Lee,
Just found your site, its very informative. I was wondering if you could answer the following question:

I am buying a large S Works Enduro (’06) with a DHX air and have a spare Marzocchi 66 SL. Will this fork be too much for the Enduro? (fork height & travel).

Cheers

Glenn
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BRRRRRRRRR!

Tons of work, crazy life issues and multiple blizzards mean I’ve been shoveling, lifting, running and riding the trainer, but — DUDE — I need to get out and rip. Oh man. The Enduro SL is hanging there, and two Hondas are sitting there, and we just got another foot of snow here in Boulder.

Hmm … huge copy deadline on Wednesday, but it’s 40° and sunny in Fruita … four-hour drive each way … ride MTB one day then write … ride moto the next day then drive home … do the math … no way.

GRRRRRRRRR!

Lee,
Can you do a comparison between the Specialized SX Trail and the Santa Cruz Nomad??? I have gotten out of DH ( too many injuries), sold the DH rig and want an all-mountain that will still be solid. I don’t know how many epics I will do but I will be limiting my drops to only around head high. Inseam is short 29 inch, I am 5′6″ and built like a tree. so which bike do you oh guru of the bike suggest??? For right now I am living in the Midwest!!! Wow I never thought I would say that!!!! West coast transplant!
- John
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Hi Lee,

I’ve been looking at different four cross/slalom type bikes that can cross over and be used for general singletrack riding. Given your experience with Specialized, how do think the SX (4.2″ travel) would work out?

Thanks
Jason

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Dear Lee,

First let me start off by saying how sorry I am to hear about your recent family trouble. My heart goes out to you.

Now onto less pressing albeit still important issues. I’m in the market for a new frame and have been checking out the Transition Gran Mal. My issue comes from deciding what size frame to get, Gran Mal is offered in 2 sizes. The difference between the sizes are Short = 22.5 eff.Toptube/ 45.75 wheelbase or a Long = 24″ eff. toptube/47.25 wheelbase. I’m 6′4″ and currently ride a large 03 Big Hit, which feels somewhat unstable on straight choppy fast trails (ala: Reaper at Bootleg Canyon), but doesn’t seem to corner all that well on tight sweeper (probably my bad technique). Anyhow looking for some insight from someone with more knowledge than I’m able to muster.

BTW, I tend to ride Bootleg alot, race at Fontucky and ride alot of different SoCal areas (telonix, san juan, etc.) Thanks for your time and keep your head up, our prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
David
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Clay Porter’s newest flick is due out this spring. His work gets more refined every year, and Between The Tape looks like a heaping dose of World Cup adrenaline.

Check out the trailer:

www.betweenthetape.com

And say BRAAAP.

In the comments for “Can big riders jump?” someone asked about the effect of body weight on landing force. You know I love this stuff, so …
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I hope you’re enjoying the day with your family, friends, puppies and everyone else who gives you joy. How about family, friends and puppies on a sweet ride?

Santa says BRAAAP!

MSC’s venues, organization and scene have been the best in the country, and the guys at Bigfoot Productions are turning the dial even higher. This year we’ll enjoy Cross Country, Gravity, Super D and the return of the Roostmaster: XC vs Gravity racers on a course that favors no one. Whose kung fu will prevail? We’ll find out soon.

www.racemsc.com

This week’s blizzard left 29 inches of snow at my house. Crazy! Riding is off for now, but I’ve been getting a great workout: the Crystalized Dihydrogen Monoxide Workout.

So far I’ve moved about three tons of crystals — what an excellent way to build strength, endurance, stability and patience.

Lee, I just picked up an ‘06 enduro expert per your review. I love it, but I was wondering if you could help me with it. I do light DH but mostly hard/fast trail riding. What are the best ways to lighten this bike up? Should I go carbon DH components? Thanks for your help, your site and book have really helped me get into driving bikes!

Jason

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Hey there-

Just wondering if you know of a way to shorten the travel of a fox36 van rc2. I’m rolling it on an older 5-spot and the bottom bracket height feels a little high at 14 inches. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Pump track!

Jeff
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Maybe you’ve heard that the faster you ride through rock gardens, the less you drop down between the rocks, and the faster and easier you can ride. That idea makes some sense, but the question is: How fast do you have to go?
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My wife Tracy and I have been together for 13 years — married for 11 — and we’ve decided to move on. I still can’t believe this is happening. So sad, so tragic. Yet hopefully better for everyone in the long run. I guess. I hope.

Lots of changes: selling the house (and leveling the pump track), looking at jobs, considering a move from Boulder, living as a singular entity. With the cornerstone of my entire adult life removed, it’s all up in the air.

Heavy. Forgive me if I fall behind on this site. I’ll do my best to rock the bike love, but Life has others things in store right now.

That’s right, the world-dominating book is now in four languages. Here’s how to get ‘em:

Spanish - www.edicionestutor.com - email daviddomingo@edicionestutor.com

Russian - http://www.motobook.ru

Polish - http://www.bukrower.pl

English - right here on this site

A few weeks ago I tried my first motorcycle hare scramble. It was two hours of braaap without expectations; just ripping around and enjoying the experience. I was afraid I’d start to get serious. Well, of course I did.
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Hello Lee

I have a Specialized Enduro 2004 and was wondering how large a fork I could put on it. The guys at PUSH Industries said nothing more than a 140MM. What do you think? It currently has a 130MM TALAS.

My pumptrack is almost done. Your Pump track manual is very helpful.

Bill
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Lee,
hey if i master a trick on a smaller bike, say a dirt jumper , will i be able to do the same trick on a long travel full suspension bike?
peace
rory
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Hey Lee,
First, I’d like to thank you for putting together a great book and website. I consider myself an intermediate dh rider, riding a couple of times a week and entering a few races a year. I know you get a lot of questions on jumping but I would like to know what effect rider weight has on jumping?
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Lee,
Love your site a lot of great info. Quick question I want to buy a new bike and I need the toughest one you can think of. I am in the military and I travel a lot and not usually in the States. I don’t always get a chance to get to a bike shop. What is the most durable and work free bike for all mountain riding? gotta be tough…

Thanks Lee,
Clint
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