Anti-rant thread: sh%^ that makes you happy

[SchralphMacchio]

Anyone have bike related things that have you high on life right now, or things that you just love?

I’ll start.

I switched to a new trail full face for pedally rides that still involve high speeds. A few years ago I got carried off my bike by an overhanging log around a blind corner. Someone had done a partial cut with their stowable trail saw of a tree that had fallen, but without a larger saw they could only do a cut at a small diameter portion which made the tree bypass-able without dismounting, but also had the effect of obscuring the remaining 4 foot segment of overhanging log behind the corner and left the inside line as a widowmaker. I saw it and turned away at the last milliseconds - it hit my jaw and shoulder, bruising and tearing up the skin off both, and I was amazed (understatement here) I did not break my neck or even get concussed. This was on ATCA trail in Oakridge which involves 7000 feet of vert if you don’t shuttle it and about 34 miles or so, and I did not shuttle it that day. Of course this near death experience completely changed my outlook on when to wear a FF helmet given how fast I’m often tearing through the forest and often getting rubber off the ground. But then with my Super 3R I struggled with when to have the chinbar on the lid vs strapped to my pack.

So I got a Kali Invader 2.0 last season, and absolutely love it. It breathes so well even on hot sun exposed days. I pretty much wear it for 80% of trail riding and my Super 3R now only gets used when it’s colder weather. My wife borrowed the Invader 2.0 last month and had a minor OTB crash. I checked with Kali and they asked me to send it back (on my dollar) to evaluate it, if it was safe to ride they would send it back and if not they would give me a new helmet. They emailed me a code for a helmet the day after they received it, so then I got a replacement for me, and a new Invader 2.0 for my wife.

Since my wife wanted the same all black color I had before, I decided to go full douche-dentist mode for my replacement. Makes me feel 0.3 seconds faster!!!



Loving it!!!

Warning, because this helmet comes in only two shell sizes, it is not great if your head is exactly 59 cm. At 58.5 I feel great in the smaller shell, but 59 or 59.5 might be too tight in it, and even with the extra thick chin pads it might feel too floppy and loose when moving your head around in the larger shell. Other head sizes should be okay.


Also, in the spirit of Anti-Rant vibes, I posted about the log hazard and almost getting killed on our local FB group when I got home that night. It was going into 4th of July shuttle weekend so I wanted everyone to be wary of the hazard. The guy who did the initial cut saw my post, and went out there the next morning with a cross cut saw and cleared the whole log before the first Alpine shuttle dropped in. All’s well that ends well.

[skaredshtles]

"Living" in Steamboat for the month of July. I really needed a change of scenery, bike-wise, and I think this just might do it.

[halliday]

I just rehabbed a 23 year old Klein Quantum. New rims, head set bearings, cables, etc...This was my original NYC bike and it's fun to have it back in rotation. Pics to follow



Ive changed a few things with the bike to get the geometry to work with my body. The only original parts left (other than the frame) are the crank arms and saddle. I crashed the bike pretty bad about 20 years ago and some stuff had to go into the bin but the frame and forks were still 100%.

[SchralphMacchio]

Wow, passion project, what rubber did you throw on it?

[skaredshtles]

It sure helped today...

[Yukonrider]

Hit all 4 features on a small feature line the other day after sessioning a couple individually. It made me woo out loud in the empty forest. Pedaled right back up and hit it from top to bottom eliciting another louder woo.

[basinbeater]

I like hopping on my bike and the quick little driveway lap, and tire pressures still feel good, check. Sweet let's go.

[halliday]

Wow, passion project, what rubber did you throw on it?

Michelin Lithion 2 they are pretty good tires. I was running the Power Roads but the Lithions are cheaper and more durable.

[joetron]

Hit all 4 features on a small feature line the other day after sessioning a couple individually. It made me woo out loud in the empty forest. Pedaled right back up and hit it from top to bottom eliciting another louder woo.

This is such a good feeling.


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[VTskibum]

Definitely agree with getting the linked lines on challenging features, whatever that means for you. Still working on the bigger jump line at my local bike park, but was phenomenal to tow my daughter into the middle line and her clearing everything clean. Also toured friends around my local trail systems they'd never ridden, linking up 2 parks for ~35 miles plus small dirt jump line one of my local friends didn't even know about. Brings new light to trails I've been riding for ~20 years showing others around.

[SchralphMacchio]

Awesome!

[chicken feathers]

It sure helped today...

I’m stoked for ya.
The riding is better than the skiing.
PM me if you want any recs.

[skaredshtles]

I’m stoked for ya.
The riding is better than the skiing.
PM me if you want any recs.

Appreciate it, man!

[chicken feathers]

Sent ya a pm, I think…

[Canada1]

Four weeks post knee replacement and I've done a couple short rides on gravel and flat pavement. You don't know how much it means to you until your whole life is sitting on your ass and rehab. Being able to ride is such a big deal.

[mcski]

Four weeks? amazing!

[toast2266]

In Whistler this week, and some of the new trails they've built in the bike park are pretty great. Always nice to have some fresh tech. Also got a line or two that I've been eyeing for years but had never sacked up for before, which is very satisfying.

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[Shredhead]

Being able to ride is such a big deal.

Amen. I was on an Ebike in a week and skiing in 8.

[Bunion 2020]

That is a great anti-rant. Did my 1st real mountain bike ride this week after shoulder surgery 18 months ago. Been riding gravel and pavement for over a year but it was great to get back in the woods.

Another anti-rant.

Deore XT components. Good prices and they work. Need to stock up on non electric components though.

[rideit]

Hit all 4 features on a small feature line the other day after sessioning a couple individually. It made me woo out loud in the empty forest. Pedaled right back up and hit it from top to bottom eliciting another louder woo.

THIS

[skaredshtles]

Lunch rides are great and they make me happy.

[Powder Ho]

Afternoon rains have made the locals trails awesome.

[yeahman]

Happy for my buddy who just finished the Tour Divide in 24 days at age 56.

[joetron]

That is a great anti-rant. Did my 1st real mountain bike ride this week after shoulder surgery 18 months ago. Been riding gravel and pavement for over a year but it was great to get back in the woods.

Another anti-rant.

Deore XT components. Good prices and they work. Need to stock up on non electric components though.

The great thing about Shimano is that 12sp mechanical components will be supported for a long time. That’s what they do.


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[hick]

Happy for my buddy who just finished the Tour Divide in 24 days at age 56.

That’s rad! Mad respect!!


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