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

You wouldn’t know from the pics, but that wooden berm in the mic is actually being dismantled and not put up. Was a lot more fun when it was fully up.

 

So how far is this 3month biking trip taking you?

 

So from my motocross days I have a Leatt brace and chest protector. Do you guys wear stuff like this for parks, yes or no, maybe one of those things you would wear if you had it?

 

Haven't got there yet, and kinda planning on playing it by ear as I go, but all over the western US, Alberta/BC if they let me in, maybe AK. Planning on starting in June so I'll need to figure out where to start as most of the places I would be inclined to head to first might still be snowy.

Also, there'll be just as much if not more fly fishing as MTBing happening.

I'll probably start a separate thread when the time comes, it would be rad to meet up and ride with TW members along the way.

 

I'd rock that, but just two questions: 1. Is the material extra soft? 2. Is it possible to get one without the logo on the back? (not a dealbreaker, just preference)

 

If it’s a shuttle park, I say why not man! I would wear it if I had it. I’m looking into getting a chest rig for shuttle days to protect my ribs and hopefully collarbones as I broke them a few times in sports or climbing. Don’t want to go through that crap again haha

I love my Leatt helmet - are their chest rigs usually pretty solid?

 

It’s survived quite a few dirt bike wrecks.

I believe I’ll wear them if I was to go to Bailey or Windrock for sure. Idk the difference between the MTB and Moto neck braces. Possibly marketing.

It’s crazy seeing how much Leatt grew after coming out with that neck brace.

 

I snagged their MTB 4.0 helmet (the well-vented full face) because my moto buddy had a 40% off discount code. Really impressed with the quality at it's price, even before the discount

 

I bought this helmet for $140 from chain reaction last year. They had different colors discounted at different rates. Wanted light blue, but it wasn’t worth $40 more to me.

 

Any recommendations on beginner to intermediate mountain or offroad bikes? I don't need anything with latest and greatest but would like aluminum frame with disc brakes by cable. Front suspension necessary but not sure about hard tail or not. Looking to spend less than $850 if possible.

I had a Fuji which I liked but sold a while back. I feel the tires weren't ideal and I should probably look into hybrid tires, something for pavement and rough terrain use to start. Not sure on how many chainrings or cassettes I am wanting. I'm about 150lbs but pretty out of shade especially cardio. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

trek roscoe or specialized rockhopper is my guess.

May look into polygon bikes for budget as well.

 

I wear my neck protector when I ride the big parks after having a particularly unfun wreck due to "brake mountains" at the end of a local trail. Never needed a chest protector because bikes don't roost like motos do.

re: bike vs moto neck protection, I bought mine (Leatt) from a moto shop at a huge discount. never noticed a difference vs the one my buddy bought through his bike shop.

 

I don't know if I still have the chest straps for the brace or where they may be. I see people wearing chest protection all the time at parks in youtube videos.

I think I will wear it for falling off the bike landing on roots and rocks. Good back protection as well.

 

With an 850 budget, you're going to be looking at a 3rd hand full suspension, or a modest but good hardtail. Any full suspension mtb you find under $1000 new is a complete trash heap likely.

Fuji or Diamondback have some good models I think would be up your alley.

 

I'd buy a EVOC pack with spine protection well before I bought a full blown chest protector. For the use it sees with me vs cost, the pack at least offers a carry solution. A chest protector is prob gonna sit on the shelf most rides unless you're a park at.

That fullface of mine sees prob 2-3 uses a year, specifically at the bike park. Otherwise, I'm rocking my Bell Super 3 with the removable mandible.

 

speaking of park rats, whats the best park anyone has ridden? i rode keystone, co once on a rental before i got my partrol. did a season at trestles (winter park, co) and loved it. not sure if a chest protector is necessary as im not full gas down world cup dh runs and could see myself being stupid with one thinking im invincible.

hopefully i can ride some other parks, angel fire, vail, etc, this year

 

Well I've only been to two. Deer Valley in PC has great trails, but isn't anywhere near Trestle levels, etc.

Brian Head in southern Utah is great for chunky runs. Not a lot of flow trails there, or didn't used to be. I'm nervous now that they "renovated" the park.

 

It’s very soft but durable like a Carhartt shirt. And no, I have them made already with my small logo on the back haha

this will be your favorite shirt comfort wise for sure

 

I’ve only ridden crested butte and Winterpark(trestle) so my scope is limited. Winterpark is way better and closer to Keystone which I also hear is great.

 

oh man crusty butt is deff on my list for this summer. if not the park then all the trails around there.

granted my experience with keystone is limited since i was just transitioning from xc riding to bigger mountain, but there were some crazy features at keystone (wood bridges to drops and whatnot)