Big Bike Thread

SDK^ · 14 Sep 2014 at 14:07

touch said:
My point being, if you can't get a cassette with ratios that work for you, don't go for a single chainring

It works with an expander. Why limit riding enjoyment when there are products out there to make it happen.

Begbie · 14 Sep 2014 at 14:21

SDK^ said:
It works with an expander. Why limit riding enjoyment when there are products out there to make it happen.

Exactly, like a dropper post

Supercow · 14 Sep 2014 at 15:02

Begbie said:
Exactly, like a dropper post

SDK^ · 14 Sep 2014 at 16:06

Begbie said:
Exactly, like a dropper post

Ha - predictable.
Let it go - I enjoy my rides without one and you need one, get over it

MrKnifey · 14 Sep 2014 at 16:15

I ride without an expander and a 32 on the front and never run into issues on any climbs. Just man up and get on with it. I used to run a 39 on the front as well and just worked that little bit harder

SDK^ · 14 Sep 2014 at 16:25

MrKnifey said:
I ride without an expander and a 32 on the front and never run into issues on any climbs. Just man up and get on with it. I used to run a 39 on the front as well and just worked that little bit harder

Good for you.

This is turning into an 'I'm fitter than you' battle now :rolleyes:

I used to run with a 28 cassette ring on the back and 34 up front when I raced Midlands XC events.
However, not riding much for 3 years takes much fitness away.

Anyway, I thought the tracks you rode were like no other, but it Sounds like your hills and pretty wimpy slopes

MrKnifey · 14 Sep 2014 at 17:16

I only ride roads and small hills

weescott · 14 Sep 2014 at 18:03

Demoed a Nomad C yesterday. Apart from having XX1 with no expander and a Dropper post (so much wrongness). They had stupidly wide bars that might look cool, but made it impossible to control.

Supercow · 14 Sep 2014 at 18:43

weescott said:
Demoed a Nomad C yesterday. Apart from having XX1 with no expander and a Dropper post (so much wrongness). They had stupidly wide bars that might look cool, but made it impossible to control.

That is because you have the shoulder width of an toddler, and about as aggressive on a bike as an irate panda.
Because of my massively swole bodybuilder physique, nothing narrower than 780 will do.

weescott · 14 Sep 2014 at 18:48

That made me chuckle.

Supercow · 14 Sep 2014 at 18:53

I was aiming for crying, but a chuckle will do I suppose.

Wider bars = moar bettar body position.

Checkout the masterclass in elbow positioning

RobotXander · 15 Sep 2014 at 09:58

Just back from a weekend at Innerleithen/Glentress

Innerleithen has some of the best DH trails I have ever ridden

Matador being a highlight! Uplift was running all day on Saturday, but only managed 8 runs
Can't wait to go back

kaotikuk · 15 Sep 2014 at 10:11

Going off drops that size, do you need to "jump it" ? or just lean back if you have the speed?

gettothechopper · 15 Sep 2014 at 11:12

kaotikuk said:
Going off drops that size, do you need to "jump it" ? or just lean back if you have the speed?

if you are doing it right all jumping is leaning back and having the speed
drops are just jumps with no kick

Caseh · 15 Sep 2014 at 11:47

Or if you're doing it wrong, you go forwards and face plant the floor. I can teach you that way if you'd like? I'm pretty experienced.

neil_g · 15 Sep 2014 at 12:48

right, about to pull the trigger on 1x10.

if anyone want dibs on the following before i advertise it let me know..

SRAM PG990 9sp 11-34 Cassette (matched age/milage with below)
SRAM PC991 9sp Hollow Pin Chain (matched age/milage with above)
SRAM X5 shifters (3x9)
Hope Bash Guard 36/38 Black 104mm
Shimano Deore Front Mech (possibly M591) Top pull (think this is 34.9mm but will check)

Supercow · 15 Sep 2014 at 13:31

kaotikuk said:
Going off drops that size, do you need to "jump it" ? or just lean back if you have the speed?

There is no gap to clear, so there's no need to jump itbif you don't want to. Just carry enough speed so that you can land your back wheel about a half / full bike length away from the drop edge.

That's the safest way to do it, but a touch slower will suffice, but gets sketchy at slow speeds.

It obviously also depends on what's upcoming. This drop in question has a corner very shortly after, so jumping it will be disastrous at speed. I needed to push it down / squash it.

Begbie · 15 Sep 2014 at 13:45

Supercow said:
There is no gap to clear, so there's no need to jump itbif you don't want to. Just carry enough speed so that you can land your back wheel about a half / full bike length away from the drop edge.

That's the safest way to do it, but a touch slower will suffice, but gets sketchy at slow speeds.

It obviously also depends on what's upcoming. This drop in question has a corner very shortly after, so jumping it will be disastrous at speed. I needed to push it down / squash it.

I need to get some time on 'jumps' such a **** bag currently :/

Supercow · 15 Sep 2014 at 13:49

Me too.
I often see crappy riders up at Woburn sands (local freeride area) do some of the bigger ones that I avoid. Really annoys the crap out of me that I know i can do them, but sissy out in stead

thebandit · 15 Sep 2014 at 13:55

2nd weekend out on my new bike, 2nd big off. Last week I removed a load of skin from my arm and leg, this week I have hit my shoulder so hard breathing hurts and I cannot lift my right arm. My problem is my confidence is growing quicker than my skill level. I think I need a lesson or two in falling off, I had to get the wife to put my socks on this morning...... Lol.