All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Damn son! Send me some of those seeds so I can have a tree out back lolol

 

My Foes Mutz, it is an amazing machine!

 

I'm sure you all will appreciate and/or laugh at me for this but.... my buddy has been hounding me to go downhilling with him for like 2 years. I figured ya know what, f it... I haven't been ridden a bike since I was 20 and I'm 35... what could go wrong.... hahah. Anyway did two clean runs on green and blue trails at Mountain Creek in NJ. 3rd run we did a slightly harder trail but my friends were saying I should be able to handle it if I kept it slow--but I'm 235lbs and have lots of inertia and didn't realize what I was about to do. 90% through the run I went over the bars and landed on my shoulder and tore two ligaments. Had full gear on so other than the bike of course landing on top of me my shoulder was the only injury.

My buddys asked me if I had a good time and I said "Yeah I did have a good time... up until I didn't!" I would be up to try it again but just keep it to the easiest of trails. I also rented a bike and it was beat so there's that aspect. Anyway, lesson learned--keep it to the pussy trails for me if I do it again.

 

I need help deciding on a small update. I currently riding a Cannondale Trail 6 29er
I'm considering upgrading the forks to some RockShox Recon RL.
Or should I sell the bike and purchase either Yeti SB95, Specialized Status ll, or Specialized Stumpjumper ST Alloy.
Any Suggestions?

 

If you plan on riding uphill then either the SB95 for Stumpy ST. I have a Stumpy ST Expert and love it. SB95 is a fairly old design at this point. Status is a pretty serious downhill rig. If you are going to spend most of your time at a bike park it would be a good choice but for spending a day in the woods it might not be a great choice. If you like your Cdale and want to go the least expensive route just upgrade it.

 

I had a 16' Stumpjumper 6Fattie, loved it but had problems with the PF30, 4 in 2 years so I upgraded the frame to a Santa Cruz Bronson at the end of last year. The Bronson is WAY better at everything than the Stumpy!!

 

Hey been AWOL for a little bit. In the middle of busy work stuff and trying to sell and buy a new house. I do ride a Jeffsy! All of the 29ers are 140mm travel except the pro race which is 150mm. I upgraded to 150 from 140 and its been pretty awesome. The carbon fiber frames are a newly designed frame and the Aluminum still uses the older frame. I have an Aluminum model and I have been wheelin and dealin on pinkbike and ebay to upgrade it like crazy. I started on a Trek superfly FS xc bike, then went to an AL Trek Remedy 9, and now I have this Jeffsy and its been the greatest bike I have ever ridden. It is the bike that kind of reignited my love for mtb because the remedy was pretty meh. It was a size too big and super heavy and wasnt very fun for me toride. The jeffsy climbs super well with the eagle drivetrain and just absolutely kills it on the descents. I dont think i would buy another bike to be honest. The suspension is very progressive, so it would be a good host to a coil on the rear if you ride downhill more than up. Its a very very flickable 29er that jumps very well too. I even XC race it sometimes too lol. Im not as fast as the guys in spandex, more like middle of the pack to the rear... never been last though!

Im still learning jumps, just started jumping this year.... but used to jump my KX125 dirtbike a TON back in high school.








https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yy6MTcrfn-o

 

Duuude, I’m sorry man that sucks. Take it easy until you feel comfortable. Riding at 75% is a good place to be, keeping a good margin for error.
Good luck on the healing process.


I’ve been meaning to update the trip progress, but shitty internet won’t let me upload pics.
For now, this is where I a now.

 

OMG dude this is so awesome!!!!! I have been trying to live vicariously though you... your trip and skill wise too hahaa

 

Is there a certain model you would recommend? I’ve had several wrist/hand injuries so I feel like I should give them a shot.
Thanks

 

Hmm, a lot to unpack in your message here. How much are you typically riding? Contrary to popular belief a new bike won't make you faster or a better rider. You can progress to a great level on a basic bike like your Cannondale. But a fork could be a worth upgrade for comfort and safety as you progress. Your new bike options are scattered and also very expensive. Long story short, don't spend money just to have new shit, evaluate your needs first

Thanks for your reply. I think I probably would have bought one yesterday but the guy never texted me back on the deal. Rather, I bought a Kona Santori from my LBS yesterday. Not exactly what I wanted but Konas are bombproof and simple bikes. A return to simplicity isn't a bad thing in my case, I just like to ride

 

I'm leaning more towards Status or upgrading my trail 6,
Thank you for your advice

 

Bronson is my dream bike but they are soooo expensive man

 

The Specialized Status is definitely not a climbing-friendly bike. Typically those are only for descending (downhilling), whereas your Trail 6 is more of a traditional mountain bike that climbs and descends.

 

I fabricated myself a thru axle mount since the 3rd gens don’t come with the bed bar up front to mount to
$15 versus $60 for the bar from Toyota haha

 

Honestly I might just keep my Cannondale and buy the Status to practice my downhilling.

 

Do you have good downhill trails nearby? I know there is windrock in TN but idk how far that is to Memphis haha. A DH and XC bike would definitely be a good option. But if you don’t have a lot of DH riding nearby I’d consider the Stumpjumper ST. You can probably find more used bike options other than the SB95.

 

I usually go to Arkansas to ride and they have plenty of downhill trails there. I guess my question should have been Cannondale/Status or Stumpjumper to begin with lol

 

Truthfully I think you will really regret having a Status in Arkansas. Sounds like a 140mm full suspension would be the perfect only bike for you