Mountain Bikes · Public discussion

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Started by Bcs · · Last activity · 14 posts · 986 views

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Mountain Bikes
Published
20 September 2003
Last activity
23 September 2003
Original author
Bcs
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  1. Since this NG is filled with helpful experts, I figured maybe you could help me with a few
    [rhetorical] questions, just to clarify a few things:

    I have ~$50 to spend on a strong, durable, low-maintenance rear disc hub. What should I buy, and
    from where, to get the best value for my hard-earned dollars? I've had nothing but good luck with
    Shimano. Every other brand of rear hub that I've used has had problems. I want the hub to be
    field-serviceable, with cup-and-cone type bearings.

    I want the lightest XC bike that I can buy for under $1,000. What do you recommend, and why? Have
    other people recommended it? Are they just a bunch of ignorant doofuses that I should laugh at?

    I like V-brakes, and have no problems with them. They work great. I really like my bike just the way
    it is. Should I buy a new disc-equipped bike to be like the k3wl n xtr33m d3wdz? How many hours
    should I work at my minimum-wage job to afford the disc bike? Should I buy XTR, or inferior brakes?

    There aren't any mountains where I live. Does that mean I shouldn't ride a mountain bike? Can I
    still read and post on a.m-b?

    My parents can only afford a Mongoose bike, but I really want to ride some of the local offroad
    trails. Should I tell them that I'd rather not have a bike until I can afford a Ventana or
    Santa Cruz?

    I have a bike with an oversized and gusseted hi-tensile steel frame. Is it dangerous to ride a
    non-CrMo steel frame? Why?

    Do I have to do big drops to be a real mountain biker? What is the biggest drop-to-flat that you've
    done? Why do you do big jumps? Does it make you a better rider?

    Where did you learn about wheel building? How many wheelsets have you built?

    What's your favorite brand of spokes, and why? What brand and gauge of spokes do you recommend for
    an XC rear disc wheel?

    What are the advantages of radial spoking, and why are wheels built like that?

    Where can I buy custom-cut spokes for building a wheelset with large hubs? How do I calculate
    spoke length?

    Why does everybody have riser handlebars instead of a taller, longer stem and flat handlebars? Keith
    Bontrager says riser bars are weaker, and are a fashion trend. Is he right? Why do you ride riser
    handlebars?

    Are all Chinese and Taiwanese bikes junk? I heard that Ritchey and Truvativ parts are made in Asia.
    Does that mean they're weak and dangerous? What about bikes made in Taiwan? Should I pay 4x as much
    for a bike made in the good ol' US of A? Most bikes I've seen have been made in Taiwan or China.
    Does that mean that most mountain bikers are stupid, ignorant newbie cheapskates who are taking
    their lives into their hands, and probably even deviating from the trails sometimes, causing
    erosion? Should I yell at people who deviate from the trail even a tiny bit?

    If I don't recognize any of the brand names on a bike frame or component, should I automatically
    assume that it's junk? If somebody tells me it's good and they ride it with no problems; should I
    laugh at them and tell them they're an ignorant newbie?

    I've bought lots of bikes and parts from Ebay, and have gotten amazing deals. Never had a single
    problem. Should I stop buying bikes from Ebay? Some guy on a.m-b said I should. Do you think I
    should just tell this loser and his loser pals to [censored] off?

    Is it true that JD stands for "Jack*ss Deluxe?"

  2. BCS said:

    Since this NG is filled with helpful experts, I figured maybe you could help me with a few
    [rhetorical] questions, just to clarify a few things:

    Ah, ain't that just precious. Barry spent his Friday night in setting a test to prove how much more
    he's read than us.

  3. [email hidden] (BCS) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:


    Why does everybody have riser handlebars instead of a taller, longer stem and flat handlebars?
    Keith Bontrager says riser bars are weaker, and are a fashion trend. Is he right? Why do you ride
    riser handlebars?

    Keith must be a trendy guy. His name is all over my Crowbars.

  4. bomba says:

    Quoted message said:

    Ah, ain't that just precious. Barry spent his Friday night in setting a test to prove how much more
    he's read than us.

    Heehee. But.....

    <Dr. Dimestore> What Barry hasn't realised (you listening, Barry?) is that if his "treatment" on
    am-b upsets him so much, then he really must value the opinions represented therein. Otherwise
    he would just discount them, being the expert he claims to be, and move on. </Dr. Dimestore>

    Again, if that is a personal attack, my apologies - just calling it as I see
    Ds.But you've killfiled me so it doesn't matter anyway, right?

    Steve

  5. "BCS" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    Since this NG is filled with helpful experts, I figured maybe you could help me with a few
    [rhetorical] questions, just to clarify a few things:

    I'm glad you posted this...because you're now obligated to shut the hell up.

    You can't argue for weeks about your taking the high road in all these threads and then come up and
    post this petty [censored]. Any shred of respect any of us could have had for you is long gone, and
    you cashed in your dignity to do it.

    I would killfile you, but it's too much fun watching JD put you in places where you so clearly
    (especially after this post) belong.

    Chris

    PS - before you lump me into the "cheap parts hater" category, you should note the only *real*
    criteria for acceptance here is to actually RIDE a bike...the only thing I have yet to see you
    discuss. For example, JD and I have a lot of different opinions, but I'm pretty sure he and I
    could go for a ride, have a beer or six, and manage to not come to blows over something.

  6. bomba <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:
    BCS said:

    Since this NG is filled with helpful experts, I figured maybe you could help me with a few
    [rhetorical] questions, just to clarify a few things:

    Ah, ain't that just precious. Barry spent his Friday night in setting a test to prove how much
    more he's read than us.

    So, you're not going to answer any of the questions? That's what I thought.

    -=B=-

  7. bomba <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:
    barry bargain said:

    Since this NG is filled with helpful experts, I figured maybe you could help me with a few
    [rhetorical] questions, just to clarify a few things:

    Ah, ain't that just precious. Barry spent his Friday night in setting a test to prove how much
    more he's read than us.

    I'd call it something like "dry firing" instead of setting a test.

    JD

  8. [email hidden] (R.White) wrote in message
    news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:

    [email hidden] (BCS) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:


    Why does everybody have riser handlebars instead of a taller, longer stem and flat handlebars?
    Keith Bontrager says riser bars are weaker, and are a fashion trend. Is he right? Why do you
    ride riser handlebars?

    Keith must be a trendy guy. His name is all over my Crowbars.

    That's gotta be a sore subject with KB. "Crowbars" came after the Trek merger.

    -B

  9. BCS said:
    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    Since this NG is filled with helpful experts, I figured maybe you could help me with a few
    [rhetorical] questions, just to clarify a few things:

    Ah, ain't that just precious. Barry spent his Friday night in setting a test to prove how much
    more he's read than us.

    So, you're not going to answer any of the questions? That's what I thought.

    Why do you want answers? Surely you already have them all, being an expert who talks to Jobst,
    Keith et al.

  10. [email hidden] (Stephen Baker) wrote in message
    news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:

    bomba says:

    Quoted message said:

    Ah, ain't that just precious. Barry spent his Friday night in setting a test to prove how much
    more he's read than us.

    Heehee. But.....

    <Dr. Dimestore> What Barry hasn't realised (you listening, Barry?) is that if his "treatment" on
    am-b upsets him so much, then he really must value the opinions represented therein.
    Otherwise he would just discount them, being the expert he claims to be, and move on. </Dr.
    Dimestore>

    Again, if that is a personal attack, my apologies - just calling it as I see
    it.But you've killfiled me so it doesn't matter anyway, right?

    Ya know, I was thinking much the same thing myself.

    I was going to answer some of his questions, but since it's all a cry for validation, I'll have
    to refrain.

    Spider

  11. BCS said:

    Since this NG is filled with helpful experts, I figured maybe you could help me with a few
    [rhetorical] questions, just to clarify a few things:

    Go on then, I'll bite. I've answered the questions for the most part as I would if a newbie had
    asked a similar question.

    Quoted message said:

    I have ~$50 to spend on a strong, durable, low-maintenance rear disc hub. What should I buy, and
    from where, to get the best value for my hard-earned dollars? I've had nothing but good luck with
    Shimano. Every other brand of rear hub that I've used has had problems. I want the hub to be
    field-serviceable, with cup-and-cone type bearings.

    XT should fit the bill, just be aware that there are long-term reliability issues.

    Quoted message said:

    I want the lightest XC bike that I can buy for under $1,000. What do you recommend, and why? Have
    other people recommended it? Are they just a bunch of ignorant doofuses that I should laugh at?

    Why does it have to be the lightest? Lightweight does not necessarily equate to best. Why not get
    something that fits and rides well?

    Quoted message said:

    I like V-brakes, and have no problems with them. They work great. I really like my bike just the
    way it is. Should I buy a new disc-equipped bike to be like the k3wl n xtr33m d3wdz? How many
    hours should I work at my minimum-wage job to afford the disc bike? Should I buy XTR, or
    inferior brakes?

    V-brakes are fine, just don't be under any illusion that they're better than discs.

    Quoted message said:

    There aren't any mountains where I live. Does that mean I shouldn't ride a mountain bike? Can I
    still read and post on a.m-b?

    Not even going to bother with this one.

    Quoted message said:

    My parents can only afford a Mongoose bike, but I really want to ride some of the local offroad
    trails. Should I tell them that I'd rather not have a bike until I can afford a Ventana or
    Santa Cruz?

    Ride it till it breaks. Which shouldn't be long.

    Quoted message said:

    I have a bike with an oversized and gusseted hi-tensile steel frame. Is it dangerous to ride a
    non-CrMo steel frame? Why?

    The standard of workmanship and QC on low-end steel frames tends to be poor - keep an eye on the
    areas around the welds.

    Quoted message said:

    Do I have to do big drops to be a real mountain biker? What is the biggest drop-to-flat that
    you've done? Why do you do big jumps? Does it make you a better rider?

    If you actually read the group, you'll find most stay away from the big drop stuff.

    Quoted message said:

    Where did you learn about wheel building? How many wheelsets have you built?

    I learnt off a friend who makes bmx components. I've built a few wheels.

    Quoted message said:

    What's your favorite brand of spokes, and why? What brand and gauge of spokes do you recommend for
    an XC rear disc wheel?

    Don't know that I've got a favourite spoke manufacturer (?), but I've gone for DT Swiss Comps on my
    next (XC disc) wheels.

    Quoted message said:

    What are the advantages of radial spoking, and why are wheels built like that?

    Only to be used on the front wheel and only then if you're not using disc brakes. They tend to be
    lighter and they look pretty, but they're about the only advantages. Most people would be better off
    with a normal 3-cross pattern.

    Quoted message said:

    Where can I buy custom-cut spokes for building a wheelset with large hubs? How do I calculate
    spoke length?

    Use the spoke length calculator.

    Quoted message said:

    Why does everybody have riser handlebars instead of a taller, longer stem and flat handlebars?
    Keith Bontrager says riser bars are weaker, and are a fashion trend. Is he right? Why do you ride
    riser handlebars?

    Because riser bars are easier to come by and adjust, than stem rises and lengths. There are also
    painfully few wide flat bars with varying sweeps.

    Quoted message said:

    Are all Chinese and Taiwanese bikes junk? I heard that Ritchey and Truvativ parts are made in
    Asia. Does that mean they're weak and dangerous? What about bikes made in Taiwan? Should I pay 4x
    as much for a bike made in the good ol' US of A? Most bikes I've seen have been made in Taiwan or
    China. Does that mean that most mountain bikers are stupid, ignorant newbie cheapskates who are
    taking their lives into their hands, and probably even deviating from the trails sometimes,
    causing erosion? Should I yell at people who deviate from the trail even a tiny bit?

    I'd say that a lot of bike welders in the Far East have lots of experience and can knock out good
    frames. Decent companies pick out the better bike manufacturers and the resultant frames are very
    good. As with anywhere else, if you drop down the price scale, standards drop, and certain companies
    in the Far East have shocking QC.

    You can get a frame that's just as good as one welded in the US, but generally you can guarantee
    that a frame made in the US will be of a high standard. You pay for it, obviously.

    Quoted message said:

    If I don't recognize any of the brand names on a bike frame or component, should I automatically
    assume that it's junk? If somebody tells me it's good and they ride it with no problems; should I
    laugh at them and tell them they're an ignorant newbie?

    Back it up with evidence and experiences and we'll listen. Obviously, it someone else has differing
    experiences with that particular product then they'll disagree.

    Quoted message said:

    I've bought lots of bikes and parts from Ebay, and have gotten amazing deals. Never had a single
    problem. Should I stop buying bikes from Ebay? Some guy on a.m-b said I should. Do you think I
    should just tell this loser and his loser pals to [censored] off?

    Ooh, bitter...

    Quoted message said:

    Is it true that JD stands for "Jack*ss Deluxe?"

    Jock Duff, I thought.

  12. BCS said...

    Quoted message said:

    That's gotta be a sore subject with KB. "Crowbars" came after the Trek merger.

    Riser bars offer rise and sweep that isn't available with flat bars. To get both with a flat bar,
    you would need a new stem and bars and then it wouldn't be a flat bar anymore. Riser bars kill two
    birds with one stone and save money. If people like the look of risers better, why complain about
    it? They match our traditional sensibilities better. Most motorcycles and bicycles have always had
    riser bars.

  13. "bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

    <snipped too much sense for Bazzer to cope with>

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    Is it true that JD stands for "Jack*ss Deluxe?"

    Jock Duff, I thought.

    That would be 'Jock Duff (c)', BTW, and thank you.

    Shaun aRe

  14. "BCS" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    bomba <[email hidden]> wrote in message


    news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:
    BCS said:

    Since this NG is filled with helpful experts, I figured maybe you could help me with a few
    [rhetorical] questions, just to clarify a few things:

    Ah, ain't that just precious. Barry spent his Friday night in setting a test to prove how much
    more he's read than us.

    So, you're not going to answer any of the questions? That's what I


    thought.

    Silly boy. You yourself said that they were rhetorical questions. By definition , rhetorical
    questions require no answer.
    --
    Westie

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