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

ive been riding mountain bikes since 1996 at a high level. Unfortunately i've been working in the bike industry from the same year (why i'll never make much $$) A dropper posts is the single most game changing thing I've witnessed yet. Disc brakes aren't even a close second. I can bunny hop a cross bike over standard barriers with out a dropper, and I've ridden big, big stuff with out one yet having a dropper makes it all more efficient, faster and most important SAFER!
also i am 5'6" so i'll naturally make a bigger deal about it than many taller folks.

 

Im gonna go ahead and say you probably don’t need a dropper for that. I’ve rolled stuff that looks similar and it’s just a matter of putting the seat where it doesn’t take out important stuff. Usually the seat ends up near your chest somewhere. I definitely prefer a dropper especially for when my wheels are leaving the ground but they aren’t required.

 

Actually yeah.. peep youtube or trailforks or pink bike for "bennett gap" or "bennett corner" theres lots of video. Most people walk the ride around. Optics are always key.
I don't need validation, but I'll raise a friendly wager. $30 gas card sent to any one who rides this direct line on bennett with a rigid post with photo proof...
It can certainly be done, but Ive even gone OTB with a post down on this move. I like having fun.

here is fellow taco driver steady spin's vid... doing the ride around. skip to 3:25 or so: https://youtu.be/3yYHeu7lMX0

 

I’ve ridden bikes in about 15 states and a few different countries, on all types of terrain. Never did I claim droppers are essential. But to talk about them as if they’re a gimmick is just crazy. Of all the things in the industry that have been changed for no reason (boost spacing, internal cable routing, carbon handlebars, etc.) the dropper is in my opinion one of the best developments. It has nothing to do with lack of skill. I look at lines I used to ride on a hard tail 29er with no dropper (before 29er geo was sweet) and it while it was obviously doable, A dropper would have made it much less sketchy. I’m confident in my ability with or without one but if I had the choice, I’ll stick with a dropper 100% of the time. The anti-dropper guys are the new “26 aint dead” crowd.

 

My bike rack set up over the BakrevolerX2. I bought a MTB for my 50 birthday and took it on some local trail. I wish I started this 20 or 30 years ago but better late than never. Liked it so much I bought a full suspension too. I am a beginner so just having fun learning about my local trails.

 

I’ve been riding since cantilever brakes were the hot thing and the closest thing to a dropper was a QR seatpost binder (well, there were ads for the HiteRite in magazines but I never saw one). I am not a fast downhill guy but I use mine constantly on trail/XC rides. Our son recently got one and he was amazed at what a difference it makes (he’s 6’1”). Not a gimmick in my opinion but it’s all good ... some people ride singlespeeds

 

What's the bike on the passengers side? It looks pretty short. would it fit in the 5ft bed at an angle with the tailgate closed?

 

Plane wreck gap

 

I totally see the value in droppers where there’s lots of technicality, rock drops, and just generally where you have to get back off the seat often. That’s not the case anywhere near me and the last time I can think where I might have used one was descending Heartbreak Ridge to Star Gap in ORAMM. I binned it hard at the base at least one year and cleaned it the other years but had to learn the line the hard way. Damn hecklers... go left, go right, straight in, oh just huck it!

 

Has anybody been to Bentonville for the outerbike event?

 

Drz400sm... not really all that short....

 

Why does something have to be "essential?" We all ride bikes for fun, if a dropper makes my riding more fun, then I consider it essential.

I'm with you on this. Bennett Gap would be miserable without a dropper

 

A seatpost is essential. The dropper is just a type of seatpost.

Edited for being an asshat.

 

What are the details on those cross bars? I assume you had to drill into the bed rails?

 

I like riding with a dropper. You?
No?
Cool. Let’s ride.

 

Pfft, elitist!

 

haha sounds like my ride yesterday.. hope you are feeling ok today! I didn't hit my head, but I did say exactly the same thing.. i went OTB going fast on a downhill tight singletrack, said "still beats any day at work!!!" as i was pulling myself out from a pile of logs lol

i have the old rockshox dropper post button thing that sticks out super far and it decided to try to remove my kneecap for me... both knees are wrecked i should've had the pads on!

 

ohhhhhh tell me more, i live in summit and need this trail in my life it looks like where does it start at?

 

I thought you would appreciate that I wore my taco cat shirt yesterday on a ride and happened to have some old pearlizumi shorts that are the perfect color match!!! you should get some too! hahah

 

Thinking about hitting Mountain Creek Bike Park in NJ this weekend...Anyone have any advice? First time going there and pretty excited to rip it up.