Lacch

I rode BMX Loop last week and there was a crew cleaning out all of the camps! Glad to finally have this trail back.

I rode BMX Loop today and saw 2 new camps from the last time I was there. Thanks for the 311 app info, I'll get it installed and start reporting as well. @AustinBike Where is this new trail exactly? Can you please describe it a bit more? thanks!

@Zander @BRAZOS1845 Katy Crossing looks like a great option! We might head there this afternoon if the weather holds up. Is this the trailhead?

I'm not familiar with Wilco or San Gabriel park, I'll check them both out, thanks! Are there any trails/areas in particular I should check out? I rode the Peddlers "pump track" section on Friday to see if it would work for my kids. Unfortunately my 4yr old on 16s would struggle too much to make it fun. I think the advice to stay on concrete or asphalt pump tracks is the way to go.

@RedRider3141, Thanks for the map! Heading there this afternoon to scope out a plan for the kiddos.

right. that's a great point. That's one of the reasons I love taking them to Walnut, we're never more than 10min from the parking lot.

Awesome, thanks! Lots of good stuff here. I think they'd be able to handle parts of Peddlers just fine, but there are a handful of sections where they don't yet have the skills. The "pump track" part near the end would be perfect for them. Can I get them in/out of that section and skip the rocky parts? Also same with Picnic, some of those sections are super chill, if i can skip right to them. I think I know the answer, but... Is it frowned upon to 'off-road' your way in/out of a trail section? Are there any sanctioned shortcuts for Peddlers? I need to ride Suburban Ninja again... I did it once in the heat of summer and the sun made it a miserable experience. It's more of a hiking trail, right? or maybe I just need to explore it more. I'll start checking out the others on this list. Onion Creek sounds perfect! Which trailhead should we use?

I have a 4 and 6yr old who have both started to show interest in "trail" riding. They've got capable bikes and gear, but I'm running out of places to take them. We live up N and they ride the flat/wide greens at Walnut (point six, inner log loop, various connector trails, etc ) They also love riding many of the hike/bike trails at some of the Texas state parks. Are there other local Austin trails that I can take them to? I'm going to explore the S. Austin trail network in the next few weeks, but I've never been down that way so it'll be completely new to me.

Ya, I'm the type to keep around all sorts of old stuff, just incase. Thanks for the perspective. I'm going to need a bigger garage...

I have a 2021 Talon 2 that I upgraded a bit when I first started riding. (dropper post, new pedals, shorter stem). Since then I've upgraded to a decent FS and have a better understanding of what else the Talon needs to be improved. Is it worth putting anymore money into this bike? It would mostly be as a hobby, to improve my mechanic skills, but also to have a hardtail that I enjoy riding. If its not a total waste of money/effort, I'd like to upgrade the following... - air forks - tubeless tires and better engagement - maybe new chainring, cassette and chain - and on, and on... Worth it? or should sell this thing and start with a better project bike? (my FS bike's specs are still above my skill level, so no need to touch that thing anytime soon)

Spin Doctors Bike Stand. message me and its yours.

Spoke too soon... Took the bike out for a test ride just now and anytime I put weight on the pedals the chain 'pops' on the sprockets (in all gears). I ended up replacing the chain with a KMC 9speed to match my drivetrain, and matched the length of the original. Not sure what's up, but now I know what I'm doing this evening....

Ok, chain fixed! Going forward I'll be carrying a multi-tool and spare chain link with me! Also, thanks again to everyone on these forums. You guys are an awesome group and I'm grateful for all of the help/advice.

My drivetrain is 1x9, but the original chain is a KMC X8.3 (listed for 8 speed). Seems there is some wiggle room for the proper chain gauge? Given that the chain is listed as 8 speed, I should be buying an 8 speed spare link. Am I understanding correctly? If/when I replace the chain, is there any benefit to staying with an 8speed chain or should I go with a 9speed to match the drivetrain?

@throet I broke my first chain today and unfortunately wasn't prepared to fix it on the trail. When you say you have spare links for 10-spd, 11-spd, etc... what does that mean? Why are chain links not universal? I'm looking to pick up a multi-tool and a spare link to take on rides with me. I have a 1x9 drivetrain, does that mean I buy a link for a 9 speed? Also, this chain that I broke, is it trash now?