Bicycling
- Thread starter latheboy
- Start date
-
Guest, it's time once again for the massively important and exciting FoH Asshat Tournament!
Go here and give us your nominations!Who's been the biggest Asshat in the last year? Give us your worst ones!
- 3,186
- 8,269
I went with the grizl 7. I ordered an extra wheelset for it for when I take it to the razorback greenway. Where I live there's lots of dirt roads I can easily get 20+ mile rides in on, so the gravel bike is a good fit. Although, I'm thinking a hard tail mountain bike wouldn't be a bad idea for when this one is down for repair.
Borzak
Bronze Baron of the Realm
- 25,980
- 34,047
- 3,186
- 8,269
Riding the dirt roads around me has really gotten me thinking about picking up a Mountain Bike. It won't see any crazy downhill, or technical trail use. I just want something durable and more comfortable ride on these washed out Arkansas country roads in my area. Lots of hills, washboard roads and creek washout are probably the most difficult things I'll be dealing with on it. I'll probably see if I can find a Black Friday deal for something in the 3k range. The Canyon Neuron CF 8 looks like it would work, are there any other direct to consumer or even regular brands you guys would recommend? Or even things to look for on a bike like that.
latheboy
Trakanon Raider
- 859
- 1,059
Me, I'd stay away for carbon fibre frames.
If you do happen to crash, you cannot tell if it's damaged. I do crash.
Full suspension bikes are awesome and your spine will love you for it.
Sounds like you won't need much travel so a 120mm trail bike might be the go.
I like Giant, (I have a 2019 reign sx) they are seen as a bit of a pov pack but everyone I ride with on their exy new bikes can't get in front of me on a 5 yr old bike.
Commercial are straight to public (Australia) and are rad AF.
Wife has a canyon CF strive, great bike but not for me. She's a bit more careful haha
Kids have Marin's, cool bike and cheap AF. I'm quite impressed with them. website only.. again in Australia
Specialised, you pay for a name.
YT are straight to public I think, haven't heard bad things, never owned one though.
Norco were sick, not sure now ... Did have bikes breaking but that was the 2000's, people have long memories of things while short on others.
All bike brands have a shit model or two.
Giant anthem are a NO GO. They break, I broke a friend's one on a XC trail.
Whatever you get, you will love. New bikes are pretty cool compared to anything 5 yrs or more.
Buy the pov pack version of whatever you decide on if new, maybe second hand, and upgrade from there. Frames are all the same through each model range, it's just the bolt on bits that change the level.
If you do happen to crash, you cannot tell if it's damaged. I do crash.
Full suspension bikes are awesome and your spine will love you for it.
Sounds like you won't need much travel so a 120mm trail bike might be the go.
I like Giant, (I have a 2019 reign sx) they are seen as a bit of a pov pack but everyone I ride with on their exy new bikes can't get in front of me on a 5 yr old bike.
Commercial are straight to public (Australia) and are rad AF.
Wife has a canyon CF strive, great bike but not for me. She's a bit more careful haha
Kids have Marin's, cool bike and cheap AF. I'm quite impressed with them. website only.. again in Australia
Specialised, you pay for a name.
YT are straight to public I think, haven't heard bad things, never owned one though.
Norco were sick, not sure now ... Did have bikes breaking but that was the 2000's, people have long memories of things while short on others.
All bike brands have a shit model or two.
Giant anthem are a NO GO. They break, I broke a friend's one on a XC trail.
Whatever you get, you will love. New bikes are pretty cool compared to anything 5 yrs or more.
Buy the pov pack version of whatever you decide on if new, maybe second hand, and upgrade from there. Frames are all the same through each model range, it's just the bolt on bits that change the level.
- 1
latheboy
Trakanon Raider
- 859
- 1,059
Loading…
m.pinkbike.com
Trek, weak frames.
I hit a tree at about 30mph sideways on my reign. Scratched paint.. maybe I sat down for a little bit in pain too haha
Mate hit the same tree later in the day at about the same speed. Bent his rear triangle on his trek session.
- 1
latheboy
Trakanon Raider
- 859
- 1,059
While I'm half cut on bourbon I'll unload.
Get a good fitting helmet, one that covers your temples and lower head at the back.
I've had 8 concussions ( not all bike related) and a good lid has saved me from being on a machine every time.
Wear gloves and not stupid fingerless one. If you crash you put your hands out and skin missing from the palms sucks.
Don't wear Lycra, it's only for sexy time in the bedroom.
Carry water!
If you upgrade your peddles, try and spin them all in the shop. Pick the ones that spin the easiest, less power is wasted. I only use plastic peddles because they break in a big accident and not smash your foot to pieces.
Get a seat to fit your body, fat or skinny or flat or whatever. And angle it correctly. Riders dick is a thing, expect to have a little dick after a big ride. But we don't talk about it!
Seats can make or break the experience and definitely for chicks. It hurts them and turns them off riding when they have a bad fitting seat.
Set up your levers correctly. With straight arms your levers should be inline with your arms .. roughly ...
Years ago, I was riding a lot of steep DH and had my levers pointed down quite a bit. It looked cool and I was cool.
I ended up with carpal tunnel and numb to my shoulder on my right arm in 2 weeks.
Get a bell, they are pretty funny.
Get a good fitting helmet, one that covers your temples and lower head at the back.
I've had 8 concussions ( not all bike related) and a good lid has saved me from being on a machine every time.
Wear gloves and not stupid fingerless one. If you crash you put your hands out and skin missing from the palms sucks.
Don't wear Lycra, it's only for sexy time in the bedroom.
Carry water!
If you upgrade your peddles, try and spin them all in the shop. Pick the ones that spin the easiest, less power is wasted. I only use plastic peddles because they break in a big accident and not smash your foot to pieces.
Get a seat to fit your body, fat or skinny or flat or whatever. And angle it correctly. Riders dick is a thing, expect to have a little dick after a big ride. But we don't talk about it!
Seats can make or break the experience and definitely for chicks. It hurts them and turns them off riding when they have a bad fitting seat.
Set up your levers correctly. With straight arms your levers should be inline with your arms .. roughly ...
Years ago, I was riding a lot of steep DH and had my levers pointed down quite a bit. It looked cool and I was cool.
I ended up with carpal tunnel and numb to my shoulder on my right arm in 2 weeks.
Get a bell, they are pretty funny.
- 1
- 3,186
- 8,269
Is it worth it to get the "premium" model with the better components. For example at Canyon, every model has a rockshox version and a Fox version. I don't mind paying for the higher tier if I'm not burning my money. My planned usage is going to be around 2-3 times a week. Long term, biking is going take the place of jogging for cardio since I'm getting too old to be doing that to my legs.
- 1
latheboy
Trakanon Raider
- 859
- 1,059
Send it man, if you are keen you are better off with better tools.
Lots of people spend way too much then lose interest, kinda why I said go lower in price.
Edit: being on a bike is way better than running. You get further quicker. It uses extra/different muscle's then running.
Bike Chicks are hotter than running chicks.
Fox or rockshox really comes down to opinion. But a $500 fork brand A verses a $1500 fork brand B is not a comparison.
I like ohlins and DVO.
Lots of people spend way too much then lose interest, kinda why I said go lower in price.
Edit: being on a bike is way better than running. You get further quicker. It uses extra/different muscle's then running.
Bike Chicks are hotter than running chicks.
Fox or rockshox really comes down to opinion. But a $500 fork brand A verses a $1500 fork brand B is not a comparison.
I like ohlins and DVO.
Last edited:
- 3,186
- 8,269
There’s always a chance I’ll lose interest, but not likely. I need something that will get me 2-4 30 minute+ cardio sessions per week. Preferably outdoors weather permitting. Since I moved away from where I can bike commute daily, that’s been jogging. But it’s starting to take a toll on my body. I forgot how
I love the gravel bike I just bought, but I’ve basically made it a road bike. I bought and extra sent of wheels for a road setup, and I’m getting a case of the lazies. I don’t want to switch wheels for dirt, and I know I’ll beat the crap out of it if I keep riding it on the dirt roads near me. Also, full sus sounds great at this point, and I don’t mind paying extra for something that’s more useful. But, it doesn’t sound like carbon will do much for me for the cost. You aren’t the first one I’m come across with that opinion, and that’s the reason I went with the AL grizl. I figured I might splurge on the mountain bike since I’ve had a pretty good year.
Re: Lycra. lol. One of the political commentators I follow has been on a week long tirade against “cyclist” douches. I see the type all the time. Full Lycra, blowing by people on trails full of families, the elderly etc. I did buy some padded shorts, and they seem to help, but I’m sensible enough to wear them under regular shorts.
Besides park tools, are there any good cycling info and/or repair channels you’d recommend? I tend to be wary of most influencers, since most seem like they’re just shilling fomo in whatever space they inhabit.
I love the gravel bike I just bought, but I’ve basically made it a road bike. I bought and extra sent of wheels for a road setup, and I’m getting a case of the lazies. I don’t want to switch wheels for dirt, and I know I’ll beat the crap out of it if I keep riding it on the dirt roads near me. Also, full sus sounds great at this point, and I don’t mind paying extra for something that’s more useful. But, it doesn’t sound like carbon will do much for me for the cost. You aren’t the first one I’m come across with that opinion, and that’s the reason I went with the AL grizl. I figured I might splurge on the mountain bike since I’ve had a pretty good year.
Re: Lycra. lol. One of the political commentators I follow has been on a week long tirade against “cyclist” douches. I see the type all the time. Full Lycra, blowing by people on trails full of families, the elderly etc. I did buy some padded shorts, and they seem to help, but I’m sensible enough to wear them under regular shorts.
Besides park tools, are there any good cycling info and/or repair channels you’d recommend? I tend to be wary of most influencers, since most seem like they’re just shilling fomo in whatever space they inhabit.
- 1
latheboy
Trakanon Raider
- 859
- 1,059
I don't follow anybody on social media so can't help there.
Download instructions for the parts from the manufacturer, they generally have everything you need.
Rebuild, tuning instructions etc
You should get a booklet with the bike with a heap of set up info too.
Don't get caught up with the latest trends.
I still run tubes and 30psi front and rear.
The current thing is tubeless with inserts to run lower pressure. With lower pressures I can feel the tyres rolling off the side of the rim and I don't like it.
You are also making it more complicated and heavier than a tube, which you should carry a spare anyway.
A dropper seat post is a must. Get one!
I've tried carbon bars, lighter is cool but it made no difference in performance. Never for DH, I've seen them break and it's scary. Different to what you are doing though.
The lighter the bike with less friction on the components will add you in getting power to the ground and get you further for the energy you put in.
If you are a big guy, be careful with a lighter bike.
Download instructions for the parts from the manufacturer, they generally have everything you need.
Rebuild, tuning instructions etc
You should get a booklet with the bike with a heap of set up info too.
Don't get caught up with the latest trends.
I still run tubes and 30psi front and rear.
The current thing is tubeless with inserts to run lower pressure. With lower pressures I can feel the tyres rolling off the side of the rim and I don't like it.
You are also making it more complicated and heavier than a tube, which you should carry a spare anyway.
A dropper seat post is a must. Get one!
I've tried carbon bars, lighter is cool but it made no difference in performance. Never for DH, I've seen them break and it's scary. Different to what you are doing though.
The lighter the bike with less friction on the components will add you in getting power to the ground and get you further for the energy you put in.
If you are a big guy, be careful with a lighter bike.
- 1
Caliane
Avatar of War Slayer
- 15,605
- 11,921
40mile ride today. airline trail, pomfret to willimantic.
stopped at apple orchard for apples and cider on the way there.
popped a tire at 15.5miles.
Imgur pictures
connect.garmin.com
yes, get a bell. Kids love them. (and adults.)
one thing my bike has, that I really like is the front Suspension has a remote lock. so I can lock or unlock it on the fly at the handlebars. great if the trail goes pavement/dirt, or gravel/dirt/stonedust/paved, etc back and forth.
I'm not sure what a mtn bike would do you for sukik that your gravel bike isn't doing. mtn bikes are for actual hills up and down. dirt roads, you just want your gravel bike or an all terrain.
it sounds to me, what you want is fatter tires on the gravel bike, and either an actual road bike, or an all terrain bike with road tires, for a more casual ride.
stopped at apple orchard for apples and cider on the way there.
popped a tire at 15.5miles.
Imgur pictures
Pomfret Cycling
Distance 40.05 mi | Time 3:16:13 | Speed 12.2 mph | Elevation 10,591 ft
yes, get a bell. Kids love them. (and adults.)
one thing my bike has, that I really like is the front Suspension has a remote lock. so I can lock or unlock it on the fly at the handlebars. great if the trail goes pavement/dirt, or gravel/dirt/stonedust/paved, etc back and forth.
I'm not sure what a mtn bike would do you for sukik that your gravel bike isn't doing. mtn bikes are for actual hills up and down. dirt roads, you just want your gravel bike or an all terrain.
it sounds to me, what you want is fatter tires on the gravel bike, and either an actual road bike, or an all terrain bike with road tires, for a more casual ride.
Last edited:
Caliane
Avatar of War Slayer
- 15,605
- 11,921
"biking" is used more for Motorcycles in the states. so, unless the person you are talking to, knows you mean bicycles, then you'd probably not use it. but, i would definitely just say biking to friends/family when I go out.
cycling is also more used for stationary exercise bikes, or tracks.