All the sweet bikes and parts. Mmm … parts.
Lee,
I have noticed that wide and flat is the new riser. It seems that everyone from DH guys to rigid singlespeed riders are rocking the wide flat bars. What gives is this the latest fad like dayglo lycra and 150mm stems or is there a true benefit to rocking this set up.
E
Since I’m basically a professional trainer rider (at least during the winter), I’m all excited about the new trainer from LeMond Fitness.
The recent post A bit about gearing got me thinking.
Given a certain steepness, a desired cadence and the ability to rock a given amount of power, what should your low gear be?
Hi Lee!
I’m hoping you could help explain gear ratios and maybe shed some light on which gear ratios are unnecessary. Here’s the situation:
I have a customer that is using the Sram Red compact double (50-34). In the back she is using the new Sram Apex long cage rear derailleur. She is also using a Sram PG1070 10speed casettte in a 11-32. She is interested in switching out the 11-32 cassette to a 12-36. For some reason, I’m thinking that running a gear combination of 34 small ring to a 36 in the back doesn’t make sense. I think what that means is that she would essentially “spin out” OR her gearing in that given combination is too low. Her rebuttal was that her other bike was a road triple with a 22-32-52. However, she was running a 11-28 10sp to go with the triple. I’m wondering this:
Does she just not want to exert any effort climbing or is it useless to run a gear combination of 34-36?
Hopefully these questions make sense.
Congrats on the new book!
Daniel
Tomorrow I’m coaching a young DH pinner at Keystone. Since I no longer have a downhill bike, I have to make sure the Enduro suspension is dialed. So off to Hall Ranch I went for a mix of turny turns and rocky rocks.
The web has some sweet videos of pro downhiller Curtis Keene rocking a Stumpjumper in Santa Cruz. Curtis can ride any Specialized he wants; why does he choose a Stumpy instead of an Enduro?
Now that you can get Shimano 10-speed at a reasonable price point, I have a dream:
– 36t chainring
– 11-36t cassette
– Chain guide
Pump track, dirt jump, trail, road, whatever — it’s on! JHK won the 2009 national XC championship with the same gearing.
JensonUSA is selling Shimano XT and SLX 10-speed goodness.
Hi Lee,
I have a Giant reign that I use for trail riding, light downhill (medium sized jumps up to 6′) and really rocky trails. I’m already running a 2×9 system (24/36) with a bash guard but no chain guide. My question is: Is it a good idea to use a chain guide for the kind of riding I do or are chain guides primarily for gravity riding? Some days, I do 25 milers all on single track. So, I don’t want a lot of resistance. Do these things cause restistance or do you barely notice it? I was thinking about the E13 DRS. Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Walt
Our friend Rhys in Queensland switched from a medium Enduro to a large Epic. He’s loving the climbs but fearing the descents.
I’m trying a high-end singlespeed 29er hardtail. Today I got a little XC ride and a short BMX session. So far so fun.
Lee,
I downloaded your on-line book a few weeks back and we have just
started shaping the pump track in our backyard. Man, it’s going to be
sweet. Anyhow, I was wondering which tires you recommend. I know I want
something fast with low rolling resistance but I probably also need a bit
of tread. What are your thoughts on the Maxxis Holy Roller, Kenda K-Rad,
and Intense MK2? Other suggestions?
Thanks for all your knowledge,
Jason
Last Friday I was rolling through Golden on the way back from a meeting in Littleton. My clients and I are working on a 60-page partnership proposal: the kind that determines how I pay my mortgage. It’s a fun and relaxing process. So so fun and relaxing that I was crawling out of my skin needing a ride.
I always see riders parked on the side of Highway 6, and I wonder what they’re up to. Turns out they’re riding a sweet trail.