jman, keep in mind that you are not in the saddle when you are racing so being cramped isn't really an issue
So what would the shorter stem do for you, just put you over the pedals more so you can hammer and have more control over the front of the bike?
You're not riding XC, and you don't need to sit and climb up hills. Remember, sizing a cockpit on a bike you don't sit on is quite a bit different. For your height, and assuming that is a medium-sized frame, that 100 mm stem is way too long. For me, that's even too long for XC (I prefer shortish stems). For aggressive riding, you should use a short stem - a 50 mm stem is ideal (a 60 mm stem is ok). If the overall cockpit is too short with a 50 mm stem, then you may need a longer frame. But since we are close in size, I'd say a medium Chameleon should be ideal for you (I've ridden a large, and it was too big for me, from what I remember - I'm 5'11"). Did you say Monkeylites? As in carbon bars? If so, replace those ASAP. Your life may depend on it. Like many other component and frame specifications, the stem length plays an important role in several aspects of riding 4X. The shorter stem will make manualing and jumping much easier because it allows you to shift your weight rearward more easily and allow you to control the elevation of the front wheel (over jumps or in the air). You'll also be able to sprint more easily with the shorter stem.
That's some great stuff Lee, thanks! I've gotta set my entry money aside for the race on the 26th but I'll check out a few upgrade with the left over. (It'll be a good excuse to try out those cool raceface short stems! :clap Right now I'm running WTB Desertraptors front and rear (they're 2.1's) but I've been riding them for a looooooong time. They grip really well but are probably in need of replacement. I'm horrible at replacing tires, I very rarely ever use up the tread and have been known to run the same tire for 6 years! :?:
Yesterday I rode the revamped 4x track at Fontucky. Sad to say I liked the older track better. The new one really didn't seem to flow at the bottom. My fastest runs I seemed to jump the outside lane stepup then manual the first double and roll the last part of the triple. Followed by rolling the roller and manualing off the second roller and over the table. I kind of miss the roller before the last jump too. Hope that makes sense...
I understand what you're saying...only because I remember the old course and know the current one. I agree, the new lower section lacks rythem...or at least for guys like me. Some of the pros nailed it nicely. I do like that new step jump on the outside better than the old do-or-die double on the outside.
Soul Cycles Loki. Bought it on closeout for $69! Hopefully with a few new parts I can get the weight to 25 lbs. Frame: Soul Cycles Loki Fork: Rock Shox Psylo (20mm axle) Wheels: Mavic 321 Quando/XT hubs Brakes: Hayes El Camino Cranks: FSA Gravity Light ISIS Drivetrain: Shimano LX/105/Ultegra Tires: WTB Mutano Raptors (soon to be Kenda SB8)
damn thats a steal, looks great man not sure if you guys have seen the new ad from Intense, but they are releasing a 26x2.0 i believe version of their micro knobby tire
Yeah, that is a great price! I have those micro knobbies on my 24" cruiser, and they're fast! They also hook up really well on a BMX track. However, one good skid and you can wipe off half a dozen knobs.
Drop the heavy Rock Shox for the new Manitou MRD Minute with Absolute Dampening. 3.3 pounds with a 20mm axle. Those Intense Micro's are AWESOME! I'd love to grab a pair for the bike....just as soon as they actually have them in stock. :bang:
I'm running Intense System 4 EX/DC single ply tires. They seem a good tread for Fontana loose, now muddy, course! How 'bout you, Lee?
my buddy is really loving that tire on his IH azure play bike... he's running that up front and a larsen tt in the back.
For the last race, I had a Small Block 8 in the back and a Nevegal up front, which is what I ran on the bike for XC. The bike has mostly been used as a buddy bike, and lately, mostly only my girlfriend and her friend have ridden the bike, so I wanted to keep the ride easy for them. I'm undecided on what tires I want to run. I used to run those System 4 tires on my all-mountain bike, but then we (a friend an I) started to get tires where the lugs would tear off within the first couple rides. Intense Tires didn't stand behind them, so we've since stopped using Intense tires. And who may that buddy be? :lol:
I remember you telling me that. They've been a good sponsor of mine for two years. So far, so good on the product and I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. Perhaps I can get you a pair of the ITS Micro-Knobby 26" for 4X when they come out? :beer:
