Any cyclists here?

DaveC

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Nov 16, 2014
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My '14 Trek Slash:

 
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Barry

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Jan 7, 2012
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Somewhere near Philadelphia, USA
And my other custom frame, 1981 MERZ touring frame. Jim Merz, the builder, was a renowned frame builder in Portland in the late 70's, early 80's. He went on to be the chief design engineer at Specialized. I've also heard that he recently has been back @ Specialized. I was excited to see he has a Facebook page!

I've finally ditched the old Flite saddle (in the pic it was somewhat poorly adjusted) that hurt my ass for years. Thank God some for newer saddle designs.

Picture shows a somewhat older buildup, with Campy downtube friction shifters and Clemente silk touring tubulars. I ride this bike to this day, and once did a self-supported tour from Lubbock, Texas (Texas Tech) to Jasper Canada, Vancouver, and finally my home town of Spokane, WA. One flat, one loose spoke. One change of tires half way through.

View attachment 20749


Beautiful bike. Always liked Merz. I had a Flite saddle too. Lasted 1 ride. Ugh.
 

Bobvin

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what kind of speed do you attain going down the mountain Bob
On my road bike, I've been over 50 mph on some mountain descents. On the ride yesterday, with my old steel frame and the gravel tires, I chose to leave all my tech at home -- so no Garmin or heart rate monitor. I just wanted to ride without thought of 'training.' I'm guessing, on the gentle converted rail bed, we didn't get over 28 mph on the descent.

I've watched the daredevil mountain riders up at Whistler resort bomb down those ski runs (on their uber spanky suspension bikes) at over 50 mph... Not for me. I was born with fear and a strong dose of self-preservation.
 

Bobvin

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My '14 Trek Slash:



DaveC, with all the float in those almost 'fatty' size tires, do you really need all that suspension? For me, the draw of getting a Fat Bike was no suspension 'stuff' to monkey with... let the tires do it. (That said, fatty tires weigh a ton, and its all rotational weight.)

I have read of a sub 20lb fat bike build up, which interests me greatly. I want to put drop bars on mine. I've seen one built that way and the guy cyclocrosses with it.
 

DaveC

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Nov 16, 2014
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DaveC, with all the float in those almost 'fatty' size tires, do you really need all that suspension? For me, the draw of getting a Fat Bike was no suspension 'stuff' to monkey with... let the tires do it. (That said, fatty tires weigh a ton, and its all rotational weight.)

I have read of a sub 20lb fat bike build up, which interests me greatly. I want to put drop bars on mine. I've seen one built that way and the guy cyclocrosses with it.

Those are actually 2.4/2.3 tires on 38mm Light Bicycle carbon fiber rims... The wheelset is only ~1625 grams. It's an Enduro race bike, weighs under 29 lbs total. The suspension is definitely needed, Enduro courses often go down the most difficult downhill runs on the mountain. It's also my trail bike but I've entered several Enduro races, which are a lot of fun.
 

Bobvin

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Those are actually 2.4/2.3 tires on 38mm Light Bicycle carbon fiber rims... The wheelset is only ~1625 grams. It's an Enduro race bike, weighs under 29 lbs total. The suspension is definitely needed, Enduro courses often go down the most difficult downhill runs on the mountain. It's also my trail bike but I've entered several Enduro races, which are a lot of fun.

Well, if you're riding Enduro, I understand the bike. And you're likely a bit younger than myself. I don't want to hurt myself—at 57 recovery could put me out for the season.

Your Slash is a serious machine. Nice choice.
 

mtseymour

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Dec 7, 2013
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Those are actually 2.4/2.3 tires on 38mm Light Bicycle carbon fiber rims... The wheelset is only ~1625 grams. It's an Enduro race bike, weighs under 29 lbs total. The suspension is definitely needed, Enduro courses often go down the most difficult downhill runs on the mountain. It's also my trail bike but I've entered several Enduro races, which are a lot of fun.


I'm also using the Light Bicycle carbon rims (35mm 650B x DT240s hubs) on my Norco Carbon Sight 7.2 full suspension bike. I also upgraded the fork to the Rockshox Pike 150mm, and SRAM XX1 1x11 drivetrain. It's a really fun ride.

My road bike is a Cannondale Synapse with Sram Red 10 sp components, Hollowgram SI crankset, and Shimano Dura Ace C24 wheels. It's fast and comfortable on century rides.

Our latest acquisition is a Calfee Tetra carbon tandem. It has custom geometry, Shimano 11sp Di2, carbon bars and tubeless tires. I've been so happy with the Light Bicycle that I built a new rear wheel using their 25mm x 700c rim laced to White Industries tandem disk hub and bladed spokes. The Tetra frame is very comfortable, and Di2 is even more beneficial on a tandem to avoid mis-shifts.

With the weather being so nice, it's been hard to find time to setup my new Tri-Planar SE arm.
 

Brf

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Sep 21, 2012
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2015 Intense T275 Full Carbon - Enduro / All Mountain Bike

2015 Intense M16FRO (For Race Only) - Downhill Bike
 

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GaryProtein

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And my other bike, the best ant-aging money I've spent. Guaranteed to have you grinning ear-ear like a 10 year old!
View attachment 20750

WOW! With wheels like those and gears that low, you could climb Mt Everest or attach a plow and clear the driveway in winter!


You guys have some great bikes here.

Back in 1980 when I got my semi custom bike, I was trying to make it very light and the dealer told me I would get more bang for the buck if I lost 15 pounds rather than making the bike one pound lighter! How true!
 

GaryProtein

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DaveC

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Nov 16, 2014
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Well, if you're riding Enduro, I understand the bike. And you're likely a bit younger than myself. I don't want to hurt myself—at 57 recovery could put me out for the season.

Your Slash is a serious machine. Nice choice.

Thanks! I am younger than you but in the oldest age class for racing. We're not much slower than the younger classes... :)


I'm also using the Light Bicycle carbon rims (35mm 650B x DT240s hubs) on my Norco Carbon Sight 7.2 full suspension bike. I also upgraded the fork to the Rockshox Pike 150mm, and SRAM XX1 1x11 drivetrain. It's a really fun ride.

Sounds nice, I'm surprised how much better the carbon rims are! The bike tracks very precisely and has noticeably more climbing traction, but is also a little bit harsher... with full suspension it's not a big deal though.


2015 Intense T275 Full Carbon - Enduro / All Mountain Bike

2015 Intense M16FRO (For Race Only) - Downhill Bike

Wow, nice Intenses! Some of my friends picked up Trek Session 9.9 dh bikes this year but I have other stuff I need to do with the money, like finance the design of a new speaker. :) I might buy one of the 9.9s at the end of the season, the new 27.5" dh bikes are amazing. Interestingly, my Slash has exactly the same geometry (except for seat position) vs my old 2009 Trek Session 88 DH bike, which I sold last year while it was still somewhat modern. I feel like I can ride anything on my Slash, just not at the same speeds as a new dh bike.
 

DEV

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Oct 19, 2011
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Some really nice bikes - here's mine.

Just recently got back from a nice 2.5 hour ride, had to do my detailing considering it was looking pretty bad with all the mud and crap. I have had a few bikes over the years and for me this SuperFly Al Pro 100 29er fits the bill - very happy with over all performance & comfort, that saddle really helps when I'm putting in the hours - most comfortable I have ever had.

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Mike Lavigne

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Apr 25, 2010
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I have '4' bikes I try to ride as often as I can. I tend to go long periods off them and then get into other periods where I ride. it's a struggle.

2012 Specialized S-Works Epic 29 SRAM, today I'm planning going from my home onto the Iron Horse trail which is a converted railroad track that goes into the mountains. I have 2 sets of wheels and tires for this bike, the ones pictured with 'fast' tires and another set with heavier tread for the mud and crud.

2013 Bianchi Oltre XR Dura Ace Di2, I rode it twice this past week after work.

CycleOps 300 Pro, a great trainer which allows one to even stand and pedal, and includes a power meter. it gets dark and wet all winter in the mountains east of Seattle.

not pictured, and presently loaned to my son preparing for the STP Seattle to Portland ride; 2014 Trek Domani 5.9 Compact. I call this my 'rain bike' and allows for fenders which I normally keep installed.

2012 Specialized S-Works Epic Carbon 29 SRAM.jpg
2013 Bianchi Oltre XR Dura Ace Di2.jpg
Cyclops 300 Pro.jpg
 
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Bobvin

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I've been riding for about 40 years now. Since moving to Portland I'm having a great time as there is more and varied terrain than up in Seattle area. But, sadly, just this year I've been on rides where someone has made serious mistakes resulting in nasty falls/crashes. Early this year on a ride with mixed skills riders, a woman tried to remove a backpack while riding. Result: strap hooked on pedal and instant faceplant. She ended up with four stitches over the eye, 8 in her knee. Stupid rookie mistake fortunately at low speed no traffic.

Yesterday, on another ride with mixed skill levels, a more experienced and solid rider found himself descending into a tight, blind corner with too much speed. Started skidding, and then threw himself into the front fender of an oncoming Dodge pickup. But for the grace of God he didn't end up under that truck. He laid there in the road, fortunately concious in good spirits until aid arrived. He was airlifted to OHSU trauma center with collapsed lung, spinal fracture at L4, and some broken ribs. Nurse said after the happy meds wear off he's gonna feel like he was hit by a truck (nurse humor).

I count my blessings for the guardian angels who look after me.
 

Brf

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Sep 21, 2012
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Wow, nice Intenses! Some of my friends picked up Trek Session 9.9 dh bikes this year but I have other stuff I need to do with the money, like finance the design of a new speaker. :) I might buy one of the 9.9s at the end of the season, the new 27.5" dh bikes are amazing. Interestingly, my Slash has exactly the same geometry (except for seat position) vs my old 2009 Trek Session 88 DH bike, which I sold last year while it was still somewhat modern. I feel like I can ride anything on my Slash, just not at the same speeds as a new dh bike.

The Trek Session 9.9 is an awesome bike. I was a long time Trek fan (still am) and ran a Trek Session 88 in 2012 and a Session 9.9 in 2013. Here are a couple of pix.
 

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DEV

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It's amazing how quickly you can spend some serious coin on these bikes - for me I'm not competing in any competitions so even what I have is really way over kill, does make riding the trails a pleasure though - the full suspension is the bomb. Those 29ers I find items that I use to navigate by hopping over them now I'm just going over them effortlessly and the bike is fast - so light and I find going up hills allot faster.

Have any of you guys with non 29ers given one a serious ride - YOU SHOULD - I was pleasantly surprised at first - I did notice it took a bit to get use to riding on trails that I'm use too with lots of aggressive corning but in no time once my confidence was gained I now have no issues.

I have seen many wipeouts - some just stupid because they are being careless and others just riding radical - for me it's more health and pleasure but do ride hard!
 

mtseymour

Well-Known Member
Dec 7, 2013
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Have any of you guys with non 29ers given one a serious ride - YOU SHOULD - I was pleasantly surprised at first - I did notice it took a bit to get use to riding on trails that I'm use too with lots of aggressive corning but in no time once my confidence was gained I now have no issues.

The 29" wheels are a good option for taller riders and rolling, XC terrain. Where I ride (Vancouver and Whistler, BC), the 27.5" wheels are more popular because the terrain is steeper and more technical. Wider rims (35mm+) and tires (2.3" +) are also popular for greater traction.

The other new trends that I'm happy about are the dropper seatposts and the single chainring drivetrain. My Rockshox Reverb dropper post makes it easy to find the right seat height in rolling terrain. I'm a big fan of the SRAM XX1 drivetrain (28T x 42T) because I can ditch the front derailleur and still make it up the steepest climbs. Goodbye to dropped chains, mis-shifts, and chain slap!
 

DEV

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The 29" wheels are a good option for taller riders and rolling, XC terrain. Where I ride (Vancouver and Whistler, BC), the 27.5" wheels are more popular because the terrain is steeper and more technical. Wider rims (35mm+) and tires (2.3" +) are also popular for greater traction.

27.5 wasn't yet out when I went from my Specialist 26 so I can't personally comment but I have been riding with the same guys for many years now and seen the transaction and most waiting for the 27.5 to come out - some of the riders being pros and others competing. I agree - I do see allot more of 27.5's and allot less 26 now. I don't see any advantage personally because I'm right there and we do all kinds of riding - I find a huge difference for me from my 26.

The other new trends that I'm happy about are the dropper seatposts and the single chainring drivetrain. My Rockshox Reverb dropper post makes it easy to find the right seat height in rolling terrain. I'm a big fan of the SRAM XX1 drivetrain (28T x 42T) because I can ditch the front derailleur and still make it up the steepest climbs. Goodbye to dropped chains, mis-shifts, and chain slap!

Ya a few of the guys have the above items - always get to see the new toys but the ride is still the same :D I'm using right there with the pros. You sure can spend crazy money on bikes! and just like audio it's all subjective and only a persons opinion. One of the guys $8K CF frame cracked last night - ouch! I was looking at a similar bike I have but in the CF - $1.5k more but was advised of it being more delicate so to take such into consideration so I went with the AL and very happy indeed. :D
 

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