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Post by Coolverine on Dec 5, 2020 15:27:52 GMT -5
Bike stuff hasn't been spoken of for a while, but I discovered last week that I can bunnyhop.  I'm not great at it yet, but I am getting better each time I try, feels like something that you have to build up strength for to be able to do well. Was always watching videos of how to do it, tried to follow them but they never really helped. I kept having recurring dreams about being able to do it, one day I just tried the way I remembered from the dreams and it worked, both wheels off the ground. I think I've been doing the English bunnyhop, where you compress the suspension and then let it spring back up to get both wheels off the ground at the same time, I've managed to do it the "American" way a few times but it's definitely more of a challenge. I've even used it to hop over small gaps on the ground. I've also used it to jump off some of the rollers at the trail I go to, the first time I did that, almost flipped over backwards. Definitely not ready for big jumps yet but I want to try someday. |
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Post by ForRealTho on Dec 8, 2020 11:52:45 GMT -5
I should really just start a biking thread. I was going biking with a group but not hanging out with them, the second we were done biking I got in my car and left. They had pizza parties and the like but I skipped it all. With the surge in COVID cases they cancelled all their events till the spring. Its getting into the high 20s/30s here anyway and despite being raised in Alaska I really hate biking when its that cold. Its a balance being warm but not too warm. After always super sweaty and uncomfortable.
Back home I knew dudes who would bike on fat tires even when it was in the negatives, wearing a full facemask and goggles. Not my cup of tea. I am comfortable biking till about 40 degrees. Supposed to get up to 50 this weekend I might go then but it will be alone for sure.
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Post by ForRealTho on Dec 8, 2020 14:43:02 GMT -5
I'm debating dropping 5-8k on a bike in the spring. Haven't made my mind up. Nothing wrong with my bike but just interested in getting an actual trail bike not an XC bike like I currently have.
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Post by Cop on Dec 9, 2020 11:16:51 GMT -5
I was great at hopping back in the day with my BMX, 30+ years ago, lol. Just saying...
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Post by Coolverine on Dec 9, 2020 13:14:12 GMT -5
I never actually learned how to bunnyhop as a kid, could lift the front wheel up but could never work out how to lift the back wheel. Also started with BMX as a kid but then didn't ride a bike again for a very long time. Now I've finally learned how to bunnyhop both wheels at nearly 40 years old, I could scratch that off of the bucket list if I had one. |
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Post by ForRealTho on Dec 13, 2020 19:32:44 GMT -5
I don't know how to do any cool tricks. There is a skill park where I ride and I can take the highest hills and land but nothing crazy. This dude in Fairbanks Alaska rode up the highest hill in the town, not much of a mountain:  I lived there for two years and no thanks. Says its 9 degrees there right now, gets to -30-50 in Jan/Feb. Better man then I doing that shit, the cold overrides my ability to enjoy it. |
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Post by Emig5m on Dec 19, 2020 11:33:30 GMT -5
You guys are n00bs. Here I am around the age of 11 back around 1989 on my brand new GT Vertigo ST..  Attachments:
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Post by ForRealTho on Jun 23, 2021 20:50:21 GMT -5
Went biking today and managed to scratch the shit out of my leg to the point I was bleeding. Looked down and where the internal wiring goes on my bike was frayed. The wire that controls the front shifter is coming apart. Need to get it fixed soon or I won't be able to shift. Wrapped it up in electrical tape for now.
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Post by Coolverine on Jun 25, 2021 2:13:48 GMT -5
I haven't been for a ride in a long time, it was raining in Texas for months. Hoping to go soon, the trails are gradually opening back up now that it's stopped raining.
The last time I got hurt, my front shock bottomed out and it made the bike tip forward. I managed to keep it upright for a moment but lost my balance and fell forward, tried to bail but my hand got caught behind my brake lever as I was falling. Thought I'd broken my hand for a moment, but managed to finish my ride. There's still a scar from it on the back of my hand.
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Post by ForRealTho on Jun 25, 2021 8:39:45 GMT -5
I took a sharp turn which made my bike lean down and me lean into it and the frayed wire cut my leg up pretty good. I didn't even notice the wire. My bike is from 2016 and it has all the original wires and I have ridden it a lot so its not surprising some of the wires are wearing out.
Have been debating if I want to get a new bike or just get all the wires replaced on mine.
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Post by ForRealTho on Jun 25, 2021 10:20:44 GMT -5
The last time I got hurt, my front shock bottomed out and it made the bike tip forward. I managed to keep it upright for a moment but lost my balance and fell forward, tried to bail but my hand got caught behind my brake lever as I was falling. Thought I'd broken my hand for a moment, but managed to finish my ride. There's still a scar from it on the back of my hand. I think I posted about it on here before but either last year or the year before I took a very sharp turn going downhill on a trail I had never been on before and this flat rock was sticking up out of the ground about 2.5 feet, too tall for my 29" tires to power over, hit perpendicular. I went over my handlebars for the first time in over 10 years. I managed to flip myself over in mid air and was just kinda sore from it but otherwise good to go. The weather here is flawless, not a cloud in the sky. Debating going biking after work or giving my leg 1 more day to heal. |
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Post by ForRealTho on Jun 26, 2021 18:47:40 GMT -5
Had an adventure today lol. Perfect weather but hot and humid, in the high 80s. I was biking for almost 3 hours and went down some trails I had never been on before. Decided to make my way back. The park I was at has the parking lot at the top of a large hill. You can go up the trails you come down or the road, but I decided to go to these other trails further down the road, I rode the same route a ton in 2020.
So anyway I go deep into the woods and there is this massive tree down right across the trail. I manage to drag my bike over it, further down the trail there is another downed tree, this one was impossible to get past. Like it completely blocked everything.
I manage to go down 3rd trail, this is the bottom of a very difficult trail here that is built out with like wooden jumps, ramps, and a bridge. There is a huge sign that is like "Do NOT come up here! One way!" It is extremely steep and difficult to drag your bike but the fastest way to the parking lot. Since it is one way I look for another trail.
So there is a branching trail, I go up it...........more downed trees completely blocking everything.
This point I am almost out of water but I am not far from the top of the hill, I'm too tired to ride back down and then go a different way. So I drag my bike up this crazy steep trail that you are NOT meant to walk up. Thankfully nobody came down. Super fun, get to the top exhausted from dragging my bike up, ran out of water in my Camelbak right when I get to the parking lot.
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Post by Coolverine on Jun 29, 2021 6:52:36 GMT -5
I went for a ride for the first time since probably April or May, there were some downed trees. Thought I was gonna be rusty from not going in 2 months but it felt like I was never gone, found my groove again right away. Didn't do too much crazy stuff but I went fast and it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately it started raining later that day and there's rain on the forecast all week, just glad I got a ride in.
Back when I was going regularly, I was doing 10-12 miles on average but there's not much elevation around here. I'm sure if I was somewhere with more elevation, 10-12 miles would be a lot more challenging. One trail I would do 3 laps to get 12 miles and I'd get about 400 feet of elevation gain from that.
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Post by ForRealTho on Jun 29, 2021 11:47:01 GMT -5
Its extremely hilly here so finding flat trails is the issue. Everything twists around and has massive elevation changes, a lot of blind corners.
Been debating getting a new bike. They have this in stock a 10 minute drive from me:
I don't know if I am ready to spend $5-6,000 on a bike. I mean I could do it but what if someone steals it? I would be pissed. On the other hand if I get a new bike I want a significant upgrade.
My current 2016 already has hydraulic disc breaks, air shocks, etc. So its a matter of getting the higher end lighter components. My current bike is built for speed and I am more interested in climbing ability as I am getting older and its so hilly here.
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Post by Emig5m on Jun 29, 2021 17:06:34 GMT -5
Its extremely hilly here so finding flat trails is the issue. Everything twists around and has massive elevation changes, a lot of blind corners. Been debating getting a new bike. They have this in stock a 10 minute drive from me: I don't know if I am ready to spend $5-6,000 on a bike. I mean I could do it but what if someone steals it? I would be pissed.Yup, exactly... I bought a $450 Walmart Mongoose and I can ride anywhere the expensive bikes can. |
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Post by Emig5m on Jun 29, 2021 17:07:39 GMT -5
It's as stupid as me spending $4,500 for two stereo speakers....dumb.
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Post by Coolverine on Jul 5, 2021 9:24:45 GMT -5
If you have enough money to spend on something that you will enjoy, then it's worth it.
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Post by ForRealTho on Jul 5, 2021 13:15:15 GMT -5
Yup, exactly... I bought a $450 Walmart Mongoose and I can ride anywhere the expensive bikes can. The experience is much nicer on an expensive bike. Especially on long rides. I typical ride 3 hours when I go. I would hate to do that on a steel Walmart bike with fake shocks. |
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Post by Emig5m on Jul 5, 2021 20:37:39 GMT -5
Yup, exactly... I bought a $450 Walmart Mongoose and I can ride anywhere the expensive bikes can. The experience is much nicer on an expensive bike. Especially on long rides. I typical ride 3 hours when I go. I would hate to do that on a steel Walmart bike with fake shocks. The steel and the fake shocks aren't the problem...the damned seats will kill your ass in a few minutes! |
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Post by Coolverine on Jul 5, 2021 21:37:57 GMT -5
My bike was $2100 and it's still a pretty entry-level one.
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Post by ForRealTho on Jul 29, 2021 16:50:53 GMT -5
I finally decided to go to the Trek store instead of just looking online. They had a really nice Fuel for $6,000 in stock.........but it was like an XXL made for someone who is 6'4"+. He said the inventory problems are worse now then they were during the start of COVID as so many people want new bikes. The soonest he could have me a new bike was August 16th. I got a quote for a Fuel 8 XT: www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-8/p/33000/Its pretty nice, not sure if I wanna go for it or not. I called another bike shop and all they had was 26", I really want another 29". Another place I am going to call tomorrow. The Supercaliper is another good Trek bike he said is similar to my Superfly 5 but its backordered to January 2022 at the earliest. |
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Post by ForRealTho on Jul 29, 2021 21:37:43 GMT -5
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Post by ForRealTho on Jul 30, 2021 15:28:06 GMT -5
Well its official, I just spent $4,000 on a bike, well $4,065.99
Be here at the latest August 16th they say.
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Post by Coolverine on Sept 9, 2021 10:06:23 GMT -5
Ever get it?
My bike needs maintenance, it makes lots of creaking noise in the front somewhere. Pretty sure the headset needs to be taken apart and cleaned, also the bearings probably need to be cleaned and re-greased as well. Might just take it to a shop and have that done, as well as anything else it might need.
Also looking back, I think it was this video that made me understand bunnyhopping to where I was finally able to do it:
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Post by ForRealTho on Sept 9, 2021 10:11:41 GMT -5
They said it would be August. I called and the guy said he would call me back. An hour later I got a call, he called all of their suppliers and it was delayed till October. Dang.
I am being patient. If it is delayed again till 2022 I might just cancel. My bike just needs a tune up it is still a solid bike. I am reading people riding 15 year old bikes that were $400 new still waiting on new bikes so I have little to complain about.
I haven't been biking as much because it has been raining like mad here and I don't want to deal with muddy trails.
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Post by Coolverine on Sept 12, 2021 11:12:20 GMT -5
That sucks. I've thought about getting a 2nd bike but it's not a necessity, might wait until there's better supply. The bike I have now is great, anyway.
Went for a ride today, went faster and harder than I usually do. Coming around this one turn, my front wheel started slipping and all of a sudden, my left foot kicked out to keep me from sliding out and I didn't miss a beat. It was a complete reflex action, didn't even think about it. Guess that means I'm getting better, might be time to finally start going to the more difficult trails around here.
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Post by Coolverine on Sept 19, 2021 15:15:00 GMT -5
Also I found where the creaking is coming from, turns out it wasn't in the headset at all. There were a few bolts on the rear that got loose over time, tightened them back up, but they both have to be torqued to a certain spec. I don't have a torque wrench that small, might have to buy one. For now I just tightened em so they're tight, but not over-tight.
This is one downside to having a FS bike.
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Post by Coolverine on Sept 27, 2021 6:08:13 GMT -5
Got hurt the last time I went biking, fell on my hip. I don't think anything's broken but something definitely got jarred. Was still able to finish my ride that day though. If it doesn't feel any better by Wednesday, I'm gonna have to go to the doctor. *edit* Feeling better today, also it's not popping anymore which is a relief.
Something crazy, I use an Altoids box in the back/side pocket of my shorts to keep a few things in when I'm riding (keys, ID, a few band-aids, etc). When I fell, I landed right on it and it got crushed almost completely flat, but I think it actually cushioned my fall some. I hammered it back out and fixed it but after inspecting it, decided to not keep it in my pocket when I'm riding anymore. It's possible for the metal it's made of to crumple and potentially bend/break into a sharp point, so that's not a good idea to have in my pocket. I bought a hardshell case with a zipper from Amazon that's slightly bigger but should still fit in my pocket. Should be safer to use, also it was only $6.
*edit* The product was overnighted for free, looks nice but I won't be able to test it yet. I was hoping it would have a little more room inside but it works. I'm not sure about the dye, seems like it could possibly come off, so I'm gonna keep it in a ziploc bag in my pocket when I go riding. I had to take off the pull-tabs on the zippers because they're solid metal and could become dangerous in the event of a fall.
*edit* Did remove the zippers and replaced them with a rubber band until I can find something better, but it's perfect for what I needed it for. The shorts I wear when I go riding are a little baggy and have big pockets, so there's plenty of room for it. Also when I take my Osprey backpack on longer rides, I can keep it in there instead of my pocket. |
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Post by Coolverine on Oct 16, 2021 8:10:03 GMT -5
Something I've been realizing lately, my leg muscles are getting a lot bigger (especially the quadriceps) and because of this, I'm starting to have trouble fitting into my jeans. Gonna have to buy new ones I think. They fit, just getting close to being too tight. I don't like tight confining jeans, they hurt my balls. I don't see how there's dudes out there who like to wear tight jeans.
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Post by ForRealTho on Oct 16, 2021 11:41:19 GMT -5
I don't keep anything in my shorts when I ride. I keep everything in my now 15 year old Camelbak. I have replaced the bladder like 5 times now but the backpack itself is still fine. I paid like $55 for it in 2006 I think.
Also I used to hate skinny jeans but its all I have worn for casual wear for years now. They make skinny jeans that look like denim but aren't actually so they stretch and are way more comfortable then like normal Levis.
Its now the middle of October and my bike still isn't here. I assume when I call Trek will say its delayed till 2022.
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I'm not great at it yet, but I am getting better each time I try, feels like something that you have to build up strength for to be able to do well. Was always watching videos of how to do it, tried to follow them but they never really helped. I kept having recurring dreams about being able to do it, one day I just tried the way I remembered from the dreams and it worked, both wheels off the ground. I think I've been doing the English bunnyhop, where you compress the suspension and then let it spring back up to get both wheels off the ground at the same time, I've managed to do it the "American" way a few times but it's definitely more of a challenge. I've even used it to hop over small gaps on the ground. I've also used it to jump off some of the rollers at the trail I go to, the first time I did that, almost flipped over backwards. Definitely not ready for big jumps yet but I want to try someday.
