Now Finished: Ask Us Anything with Pinkbike's Tech & News Editors
Now Finished, 12:45pm PST: Thanks for all the questions! We'll do our best to answer a bunch more before the end of the day.
We've done all sorts of Ask Us Anything sessions over the years, giving Pinkbike's readers the chance to interact with everyone from Sam Hill to Schwalbe's tire designers. This time around, it's your chance to ask Pinkbike's tech and news editors all the important questions. You know, things like, "What's Mike Levy's favorite UFO documentary?" Or, "How did Matt Beer get so damn fast growing up in Newfoundland?
Some of us have been at Pinkbike for years, while others are relative newcomers, but if there's one common trait between this eclectic group it's that we're all really, really addicted to mountain biking. Ask us about our favorite (and least favorite) bikes, preferred post-ride snacks, how we ended up riding and writing about bikes for a living - it's all fair game. Fire away, and we'll do our best to answer as many questions as possible.
Due to the time difference, some of our UK-based editors aren't able to attend, but feel free to leave questions for Seb Stott, James Smurthwaite, or Ed Spratt and they'll try to get to them later.
Mike Levy
Technical Editor
Years at Pinkbike: 13
Notes: Counting down the days until the mothership comes back for him.
Technical Editor
Years at Pinkbike: 13
Notes: Counting down the days until the mothership comes back for him.
Mike Kazimer
Managing Tech Editor
Years at Pinkbike: 9
Notes: Thinks robots will take over before the aliens do.
Managing Tech Editor
Years at Pinkbike: 9
Notes: Thinks robots will take over before the aliens do.
Matt Beer
Technical Editor
Years at Pinkbike: 1
Notes: Ridiculously quick on a bike, but never on time.
Technical Editor
Years at Pinkbike: 1
Notes: Ridiculously quick on a bike, but never on time.
Alicia Leggett
News Editor
Years at Pinkbike: 1
Notes: Better at paragliding than all of the other editors combined.
News Editor
Years at Pinkbike: 1
Notes: Better at paragliding than all of the other editors combined.
How ‘Ask Us Anything' Works:
Type your questions for Pinkbike's tech editors into the comment box below this article and the we'll have a crack at answering them. Sometimes your answer will pop up in a few seconds; others may take a few minutes while we work our way through questions that are popping up. Everyone who posts a question, large or small, will be taken seriously. Probably. Maybe.
To make this go as smoothly as possible, try to follow these guidelines:
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Member since Feb 1, 2009
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Truth is, bikes are so damn good these days. It's more about explaining the bike's strengths and weaknesses relative to its intentions and the competition, as well as explaining who the bike best suits. I would have LOVED to review bikes in the 90s.
I will say, the Ghost Trail Full Party was not my favorite bike during the last Field Test - you'll have to wait until the review airs next week for the full scoop.
if there’s only one ?
The English language is a funny thing though. So many exceptions to so many rules. For a non-native speaker, it must be infuriating.
Why do extraordinary and ultra mundane mean different things?
Extra = beyond, superior, external. See: extraterrestrial.
Ultra = a lot of. See: ultramarathon.
That's how I've always understood it, anyways.
As for the undergarments, we can only assume that quantum entanglement is the cause and somewhere out there, someone is wearing the other half of each pair.
Its because fundamentally, they are all a pair of tubes sewn together (one for each leg).
So the real question, is "pant leg" redundant?
conspiracy debunked
The Works is simpler and doesn't rely on the gimbal fit.
The CC creaks unless perfectly setup.
That being said, we are hoping to expand the Field Test series to include some new locations in 2022.
most underrated: last year's model.
Vlad, stay out of Ukraine!
I come from BMX which has a decent amount of diversity, akin to skateboarding. But MTBing with the equipment cost and the locations where it takes place is simply prohibitive to sub poverty line people. I would love to start a program in South LA to get kids on bikes and in nature (rare for LA). BMX is great, especially for smaller younger people. But if I'm being honest it doesn't get kids away from the inner city. Sometimes it precisely digs their heels deeper.
IMO a huge goal for IMBA at the national level should be for more kids to have trails within riding distance from their homes.
Buying a 2k trail bike was a f*ckin slog for me, absolute mission of a grind. Luckily adult freedom makes that possible. But every now and then I go to the skatepark and see what BMX bikes kids have or maybe they're out on the trails on a walmart 'mountain bike' and its disheartening. And it's no surprise! With LA cost of living their parents are just scratching to cover housing. Let alone buy a 500-1k mountain bike.
Meanwhile, when I ride near the horse trails, I see kids on 5-10k E-bikes. And not all of them are committed riders totally devoted to the sport. That may have just been a birthday or christmas gift for them. Shit's wild.
As far as I've seen, I don't see many inner city MTB initiatives (almost certainly due to cost). I've seen surf camps, skate camps, etc. But MTBing and snowboarding? Very challenging to fund programs around those.
And that's precisely where MTBing and diversity can finally intersect. The problem is the inner cities don't have large swaths of dirt and when they do, cities were never interested in putting bike tracks on them. I'm glad that's changing, because it's just as efficient usage of land as a basketball court or soccer field or skatepark. Bike tracks can have a hard ground asphalt/concrete loop that skateboards and scooters can utilize, and a traditional dirt jump track for more advanced riders. Feels like it took us an embarrassing long time to embrace that.
Maybe it should come with a written test and a license (and possibly a safe word).
IMO Trek , specialized and Canyon
Podcasts are keeping it fresh right now, as is having Matt and Henry around. I might bring back tradeshows, no joke!
Why are rock bands better, without using the word guitar?
But are they better? Which bands and why? You get good and bad. I think we need to move away from the material being anything other than just that - a material. It's not the execution of the concept within itself.
1. ride wide carbon rims, and constantly brag about the benefits to your endurobros and gals, or
2. ride skinny aluminum rims, and constantly preach about how we reached "peak wheel" in 2014 (#EX471forlife)
If I had to answer that question, I would say no. You can reasonably ride your bike just fine with $100 aluminum rims. I doubt you'll replace those aluminum rims 5x more often than the carbon rim and I don't think the difference is going to be ride altering.
Hi Eric! I agree with you but with one caveat and this is mentioned in every thread on carbon hoops. You can get quality carbon hoops for about 2x the cost of alu. And I know tons of riders who do that.
I think @PeakHopper is pinpointing this question and saying, compliance doesn't mean anything to most riders.
@henryquinney replied with you can get good and bad wheels irrespective of material, which, while true doesn't really offer real help to those that are looking into buying new wheels.
I will add to this, there is SO much information on wheels, and that this is not the best forum to dive into this.
Do they roll better? Do they handle high loads differently from Aluminum? Are they more rigid? Is any of that beneficial? If the nuance between carbon and aluminum is that small, can anyone without a money tree justify the cost of carbon rims?
The limp answers I received from the editors I think are sorta an answer itself...
Yeah totally down to the rider's preference, budget, and tolerance to the perceived or actual risk. For me carbon is more durable, less hassle (stays true much better) and just handles better. My caveat is that if I were on 27.5 I'd probably stick to aluminum. When I moved to 29 I realized it takes a heavy-arse alu rim to resist the flexing and denting and destruction that a 200+ pound rider who rides frequently dishes out, and so I started looking at other options.
I don't think I'd have the same issue on 27.5 but that's speculation as I jumped from 26 straight to 29 back in 2013.
My china-direct carbon hoops from LB and Tandell have been super reliable and all the specs are transparent compared to name brands. They're not weaker or heavier. You can buy the exact rim you want in terms of dimensions and the weight you want depending on how your bike's setup (you can even specify a heavier layup for some models). My carbon hoops have actually saved me money at the rate I was replacing 29er alu hoops. Yup the warranty is not as good as a lot of the name brands but it's a nice option.
I advise anyone who's carbon-curious but who doesn't know where to start to talk to their local shop(s) or a custom wheel builder. Many use these china-direct rims and can vouch for the quality and provide some recommendations especially as you don't want to go too light (crackalacka!) or too heavy (too stiff = jarring and less traction).
2 final caveats then I’ll stfu:
1. I run a lightweight insert in the rear and always will now based on the punishment my rear wheel takes. I’ll actually do the same if I’m ever back on aluminum.
2. It’s a wise practice to inspect any carbon rim before the wheel build, particularly the spoke bed to ensure consistent thickness.
A lot og people tend to love/hate on brands for no good reason, so when testing a brand you potentially dislike, the scoring may not be quite as good as if it had a different logo, and vice versa?
xoxo
To what extent do you think eBikes are edging out options for non-eBikes across major bike brands?
Are you able to answer these questions without risking the soft influence the bike industry has over your publication because your business model relies on freebies?
A) Zwift
B)Strength Training
C) Night ride, sleep is for the weak.
D) Go to the garage and wallow in sadness while staring at your bikes.
Nah, joking aside, it's bloody good here but it makes me laugh just how entrenched about the S2S being just the absolute best thing ever. It's great, don't get me wrong, but there are lots of great places. The interior just blew me away. Day after day of the amazing riding, each better than the last. I can see why you want to keep it quiet.
What is the typical process for testing bikes? Length of time? Setup/Assembly Required? How frequently will you ride? Do you solely test one bike at a time or will you swap on and off? Do you take notes after each ride or just go by memory for ride impressions?
When is the F1 podcast happening? Who is winning the championship this year?
For testing, it varies a little depending on the editor, but the typical turnaround for a review is 6 weeks. That way there's a solid month of riding on the bike, as well as time to get photos and / or video, plus actually write the review. I like to focus one bike at a time, but that doesn't mean it'll be the sole bike I ride that month. Switching out with other bikes is a good way to solidify my impressions of the main bike I'm testing.
I do take notes on my phone regarding setup and ride impressions - that makes it way easier to be sure my memory is accurate.
Verstappen for the win. Levy and Henry are the real F1 nerds - if that podcast happens it'll be those two arguing while I go out for a ride.
I never really was that fussed on Max but he's really endeared himself to me this year. It just feels like he's shouldering the weight so well and has kind of stopped saying a*shole things. It must be hard though, being that young with that much exposure. He seems to have mellowed a bit though. When he said "it is what it is" on the team radio after crossing the line last week it made me realise that he's just the real f*cking deal.
I suppose, and it's not Hamiltons fault, but it's the misappropriation of statistics that makes me not want him to win. I just hate all the "greatest of all time" chat. Makes me cringe. I just don't want to have to listen to 50 year old commentators say "goat" all the time like they're in a tiktok montage. There is no goat. It's not a real thing. Statistics, like talent, are subjective to their time. In my opinion anyway.
Not to mention fact he's had to do this all as pretty much the only minority driver in his sport.
Max has been incredible impressive this year but I haven't been a fan at all of how Red Bull leadership has dealt with the title fight especially the recent controversy over the merc wing. That was just embarrassing for Christian Horner and I kinda want to see him lose the title because of it.
I mean, I think the difference between alot of drivers and Lewis is that they should or could have done it, and he has. For that, he gets all my respect. From my time working in teams, it became clear how a good rider with the right personality could galvanize and affect a team's culture - I kind of see Lewis like that. I would love to have seen Alonso been in the right car at the right time though. That's the thing we missed in his McLaren years. Imagine that! Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton in more equal machinery.
To all: How often do you follow the comments on the articles you post....what percentage of the time do you regret it vs enjoy a few of the good puns-sarcasm?
To all: How many of you have alias accounts that you use to troll each other or try to not win prizes with the rest of us?
I look at the comments sometimes but try not to get too into them. It's a fine line between trying to learn and improve and taking it too much to heart. I think sometimes the really stern stuff says more about the commenter than about you yourself.
I do love the funny ones as well. I have quite a dark sense of humour and I remember writing a "Storytime" article recently and some of the comments were just so good, even if most of them were telling me I was talking out my arse. I read every single one and laughed all the way through.
Honestly, nobody I respect is universally liked, and I try and enjoy provoking reactions - be it good or bad. For me, and I know it sounds lame, but I often pinch myself. I've always enjoyed writing, but normally it would be stuff I would never share. I can't believe anyone is actually willing to read something I write - to me, that is just f*cking wild and genuinely flattering... even if they call me a shitbag afterwards. I'll take it. Haha!
Also, there is only one Mike. Mike Levy IS Mike Kazimer's troll account.
I personally do not have an alias account. We all get enough trolling as is and tbh I don't really want to win prizes.
For Sarah, how is it possible you are as stoked as you are ALL THE TIME? Even when you do the news or an ad read on the podcast it's like you are a millisecond away from happy giggling. EVERY TIME. I love it, I think it's fantastic. I really want to hear your answer, but my best guess is: You have an amazing job, in one of the most amazing places in the world. Which is all true, but look at Henry and Levy, those guys complain all the time.
It was a tome, but The Power Broker was a great recommendation.
*disclaimer: I pulled these numbers out of my ass but there’s a good chance they’re close to being accurate
And for just @alicialeggett you mentioned living in montana for some time, what’s your favorite trail network or riding area in western montana?
[Reply]
Signed:
Gluteus Maximus @alicialeggett:
I think what's cool about Pinkbike, if I may say so, is that variety. You've got your big hitters that just cram in so much detailed information and then the more pop approach. I think both are just as valid because they're actually offering something different and making it more accessible. There is no right way to do it - but there are lots of different ways that will suit different people.
Thank you all for continuing to develop this platform!
I think there's a ton of room for editorial content to accompany product news, releases, whatever. You tech editors have personalities and opinions that PB readers can identify with (or do the exact opposite). I think this comment section kinda goes to show that we're all super curious about your opinions. Field Test kicks ass for that. That's something I'd love to see more of!
Which single component would be least worth upgrading (ie-you'll get the least bang for your buck)?
and
Which single component would be most worth upgrading (ie-you'll get the most bang for your buck)?
Most worth it is tires (for your terrain) or saddle (for your butt)
Mk2/3/4 supra?
So it sounds like the answer to the second part of my question is "no".
...Do you think the pricing for bikes makes it 1. difficult for the less affluent to get involved with (similar to skiing) and 2. what is your long-term solution to increasing engagement amongst newer riders to keep them involved long term?
It can be a difficult sport to break into, but if you get the chance, you should watch the Stevie Smith documentary. From poverty, to BMX racing, to winning the World Cup overall - such an amazing story that shows that biking isn't just for the affluent if you have enough drive. His legacy park and the Stevie Smith Foundation are definitely helping get new riders into the sport which is so incredible to see.
Short story, give them a few ideas, but be careful not to get sucked in.
@mikelevy @kazimer- who would win in a 1) Running race? 2) Drinking contest 3) donut eating contest
From your first appearance on here you seem much more comfortable, in all forms (written, spoken, and video), felt like you could be yourself more. Really liking the content you're putting out, especially the more abstract stuff. Deffo added another solid dimension to PB.
And on the setup front - do you dial things in by feel, do you keep assiduous notes on what works for you and what doesn't, or a bit of both?
www.reddit.com/r/HelloInternet/comments/czcf7u/canadian_measurement_flowchart
Also what is it for brakes?
What would you do in high school to help with a career in the bicycle industry?
Almost all of us at Pinkbike have some bike shop experience so that's a good place to start! I think racing also helps with opening doors in the industry. I think that being a good writer will always help you as well, whether you want to work in product, sales or marketing!
For me, a lot of my motivation comes from the fact that I truly do love mountain biking. I've been riding for 27 years, and I still get excited every time I get out for a ride. You're right, other industries would probably pay more / have different benefits, but the fact that I get to work from home and ride almost as much as I want means a lot to me. Plus, where else would I find a co-worker like @mikelevy?
@mikekazimer When asked if you want to interview at a Tim Horton's who would ever say no?
You hear that @MattP76 they're here to stay and there's nothing you can do to stop it! Go on, give me shit.
Many of the parts suppliers have scaled production, but are being very careful not to let bike brands overextend themselves.
What are your thoughts on the "propper" front/rear balance on a bike? Especially now that we're continuing to go longer, and slacker, and that front center might be getting very long?
It seems like for ages everyone thought short chainstays were best. Now we're seeing a resurgence of either size specific, or just longer chainstays across the board. What do you prefer, and what would you like to see in the "industry"?
Like, stack height and chainstay length can really play well with one another but to the untrained eye you're never going to see that from a geometry chart.
Currently, for my riding what I like is... well just go print the PDF geometry chart for the Spire. It feels like it's got such a great fore/aft balance and just really fits me well. It's the balance which makes me love it, not the amount of travel.
Thanks Henry
Your review of the Spire is one of the reasons its on my list. On paper it seems like it should be "too much" bike, but every review I see of it, is saying the opposite.
And I'll admit, my question was selfish, I'm looking for a new frame, more balanced than my Kona Process 153 29er with its 425mm chainstays
I'd love it if bike manufacturers and reviewers spent a bit more time on pointing out how much a rider's geometry impacts what they need from their bike's geometry.
Funny enough, I'm also somewhat local (although haven't run into Kaz on the trails yet) and am the exact same height as you (6'1" barefoot), but I'm apparently all legs (36.5in pedal to seat distance). And I struggle to weight the front end, while it sounds like you love it on yours.
Given, the G2 Process 153 is ever so slightly more unbalanced (2mm shorter chainstays, slightly longer front center due to the longer travel fork at the same HTA as the Process 134). But I'd bet some of it is our different proportions as well.
Sorry, just happy to speak nerd with someone else for a minute
In actuality though, I'm not talking about climbing traction (although the slack actual STA on the Konas is absolutely noticed in my case, and I am looking for a steeper STA on my next bike). I'm actually mostly worried about balance on the descents.
But thinking about it, that could still be due to our leg length differences. Most people don't have their legs perpendicular to the ground when they hinge at the hips. They still point back some. So my long legs will put my torso back further than yours, and mine is shorter to begin with.
At least I think so?
it's been a battle since the beginning to get any trails here in the bay area. thankfully we have a couple legal trails in santa cruz, but if they would allow for proper building, the money/volunteers/land is available!
Do you have a policy on editors’ own bikes and how they are paid for? In one of the podcasts you have previously touched on the issue of bias, but not in terms of editors own bikes. We know that the industry is relatively small and that everyone gets deals. But do you have an explicit policy or how do you deal with the issue as it could possibily lead to subconcious favouring of bike brands where people have got amazing deals or the opposite. In the dream world scenario I guess Pinkbike would have a bike allowance per editor per year to mitigate this risk
I'm really torn between getting a short travel 29er like the Ripley/Spur/Tallboy and getting a longer travel trail bike like the Ripmo/Hightower/Sentinel. I know I'm someone that values pedaling efficiency coming from a Rigid bike, but I am also not some lightweight XC fanatic (I've been happily pedaling a ~30lb rigid bike around). My favorite rides are those that take all day with lots of up and down, no matter the difficulty of the trail. I don't mind underbiking, but if I am going to do it, I want to have more FUN. I've had too many descents on my Surly now where I get to the bottom completely gripped, skin itching, because the braking bumps made what would otherwise be a super fast flow trail a jackhammer of an experience.
I don't need to be able to climb or descend at lightning speeds, but I do want to be able to jib off every tiny rock and root and take bonus lines to my heart's content on the way down, and when climbing I want the only question on whether or not I can climb up a hard trail to be DO I have the fitness, not Will this be a slog on my bike?. Which bike would y'all choose?
What specific bike would you choose?
Alternatively, what suspension design?
What travel?
I want to upgrade my bike this winter, but can't to make decision
I really don't get 200/180 on bikes with Zeb/38
Kinda feels like there isn't much further to go: nearly all bikes have good geometry, entry/mid level suspension and transmission work great and are reliable, we have tried everything with wheel sizes. Added to that the prices have gone nuts, and it seems unlikely they will go down in any meaningful way. Not much to get hyped about anymore.
I know it's not "cool" to like the electronics, but I'm picturing a bike with very little anti-squat that's helped by Flight Attendant... who knows?!
Unless there is a cheap wireless or cable lockout option for the lower end builds I just can't see this happening.
Of course my BmX bAcKgRoUnD doesn't help, but without the ability to truly test different bikes back to back, how do you reckon people should go about balancing bike ergonomics in the era of slack 29er enduro rigs? How would one compromise between a longer travel 27.5 and a shorter travel 29er? Or an outright hardtail? With bike prices the way they are, the do-it-all machine is becoming more important than ever while somehow being less understood than ever. Thanks
You know, I think too much stock is put into wheel size, especially when coming to damping or the amount of travel. I would happily ride only 27 bikes and not even blink. It's not that 29 is definitely better, but rather the modern bikes with the modern geometry tend to now be 29. I would say it's more causation than anything.
I think, honestly, I come back to effective top tube and fore/aft balance lot but truthfully, I can't give you a proper answer without it being a very long answer. Could be something good for the podcast though. @mikelevy
And it's just an annoying bit of cognitive dissonance because I absolutely enjoy and see the values in my new bike, but there's always a part of me (or a trail in my area) where I think it's an absolute pig in the dirt. And would kill to borrow someone's 130/130 27.5 with 10 year old head tube angles. But, don't nearly have the funds to have 2 bikes, or the local community to sorta swap around and test bikes. So I've established permanent residence in the "grass is always greener" lawn full o weeds.
Would love a podcast going over the struggle of the do-it-all in the slack 29er era
If you have an older 5010 lyin around maybe I'll trade ya my Polygon lol
In these modern times, (lack of bikes and parts) there has been a lot more room for the smaller bike brands to have a chance to expand and get their products out there amount the bigger names?
The big dogs still have a massive advantage in purchasing power.
1. Fat bike winter field test
2. Hardtail field test
Also, in a sort of related question, but one that requires a bit of explanation, have you thought of doing a field test or review in a location that might be much different in terrain to your normal locations? I see a lot of reviews for bikes where some version of 'this bike would be great for less rowdy trails' and its strange to me you never seem to do field tests in places that have less rowdy trails. Taking the #2 field test idea above (hardtails), yeah, you could do that in B.C., but what a perfect field test to do in Ontario or Quebec or Tennessee or Michigan.
The XC/DC/Trail bike would be ridden probably 80% of the time then so should be well suited to almost any trail.
Seriously though, how have you guys found durability trending over the years? Some buddies say their bikes are more delicate than ever, others the opposite. As a big boy, I'm thrilled that there are more "tweener" parts (Enduro instead of DH/Trail, or downcountry instead of XC Race or Trail), as I can get something a little stronger without getting punished on climbs or breaking it completely descending. Curious what y'all think.
Seriously though, is there such a thing as too many MTB edits, are we beyond saturated now? I mean, if people want to make videos it's no big deal, but I just find it amazing the sheer volume of material being generated out there, and wonder if there's enough of an audience to sustain it all.
There is a ton of content out there, but I think that means that there's different content out there that resonates with different people... Everyone can't watch everything anymore (even a Pinkbike Content Manager!), but there's always something worthwhile to watch in the niche you're interested in.
And apologies for the localese terms, I should have said, “spannering oneself”
From personal experience, both pin layout and pin design make a huge differences in how well a pedal grips, but almost all reviews only compare pedals with their stock pins.
While the differences with 3mm pins are usually just related to pin length, there's a much bigger variation between different 4mm pin options.
It's common to see long-term reviews of bikes that switch out tires or grips, so why not long-term reviews of pedals that include trials of different pedal pins?
Long story short: you get you nuts stuck in the seat and you can’t rescue yourself. Who on the pinkbike staff do you phone for help.
(Metaphorical balls can count if none nuts owning people want to answer)
www.oneupcomponents.com/products/edc-top-cap maybe an EDC top cap? (have the shop install it, and then he can buy his own EDC tool later)
Will pinkbike make its own signature trail for on academy?
Did Evan leaving orbea make more space for the next pb acadmy winner? kinda?
Any grim donut v1 kinematic specs available?
Would cascade components partner with brakes and links for it?
Will there be a pb presenter shootout series?
Sorry for all the questions.
Will pb start a partnership with trail building companies and make a build series video?
Maybe ride with a pro series, Mike, Mike, Jason, and other pb presenters ride with a professional in an episode? Remy M, mark Matthews, Yoann barelli, Finn Isles, Brandon semenuk, Brett R, or many more?
How important is it to rest or take time off?
Would you take a ride every day for, say 2-3hrs if you could
What’s a good ratio ride/rest?
My Question would be, why don't more people put small chainrings up front if they want a easier climbing gear?? I understand it makes the whole range lower, but I rarely ever top to my highest gear, it seems like a no brainer for $18 vs buying an entire 12 speed drivetrain JUST to have an easier climb gear. THANKS BOYS! Keep ripping
love the work and thanks.
For me, the tracks or terrain should suit the character of the bike - our Field Tests are great examples of this. At the Summer Field Test in Sun Peaks, I chose a track that was used in a Canadian Enduro Series and featured a mix of twisty turns, fast singletrack, with plenty of bomb holes and awkward tech bits in between.
We could have chosen the rowdiest track on the mountain, but that would have catered more towards a downhill bike. That's not to say it couldn't be ridden on an enduro bike either. Likewise, we didn't ride the downcountry bikes on the same terrain and the trail bikes at our Fall Field Test in Pemberton.
During long term reviews, the bikes may get pushed out of the element more on occasion, which validates their limits, but doesn't always equate to valuable feedback.
If you had to have one bike (for argument sake 130r/140f), what reasonably easy/quick changes would you make for a flowy trail system day vs a gravity-oriented day?
Top 5 trails in your local riding areas?
I hope you are paid a lot more than your PB peers. You deserve it.
With that in mind are the Spur and Epic Evo still the kings or has the Top Fuel joined the club?
I know wet sanding with super fine sandpaper is an option or there are repair kits to be had. Suggestions?
@g-42: Andrew Major at NSMB has some good stories about riding with kids if you didn't know already. I might float your question their way as I think you have a really great idea! I'm hoping to get my kid into the gravity camps at Whistler next year and am genuinely curious about the subject!
Do you have to continually reset your default settings when thinking about bikes?
- wicked will
- maxxis rekon
- vittoria syerra
- ground control
- other?
What is best for front and rear?
I also am curious how the bike would ride with a coil, but I don't have the $$ to spend on one just for curiosity's sake. What would you do?
For example when internally routing brake hoses, if there happens to be any fluid left dripping out of the hose...
Also why doesn't henry ride an XL? he looks a little cramped on the field test bikes
If so, which one was your favorite to hang out at.
And did BMX transition easy into MTB.
1. www.mulletcycles.com/product/the-peacemaker
2. Commencal Meta SX
3. Commencal Clash
(in order of interest).
I enjoy mine big time and it shreds! Just have to get the correct tune on it cuz it’s such a short stroke but when you get it right, it’s freaking great! Makes for an incredibly capable short travel rig! It works out great on the Tallboy because of the leverage rate
Message me if you ever want to chat more about it
I have an Ohlins TTX22 on mine
Charging or changing the negative air chamber is a great way to do this. I think, in general, this is an area that bikes have got alot better in recent years. Suspension companies have done so well at reducing the preload on the airsprings.
However, I can imagine at 60KG it's still not quite there. I think that's what e-bikes do really well - the extra weight on the frame means that the shocks tend to push into their stroke and not just lift the bike up, especially when the rider is unweighting it. I saw Chris porter strapping led to his bike at some point. I know it sounds silly, but it could be worth trying to increase your sprung frame mass a little. Maybe the lightest, fanciest frame isn't your best friend in this regard. Might be something fun to experiment with.
Apart from that, maybe try and get your stuff tuned? Either a lighter oil or some more pliable shims in the low speed circuit could really help.
Interesting about adding weight, but I'm less into that idea :-)
Have tried a coil, but don't think i had the spring rate correct. Will further explore the coil. I have a feeling the megneg might get to what i'm looking for. Otherwise, yes, could be worth sending in for a custom tune.
Cheers.
Should this be a pursued set up or likely a fad?
@mikelevy @mikekazimer @henryquinney @sarahmoore
I do make an effort to do some stretching and basic workouts. Covid restrictions have made routine gym workouts more difficult, but there are lots of excellent resources out there to do at home, some of which we have featured on Pinkbike and are free: www.pinkbike.com/news/video-fit4racings-home-workout-for-the-house-bound.html
Trail building is also a great way to stay fit! Just be mindful of your back and don't overdo it with one type of movement.
@mikekazimer
What if I said hiring a dedicated podcast editor would free up more time for Mike to test donut holder accessories for handlebars?
For reference, I mean the air can is dry inside after ~20 hours of riding.
@mikelevy
@mikekazimer
DOWNDURO!
Explain.
I think social media, in all forms, is this contradiction and shitstorm of hypocrisy. I think many of us hoped it would be a better alternative to traditional media, and naively thought it could self regulate and avoid toxicity. In truth though, it's so much worse. The witch hunts are more vicious and damning, the views more entrenched and vitriolic. I think social media stings not because it doesn't represent our culture - but because it does. It often represents us really well.
Sometimes, I despair reading these comments. I would love to see a bit more peace and love—I've made the mistake of responding sincerely to people before and just got chewed the f*ck out. It can be kind of gnarly. I really worry about how we must look to a new mountain biker. It's like a fight club...
But I also think there are amazing people, perspectives, and ideas in the comments. And sometimes unpleasant things need to be said too. I'd hate to lose the best parts of the comments just because some people are mean-spirited. We do probably need to find ways to do more moderation though, I don't like the comments being a barrier to new riders and underrepresented voices. A lot of the time the downvotes come in thick and fast with the mean stuff though, and that's kind of encouraging in itself.
I think people, me included, struggle with our love for cycling and its many disciplines, but have to constantly reckon with the reality of mountain biking culture and its vast downfalls and toxicity. Imagine how it would feel being someone who had experienced sexual abuse or assault, and upon entering the cycling world suddenly finding a PB article where hundreds of people are defending the use of "TheRapist" as a trail name in Kelowna, or defending the use of violent abuse against women and Nazi imagery in YT advertising. Or imagine someone whose relatives died from Covid entering the cycling world and then finding hordes of anti-vaccine comments and user content.
I feel like to keep pushing this sport into the 21st century it's important to find a way to welcome these people instead of making them think that mountain bikers are an awful group of people. As I mentioned before, I think that the people who make these comments are overrepresented in comments sections compared to the rest of the cyclists in the world, but it's hard to remember that sometimes.
Many of us like to greatly support the idea of "getting more people on bikes", but as long as people are able to say such awful things on here I think we are getting in the way of that mission. I don't know if the solution is to get rid of comment sections or to limit them or to just try and moderate better, but something's gotta give.