How do you define “light stunts?”

Lee,
Can you define light stunts??? It would be cool to understand bike companies’ idea of light stunts as not to void warranty!
Thanks,
John

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Hey John,

I’m sure every bike company has its own idea on this, but here’s my opinion on light stunts on a trail bike:

– Drops to flat of three feet or less. Larger drops to downslope. Fact: The Cannondale Rush has a bottom-out force of 400 lbs, which corresponds to a 3.5-foot drop for a smooth 200-pounder.

– Smooth jumps. By smooth I mean landing on backside and not bottoming out.

Basically, if 1) you’re not morbidly obese, 2) your suspension is set up correctly, and 3) you don’t bottom harshly, you’ll be fine.




From takeoff to landing this drop is about six feet. With a downhill landing and smooth style you can rock it on a trail bike. Me and my trusty Enduro. BTW: I’ve rocked this sort of action on my Carbon Stumpjumper, and on a P.3 hardtail.

See also:

Drops: Don’t get bucked

Rider weight and landing force

How far can you drop?

4 replies
  1. John says:

    Cool,
    Thanks lee! I am riding a 07 reign xo, which is an all mountain bike here but in europe is a freeride bike. I am having a problem with the term all mountain and bike company’s warranty. Is not all mountain anything on the mountain????? what if you are at say whistler, there is some heavy stuff there, but it is still on the mountain. Hmmmmmmmmmmm something to think about!!!!!
    Thanks for rocking the advice,
    John

  2. Nick says:

    In Whistler, honestly its all about a bike like that. I went last year and was wanting my freeride bike instead of the full on DHer there. I am a firm believer in the 7 inch bike with the single crown for anything and everything DH style with the exception of racing. The head angle on the Reign X is great for most type of DH riding with the exception of trying to pin to win. THe upper trails at whistler are better on the big DH bike, but the lower park is perfect for the smaller bike. Rock what youve got in whistler, and your skills will only improve riding the smaller bike. If you eventually get a full fledged DHer, youll be fast and smooth from the get go because your riding was already smooth and fast o the little bike, and all the big bike will do is inspire confidence.

  3. John says:

    Good points nick.
    I used to race DH, but now that i live in the midwest I opted for a all mountain. I love my reign xo, thing corners like it is on rails, pedals very well and can handle alot of stuff. I just don’t want the bike company to say “you abused it” if something happens. hence I think all mountain is just that, everything with the exception of maybe DH racing….. But that is on the mountain too!!!! LOL
    John

  4. leelikesbikes says:

    Dudes:

    Just got back from an “aggressive XC” ride on my Enduro SL. The trail is not-so-steep and super rocky. Climbed at a fair pace, descended with absolute abandon: jumping, pumping, chattering, pinging, railing, drifting. I can’t ride a DH bike any harder or faster.

    Up + down = happy happy fun time

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