Getting ready for mountain biking

[crossada]

J Williams, awesome thread and info, i appreciate it.

bike riding packs has been like hunting the perfect edc for me. rather long and brutal. on your mule is that the sport pack or the military version with pals. i got the military version a few years ago and i do like it but the volume is divided by two small pockets instead of one large one. it works but i can't carry everything i want to.

i did buy a kifaru scout which is what was recommended to me by some mtn bikers so i will be looking forward to trying this one out this year. it is a lumbar pack so it will be different.

 

[BlackHills]

Good thread Jake. :thumbup: About the only thing I can think to add off the top of my head is to carry some kind of boot for a cut tire.

 

[Stormstaff]

As for bike maintenance, here are some sites I compiled a while back...

Sites with Videos
BicycleTutor.com
eHow “How to Fix Bicycles"
Bicycle Maintenance YouTube channel
Gerry Lauzon's How To Fix Bikes

Sites with Text and Graphics
Park Tool website
Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Technical Info
Mike T's Tech Tips
webmountainbike.com
Free Bicycle Maintenance Book

Ummm, THANKS!!!!! I'm bike dumb. Hell, I had to email Jake last year because my kids bike brake were rubbing and I couldn't figure out what adjustment did what, LOL. Turns out the idiot (me) that tightened his chain got the tire unsquare. Nope, didn't even think to check that.

Thanks again Jake and thanks for the links!

 

[Guyon]

J Williams, awesome thread and info, i appreciate it.

bike riding packs has been like hunting the perfect edc for me. rather long and brutal. on your mule is that the sport pack or the military version with pals. i got the military version a few years ago and i do like it but the volume is divided by two small pockets instead of one large one. it works but i can't carry everything i want to.

i did buy a kifaru scout which is what was recommended to me by some mtn bikers so i will be looking forward to trying this one out this year. it is a lumbar pack so it will be different.

I can't say enough about the Camelbak Blowfish. Here are my thoughts posted previously about this pack:

I went in to my local REI to buy the MULE based on all its good reviews. Once there, however, I debated between the Blowfish, the MULE, and the HAWG since all three were on sale. I decided on the Blowfish because of my intended purpose (mountain biking) and because of its sleeker styling and more minimalist design.

Even though another customer tried to talk me into the MULE (and almost had me convinced), I'm glad I went with the Blowfish. The Blowfish doesn't have all the various outer pockets like the MULE; instead, it keeps gear inside and away from possible snags. As such, the pack sits on the back in a more streamline fashion than the MULE.

I appreciate the expandable main compartment, which has plenty of room for things like a mini-pump (built-in sleeve is great), an extra tube, a basic first-aid kit, and a camera. With the expansion deployed, there's also room for rain gear and a few other items. The two smaller front compartments offer plenty of space for items like bike tools, wallet, keys, cell phone, etc.

The pack is very adjustable. The sliding sternum strap is a big plus. The bottom waist strap (more like a belly strap) was unnecessary, but I like the fact that it can be easily removed and stored in the pack should you ever need it.

The 3L reservoir holds plenty of water for even longer rides. And it offers Camelbak's well-functioning bite valve and quality guarantee.

 

[crossada]

thanks Guyon:thumbup: i'm going to look into it

 

[dougo83]

Sweet bike, jake. And good post. Stuff we should all keep in mind on the trails.



PS... I am eyeballin a Pacific Scorpio frame right now.

 

[DWK2]

That's great info on preventive maintenance. I must admit that I don't do nearly enough. I'm far too likely to ride until there is a problem, THEN fix it.

I have several bikes but my favorite is a Fisher Superfly 29er. I really like the predictable and stable handling (and the light weight). I'm not a young racer type so I don't need a fast-handling, bombproof ride.

DancesWithKnives

 

[remmmm]

I don't know why, but I only use my bike for exercise riding through suburbia. When I go into the woods, it's either on foot or canoe.

 

[j williams]

great post...:thumbup::thumbup: very well thought out man...

i also tend to do more hiking this time of year, than riding... we have been getting so much rain lately. the trails over here, have been super soggy.. though wait a few days after it rains, and the they are primo... nice and tacky...

Jake-- we got to hit a ride this time man.. the trails are right out my front door..

Thanks brother.....I really want to get out for a ride this time. I think it will happen this time for sure. :thumbup:

Single speed rigid riders are the real deal. :thumbup:

You'd probably like this article...

http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200908/single-speed-world-championships-1.html


.

Awesome article man....Thanks. :thumbup:

Your right. We are the real deal.

As for bike maintenance, here are some sites I compiled a while back...

Sites with Videos
BicycleTutor.com
eHow “How to Fix Bicycles"
Bicycle Maintenance YouTube channel
Gerry Lauzon's How To Fix Bikes

Sites with Text and Graphics
Park Tool website
Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Technical Info
Mike T's Tech Tips
webmountainbike.com
Free Bicycle Maintenance Book

Awesome!!!!

Thanks for adding that to the thread!:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[j williams]

J Williams, awesome thread and info, i appreciate it.

bike riding packs has been like hunting the perfect edc for me. rather long and brutal. on your mule is that the sport pack or the military version with pals. i got the military version a few years ago and i do like it but the volume is divided by two small pockets instead of one large one. it works but i can't carry everything i want to.

i did buy a kifaru scout which is what was recommended to me by some mtn bikers so i will be looking forward to trying this one out this year. it is a lumbar pack so it will be different.

Mine is the Military version. NBC bladder, bite valve cover, neoprine tube cover. I made a thicker more robust sternum strap for it with a better buckle etc, yesterday. Good to go for this season. :thumbup:

Ive always thought those Kifaru Scouts would make nice biking packs. Ive used my Lunada before and it wasnt bad at all....

Good thread Jake. :thumbup: About the only thing I can think to add off the top of my head is to carry some kind of boot for a cut tire.

Definatly!!! A boot.

Ummm, THANKS!!!!! I'm bike dumb. Hell, I had to email Jake last year because my kids bike brake were rubbing and I couldn't figure out what adjustment did what, LOL. Turns out the idiot (me) that tightened his chain got the tire unsquare. Nope, didn't even think to check that.

Thanks again Jake and thanks for the links!

I was glad to help ya out bro. That goes for anyone around here that has bike questions. Email me at cavalryjake@yahoo.com, and Ill be happy to help ya.

I can't say enough about the Camelbak Blowfish. Here are my thoughts posted previously about this pack:

The blowfish is a nice pack. I like the Havoc too. The Viper is one of my all time faves. Just wish it had more storage. Im liking the mule. 1 compartment for food and gear, other for bike stuff. FAK sits in with the hydration bladder.

Sweet bike, jake. And good post. Stuff we should all keep in mind on the trails.



PS... I am eyeballin a Pacific Scorpio frame right now.

Thanks doug....Hope to see pics of that bike if you score it...

That's great info on preventive maintenance. I must admit that I don't do nearly enough. I'm far too likely to ride until there is a problem, THEN fix it.

I have several bikes but my favorite is a Fisher Superfly 29er. I really like the predictable and stable handling (and the light weight). I'm not a young racer type so I don't need a fast-handling, bombproof ride.

DancesWithKnives

The Fisher Superfly 29er is a badass machine. I like those bikes.

I don't know why, but I only use my bike for exercise riding through suburbia. When I go into the woods, it's either on foot or canoe.

You should try it on a bike. Its a fun way to get in the woods, and cover alot of ground when you dont have much time....

 

[j williams]

Heres some pics of the Havoc I used last season. Official pack of Whistler mountain bike park. This was a great pack. I gotta try em all though, so I sold it....mtnfolk mike has it now I believe...

 

[DWK2]

I don't know why, but I only use my bike for exercise riding through suburbia. When I go into the woods, it's either on foot or canoe.

I used to do most of my riding on the roads (some dirt) but I now like the fact that my bike can get me farther back on trails in the same amount of time. In the Santa Monica Mountains I can do a 14-16 mile excursion in about the same time in takes me to do 4-6 on foot. Once you get in more than 2-3 miles, you run in to a lot fewer folks---even around Los Smogeles.

Give it a try one day!

DancesWithKnives

 

[Stormstaff]

Heres some pics of the Havoc I used last season. Official pack of Whistler mountain bike park. This was a great pack. I gotta try em all though, so I sold it....mtnfolk mike has it now I believe...

I love the look of that bike. I wish I could handle a single speed but even if I was in better shape, I don't know if my knee could take it. I LOVE the simplicity of it though!!

 

[DWK2]

It's pretty mountainous out here and a lot of trails are quite steep. The only guys I've seen who can effectively use a single under those conditions have been young and TOTAL animals---super hardcore. I love the looks and simplicity but on the trails my friends and I ride, even very fit riders would be doing a lot of hike-a-bike.

DancesWithKnives

 

[j williams]

The trails in SoCal are nice....fast, gorgeous terrain.

Ive raced a few Singlespeed races, and I can tell ya, sometimes you can push a bike up a hill faster then riding it. Gears or no gears.

My gear ratio is 34/17. Ive used several other ratios though. This one seems to work the best for me in that its fast, and feels "right" while riding in the woods. Singlespeed riding is a blast. Ive also got a '74 Motobecane Grand Touring that is flip-flop singleespeed/fixie. I ride that one to run errands in spring/summer. Its ratio is a '42/16.

Biking is my heroin. Im addicted. Ive been avid about everything bikes since I was a child. Growing up in SoCal in the 80s and 90s was a great time for mountaing biking, and BMX. I rode a couple BMX races as a young child, and started on mountain bikes when I was like 9 I believe. Growing up watching Hans Rey and riding in the Big Bear Mountains was an absolute treat. Most of my life has been spent in the saddle. Ive only been riding singlespeed for 6 years. It started when I converted my Specialized Hardrock. Had to use a chain tensioner on this one, but I thought it was a blast. Rode this bike for quite a few seasons...

 

[DWK2]

That's true!

As an old, fat bastid, speed uphill isn't much of a consideration for me. For my old friends, staying on the bike (even if crawling slower than someone could hike the bike) is our minor victory. I've tipped over on my side at 1 mph a few times because I didn't want to jump off just before the top of the hill.

DancesWithKnives

 

[j williams]

haha....great point....Ive done that many times myself!!

 

[mdauben]

So that said, it leaves plenty of off season time to fix broken componants or upgrade ones, and to perform maintnance to hit the trails rolling as soon as the trails allow.

Damn! Thanks for reminding me. I've been putting off my winter maintenance for weeks now. Better get to it before I have to waste a good riding weekend in the garage getting the old girl tuned up. :thumbup:

Single speed rigid riders are the real deal. :thumbup:.

That's just too manly for me, cause I love my 18-speed Klein with front suspension!

 

[mtnfolk mike]

That's just too manly for me, cause I love my 18-speed Klein with front suspension!

man, i love the looks of that bike Jake...:thumbup: i wish you could bring it out to Cali..

haha.. i rode a single speed for amy years and would probably still be riding one, if i hadn't had multiple knee surgeries... grrrrrr... i was forced to add gears, so now i ride an 8 speed..

here she is... she's like an overgrown BMX bike, that just loves to go fast downhill...

 

[crossada]

i've got the introductory Specialized hardrock xrc. we don't have mountains where i live but it does a good job on what we do have and the conventional paved bike paths that are popping up all over.