Mountain Biking

[Matt]

Anyone else here excited to get back out on the trails?

Went out for my first two rides of the season this week. Forgot i need to rebuild my fork and bleed my brakes... almost kissed a few tree's due to my lack of rear brakes lol

[jjt250]

Yes very much! I bought a Trek Fuel EX last summer and absolutely love it. What setup do you have? I've only been out for one ride this season. I'm gonna hit the trails again once it dries up a bit after all of our rain!

[Matt]

I'm riding an 09 Fisher X-Cal. But pretty much just the frame/fork is stock at this point.... for good reason cause the fork is a Fox Float F29 RL.
Easton Haven tubeless, Elixir CR brakes, 1x9 drivetrain, Sram X9 short cage RD, MRP x1 guide, XLS crank, Surly ring, and some other fancy stuff that is supposed to make me faster but doesn't :p

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[jjt250]

Awesome setup. I'm jealous of that fork! Three upgrades I want to do this summer are brakes, tires, and tubeless setup. I keep getting pinch flats! I've hear really good things about Shimano Deore XT brakes so I'll look into that. I'm still learning and kind of a beginner but I really just need to get back on the trails!

[Matt]

The fork was 90% of the reason I went with the x-cal over the cobia when i bought my bike a few years ago.

What size bike are you on? I have another set of elixir cr's that i took off my wifes bike (mens small 29er) since im selling her bike on CL.

[jjt250]

I got an awesome deal and that's why I ultimately decided to go with the Fuel EX. I'm glad I did too, the full floater rear design is amazing and I love the Fox RP-2 rear shock. However, I'm not a huge fan of my Rockshox Silver TK (I think that's the name). I'm on a men's medium, 19.5in, if I'm remembering correctly.

[Matt]

Ah. Not sure if the brake line i cut would be too short for ya. Could measure it to find out (not that its difficult to make a new hose)

What year is your bike? Fork upgrades are one of the first things I normally recommend. Normally cuts A LOT of weight and improves performance at the same time.... great "bang for your buck" improvement.

[hoaxci5]

I need to get back on mine.. so many projects and busy weekends have kept me off it for too long.

[Matt]

Gotta just force yourself to do it. I'm too busy but thankfully my darling of a wife (no she doesnt read this, but Jacob can vouch for me) is willing to suffer putting the kids to bed alone 2 nights a week so I can get out for some exercise.

Got 3 bikes loaded up for tomorrow!! Mine and my buddies up top, and my wifes bike inside (friends borrowing it tomorrow. kinda hoping she buys it and i just come home with 2 bikes lol)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130414185917_zps110691b4-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130414185903_zps177b083e-1.jpg

[thance]

Awesome setup. I'm jealous of that fork! Three upgrades I want to do this summer are brakes, tires, and tubeless setup. I keep getting pinch flats! I've hear really good things about Shimano Deore XT brakes so I'll look into that. I'm still learning and kind of a beginner but I really just need to get back on the trails!

I have Deore XT everything accept the brakes stock from 1996. Surprised they still make it.... wonder how much has changed.

[Matt]

I have Deore XT everything accept the brakes stock from 1996. Surprised they still make it.... wonder how much has changed.

They don't change the name every year. The XT line from 1996 is probably outdated based on the Alivio line of 2013; as technology progresses, XT leads the way and the "old" tech flows down through the product line.

[thance]

They don't change the name every year. The XT line from 1996 is probably outdated based on the Alivio line of 2013; as technology progresses, XT leads the way and the "old" tech flows down through the product line.

;( :(

[Matt]

;( :(

Now frownie's allowed!! What you got? Lets see the bike.... You still get out and ride at all?

[Matt]

For the record... I know guys that can buy the cheapest crappiest girls toddler bike at Walmart and leave me in their dust on the trails.

[lekmedm]

For the record... I know guys that can buy the cheapest crappiest girls toddler bike at Walmart and leave me in their dust on the trails.

That would make an awesome YouTube video!!!! LOL!!!!

[thance]

Now frownie's allowed!! What you got? Lets see the bike.... You still get out and ride at all?

Mine is a 1996 Team Marin with a Marzocchi front fork. No rear suspension.

Here is a stock photo:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/368257d1213295327teammarinmarindirt3-1.jpg

[Matt]

^^ thats very similar to my friends 96 hookooekoo that im fixing up. His forks shot so we're putting a cheap rigid one on instead.

I just rebuilt my Fox F29 fork this morning. I waited too long to do maintenance on it so it was in pretty bad shape. :(
All new seals and fluid now... as long as it holds fluid ill be good otherwise I may need new uppers.

[Matt]

So my son needed a "bigger" bike. Not because he's too big.... but because we went for a 5+ mile bike ride and it became clear that his skill level was beyond the 12" bike that fit him.

Lets just say it was a fun family biking weekend :)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/IMAG2572_zps12e458be-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/20130517_191719_zps954a34af-1.jpg


http://youtu.be/6vzzmPVtjlU

[jjt250]

So I've been riding a lot more lately and trying to get my friend in on it too. He had a good time last time we went. Anyways, I'm realizing more than ever that I need a few upgrades. Here's my current set up, completely stock as of now:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2011/archive/fuelex5

Here's what I have planned in terms of upgrades (most likely in this order):

1. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/tires-and-wheels/tubeless-tire/stans-notubes/best-tubeless-sealing-kit/prd_360761_1508crx.aspx

2. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/tires-and-wheels/tire/panaracer/fire-xc-pro/prd_353333_151crx.aspx

3. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/brakes/disc-brake-system/shimano/deore-xt-br-m785-hydraulic/prd_477694_1507crx.aspx

4. http://www.sram.com/rockshox/products/reba-rl

Do any of you have any experience with a tubeless tire set up? I'm very uneducated about that stuff and would love some advice. I know some people say that there is hardly any weight savings, but I'm really just doing it because I'm sick of pinch flats all the time. Do I need a tubeless-specific tire? What else would I need besides number 1 on the list?

Pretty set on those brakes, they have great reviews.

Could use some recommendations on forks. I currently have a Rockshox Recon Silver TK, but have always been a big fan of Fox products. Unfortunately, they're a bit out of price range (I'd like to keep it around $500-600), but the Reba RL looks like great bang for your buck and gets pretty good reviews. Also, I prefer air spring vs. coil. I like adjustability.

I'd probably sell or just gift all of my parts I'm swapping to my buddy because that would make a huge difference for him. What do you guys think of that set up? Would you change anything?

[Matt]

Tubeless is 100% worth it. Weight wise you'll save between .3-.6 lb, which isn't bad.... but the performance is really the big improvement.

I personally prefer to stick with tubeless or tubeless ready tires. Non-tubeless tires don't really have any benefit... they'll soak up so much sealant that they're the same weight as a tubeless tire, but dont have the right bead.

for the Fork... keep your eye on eBay and mtbr classifieds. Should be able to find a nice/quality Fox Float for $300-$400.

What kind of trails do you ride?

[jjt250]

I was considering this tire for tubeless: http://www.mtbr.com/cat/tires-and-wheels/tubeless-tire/irc/serac-xc-ust-tire/prd_360729_1508crx.aspx

What else would I need besides those tires and that Stans Tubeless Sealing kit?

This is a link to my favorite and one of the most difficult in the area: http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-nebraska/trail/jewell-park/prd_366424_4561crx.aspx
It's got a lot of steep, fast drops and a lot climbing too. When you're not climbing, you're flying. Other trails I ride are similar, but not as fast or difficult.

Do you have a specific recommendation for which Fox fork? There's so many models it seems like haha. I'm looking for 120mm travel with a 9mm QR, preferable.

[Matt]

Hey man i didn't forget about ya. Just had a busy two days and wanted to do some research because i'm pretty sure our riding terrain is very different. I basically do XC type riding, lots of dirt & roots, not a lot of rocks.

[jjt250]

It's all good man, been pretty busy myself! Actually, our trails are very similar, I would describe ours exactly like yours! I looked into used Fox forks and found some for a decent price. My only problem now is that they're hard to find with 9m QR (what I currently have), but I can find a lot of Rockshox Reba RLs in 9m.

[Matt]

For tires i'm running Specialized The Captain- Control (2Bliss) up front and Geax Saguaro in the back. I really like this combo... the aggressive square tread of The Captain digs my front tires in for great cornering, and the rounded profile of the Saguaro makes for a great "trailing" tire; doesn't hinder the front tire from doing its job, especially on leaning turns.

I'm pretty sure there's a 26" version of both tires.

Have you thought about finding a used 29er hardtail? I always see nicely built bikes for sale. For what you're looking to spend, couldn't hurt adding a 2nd bike to the stable ;)

[Matt]

I know you said you're trying to keep the fork in the 500-600 price range.... add $50?
http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Fox-Racing-Shox/FOX-32-Float-FIT-CTD-with-Trail-Adjust-140mm-Fork-2013.axd

[jjt250]

Thanks for the tire suggestions, I'll look in to them. So are my stock rims fine for a conversion to tubeless?

And no I have not thought about adding another bike haha. I really like the way my fuel ex rides, just looking for some upgraded brakes and fork mostly ;)

That fork looks almost exactly what I'm looking for and at a good price too! Two things: 1) it's white and my bike is black/blue, not a big deal but I'd prefer black. 2) I currently have 120mm fork. Could I reduce the travel from 140mm?

[Matt]

Yeah ive converted a few sets of non tubeless wheels using the stans kits... its not hard.

Im 99.9% sure the travel can be reduced to 120.. id just have to download the manual from the fox website to be sure. Id put it on like it is and see how you like it first.

[Matt]

Here's another one. 120mm, 9mm, $605... but still white:
http://www.blueskycycling.com/product6868_39_-2013-Fox-32-Float-CTD-O-C-Fork-w--Free-FSA-Orbit-Extreme-Pro-Headset.htm

[Matt]

Down to $545!!

http://www.probikesupply.com/2013-fox-32-float-120-ctd-o-c-26-evolution-fork/?gclid=CNHG_d62j7gCFcOh4AodIV0AJw

[jjt250]

Damn that's a good price! Thanks for all the help and research, Matt. I went out riding tonight again and have decided that the first upgrades I'm going to make are brakes and tires. I think I'll order those Shimano XT's this weekend actually. Later on I'll look into upgrading the fork. What brakes are you riding on? My Avid Juicy 3's just aren't cutting it for me.

[Matt]

Holy crap avid juicy 3's might be the worst brakes ever made!!!! I have elixir CRs.

What size frame are you? I have another set of elixirs I could sell you. I put them on my wifes bike but took them off when I sold it.

Edit: frame size wont matter.... since you have a FS bike the routing will be different so you'd need a new hose for the rear brakes. Do you have a bleed kit? Its easy enough to do.

[jjt250]

Tell me about, I can't stand them! Poor stopping power, poor modulation, and very loud. I'm using an 18.5 frame. I don't have a bleed kit and have never done it before but I'm sure I could figure it out. However, I can get Shimano XT's for $112 + $12 for a Shimano bleed kit. I think I might go that route, especially since the XT's seem to have everything I'm looking for and have very good reviews.

[Matt]

Roger that man. Thats a good price for some XTs.

[Matt]

So about two months ago my wife and I got a combined 5 year anniversary gift..... any of you guys see one of these yet?

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/20130908145644_zps4aeec2fe-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/20130826163137_zps06f1ffe2-1.jpg

Cant wait till it snows!!! :cool:

[06JeepXKHEMI]

This is what Matt does in his spare time..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x76VEPXYaI0

[Matt]

Lol whats this thing called "spare time" that you speak of?? :)

[Core XK]

This is what Matt does in his spare time..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x76VEPXYaI0

Wow.......all I can say about that video.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

5" tires.... i want this bike soooo bad!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/FBwebshots3_small_zpsc1d062fe-1.jpg

[jjt250]

I wonder what climbing is like with that.... My next bike will probably be a 6 inch travel bike. Looking at the Specialized Enduro and others in that category. I also just recently bought a GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition so I'm looking forward to making some sweet videos. I was able to mess around with it a little bit in the snow on the Jeep and it's impressive.

[Matt]

My wifes mukluk with 3.8" wide tires (a few posts up) climbs like an f'ing mountain goat. Granted I can definitely feel it on some of the longer climbs, with the added traction I hammer up some steep climbs faster than i could dream about on my other bike which is a nicely built sub 25lb 29er 1x9.

*I also only ride 10-15 miles at a time. Any longer than that and I can see the added friction/inertia starting to take it's toll. I've heard of guys racing these bikes solely for the purpose of staying away from Class I races and still being at the top of Class II.... slows them down juuuuust enough, and fun!

[Matt]

While Corey was playing with is XK in the snow I was racing my kids... they were on their sleds and I was on the fatty

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140103140953_zps8de92404-1.jpg

[jjt250]

I've never really done any looking into fatty bikes. But I can definitely see their benefit on those quick, loose climbs. I like 5-6" of travel f/r with a well balanced rear suspension that can put the power down and bomb on the downhills.

On another note, I rode a Specialized Status II at Winter Park, CO...Wow the suspension was incredible. I could bomb over the most technical terrain I've ever seen with ease. I couldn't even imagine riding a trail bike on some of the stuff there but it was a blast. I can't wait to go back next year.

By the way, do you still have those elixir CRs for sale? I never got around to getting some XTs and I'm kinda back in the market for brakes. Mine are on their last leg and I definitely need to get some new ones for next season.

[Matt]

It's all about terrain. The 3 "local" places that I ride, you wouldn't think about bringing a 5-6" travel bike. And the one place I like going that about ~45 minutes away and a lot of rocky climbs & downhills, I wouldn't think of bringing the fatty! lol

I ended up putting the CR's on the Mukluk :)

[jjt250]

You'd be surprised how well some All Mountain bikes can climb these days! I live for the downhills though, so I'd rather be slower up the hill but have a blast going down! I don't compete so having the best possible time isn't as much of a concern for me.

[Matt]

Oh trust me i know. In central NJ there's not much elevation change so there's really no point in that much travel. Most of the guys actually run single speed rigid 29ers in my neck of the woods. But head an hour North of here and 4+ inches of suspension travel is more than welcome!

[jjt250]

Oh we don't have much elevation change here in the Midwest either! We do have some nice parks in my area, though. Hard to justify 6" travel but 4-5" is very welcome. I want to start going to Colorado more, though, so that's why I'm looking into some efficient 6" travel bikes. I love downhill bike parks, I would highly suggest going to one (especially Trestle Park, in Winter Park, CO) if you ever get the chance!

[Matt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwF_e50p-zg

i wanna go i wanna go i wanna go!