MTB'ers Unite!!

[tincam84]

Anyone here mountain bike? I just got into it about 4 months ago and now I'm hooked! I was hoping to get a thread going where people could suggest trails they ride and rate them.

Here's a few trails I have hit (all in Tucson):

Starr Pass Trail
I found this trail a little too technical for my liking, couldn't really get going too fast and there seemed to be a TON of sharp larger rocks and Cholla's. This was when I entered from the Starr Pass trail head off the resort.

I also rode the back side of this trail (entered off the Ajo/Kinny area) and it seemed to be much better. The accent into the trail kinda sucked (unrideable at points) but once you got through that it was great.

Sweetwater Preserve Trail
This place kicks ass! It's pretty much all single track with tons of loops so you can make the ride as long as you want it. Overall its not too technical but there are some rough sections to keep things exciting. It's a much faster and more flowing trail than Starr Pass. This is pretty much the only place I ride now.

[2fst4door]

i wanna get into mountain biking so bad post a pic of your bike

[2fst4door]

http://www.hyannispoint.com/mtb/images/bike_side_small.jpg

this is what i want i wanna do more downhill/freeride stuff

[tincam84]

I'll post of pic of mine when I get home. Its nothing special, just a 2008 Trek 4300 but its a blast to ride and loves the single track. I think my next upgrade will be new tires; the stock Bontrager Connection Trail's are taking a pounding.

[taggart_lumpy]

a few mtb guys rode up on the tram when i was in one of the ski resorts in utah last weekend
i took a minute to watch them go down the mountain

needless to say them fuckers are nuts

[redek98]

this was sedona (bell rock) some time last year.
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jacuna53/100_0791.jpg

I mostly ride fantasy island(tucson houghton and valencia area) its about 30 miles of loops that keeps me going back. I would love to check out a couple other places. I haven't rode in a while, simply because I got tired of going out alone. Haven't found any consistent riding buddies. LMK

[tincam84]

That's a cool shot man, looks like a nice area too!

[redek98]

where is sweetwater by?

[tincam84]

It's west of Silverbell off Comino del Cerro and Tortilita. When heading north on Silverbell turn left (west) onto Comino Del Cerro, drive about 2.5 miles until you get to Tortilita, turn left on Tortilita (heading south) and the street will eventually dead end at the Sweetwater Trail head. There is a big parking lot and the main trail is at the end of the parking lot or you can climb the hill as you enter the lot to get to some other trails.

[redek98]

nice... hopefully I canhit that up some time.

[xracerx]

Nice bikes posted up I have a 06 DB response sport and my girl has a 09 version.We are inline speedskaters and the team broke up. Shes's new to riding and I'am a old
skool bmx'er LOL. We are here in phx. Nice to see people are also health consicious.

[xracerx]

ok guys here's mine.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/Tyroneo/th_DBMTNbike.jpg

[Owens]

I try to, everytime I buy a new MTB (or used for that matter) they always get stolen before I can take it on some of Iowa's forest trails. I leave the keys in my ignition 24/7, everywhere, but its my $300 bikes that get stolen. I gave up.

[THE ONE]

I would love to get back into riding again. I have a Specialized HardRock that just collects dust and rust now on my patio.

[1 si]

I usually do the trail off of 59th ave and pinnacle peak; kind of short but has some fun parts

[Nations]

Anyone here mountain bike? I just got into it about 4 months ago and now I'm hooked! I was hoping to get a thread going where people could suggest trails they ride and rate them.

Here's a few trails I have hit (all in Tucson):

Starr Pass Trail
I found this trail a little too technical for my liking, couldn't really get going too fast and there seemed to be a TON of sharp larger rocks and Cholla's. This was when I entered from the Starr Pass trail head off the resort.

I also rode the back side of this trail (entered off the Ajo/Kinny area) and it seemed to be much better. The accent into the trail kinda sucked (unrideable at points) but once you got through that it was great.

Sweetwater Preserve Trail
This place kicks ass! It's pretty much all single track with tons of loops so you can make the ride as long as you want it. Overall its not too technical but there are some rough sections to keep things exciting. It's a much faster and more flowing trail than Starr Pass. This is pretty much the only place I ride now.
best trails in tucson i think have to be mount lemon. they are the best. but i also race bmx and 4cross so maybe its just me

[brett09]

best trails in tucson i think have to be mount lemon. they are the best. but i also race bmx and 4cross so maybe its just me

Mt lemon is pretty sick

[j-dizzle]

finally got to ride fantasy island today after all that bad weather. mtbing+mud and water=awesomeness!!!!

[1 si]

where's fantasy island?

[j-dizzle]

end of harrison going south. its an awesome trail or i should say trails. theres the first 6 mile trail. but with-in that 6 mile there are a ton of loops so could end up riding like 20+ miles

[tincam84]

I rode the 50 year on Sunday and it was great. Not too much mud but enough to make the climb out of the Chutes a bit harder. If you haven't tried this trail, I highly recommend it. Best place to park seems to be at the end of Golder Ranch rd.

[1 si]

thanks, gonna try to make it out this weekend

[j-dizzle]

I rode the 50 year on Sunday and it was great. Not too much mud but enough to make the climb out of the Chutes a bit harder. If you haven't tried this trail, I highly recommend it. Best place to park seems to be at the end of Golder Ranch rd.

chutes are so much fun its like a water slide for mountain bikes haha!

[bb4arson]

im going to try to mountain bike soon dude

[tincam84]

Back from the dead!

So I recently picked up a 2010 GT Avalanche 1.o (v-brake edition); damn this bike kicks ass! It's too bad that it's getting too damn hot to ride in the day.

[jonnymos]

Have a MtnBike frame FS: http://www.azht.net/forum/showthread.php?t=126964

[scotch123]

i mountain bike.. is dope,. i agree with sweet water it is indeed a good trail. too bad you dont get much speed. ive also rode starr pass. i recently got my mountain stolen from my house, so im looking for a new one. any one have one for sale?

[jonnymos]

Buy my frame and build it up. ^

[scotch123]

itll cost to much to build up..plus i wont something asap.
good looking frame btw, if i could build it fast i would

[tincam84]

i mountain bike.. is dope,. i agree with sweet water it is indeed a good trail. too bad you dont get much speed. ive also rode starr pass. i recently got my mountain stolen from my house, so im looking for a new one. any one have one for sale?

Damn that sucks dude, sorry to hear! Keep an eye on CL; if you dont find you stolen one for sale maybe you'll find something decent for a good price.

[scotch123]

yeah ive been on cl everyday looking.

[THE ONE]

I have a Specialized Hardrock I would sell for a couple hundred...Just been sitting out on my patio for quite some time now.

[scotch123]

got pics?

[tincam84]

Anyone still riding? I can't wait for it to warm back up!

[MADEGO]

Anyone still riding? I can't wait for it to warm back up!

I ride, had surgery in Aug from wiping out. My initials are also MTB so I am a certifiable Badass. Jk still working on getting my knee in shape.

[Rufus]

I sold my hardtail but I just bought a 20" Intense Factory Pro

[j-dizzle]

i just got back on my back this week.. should be hitting trails more and more

[tincam84]

I ride, had surgery in Aug from wiping out. My initials are also MTB so I am a certifiable Badass. Jk still working on getting my knee in shape.

Man that sucks, where did it happen?

i just got back on my back this week.. should be hitting trails more and more

Sweet dude! I've been riding FI a ton, mostly during the day. If you ever see someone out there on a dark gm GT Avalanche with day glow green logos it's probably me, say hello!

Any of you guys sign up for the Urban Assault next Sunday?

[j-dizzle]

Urban assault?

[tincam84]

http://www.urbanassaultride.com/tucson

It's put on by New Belgium so you know it has to be fun.

[MADEGO]

Man that sucks, where did it happen?

I was at San Tan Mountain trails.

[tincam84]

I was at San Tan Mountain trails.


I've ridden there once with a buddy of mine. From what I remember once you start climbing the back side of one of those mountains it gets pretty steep and lots of lose rocks.

[MADEGO]

I've ridden there once with a buddy of mine. From what I remember once you start climbing the back side of one of those mountains it gets pretty steep and lots of lose rocks.

Yeah I was about half way in and failed to miss a small boulder. I was going downhill so fast I failed to pull up my front wheel and I flew over the handle bars. It was tons of fun even after I got crashed, although I mostly coasted the last 6 miles and walked the up hill parts. I hope to go out soon before its too hot.

[j-dizzle]

http://www.urbanassaultride.com/tucson

It's put on by New Belgium so you know it has to be fun.

did not know about that.. lol prob wont be doing that event.

[Theory]

I am in the market for a bike right now. I am buying used an right now I am looking at a trek fuel ex7. We should set up a AZHT.NET greet and ride.

[tincam84]

I am in the market for a bike right now. I am buying used an right now I am looking at a trek fuel ex7. We should set up a AZHT.NET greet and ride.

Sweet! Yeah that would be fun but it seems like the riders are dived up here pretty well around AZ.

I've been eyeing an entry level 29er lately but I'd have to sell my current bikes to justify the purchase.

[superfaststreetracer]

I have what I call an "entry level" 29er specialized hardtail fs. I live in Flagstaff, but I go down to phx to see my brother, so we could arrange a meeting if anyone was serious. here is the link. http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/bik/2856257355.html
I'll be keeping my eyes on this thread for a group ride in phx, I'm real curious what there is to ride down there.

[MADEGO]

I have a specialized hardrock, I'm down to meet for a ride Sunday or Tuesday is my free days.
Lots of rides, south mountain, superstitions has many trails, san tan mtns and others I am missing.

[tincam84]

I have what I call an "entry level" 29er specialized hardtail fs. I live in Flagstaff, but I go down to phx to see my brother, so we could arrange a meeting if anyone was serious. here is the link. http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/bik/2856257355.html
I'll be keeping my eyes on this thread for a group ride in phx, I'm real curious what there is to ride down there.

Nice bike and a price. Too bad the frame is so big!

I think I'm gonna ride down Catalina St. Park today (in Tucson).

[project91ef]

me and a couple friends go night riding at dreamy draw here in phx

[superfaststreetracer]

Nice bike and a price. Too bad the frame is so big!

I think I'm gonna ride down Catalina St. Park today (in Tucson).

Thanks. Yeah, she is a tall one. Im 6'3" and ride the seat post almost maxed out tho, bet someone 5'11" and up could ride it comfortably.
Hope you had a good ride. I wrecked earlier this week on my full suspension 29er. Really screwed up my shoulder. Taking a weeks rest.

[MADEGO]

Damn sorry to hear that, hope nothing major is wrong.

[tincam84]

Thanks. Yeah, she is a tall one. Im 6'3" and ride the seat post almost maxed out tho, bet someone 5'11" and up could ride it comfortably.
Hope you had a good ride. I wrecked earlier this week on my full suspension 29er. Really screwed up my shoulder. Taking a weeks rest.

It was good ride on my end. Took one of my buddies out for the first time and I think he likes it. Hope the shoulder gets better, this time of year is the best time to ride. I want to hit some trails in the 3500-4500 range this week, I bet there is snow still on the ground!

[j-dizzle]

i have been looking for a new bike.. cracked my frame about a month ago...

[superfaststreetracer]

Shoulder is feeling much better. Thinking of riding down in sedona this weekend. The last storm we got brought in 2 ft of snow so all the trails up here arent ride-able again.

[tincam84]

I've seen some pics of some of the Sedona trails, they look amazing.

I was out at Sweetwater this afternoon and the vegetation is pretty good, doesn't feel like your riding in a barren wasteland.

[j-dizzle]

Im building a new mountain bike so wont be on the trails for awhile. my ibis frame is 6 weeks out!!

[tincam84]

I rode the fire loop for the first time today out at FI; that loop is pretty bad ass!

[superfaststreetracer]

Anybody riding a 2x10 setup? I have a 2010 stumpjumper 29 fsr. It has a 3x9 setup and the new 2012 stumpys are using a 2x10. I was thinking of trying it out, but im wondering if anyone has some input.

[MADEGO]

Going to san tan mountain this Tuesday. Going to be my first off road ride since surgery. I will be padded up on the knees and bows.

[tincam84]

Nice, have a good ride! I hit a nice loop at starr pass tuesday and took a minor spill that reminded me why I needed to order new gloves! Ordered a set of the Race Black Fox Dirtpaws from hucknroll yesterday. Cant wait for them to come in!

[superfaststreetracer]

I wear dirtpaws too. nice affordable gloves.

[tincam84]

I wear dirtpaws too. nice affordable gloves.

Awesome, this will be first set. I had some Digits before but the new design blows so I went for something different. I cant see spending more than $25 on a pair of gloves.

[MADEGO]

Thanks! I bought these after my crash, hopefully I don't need to use them. they see m very sturdy and I know they would have prevented my last injury if I had them at the time.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j149/Madego/utf-8BSU1BRzA0MjUuanBn.jpg

[superfaststreetracer]

^ha I have those knee pads too. I dont wear them, but they are really nice.

[MADEGO]

So my ride was more or less a success, only crashed once. Lol , took a turn wide and tried to get back on trail hit a dip and flew over the handle bars but landed on my feet, to my surprise. My big eye opening moment is how much stamina I have lost since last year. The sun also wore me out. I'm going back out in a couple weeks, need to improve my skills or lack there of.

[tincam84]

This weekend should be super nice for riding! I drove out to FI today only to realize I forgot my front wheel/tire at home. Fml.

[tincam84]

I was on the news last night about the petition to get the PC trails opened for night riding. Hells yeah! If you guys haven't signed it yet, please do!

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/link/553937/petition-to-legalize-night-mountain-bike-riding

Anyways, i got to test out my Dirtpaws for the first time yesterday with mixed reviews. Fox definitely seems to have dropped their quality standards as they just feel cheap compared to my old Digits. However, they are still fairly comfortable and seemed to breath pretty decent. We'll see how they hold up when the heat starts to crank up.

[tincam84]

So I'm in the market for a new bike and I wanted to test a few out before I buy...

I rented a 2012 Trek X-Caliber and I have it till tomorrow. Put about 7.5 miles on it at FI this afternoon and man, what a difference compared to my 26" Avalanche 1.0!!! Holy crap!

[superfaststreetracer]

I have a 2010 specialized stumpjumper fsr 29er. You wont catch me going back to 26in wheels anytime soon. Good luck on buying a new bike, my recommendation would be to check CL or Ebay. I have had really good luck with buying pretty much new bikes for dirt cheap.

[tincam84]

Awesome bike! Yeah i've been hounding cl pretty hard this last week. I really want to test ride a stump ht but can find any place local with one i can use.

[superfaststreetracer]

That's too bad. We have a specialized featured bike shop in town with a pretty good selection in Flag. What's your price range?

[tincam84]

That's too bad. We have a specialized featured bike shop in town with a pretty good selection in Flag. What's your price range?

I was trying to stay around 1500 but I know a stumpy comp29er will jump me to the low 2k's. Honestly that would probably be too much bike for me. I'm upgrading from a '09 Gt Avalanche 1.0 (v-brake edition). I'd really love to try a 2x10 or 1x10 setup too. 3x9/10 just seems like a waste.

[clean4door]

I just picked up an 05 stumpjumper fsr the other week for 500, and I love it. Ive been riding dreamy draw a couple days a week after work.

[MADEGO]

Went out to san tan again today it was beautiful weather saw a lot of wildlife out by the trails. Should be going again in two weeks.

[MADEGO]

Awesome bike! Yeah i've been hounding cl pretty hard this last week. I really want to test ride a stump ht but can find any place local with one i can use.

Did you try global bikes? They are mainly EV but specialized is all they sell.

[tincam84]

Did you try global bikes? They are mainly EV but specialized is all they sell.

I'm in Tucson :-/

I'm gonna hit a shop tomorrow that has specialized and niner frames and see if i can demo either.

[MADEGO]

Goodluck, I test rode a stumpjumper and bike was freaking amazing, but more then I was ready to spend. Full suspension, full disc, great gears and derailer lighter then anything I have ever ridden. You won't be disapointed when you try it. The model I rode was 2010, they were wanting like $1200, it retailed new for like $1500 I think? That was last year.

[superfaststreetracer]

I was trying to stay around 1500 but I know a stumpy comp29er will jump me to the low 2k's. Honestly that would probably be too much bike for me. I'm upgrading from a '09 Gt Avalanche 1.0 (v-brake edition). I'd really love to try a 2x10 or 1x10 setup too. 3x9/10 just seems like a waste.

I picked mine up for 1600 on Ebay. Thing was in damn near perfect condition. The guy bought the bike then decided he wanted an Epic instead so it just sat in the garage for a year. and That would be a really big upgrade, but believe me, you'll grow into it. I have become a much better rider with a good bike. It makes you more confident.
And an update, I replaced my large chain ring with a fairy bashgaurd. Been on two rides with the 2x9 setup and haven't "needed" the large chain ring yet. It also gave me a substantial amount of ground clearance.

[tincam84]

I picked mine up for 1600 on Ebay. Thing was in damn near perfect condition. The guy bought the bike then decided he wanted an Epic instead so it just sat in the garage for a year. and That would be a really big upgrade, but believe me, you'll grow into it. I have become a much better rider with a good bike. It makes you more confident.
And an update, I replaced my large chain ring with a fairy bashgaurd. Been on two rides with the 2x9 setup and haven't "needed" the large chain ring yet. It also gave me a substantial amount of ground clearance.

Man that is a steal! This may sound dumb, but how did you have the bike shipped? Was it shipped in parts and you had to assemble it? Good to hear your 2x9 is working out. I've been looking at the GT Zaskar 9r comp and it comes with a 2x10 stock setup. It has pretty amazing components for a $2k bike.

[superfaststreetracer]

Not dumb, the bike was shipped partially assembled. I had to put the wheels on, seat post in, stem and handle bars on, and of course pedals. but because it was "used" the bike was already put together, he just barely broke it down so it would fit in the bike box.

[MADEGO]

I gave my bike rack to my sister in law because I bought a tundra, my wife doesn't drive stick so I have to take break down my bike to fit in my Honda whenever I go riding. Lol , it takes about as long as putting the bike rack on and off.

[clean4door]

I was doing that for a while too, got to be a pain putting the seats down, taking wheel off etc. I finally got me one of those trunk mount racks. And i love it.

Tuesday I'm taking my stumpjumper in to get serviced and maybe some new goodies

[tincam84]

I used to break mine down and stuff it in my teg WITH a massive rear upper strut bar. I could fit 2 bikes in there with that setup! I got an accord to DD and threw a rack on that and it was so much better. So nice to just put the bike on and off and not take the wheel off. I've since sold both and now have a tacoma with a couple of these bad boys. (http://www.rockymounts.com/bike_racks_clutchSD_p/011.htm) I have to take the wheel off but it's nice knowing they are locked and EXTREMELY hard to steal if I need to make a stop before i can get home to unload my shit.

[tincam84]

BTW, i've been eye balling this on ebay...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190671105552?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_500wt_1284

It's too bad the front fork is a pile but otherwise it seems like a nice bike.

[clean4door]

Those r nice. I'm working on picking up a Tacoma or 4runner just waiting on a nice one o come through work. But having the rack is alot nicer. I just need to go get an attachment for my bike, I don't feel that it fits right being an fsr

[clean4door]

BTW, i've been eye balling this on ebay...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190671105552?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_500wt_1284

It's too bad the front fork is a pile but otherwise it seems like a nice bike.

Looks really nice.

[tincam84]

Those r nice. I'm working on picking up a Tacoma or 4runner just waiting on a nice one o come through work. But having the rack is alot nicer. I just need to go get an attachment for my bike, I don't feel that it fits right being an fsr

Not sure what you're price range is but there was a super nice barcelona red 06 4dr trd off road w/ 48k on it on cl the other day for 18.5. I think it was in Scottsdale. It was mint as fuck too.

[MADEGO]

I love Toyota trucks, I own a 2010 tundra. So glad I bought it, we go camping and do a lot of outdoor activities. Not bad on gas either for a v8. I have wanted a tacoma for years, my mom owns a 2008 with like 20k miles and I was wanting to buy hers until she started acting like a B about it.

[tincam84]

^^^ haha, that's funny. I love mine. The interior on the 4dr is like a car interior, so spacious and the trd package is bad ass. The interior upgrade on the trd's is worth it alone. I love the front seats.

[MADEGO]

Yeah we went out camping a couple weekends ago and it snowed the truck handled wonderfully in the snow. I'm glad I got the trd and the rear camera, those two packages definitely work it.

[tincam84]

Any of you use Strava?

[MADEGO]

Any of you use Strava?

No, but I have a sigma.

[tincam84]

so much for riding today, fuck.

[MADEGO]

Aww c'mon its beautiful outside. Should be good riding this weekend.

[tincam84]

Aww c'mon its beautiful outside. Should be good riding this weekend.

I was packing up my bike when that shit show rolled through Tucson. I was hoping it would have made today cooler but nope, right back to the heat. Glad I got lights as I see lots of night riding in my future.

[tincam84]

Blew out the sole in one of my shoes on Friday at Starr Pass, they are Shimano M086L's. I've read this is a pretty common problem with these shoes, the rubber separating from the plastic cleate plate. They have lasted me probably 2+ years and lots of hike a bike so I guess I can't be too upset. I super glued them last night and they held up for my ride today so we'll see how long it lasts!

[superfaststreetracer]

The weather has been gorgeous up here in Flag. Been on the bike 3 days in a row. Hope everyone else is able to get out there and enjoy some biking.

[superfaststreetracer]

Anyone doing the race in flag next weekend? http://www.absolutebikes.net/2012-absolute-bikes-st-marys-food-bank-old-fashioned-mountain-bike-race/

[MADEGO]

It's been humid down in the valley but a little cooler I want to start riding a couple days a week and then too work everyday.

[clean4door]

It's been humid down in the valley but a little cooler I want to start riding a couple days a week and then too work everyday.

That's what I'm waiting for as well. I stared hiking the other day to try in get back some stamina, can't wait for better weather to ride again.

[tincam84]

It's brutal for sure, I've started doing a lot of night riding.

[clean4door]

That's what I was doing for awhile, but ending up stoping. I've been rideing early morning lately to get back into riding shape.

[MADEGO]

This humidity is brutal, I need to get a light for night riding or get my lazy ass up in the am.

[clean4door]

This humidity is brutal, I need to get a light for night riding or get my lazy ass up in the am.

Very. I have a light but it sucks ass. I've just been riding to work a couple days a week. Like 20 mile round trip to stay in shape.

[Rufus]

Rode sunrise Saturday. I'm pooped.

[tincam84]

I use 2 Niteride MiNewt 300's, one on my helmet and one on the bars. They are overkill for commuting but get the job done on mtb trails for the most part. You can usually find them for like $50-$80 online, pretty good price for a solid light. Even 1 on the helmet would be fine for most riding.

Anyone entering the Tour of the White Mountains? Thinking of doing the 35 miler with some friends but I need to get my ass in shape!

[clean4door]

Sounds like fun. A couple guys from work wanted to do a Flagg to sadona ride sometime soon

[MADEGO]

Sounds like fun. A couple guys from work wanted to do a Flagg to sadona ride sometime soon

That sounds awesome, would be good to get out of this heat. Seems like I work next 4 weekends.

[clean4door]

Ya it would. And that's our issue as well. We all work weekends, so it's been challenging to get a day figured out

[MADEGO]

Just picked this up for trail ride tonight.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j149/Madego/utf-8BSU1BRzA1NTcuanBn.jpg

[tincam84]

How'd the light work out?

[MADEGO]

How'd the light work out?

It was bad ass! I mounted it to the top of my helmet for spotlight power on a swivel. I saw about 13 scorpions on the trail, and what I think was a millipede. So much cooler at night with a nice breeze.

[MADEGO]

Went back out on the trail tonight saw some more wildlife, a havelina, fox, small owls on the trail and tons of mice/ground squirrels hopping around. The light has three brightness settings and it goes far down the trail. Each ride has been about 2 and a half hours and on the brightest setting its supposed to last 4 hours. Going to get my monies worth out of that light. Also need to get some new tubes I have a couple slow leaks in each tire barely made it back had to pump up the tire to make it up the last climb.

[MADEGO]

Does anyone have any experience with riding shoes and clips? Was thinking of getting some similar to these and replacing my pedals with clips. Is it worth it?
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j149/Madego/product_353022_15407_zpse390ec1a.jpg

[clean4door]

Everyone I ride with at work swears by them. Said there are huge differences. Just takes a little time to adjust to those

I haven't used them but I'm thinking of as we'll

[MADEGO]

Everyone I ride with at work swears by them. Said there are huge differences. Just takes a little time to adjust to those

I haven't used them but I'm thinking of as we'll

Thanks for the input, I hear the same thing. It seems like the shoes are $150 (on sale for $75-90) and the pedals are another $70-$100. Maybe I will put it on my wish list for now.

[tincam84]

Night riding kicks ass, glad you are enjoying it!

I have clips on my mtb a love them, spd520 pedals and some shimano shoes. I had a nice set of their race shoes and loved them, similar to the specialized shoes above. I think the ratchet + velcro straps are key, shoe laces blow. They definitely take some time getting used to but they become second nature pretty quick. I'd try them around some pretty easy parks or whatever until you get used to clipping in and out. Get the multi-directional cleats too (for spd systems), they are much easier for starting off.

[MADEGO]

Night riding kicks ass, glad you are enjoying it!

I have clips on my mtb a love them, spd520 pedals and some shimano shoes. I had a nice set of their race shoes and loved them, similar to the specialized shoes above. I think the ratchet + velcro straps are key, shoe laces blow. They definitely take some time getting used to but they become second nature pretty quick. I'd try them around some pretty easy parks or whatever until you get used to clipping in and out. Get the multi-directional cleats too (for spd systems), they are much easier for starting off.

Yeah I have been going out at night atleast once a week lately and love it, thank you for the input. I was looking at shimano pedals that had clips on one side and metal pedal on the other then I tried on the specialized shoes because I wear 14s and they had a 13.75 that was the only size that I fit in. I tried a 13 and wasn't able to squeeze in.

[tincam84]

I think Shimano shoes are sized more for the European market so they tend to run a bit more narrow and smaller. I think for a lot of their shoes they make a wide version too...? But yeah, you definitely want to try on the shoe before you buy it. Going a size larger is a good idea too, you don't want you toes getting all mashed up in the front of the shoes. I've tried running a pedal with a flat on one side and a clip on the other, I didn't like it at all. Once you get comfortable with them you wont want to have to worry about which direction your pedal is facing every time you clip in/out. It can get SUPER frustrating on technical stuff if you pop out or something and you're trying to quickly recover but can clip in cause the flat side is up!

[MADEGO]

I think Shimano shoes are sized more for the European market so they tend to run a bit more narrow and smaller. I think for a lot of their shoes they make a wide version too...? But yeah, you definitely want to try on the shoe before you buy it. Going a size larger is a good idea too, you don't want you toes getting all mashed up in the front of the shoes. I've tried running a pedal with a flat on one side and a clip on the other, I didn't like it at all. Once you get comfortable with them you wont want to have to worry about which direction your pedal is facing every time you clip in/out. It can get SUPER frustrating on technical stuff if you pop out or something and you're trying to quickly recover but can clip in cause the flat side is up!

Good point, I didn't think about that.

[MADEGO]

Going on another ride tonight, hope to see some more wild animals.

[MADEGO]

Didn't see any animals tonight, did however see a big tarantula, wanted to pick him up and take him with me. Good thing I didn't, because I later wiped out and he would have been dead.

[superfaststreetracer]

I have those exact pair of shoes(specialized comps) LOVE them. i ride them with some spds

[MADEGO]

I have those exact pair of shoes(specialized comps) LOVE them. i ride them with some spds

Alright I am going to have to make my next purchase, thanks for the input.

[tincam84]

hucknroll.com is having a pretty awesome sale right now, also like an extra 50% off sale items with coupon "save50" i think. i've use them a lot and they kick ass, super fast shipping. good time to stock up on some cheap gear!


edit: it is not an extra 50% off... it just brings it down to 50% off. damn!

[superfaststreetracer]

It's winter in flagstaff now, I'll be making trips down to the valley,specifically tempe area. Any tips on trails, or finding trails. Honestly, never ridden down here.

[superfaststreetracer]

Finals week is next week, meaning I'll be freeing up for about a month. Where are these trails recommendations guys?

[clean4door]

Been considering selling my specialized lately. Anyone interested

[johnb20]

my specialize stump jumper 29er full suspension i love it!!


http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii172/johnsr20det/64531BAD-24A8-4509-96DD-7F8FE2218209-6040-000004F16EF1910A_zpsb6e287ba.jpg (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/johnsr20det/media/64531BAD-24A8-4509-96DD-7F8FE2218209-6040-000004F16EF1910A_zpsb6e287ba.jpg.html)

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii172/johnsr20det/F7C47EAF-72C2-48DD-8BC2-1D5E58D25BDC-6040-000004F1DFEA0778_zpse14630ad.jpg (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/johnsr20det/media/F7C47EAF-72C2-48DD-8BC2-1D5E58D25BDC-6040-000004F1DFEA0778_zpse14630ad.jpg.html)

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii172/johnsr20det/50F03A8C-C7C8-44A4-91CE-7C7A7441C86F-6040-000004F1F8C9558F_zps7773279b.jpg (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/johnsr20det/media/50F03A8C-C7C8-44A4-91CE-7C7A7441C86F-6040-000004F1F8C9558F_zps7773279b.jpg.html)