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Any mountain bikers out there 2.0

I currently ride a hardtail and I keep debating on if I need a full suspension. I’d really like one but just can’t bring myself to drop that much $ on a bike and my family can’t ride as fast as me now so it would probably make it worse.

I’m in a great area for biking with something like 140 miles of trails around in all skill levels.
 
Yeah, I may actually get my wife a full first so she can keep up a little better then I’ll have some leverage to get myself one too haha
 
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i tried for ages to find a santa cruz 5010that was newer all last fall/winter

ended up with a new specialized stumpjumper alloy as a hold over this spring. besides some new brakes i'll stand put. hit a tree a few weeks ago and couldn't walk much. good reminder that 80% is still fun and keeps the spare tire away.
 
Mountain bikes bruh lol
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We are still in the upper 90's in the evening here in Western Colorado so morning rides that start in the dark and end with a beautiful sunrise are the only way to go for me.
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The sun is trying to peek through all the smoke in our valley courtesy of California wildfires. It does make for a spectacular sunrise however.
 
Ouch!

Last year I was goofing around with my bike on a silty dirt road swerving back and forth to see how much traction I had. Out of nowhere the front end slipped out as if I was on ice and I fell on top of the bike receiving a BIG gash the thickness of the spike sticking out of the pedal into my for arm. The gash was 1.25" long and more than 1/8th inch deep.
 
So, I’ve started learning how to jump and drop, etc and feel like I need a better helmet.

I’m looking at the TLD A3. Seems a little pricey but gets great reviews.

what are you guys using? Any others I should take a close look at?

I’m wanting open face. I tried on a couple of fox offerings but felt like they made my head look like a qtip
 
My son an I both have POC Kortal Race helmets, my daughter has a Fox Speedframe Pro, and wife has a Leatt DBX 3.0

I am moving away from the Fox helmets, they just dont hold up.

The POC helmets have been really nice, the Leatt is also. Me and the Kids have DBX4.0 full face helmets also which is there enduro helmet that is also DH rated.

I have not personally had any of the TLD helmets.
 
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So, I’ve started learning how to jump and drop, etc and feel like I need a better helmet.

I’m looking at the TLD A3. Seems a little pricey but gets great reviews.

what are you guys using? Any others I should take a close look at?

I’m wanting open face. I tried on a couple of fox offerings but felt like they made my head look like a qtip
I just upgraded my old Mavic helmet to a TLD A3 about 4 months ago. I tried on as many helmets that I could get my hands on at the time that had the MIPS or similar system (which honestly was only about 5 different manufacturers) TLD, Bell, POC, Smith, Leatt
They were all pretty comfortable to be honest but the TLD A3 had the best padding/ MIPS liner system by far when you flip them over and look at what is riding against your head. The more I ride with it the more I like it....can't go wrong with the A3 in my opinion.
Lots of good options out there though. Photo below tells the story of why I made my decision.

TLD A3 $225 red liner POC Kortal Race $249 black liner

TLD.jpgPOC.jpg
 
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I have been happy with POC helmets but you really need to try them on, helmets are like saddles everyone is different.
 
I've been using a Troy Lee A2(?) for the past four seasons and I like it. The colors are starting to fade a bit from the sun and the sweat pads will need replacement soon, but it's seen a lot of use.

I also have a Bell Zephyr, and it's a solid choice - reasonably light, good ventilation and sweat control, and supposedly it has excellent crash protection.

All the cool kids around here wear POC.
 
I had a really hard time buying helmets that the letters can spell piece of crap....
 

With all the scabs and fresh scars that I have from this summer's crashes (as well as encounters with thorns during adventure races and hikes) combined with the peeling skin from sunburns, I probably look like a case of leprosy. I got plenty of questions at the family reunion, with the expected look suggesting "aren't you a bit old for that behavior?" :ROFLMAO:

My career choices as as a knee, elbow, or shin model are limited at best.
 
I have been very lucky over the years with only minor injury's except a few times. Yesterday I got off line on some slippery roots and clipped a tree with by bars. I went down hard (I was hauling ass). I drove my hip into a big root, thought I broke my pelvis (the top above the belt line. This is right after, like 15 minutes when I got back to the car.
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The next morning (today)

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And finally after a 13.5 mile ride this afternoon to see if the bike was messed up and how bad I was. I wrapped it with an ACE bandage to keep it from jiggling so damn much.
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The good news is the bike is fine. I am structurally good, but not yet sure about the extent of the soft tissue damage. It's fucking sore right now...
 
I have been very lucky over the years with only minor injury's except a few times. Yesterday I got off line on some slippery roots and clipped a tree with by bars. I went down hard (I was hauling ass). I drove my hip into a big root, thought I broke my pelvis (the top above the belt line. This is right after, like 15 minutes when I got back to the car.
View attachment 7691446
View attachment 7691447

The next morning (today)

View attachment 7691449
View attachment 7691450
And finally after a 13.5 mile ride this afternoon to see if the bike was messed up and how bad I was. I wrapped it with an ACE bandage to keep it from jiggling so damn much.
View attachment 7691453
The good news is the bike is fine. I am structurally good, but not yet sure about the extent of the soft tissue damage. It's fucking sore right now...
Holy Crap!!! That's getting some good color to it.
A buddy of mine went down last year on a Moto ride out in the middle of nowhere on a high alpine trail. His injury looked very similar to yours and after 3-4 days of swelling and discomfort ended up at the doctor/hospital to get it drained....said it felt so good to get the fluid off it.
Heal up fast!!!
 
That sounds shitty! I called 5 walk in clinics yesterday before I went to ride in hopes of getting an x-ray. 3 never answered and the other two said I had to see the provider to get an x-ray (an extra $160) I said fuck it, I'll find out if I'm really broken or not... Ha
 
That sucks!! I had a pedal strike send me OTB last week, coming around a big sweeper hauling ass, front end just stepped out a little. Added lean was just enough to catch the rock hidden in the grass. Other than some scrapes and cactus needles its was all good to go.

Health care has become more and more of a racket.
 
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So, I’ve started learning how to jump and drop, etc and feel like I need a better helmet.

I’m looking at the TLD A3. Seems a little pricey but gets great reviews.

what are you guys using? Any others I should take a close look at?

I’m wanting open face. I tried on a couple of fox offerings but felt like they made my head look like a qtip
1630163734581.png

1630163753816.png

1630163778069.png

Top 2 are Bell SUPER 3R MIPS​

Bottom is SUPER DH SPHERICAL​

The jaw protection is removable.​

 
Congrats on your new Yeti, Tono!

If it weren't for EMTB's I would have to give up riding because it's too exhausting on a MTB once I hit a grade, especially in the loose cinders prevalent where I live.

I recently bought my fantasy EMTB, a Husqvarna Extreme Cross with 200mm travel :D:cool:. Man it rocks, it's amazing the stuff you can run over at speed and not get tossed around like what happened with my old EMTB with 120mm travel and cheap suspension.

I had read about the Shimano EP8 motors having a knocking noise when there was no load on it but mine doesn't do that which was a relief. This motor is very responsive to inputs, nearly silent, and seems just right.

Just this week I got the suspension set up for my weight. It's way better for me now than it was set from the factory. It seemed to be set for someone 20-30 pounds heavier. I need a new spring for my shock because I can't get the sag to go down far enough. Thinking of doing a progressive spring.

First charge and first ride in the Sawtooth wilderness area in Idaho a couple weeks ago.
20210828_184731.jpg
 
Well just picked up my new bike (no pics). I took it right over to the storage unit I have for my race car stuff. It will sit there until things get back to normal money wise. I didn't want to cancel the order, but it would be a real shit storm at the house if I brought it home. On the brighter side my company is shipping and will bill at an all time high in the month of September. Looks like the rest of the year will be all time highs. Should get all of my pay cuts back in January.
 
Well just picked up my new bike (no pics). I took it right over to the storage unit I have for my race car stuff. It will sit there until things get back to normal money wise. I didn't want to cancel the order, but it would be a real shit storm at the house if I brought it home. On the brighter side my company is shipping and will bill at an all time high in the month of September. Looks like the rest of the year will be all time highs. Should get all of my pay cuts back in January.
Hopefully you can hit the trail before long.....that’s a tough situation.
I was blessed to get a 12 mile rip in right after work last night. Almost dark when rolling back to the truck, but it was awesome to escape this crazy world for awhile.
57D12823-B177-431C-9737-3DF0F0D2D779.jpeg
 
A few weeks ago I posted here that I was struggling to justify buying a full suspension. Bit the bullet and bought one for me and one for my wife. It was a great upgrade from the hardtails. Been riding 3-4x a week and hitting stuff much better now. It’s been a blast really getting into it.
 
Well just picked up my new bike (no pics). I took it right over to the storage unit I have for my race car stuff. It will sit there until things get back to normal money wise. I didn't want to cancel the order, but it would be a real shit storm at the house if I brought it home. On the brighter side my company is shipping and will bill at an all time high in the month of September. Looks like the rest of the year will be all time highs. Should get all of my pay cuts back in January.
Best of luck! I hope it all settles soon.
 
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It has been pretty quiet around here! I figured everyone was out shooting or riding. Me and the boy squeezed in a ride before the rain hit tonight. Looks like I'm gonna be stuck inside on the trainer for a few days. We needed the rain!
 
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Finally able to get out on Big Girl 2.0 the past few days....top of Hawkeye was calling tonight after uncharacteristic rain showers the past 2 weeks. Technical and straight up Mack Ridge to the lookout then down Hawkeye. Exhausting 1 hour rip but now I'm chasing the sun until dark when riding after work. Trying to stay in shape with hunting season 2 weeks out!! Think Elk!
Hawkeye.jpg
 
I don't get the ride time I'd like to these days, but I still get out once in a while. Main bikes are a Fuel EX 29er, and a Stache 29+ that I built from up. Both fun, with the Stache possibly being more fun IMHO.

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Figures I bust a rotator cuff coming into awesome weather time.... Only riding I'm getting is on the trainer.
 
I ride quite a bit, although I used to ride more. I have an Evil Insurgent LB and a Surly Karate Monkey as well as a custom mtb tandem that I designed and ride with my girlfriend. She has an Evil Wreckoning and a Juliana Furtado as well.
 
I just use the clear 3M protective tape. Big enough roll to protect my truck tailgate from the tailgate pad and protective wrap on 3 bikes was like $70
 
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Well I am a fucking moron. I just purchased online a Motobecane Fly Cf, Boost 29er hardtail, GX-AXS Sram Eagle wireless 1x12, RockShox Sid fork, DT Swiss tubeless wheels all weighing in at 22 lbs.

Stole this pick from the internets:

fly-cf-29-gx-axs-eagle-7.jpg


I say I am a moron because I haven't even ridden my new Pivot Mach 4SL.

If I don't like it I'll hand it down to my son. If I like it I will sell my 1998 Alpine Designs Fly Ti and my 1997 Alpine Designs Phat Cat FS to purchase my daughter a mtn bike. I already plan on pulling all the stickers and changing some parts to make it better. But shit the site says 21-22 lbs and thats getting real close to my old Fly Ti.
 
Recently picked up a transition sentinel alloy frame. Nice bike to ride with my sone and get some exercise for my fat butt.
Recently purchased a trek pro caliber for my son for XC racing. Bike works real well and has been winning some races on it. Nice bike.
 
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Well I am a fucking moron. I just purchased online a Motobecane Fly Cf, Boost 29er hardtail, GX-AXS Sram Eagle wireless 1x12, RockShox Sid fork, DT Swiss tubeless wheels all weighing in at 22 lbs.

Stole this pick from the internets:

View attachment 7845255

I say I am a moron because I haven't even ridden my new Pivot Mach 4SL.

If I don't like it I'll hand it down to my son. If I like it I will sell my 1998 Alpine Designs Fly Ti and my 1997 Alpine Designs Phat Cat FS to purchase my daughter a mtn bike. I already plan on pulling all the stickers and changing some parts to make it better. But shit the site says 21-22 lbs and thats getting real close to my old Fly Ti.
Interesting, let us know how it rides. I have been neglecting the bikes lately trying to train up for a foot race in mid May. I'm looking forward to getting back on them regularly.
 
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Sweet! For a hard tail! This thread has been quiet. I'm still beating on my same bike. Looking forward to a Bentonville trip early summer.
Was in Bentonville last weekend. It's a fun place. It rained Friday night so the morning riding was a little sloppy, but everything had pretty much dried out by the afternoon.
 
Sweet! For a hard tail! This thread has been quiet. I'm still beating on my same bike. Looking forward to a Bentonville trip early summer.
I'll be out beating my 1998 Fly Ti this afternoon after work. It's still in great condition as I have maintained it over the years. Still love the bike, but just want something for a newer hard tail. The bike I got seems to have a lot of high quality parts for less than $3500 (includes tax). Also, being the NTX area a hard tail is more than capable. Hell when I lived in PA I took it to the Poconos almost every weekend with no problems. A full suspension would have been better in the Poconos though.
 
Was in Bentonville last weekend. It's a fun place. It rained Friday night so the morning riding was a little sloppy, but everything had pretty much dried out by the afternoon.

Stop tearing up my trails hondo!!! 😂

I just got a Stumpjumper Elite Alloy. I’ve only gotten it out a few times but like it so far.

Me last August: “I’m too old to jump”

Me at my favorite Bentonville jump line a few weeks ago:

44643C0C-55A7-4D9D-8982-51BE18CAED53.jpeg
 
I'm planning on getting back out there mid June. We do have a few good places to ride in DFW plus big cedar has some awesome jump lines, Revile peak and Spider Mountain less than 2 hours away
 
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One of my ebikes. This one will work you out but gets up 45mph
 

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Congrats on your new Yeti, Tono!

If it weren't for EMTB's I would have to give up riding because it's too exhausting on a MTB once I hit a grade, especially in the loose cinders prevalent where I live.

I recently bought my fantasy EMTB, a Husqvarna Extreme Cross with 200mm travel :D:cool:. Man it rocks, it's amazing the stuff you can run over at speed and not get tossed around like what happened with my old EMTB with 120mm travel and cheap suspension.

I had read about the Shimano EP8 motors having a knocking noise when there was no load on it but mine doesn't do that which was a relief. This motor is very responsive to inputs, nearly silent, and seems just right.

Just this week I got the suspension set up for my weight. It's way better for me now than it was set from the factory. It seemed to be set for someone 20-30 pounds heavier. I need a new spring for my shock because I can't get the sag to go down far enough. Thinking of doing a progressive spring.

First charge and first ride in the Sawtooth wilderness area in Idaho a couple weeks ago.
View attachment 7702737
Damn, that's sexxxy.
 
Buncha wankers with sissy bikes.
Ohh it hurts so bad going over bumps.
I'd be ashamed if I said shit like that.
Behold, a man's bike.
Is it.....rare ? why yes, yes it is.
It's so original it doesn't even have a serial number anywhere on it.

bike.jpg