Slipping into the flow

Yesterday I rode the Stumpy on trail for the first time in six weeks. Since then it’s been hard training, a few sessions on the Enduro, way too much work and the kind of stress that makes decent men into jerks and me into something worse.

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Experiment: Stumpjumper HT EVO-R?


I’m excited about a new bike. A special new bike that will rail trails, slay pump tracks and spread the braaap gospel.

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What’s up with the Stumpjumper EVO?


Hi Lee,

You know the Specialized product line inside out and you dig both the ups and the downs, so I figure you’re the man for this question.

I’m riding an old 6″ Horst-link frame with outdated geometry in the form of a skyscraper-high BB and steepish head angle. To make things worse, I can only drop the seat 2 1/4″. Things go from fun to terrifying whenever the trails get steep.

I also have a full-on downhill bike, so I don’t need a “One Bike” bike, but I do prefer the mini-DH feel. My preferred trails are often on the steep and rocky end of the cross-country spectrum and free of any noteworthy stunts. I’m about 175 lbs, so no special considerations for rider weight.

The Enduro was a leading candidate until I saw the Stumpjumper Evo, which seems like a perfect mix of cross-country efficiency and mini-DH geometry. My concern is that the frame and fork stiffness might not let the bike take full advantage of its geometry. The Enduro is only a little heavier and climbs pretty well, but the BB is a fair bit higher and I have no need for the added strength.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and thanks for the years of outstanding advice, discussion, and enthusiasm from your site!

-Ryan

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4×10 frozen garage style

Mayhem prevented me from attending this week’s PowerMax indoor training session at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, but I had some fun in the frozen garage.

With flat pedals!

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Paul Bunyan riding


Last weekend’s Left Hand Canyon OHV downhill training session featured special guest stars, some sturdy hiking and a snowy descent down North Red Trail.

With video!

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What a difference 10 rpm makes


In this week’s PowerMax indoor training session at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, we did virtual intervals with a Canadian time trail champion, and I felt the easy sweetness of higher rpm.

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Jared Graves interview

This vid from Yeti Cycles and John Reynolds gives some insight into Graves’ motivations. Good stuff — and a mini lesson on sports psychology. Go Jared!

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You’ve changed my riding

Lee,

I’ve been riding Mountain bikes for about 30 years. I rode the second Rock Hopper in Anedale park. 100% self taught and I’m quick on the trails and old school downhill aka super d. (recently took 2nd at the Otter). I took your technique teaching class in Berkeley. That class completely changed my riding style, and opened my eyes to a whole new realm of possibilities.

[letter continues]

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bmxnews.com interview about Pro BMX Skills

Hi all,

I did an interview with Mike Carruth at www.bmxnews.com about the creation of the Pro BMX Skills book. Mike’s a nice guy, and he contributed great race photos to the book.

Check out the interview >>


Game on in Superior, CO

After two years of meetings, presentations, site visits and political fu, I’m officially in contract with the Town of Superior to design and help build their new bike park.

Today I surveyed the site with the town bosses. I’ll start design right away. We dig in March.

Stoked!

7:1 and stoked

Today was an excellent mission at Left Hand Canyon: 175 minutes pushing a bike up hills; 25 minutes riding the bike down hills.

Featuring a first descent of North Red Trail.

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One foot at a time


This week’s PowerMax indoor training session at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine was relatively easy, but I laid down some base and learned a little something about one-footed pedaling.

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