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

For your weight, definitely go for the Codes. But make sure you get the RSC for the adjustable bite point and contact. More power is always better when it comes to brakes, especially if it's as well controlled as the Codes are. The power difference between Codes and Guides is immediately noticeable.
I really don't like Shimanos, I've never had a good set. From Saints to XTs, they've always had a wandering bite point and needed bleeding every other week. The Codes are much more dependable (but not perfect) and once you have the bleed down it goes fast. I need to bleed the SRAMs about every month.
If you're looking to have the most power from them, look into Trickstuff's power+ pads, they make a very noticeable change in power and control, but wear faster.
Also, think about the Hayes Dominions. They are honestly the best brake I've used, immense power, creamy lever feel, perfect modulation, hold bleeds really well. Currently not running them because they're hard to find parts for when traveling.

 

I have a set of TRP's going on the DJ bike that im going to try, should be on par with most Shimanos. Couple of guys I know are loving the TRP DHR Evos with the 2.3 rotor. I've been a Shimano brake fanboy for awhile though, wondering bite point and all.

 

Went on an epic ride yesterday. Super fun 33 miles of good times. Just the right ratio of climb:descend.

 

how did you apply the tape? i tried taking the tire off and putting the rim back on the bike to try and get a straight application, but must have messed something up cuz theres a slow leak

 

Finally closing on my new bike cave…uhh I mean house, today!

 

I had the rim off the bike, kinda held it between my legs. I just did about 6" at a time, starting with pressure in the concave center with my thumb, then going back and making sure the spots closer to the edges were sealed. There were plenty of parts where I drifted towards one side or another, but as long as the tape is sealed on the edges and you have good pressure in the center channel then you should be good... make sure rim is clean and dry before applying tape and make sure you have the right width tape for your rim width.

Hell yeah man congrats!

 

I’ve had mixed results with tape until someone gave me this tip. It adds time but so far after using this technique about four or six times has worked 100%. Use all the best practices to apply the tape: clean rim, correct width tape, even coverage on both sides of the center well, etc. then mount up the tire with no sealant and an inner tube, inflated as high as you dare. Wait a few hours, maybe overnight, then pop one side off the rim, pull the tube, install a valve stem and reseat the tire, except for a few inches, add sealant, and pop the rest of the tire on. This really seals the tape well especially if you have narrow rims without much surface area (I have I19’s) and helps minimize risk of the tape getting peeled up when you swap tires.

 

Alright all you CO/UT peeps: This is what I have on the list so far for places to ride on my solo trip out next month. I'll take any recommendations:

• Fruita/GJ (Two days) - 18 Road, Kokopelli, Lunch Loops
• Salida or Buena Vista (One day): Recommendations?
• Crested Butte (One day. Weather dependent): 401, Need one or two more recs
• Durango (One day): Telegraph Trail System
• Moab (Two days): Not sure where to even begin
  
• St George (One day): Green Valley, Santa Clara River Reserve
• Hurricane (One day): Goosebery, Grafton, Wire Mesas

I'll be looking for dispersed camping along BLM land.

P.S. I'll be out there from Sept. 20th - the end of the month if anyone wants to meet up!

 

Porcupine Rim in Moab was awesome. But pay attention to the cairns marking the trail. I missed one and had an extra adventure, but it was worth it for the view I got

.

 

Damn man
33miles and 3900 ft that's a mission for sure. nice work!

Just did my first ride over 3600 ft... 21 miles few weeks ago surprisingly I was less clapped than I thought I'd be.

Next goals is to break the 4000 ft mark and 30 miles.

 

interesting. I hadn't thought of using a tube to apply pressure to the tape. I'll have to try that.

 

Biking up Mt Elbert near Buena Vista was a wild experience. The top half is super loose scree and had me real nervous, but wow it was awesome. may be a bit much to bike off near the beginning of a long trip though. You could get a shuttle up monarch pass around then, i dont think there will be snow but its a possibility. Rainbow trail south of Salida is supposed to be real good too. tons of camping around BV and shouldn't be too crowded depending on what day youre there.

Doctor park is a very highly recommended trail in Crested Butte. I tried to ride it last month but was rained out. most of the camping around here is south of CB. I camped at the bottom of pearl pass i think, on the west side. was a bit muddy but no problems in my tacoma. theres a ton more camping east of taylor park reservior and thats a bit closer to doc park. the bike park might be open too. you could get a full day pass and run laps or get a single lift up and bike even higher.

ill keep an eye on when you'll be in those areas. I would def drive out to BV or CB to ride for a weekend.

 

@SenatorBlutarsky @TacoDozer22
I ended buying the kids ride shotgun seat. My stem is kinda slammed and I wasn’t sure the 10mm spacer requirement of the MacRide would work for me. Sadly we haven’t had the time as a family to give it a go.

I digress…Kids Ride Shotgun announced their newest ‘pro’ model today. Looks to be a total MacRide ripoff, which is arguably a stronger design approach anyway.

https://kidsrideshotgun.com/collect...TnWQPU_SOX6MTntUnSTkED8PX6XvszacAG5Ww=.SdYsfD

 

I just rode some of those places on a big road trip last month. 18 Road has camping, we stayed in the official campground because it was nearly empty and with my senior pass, 50% off, it was cheap and easy. Kokopelli Trails were great! We planned to do a few days in CB then a few days in BV/Salida, but since we were in CB first (came from the west), loved the area and trails, and found a great camp spot, ended up staying there four days, rode three of those days. Never went to BV/Saliba. Note that dispersed camping in that area is now highly regulated, as things had gotten out of control and now there are designated camping areas with specific individual sites. See https://gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/wp-content/uploads/CB_CampMAP.pdf Sites may be more available when you’re there than for us, at the height of summer. But we were lucky since we found a great site, fun ride to trails and town, and there weren’t too many people around, in the Slate River/Gunsight area. We did drive to the 401 trailhead at Gothic, as that’s a few miles up and out of town (and you still climb over 2200’ in 14 miles for the 401 loop); that trail was the highlight of our trip. You might have fall aspen colors then but do be aware of high-altitude weather risks. Dispersed camping around Moab is also tricky but there are so many places to ride that may not be a problem. And in St George/Hurricane you can’t go wrong. Camping up at Gooseberry is nicer than below the Mesa near Hurricane Rim, but either location lets you ride to lots of trails. I’ve only ridden Santa Clara once and it was nice, but I'm not sure that it’s really a destination unless you’re nearby. Have fun!

 

Man I love this thread. I used the search function and found so many good recommendations. Thanks fellas! I'll send an update when I'm closer to the departure date on where I'll be and when.

 

My take...

Fruita/GJ: 18 road should be your lowest priority Kokopelli and Lunch loops are best IMO. Palisade Plunge is also open now, I have no idea how that is but I'm itching to get down there and try it myself
Moab: Go as far up WE as a shuttle will drop you (there was a fire near Burro pass and I think they're running Hazard County down right now). After that, Captain Ahab is my favorite loop if you want some classic desert tech. If you want something easier, go for Navajo Rocks or Rodeo (there's also some dispersed camping up by those trails).
Hurricane: Gooseberry then Little Creek then Wholly Guacamole IMO (all good for dispersed camping and biking from camp). If you want a chunky/difficult DH Grafton or Flying Monkey. If you want something mellower go ride JEM or Hurricane Rim.

I saw that announcement and was kinda disappointed! You're right that it's an exact ripoff of the MacRide. I've been totally happy with my old shotgun seat design! My daughter and I have been commuting 4-5 days/week on it and then I move it to my hardtail for trail rides on the weekend. I appreciate that the design is very non-invasive of my bike setup.

Only problem I've run in to, which isn't a design issue, your kid has to be a willing participant! We were taking a break halfway through a ride last weekend when a thunderstorm rolled in. My daughter didn't wanna get back on the bike yet and I had to force her on there. She refused to hold on to the bars for a bit and was crying/screaming. It was kinda scary between her throwing a tantrum and a storm rolling in. Eventually she complied and we made it back to the car safely, but just a warning.

 

Holy cow! That is totally a factor I hadn’t thought of!! Glad to hear you were able to make it out safely even without her being ‘on board’ in spirit.

My initial thoughts on seeing the new model were mixed. I don’t like that at its core, the design is a direct copy of the MacRide. Looking closer they did implement some seat adjustability.

I’m slightly ashamed to admit it, but I’ve actually started the return process for the unused OG shotgun kit I have that’s still in the box. I’ll be ordering the pro kit as soon as it’s available and will just move my stem as needed .

 

HA, welcome to being a parent! It won't be the last thing you sacrifice to make things better for your kid.

Honestly, you probably want to be a bit more upright with your kid right there anyway. I actually switched from flat bars to mustache bars on my commuter so that I'd have more room. I was bumping my chest/chin on her helmet occasionally. You can always get a lower rise bar to compensate (unless you're already running zero rise).

 

^^ What he said.

 

That's exactly what I do also. Also helps seat stubborn tires.

• Fruita/GJ (Two days) - 18 Road, Kokopelli, Lunch Loops

18 rd is good fun. Easy, but memorable riding. Worth a day for sure. Lunch Loops are fun also. One day in each is perfect.

• Salida or Buena Vista (One day): Recommendations?

Never rode there, no idea honestly.

• Crested Butte (One day. Weather dependent): 401, Need one or two more recs

Doc Park is an easy rec. Long and fun. Definitely try getting a shuttle, the climb sucks.

• Durango (One day): Telegraph Trail System

Great ride. Lift in town accesses great trails.

• Moab (Two days): Not sure where to even begin

Get as high as possible on TWE. All the shuttles will run to the same place, so just get yourself a seat ahead of time, it'll be busy and likely booked up. After that, it just depends on what you like to ride. I love Mag 7, it's a lot of fun and lots of variety. Take the Portal down for sure. Ahab and Navaho Rocks is a great time too.
I love riding around in Bartlett. Just a huge natural skatepark made slick rock. Bowls, ledges, transitions everywhere. Get it! I'd highly recommend an evening session hanging out with buds sending dumb shit.

• St George (One day): Green Valley, Santa Clara River Reserve

• Hurricane (One day): Goosebery, Grafton, Wire Mesas

Love me some Grafton. The Barrel and Zen loops are a good time, especially since they're short and can be done quickly. I personally don't like the 'berry, it's boring as shit. Just riding along on slick rock... Meh.

I'll be looking for dispersed camping along BLM land.

P.S. I'll be out there from Sept. 20th - the end of the month if anyone wants to meet up!