jimithng23

Where I'm from (Midwest US), we don't have a problem with illegal trails - we (local club) obtained access by working with local government and land managers and we build/maintain 4 different trail systems in the area, all on public land. The problem we run into is people deciding to ride the trails when they're closed, building rogue trail features, and trail poaching. As Steward ("Trail Boss") of one particular trail system for our local club, it can get very frustrating to deal with these issues over and over again so I can align myself with the Trail Boss attitude. The difficult part is not having any authority to enforce rules since the trails are public land.

a650B - the great thing is, you didn't have to sign up to read what you just did. Beautiful, isn't it? And, if you've ever been to his website and perused his articles and videos you would likely hurry back here to retract your comment. He has a TON of information to help riders in all different types of situations - specific and general. And you know what else? It's all FREE. Hoping I don't come off as a James Wilson apologist here; if he were blasting his stuff all over the place, demanding you sign up to receive just one sliver of useful information, then I would be in the same boat with most peeps here. However, being as that is so far from actual reality, I feel it necessary to takes James' side on this one and defend him.

Everyone is so quick to jump James, and for what? Posting *free* information that will help your riding improve? Visit his website and watch the countless *free* videos on improving technique, fit, skills, etc. Read the countless *free* advice articles. This guy just wants to help people improve their riding ability. Sure, he has paid services but I ask, why is that so wrong? Stop vilifying James for doing what he loves to provide for his family. Most of these comments are a joke.

I literally laughed-out-loud when he said "ya, no thanks." I was like, what a f'n sissy! So many people miss out on the amazing adrenaline rush you get when riding because they think it's too dangerous. Silly!

@The-Medic: I hear ya about Iowa's terrain bro. However, that doesn't mean we haven't built our trails and features for how we want to ride! We may not have the terrain to build crazy long climbs or descents, but there is plenty of elevation change to make some pretty dope technically challenging trails, trust me. You'd be pleasantly surprised if you ever made a visit. That said, I'm in no way saying it's the same as the PNW. Just trying to get a little bit of cred ;-) My raving on the Lunchbox has more to do with the week I spent in Moab and Grand Junction earlier this month, the type of trails I had in mind when I put the build together. Short chain stays? 17.3" on the LB - the shortest of any FS 29er, at least I haven't found one spec'd with shorter. I built the bike burly to handle the chunk for when I travel - 35mm rims, 36h front, 150mm x 12 rear, 2.5" WTB tires...nothing weenie about the build - . Great thing about the LB frame is its versatility. This winter, my project is to convert it to a XC-trail killer - lighter wheels, prolly a set of Flows, with lighter tires, slightly narrower bar (I'm running the Spank Spike 777 now), the thing will rip up any terrain I'll ride here in the Midwest. Then, a simple wheel & bar swap, and I'm ready to take on nearly anything short of a full-on DH run. One thing I want to make sure is clear - I will never tout 29ers as the way of the future. But, what I will do is work to debunk the myths and overall negative attitude towards 29ers in the AM segment. There are 29er frames available that flat out rip, and meet the "All-mountain" criteria you're looking for, you just have to look for 'em. Oh, and when you find one, ride it!!!

well that's a shame. you don't know what you're missing.

^This. I have a Lenz Lunchbox and it is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Currently, I'm at 140mm f&r - I had Devin spec shorter levers to better match the available fork options. The frame is capable of 160mm f&r but I'm not 100% into modding a $1k fork...yet ;-) The problem I see is that manufacturers are jumping on the 650b bandwagon for the 140-180mm segment so it's likely we won't see anything from Fox or RS to satisfy this need..... 44/56 headtube, super short chainstays, ISCG tabs, routing for dropper posts, direct mount FD, etc.....all have been done by Lenz since what, '06 or '07 when the Lunchbox was first developed? All this said, at 140 f&r my Lunchbox flat out rips. It is nice to see manufacturers taking notice and realizing what 29ers can do!

I'm pretty sure the SB66's suspension system isn't adjustable, outside of fork and shock adjustments. I don't see anything in the article that indicates otherwise...... I could be wrong though.

Peaty with the fastest top speed?! Too bad he crashed...was rootin' for the ol' man to podium. What's up with the podium? They all look pissed off!