Rocking one bike for all Sea Otter events?


Hey Lee,
First time caller- long time listener. You’re the only rider I know of who rocks all the disciplines for these questions, so here it goes. I have my ’06 Reign 1 set up for Super D but want to also try downhill and 4x at Sea Otter this year. I’m thinking about swapping the 36 Talas with something longer and plusher for the DH but what about the 4x? My only other ride is a XC hardtail with a 71.5 head tube angle. I have a shorty stem for it but would prefer a slacker frame. Is there any way to setup the RP3 on the Reign to at least try 4x? Thanks for your time.
Oso Negro

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Oh it’s so tempting!!!


I just built a 2008 Stumpjumper Pro Carbon down at The Fix in Boulder, CO. All this snow is killing me!

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Built and beautiful: Jrich’s pump track


At last, we have photos of AA BMX Pro Jason Richardson’s completed pump track. I would have given my left arm to ride this sod-bordered ribbon of love, but there was too much rain.

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The link between air pressure and rebound damping


Lee,

I own a new OEM 2008 Fox TALAS RL 32. The rebound has 14 clicks. The slowest rebound takes about 2 seconds – very SLOW. The fastest rebound is just “normal.”

I would expect a very bouncy feel – but no. Others have written that their fastest setting just knocks them off the bike. Is my rebound circuit in need of service despite it being new? Is this normal for FOX forks? How do I test to make sure my rebound is working properly?

I weight 195 pounds geared, and my fork has 70 PSI. That gives 25% sag. How much correlation is there with air pressure and rebound?

Thanks, James

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Vet Pro: yippee!

For 2008 Mountain States Cup has added a Vet Pro/Am class. Anyone 35 or older can race this category, and I am stoked. Here’s why:

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Quotes of the week


Last week, that is. I spent quality time with some BMX luminaries in SoCal, and I now have 20,000 words of notes for my book. These quotes pop out:

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2008 Mountain States Cup schedule

It’s bigger and probably better too. Oh yeah, it’s gonna be on!

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Which weight oil should I use in my fork?

Hey Lee,
I just recently serviced my Fox TALAS fork and i put in fox’s 7wt susspension fluid. My question is what is the difference in the weight of the oil? And what is best for XC and DH racing through full on extream Freeride.
Thanks,
Chris

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How do I measure rear shock sag?


Hi Lee,

I’m a beginner mountain biker from Peru and want to thank you for a great book, it’s helping me a lot!!

I have a question: how do i calculate the recommended 25% sag?. Do i base it on the stroke of my rear shox or the eye to eye distance? Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards, César (in Peru)

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Turn my bunny hops into rabbit hops


Lee,
I have your book and it greatly helped last year. I think the biggest thing is that I can go into a situation knowing what to do so I stay loose.

Anyways since its winter I figured I would work on some basic skills. For bunny hops I used to just weight the whole bike and make it hop. After your book I weight the front tire maybe a half second before the rear and have noticed an increase in height. Should I actually be busting into an actual manual or wheelie then weight the rear for the jump. If I try to do this my front tire violently slams down.

Thanks
Nate

ps because of your book a few friends started calling me a crazy rider. But they’re the ones who seem to wipe out more often. Thanks a lot.

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Aftermarket shock for 2006 Enduro?

Hey Lee
I have your book and look through it and your website almost daily. Really appreciate all you bring to the sport.

I was influenced in getting a 06 enduro(elite) from your book.When I test rode it I was sold.I have not been sorry since, I love it.

My question is about the DHX4.0 shock. The ProPedal was no longer working so I send it back to Fox through my bike shop.I was thinking about getting a spare to keep from having any down time.I then considered Push industries and getting a DHX coil shock and having them tune it.I was told by Push that DHXair was custom made for the enduro and that no other shock will fit the enduro.Is this true? and am I really left with no other options for my bike?

Shawn

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From the archive: Big Bear national ’04

Originally posted Posted May 26, 2004 — Back when we raced gravity events at Big Bear (and I had time to do massive posts like this one. Tons of photos!).

Oh, Big Bear. El Oso Grande. The Jewel of SoCal Mountains. Womb of the SoCal downhill scene. One of the oldest, best-run venues in mountainbikingdom. Great things have a way of happening here, and this year was right on target.

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