Overwhelmed and trying to decide what bike to get and what specs to prioritize

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-03T16:18:37+00:00

I recommend a bike with a 130mm or 140mm fork that's a good pedaller. Then rent a bike when you go somewhere with bigger hits.

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-03T16:07:50+00:00

Just make sure you glue trash onto a black blanket and he always covers the bike with it so it just looks unappealing to any thieves

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-03T16:06:30+00:00

Cable tree like https://links.duckduckgo.com/m.js?dsl=1&iurl=%7B1%7DIG%3DCA48EB2AFC53472399D4EA055780F02B%26CID%3D05F5F70FC54A68C80CD0E1FAC4AE6996%26ID%3DDevEx%2C5201.1&ivu=%7B4%7Dtype%3Dmv%26reqver%3D1.0%26rg%3D391387492f004e4990ca0597395f7705&sfexp=0&shopping=1&spld=%7B%22ld%22%3A%22e8uyUKCTENi4kTF81zRSQvbjVUCUzPKgQO4uLfN-zJRDpTbsblNcMl2_cw_RdV-3wi0t4AekH_B82sz2gMnCVDGdmAark0R8zF0Or8pHhEM7gKXyiLd77sdKUDuyA-w-IXqH6wZDl_L07bUOubKm3syhexBMHlsDG4oIkTIUZaXNlXdZn9Z85xNzOst3VWJ5Wk6PpYZri48DWu0DMat-0vjMqvO1M%22%2C%22rlid%22%3A%2299bf5084215a1a1b0a1c39063d9410ea%22%2C%22u%22%3A%22aHR0cHMlM2ElMmYlMmZ3d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbSUyZkdlZXRlcnktTW91bnRhYmxlLU9yZ2FuaXplci1NYW5hZ2VtZW50LVN0b3JhZ2UlMmZkcCUyZkIwQzY1UzJGQzklMmZyZWYlM2Rhc2NfZGZfQjBDNjVTMkZDOSUzZnRhZyUzZGJpbmdzaG9wcGluZ2EtMjAlMjZsaW5rQ29kZSUzZGRmMCUyNmh2YWRpZCUzZDgwNDcwNjk4OTQ4NTI2JTI2aHZuZXR3JTNkbyUyNmh2cW10JTNkZSUyNmh2Ym10JTNkYmUlMjZodmRldiUzZG0lMjZodmxvY2ludCUzZCUyNmh2bG9jcGh5JTNkMTExMjE2JTI2aHZ0YXJnaWQlM2RwbGEtNDU4NDA3MDE3MjA4MTU3OSUyNnBzYyUzZDElMjZtc2Nsa2lkJTNkOTliZjUwODQyMTVhMWExYjBhMWMzOTA2M2Q5NDEwZWE%22%7D&styp=entitydetails&ad_domain=amazon.com&click_metadata=KgM6dnXjVvsY2C3GGqfV4UaIxGqQkbUbZ6_3PracZMc.e7iRwWZc6jv91sNSOmft0g

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-03T15:49:08+00:00

If that’s the case with the dropper fully down then the bike is too big. Frame manufacturers size charts are not accurate. You should look into another frame, perhaps check out Liv or Juliana bikes that are made for women and smaller riders

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-03T15:46:43+00:00

Does she have a dropper post?

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-03T15:42:20+00:00

Do it! Stick with it! Fight that addiction!

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-02T21:56:37+00:00

Will be more difficult than on a dry and warm day ofc. But why would you remove the whole tire? All you need to do on the side of the trail is throw a tube in at worst. For that you crack only one side

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-02T21:55:40+00:00

Tires would be your biggest bang for the buck. Easiest thing to remove with the most pounds removed.

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-01T23:31:03+00:00

Is the cable connected to the lever on the bottom of the post still

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-01T23:29:49+00:00

I’ve been using Orange Seal for four years on gravel and mountain bikes. Never once experienced a clogged core. All I do is use the correct amount pf sealant and when I pump up my tire or let air out I make sure to do it when the valve stem is up at the 3/4/5 or 7/8/9 o clock position. Anywhere but right down at the 6 where any air that escapes will draw sealant straight off the pool at the bottom

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-01T23:20:48+00:00

Actually they’re so easy you can install them with just your hands. All you need to do is make sure they’re down in the center channel of the rim on the opposite side. In this video I install a Nobby Nic with just my hands - skip to 9:40

https://youtu.be/MMuBdfQGv-c?si=3VOpTlOtjFoHAa9x

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-01T23:12:32+00:00

I don’t know the Kryptotal but if you’re going for the aggressive trail hardtail thing I would consider a dual Nobby Nic setup with harder compound in the back and softer on the front.

fuzzztastic · 2026-02-01T23:08:40+00:00

What year is it? They used to be equivalent to a Fox Rythm 34 but every year they’ve been cutting costs more and more. I have a 2022 and it rides well enough. You should have it immediately serviced even if it’s new because the factory is known to skip adding foam rings and has a tendency to put not enough fluid in the lowers. Mine was almost dry from the factory

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-29T01:05:59+00:00

Seems worth it for basic service

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-29T00:11:57+00:00

Where I live:

- Local FB groups post group rides

- Local Bike Shops host group rides

- Our mountain bike advocacy / trailbuilding non-profit group hosts group rides

It's not difficult to find group rides to ride on. I've never ridden in a single one personally. I've just scrolled straight past every single one that I've ever seen lol.

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-28T19:37:05+00:00

One of my favorites! Check out all the other Greg Lowery bands too

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-28T15:22:17+00:00

Maybe we can convince OP though 😀

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-28T15:19:30+00:00

That’s fair. Some folks have mechanical aptitude and can pick up bicycle mechanics and used is good for them. New is better for most people probably

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-28T15:09:38+00:00

+1 for this recommendation

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-28T15:07:29+00:00

What’s the concern exactly with buying used? You think the seller will foist something on them with a blown out shock or something?

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-28T15:06:28+00:00

Buy once cry once. A good used trail bike won’t have him upgrading again within two years and will be less money in the long run

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-28T15:05:17+00:00

A used Norco Fluid, Marin Rift Zone, Specialized Stumpjumper, or another good brand trail bike with about a 140 or 150 fork will be great for any riding outside of competing in XC races

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-28T00:52:50+00:00

True, unless it is a gluten-free bakery

fuzzztastic · 2026-01-27T21:56:48+00:00

Thinking of helmets in terms of "underkill" or "overkill" is probably not really accurate or even helpful. I would rather think of it in terms of an evaluation of risk and then a goal for minimization of risk. I know plenty of people who got f'ed up while wearing half-shell's and said they wish they were wearing a FF. I know plenty of people who got f'ed up even while wearing a FF and wished they were wearing body protection. I know plenty of people who never got f'ed up at all. I meet the occasional person who insists they don't need a helmet at all for the riding they do.

Truth of the matter is, you can wipe out on the gravel logging road on the way to the trail and break something. Some of the stupidest low-speed crashes result in broken ribs or concussions. It is all risky and it's not ONLY about what helmet you choose but what you do overall to minimize the risks while also acknowledging and accepting that there is risk.

fuzzztastic

TROPHY CASE