The `wicked` MTB thread

[blobrana]

Hehe, well it is an alternative operating system....

So own up who has a mountain bike...mikeymike?

[Cyberus]

Yo!

[blobrana]

Yo!?
We need the full specs!
+ how high you can bunny-hop...


ah, just read ur other post...cool...

[PMC]

@Blob,

Sounds like you've got a pretty decent set up...  Is the Carrera a fully rigid?  I hear that Chromoloy gives a much plusher ride than Ally frames.  Where have you ridden?

I've just bought a Specialized Enduro after running a Rockhopper for eight months.  The RH certainly took North Wales in it's stride (it's a better bike than I am a rider), but so far I've yet to really give the Enduro a workout, but I may be bound for the Peak District this weekend...

The RH is complete with Hope Minis discs, Manitou Axel forks, Panaracer Fire 2.1" XC tyres.

The Enduro is stock (Marzocchi forks, Fox float rear, Specialized Enduro 2.2 tyres) except for Hope M4s and a Hope seat clamp.  

[gnarly]

Oooh! Oooh! Me, i do!

Its an Azonic Saber, with Marzocchi Bomber Super-T forks (7" travel), Romic TwinTube rear shock (6" travel), Blackspire chain device, Easton bars, Raceface stem and seatpost, Shimano Saint disc brakes and Deore drivechain, Aireal hubs laced to Mavic EX729 wheels.

Its just come back from blatting up and down the alps. Its a lot of fun :-)

[PMC]

Yep, but I haven't ridden in a while. I'm on a (prehistoric) 1993 Marin Bear Valley frame that needs a new rear derailleur (sp?). I have lost touch with the MTB world to be honest. I was into it back in early 90s when I was a teenager. [That bike cost me a pretty penny back then!] I was gonna start going to competitions, but it was around then when I discovered the pub.

Bear Valley?  My mate had one of those and loved it to bits.  Said it was one of the best bikes he's ever owned.

But its all come on loads since then. I mean, I see EVERYONE riding full sus bikes.
Back when I rode, you were lucky to be able to afford some Rock Shox for the front. I had a couple of friends who had those Girvin Flexstem thingies.

I don't understand why people ride full sus around town...surely X% of the energy is wasted?

Yeah, same mate has an old Proflex somewhere.  The rear elastomer only works in warm weather and the front forks are a work of art...

A lot of people do full sus, but you can't beat a hardtail for responsiveness and climbing.  My Rockhopper was superb at climbing hills and was very nimble.  Some of the guys I know are actually returning to hardtails because of this.

As for wasting energy, you can get a damping system that locks out "bob" when pedalling so that the energy isn't wasted.  Some rear shocks also lock out too.

[blobrana]

@PMC
Yea, Specialized always makes cool stuff. Though i would stick to riding downhill with that kit. And those brakes would certainly help those with weak muscles

Is the Enduro alloy?

I've had a specialised alloy before, but had to sell it as i just couldn't `feel` the road...the alloy just gave a very neutral ride.
 i prefer the cromo as i can feel every little `chucky` and can judge when the rears going to slide away... and its a lot more fun as well...

Yea i ride without any shocks at all, thought i`ve got them on my town bike ...i just stick to fat tyres at a low 30-40 psi...


Marin Bear Valley frame? don`t drink whisky around that paint work.... :-)

[PMC]

[Acill]

I have a 2004 Specialized Stumpjumper pro FSR. Becides using my Pegasos and Macs all the time I manage to get in over 100 miles a week on the trails and even a few races here at there!

Specs:
2004 Stumpy Frame  (Replaced a cracked 2002 pro frame)
2003 Marzocchi Bomber Marathon S fork
2004 Fox float with pro pedal in the rear
XTR shifters, cranks, rings, cogs
Thompson Post and steam
Easten Pro Carbon Monkey Superlite riser bar
X-MAX Disk Rims riding Various tires, currently panaracer Fire XC pros.
Time pedals
Selle Flight seat
Avid Ti Disk Brakes

[PMC]

Cheers Blob!  Yeah, the Enduro is alloy, but it weighs in at around 27 - 29 Ib I think.  The brakes are still bedding in but I couldn't go back to rim brakes after using discs.

Here's a link:

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6751&JServSessionIdroot=hobd5wgs23.j27009

Can't believe you sacrificed front sus for weight, I guess you must do a lot of climbing and cross country?  The main thing about any bike is whether you feel comfortable with it, as it builds confidence and thus you ride better.  

[mikeymike]

blobrana wrote:
Hehe, well it is an alternative operating system....

So own up who has a mountain bike...mikeymike?

I am well confused... what is this thread about? :-)

[Jope]

Kona Fire Mountain of '98 vintage..

No suspension, no frills. Just fine for me. Doesn't look like someone would want to steal it but a nice solid (and light) bike.

[Cyberus]

mikeymike wrote:

blobrana wrote:
Hehe, well it is an alternative operating system....

So own up who has a mountain bike...mikeymike?

I am well confused... what is this thread about? :-)

'Mikeymike' does rhyme beautifully with 'Mountain Bike'...

[blobrana]

Hum, on either side the river lie
Long fields of barley and of rye,
That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
And through the field the road run by
To many-tower'd Camelot;
And up and down the people go,
mountainbiking where the lilies blow
Round an island there below,
The island of Shalott.

 

It`s about mikes` bike....

@Jope
Yea that Kona Fire had a really sloping top bar, which was a great feature...

[PMC]

@Acill

I tried a Stumpy the other week when I bought the Enduro.

Lovely bike!  It climbs like a mountain goat and accelerates really well, there's seemingly no loss of power via the rear shock.  

How'd you crack your frame?  It wasn't the seatstay section adjacent to the rear brake calliper by any chance?

I nearly bought it, but for the fact that I've wanted an Enduro for ages...  Decisions, decisions...

Oh and I really like the Panaracers, they're a great tyre.