Quote :

"^how old is the cassette you are replacing? planning on new chain also? if not, why?"

I bought both the bike without wheels and bought the wheelset used. The 9sd cassette that was on there constantly slipped with a brand new SRAM chain, and a buddy of mine threw a spare 8sp cassette on there as a test. It worked great besides the missing gear, so I was too lazy to mess with it. Finally decided to replace it with a proper 9sp. I'll probably keep the same chain unless I start seeming some problems, and if that happens I'll replace it with a Shimano chain to match the rest of the drivetrain.

[Edited on June 9, 2011 at 6:38 PM. Reason : quotes]

6/9/2011 6:38:02 PM

if the chain and cassette have some wear on them, it is typically better to replace both.

you can usually get away with replacing the chain a bit more frequently than the cassette, but it all depends on riding style, shifting efficiency, riding conditions.

6/10/2011 4:31:57 PM

If anyone has a L or XL frame MTB for sale send me a pm.

Trying to stay under $500

6/10/2011 4:48:19 PM

You check trianglemtb classifieds in addition to CL?

6/10/2011 6:06:33 PM

yeah i got a thread up there and a feeler out to my riding buddies. trying to explore all avenues for a roadie friend of mine looking or something a little more exciting.

6/10/2011 8:55:03 PM

heh...ive been more scared (excited) on a road bike than on a mtb though I imagine DHers are pretty much on the edge all the time.

6/10/2011 9:04:38 PM

scared because of the possibility of getting hit by a car? that's whats always turned me off to road riding.

he's just been logging miles on 98 and boring roads like that...wants to at least hit some cross country type trails to start, then start hitting some bigger stuff and urban riding after that.

6/10/2011 9:10:52 PM

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8cDef8yxMP0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://youtu.be/8cDef8yxMP0

a little test of Go Pro camera riding with my friends near Frederick, MD

[Edited on July 29, 2011 at 12:27 AM. Reason : still can;t embed ]

7/29/2011 12:25:13 AM

i'm looking for a front quick release skewer with internal cam that's dependable for about $25? shimano makes one that fits the bill. where can I get one in raleigh?

http://www.treefortbikes.com/cat/0/1/Shop.html#navbar=pro___333222363306___427

8/1/2011 12:44:09 PM

So on a whim, I entered a local mountain bike race this morning with my brother and ended up winning my class! (under 40 sport) Barely edged out my brother at the end, but it was a blast. There were only about 10 riders in my class, so not a huge accomplishment, but it's my first ever win in any kind of race.

For anyone feeling a little intimidated about the idea of a race, don't. It was alot of fun and adding the little bit of competition to the normal trail riding definitely made it better.

8/12/2011 10:21:36 AM

finally borrowed a friend's lock ring tool and put my new XT cassette on my bike

now I just need to get around to swapping out the brakes with the new ones I also bought

I'll probably hit up Harris Lake saturday morning depending on this hurricane

8/25/2011 10:09:19 PM

Anyone been on Supertree or Keyauwee in Uwharrie? Worth the drive? I hear they have a lot of climbing, so that might not be the best for my setup and current fitness level.

Mostly I'm looking for a long, free flowing single track that goes on for miles without having to get distance out of small, tight loops.

[Edited on September 21, 2011 at 2:03 PM. Reason : -]

9/21/2011 1:59:02 PM

^ Is this for your mountain unicycle?

9/21/2011 3:18:29 PM

Yes.

9/21/2011 8:15:08 PM

RAWW mahh bike is biggur than urs... lol


(its an XL with a huge fork (RS totem) and a 6.5" travel rear setup)

this is my version of a cross country bike


BTW anyone who needs almost any tool sans headset press (and chain tool since i just broke it) i got you covered lemme know.

[Edited on November 7, 2011 at 1:14 PM. Reason : .]

11/7/2011 1:07:25 PM

I just got a new (to me) ride and I noticed a small bobble in the wheel, I might need a bit of help truing up a wheel. Nothing major... I hope. I need to learn how to maintain my spokes.

[Edited on November 7, 2011 at 1:23 PM. Reason : -]

11/7/2011 1:22:12 PM

k i have the tools... but i suck at wheel truing and i don't have the stand to measure it. lol

11/7/2011 1:33:33 PM

Quote :

"this is my version of a cross country bike"

cross country? looks more like a downhill bike

what is that...7 in the front and 6.5 in the back? how much does that thing weigh?

11/7/2011 1:42:09 PM

yes, yes...

and i don't know how much it weighs right now but it feels like 10lbs less than my P.2 did.



heavier wheels with a 2lb chain and downhill tires (that may have had slime in them too [i used to pinch flat a lot riding urban])
this however did not pedal or climb worth a shit....

11/7/2011 3:03:49 PM

are there any trunk mounted bike racks that don't suck?

11/8/2011 10:58:23 AM

I'm not a fan of trunk mounted racks, but if you have to have one, Yakima are the best IMO. They have soft rubber cradles so it wont scratch the paint on your frame (a problem with most trunk racks) and they have vertical support pieces that strap to the downtube to keep the frame from swaying.

11/8/2011 11:33:14 AM

yeah me either really but a hitch one i'd have to get both a hitch and the rack

and a roof mounted one... i just don't trust on my subaru... nor do i want there when i do a track day.

11/8/2011 3:45:18 PM

so.. anyone know any good trails in eastern nc, specifically around the elizabeth city area? gonna be in the area with family for a few days

11/16/2011 12:16:24 PM

This is a nice site.

http://www.singletracks.com/php/zipcode.php?zip=27906&radius=50

Just sub in the zip code and the radius in the link. A bit of fair warning though, they list trails that have closed and some trails that are completely lame. Like I saw a 1/2 mile Haw River access trail listed there before. Best bet is to use that to identify a trail, then research it elsewhere.

11/16/2011 12:33:24 PM

thanks man, i had seen that site, but was hopeful for something a little closer. I'll probably call up the bike shop up there if noone here has any ideas.

11/16/2011 12:45:01 PM

I got around to taking out an old women's Rockhopper today on the trails at Little River (north of Durham). Any suggestions for fork upgrades? Right now it has a Manitou fork and I can already tell that sucks pretty bad, and this is like the second time I've ridden it.

11/25/2011 6:20:21 PM

[Edited on November 27, 2011 at 2:13 PM. Reason : double post]

11/27/2011 2:08:36 PM

I don't think the manitou is a terrible fork, but sometimes they need to be rebuilt(for lack of a better word). New seals, oil, coil, etc. My bike shop does it for like $50. Cheaper than buying a new one and if you buy a used one, it may need to be serviced anyways

11/27/2011 2:13:44 PM

recommend a few things:

-$500- $700 bike
-where to buy the bike

Looking to get into mountain biking more. I work on Weston right across from Crabtree Lake. Tired of borrowing bikes from co workers.

Further, I've become spoiled with having a 105 component road bike, so a cheapo mountain bike ain't gonna fly. Looking long term, buying once and buying right.

Bike will be stored at work, and ridden frequently, but maintained however much is necessary. I've never had a quality mountain bike, but I did keep my road bike very clean. Sold the roadbike, but this time like to not worry about cars and such.........

edit: I'm 5f 8inch with 30 inch inseam.

[Edited on November 27, 2011 at 2:35 PM. Reason : size]

11/27/2011 2:34:58 PM

Quote :

"Right now it has a Manitou fork and I can already tell that sucks pretty bad, and this is like the second time I've ridden it."

Seems like Fox is the gold standard...

Quote :

"where to buy the bike"

http://trianglemtb.com

11/27/2011 3:30:56 PM

wanting to get a new bike, as I'll ask for gift cards to the bike shop for Christmas

11/27/2011 3:46:32 PM

Quote :

"-$500- $700 bike -where to buy the bike"

If you are insisting on new through a local bike shop, then you get to pick 1 for that price range.

-Decent mid-level fork
-disc brakes
-midish-level components (Shimano deore or higher)


If you go through an online vendor like http://www.bikesdirect.com, and I highly recommend them, then you can pick 2/3.

Based on my preferences, here is what I would recommend--forget about full suspension. Go with hardtail. If you can find a 29er, it is well worth it. You might as well go single speed if you can't get at least deore components (or their SRAM equivalent). Low end components on a mountain bike are so much worse than on a road bike. They aren't durable--a must when you are banging them around a trail and getting them dirty/dusty. They also have to be adjusted constantly. Disc brakes are a must IMO if you plan on doing any technical riding. Mechanical discs are fine, though.

Those aren't any hard and fast rules, just my preferences based on owning a handful of low-end to mid-range mountain bikes and riding the trails around Fayetteville quite a bit for the last couple years.

I own a Dawes Deadeye single speed rigid 29er that I absolutely love and I got it from Bikes Direct for less than $400 new. I also just picked up an older Gary Fisher paragon off Craigslist with a front fork and deore components for less than $300 and I have liked it so far, but I haven't gotten a chance to ride it much.

If it were me with that price range, I would buy this:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_comp_xi.htm

[Edited on November 27, 2011 at 6:32 PM. Reason : d]

11/27/2011 6:29:49 PM

like ^ said that price range is pretty low for a new bike that will actually perform on a trail. if youre just trying to cruise around umstead and hit the occasional bump you'll be fine, but the weaknesses will present themselves pretty quickly on a real trail.

I prefer used since you get a way better bike with way better components for the same money. true enough it takes longer to find the right bike, but it's worth it. Just tell your family to get you visa gift cards or something for the bike (replace them with cash and use them for other expenses).

I have heard good things about bikes direct as well, so it's probably the best place to go if you insist on a new bike. be aware you will have to have a bike mechanic (or someone really good with bikes) assemble it.

11/27/2011 6:39:49 PM

not really mtb, but cool all the same.

12/9/2011 2:49:19 PM

Who's been riding?

4/3/2012 10:31:32 PM

Been riding alot around here in Fayetteville and racing this series.

http://www.southernclassicmtb.org/

4/3/2012 10:39:29 PM

Okay mountain bike pros, what are your thoughts on this bike? http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/technical_trail/remedy/remedy_7#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/mountain/technical_trail/remedy/remedy_7

I don't have a ton of experience with parts and pieces to bikes so I mostly have to look at general specs (suspension, price, etc.) so I figured I'd ask here.

4/4/2012 5:54:31 PM

I'm no pro, and maybe it's just the fact that I bought my HiFi used, but I can't help but think that $2600 should get you better than Deore/SLX.

What kind of riding do you plan on doing?

4/4/2012 6:39:16 PM

To start it will be a lot of Umstead, Lake Crabtree and the American Tobacco Trail, but starting next year it will be a lot more mountain riding when I move to Boone. I like the idea of riding a bit more aggressively which is why the full suspension and disc brakes looked like nice choices.

4/4/2012 7:23:35 PM

that will be a POOR choice in the triangle, but if you have it up in Boone, you will absolutely love it.

relatively light, pedals phenomenally, and AMAZING suspension....and it climbs

4/4/2012 8:55:40 PM

Right, that's why I see it as an investment. I can ride it here to get used to it so I know how it performs in the mountains where I intend to spend the next forever. I just don't know exactly particulars and details about what justifies that price, which is why I asked here.

4/4/2012 9:07:27 PM

Quote :

"$2600 should get you better than Deore/SLX"

Agreed.

In my opinion full suspension is probably a bit much even in Boone (way overkill in the triangle) unless you are gonna be doing some downhill. Personally, I would go 29er hardtail and spend what you save not having rear suspension on better components. That is really where you are gonna feel the difference longterm.

I hate to sound like a broken record beating the bikesdirect drum, but for the same ballpark pricewise, you could get this:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_TeamTI_29_xx.htm

Titanium frame, slight upgrade on the fork, way better components, brakes, wheels.

[Edited on April 4, 2012 at 9:51 PM. Reason : s]

4/4/2012 9:46:29 PM

Quote :

"I don't have a ton of experience with parts and pieces to bikes so I mostly have to look at general specs (suspension, price, etc.) so I figured I'd ask here."

Buy used. You'll get wayyyyyyyyyyyyy more value/components for the dollar spent. $2600 would buy you a MONSTER user bike. Paying $2600 for Deore and SLX is almost laughable.

Quote :

"In my opinion full suspension is probably a bit much even in Boone (way overkill in the triangle) unless you are gonna be doing some downhill."

I don't know...there are some trails around here (Clayton comes to mind) that can benefit from full suspension. Plus when you take trips to more downhill-ish spots you'll be prepared. And Boone is a prime jumping off spot for downhill places. I mean if you're uber skilled then you don't need *any* suspension...it just depends on your skill level.

Quote :

"Personally, I would go 29er hardtail"

I haven't ridden one, but all my hardcore MTB friends have all transitioned to 29er bikes. There must be a reason for that. Check them out Mr. Want's To Spend A Fat Wad

Quote :

"disc brakes looked like nice choices."

Disc brakes shouldn't be an issue at that price point...or even half that. Honestly for the trails you've mentioned around here, you don't need full suspension, or even any suspension at that. But heading out west that shit will come in handy.

Just get a 29er hardtail and see what your needs are after moving out west.

Lastly, that bike you linked to is bordering on a true downhill bike, and you're mentioning the tamest trails around Raleigh. Meet that difference in the middle and buy an all mountain bike of some sort.

^ I was into Bikesdirect for a hot minute but then I discovered I could do *much* better on the used market.

4/4/2012 10:58:07 PM

One of the main benefits of a 29er is the bigger wheel diameter rolls over stuff with much more ease and less "bump". So in terms of ride quality, its probably decent middle ground between 26in hardtail and 26in full suspension.

That race series I mentioned above hits a lot of the major trails in NC and although I haven't ridden many of them myself (yet ), I have talked to a few of the guys who did last year and apparently we already rode the most technically challenging course on the circuit in San Lee (down near Sanford). I'd say it's arguable whether you would be better suited for a full suspension on that course, but I did fine on my hardtail 29er. Like you ^ said, though, this series is cross-country so my experience and comments are mostly based on that. If you are planning on getting into downhill, you might see some benefit to full suspension.

Quote :

"I was into Bikesdirect for a hot minute but then I discovered I could do *much* better on the used market."

That's probably true. For $2600 on the used market, I'd bet you could pretty much get carbon fiber frame and top of the line everything if you were patient.

4/5/2012 7:33:21 AM

Quote :

"In my opinion full suspension is probably a bit much even in Boone"

Quote :

"Meet that difference in the middle and buy an all mountain bike of some sort"

I will say for your first bike, hitting your first technical trails, I'd recommend you stick to full suspension (despite what I said earlier). Once you get better, your need for suspension decreases...but as you're starting, it's a lifesaver. Perhaps a 29er would reduce some of that need for FS on your first bike...but I haven't ridden that much so can't make a judgement there. But you don't need *that* much of a FS bike. It's also 34lbs, which is a bit heavy for the more cross country riding you're talking about.

4/5/2012 9:17:47 AM

So, something like this?

Gary Fisher HIFI Deluxe (new condition) - $2200 (North Hills)
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/2934950721.html

1) This is where not knowing which parts/brands are better for the price is troublesome, and
2) Not knowing the best resource for finding a used bike (which I don't have a tremendous issue with)

4/5/2012 3:35:34 PM

I found the classifieds section of that trianglemtb site, so hopefully that is a decent place to start looking...

4/5/2012 4:12:36 PM

Ha. I saw someone out on single track on a tandem today. Never seen anyone do that before.

4/14/2012 4:15:16 PM

Solo or two riders?

4/14/2012 8:13:52 PM

Two dudes.

[Edited on April 14, 2012 at 8:17 PM. Reason : -]

4/14/2012 8:17:04 PM