasons and Grand Prix 4000's.

If you want a great commuter for rough roads then you should look in to a hardtail (if not rigid) mountain bike. Rigid 29ers are great for commuting on.

[BRad704]

I've ridden a buddy's rigid 29er (same height as me, so the bike "fit" me), but I didn't like it at all. I know it's just a new body position to get used to, but I like my 26'er. Old Cannondale M500 with Marzocchi Bomber up front.

Tires really is what I was thinking about on the CX bike. Well, that and CX racing...

I guess I'd do better (financially) to buy a second set of rims and some more aggressive tires for the roadie.

[Dark]

A typical cx race

[Jono]

Finally, took a pic of my newish mtn bike!



So far I am loving this thing. Definitely can't do what this bike is capable of doing. I am just trying to get back in shape. I hadn't ridden the trails in a while because my previous mtn bike sucked. Haha. Went for a 26.5 mile ride on Sunday. It was mostly singletrack. My avg speed as only 12mph. I'm slow.

[Apex]

My Hardrock Sport Disc 29er gives me zero issues when it comes to this. The 35c's absorb quite a bit of bumps, and if I have the fork engaged, that makes everything smooth.

I was running late, so I needed the additional speed that roadie gives.

[choneofakind]

Continental Gatorskins rock. A little heavy for speedy riders, but great for training rides and/or commuting. I've even had chunks of glass stuck in the tire that didn't make it go flat.

Jono, looking good. What fork's on that bike?

Ryan, also looking good!!


Thing to keep in mind if you ride in mud/rain. Take the time to clean/repack the bearings in your stem. It really gets rid of that gritty feeling. Plus, with bicycles, it only takes 15 minutes.



Anyone have a suggestion for an inexpensive but quality work stand?

[Apex]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Anyone have a suggestion for an inexpensive but quality work stand?

Yes.

[Apex]

I have this one:
http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Feed...pair-Stand.axd


I only paid $150-ish for it when it was on sale at a LBS. Sometimes CL is nice for used gear...though it is few and far between.

[Jono]

@choneofakind. Thanks! It's nothing spectacular, just a RockShox XC32 29 TK Solo Air. Apparently it's made for Scott. But it is a hell of a lot better than the pos coil Suntour fork that came on my Trek/Gary Fisher. Air forks are sooo nice. Even the entry level ones like mine. I can't even imagine how nice those $600+ forks must ride.

[Apex]

I'd have to agree on the Suntour fork. Ugh. That is the stocker on my Specialized.

I honestly am thinking of selling the thing. I wondered why my bike ghost shifted when I gave it some torque....well I figured it out today. This thing has way too much flex when you mash the pedals hard. So much that I have even caused my speed/cadence sensor to hit the magnet on the wheel at times. Due to the frame flex, I am CONSTANTLY adjusting the rear-d like every 2 weeks. That is just unacceptable. I like the bike, but I shouldn't need to give it that kind of attention.

Maybe I am just riding it harder than Specialized thought people would at that price level? I thought the fork was bad, but this frame junk is even more annoying. Makes the fork look nice...

[BRad704]

Link to original page on YouTube.

[choneofakind]

Yeah, i'm fed up with my suntour fork. Hate it. I know how smooth and easily my air shock works, I won't buy another spring fork. I want a name brand air fork. Next season. I will stop neglecting it and buy a new fork. This season just didn't work out. I could do it now, but I'd have to abandon the road bike for this season. That's not happening.

I want either a Recon Solo air, or a Reba. 100mm travel, 26" wheel, 1 1/8" bearings.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Yeah, i'm fed up with my suntour fork. Hate it. I know how smooth and easily my air shock works, I won't buy another spring fork. I want a name brand air fork. Next season. I will stop neglecting it and buy a new fork. This season just didn't work out. I could do it now, but I'd have to abandon the road bike for this season. That's not happening.

I want either a Recon Solo air, or a Reba. 100mm travel, 26" wheel, 1 1/8" bearings.

I really like the stocker on my HiFi.


I'm actually selling the Hardrock now. The flex is only really bad when I'm grinding out some power, like on a climb. I like the bike, but it is annoying. I'm also considering selling my roadie. I like the MTB riding position way too much to own a roadie anymore. Sure it is fast, but I love the shock I get when I am flying on a MTB.

[choneofakind]

Hey! Looks like I might be going to Ohiopyle state park in PA to hit some trails for a day or two (or more) and some camping with my family.

Anyone from that area of PA who knows the trails who might want to ride with me or at least get me an idea of where to start?

thread here:
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...783#post721783


Also, i think I need a small pump to go with me. Mark, you got any suggestions for a small pump I can attach to my frame and take with me? I don't want to get stuck in the woods of PA with a flat and get lost.

[Apex]

I typically keep one CO2 on the bike. It is nice to have one there for the quickie fix.

My frame pump is a 2 stage pump. It is a Blackburn Mammoth 2-stage. At the butt end it has a switch for low pressure/high volume and high pressure/low volume. It moves a lot of air on the low setting, which is great for MTB tires, then you can set it to high and add the pressure. You do have to set it up for presta/schrader valves. Where the nozzle is, you just unscrew it, and there are two pieces inside. You dump those out and flip both. It is really easy once you see it. I love the thing. I wouldn't mind one of those pumps with the flex line and foot tab, but the Blackburn is nice, compact, and light.

http://www.blackburndesign.com/pumps...l#.UfXOIW03Hvw


I've also been looking at replacing it with this one. The flip out handle would be nice to have:

http://www.blackburndesign.com/pumps...l#.UfXOe203Hvw


Oh, and BOTH have internals that can be rebuilt....which rocks.






.

[Jono]

@choneofakind. How do you not have a pump on your mtn bike. What have you been doing when you get a flat?

I recently got co2. Haven't got a chance to test it yet. (Knock on wood) But from what I have read it seems way easier than using those little pumps. I had been using a compact pump, but it doesn't work with the presta valves on my new mtn bike. So I'm gonna give this co2 thing a try.

[BRad704]

FWIW, I don't have a pump on any of my bikes. probably poor planning on my part...

[massacremasses]

Hey I rode some trails in south lake Tahoe over the weekend! so much fun. Almost ate crap a few times though. I should probably invest in a helmet haha

[choneofakind]

I never have a pump because I never get flats. Unless I ride like an idiot. I keep my tires right around 35 psi and watch how hard I hit bumps. Even on rock gardens, no flats.

I only got one last season. I get more flats around town on the road bike than I do on the MTB

[rojoracing53]

Don't misjudge your clearance to those trail side trees on the super narrow cliff side single track. Lucky I didn't ride of the cliff and didn't even crash, what you see is the result of removing bark off a 30" three trunk with with my shoulder

[choneofakind]

shave hippy!!

Last time I did that, I was lucky also. You saw the video right?

[YunMing]

Finally bought a bicycle but it's not a road bike. I got a 2013 GT Zaskar 9R Sport. Overall I like it but I would like it to shift smoother under power. I think eventually i'll upgrade everything with sram parts. Oh yeah I crashed it the first day I bought it on the trails. Ended up with a few injuries and a helicopter ride.

[choneofakind]

Helicopter ride?? Swweeeet! Hope you're doing alright after that one!


Mark, stoked to say it, I FINALLY put down money on a new ride. Put down half on a 2014 Giant Defy 1. First 2014 model they've sold at the shop, likely first one in this area of the state

The new model looks like this:


Planning on a speedo and swapping my pedals and Gatorskins onto it, but other than that, I can't wait to ride her!! Should be in by the end of the week. *eagerly sits by phone, waiting for that happy call*

[massacremasses]

@rojoracing53 give me more info on that MTB race youre doing. I want to ride more, but I should probably upgrade some components before I try and get to serious... Next time youre here in the valley hit me up. My brother in law said there are some dope trails around here in Oroville. I guess around the lake and stuff.


also my brakes are ANNOYINGLY squeaky is there anything I can do? also my rear break makes a nasty grinding noise. Suggestions? Is there pads I can change or what?

[massacremasses]

I think im going to do this too. When I put it together I know I didnt do that. I think the rear rubs too. Perhaps thats why it makes that noise under heavy braking?

Link to original page on YouTube.

[choneofakind]

Adjust the rear so it doesn't rub. That will fix the grinding. The squealing under braking is normal to an extent.

Justin, train the motor before you change the hardware. 99% rider, 1% bike.

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Adjust the rear so it doesn't rub. That will fix the grinding. The squealing under braking is normal to an extent.

Justin, train the motor before you change the hardware. 99% rider, 1% bike.

its constant and loud though. haha but yeah. I dont plan on upgrading anything for awhile. Even though Id like to. Forks are too soft, even on the heaviest setting. Only other thing I might buy for it is those silly things you slip your feet into. My moms has them and I like being able to pull of as well as push down on the pedals.