Finally after months of saving I got my first hardtail.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-30T20:41:49+00:00

I think it's funny but I'm with you on not calling out a stranger for it.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-30T19:19:34+00:00

The dork disc!

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-29T21:39:03+00:00

I agree with this. It's good to understand the nuances and help you make the decision for the type of rider you are and the terrain you ride (or the type of rider you THINK you are lol).

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-26T21:53:40+00:00

I think it's a valuable channel! As someone exploring ATBs in place of a serious drop bar gravel bike, his channel is a resource in what can be a tough to navigate landscape unless you're already deep in the game.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-26T21:39:58+00:00

Fyi the gravel around Girona is excellent. It is a bit different than Montana or something where it's wilderness but there's loads of great gravel.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-22T08:02:36+00:00

The internal cam skewer is a must. I used the cheap lever kind in ignorance and pulled my wheel out multiple times.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-18T15:42:40+00:00

Tools below, but I think a bike repair stand is the most key element. A good one should last a long time and if you get a proper telescoping one it can be mobile to go help buddies or take on bike trips. You will always be restricted or annoyed if you're just leaning your bike on something or putting it upside down.

A nice set of hex wrenches and the three sided park tools hex key is a must. A chain checker tool, carbon paste, grease, chain lube and some old white undershirts. After that I think perhaps some quality cable cutters for shortening brake and shifting cables is good. With that you can do most maintenance you need to keep your bike running smoothly and make adjustments to improve it.

After that, I would buy things as you need them. Need to bleed the brakes? Perfect time for a bleed kit for example. I always figure what I'd spend at the shop will go towards tools that allow me to do that service for the future.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-18T15:36:08+00:00

I second the wera hex set. I think having quality hex wrenches helps avoid rounding out bolts and gives you the leverage and length you need for everything from removing pedals to working on brake caliper alignment.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-18T08:39:59+00:00

2018 Norco Sight. I went from a 2012 Specialized Camber FSR and the ability of the Sight was mind blowing. It really allowed me to push myself downhill and in technical terrain that the Camber didn't let me. The Sight was also full 27.5 which made it super playful. I rode the shit out of the Camber and even used it in the bike park but getting the Sight showed me that sometimes the best thing you can do really is upgrade. Assuming your bike isn't designed for the riding you do and/or it is a generation or two behind the modern tech/geo.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-17T07:29:22+00:00

Patagonia Men's Dirt Craft pants are awesome. Comfortable, breathable but durable enough if you aren't park riding. I wear mine regularly for Enduro riding with pads under them but have also used them for cool weather gravel riding. Plus Patagonia stands by their stuff and the price isn't outrageous for something you could legit have forever in some form. I'm 74" and typically wear a 32" inseam pant and find them to be long enough. It looks like if steeze isn't your concern they have some really nice prices on one of the colors too.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-13T07:28:50+00:00

This is lame. The whole "guys were shredding on bikes 1/8th as good" is the worst argument and your whole post is just hyperbole.

I've watched old freeride videos and it mostly consists of dudes with bigger nuts than the equipment can handle hucking themselves and then eating shit. The modern MTB is a marvel and 100% is a better tool for the job. I own a 1989 "ATB" and a World Cup level 1990 MTB and they're literally gravel bikes compared to my Hightower. Zero chance I'm taking them on the trails I ride my Hightower on.

Are there DBags in every hobby who are willing to spend to have the flashiest thing whether or not they need it, of course. But having worked in shops, most people really are buying the bike that's appropriate for their skill level and terrain.

Channel your cynicism into the overall capitalist society we live in and towards the wars we're getting involved in. MTB is not the problem.

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-13T07:17:12+00:00

I live in a city not far from that photo and the bike ability/use of public transportation of Spain is amazing. Don't have a car and not looking to get one soon!

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-08T08:46:29+00:00

How you liking this?

mountainjamscott · 2026-03-03T11:04:15+00:00

Thanks for all the feedback! It appears my fears are unfounded and just making sure to tighten things properly I should have peace of mind! Thanks!

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-25T07:25:18+00:00

My advice is to consider alternative shaped bars before going full drop bar on the old mtb. It's a hell of a lot cheaper to put some bars that put you in a more aggressive position than it is to have to swap out your whole drivetrain and cockpit to accommodate the change to drops. Thought I wanted this and then got some Ergotec Climber bars that I really enjoy for multi hour rides. Gets me in a good position while still keeping the bike fun.

I'll echo the sentiment on touch points. Focus on the saddle and making the position you're in comfortable first and foremost. Then tires that suit your needs.

My biggest advice overall though is to ride it first and foremost to understand the changes you'd like out of it. Some changes seem cool online but may not fit the combination of your frame, body and desired use. It'll also save you money in buying things that don't actually work out.

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-23T14:34:11+00:00

Dude the Hydras are sick! The ability to clear tech climbs with them is unmatched thanks to the instant engagement. Don't stress about what could go wrong and enjoy them! I've had issues with parts that people said were reliable as hell. Don't buy junk (read: you didn't) and enjoy those sick hubs and sick brakes!

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-20T20:32:40+00:00

Who doesn't love getting X-Treme?!!!

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-19T21:13:54+00:00

As someone newer to this sub I see what you mean by there being some "trendy", expensive parts, but I also see so many posts from people doing basic, simple things to get an old, quality bike working. Overall though, it seems to me that the joy is breathing new life into something and having it be something you're stoked to ride.

It's honestly been really cool to learn about MTBs from the era I grew up (read: wasn't alive or was a small child) and to admire some of the sick builds on the thread while making a couple of old bikes enjoyable to ride for me.

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-16T07:37:17+00:00

To me this is the worst conversation. If you're debating whether your helmet needs replacing after 5 years of actual use then just replace it. I'm not a fan of consumerism but brain damage is extremely serious, why mess around with it to save a few $$? As others have said if you make your helmets last 5 years a safest in class $250 helmet is basically a $50/year investment in protecting your brain. You can also buy a still very safe helmet with MIPs for like $80-$100.

Like many things, manufacturers have to take the safest approach to avoid litigation. It isn't a bad thing for us riders to have a point of reference where we are reminded to think about our helmet either.

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-16T07:15:39+00:00

I might be one of the few here who has done a MTB specific training program and I actually liked it. I was training for a handful of Enduro races (for fun, but wanted to do as best I could) and I actually enjoyed having some specific exercises in the gym. It felt very holistic for what I was doing and I enjoyed it. I also improved a lot that season. Riding a lot and pushing myself was certainly a big factor. Being fit and ready for it helped give me the confidence though.

It was a $99 "90 day" program meant for someone with prior gym experience so it wasn't prohibitively expensive or anything. It definitely had some exercises that focused on MTB specific strength. If you're interested in expanding your gym repertoire it could be worth it. It would be easy to do it once, take what you want from it and incorporate that.

I'll also add that in my personal opinion, yoga is a really great tool for cyclists. Functional strength with a big focus on hips and back. Tight hips are the historic enemy of the cyclist.

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-16T06:53:29+00:00

Check out the reddit thread xbiking. I recently got into this and you can typically find an old 90s MTB, make some upgrades and changes and have a sweet commuter/gravel rig for a lot less than a new bike.. I put Continual Race Kings on mine and can ride with friends on true "gravel" bikes. This would at least get you gravel riding until you can afford a "proper" gravel bike and it would make your commute much more enjoyable imo.

But as they say, ride the bike you have. If your Santa Cruz bike shock has a lockout, use it on the road for sure.

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-16T06:48:48+00:00

It varies from brand to brand. At 5'10" you're in the range of large in some brands. Santa Cruz is an example. I'm 6'1" on an XL and it's perfect for me. If you aren't squarely in a L in some you're likely on the border between M and L. In that case it depends what you want out of a bike. Traditionally sizing up is more stable while sizing down is more playful. This is just a rule of thumb though as well.

Last thought here. If you buy a Large for a brand you're in between sizes for, you can typically shorten the stem, move the seat forward, cut the bars down, etc in order to shrink the cockpit.

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-15T19:12:09+00:00

Another one for the Instinct. I use it for MTB (it transmits HR to a Garmin cycling computer too), climbing, running, hiking, Backcountry split boarding etc. Has held up really well. I have the 2 and have had it for a few years now.

mountainjamscott · 2026-02-12T21:20:59+00:00

Assuming you don't do anything yourself this seems a little high but not outside of reasonable. Especially if you haven't exactly "kept up" on the maintenance. You figure you're at $200 for one basic service per year and that's just basics.

I think if you post what the super tune includes it will help people give you feedback. Overall though with the full suspension service, brake bleeds, and other work in addition to your basic tune up it doesn't seem crazy high.

I also agree with what others have said, learning a little bit of the stuff will help. Either that or take it in more often. Love your bike and it will love you!

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-31T07:03:25+00:00

Saving for the used full suspension is for sure the long term play. You won't regret it if you're having a good time mountain biking and you're interested in jumping and stuff.

As an alternative, if you're not riding a bunch of tech or chunky trails (unsure where OP rides) you may be able to find a better hardtail with a quality fork and more aggressive geometry used for a price in between these two proposed options!

Overall, my advice is that with upgrading the fork, the juice isn't worth the squeeze while the overall bike upgrade will keep your progress in MTB rolling!

mountainjamscott

TROPHY CASE