Official cyclist thread (Page 22 of 26)
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New bike! Recently completed my longest XC race so far: the Stokesville 40K: Attached File Bike that day was an old beater Motobecane SL 29er full suspension with SRAM 1x12 which I’ve ridden since 2021. Broke parts and upgraded them along the way; it has not been a terrible bike at all (especially not for the $1,300 I paid for it from Bike Island in ‘21). A friend won the race, and noticing how old/cheap my bike was, he offered to sell me this: Attached File It’s not the newest SWorks Epic, but it’s light-years ahead of my old bike. I love it!  It’s immediately evident this thing is much lighter and faster in every way. There is just so much less mass to get moving and keep moving on this bike. Already planning for when the old Specialized “Brain 2.0” rear shock eventually quits (they dropped this automatic lockout system entirely in 2021 or so). I have SID Luxe 190x45 on the way, plus the hardware to fit it. |
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Originally Posted By AeroE: I don't know about the carbon bars, depending on construction (basically number of plies and layup schedule) they could be more flexible than metal bars. I want bars with a little sweep at an angle that puts my hands in a natural position. The Nitto68 bars sold by Rivendell look like they would work, but they are expensive and out of stock anyway. I forgot to post a photo of the current set up on my bike, I'll do that later. I received a cortisone shot last June when at my second visit to the hand surgeon after 15 months of constant pain. He just said to come back this coming June for another injection. That's not what I call fun . You also might try ESI chunky grips. They are not expensive and do a much better job of shock absorption than the rubber grips you have on there now. |
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Originally Posted By Dominion21: New bike! Recently completed my longest XC race so far: the Stokesville 40K: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/417478/IMG_9950_jpeg-3743336.JPG Bike that day was an old beater Motobecane SL 29er full suspension with SRAM 1x12 which I've ridden since 2021. Broke parts and upgraded them along the way; it has not been a terrible bike at all (especially not for the $1,300 I paid for it from Bike Island in '21). A friend won the race, and noticing how old/cheap my bike was, he offered to sell me this: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/417478/098CE17B-429D-4E51-93C4-A895389C93E2_jpe-3743338.JPG It's not the newest SWorks Epic, but it's light-years ahead of my old bike. I love it! It's immediately evident this thing is much lighter and faster in every way. There is just so much less mass to get moving and keep moving on this bike. Already planning for when the old Specialized "Brain 2.0" rear shock eventually quits (they dropped this automatic lockout system entirely in 2021 or so). I have SID Luxe 190x45 on the way, plus the hardware to fit it. |
License to slouch.
Mitchell!
Mitchell!
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Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: You also might try ESI chunky grips. They are not expensive and do a much better job of shock absorption than the rubber grips you have on there now. Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: Originally Posted By AeroE: I don't know about the carbon bars, depending on construction (basically number of plies and layup schedule) they could be more flexible than metal bars. I want bars with a little sweep at an angle that puts my hands in a natural position. The Nitto68 bars sold by Rivendell look like they would work, but they are expensive and out of stock anyway. I forgot to post a photo of the current set up on my bike, I'll do that later. I received a cortisone shot last June when at my second visit to the hand surgeon after 15 months of constant pain. He just said to come back this coming June for another injection. That's not what I call fun . You also might try ESI chunky grips. They are not expensive and do a much better job of shock absorption than the rubber grips you have on there now. Thanks, I'll take a look. I like the support from Ergo style grips. My wife's bike has Ergo with much wider wings, mine were on the rack in the bike shop. Last weekend I was adjusting both bikes and my wife mentioned she wanted a new one that's easier to mount, but the real issue is getting over the seat. We'll see. |
Keep your powder dry, and watch your back trail.
I'm watching my back trail.
I'm watching my back trail.
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Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: You also might try ESI chunky grips. They are not expensive and do a much better job of shock absorption than the rubber grips you have on there now. Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: Originally Posted By AeroE: I don't know about the carbon bars, depending on construction (basically number of plies and layup schedule) they could be more flexible than metal bars. I want bars with a little sweep at an angle that puts my hands in a natural position. The Nitto68 bars sold by Rivendell look like they would work, but they are expensive and out of stock anyway. I forgot to post a photo of the current set up on my bike, I'll do that later. I received a cortisone shot last June when at my second visit to the hand surgeon after 15 months of constant pain. He just said to come back this coming June for another injection. That's not what I call fun . You also might try ESI chunky grips. They are not expensive and do a much better job of shock absorption than the rubber grips you have on there now. Thanks, I'll take a look. I like the support from Ergo style grips. My wife's bike has Ergo with much wider wings, mine were on the rack in the bike shop. The existing bars are fine for a short ride on my road, but after a while I need a different position. Last weekend I was adjusting both bikes and my wife mentioned she wanted a new one that's easier to mount, but the real issue is getting over the seat. We'll see. I also removed all of the nose down tilt on my saddle. I'll take a level along on my next long ride to make a minor nose down adjustment to reduce pressure without sliding. |
Keep your powder dry, and watch your back trail.
I'm watching my back trail.
I'm watching my back trail.
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Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Time to build a bike https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/163367/IMG_8836_jpeg-3744502.JPG Float X2? It’s your funeral. JK, I’d have one if they worked on my bikes. |
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Remember to kick it over, no one will guide you through armagideon time...
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Remember to kick it over, no one will guide you through armagideon time...
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Originally Posted By TZ250: Float X2? It’s your funeral. JK, I’d have one if they worked on my bikes. I’ve had a previous gen X2 and had to get a replacement on warranty. This will be my second gen2 X2. My other one was great. Definitely an improvement over the gen 1s. |
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Bikes mostly together. The shop had the wrong crank size so I’m still waiting on those and I can’t find my other 203mm brake adaptor. Attached File Attached File |
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Rode Moab last weekend. Perfect weather. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand, Paul Bhranfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933, Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics...
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Originally Posted By WWolfe: Rode Moab last weekend. Perfect weather. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_1_jpeg-3746224.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_2_jpeg-3746225.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_3_jpeg-3746226.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_4_jpeg-3746227.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_5_jpeg-3746228.JPG This forum needs a like button |
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Remember to kick it over, no one will guide you through armagideon time...
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Remember to kick it over, no one will guide you through armagideon time...
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Yeti SB160 maiden voyage today. Man this thing rides and pedals so well. Best climbing enduro bike I’ve ridden. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Yeti SB160 maiden voyage today. Man this thing rides and pedals so well. Best climbing enduro bike I’ve ridden. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/163367/IMG_8932_jpeg-3748769.JPG That is a sweet ride! Looked it up on Yeti’s site and learned something new about their tech. |
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Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Yeti SB160 maiden voyage today. Man this thing rides and pedals so well. Best climbing enduro bike I’ve ridden. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/163367/IMG_8932_jpeg-3748769.JPG That thing is awesome |
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Originally Posted By WWolfe: Rode Moab last weekend. Perfect weather. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_1_jpeg-3746224.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_2_jpeg-3746225.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_3_jpeg-3746226.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_4_jpeg-3746227.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_5_jpeg-3746228.JPG I can feel myself sucking wind just looking at those pictures. Being susceptible to altitude sickness sucks. |
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Originally Posted By AeroE: I don't know about the carbon bars, depending on construction (basically number of plies and layup schedule) they could be more flexible than metal bars. I want bars with a little sweep at an angle that puts my hands in a natural position. The Nitto68 bars sold by Rivendell look like they would work, but they are expensive and out of stock anyway. I forgot to post a photo of the current set up on my bike, I'll do that later. I received a cortisone shot last June when at my second visit to the hand surgeon after 15 months of constant pain. He just said to come back this coming June for another injection. That's not what I call fun . SQ Labs has bars in a ton of bends and materials. I like the compliance of One Up carbon bars, but I do feel like a bit more backsweep would help my old wrists. Using ODI push ons, squishy and thin. |
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A lot of yearning here.. I've now missed an enduro race and a triathlon from the merry-go-round of illness my family's been on this year. Great pictures! Most handlebars seem to be about 8° of backsweep, but the PNW Loam bars are 10°. |
More Driveway Series Racing Driveway Series! April 16, 2026 - CAT 3/4 |
Living in the free state of Texas
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Originally Posted By WWolfe: Rode Moab last weekend. Perfect weather. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_1_jpeg-3746224.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_2_jpeg-3746225.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_3_jpeg-3746226.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_4_jpeg-3746227.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489002/moab_-_5_jpeg-3746228.JPG Man Moab is amazing. I haven’t been in years. |
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Originally Posted By Dominion21: That is a sweet ride! Looked it up on Yeti’s site and learned something new about their tech. Originally Posted By Dominion21: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Yeti SB160 maiden voyage today. Man this thing rides and pedals so well. Best climbing enduro bike I’ve ridden. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/163367/IMG_8932_jpeg-3748769.JPG That is a sweet ride! Looked it up on Yeti’s site and learned something new about their tech. I was a little skeptical on the infinity link. Was wondering if it was a gimmick or not. I’ve only ridden for 10 miles so far but I can really feel the efficiency in pedaling. It climbs crazy good for an enduro bike. |
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Originally Posted By Ranxerox911: That thing is awesome Originally Posted By Ranxerox911: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Yeti SB160 maiden voyage today. Man this thing rides and pedals so well. Best climbing enduro bike I’ve ridden. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/163367/IMG_8932_jpeg-3748769.JPG That thing is awesome Thanks! 
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| Since getting out of the bodybuilding/power lifting I've been downsizing a lot and picked up a brand new Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29 hard tail for 250 bucks that was sitting in a neighbors garage since 2016 un-ridden. He bought it, took it home and never used it. I cleaned it up, made sure things were lubed properly, tossed on some Schwalbe Hurricane tires and been riding it around a 4 mile hard dirt track in our subdivision that's used for construction vehicles. I think I need to update the brake/brake disc's and pads though, being a bit of a heavier rider and having a tons of steep down hill at my disposal. This is my first bike in probably 25 years so learning a shit load atm. |
| Anybody here use a water bladder or hydration pack on the bike? I'm having a hard time finding one that has enough flow to make me happy. The Apidura is pathetic and the Big Bite from Camelback isn't much better. Anybody have a high flow valve reco that is actually high flow? |
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Anybody here use a water bladder or hydration pack on the bike? I'm having a hard time finding one that has enough flow to make me happy. The Apidura is pathetic and the Big Bite from Camelback isn't much better. Anybody have a high flow valve reco that is actually high flow? 2l on my gravel bike. It was the biggest one I was happy to fit in the frame. Attached File Plus I carry a bottle with electrolyte mix (tail wind) The small bag below is full of clifblocks and uncrustables 
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Originally Posted By Headspacer: Just tuned up the ebike. https://tnstatic.net/attachments/17762764348674280685663658156973-jpg.1202187/ These class 1 bikes are a hoot! 1200miles on it already and it's not even a year old.  |
License to slouch.
Mitchell!
Mitchell!
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I got a new go pro hero 13 black. I’ll link a video shortly Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By -Ascent-: I was a little skeptical on the infinity link. Was wondering if it was a gimmick or not. I’ve only ridden for 10 miles so far but I can really feel the efficiency in pedaling. It climbs crazy good for an enduro bike. Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Originally Posted By Dominion21: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Yeti SB160 maiden voyage today. Man this thing rides and pedals so well. Best climbing enduro bike I’ve ridden. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/163367/IMG_8932_jpeg-3748769.JPG That is a sweet ride! Looked it up on Yeti’s site and learned something new about their tech. I was a little skeptical on the infinity link. Was wondering if it was a gimmick or not. I’ve only ridden for 10 miles so far but I can really feel the efficiency in pedaling. It climbs crazy good for an enduro bike. At first glance of your bike, I mistook the infinity link for a motor, and thought I was looking at an E-bike! (it is not). The infinity link is really distinctive. Are any other manufacturers using it? We should really start a new thread on “extreme / unusual / brilliant biking innovations (success and failure)”  By comparison, my 2020 S-Works originally came with the Specialized “Brain 2.0” rear shock : - an early attempt at automatic lock-out. It was dropped around 2023. The latest replacement has been the electronic “flight attendant” suspension (which I cannot afford at the moment). 
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Originally Posted By Dominion21: At first glance of your bike, I mistook the infinity link for a motor, and thought I was looking at an E-bike! (it is not). The infinity link is really distinctive. Are any other manufacturers using it? We should really start a new thread on “extreme / unusual / brilliant biking innovations (success and failure)” By comparison, my 2020 S-Works originally came with the Specialized “Brain 2.0” rear shock : - an early attempt at automatic lock-out. It was dropped around 2023. The latest replacement has been the electronic “flight attendant” suspension (which I cannot afford at the moment). https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfoDLIhb_UY/WVihbWsn9vI/AAAAAAAACOE/vTzmv12LFKkfUA5oNXruGZHPV2rbsP0wQCLcBGAs/s1600/Specialized_Epic_2018_Brain.jpg Originally Posted By Dominion21: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Originally Posted By Dominion21: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Yeti SB160 maiden voyage today. Man this thing rides and pedals so well. Best climbing enduro bike I’ve ridden. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/163367/IMG_8932_jpeg-3748769.JPG That is a sweet ride! Looked it up on Yeti’s site and learned something new about their tech. I was a little skeptical on the infinity link. Was wondering if it was a gimmick or not. I’ve only ridden for 10 miles so far but I can really feel the efficiency in pedaling. It climbs crazy good for an enduro bike. At first glance of your bike, I mistook the infinity link for a motor, and thought I was looking at an E-bike! (it is not). The infinity link is really distinctive. Are any other manufacturers using it? We should really start a new thread on “extreme / unusual / brilliant biking innovations (success and failure)” By comparison, my 2020 S-Works originally came with the Specialized “Brain 2.0” rear shock : - an early attempt at automatic lock-out. It was dropped around 2023. The latest replacement has been the electronic “flight attendant” suspension (which I cannot afford at the moment). https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfoDLIhb_UY/WVihbWsn9vI/AAAAAAAACOE/vTzmv12LFKkfUA5oNXruGZHPV2rbsP0wQCLcBGAs/s1600/Specialized_Epic_2018_Brain.jpg The infinity link is Yeti specific. I’m sold on it. I have about 30 miles on it now and it’s living up to the hype. Specialized does always have something new. They came out with the genie shock in 2024 but I haven’t messed with it. |
I’m new to making videos. I recently bought a new go pro. Here’s one I threw together. Standing boy Trails | Sky Shark | Swaveys | Lickety Split | Chufi | Part 1 |
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Originally Posted By -Ascent-: I'm new to making videos. I recently bought a new go pro. Here's one I threw together.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5WON3wdlzkGive me 30mph turns with a pack of 50 any day. |
Living in the free state of Texas
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Originally Posted By Fourman: As a roadie......I just can't get over the speed you do over that stuff.....I would be so dead Give me 30mph turns with a pack of 50 any day. Originally Posted By Fourman: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: I'm new to making videos. I recently bought a new go pro. Here's one I threw together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5WON3wdlzkGive me 30mph turns with a pack of 50 any day. It’s crazy when you guys are in a big group at high speeds and cornering. One person messes up and everyone goes down. I just have to look out for those pesky trees
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Originally Posted By -Ascent-: It's crazy when you guys are in a big group at high speeds and cornering. One person messes up and everyone goes down. I just have to look out for those pesky trees Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Originally Posted By Fourman: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: I'm new to making videos. I recently bought a new go pro. Here's one I threw together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5WON3wdlzkGive me 30mph turns with a pack of 50 any day. It's crazy when you guys are in a big group at high speeds and cornering. One person messes up and everyone goes down. I just have to look out for those pesky trees Don't get me started with racing in the rain....that really sucks. I only do it if it is a major race. My weekly races are nope. |
Living in the free state of Texas
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I road Jarrod’s place in Summerville GA. More pics and videos to come. The Yeti did phenomenal. Attached File |
Video from Jarrod’s place. I ended up skipping some of the wood features. It had been raining on and off. It was running pretty slow.  Jarrods Place | Air Supply | Kids Eat Free | Double wide | Cindy Crawford Drop |
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Originally Posted By -Ascent-: I’m new to making videos. I recently bought a new go pro. Here’s one I threw together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5WON3wdlzkVid came out good. Good sense of speed and great sound. Hearing tires digging in and suspension doing its thing is like 80% of a good mtb video. |
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Originally Posted By AgeOne: Vid came out good. Good sense of speed and great sound. Hearing tires digging in and suspension doing its thing is like 80% of a good mtb video. Originally Posted By AgeOne: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: I’m new to making videos. I recently bought a new go pro. Here’s one I threw together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5WON3wdlzkVid came out good. Good sense of speed and great sound. Hearing tires digging in and suspension doing its thing is like 80% of a good mtb video. Thanks. I was thinking about getting a dead cat to try and cut down on some of the wind noise. |
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Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Thanks. I was thinking about getting a dead cat to try and cut down on some of the wind noise. Originally Posted By -Ascent-: Originally Posted By AgeOne: Originally Posted By -Ascent-: I’m new to making videos. I recently bought a new go pro. Here’s one I threw together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5WON3wdlzkVid came out good. Good sense of speed and great sound. Hearing tires digging in and suspension doing its thing is like 80% of a good mtb video. Thanks. I was thinking about getting a dead cat to try and cut down on some of the wind noise. I use the foam cover on mine. It helps some. |
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Remember to kick it over, no one will guide you through armagideon time...
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Remember to kick it over, no one will guide you through armagideon time...
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Originally Posted By Arkturus: We have different ideas of "good fun". Mine doesn't involve personal insults toward people that are trying to make healthy changes. All are truly welcome in my sport of cycling when I am around. Both the amazing athletes and the fat using whatever tools the need to, to get off the starting line. In fact the fat, slow and old..are the most allowed and welcome in my book. They need the most help and encouragement, not shit slung at them for using the tools they need to, to make positive changes for themselves. Sling shit at me. Welcome them with grace. Fat guy checking in. Whoop !!! Whoop !!!! 2018 Santa Cruz R 29” It’s actually a new bike. I rode a steel frame trek while this sat. Trek is gone. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By WarDawg: Fat guy checking in. Whoop !!! Whoop !!!! 2018 Santa Cruz R 29” It’s actually a new bike. I rode a steel frame trek while this sat. Trek is gone. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26301/IMG_8767_jpeg-3755157.JPG Originally Posted By WarDawg: Originally Posted By Arkturus: We have different ideas of "good fun". Mine doesn't involve personal insults toward people that are trying to make healthy changes. All are truly welcome in my sport of cycling when I am around. Both the amazing athletes and the fat using whatever tools the need to, to get off the starting line. In fact the fat, slow and old..are the most allowed and welcome in my book. They need the most help and encouragement, not shit slung at them for using the tools they need to, to make positive changes for themselves. Sling shit at me. Welcome them with grace. Fat guy checking in. Whoop !!! Whoop !!!! 2018 Santa Cruz R 29” It’s actually a new bike. I rode a steel frame trek while this sat. Trek is gone. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26301/IMG_8767_jpeg-3755157.JPG Heck yeah. Can’t go wrong with a Santa Cruz
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Many of you men have children; if not, then you likely have nephews or nieces. Only you can get them cycling, and here’s a great way to do it: sign them up with a local NICA club and start biking and racing off-road with others their age. - watch this video (there is even shooting, at the 8:10 mark). Not the newest video, but it makes the case.  Singletrack High: Redux To sign up, start here and find your state NICA organization: https://nationalmtb.org/ I am a NICA Coach. Please ask any/all questions I might be able to answer.
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 Driveway April 23, 2026 - CAT 2/3 Grand Prix Loop CW |
Living in the free state of Texas
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Originally Posted By Dominion21: Many of you men have children; if not, then you likely have nephews or nieces. Only you can get them cycling, and here’s a great way to do it: sign them up with a local NICA club and start biking and racing off-road with others their age. - watch this video (there is even shooting, at the 8:10 mark). Not the newest video, but it makes the case. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6BUJg07ooQTo sign up, start here and find your state NICA organization: https://nationalmtb.org/ I am a NICA Coach. Please ask any/all questions I might be able to answer. I’m familiar with NICA it’s a good program. Our local club does good work. Not really an XC guy but I help out the kids that want to make the jump to DH, enduro and freeride. |
Official cyclist thread (Page 22 of 26)
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