CBaron

Nice find. Thats a good place to start for a rider looking for low-cost modern-enough bike. You've been getting some very good advice in this thread (and prior). But I generally recommend trying to get into something at a comfortable price point until you (she) has proven to be committed to the sport. The reason you are bummed for not buying more bike for yourself is because you've established that you are going to fully use it enough to justify that bigger expense. I say this as something who's owned a bike shop, and worked at 3 others prior, you are in the minority. The odds were more likely that your bike was going to hang in your garage as wall-art. IMHO your wife sorta needs to prove the same. My suggestion is to pick a reasonable price point for your budget and then buy something used. This way if her interest is short lived then you can always get most of your money back in the sale of her bike. If you go new, you would be taking a pretty noticeable depreciation hit on that sale. If a FS is in your budget range, then go for it. But I really don't think that's completely necessary. Ya'll are just getting started in this, look how much you've recently learned (discovered) with just tire pressure. There are many more of these nuggets yet to learn. They can very well improve the riding experience for you and her. Most of the riding population started off on hardtails. Some of us still choose to ride them. Buy FS if your budget allows, but her being a rookie rider should not be the reason for that choice. In fact, some people would say she SHOULD start of on a hard tail for a variety of reason. Congrats on getting the bike bug....and having a wife show even THIS much interest in it. Who knows where this can/will take you?! Cheers, CJB

Ok thanks, good to know. Spotty enough to where I think the SATN trails might actually be ok. -CJB

Thanks, one of my buddy's down there said the same. Rained near his office S of downtown, but not much by his house off Davis -CJB

Same question here. Rain? What are conditions? Thanks CJB

What do things look like down there? I heard we had a good bit of rain? THanks CJB

I think you win! THIS...is what this thread should be filled with. -CJB

Is this the trail-end of Hermosa Creek (and subsequent TH for Jones Creek)? -CJB

Onza all the way! I also had onza pedals too. -CJB

Cool thread... Here are my easy to reach photos. I know I can get a little earlier with the MTB and much earlier back to my 11 yr old BMX days. This is my very first MTB race while at TX Tech in Fall of 94', I ended up winning the 3 race series and I still have the 'chainring trophy' on my bookshelf. I made a few friends at that race that I still ride with to this day. 2nd time to Lajitas (Desert Classic 1995). This was my 2nd race ever and believe it was at Flat Creek Ranch 1995. This was back when XC rode very technical stuff on skinny @ss 26er tires, 63mm travel Mag21's were "long travel", and the Expert Class (Cat 1) raced a mind-blowing 3 laps for about 20 miles(!!!) LOL

If you're cool with that, it might not be a bad solution for me. He's getting close to needing to move up to a new bike and I've already begun exploring those options for him. Worst case, it may be 6-9 months and then I'd hope to have him up onto a 27.5 (or 29) Honestly, I'd take any amount. He's currently got zero so anything will help. I'd guess 12-15mm would be ideal. I can just see that he's 'sitting on top of his BB' when pedaling. Especially now that he's got taller (and his legs are so much longer). Cheers, CJB

I'm heading out with my youngest son to ride South Boundary in about 2 weeks. He's grown so much that I need to adjust his bike fit for a ride that long. I'm hoping to find a 27.2 stack post of some kind. I figured these things would be plentiful, but I'm also happy to pay $$ if its needed. Thanks, CJB

Me and @Teamsloan attended OB there 2 yrs ago. It rained from start to finish! It was an absolute muddy mess. Everyone tried to make the best of it, but no getting around how much rain (and cold) we had that weekend. But yes, BV is a great place to go for most any riding reasons. Cheers, CJB

Yep I turned @Barry on to EIE with the purchase of my i39 rims (wheels) for my Stache about 2.5 yrs ago. I just checked yesterday and I've got 3300 off-road miles on them and THEY"VE NEVER EVEN NEEDED TRUEING. I've also covered over 200 mi at LGT on them (and race pace). Early on my biggest concern was smashing the side wall of the rim on our local rock strewn trails. These rims are sooooo wide that they leave a lot of material exposed. Additionally, they are pretty damn light....that translates into thin walled rims. So far, no problems, but I can see abrasion marls from rocks and such. Lastly, my plan reqarding warranty and durability was that I would simply buy another rim (and have it relaced locally) if I ever had an issue. $700 wheels....+ a future $225 rim (and $50 labor) would still only equal sub-$1k for the wheel set in case of needed replacement on my part. Now, considering how much use I've had with them, I'd happily replace one of the rims with no ill-thoughts towards longevity if I toasted one.

Its not a 100% set time. It ebbs a bit from when everyone arrives and then collectively decides to roll. All that said, I usually try to arrive around 5:10-15 and see who begins to gather up. Quite often a few will roll up from an 'early lap' and its not uncommon to head out for the 'fast lap' around 5:25-30'ish. The "legends lap" comprised primarily of the old-guard R&I'rs usually has a pretty similar schedule. But can be a few minutes later because most are coming from work, and might be stuck in traffic a bit. But generally, I'd say the same thing for both groups. 5:15 arrive---5:30 head out. +/- minutes. YMMV Personally I'd love to see more people come out and join in. ITs always a fun time no matter which group you want to jump into. Bring a lawn chair and a cold 6pk Later, CJB

I scrolled through hoping to see a 27.2 setback seat post....anyone have one of those laying around? Thanks CJB

Thats about where I am and my back yard is still pretty soft -CJB

I'm pretty close to WC and we have not had rain yet. The radar (from an hour ago) looked like something was coming. Don't think it ever hit here. -CJB

I can't speak much for this past year (12 mo) because I've been a little MIA with riding along with my Thumper duties. But historically it *would* get cleared regularly. The main Thumper rep lives adjacent to the trail and keeps an eye on things. Additionally, when I (we) see stuff pop up on the message board we try to use that as a catalyst for some work efforts. However, TAF is correct, Thumper is usually in its best condition in the weeks leading up to the EB. Post up here if anyone see something specific that needs addressing. Cheers, CJB

Rain 2x's over here near WC today. My yard is soaked. -CJB

We are now in the middle of round 2 with 7 minutes of hard rain. The water is now running down the gutters in the streets pretty hard. The R&I is dead.... -CJB

And I take this back....we just got a brief steady rain. Looks like its past now. I'll step back outside with a follow up in about 20 min -CJB

Negative. I just stepped outside to check and there is ZERO going on at my house. Sky looks partly cloudy. I'm located just across Parmer from WC. -CJB

I've alway thought we should just bring out own picnic table up there and chain it to the trees (again). I suspect it would go un-noticed for months (of not longer) -CJB

AB and I approach things from a slightly different vantage point (I'm trying to stay in ketosis and use this eating style for fueling purposes while riding), but our conclusions and findings are pretty similar. I agree with most all of what he said. I've been doing the koto-thing for nearly 4 yrs now. Its fully a lifestyle way of eating for me, I simply don't know any different. All that said, I've discovered some very remarkable things with it on the bike. When I'm dialed-in my eating, I can wake up in the morning and go on a 4+ hr group road ride (50-60 mi) and a solid pace and eat NOTHING. Note- this also includes the fact that my last meal was 8pm the night before. I can't recall my exact eating pattern for my last Dragon Slayer. But I know I did 80 mi, 8(?)hrs and placed 4th. If memory is correct, I ate 2-3 gels and a Honey Stinger waffle during that time. And I'm not advocating for anyone to try and pull off the above. I'm just offering it up as a real-life 1st hand experience into the keto eating world (of cycling). It took me MUCH effort, discipline and experimentation to figure it all out. (I also have some MAJOR crash and burn stories of anyone was interest also) Yes, I was pretty fit. But I've always run a higher heart rate. I'm regularly in the 160-180's so I'm not operating in 'lower zonal efforts'. I credit it to a lot of trial and error to figure out how to dial in what works for me. It prolly took me a year +/- to work it all out. Later, CJB

Hey I truly am glad to hear you guys say that. I'm all for lowering price points and trickle down tech. I personally just felt that the "value" was low for what I saw. Later, CJB