Send questions to lee@leelikesbikes.com
Here’s an edgier-than-normal interview I did with Norman at MTBjumper.com. Among other things, we covered:
The toughest boss I’ve ever had (me).
My beginnings as a rider.
The movie that made me quit my old life to start this one.
The hows and whys of RipRow.
Understanding when you should go for a big jump or other obstacle.
Check it out:
Hi,
I bought your plans for the Sea Otter 2010 pro pump trackto build it at my new home which is currently under construction.
A few questions:
I have a 5-7 degree slope where I plan to put the pump track. Are there any considerations for elevation? Should I make it as flat as possible?
Living in Northwest PA our winters are tough. Any build/maintenance advice for keeping things in good condition?
My dirt contains a lot of shale. Is this manageable to build with or should I think of supplementing with top soil?
Thanks! I look forward to breaking ground soon.
Brian B
Hi Lee
Listened to your interview on the TrainerRoad podcast (How to become a faster mountain biker) – it was amazing and made me rethink what I thought I knew about riding bikes.
I’d really like to read more of your work but I’m a roadie and was wondering what you have for roadies in the way of books etc.
Cheers
James
(From Australia)
Hi, pumptrack question…
In your last book you mention, that 6X9m land is needed for a minimal pump track. I have long but narrow land in my backyard, so in one part there is space only for one line that will be ridden in both directions. But the problem is almost 270 degree turn that slould be made in one end… What you think is minimal radius for a 260° turn?
Janez
Hi Lee,
A while ago you I believe you wrote an article that addressed racing mountain bikes and why people do it. I think the byline was something like “If you’re racing, ask yourself why?”. Does that ring a bell? If so, could you send me the link so I can re-read it?
I’m the former head coach of a high school mountain bike team, and I’ve become quite disillusioned with racing. We’ve lost no small number of kids who loved (notice the past tense here) mountain biking, joined our team, and quit in frustration because training for racing, and racing itself, took all joy out of the sport. I feel really bad about this, and I know other coaches around the state are experiencing the same thing. Kids should not join a club and end up hating mountain biking. Something is seriously amiss here.
Me, I’m done with racing. I’m riding for fun and fitness now. It’s why I fell in love with the sport in the first place.
Best,
Ex Racer Dude
Hi Lee,
When you offer 2 days of instruction at a remote location, Is it the same course each day? I am thinking of attending the clinic in Amarillo, TX in February and I was wondering, if I attend the second day will I be getting the same instruction that was offered the previous day?
Thanks.
Tim O.
Hi Lee,
Heard you wear prescription biking glassses. What brand and model do you wear and would you recommend them? I need to get a pair for riding.
Thanks,
Chris D
Hello Lee. I learned something. It is good to realize that almost every berm has a pressure point where one executes hip hinge for grip and release of The Force. But there is a deeper level… if one goes fast enough, the application hip hinge takes so much time that the bike can ride at least 3ft from neuromuscular impulse to tyres reaching max pressure. Therefore one who is aware of that pressure point should aim slightly further and at the same time push earlier… does that make me an adept of higher order or an overthinking idiot?
Either way, that realization made me awesome riding the weekend…
Wacek K.
Hi Lee,
Couldn’t help but notice you have an Enduro SX slalom bike. How does one go about getting a frame?
All my riding life I’ve dreamt of a full suspension slalom bike. I still don’t really know what I’d do with it, but I still want one.
I know they are a few years old now, but they are shrouded in mystery. All the Specialized dealers I’ve spoken to tell me that I must be thinking of the P.Slope. I’m not. One dealer who is very well connected tells me that he doesn’t have access to U.S. stuff anyway – impossible.
Last week I was looking fairly seriously at getting a Commencal VIP ABSOLUT SX 26 until I realised it was a 4kg frame and needed DH bottom bracket and hubs. The signature frame of a 120kg superhero, might be a bit much for a 64kg dad to ride in the backyard.
Was the Enduro SX only one production run in 2013-2014? Are they available over there? What do you have to do to get one etc?
Hope you guys are well,
Chris
Hi Lee, I’m Kinley from the small kingdom of Bhutan.
I love mountain biking. We built a small pump track which is first of its kind here in Bhutan for the prince who is also very interested in mountain biking and is also a friend of ours. I have heard about you and your expertise and seen videos and also subscribed on your channel so we can learn more from your generosity.
I’m sending a picture and please do comment and let us know if it is okay.
This is the starter project. We will be building a bigger one for the public and the youth over here. We are just amateur mountain bikers and trail builders. Hoping to hear from you.
Cheers
Kinley
Lee, my frugal ass bought Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 3rd Edition instead of waiting for it at the library. I ride a Pivot Mach 429 Trail and it’s versatile enough for general trail riding and XC racing. I live in New England. I have a set of 2.35 Vittoria Barzos on now for some upcoming races, both are which have a lot of climbing. However, on the front they’re sketchy for me especially compared to my Schwalbe Hans Dampf I use for trail riding. Do I just go with what I’m more comfortable with or any specific tips on riding with a front race tire. Thanks.
John K.
Hi Lee,
Hope you have to time to offer some help 🙂
I’m new to dirt jumping. I went out twice yesterday for the first time, Having ridden extreme XC/enduro I now want to jump. Thing is I have to be careful. I’ve been out twice with pal on his jump bike and have tackled some doubles. Im 48 and have to be careful, I don’t bounce like I used to. Hence Im never gonna jump massive.
Im 6ft 1 and range between 13 and 13.5 stone. Will 100mm travel be adequate for me?
What about this then? I never land heavy, in fact incredibly light but yesterday afternoon I nearly lost it 3 times on landing. How I stayed on only God knows. My pal runs 80psi which I think is crazy. On the morning session the pressure was fine but on the afternoon the ground was wet, soft and slippery. If I am slightly off, do you think 80psi would have reduced my grip and caused me to wobble to the extent where I nearly fell off?
Ideally I’d like to spend about 400 on a second hand bike, will this get me something decent?
What should I look for in terms of spec when considering a purchase. Things which are a must, things to avoid etc?
Thanks in advance if you have the time.
Barry