How (and why) to Ramble on your goat sideways
Tour de Franzia
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Are you riding on pavement or on dirt? (I'm confused by a dual-suspension 26 and a 29 of any type being mentioned in the same sentence.)
Both of my daily-drivers have been hardtail 26s. I run moderately sized rubber (26x1.75) at 70-80 PSI, and have no problems at all with a 5-6 mile ride on reasonably paved roads, even at 25 MPH. I *do* have a nice, comfy saddle (sprung and padded) in place of the ball-destroyer that comes as standard equipment on most MTBs.
Both of my daily-drivers have been hardtail 26s. I run moderately sized rubber (26x1.75) at 70-80 PSI, and have no problems at all with a 5-6 mile ride on reasonably paved roads, even at 25 MPH. I *do* have a nice, comfy saddle (sprung and padded) in place of the ball-destroyer that comes as standard equipment on most MTBs.
I will have something special for my genetic legacy.
If you're just dabbling, scour CL for a 2000-2004ish aluminum 26" hardtail with nice parts. I picked up a 2001 GT Zaskar with XT/XTR for about $200. It's lighter and faster than just about anything out there.
Granted, it's not what you'd call a comfy bike, but then I'm not mountain biking every day, and for $200, you can't beat the performance.
Then if you love it, geek out and blow $3000 on a high-zoot dual suspension carbon/ti robot thing or a handwelded custom steel frame.
Granted, it's not what you'd call a comfy bike, but then I'm not mountain biking every day, and for $200, you can't beat the performance.
Then if you love it, geek out and blow $3000 on a high-zoot dual suspension carbon/ti robot thing or a handwelded custom steel frame.
What's the cheapest 29" dual suspension bike worth buying?
This is looking like the best 29" hard-tail value out there.
This is looking like the best 29" hard-tail value out there.
I always focus on frame first, since everything else can be upgraded piece by piece.
As for "comfort"...well, there really isn't any on a DS bike. If you make it soft enough to not feel the small stuff, you'll blow through the travel on any big hits. Like good car suspension, custom shock tuning (pushindustries.com) can be a big help. I had them revalve my shock so the bike pedals flat under my fat ***.
Screw it, just go for this.
Last edited by czubaka; 04-23-2013 at 09:00 PM. Reason: Bike porn
Elite Member
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I love my $200 bike. It is too cheap for this forum though.
Had it for 9 years, beat on it pretty hard IMHO for east coast stuff anyway, still runs great.
Not mine but same.
Bought same bike for my dad and wife. Brother has the 'fanciest' version with disc brakes and name brand forks, shock, hubs, etc. He got his off amazon last year for about 250 shipped. but I prefer the squishier brakes and suspension on my bike.
Still about $200.
Amazon.com: Mongoose Pro Wing Comp Dual Suspension Mountain Bike (16-Inch Frame): Sports & Outdoors
Had it for 9 years, beat on it pretty hard IMHO for east coast stuff anyway, still runs great.
Not mine but same.
Bought same bike for my dad and wife. Brother has the 'fanciest' version with disc brakes and name brand forks, shock, hubs, etc. He got his off amazon last year for about 250 shipped. but I prefer the squishier brakes and suspension on my bike.
Still about $200.
Amazon.com: Mongoose Pro Wing Comp Dual Suspension Mountain Bike (16-Inch Frame): Sports & Outdoors
My ride , Cannondale scalpel 2, full carbon ,lefty fork , Crank Brothers 26" cobalt lefty wheel set added since photo. 24. 8 lbs ready to ride . Only thing I like better than my Miata
Last edited by fredb; 04-24-2013 at 12:35 AM. Reason: Spelling
Boost Pope
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When I was at UF, I used locks which were of the "braided stainless rope coated with flexible plastic" variety, and I never lost a bike, despite leaving it parked on campus out in the open for four solid years. Of my friends who fell victim, all had some variety of U-lock.
The problems I had all related to my car, a pristine 1971 VW Beetle convertible. First they broke in by prying out the vent window and ******* it all up (despite the fact that the ******* doors were unlocked) in order to steal my crappy K-Mart radio and a few Aerosmith cassettes. Then they stole both side mirrors (they just twist right out), then someone pried open the engine lid and stole the main ignition coil wire (from the coil to the distributor), and finally someone jumped onto the hood, crushing it inwards. That poor car took a hell of a beating.
Lesson: if you live on campus, and you own a car, make sure it's a totally inconspicuous, crappy old car.
When I bought a motorcycle, I followed this rule and bought an inconspicuous, crappy old motorcycle. A CB250 nighthawk. Never had a single problem.
I have had the opposite luck. And of the two I would choose my luck to be honest.
My bike was also locked up with a braided and coated cable type lock. one day I came out to use it to get to class and it was gone along with the lock. 3 weeks later the cut lock was hanging on my dorm room handle. So whoever stole it knew it was mine, and clearly did not like me for one reason or another.
My car however, I have had very few issues with my car, I DD the miata and park it on campus due to the lack of any other choice. There are a few paint chips from who knows what, but nothing has been stolen from it, or from inside it in the 4 years I have been on campus.
My bike was also locked up with a braided and coated cable type lock. one day I came out to use it to get to class and it was gone along with the lock. 3 weeks later the cut lock was hanging on my dorm room handle. So whoever stole it knew it was mine, and clearly did not like me for one reason or another.
My car however, I have had very few issues with my car, I DD the miata and park it on campus due to the lack of any other choice. There are a few paint chips from who knows what, but nothing has been stolen from it, or from inside it in the 4 years I have been on campus.
i always had decent luck with cars on campus, then again that miata was fairly beat up anyway. but i always parked in the back of the lot next to the nicer cars. never had a problem.
Boost Czar
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tell us how you really feel, Braineack:
MX-5 Miata Forum - View Single Post - [NA] How do Koni's or Bilstein HD's ride(DD occasional autocross)
MX-5 Miata Forum - View Single Post - [NA] How do Koni's or Bilstein HD's ride(DD occasional autocross)
Tour de Franzia
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Just had to walk away from the work computer, lol. Jesus **** I hate hate hate lazy ******* people.
I simply asked for 5 pieces of data and I was told to get in my car and drive over to dig through paper files. MOTHERFUCK YOUR LIVES!!!!
I simply asked for 5 pieces of data and I was told to get in my car and drive over to dig through paper files. MOTHERFUCK YOUR LIVES!!!!
quick question, about to order a clutch set from Emilio. For a 250hp goal and the intention on beating the hell out of it. Go for the organic with a 260ft/lbs rating, or just get the ceramic? need advice