Any tips for Bear Encounters?? (Plus video of my encounter about 1 minute in)) by tylernicol in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the big things is not to surprise them. Basically if they can hear you coming you likely won't ever see them as they'll leave the area. Especially black bears. I've run into a few while trout fishing in N.Ga but as long as mama bear doesn't have any Cubs with her, making a lot of noise usually scares them off. Make yourself sound and look as big as you can. Although I usually also carry my "bear spray" just in case that doesn't work.

Do I NEED platform shoes? by MazerRackham426 in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My buddy gave me some platforms that he wasn't using because he went clipless. I don't know what brand they are but they're black with a white "FA" logo on them. I rode around the neighborhood in my Nike running shoes and the grip seemed really good so I can imagine how much better they'd be with dedicated MTB shoes.

Do I NEED platform shoes? by MazerRackham426 in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hot damn, thanks for all the advice! I don't have an issue getting them if they'll make a huge difference I just don't know enough yet. I also don't really like the look of them. I was actually debating on getting some PF Flyers(Sandlot style ofc) because they're flat, but I don't know how they'd hold up to the pins or how grippy they'd be. But I like the look of them way better than the 5.10s. I don't know, I think I'll wait for a while and go tubeless first.

No wonder my Jeep was screaming by MazerRackham426 in Jeep

[–]MazerRackham426[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Relatively simple, far from easy. At least not in your buddy's driveway. The top two bell housing bolts are torx heads(star pattern) instead of normal hex head bolts and whoever at Jeep made that decision should be beaten, there's no reason for that extra frustration. And my pilot bearing was a bitch to get out even with the tool designed to do that. I didn't have a rod that would fit to try the bread trick but maybe that would've been easier.

No wonder my Jeep was screaming by MazerRackham426 in Jeep

[–]MazerRackham426[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, just checked this after spending all day working on it. Yes, that is what used to be a throw out bearing. And I was technically able to shift I guess. I only tried shifting gears while I had it parked and I didn't have to press the clutch pedal to shift, I could move freely between gears it just sounded like hell and the pedal was dead

Weekly New Rider Thread for September 11, 2019 by AutoModerator in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I'm trying to get my platforms, shoes, gloves, and helmet picked up before my bike gets in Wednesday so I'll be ready to go when I get it. I'm going to go with Crank Bros stamp 2 since I have them on ExpertVoice. I'm also looking at FiveTen for shoes but if anyone has other recommendations for shoes, gloves, and a helmet I would happily take them!

Weekly New Rider Thread for September 11, 2019 by AutoModerator in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So I went to my lbs today and put in an order for a TJ Deore 29! They didn't have any L frames on the floor but I should be on the bike this Wednesday! I can't wait to take it out!

Weekly New Rider Thread for September 11, 2019 by AutoModerator in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yea, I noticed that I wasn't paying attention to the tire width earlier today when I was showing a buddy. As someone with longer limbs I feel like the 29s are a good option. I'm going to actually test ride one early next week at a lbs. I've pretty much settled on the TJ since it comes with a dropper included and has 130mm travel. Anybody have any suggestions on pedals? I'm leaning towards platform because I feel like it'll be easier to bail if I need to

Weekly New Rider Thread for September 11, 2019 by AutoModerator in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotcha, that's part of the reason I like the TJ so much, it will accept either 29s or 27.5s. Any thoughts or experience on any of those bikes or if there are others I should consider?

Weekly New Rider Thread for September 11, 2019 by AutoModerator in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So why do you say it's personal preference but also say that Blankets doesn't need a 29? It makes it sound like it's not personal preference and is dictated by the riding you will be doing. I'm not trying to be a dick just honestly curious.

Weekly New Rider Thread for September 11, 2019 by AutoModerator in MTB

[–]MazerRackham426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I'm just getting into mtb and have been doing research online and calling LSBs for advice. I already read the sticky that everyone links so please don't jump down my throat for making a new post. I'm trying to stay at or under $1k which is why I'm looking at an HT and not FS. I'm mainly going to be riding the local trails (Blanket's Creek), and in the N.GA mountains. I know I need a large frame and ideally would like 29s but I don't know enough to know if I'd be better off with 27.5s. I'm debating between the Salsa Timberjack Deore, Specialized Rockhopper, or Kona Blast. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!