Get the most out of your stuff.
We’ve all been wondering about the best way to set suspension sag — sitting or standing? — so I asked The Man Himself: Mark Fitzsimmons at Fox Racing Shox. As Fox’s MTB race manager, Fitz does suspension testing and setup at the highest level of our sport. He is also a ripper.
Hi Lee,
I’ve got a question for you that I can’t find an answer for. Do you know of a source to get an extra-extra-heavy spring for a Fox 36 Van? The heaviest one Fox sells is for a weight range of 210-240 lb and I need one for a rider weight of about 275 lb. Any help you can provide would be most appreciated. Thanks!
Jennifer
Lee,
What do you think about setting up your Mtn bike brakes moto style? I started riding a Honda 250 in Dec. and I have been fortunate enough to be able to ride it twice a week. In between the days I ride the moto I’m on the mountain bikes. When I go from the moto to Mtn bike I’m fine, I feel completely comfortable however when jump from the Mtn bike to the Moto it takes me a while to get comfortable with the front brake.
It’s frustrating, I feel like I never really feel comfortable on the moto unless I ride two days in a row. I ride mostly track, Sand Hill & Club Moto and I can’t seem to get my braking done correctly before the turns.
Have you considered setting up your mtn bikes moto style? Or do you know any pros that set the bike up that way?
Thanks for all the years of good info,
Leo
Hi Lee,
Love the book, it’s really helped me progress.
Since I visit your site and see you have the inside line with Specialized I was hoping you could answer the following question. The 06 and up Big Hits are said to have an asymmetrical rear triangle. I’ve noticed the wheel that came with the bike is not dished, but rather offset about 5mm away from the brake side (i.e. when I set the dishing tool against the hub locknut on the drive side first, the tip is then 5mm away from the hub locknut on the brake side. I’ve checked and the wheel is true.)
I have used aftermarket wheels that were dished and can’t say I noticed a difference. My 2.5 had no frame clearance issues. Should I offset this new wheel? What’s the purpose of the asymmetrical rear triangle?
Thanks! Matt
Lee,
I was wondering if you could explain the differences in the positions of the upper shock mount on the 2002-2004 specialized big hits. The manuals just say something about progressivity, which to me sounds like something marketing made up. I am hoping one of the 3 positions will magically unleash the riding god within me almost overnight.
Cahoon
Some of you have asked about custom-cutting Maxxis Minion downhill tires. Here’s a trick for your next East Coast national.
Here’s a convoluted question from our friend Mario in Northern Italy. Shorter stems can be good, but rarely with lower bars.
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
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
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)
Hey Lee,
I was wondering what you thought a good street riding/DJ’ing gear would be so that i have enough torque, and length so that i wont spin out super fast. Currently i run a 32-15. what are your thoughts?
Thanks, Greg
Hi Lee,
I have a question for you. I really want to get a speed hub for my downhill race bike.
I am running an external derailleur on my rocky mountain RMX and i was looking at rohloff speed hubs, but they are slightly out of my price range. Could something like a Sram S7 work for downhill racing?
thanks,
wes