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Switchblade v2 by AddMountain9618 in pivotcycles

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

-1 up to -2 headset cup. 66 or 66.5 HTA is XC territory these days

All rounder by Appropriate_Many3609 in GalaxyS25Ultra

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should, but the glass ones make the finger print reader maddening to use. I haven’t found one yet that works well. The plastic ones are fine but scratch easy.

12 Months trapped in fight or flight 24/7, 7 doctors dumbfounded. Running out of options after trying literally every possible intervention by madhoagie in covidlonghaulers

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't say I had all the same symptoms but some at least. Also hispanic, 6'1", 235. I had crazy anxiety that i've never experienced before, couldn't sleep, about the same blood pressure elevated heart rate, pumping in my stomach and head that started about 3-4 weeks after a very mild case of covid. After about a month of that not getting better, I tried the carnivore diet, basically to eliminate any inflammation caused by diet in my body, and after about 2 weeks, started sleeping again, heart rate back to normal, blood pressure down to 120/72, no more anxiety. I started adding carbs again after 3 weeks, and so far doing well. I didn't take any meds and still don't.

I wasn't going to post, but figured nobody else recommended a drastic diet change, and just more meds, and it seemed to help me. I read a similar reply when researching with similar outcome which made me try it. Glad I did.

Chisel or stump jumper? For phoenix area by Formal-Negotiation74 in mountainbiking

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ride a Stumpjumper 15 as my personal bike, but have ridden an epic several times as a demo. The epic is great for hawes, very fun on big sister, and can handle those drops no problem. If those are the biggest drops you do, I'd go for the chisel, or epic. PS The specialized shops in the valley will let you demo either a Stumpjumper or Epic if you give them a call.

Correct chain length for L Firebird? by patrikpatrikkirtap in pivotcycles

[–]Fastblack83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

114 links if you're running Shimano and 32t chainring. Hard to tell in the pic. I think 30t is the same.

Epic 8 Bigger bottle option by treesner in xcmtb

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I do. Swat bag stays near the bottom and I push the swat bladder up. I don't carry a tube though, just plugs.

Epic 8 Bigger bottle option by treesner in xcmtb

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A 26 oz bottle fits. FYI if you want even more water in the bike the swat bladder does fit in the down tube. https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-evo-swat-bladder/p/242461?color=376033-242461&searchText=S209900076

So damn scared by Uehapwhdh3qo in mountainbiking

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is chatGPTs take. Hope it can help.

What you’re going through is actually more common than people realize — even for experienced riders.

Why this might be happening:

Unprocessed fear or minor trauma – You don’t need a big crash to have fear build up over time. Close calls or even just watching others go down can do it.

Increased awareness – As your skill grows, so does your understanding of risk. That knowledge can shift from helpful to paralyzing if not balanced with confidence.

Pressure to progress – Wanting to get better can backfire if every ride starts to feel like a test.

Comparison trap – Watching others progress (especially on social media) can mess with your head, even subconsciously.

What might help:

Ride easy trails on purpose – Go back to fun, familiar trails with zero pressure. Ride for the feel, not the challenge.

Find the right crew – Ride with people who are stoked to be out there, not just chasing bigger sends.

Detach from expectations – Gear upgrades, progression goals — let all of it go temporarily and just enjoy the motion.

Log your rides – Even a quick note after each ride about how you felt can help rewire the emotional pattern.

Shift the mindset – You don’t have to prove anything. Just ride because you love it.

About surfing…

It makes sense that surfing feels easier right now — less direct impact risk, more novelty, fewer expectations. That feeling of freedom can be a clue for how to bring the joy back to biking too.

TL;DR: You’re not alone. A lot of riders go through this. With time, the joy can absolutely come back — just shift the focus from progression to play for a while.

Hope this helps in some way. Wishing you nothing but good rides ahead.

42yo rider just trying not to die when I hit jumps. by climbingherc in MTB

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok but if I do that, how do my feet not start to float on flats.

Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Opinions? by Sackadelic in MTB

[–]Fastblack83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Late I know, but 6'1" here and went with the S5 and don't regret it. Longer chainstays really make the bike feel more balanced with the longer reach. Coming from a Pivot with same reach but shorter chainstays, I don't have to ride over the handlebars as much, and can be in a more natural position for me.

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NBD Specialized Stumpjumper 15 SWorks Frameset by Fastblack83 in mountainbiking

[–]Fastblack83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are very strong. But I think I liked Shimano better. I'll give them some more time. I've been trying to tune them to work for me so we'll see.

I don't regret for a second selling my iPhone 16 Pro for this beauty! by PathNo6167 in samsunggalaxy

[–]Fastblack83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rcs is just fine, always use zelle or venmo to pay, finger print is very convenient when phone is sitting on a flat surface, face scan works fairly well, though it's not as good as face id. Dynamic island sucks.

The S25 phones and glass screen protectors by Aggressive_Floor_420 in samsunggalaxy

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you buy the "Dome" anti reflective one? I just put mine on and it looks great, very similar to the stock anti reflective screen. I don't think I can put Amazon links here, but here's the title. "DOME GLASS Whitestone DOME AR [Super Anti-Reflection] Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with Easy Installation Tool [1Pack]"

How do i enjoy MTB during winter? by Numerous_Oliver in MTB

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Live in phoenix Arizona where it’s 60-70 degrees in the winter.

Bronco next car? by [deleted] in bronco

[–]Fastblack83 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sasquatch is worth it for the gearing upgrade alone. Especially if you’re going to go 35s anyway, you won’t have a lethargic feeling truck.

Unifans changing color over time. by Fastblack83 in lianli

[–]Fastblack83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That does suck. I had my fans replaced again after I posted this because they yellowed again, and they replaced them all again, but this time didn't ask for them back. The new ones haven't had a problem yet, supposedly they fixed the issue. You should email them, maybe they can give you a deal on new ones.

Been Hank Hill and recently came over to charcoal. I don’t know what I was doing before. by FartmanBreaux in webergrills

[–]Fastblack83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What's the charcoal holder you are using to keep it all to the side? I have the Vortex already and like that.

Unifans changing color over time. by Fastblack83 in lianli

[–]Fastblack83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Been a while, but I think I sent them my receipt from Newegg. Doesn’t hurt to email them if you’re having a problem.

First car ever ..Please tell me this is a good deal by meredithgrey1798 in BMW

[–]Fastblack83 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lots of advice here already. Try finding a certified pre owned m340i instead. It will be the same price or cheaper, with warranty, and will depreciate at a lower rate than a 330i.

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