So I got the new bike out for it's first ride tonight, and it made me think of a number of things:
I was going through Fish Creek, and it seems I'm the only one who didn't have a helmet on. I get it, and a regular helmet was on my list of things to order. Going through the singletrack could result in an ugly accident. I saw a guy wearing a full face which seemed overkill, and I'd be way too hot. But I have a nice one, and it would save me from buying a new one. What do you guys wear, if anything, while trail riding?
My DH bike had platform pedals with pins, loved the grip. But if your foot slips off, it can't get pretty ugly. The pedals seemed fine, but once I started going, it felt like my skate shoes were sliding around on them, so they need to go. What do you like for trail riding? I'm not sure if I could get used to clip ons, but I've never actually tried them.
Dropper post is a must, and going in my first parts order. Nuff said.
I have Juicy 3's, and the stopping power was pretty good considering I bought it used and took it right out. I did notice the levers, front more than rear, would have maybe half an inch of wiggle/play after pressing them a good amount. Even when this happened I still had good breaking power, but I was wondering if this is a sign of needing a bleed? I'm going to read online to see how hard they are to do. Might order a bleed kit and some new pads, just to really set it up after buying it used.
My rear air shock is my first air shock. I've read you're supposed to have about 25% sag. Set mine up to that, maybe even a little less. I was constantly checking the o-ring to see how much travel I was using, and it seems like gunning through a trail was using about 75% of the travel, without jumps. Should I put more air in, or is that final 25% good enough to not bottom out and jumps?
The bike has 150mm travel in the rear, and 140mm in the front. I'm a big fan of RockShox, but the Pike they put on the Pitch Comp is very entry and doesn't have motion control/lockout, etc. I'm thinking I want to swap it out for something for 150-160mm, maybe an air fork as I've never had one. But that might wait till next year, the Pike I have seems fine for now. Although I would like the increased height in the front I think.
Well that's a lot for now, guess I'll let some discussion get going.