Not enough clearance...

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

Quoted message said:

I weigh 230 to 235 depending on what I had for breakfast, and I am riding a 2000 Rockhopper FSR.
Not a bad bike, and plan on upgrading components to Shimano XTs a bit at a time. The biggest (and
really only serious) problem I have had with this bike is its very low clearance. I am still
pretty new at this and I am learning how to clear objects better. Bit I find I still grind pedals
often and I also scrape my large gear on platforms more than 8" high. I assume I need to replace
my rear shock spring (Fox Vanailla cranked to max). Any other ideas? Shorter cranks? Lose weight
(Im working on this one). Is there a technique I need to use that I am not aware of? I have
already pretty much chewed up my Time pedals, though they still work well. I really dont want to
keep losing my large ring on these rocks. No serious damage yet, but I suspect its coming.

Here are some thoughts. You need to look at your suspension, of course, but it might be
something else.

Your bike might be plagued with a "too low bottom bracket" which is the bane of Sp Enduros. Not much
you can do about that except get a new bike. However, if it's just pedal bang, learning how to
stutter your pedal stroke to avoid colliding with rocks, etc. is worth the effort. Another thing
could be to scrap the big ring and install a bash guard in its place. Cheaper yet, just grind the
teeth off the big ring and let it be your bash guard. A little derraileur/shifter adjustment to keep
from shifting onto the bash guard is all it takes.

Another remote possibility is look at crank length. If you're at 180mm, go down to 175. If you're at
175, consider 170's.

Or you could go over to the dark side and just ride paved bike paths! (just kidding)

Paladin

Paladin said:

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

Quoted message said:

I weigh 230 to 235 depending on what I had for breakfast, and I am riding a 2000 Rockhopper FSR.
Not a bad bike, and plan on upgrading components to Shimano XTs a bit at a time. The biggest (and
really only serious) problem I have had with this bike is its very low clearance. I am still
pretty new at this and I am learning how to clear objects better. Bit I find I still grind pedals
often and I also scrape my large gear on platforms more than 8" high. I assume I need to replace
my rear shock spring (Fox Vanailla cranked to max). Any other ideas? Shorter cranks? Lose weight
(Im working on this one). Is there a technique I need to use that I am not aware of? I have
already pretty much chewed up my Time pedals, though they still work well. I really dont want to
keep losing my large ring on these rocks. No serious damage yet, but I suspect its coming.

Here are some thoughts. You need to look at your suspension, of course, but it might be
something else.

Your bike might be plagued with a "too low bottom bracket" which is the bane of Sp Enduros. Not
much you can do about that except get a new bike. However, if it's just pedal bang, learning how
to stutter your pedal stroke to avoid colliding with rocks, etc. is worth the effort. Another
thing could be to scrap the big ring and install a bash guard in its place. Cheaper yet, just
grind the teeth off the big ring and let it be your bash guard. A little derraileur/shifter
adjustment to keep from shifting onto the bash guard is all it takes.

Or, get something like the tooth fairy which bolts outside the big ring and provides protection (you
should see all the wear and dents in mine
🙂). You only need to do this if you actually use your big ring -- if
not, why not let it become a bash ring? Since a bash ring is bigger than your big chainring, you'll
hit a little more often, but when you hit, you won't do any damage. I now let my rings slam into a
log without worry (other than making sure that my weight's back and I'm lifting my front wheel 🙂).

I also agree with the pedal stuttering. It took me quite a while and my pedals still get bashed-up,
but learning to position your pedals as you ride is important. Especially on difficult climbs where
you can't afford to hit because that little momentum loss means that you stop moving.

Quoted message said:

Another remote possibility is look at crank length. If you're at 180mm, go down to 175. If you're
at 175, consider 170's.

Very remote...

Quoted message said:

Or you could go over to the dark side and just ride paved bike paths! (just kidding)

Paladin

David.