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Mountain Bikes

HBCraig

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My neighbor has a few. They look super nice.

He has a "Hard Eddie " and an Ibis. The Ibis looks sweet. Very nice components.

He also picked up a Turner.
 

brgrcru

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Congrats , that's a great bike.
Enjoy , it's such a great way to enjoy life.
 

Fenderbender

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Thank you for you and everyone elses input!!
MTB Mecca- I live in Newbury Park along with a few other inmates on here. We are surrounded by lots of mountains with tons of trails right out of our back yard. We are pretty lucky to be able to ride trails without having to load bikes and drive far.

So I pulled the trigger yesterday, I went over to a local shop and picked up a Trek Fuel EX5 29er. It is perfect for what I am looking for- just an all around descent entry level bike, that didnt break the bank. I figured I am gonn get my feet wet with this first and see if its something I enjoy before getting off my wallet for something better, with better components, etc.. Also as @Fenderbender said I need seat time and learn how to ride this thing.

I did 2 loops by my house this afternoon and was out for about an hour and I was a total squid!! Definitely need more seat time to learn how to climb! I am stoked so far and already looking to do some more riding tomorrow if I can move!

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There you go that’s perfect for that area! I’m over in Simi and know your area pretty well! Get some seat time it’s way more fun when your not struggling so hard on the climbs. Maybe we can do an RDP ride day out your way some time!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Sharp Shooter

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I bought one of those Fuel ex-5's back in 2014. It was a very good bike for the money! The only problem was as I wore out components I kept upgrading until I had over 4 grand in it. I doubt I'm the only one who's done that. lol

I think your next best move is to ride regularly as well as going with people who can guide and coach you. Try riding different places from time to time. Sounds like the same advice for someone starting out on a dirtbike right?

Load up strava because it's a great motivator and make sure you have padded shorts, real mtn bike shoes (I like 5/10 Freerider pro's), gloves, a good helmet and a camelback. You might want to get a shock pump too and if you haven't done it yet, get rid of the tubes in your tires (add 2oz of stans) and go tubeless. You can run less tire pressures for more traction and also lighten up the bike a tad. Start accumulating bike specific tools and a work stand. When you become a consistent rider you'll be doing regular up keep and maintenance just like you did riding moto.

Have fun!
 

Wicky

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The bigger you are, the more important rigidity is in the frame, fork, and wheel set. You will feel a difference between bikes for sure. I weigh 165 and had problems blowing up wheelsets on my 29r. until I went carbon fiber. 4 years of hard riding and the wheels are still, perfectly true. Most bikes are comparable at the same $$ level. Pick one that feels comfortable to you. The lighter the bike, the bigger the check.
 

BingerFang

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Anddddd it’s hereee!!!!
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Riley1

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@3.Slow gave me a bike maybe 2 months ago. Got one for my son and wife a month ago. Riding around 3 times a week. Kid is loving it and it should be a healthy move for me. Rode 11 miles today. We rode from the house to Bootleg Canyon.
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Meaney77

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Closing trails around us here to.... luckily you can squeeze by the barricades....

I read they closed our locals trails because they didn’t want everyone from down south (LA, OC) coming here since they had already closed all of their trails- Not sure how true it is.

Its crazy they are putting this into place, in the last few days I have only seen a few people on the trails, and all are respectful and keep appropriate space.

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77hallett

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Specialized Stumpjumper 29er alloy. It's only 30 lbs which is 2 lbs more then a carbon model, but $1500 cheaper. I paid $2700 brand new 2 weeks ago. All the good fox suspension. Definitely get a full suspension bike. I just sold my hard tail which only has front suspension & its 100% better with full suspension.
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I have a 2019 Stumpjumper and I absolutely love this thing. Super light and very nimble.
 

Sharp Shooter

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Closing trails around us here to.... luckily you can squeeze by the barricades....

I read they closed our locals trails because they didn’t want everyone from down south (LA, OC) coming here since they had already closed all of their trails- Not sure how true it is.

Its crazy they are putting this into place, in the last few days I have only seen a few people on the trails, and all are respectful and keep appropriate space.

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Trail Closures!

I understand what they're trying to do, but in many places it doesn't make any sense. I rode the Corona skyline trail just over a week ago and there were tons of people. Some were walking in groups and some were more spaced out. When you ride up on people some are aware and give you room and some are oblivious and you have to either shout out to them or blow by at close range which often scares them. Many people are just absolutely brain dead. I could understand closing THAT trail system as well as the beach paths, but the lesser known, higher up, obscure mtn rec areas should be left open. Just my opinion.
 

Meaney77

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Went on a really good ride yesterday, about 13 miles total. Really enjoy riding this thing and getting out doors.

Might be kind of hard to see but this is looking out towards the Channel Islands.
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golakers

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To help with MTB addiction, get on STRAVA. Its an app for trials etc. It will load from your Garmin/ Wahoo or Phone.
 

Meaney77

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What are you guys using to monitor your rides? Are you using an App like Strava? I used All trails and gave me info I needed.

Or are you using an wireless odometer/GPS unit?
 

RandyH

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What are you guys using to monitor your rides? Are you using an App like Strava? I used All trails and gave me info I needed.

Or are you using an wireless odometer/GPS unit?
Garmin 1030 or Garmin Fenix watch. maps and downloads to Strava as well.
 

SJP

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As I previously mentioned Strava. 👍 Once you follow your buddies, you can see who's faster. 😁

It really humbles you (me) when you look at the leaderboard and rankings on the segments.
 

beaverretriever

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Definitely some sweet rides in this thread!!!!

Mountain bikes are awesome but 90% of the trails people are riding them on would be better suited to a gravel bike as they just aren't that rough or radical (most of the trails posted in this thread definitely look gravel bike friendly). I do understand people love those big tires as they feel more comfortable on them. The best part about gravel bikes is that you can ride them five or ten miles to the trail wirhout huffing and puffng and pushing those huge tires on the tarmac, lighter, faster for most terrain. Better for just getting around town too. Keep in mind we currently live in Reno/Tahoe and its MTB country here for the most part but most MTBers seem to be riding their gravel bikes more now. This country around here is pretty rocky and FS MTBs are the most popular.

So many great gravel events across the country too. Check out the 200 mile race in Kansas called The Dirty Kanza!

This is actually my commuter bike with the fenders and road tires taken off and replaced with 40mm Donnelly Xplor gravel race tires. I just ordered the 2020 Trek Checkpoint SL7 with Sram electronic shifting. https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...kpoint/checkpoint-sl/checkpoint-sl-7/p/29344/

The other bike is my wife's 2020 Trek Checkpoint SL5 full carbon. Great bike for sure. We have literally done hundreds of miles of dirt roads on these. The Trek Checkpoints are amazing and have suspension built in to the frames. They ride like they are pillows.

Sorry not MTB porn :(
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Here's a little vitange look at me for ya. People ask me if I ever raced mountain bikes since I raced bicycles so much through my life; yes, exactly three times :D. I was racing Junior (18 and under) and Pro 1/2 road at the time. Although I was a Cat 1 on the road, I couldn't race pro MTB so I did my races as Expert and not Pro. I think everything is just categorized like road racing now cat 4, 3, 2 and so on.



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caribbean20

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Man, you guys are hard-core. Obviously a bunch of very in shape folks posting in this thread. This is the start of my 10 mile loop, from my back yard. We are at about 5,500’, it is a cardio blast and really nothing flat. Still gotta say more of a thrill on my KTM 250 SX at a local track.
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Sharp Shooter

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Man, you guys are hard-core. Obviously a bunch of very in shape folks posting in this thread. This is the start of my 10 mile loop, from my back yard. We are at about 5,500’, it is a cardio blast and really nothing flat. Still gotta say more of a thrill on my KTM 250 SX at a local track.

That altitude should be excellent to train in! Do you need special tires for that ice and snow?

The reason I took up mtn biking was to gain stamina for moto and It definitely helped, but the dirtbike is more fun. Unfortunately injury's get harder to recover from as we get older (not saying I'm ready for a cage just yet), but I haven't ridden the dirbike much since my last surgery.

I ride the mtn bike primarily for fitness, but Fridays I get a little more adventurous and have some fun.
 

Universal Elements

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Strava for me .
Sorry , Gravel bike ain't cuting on my rides. Lol I need full suspension of 160 or more . Send it .



All biking is good as long as you’re outdoors. I definitely think the need for full suspension is needed in this case. Oh the fox helmets do their job. My full face one saved my ass at Whistler. This one too, damn crank hitting a rock at a night ride. Lol



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Carlson-jet

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Nephew just learned what real roadrash was along with serious shoulder damage.
Stay safe. Getting older sucks.
How you guys ride with those tiny cheek splitting seats is beyond me. lol
 

riverroyal

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2 stroke....wait looks like u bought already
 

caribbean20

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That altitude should be excellent to train in! Do you need special tires for that ice and snow?

The reason I took up mtn biking was to gain stamina for moto and It definitely helped, but the dirtbike is more fun. Unfortunately injury's get harder to recover from as we get older (not saying I'm ready for a cage just yet), but I haven't ridden the dirbike much since my last surgery.

I ride the mtn bike primarily for fitness, but Fridays I get a little more adventurous and have some fun.
Snow usually doesn’t stick around for more than a few days, so nothing special needed. Yup, at this altitude I am gassed after an hour and a half. You can ride trails to those mountains in the background, Boulder, CO. Flagstaff Mtn road is used by the pro riders. Brutal ride up the pass. I am humbled seeing those human machines.
 

Universal Elements

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Snow usually doesn’t stick around for more than a few days, so nothing special needed. Yup, at this altitude I am gassed after an hour and a half. You can ride trails to those mountains in the background, Boulder, CO. Flagstaff Mtn road is used by the pro riders. Brutal ride up the pass. I am humbled seeing those human machines.


We were going to go third week of April. Do you think it will still be open, due to the virus?
 

caribbean20

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We were going to go third week of April. Do you think it will still be open, due to the virus?
The Boulder County trails I rode on the last few days have been open even with the State Mandated stay at home order. The only thing closed have been parking lots and gathering areas around tables. I’m able to ride straight from my house to the trails so no burden. Where exactly do you intend to ride and I’ll do some recon. Great wether now, 50s and 60s, but snow is coming soon.
 

Universal Elements

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The Boulder County trails I rode on the last few days have been open even with the State Mandated stay at home order. The only thing closed have been parking lots and gathering areas around tables. I’m able to ride straight from my house to the trails so no burden. Where exactly do you intend to ride and I’ll do some recon. Great wether now, 50s and 60s, but snow is coming soon.

Sorry, I got mixed up.We were thinking the first time around Durango end of April. The second time around during the summer we were thinking Flagstaff mountain road.
 

caribbean20

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2 stroke....wait looks like u bought already
That 2 stroke has a maniacal power band that takes a full time job to keep contained. Nothing down low but an Atlas booster rocket after 4,500 rpms. It’s got all the good parts straight from the factory . For trail riding you really have to abuse the cluch.
 

caribbean20

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Sorry, I got mixed up.We were thinking the first time around Durango end of April. The second time around during the summer we were thinking Flagstaff mountain road.

You should be fine. I’ll keep an eye out for closures and send you a note if I see any. I get up there fairly often.
 

AzMandella

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View attachment 861575 View attachment 861576 My 2 weapons of choice. I prefer MTB, but Road rides are great Cross training for MTB!
Nice setup . I am a Specialized fan to . Even though I could afford it I couldn't bring myself to go with the S Works . Just not that hard core anymor . At least with bikes .I have a slightly older SL3 pro Roadbike upgraded all to Dura Ace including C24 carbon tubeless wheels and FSA carbon Cranks . I also have 4 yr old Rockhopper fully upgraded to top Sram , Stans No Tube wheels and Race Face Carbon Cranks . Just never was the type to upgrade every year or 2 .
 

socalrzr

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Some fun and beautiful pictures! Got my first mountain bike a few months ago but, havent had a chance to take it on the trails yet. Have been trying to get with a couple friends that have bikes, but schedule is too busy. But I cant post a picture of my hardtail with all of these DCB and Skater bikes on here.

Have fun and stay safe out there, no one wants to go to the hospital now!
 

3.Slow

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A little project of mine, bring this thing back from the dead. Giant AC1, circa 2001
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Bought when I was stationed up in Washington, about 2006, rode it on some awesome trails up ther till 09, and it hasn't been ridden in the dirt since.
 
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