My bike is too big: What can I do?

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Hi Lee,

Boy I sure wish I’d seen your video on bike sizing before I got my new bike!! Just recently discovered your great videos and after spending for me a bunch on a new bike, I think I now know why it doesn’t thrill me quite as much as I hoped.

I waited forever and finally got my new Commencal Meta TR 29 Ride in a medium. Reach number is 465. I’m 5’ 9.5” based on your numbers, the Small at 440 would be way better.

Dang!! After almost 20 years of riding my old hardtail, I feel like I totally screwed up. What the heck do I do now? Especially after waiting forever on this bike I feel crushed! Definitely don’t trust manufacturer guidelines!!! At one point they said I was between a medium and LARGE! I couldn’t put my finger on it, but felt like it was not right.

Guess I need to come to one of your ride clinics, maybe that will help me get more out of it? Anyway, thanks for the great videos!

– John J. in Highlands Ranch, CO

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The hinge: universal human movement (video)

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The mighty hip hinge. It’s the key to great mountain biking … and many other activities.

Check out the video and a cool skiing story:

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One ride on the Fantic XF1 INTEGRA 150 Trail ebike

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In general, ebikes are fun. In specific, here’s a fun bike at a relatively low price.

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Getting RAAD on a hardtail

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Hi Lee,

I purchased your book Dialed through your website about 3 weeks ago. I love geeking out about bike fit, so I’m thoroughly enjoying your approach. I have 2 questions:

1. I ride a hardtail with a suspension fork. When determining RAAD do you suggest taking measurements with the fork unsagged or sagged?

2. I’m considering buying a new frame, but can’t decide on the size. A size small will require minimal adjustment to the cockpit to get my RAD and RAAD. A size medium will take much more adjustment, but will result in a more neutral, slightly positive SHO. The medium will have a front center around 20mm longer than the small. Would you recommend one size over the other?

Current measurements: RAD 810mm, RAAD 60 deg SHO 37mm. With fork unsagged.

Regards,
Kai Brown

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Why is riding fast so much better than riding slow?

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Yesterday I did two rides, both on the same trail but each with its own group and pace. The difference in experience was striking.

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COVID rules

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Hi All,

We are stoked to ride with you! In order to maintain COVID safety, we will be following these rules in our private and public classes:

  • We will maintain social distance between all people.
  • Instructors and students must wear masks. If you show up to class without a mask, you’ll be asked to leave, and there will not be a refund. You can, however, attend at a later date.
  • We will not touch each other or each other’s bikes.
  • We will not use the RipRow in public classes. We might use the RipRow in private classes.
  • We will take your temperature using a non-contact infrared thermometer. If you show a temperature above 99.0 degrees, sorry, you cannot join the class. You can attend when you are healthy.
  • If you have any COVID symptoms, or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID symptoms, please do not attend class. You can attend at another time.

Thank you for cooperating. See you in class!

– Lee and the LLB team

Pedaling ovals (about oval chainrings)

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This piece originally appeared in the book Mastering Mountain Bike Skills v3, July 27 2017. 

People on the interweb have been asking me (Lee) what I think of the new oval chainrings.

Before I tried them, my response was “I don’t need no help. My pedal stroke is awesome. Those are for people who suck at pedaling.” 

Now that I’ve been riding a oval OneUp Traction Chainring, I’ll respond with more thought. 

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Doing the F6 training program with a bike handlebar

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Hi Lee, quick question.

In the F6 off-bike training book you have a caption to a photograph (on P14) that says…
“Rock the F6 anywhere with surgical tubing, adjustable
dumbbell and a handlebar (optional, to make squat
rows and lunge pushes more bike specific).”
Do you mean to use a handlebar on the end of the Resistance Band/Tube instead of the hand grips shown in the specific exercise photos ? and could this also be used on the ‘Hinge Pull’ or is that better with the twin hand grips?
Kind Regards
Peter

Hi Peter!

Thanks for reaching out.
Yes. You can hold the bar like in this photo. If your band has grips, you can hook the grips onto the middle of the bar and hold onto the end of the bar. This makes it more bike specific.

I hope this helps!

Lee

Check out the MTB Strong workout program

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STARTING WITH THE WORST, here are some approaches to off-bike training.

4. Doing none of it. Just ride yer bike Bro.

3. Doing it haphazardly. When I was young, every day was a max day. Rest days? Only for the weak!

2. Following a program designed by an expert and delivered online.

1. Working live in person with a qualified doctor/trainer a la Revo Physiotherapy and Sports Performance in Boulder CO. This is the best! And I’ve been fortunate to receive this therapy. But it isn’t accessible for everyone.

For many riders, your best value is following a program designed by an expert in riding and training. Dee Tidwell at Enduro MTB Training is such an expert, and he’s launched a new program.

I promote Dee here because A) he’s a good fellow, B) he’s helped me and C) he can likely help you.

Check out the MTB Strong training program >>>

Fairlee Frey 12-week build to XCE worlds: Week 3

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Pro mountain bike racer Fairlee Frey’s (@fairleefrey_mondin) RipRow work already has her shredding harder. Watch the sweet video and see what her trainer Mike Durner (@coachdurner) has her doing this week:

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