Local trails on the cross bike

These local trails are in Peebles, Scottish Borders.

Nice riding and video work by Andy Wardman.

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Purchasing used fork with chip in stanchion

Hi Lee,

I have always wanted a new 36 van 180, but have always been on a budget (i’m 17 years old). I was on pinkbike and some guy was selling a fairly new 36 van 180 RC2 for $650. Only issue is, there is a small chip in the stanchion. I was wondering if the price of the fork would be worth it for me to buy it as is. I want to know if you think there will be any repercussions for buying this fork. Do you think this small chip will affect the fork? (the seller claims it has no effect on the fork) Here is a link to the pic: http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5800314/

Thanks!

Matt

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Get your PowerMax on


I’m rocking a PowerMax indoor cycling class this winter at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. I expect to learn stuff and get stronger. It’s fun too.

If you live around Boulder and want to train like a pro, check these classes out.

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Flat pedals and supple feet

To ride flat pedals well, you have to let your feet move with the bike and terrain. Your feet have to be supple.

Check out 1:52 to 1:55 on this beautiful “Find – The Mountain Bike Movie” trailer.

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Mastering Mountain Bikes Skills – Excellent

Hi Lee,

I just finished reading my copy of ‘Mastering Mountain Bike Skills’ and would like to express my gratification about the quality of this book. As a Jack of all trades (master or none!), I enjoy many different hobbies and love the learning process, too. Your book is THE best book on skills instruction that I have read over ANY subject. Your attention to detail, depth, and delivery of experience is spot on; furthermore, your passion flows through the book. I really enjoyed reading this book.

‘Mastering Mountain Bike Skills’ has improved my MTB skills tremendously. I live in the SF Bay Area where there is a plethora of beautiful places to bike. My new skills have allowed me to further explore and enjoy this paradise I live in.

– Eric

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Do you ride for Nick’s eyes?

24-year-old ripper Nick Moore from Demon Dirt and Demon snow has a degenerative eye disease that requires an expensive surgery. Friends in the bike industry have donated lots of cool items to help raise money.

Check out the eBay auction.

Auction items include bike frames, helmet cam, tires, bars, stems, pedals, wheels, sunglasses and signed copies of Pro BMX Skills and Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 2nd Edition.

Dialing in an entry-level mountain bike

Logan, a coaching client and beginning rider from Colorado Springs, is rocking a $600 Kona Blast hardtail. He’s learning to Ride (capital R) before he buys his 6-inch dream bike. Here are the tweaks I recommended for him and his Blast.

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Golden Bike park is open


The Golden Bike Park in Golden, CO officially opened last Saturday to much fanfare and many riders. Here’s a sample of the goods:

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Lee Likes Cyclocross


When I signed up for yesterday’s Boulder Cup cyclocross in the 35+ Cat 4 class, I had no idea what to expect. As a new CX racer, would I get my ass kicked, or would I kick ass and look like a sandbagger?

I did NOT sandbag, but I did have fun.

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Handlebar position: the secret revealed


Hi Lee,

I have read elsewhere that handlebars should be 1″ below or about even with the saddle height. On my 6″ travel all mountain type bike the fork has adjustable travel. If I need to weight the front end while climbing I can lower the fork. Going downhill I can put the fork back up and stay more behind the bars keeping my hands light and feet heavy. I run a short 70mm stem and 1.5″ rise bars which puts the bars about 1″ higher than my saddle and seems to work great. I tried lowering the bars by removing spacers and felt like I was leaning too far forward going downhill which felt a little sketchy. Is it considered more of a personal preference thing or is this even important at all?

Thanks, Jeff

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Another fire!

A fire is burning in Boulder Canyon. I canceled today’s skills clinic and am staying home in case we need to evacuate again.

Feeling pretty anxious.

11:45 a.m. Friday – The order came in: Prepare to evacuate.

1:15 p.m. Friday – Van contains the essentials: P.3, Stumpy, Enduro (Tricross is race-prepped at Boulder Cycle Sport); trainer; laptop; cameras; MMBSii books; Ian’s X-box and clothes; family photos; essential papers; a bag of my dirty clothes; diapers; baby wipes. The Wife is handling baby supplies and her clothes. I’ll grab this Mac workstation last thing. Prepared for the worst. Hoping for the best.

5 p.m. Friday – Waiting. The latest map shows the fire 2-3 miles and 1-2 ridges away from the house.

10 p.m. Saturday – Whew. The fire is mostly contained, and evacuations have been lifted. This morning was looking good, and today The Wife, babies and I attended the Golden Bike Park grand opening. I had a great time riding the flow trail and pump track. I’m all ready to race the Boulder Cup cyclocross in the morning. The back of the van is crowded — it’s still packed for evacuation.

Thanks to all who sent good wishes, and thanks to the firefighters. Rock!

CompuTrainer SpinScan radness!

Today I lived one of my nerdy dreams. I went to the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, hooked my Tricross to a CompuTrainer-equipped trainer and got my pedaling stroke analyzed with SpinScan software.

This experience confirmed some things I was feeling, and it blew one notion out of the water.

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