13:36 Doddy vist the Polish Tatra Mountains, recently it was much below minus 20, so it will be a good testing ground. Plus there are tons of nice places to eat, plus great food and good beer. ;-)
Thanks - we need more of these Q&A with experts, especially suspension since it can be complex. He explained things in a way that made a lot of sense, especially high/low speed compression and cold weather riding. Also, good choice in questions. Very helpful!
I could do with Q&A from guys like Finn, he's better off working on the bikes not explaining how they work. Some guys can teach and some guys can do, while some can do both, but not this dude. He certainly iscan expert at his craft but he is not that good at explaining it.
Another comment on cold weather affecting suspension. The colder the ambient temperature is, the more your air pressure in your spring will decrease. I haven't checked if the internal temperature warms up enough while riding to return to normal pressure, but I don't think it does. It can be worth adding a little bit of pressure in the cold months, in my opinion.
Your air spring changes more than the damping does, I wrote an article on this recently - thesuspensionlab.nz/blog/2021/1/31/effects-of-temperature-on-suspension-performance
@@jono_church Great read! You answered a lot of the questions I had. I found the typical riding temperature of the suspension very interesting and useful.
A friend of mine recently declared that his fox coil spring was linear and I scoffed at this as it is not really ever the case in reality, so I took the spring and put it in my press and graphed the results at 1/4 inch increments while staying within the recommended travel range (taken from the fox table) to avoid binding. The result was of course a mild S curve and not a straight line...has anyone else ever done this and do any of the manufactures ever publish actual test data for tuning purposes..As MTB suspension develops riders are going to demand more and more from their suspension and a clear understanding of exactly what is going on will take out a lot of the guess work in setup IMO..going by feel will only get you so far..
#AskGMBNTech Can air shocks be damaged over time by jumping with the climb switch in trail or lockout mode? Is there any difference between Fox and RockShox in this regard?
Yes you’ll bend the shims and internal components The Fox are slightly better in this respect not for toughness but for availability of small replacement parts. If you are going jumping, save money add more pressure you your shock.
When is below freezing I warm up the fork seals and dropper post seal with a hair dryer then spray-on some silicone. I work them up and down to initially get movement with less stiction. The idea is to have the seals warmed up a bit before the initial Breakaway force of the Fork takes place. Then I usually dial in a bit more compression when it's really cold. Another interesting guest would be Allen Millyard. The man who basically engineered and built one of the fastest DH bikes out of a garage at his home in 2007. And the second generation in 2014 which still holds up is one of the fastest bike ever on a DH course. The suspension that he utilizes for these bikes is simplistic from an engineering aspect yet provides amazing performance. Check out his channel and consider getting him on the show 👍
#AskGMBNTech When you want to build custom wheels, how do you know optimal spokes tension (70/90/110 kgf...). Same question after several years using wheels, how do you know if tension is correct or if it decreased (except for obvious like buckled wheel?)
The hub or rim manufacturer might say the best on their website or occasionally it's actually on the hub. As for checking get a spoke tension tool that checks the spoke tension.
Usually 100-110kgf is fine for wheels 28 or 32 spokes, but you may need to increase it for fewer. Often rims have a limitation, that exceeding it may cause nipples to pull through. Factory built wheel systems are all over the place with really no rule to it. There's essentially a balance you're trying to strike between long term spoke fatigue, or rim or hub failure. Poor combinations may mean you're forced to build at the maximum of the rim and accept poor durability. Don't go too exotic and you'll be fine. It might decrease slightly during your first few rides but, if properly built, it shouldn't change over time. The only way to know is to measure it with a tensiometer.
#askGMBNTech Doddy, For a sub-zero trip you should come here to the Yukon. Specifically Whitehorse, yukon. Our winter trails are unreal. We now have 3 fat bike trail groomers (a modified snowmobile, a Rokon, and a snowdog). The experience of riding on a groomed snow flow trail is otherworldly. You’ll need to bring a few more layers for rides though as your usual setup would result in losing a few limbs when the temps dip below -20 C. This past winter we’ve had some big temperature swings (from -5 C to -40 C in a matter of days). I’ve really started to notice a difference in the level of grip at various temperatures. -5 C to -10 C, it’s very loose, you spend about as much time sideways as you do forwards. -10 C to -25 C you have maximum grip, it’s crazy how hard you can push into the corners (on a groomed trail that is, ungroomed is a different story). Below -25 C the grip doesn’t really change on groomed trails, it just starts to hurt. Below -35 C it really hurts, like hurts to breath. Below -40 C the bike will likely break, at those temps it’s possible to freeze your freehub and snap a pawl.
And in terms of staying for awhile, you can stay at the Boréale Bike Ranch in their yurts and watch the northern lights dance across the sky. Plus we have 5 breweries and one distillery now so there is always something good to drink.
Good show doddy, i live in sweden and we ride this winter in -10 degrees all winter(some days it was more). The suspension feels great only feels little bit slower but not to much✌🏻
#askgmbntech Hello Doddy, suspension question. Recently I read an article, that cold/warm can affect the pressure in your fork/shock. Cold=decrease pressure, warm=increase pressure. Scientific question, let say i will store the bike somewhere outside around 0°C and I will there pump the fork to the maximum allowed pressure. Then I will go inside with the bike, where is warmer environment. The pressure should increase - now finally the question - could the fork explode due to excessive pressure? Thnx.
#AskGBMNTech Two questions. What is a good amount of newton meters for a torque wrench? Also, what is a good torque wrench for doing basically everything on your bike
Maybe you want to try getting a spec sheet from the manufactuer of your bike. Usually they are offering explosion drawings of their bikes, rear triangle and so on with the torque that the connections needs.
You can't get a Torque wrench for everything on your bike. You either get a precise small torque wrench (1-20,25 maybe) and a big one (10-40 or smiliar) Granted, you won't use the biggie often just for BB,Pedals, Casette and centerlock rotors
You need two. One for fine stuff like the bars stem etc. Another for the big stuff. If you must have only one get the fine one. Big torques can be “estimated” with less damage potentially
maby travel to sweden for some winter riding? riding in the first snow up north here in sweden is an amazing feeling the snow layer is generally not too deep but the ground is generally frozen which means that the ground is firm with a soft 5cm layer of snow on top
Good info! I'm starting to try and understand how suspension setup relates to how the feels and reacts. Also, do you feel like you have someone behind you? 10:05
At what point do I need separate high and low speed compression adjustment? I have a Fox 36 with HSC/LSC and it allways kind of confuses me. That's why i ordered a Lyrik Select+ on my new bike rather to simplify adjustment than saving money. Is this a decision to regret on the long run?
It’s a fine tune Unless you are analytical or pushing for seconds you’d probably be hard pushed to notice on a modern fork. They are pretty well dialled in. You’d notice more if you were super light or heavy as most products are built around the “average” weight rider.
@@finlaypaton7202 I guess that's the good thing of being super average (75-85kg depending on fitness and backpack). I hear people talking about the advantages of HSC adjustment... My main concern is rather fatigue/armpump than lap times. So the only reason i could think of is incereasing small bump sensitivity while maintaining proper support in compressions. But I never really managed to get that dialed on the Fox 36.
Wow! So I've always been told to use air pressure to set my sag and then also use air pressure if I'm bottoming out or not using enough travel. It never occurred to me that it is crazy to try to adjust two different outcomes (I.e. sag and travel) by adjusting the same variable (i.e. air pressure). Now I need to work out how to put spacers in rockshox! Also, do you recommend the sitting roll off the curb/gutter to set your rear suspension rebound?
@Tim Quain it seems whoever taught you didnt know what they were talking about then. It is also only for low speed rebound. And also, if they taught you to use air pressure for bottom out/using more travel, they're about 15 years behind the times
Yes - you should use full travel once or twice on your "normal riding" what ever that may be. I tend to run mine a little firmer, so that I don't have to change it for the bike park
As a hardtail rider with a Fox Float 32 CTD, I hadn't got a kin clue what Doddy and his mate were talking about. Did this vlog just apply to full suss?
#askgmbntech : Hi from France, I have a xc hardtrail (exceed) with 69,5 HA, and I was thinking to use an angle adjustment headset to make it more slacker (maybe 68°). Is there any risk to damage the frame in long-term ? And will it affect the rest of geo like reach or stack ...? Thanks a lot for your answer :)
I'm no expert but it will for sure shorten the reach but not by loads. You could compensate for that by lowering the stem because that will put it forwards. Cba to explain why. I can't say if it will damage your frame but I would say due to the nature of an xc bike it may be problematic. This is because they are light and may not be able to deal with the extra leverage due to the slacker angle but since it is only 1.5 degree I would say it will be okay. If you are unsure then definitely speak to the manufacturer
@@sm-qw9mj if it does there is still an angle headset you can get but only if your steerer tube is long enough. Hardtail Party made a video on it a while back
@@owenbirch6188 True, I'm a little hesitant about it though. Having another pressfit thing in your bike doesn't sound that good. It also needs a longer steerer length. But yeah, it's a possible solution.
@@sm-qw9mj I'd say its a bit dodge in a carbon xc frame too as it puts extra leverage on the headtube. Also the bike is designed that way. If you make it slacker than you may brake something due to being able to descend faster. I would have said practice descending on it as it is. I used to ride a full sus trail bike with a 69 head angle and if you are used to it it is fine for most trails
#askGMBNTech question for fin I recently added a volume spacer to my 2020 Float X2 , when I put the air back in it started making a sloshy noise, I was told it was cavitation ? I had to send the shock off to fox for a full rebuild under warranty thank god How can I prevent this from happening again if I want to add another spacer Thanks
The two probably were not related You have to think of it as two separate systems The spring and then the damper. If it has air in the damping oil it probably wasn't caused by your changing of the volume spacers
Great videos with Fin, well done guys. So I've got a question. I currently ride an old Vitus Escarpe VR from 2014. Its got a RS Monarch RL from the same year. Still works but not great, tends to blow through travel unless set very small percentage of sag, and it bobs a lot on climbs. Thing is, the tune is LL (to suit the frame leverage) and any similar aftermarket shocks are nearly always MM tune. So 2 questions really. 1. What difference would the same shock with MM tune really make in terms of the ride quality and 2. Same question, but with MM high volume aircan (debonair) version. For reference, I'm about 78kg. Thanks!
As if I just bought a mint condition santa cruz vp free with a perfectly working 5th element shock about 2 weeks ago just what I need!!! Slapping some 180mm totem solo air on this Friday! (If interested in the shock send me a msg right price it's gone)
I think it not make any difference. More You can get using different setup. than changing travel. It also depends do You want to change in Your frame or You mean in between quite similar frames.
@@finlaypaton7202 If it is hardtail it not only change position of fingers. but also change 0,5 degrees angles but only on fully extended fork. It can make small difference on how bike ride. In case of full suspension it is little bit different.
@@finlaypaton7202 Depend on how You are riding, and probably also construction of bike have some to it. My friend had the same hardtail as mine(Dartmoor Primal 2020) and his stroke was 10 mm larger at the beginning and 10 mm smaller than mine at the end. Each time I felt differences in driving time. Especially when climbing steep climbs and berms. Interestingly, the difference during sharp descents was noticeable only when the shock absorber stroke was shortened.
#AskGMBNTech Question for Fin or Doddy. When torqueing up the shock mounts, having just fitted low friction bushes, how do I prevent the mounts on the frame binding on the shock hardware which must be reducing the action of the shock. Is this just poor frame design?
Use the grey plastic like poly bushes rather than the red DU ones the fit isn’t as snug. And make sure the spacers allow a fraction of Float on the shaft. This way they won’t bind.
I suffered neck and spine injuries in 2019 after hitting a tree and have started to ride again( just light stuff no jumps or drops),when I do manage to get back riding trail centres/parks again would a coil shock on the rear be better on my back than my air shock as I've been told I'll have to live with the pain so would like to minimize it as much as poss.thanks.
#AskGMBNTech I am just back from riding and OMG that hint with „put in all the tokens“ was good. My bike feels completely different. I‘m much higher in the travel and felt so much more confident. If you want to have more support for jumping, is low speed compression the right thing to wind in?
You sir are a life saver. I have one question though that may apply to another video I couldn't find: I changed the air shaft of my 150 Lyric Ultimate 2021 model to a 160 mm C1 but the visible distance of the stanchions is approximately 155mm. Is this normal?
Got a 2007marzocchi z1 that seems to have developed a harsh topout. One of the valves seems to be leaking, does that have something to do with it? Cheers!
#AskGMBNTech Me and a friend have bought the same 29er hardtail. Mine is a small, his is a large - this makes the angles on my bike seem a lot more aggressive than his. Is this just something that happens with lower end bikes or does it happen with higher end bikes too? Have you ever noticed this?
#AskGMBNTech Speaking of suspension, would you do another suspension themed episode or tech show talking about the different types of rear suspension design out there. I know there isn't the holy grail magic do it all suspension design. However you could discuss which out of the common suspension design (DW, 4 bar, single pivot, multi pivot Horst link) we see in the market is best for which type of terrain or what type of rider?
@@zepp3lin No. Compressed air is around 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, then the other 1% is a mix of other bits and bobs such as Carbon Dioxide, Neon, Hydrogen etc
Genrally inside suspension we use pure Nitrogen as its an inert gas, meaning it doesn't react with rubbers and metal, also doesn't explode and has very low moisture content. Unlike Oxygen, pure oxygen ignites when near a flame. which is why they use it for Brazing
@@finlaypaton7202 is that the same theory for tyres. Because ordinarily you fill your tires with air, where as with those CO2 canisters that you put onto the valve, im assuming its pure c02 so why wouldnt you just have compressed air.
#AskGMBNTech: As a tall rider I'm not exactly feather weight, what recommendations do you have (suspension setup wise) for a ~220 pound rider? Other than your Mountain Bike Set Up Tips For Taller Riders video. Thanks!
#askgmbntech what things do you need to consider when converting a budget hardtail from 2x to 1x? I’m not too bothered about gearing ratios but just on a practical side of things.
Depending on your Crank, you can add a spacer between the chainring and crank to get the chainline right. If you don't want or need it, just get a narrow wide chainring derailleur with clutch is optional altough strongly recommended especially if it gets rough.
@@cameronlindsey7951 that depends on your current range of gears, strength and local hills I took a 11-46 casette and started with a 30t now I'm on a 32 but I got way stronger
I recently got a Scott ransom frame without a shock, the OEM Fox Nude shock comes with a linear medium rebound linear medium compression tune. I threw on a DPX2 perf elite with RM CM tune, so far it feels ok, but are there any setup tips you can recommend now that I've lost the ability to use twinlock but would still like suspension that is reasonably plush?
@Askgmbntech @Askgmbntech Hi Doddy loving the show, I have a question I have a 2020 canyon spectral on has a air shock I wanted to change to coil but was told it wouldn’t be great on that frame is this true?
Finn, Now I don't understand why you'd have the low speed compression set to low at all. If high stops it bobbing when peddling what does low do that you'd actually want? Does it simply make the downhills more comfy or soft anyway which might help it track better? Then with the total lock out of suspension these days wouldn't you be better off having the low speed compression set to a lowish set up and just lock the suspension whenever you're doing any real peddling?
@@finlaypaton7202 OK so you put lower speed compression higher to reduce bob when peddling? Does a lock out make that unnecessary and if you have a lock out are you better off using that and putting LSC lower? What does a low setting offer? I'd imagine it makes suspension more reactive to body weight but what benefits does it really have? And have I now got it the right way around... 🤔 INever ridden a Full Sus MtB. Had heart op 10 years ago and basically been unable to ride until introduction of Ebikes. My obsession with all things bike and tech has never left. I watch all types of racing and all videos on the Global Network Cycling channels as there coverage is less a rider showing what they can do, what they have etc and give a more rounded view. Oh and they have Doddy who has an amazing all around knowledge, especially about the history of tech and MtBs and often people who know their area amazingly well, like you. When they do I try to soak up as much I can. So when I can afford a EMtB I'll know as much as I can for someone having to rely totally on research and videos and not actual experience, which can be hard. Sorry to waffle on but Emtbs, especially at a decent entry level are expensive, especially for someone like me who has little spare. Obviously I want as much knowledge as possible before I spend, if, when, maybe I do, can, but gotta keep dreaming even so. By the way great videos, very informative and interesting. Always love listening to someone who really knows their stuff especially when they can get it across in a way that's also fun to watch. Hope you'll be on more.
@@itarry4 Yes a platform lever just shuts the low speed right down, but you'd still want a little low speed for pedaling, but on the DH rig in the bike park, open her up :)
Could you give some advice to heavier riders?? I'm 250lbs and have struggled to get a setting that's not overly progressive or impacts use of full fork travel. Thanks
#askgmbntech if you do notice your suspension feeling stiff due to cold weather, would heating them with a hair dryer solve the problem? Or, would the lubricants have solidified past a usable state by the time you notice any effect?
#askgmbntech I have a fox 34 fork and I when I put the bolt in through the calliper and into the fork it doesn't tighten and just spins out I think this is because it's rounded out. What can I do and how can I do it. Cheers
Is it just me that’s finds it really bizzare that the powers that be allow us to be in a closed environment with another person with no mask as long as we’re two meters away even though the likelihood of these two breathing in each other’s breath is near enough 100%?! What is going on?! Brilliant show and very informative video! Also I’d love to know where the average optimum travel for a trail bike is? I feel like the trail bike sector of the bike market seems to have the largest spread of fork travel.... anything from 130-170 can be spec’d on a bike that is sold as a trail bike but there has to be a ‘middle ground’ amount of travel that can cope with everything a trial bike rider would usually need from a suspension fork?
You’d be surprised at the amount of things we have to do to be able to do this. It helps that I’m pretty much a hermit 😂 As for the bike question it depends where you are riding. And how competent you are. My sweet spot is 150 on 29 and 160 650b on everything I like to ride. Usually 20mm shorter travel rear. With a progressive geometry bike. The tee shirt logo might be a give away.
Yeah I know there’s loads of stuff you have to do in regards to precautions and covid measures but it’s got to be done and happy you do stick to it all cos it enables videos like this! I just find covid and the rules all a bit strange! So with the competency thing would you recommend more or less travel to a more competent rider? I’m guessing less travel the newer to riding a bike you are or the less skill you’ve got? Also I’m from the UK too and I ride a load of different stuff in terms of terrain and motive and I only own one bike so I got wondering while I was watching about how broad travel range is in the trail bike category and wondered if there was any reason for this and if there was a sweet spot for travel for an all round ‘Swiss army knife’ trail bike for people like me that like to do a bit of everything?!
@@deterrentdubz9116 I've had a 27.5 Evil Calling set at 140mm (with a custom shock) and 150 front. Now on a Evil Following V3 29er with 130mm R 140 F I think for UK stuff a shorter travel, but progressive Geometry bike is crazy fun. and super fast too. I think the only place I'd want more travel would be Fort William, but my Evils were excellent in the Alps
#askgmbntech the talking about temperature effects on suspensions got my attention. What about the influence of air temp on air springs? Actually this summer when hot weater struck I had to decrease fork and shock pressure as they felt too stiff. Rather, I felt the opposite during the winter. Am In dreaming? So it seems not to be negligible. By the way, thanks for the show, you rock ;)
The theory is sound as hot air will expand. For instance when cars do track days the difference between hot and cold pressure in the tyres can be more than 10psi. This would be amplified in a small air chamber as the volume is so small.
@@finlaypaton7202 Yes exactly! To be honest I already knew the answer but I think they should add complementary info on that subject in the next tech episode, it's quite interesting.
#askGMBNtech I have a Giant Talon 3 2017 I have been thinking of keeping the bike, but upgrading it. What would be a good non tapered front shock that has a 9mm thru-axle and over 100 mm of travel
Better grip, much more comfortable and easier for your body in harsh terrain. Overall tend to be a bit more fun (generally speaking). Though there are many that enjoy hardtails. First time you try full sus in rocky terrain you will regret you went with ht. But if you are hardcore and like challenges ht can be just as fun. And you can learn to ride just as well with full sus. Learning with ht doesn't make you better rider just because it doesn't have rear suspension.
If you've done coils before its really simple, ideally you need as special tool as you bleed through the reb needle/shaft, but with an extra pair of hands you can do it manually
#askgmbntech is there a way to pump up my suspension fork without suspension pump, because i need to ad more air but i cant buy a pump becaus of lock down?
#Askgmbntech I have moved from a 27.5 trail bike to a 29er XC bike as it suits the type of riding I do more and although I'm really happy with it I have noticed that the geometry is very different and I tend to get some neck pain on long rides, is there anything I can do about this?
#askgmbntech: what's better for someone who wants to start MTB buy a bike with better geometry and lesser parts or better spec with slightly worse geo? Eg: Marin bobcat trail 5 or giant talon 1? I come from a long time on a BMX, so I want something nimble and jump/trickable. Also don't have a huge budget. Any other recommendations?
@@finlaypaton7202 thanks! The Marin comes with decent... Other stuff, but I would need to upgrade the fork (and consequently wheels) first I think. Any suggestions?
Hi Doddy, I have a Canyon category 3 (Spectral 2016) mtb, but I do a lot of enduro stuff. Which upgrades can I do in order to make my trail bike and enduro oriented one? I have mounted DH brakes, Enduro tyres, an aggressive cockpit (riser handlebar, short stem). Should I change my RockShock Pike for a more hard hitting fork ? #askGMBNTech
#AskGMBNTech would your suspension basically be 2 in one if there is a hsc, a lsc, hsr and lsr. I do a lot of big jumps and flow lines but as well as downhill Rooty trails, I want my suspension to be firm and not to soft for the jumps, using around 70~75%travel and for the downhill bits more of a few bottoming out bits but not too much. how would I tune it to that and how would I know when I have succeeded. Thanks
#askgmbntech Hi Doddy, I'd like some help with brake setup. I have occasional issues with brake fade running Sram Code Rs and and 180mm centerline rotors front and rear. I could either swap to the shimano hybrid material rotor in 180mm or go to 200mm the former option being cheaper as I wouldn't have to source new spacers in addition to new rotors. Does the aluminium have as much heat dissipation effect as the bigger rotors? If you're curious I ride a Chromag hardtail because steel is real and the terrain I ride in the Canadian Rockies is as steep as it gets.
#AskGMBNTech I'm looking at getting a scott spark 970 which has the scott's twin-loc system. Have you had any experience with twin-loc and do they require much maintenance?
#askGMBNTech Doddy or Fin is there any tips or extra steps you would recommend for a heavier rider? I'm about 200lbs and running full tokens in my Fox 34. Am I to heavy for this fork?
New to riding and I have a marin mount vision 5.8 120 with fox 36 van and fox float rp23, I'm 18st and they seem quite spongey no matter how I adjust them do you think I need them servicing
It would help for sure, but you are a little more “manly” than the product was designed for Something like the Zeb would be more supportive as you’ll be able to run a lower pressure than the 36
#AskGMBNTech. I have a rockshox super deluxe select rear shock. It only has a rebound adjustment. After looking at the lockout switches on the piggyback of the ultimate it looks like I could bolt on the reservoir assembly to upgrade it. Provided there isn’t any internal differences of course. Is this accurate?
#AskGMBNTech. Hi Doddy, love the show btw, I was looking to get a new bike but I am unsure on what kind of bike to go for, my local area is pretty tame but I still want to be able to hit all of the trails when I go to trail centers an places like fort William. Trail, all mountain, enduro, freeride?
#GMBN why do I have to pump my fox X2 to 275lbs to get my correct sag when I only weight 210....it just came back from fox and they couldn’t answer it....what would happen if I were a big guy weighing in at 250 it tops out at 300psi
There is! Rotor do it. It's not more widespread because it's bloody expensive, and the 'high end' options are electronic, which works better than hydraulics.
#askGMBNTech shock service intervals - I have a full suspension bike that I ride a lot, about 2500km a year. My fitness tracker shows its about 250h of riding, fox says that a full rebuild is after 100h, is it a way to get more out off the shock or do I have to do it 2 times in a year
#AskGBMNTech I am riding my Cube Al frame XC bike on the trails with some jumps up 0,5m high. I am worried about my 100mm Rock Shox Reba. Is it safe? I have one volume spacer installed and running pressures accordingly not to bottom out.
#askGMBNtech: Finn, what are your thoughts on closed vs semi open bath dampers. Specifically, for someone who wants to do their own servicing. Is the performance trade-off big enough to overcome the increased complexity? Also should fox fork recommended service intervals be taken seriously?
My preference is for the new breed semi open damper such as the Grip 2 Having a blow off that doesn’t affect overall damping performance makes absolute sense, MX has been doing this for a while now.
#ask GMBNTech Hi my thread on my fork's calliper mounts are gone, do I thread it for a bolt that is 6mm alan head, if I do that that thicker bolt won't fit through my MT5 brake calliper, the fork is min. 203mm rotor so it cant be the adapter pls help also if i thread the calliper with the bolt hole there is a chance od my brale pads rubbing and if I thinker in any other way eith the calliper will it void the warrenty
#askgmbntech Doddy can you tell me why most bikes have at least some parts of the shifter or brake cables bare and not have the housing go all the way to the derailleur or caliper. I.e sometimes on the bottom of the top tube or at the chainstay there always seems to be some part of the cable bare
#askgmbntech Can I bleed my Monarch Plus without a full service? There is definitely air in the oil system but i don‘t have the time or money for a full service. Thanks a lot and greetings from Bavaria!
#askgmbntech hi dody I have a shimano deore 1X12 drivetrain on my 2021 nukeproof mega, in the highest gear the chain goes very slack but not in other gears my chain isn’t worn and the whole bike is fairly new. Thanks
#askgmbntech Hey Doddy, I want to change all my bearings and bushes this winter in my 2017 YT Tues AL. All pivot bearings and headset are sorted, but I am having some trouble with the BB. Do I need to get the original RaceFace PF30 83MM BB or can I get other brand ones? So far I know that I need to look at the internal bearing diameter of 30mm and the 83mm spacing for the frame interface. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated! Cheers Steffen
#AskGMBNTech Hi i'm from Philippines, i have truvative powerspline BB BSA30 with nx crank with no spindle. I would like to buy DUB BB but save my NX crank . Is there any possible way to replace my BB without buying new cranks? Thanks doddy! 👌
#AskGmbnTech I’m looking for a new 29” fork for my upcomming Cotic BFeMAX, I’d like a fork thats capable of running 130-160mm of travel as I ride quite wide variety of trails. Was looking at a Rs Pike but it only goes up to 150. The other option that I’d like was a Rs Lyrik but the shortest travel on that is 150. Could you help me out? Prefferably a Rs fork as I already have parts and spares for them.
#AskGMBNTech What tools does a person who does their own service need or not need and can I use some automotive tools (spanners, torque wrenches, sockets, etc) for bikes?
Yes you can use the same tools. Buy any specific tools that you need as you go along. I would recommend a good set of allen/hex wrenches which are used much more on bikes than sockets.
#askgmbntech shoe question. I’ve been using xc style shimano shoes, paired with CB egg beaters and CB candies. They work well together for me until i started riding gnarlier trails. I needed to stand up on the bike more often so i switched to the CB mallet dh and paired it with a specialized cliplite shoes. My issue is the shoe does not allow me to position the cleats all the way backwards to the midfoot. This results on me having to use a lot of calf muscles and it burns me Out. I wear a size 40 and i realized that the bigger size shoes lets you slide the cleats to midfoot but not for the smaller size. This issue can be resolved by going flats but i dont want to go to that direction. Do you have any suggestions? Any brands that accommodate needs of smaller riders like me?
#askgmbntech hey Doddy, I ordered a Polygon Siskiu T8. I'm concerned because it has resin only rotors but I'm quite certain it has ceramic pads. is this going to be an issue?
Not an issue unless you change the pads to metallic sintered pads. And if you want to use metallic sintered pads you need to change rotors. (SLX rotors work fine with sintered pads)
#askgmbntech Hey guys, btw, i love your vids. My question is that, how can i fit a mudguard (and what type of) on to a Manitou Markhor fork because of the reversed arch?
Thank you Doddy, for the opportunity to answer my question. Never hope it would turn out to be one of the GMBN video titles !
Finally, someone can relate what a bike is doing and what to feel for when it comes to adjusting your suspention, super good job!
13:36 Doddy vist the Polish Tatra Mountains, recently it was much below minus 20, so it will be a good testing ground. Plus there are tons of nice places to eat, plus great food and good beer. ;-)
tell me more about those nice places, where is it worth to go there? I am every year there, but few insider tips would help! Pozdrawiam.
Thanks - we need more of these Q&A with experts, especially suspension since it can be complex. He explained things in a way that made a lot of sense, especially high/low speed compression and cold weather riding. Also, good choice in questions. Very helpful!
I could do with Q&A from guys like Finn, he's better off working on the bikes not explaining how they work. Some guys can teach and some guys can do, while some can do both, but not this dude. He certainly iscan expert at his craft but he is not that good at explaining it.
Thank you for that wonderful memory of my old heckler...
Really like him man, he speaks so well 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Thanks
I really appreciate how your slider tells us what segment is where! Skip right to the progressive section and call it a day!
Another comment on cold weather affecting suspension. The colder the ambient temperature is, the more your air pressure in your spring will decrease. I haven't checked if the internal temperature warms up enough while riding to return to normal pressure, but I don't think it does. It can be worth adding a little bit of pressure in the cold months, in my opinion.
Your air spring changes more than the damping does, I wrote an article on this recently - thesuspensionlab.nz/blog/2021/1/31/effects-of-temperature-on-suspension-performance
@@jono_church Great read! You answered a lot of the questions I had. I found the typical riding temperature of the suspension very interesting and useful.
A friend of mine recently declared that his fox coil spring was linear and I scoffed at this as it is not really ever the case in reality, so I took the spring and put it in my press and graphed the results at 1/4 inch increments while staying within the recommended travel range (taken from the fox table) to avoid binding. The result was of course a mild S curve and not a straight line...has anyone else ever done this and do any of the manufactures ever publish actual test data for tuning purposes..As MTB suspension develops riders are going to demand more and more from their suspension and a clear understanding of exactly what is going on will take out a lot of the guess work in setup IMO..going by feel will only get you so far..
#AskGMBNTech Can air shocks be damaged over time by jumping with the climb switch in trail or lockout mode? Is there any difference between Fox and RockShox in this regard?
Yes you’ll bend the shims and internal components
The Fox are slightly better in this respect not for toughness but for availability of small replacement parts.
If you are going jumping, save money add more pressure you your shock.
Depends whether it’s actually locking it out or just making the low speed really high
I can bet you forgot to open it up right? Like yeah, I forgot sometimes that my Rear Shock is on the lockout or in a Firm position.
@@zepp3lin
Buy a Specialized with a Brain that takes care of it for you.
Please don't
When is below freezing I warm up the fork seals and dropper post seal with a hair dryer then spray-on some silicone. I work them up and down to initially get movement with less stiction. The idea is to have the seals warmed up a bit before the initial Breakaway force of the Fork takes place. Then I usually dial in a bit more compression when it's really cold.
Another interesting guest would be Allen Millyard. The man who basically engineered and built one of the fastest DH bikes out of a garage at his home in 2007. And the second generation in 2014 which still holds up is one of the fastest bike ever on a DH course. The suspension that he utilizes for these bikes is simplistic from an engineering aspect yet provides amazing performance. Check out his channel and consider getting him on the show 👍
#AskGMBNTech When you want to build custom wheels, how do you know optimal spokes tension (70/90/110 kgf...). Same question after several years using wheels, how do you know if tension is correct or if it decreased (except for obvious like buckled wheel?)
Hey! Usually the manufacturer of the rim gives you a max value for the spoke tension.
The hub or rim manufacturer might say the best on their website or occasionally it's actually on the hub. As for checking get a spoke tension tool that checks the spoke tension.
Usually 100-110kgf is fine for wheels 28 or 32 spokes, but you may need to increase it for fewer. Often rims have a limitation, that exceeding it may cause nipples to pull through. Factory built wheel systems are all over the place with really no rule to it. There's essentially a balance you're trying to strike between long term spoke fatigue, or rim or hub failure. Poor combinations may mean you're forced to build at the maximum of the rim and accept poor durability. Don't go too exotic and you'll be fine.
It might decrease slightly during your first few rides but, if properly built, it shouldn't change over time. The only way to know is to measure it with a tensiometer.
#askGMBNTech Doddy, For a sub-zero trip you should come here to the Yukon. Specifically Whitehorse, yukon. Our winter trails are unreal. We now have 3 fat bike trail groomers (a modified snowmobile, a Rokon, and a snowdog). The experience of riding on a groomed snow flow trail is otherworldly. You’ll need to bring a few more layers for rides though as your usual setup would result in losing a few limbs when the temps dip below -20 C. This past winter we’ve had some big temperature swings (from -5 C to -40 C in a matter of days). I’ve really started to notice a difference in the level of grip at various temperatures. -5 C to -10 C, it’s very loose, you spend about as much time sideways as you do forwards. -10 C to -25 C you have maximum grip, it’s crazy how hard you can push into the corners (on a groomed trail that is, ungroomed is a different story). Below -25 C the grip doesn’t really change on groomed trails, it just starts to hurt. Below -35 C it really hurts, like hurts to breath. Below -40 C the bike will likely break, at those temps it’s possible to freeze your freehub and snap a pawl.
And in terms of staying for awhile, you can stay at the Boréale Bike Ranch in their yurts and watch the northern lights dance across the sky. Plus we have 5 breweries and one distillery now so there is always something good to drink.
Good show doddy, i live in sweden and we ride this winter in -10 degrees all winter(some days it was more). The suspension feels great only feels little bit slower but not to much✌🏻
This ep was really informative. Just the right details i needed
Great, great and easy to understand answers. Thank you!!!
#askgmbntech Hello Doddy, suspension question. Recently I read an article, that cold/warm can affect the pressure in your fork/shock. Cold=decrease pressure, warm=increase pressure. Scientific question, let say i will store the bike somewhere outside around 0°C and I will there pump the fork to the maximum allowed pressure. Then I will go inside with the bike, where is warmer environment. The pressure should increase - now finally the question - could the fork explode due to excessive pressure? Thnx.
It won’t explode.
#AskGBMNTech Two questions. What is a good amount of newton meters for a torque wrench? Also, what is a good torque wrench for doing basically everything on your bike
Lifeline one is a good cheap one
Maybe you want to try getting a spec sheet from the manufactuer of your bike. Usually they are offering explosion drawings of their bikes, rear triangle and so on with the torque that the connections needs.
You can't get a Torque wrench for everything on your bike.
You either get a precise small torque wrench (1-20,25 maybe) and a big one (10-40 or smiliar)
Granted, you won't use the biggie often just for BB,Pedals, Casette and centerlock rotors
You need two.
One for fine stuff like the bars stem etc.
Another for the big stuff.
If you must have only one get the fine one.
Big torques can be “estimated” with less damage potentially
@@finlaypaton7202 Thanks, any recommended for the big stuff and small stuff?
maby travel to sweden for some winter riding?
riding in the first snow up north here in sweden is an amazing feeling the snow layer is generally not too deep but the ground is generally frozen which means that the ground is firm with a soft 5cm layer of snow on top
What a cool guy! Definitely feel the need to go and mess around with some red and blue dials now 🤟
Thanks. Some more info that I was looking for.
Good Video and good explanation in layman terms.
Nice, you built the Lancia Stratos MOC from the Lego Porsche GT3 set!
Good info! I'm starting to try and understand how suspension setup relates to how the feels and reacts. Also, do you feel like you have someone behind you? 10:05
At what point do I need separate high and low speed compression adjustment? I have a Fox 36 with HSC/LSC and it allways kind of confuses me. That's why i ordered a Lyrik Select+ on my new bike rather to simplify adjustment than saving money. Is this a decision to regret on the long run?
It’s a fine tune
Unless you are analytical or pushing for seconds you’d probably be hard pushed to notice on a modern fork.
They are pretty well dialled in.
You’d notice more if you were super light or heavy as most products are built around the “average” weight rider.
@@finlaypaton7202 I guess that's the good thing of being super average (75-85kg depending on fitness and backpack). I hear people talking about the advantages of HSC adjustment... My main concern is rather fatigue/armpump than lap times. So the only reason i could think of is incereasing small bump sensitivity while maintaining proper support in compressions. But I never really managed to get that dialed on the Fox 36.
Wow! So I've always been told to use air pressure to set my sag and then also use air pressure if I'm bottoming out or not using enough travel. It never occurred to me that it is crazy to try to adjust two different outcomes (I.e. sag and travel) by adjusting the same variable (i.e. air pressure). Now I need to work out how to put spacers in rockshox! Also, do you recommend the sitting roll off the curb/gutter to set your rear suspension rebound?
Roll off the kerb is only useful for low speed.
@@finlaypaton7202 I was taught to use it for rebound predominantly. Of the compression, yeah I'd agree it would be for low speed.
@Tim Quain it seems whoever taught you didnt know what they were talking about then. It is also only for low speed rebound. And also, if they taught you to use air pressure for bottom out/using more travel, they're about 15 years behind the times
One of the best episode ever
Cheers for the help and advice
On a 160mm travel fork. When setting up should you aim for using all 160mm travel.
Yes - you should use full travel once or twice on your "normal riding" what ever that may be.
I tend to run mine a little firmer, so that I don't have to change it for the bike park
As a hardtail rider with a Fox Float 32 CTD, I hadn't got a kin clue what Doddy and his mate were talking about. Did this vlog just apply to full suss?
#askgmbntech : Hi from France, I have a xc hardtrail (exceed) with 69,5 HA, and I was thinking to use an angle adjustment headset to make it more slacker (maybe 68°). Is there any risk to damage the frame in long-term ? And will it affect the rest of geo like reach or stack ...? Thanks a lot for your answer :)
I'm no expert but it will for sure shorten the reach but not by loads. You could compensate for that by lowering the stem because that will put it forwards. Cba to explain why. I can't say if it will damage your frame but I would say due to the nature of an xc bike it may be problematic. This is because they are light and may not be able to deal with the extra leverage due to the slacker angle but since it is only 1.5 degree I would say it will be okay. If you are unsure then definitely speak to the manufacturer
I might be wrong, but doesn't Exceed have an integrated headset?
@@sm-qw9mj if it does there is still an angle headset you can get but only if your steerer tube is long enough. Hardtail Party made a video on it a while back
@@owenbirch6188 True, I'm a little hesitant about it though. Having another pressfit thing in your bike doesn't sound that good. It also needs a longer steerer length. But yeah, it's a possible solution.
@@sm-qw9mj I'd say its a bit dodge in a carbon xc frame too as it puts extra leverage on the headtube. Also the bike is designed that way. If you make it slacker than you may brake something due to being able to descend faster. I would have said practice descending on it as it is. I used to ride a full sus trail bike with a 69 head angle and if you are used to it it is fine for most trails
He's great at explaining this stuff -- Henry replacement?
Also is the treck Roscoe a good hard tail thinking about it ????
Yep great little bike
#askGMBNTech question for fin
I recently added a volume spacer to my 2020 Float X2 , when I put the air back in it started making a sloshy noise, I was told it was cavitation ? I had to send the shock off to fox for a full rebuild under warranty thank god
How can I prevent this from happening again if I want to add another spacer
Thanks
You can get one of those units from Marzocchi (I think?) that replaces the tokens and allows you reset the fork compression without taking it apart.
The two probably were not related
You have to think of it as two separate systems
The spring and then the damper.
If it has air in the damping oil it probably wasn't caused by your changing of the volume spacers
Great videos with Fin, well done guys. So I've got a question. I currently ride an old Vitus Escarpe VR from 2014. Its got a RS Monarch RL from the same year. Still works but not great, tends to blow through travel unless set very small percentage of sag, and it bobs a lot on climbs. Thing is, the tune is LL (to suit the frame leverage) and any similar aftermarket shocks are nearly always MM tune. So 2 questions really. 1. What difference would the same shock with MM tune really make in terms of the ride quality and 2. Same question, but with MM high volume aircan (debonair) version. For reference, I'm about 78kg. Thanks!
As if I just bought a mint condition santa cruz vp free with a perfectly working 5th element shock about 2 weeks ago just what I need!!! Slapping some 180mm totem solo air on this Friday! (If interested in the shock send me a msg right price it's gone)
What’s happening with the norco range line of bikes have they stopped manufacturing them?
#askgmbntech how much of a difference does 10 mm of travel really make?
I think it not make any difference. More You can get using different setup. than changing travel. It also depends do You want to change in Your frame or You mean in between quite similar frames.
This much *holds fingers up* approx 9.8mm appart
@@finlaypaton7202 If it is hardtail it not only change position of fingers. but also change 0,5 degrees angles but only on fully extended fork. It can make small difference on how bike ride. In case of full suspension it is little bit different.
@@wojciechopyrcha9116 I think you'd be hard pressed to notice a discernible difference, unless you are really dialled into your bike.
@@finlaypaton7202 Depend on how You are riding, and probably also construction of bike have some to it. My friend had the same hardtail as mine(Dartmoor Primal 2020) and his stroke was 10 mm larger at the beginning and 10 mm smaller than mine at the end. Each time I felt differences in driving time. Especially when climbing steep climbs and berms. Interestingly, the difference during sharp descents was noticeable only when the shock absorber stroke was shortened.
#AskGMBNTech Question for Fin or Doddy. When torqueing up the shock mounts, having just fitted low friction bushes, how do I prevent the mounts on the frame binding on the shock hardware which must be reducing the action of the shock. Is this just poor frame design?
Reduce torque and use thread locker.
@@doncrescas to be fair, I'm never using enough of the stuff. Sounds like a plan reducing the torque 👍
@@bitcoinanabasis use the correct thread locker with activator that helps it set quickly.
Use the grey plastic like poly bushes rather than the red DU ones the fit isn’t as snug.
And make sure the spacers allow a fraction of Float on the shaft.
This way they won’t bind.
I suffered neck and spine injuries in 2019 after hitting a tree and have started to ride again( just light stuff no jumps or drops),when I do manage to get back riding trail centres/parks again would a coil shock on the rear be better on my back than my air shock as I've been told I'll have to live with the pain so would like to minimize it as much as poss.thanks.
Come to Canada. It was - 53 last week in Saskatchewan. I believe that’s the temperature on Mars.
#AskGMBNTech I am just back from riding and OMG that hint with „put in all the tokens“ was good. My bike feels completely different. I‘m much higher in the travel and felt so much more confident. If you want to have more support for jumping, is low speed compression the right thing to wind in?
Welcome to Sweden for some sub-zero rides!
what would make most difference msr top out cartridge or a charge 2 damper for a zeb fork
Stick the charger in, turns it into a zeb ultimate. I've no issues with mine at all
Charger out of those two, but as we know my personal choice would be a Vorsprung Smashpot Coil conversion
@@finlaypaton7202 I loved my old coil shock you have got me thinking now
If it was available for zeb would go for push ac3 over the vorsprung any day
@@danielazbell6416 Vorsprung is available :)
Sprindex or cane creek progressive spring on my linear mondraker foxy 29 enduro bike?
You sir are a life saver. I have one question though that may apply to another video I couldn't find: I changed the air shaft of my 150 Lyric Ultimate 2021 model to a 160 mm C1 but the visible distance of the stanchions is approximately 155mm. Is this normal?
Fork might be sucked in a bit, don’t know how to fix it but your forks are fine
Got a 2007marzocchi z1 that seems to have developed a harsh topout. One of the valves seems to be leaking, does that have something to do with it?
Cheers!
#AskGMBNTech Me and a friend have bought the same 29er hardtail. Mine is a small, his is a large - this makes the angles on my bike seem a lot more aggressive than his. Is this just something that happens with lower end bikes or does it happen with higher end bikes too? Have you ever noticed this?
Can the top out stopper be removed from an air spring to increase the negative air chamber size? Could it result in much damage?
great episode!
#AskGMBNTech
Speaking of suspension, would you do another suspension themed episode or tech show talking about the different types of rear suspension design out there. I know there isn't the holy grail magic do it all suspension design. However you could discuss which out of the common suspension design (DW, 4 bar, single pivot, multi pivot Horst link) we see in the market is best for which type of terrain or what type of rider?
#AskGMBNTech. If C02 only lasts a day in tires as its too small, why isnt their compressed air that is used the same way
Because CO2 is totally a different gas type then Compressed Air, Compressed Air is O2 without the C. C=Carbon dioxide and O2 is Oxygen.
@@zepp3lin No. Compressed air is around 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, then the other 1% is a mix of other bits and bobs such as Carbon Dioxide, Neon, Hydrogen etc
Genrally inside suspension we use pure Nitrogen as its an inert gas, meaning it doesn't react with rubbers and metal, also doesn't explode and has very low moisture content.
Unlike Oxygen, pure oxygen ignites when near a flame. which is why they use it for Brazing
@@finlaypaton7202 is that the same theory for tyres. Because ordinarily you fill your tires with air, where as with those CO2 canisters that you put onto the valve, im assuming its pure c02 so why wouldnt you just have compressed air.
@@LJS1605 CO2 can be made liquid easily if you compress it enough. and it’s easier to package in a small canister that way
#AskGMBNTech: As a tall rider I'm not exactly feather weight, what recommendations do you have (suspension setup wise) for a ~220 pound rider? Other than your Mountain Bike Set Up Tips For Taller Riders video. Thanks!
#askgmbntech what things do you need to consider when converting a budget hardtail from 2x to 1x? I’m not too bothered about gearing ratios but just on a practical side of things.
Depending on your Crank, you can add a spacer between the chainring and crank to get the chainline right.
If you don't want or need it, just get a narrow wide chainring
derailleur with clutch is optional altough strongly recommended especially if it gets rough.
I want to get a narrow wide chain ring but how do I work out what size I need?
@@cameronlindsey7951 that depends on your current range of gears, strength and local hills
I took a 11-46 casette and started with a 30t now I'm on a 32 but I got way stronger
Thanks and in terms of mounting and bcd?
@@cameronlindsey7951 with a modern 96 bcd you won't be able to get anything smaller than a 30t
Thats the only limitation
Very good video I now understand suspension better, ps did Doddy colour his hair or is it the lighting?
Er..... He's wearing a cap for the whole video so?
I recently got a Scott ransom frame without a shock, the OEM Fox Nude shock comes with a linear medium rebound linear medium compression tune. I threw on a DPX2 perf elite with RM CM tune, so far it feels ok, but are there any setup tips you can recommend now that I've lost the ability to use twinlock but would still like suspension that is reasonably plush?
progressive setup topic starts @ 6:55
I’ve always preferred the feeling of a more linear suspension
@Askgmbntech @Askgmbntech Hi Doddy loving the show, I have a question I have a 2020 canyon spectral on has a air shock I wanted to change to coil but was told it wouldn’t be great on that frame is this true?
Finn, Now I don't understand why you'd have the low speed compression set to low at all. If high stops it bobbing when peddling what does low do that you'd actually want? Does it simply make the downhills more comfy or soft anyway which might help it track better? Then with the total lock out of suspension these days wouldn't you be better off having the low speed compression set to a lowish set up and just lock the suspension whenever you're doing any real peddling?
Low speed is for peddling, add compression to assist more
You have your high and low speed mixed up
@@finlaypaton7202 OK so you put lower speed compression higher to reduce bob when peddling? Does a lock out make that unnecessary and if you have a lock out are you better off using that and putting LSC lower? What does a low setting offer? I'd imagine it makes suspension more reactive to body weight but what benefits does it really have?
And have I now got it the right way around... 🤔
INever ridden a Full Sus MtB. Had heart op 10 years ago and basically been unable to ride until introduction of Ebikes. My obsession with all things bike and tech has never left. I watch all types of racing and all videos on the Global Network Cycling channels as there coverage is less a rider showing what they can do, what they have etc and give a more rounded view.
Oh and they have Doddy who has an amazing all around knowledge, especially about the history of tech and MtBs and often people who know their area amazingly well, like you. When they do I try to soak up as much I can. So when I can afford a EMtB I'll know as much as I can for someone having to rely totally on research and videos and not actual experience, which can be hard.
Sorry to waffle on but Emtbs, especially at a decent entry level are expensive, especially for someone like me who has little spare. Obviously I want as much knowledge as possible before I spend, if, when, maybe I do, can, but gotta keep dreaming even so.
By the way great videos, very informative and interesting. Always love listening to someone who really knows their stuff especially when they can get it across in a way that's also fun to watch. Hope you'll be on more.
@@itarry4 Yes a platform lever just shuts the low speed right down, but you'd still want a little low speed for pedaling, but on the DH rig in the bike park, open her up :)
Could you give some advice to heavier riders?? I'm 250lbs and have struggled to get a setting that's not overly progressive or impacts use of full fork travel. Thanks
If you want the best performance look at the products designed for ebikes, all depends how much $$ you want to spend
Come to quebec and ride fat bike at empire 47 if you want some sub zero conditions.
#askgmbntech if you do notice your suspension feeling stiff due to cold weather, would heating them with a hair dryer solve the problem? Or, would the lubricants have solidified past a usable state by the time you notice any effect?
That would take a very long time
Easier just to have the bike indoors over night
#askgmbntech I have a fox 34 fork and I when I put the bolt in through the calliper and into the fork it doesn't tighten and just spins out I think this is because it's rounded out. What can I do and how can I do it. Cheers
Is it just me that’s finds it really bizzare that the powers that be allow us to be in a closed environment with another person with no mask as long as we’re two meters away even though the likelihood of these two breathing in each other’s breath is near enough 100%?!
What is going on?!
Brilliant show and very informative video!
Also I’d love to know where the average optimum travel for a trail bike is? I feel like the trail bike sector of the bike market seems to have the largest spread of fork travel.... anything from 130-170 can be spec’d on a bike that is sold as a trail bike but there has to be a ‘middle ground’ amount of travel that can cope with everything a trial bike rider would usually need from a suspension fork?
You’d be surprised at the amount of things we have to do to be able to do this.
It helps that I’m pretty much a hermit 😂
As for the bike question it depends where you are riding.
And how competent you are.
My sweet spot is 150 on 29 and 160 650b on everything I like to ride.
Usually 20mm shorter travel rear. With a progressive geometry bike. The tee shirt logo might be a give away.
Yeah I know there’s loads of stuff you have to do in regards to precautions and covid measures but it’s got to be done and happy you do stick to it all cos it enables videos like this! I just find covid and the rules all a bit strange!
So with the competency thing would you recommend more or less travel to a more competent rider? I’m guessing less travel the newer to riding a bike you are or the less skill you’ve got?
Also I’m from the UK too and I ride a load of different stuff in terms of terrain and motive and I only own one bike so I got wondering while I was watching about how broad travel range is in the trail bike category and wondered if there was any reason for this and if there was a sweet spot for travel for an all round ‘Swiss army knife’ trail bike for people like me that like to do a bit of everything?!
@@deterrentdubz9116 I've had a 27.5 Evil Calling set at 140mm (with a custom shock) and 150 front. Now on a Evil Following V3 29er with 130mm R 140 F
I think for UK stuff a shorter travel, but progressive Geometry bike is crazy fun. and super fast too.
I think the only place I'd want more travel would be Fort William, but my Evils were excellent in the Alps
#askgmbntech the talking about temperature effects on suspensions got my attention. What about the influence of air temp on air springs? Actually this summer when hot weater struck I had to decrease fork and shock pressure as they felt too stiff. Rather, I felt the opposite during the winter. Am In dreaming? So it seems not to be negligible.
By the way, thanks for the show, you rock ;)
The theory is sound as hot air will expand.
For instance when cars do track days the difference between hot and cold pressure in the tyres can be more than 10psi.
This would be amplified in a small air chamber as the volume is so small.
@@finlaypaton7202 Yes exactly! To be honest I already knew the answer but I think they should add complementary info on that subject in the next tech episode, it's quite interesting.
In response to the tile, "YES'
I don't think my bike's suspension gets warm at all, USA, Maine, 2021
#askGMBNtech I have a Giant Talon 3 2017 I have been thinking of keeping the bike, but upgrading it. What would be a good non tapered front shock that has a 9mm thru-axle and over 100 mm of travel
#askgmbntech what is the main advantage to a full suspension mountain bike compared to a hardtail and what would you recommend
Start with a hard tail. It teaches you to find smooth lines. But you won’t be able to do huge jumps though.
Better grip, much more comfortable and easier for your body in harsh terrain. Overall tend to be a bit more fun (generally speaking). Though there are many that enjoy hardtails. First time you try full sus in rocky terrain you will regret you went with ht. But if you are hardcore and like challenges ht can be just as fun. And you can learn to ride just as well with full sus. Learning with ht doesn't make you better rider just because it doesn't have rear suspension.
#askgmbtech a lot of bits of my drive train are covered in factory grease any tips on how to remove it efficiently and leave it clean
If it’s new boiling water.
Anyone have decent info on 5th Element stuff? I've done service on lots of stuff, but it seems a lot of info is lost to time.
If you've done coils before its really simple, ideally you need as special tool as you bleed through the reb needle/shaft, but with an extra pair of hands you can do it manually
#askgmbntech is there a way to pump up my suspension fork without suspension pump, because i need to ad more air but i cant buy a pump becaus of lock down?
#Askgmbntech I have moved from a 27.5 trail bike to a 29er XC bike as it suits the type of riding I do more and although I'm really happy with it I have noticed that the geometry is very different and I tend to get some neck pain on long rides, is there anything I can do about this?
#askGMBNTech My disk rotors are getting rusty( not on the part where they make contact with the pads), do i just Sand them? Any products to use?
#askgmbntech: what's better for someone who wants to start MTB buy a bike with better geometry and lesser parts or better spec with slightly worse geo? Eg: Marin bobcat trail 5 or giant talon 1? I come from a long time on a BMX, so I want something nimble and jump/trickable. Also don't have a huge budget. Any other recommendations?
Geometry first.
Then upgrade the parts when you can afford
@@finlaypaton7202 thanks! The Marin comes with decent... Other stuff, but I would need to upgrade the fork (and consequently wheels) first I think. Any suggestions?
@@Jackofafewtrades depends how much you want to spend, how much you weigh etc, my Go to fork is the Fox 36 or RS Pike
Hi Doddy, I have a Canyon category 3 (Spectral 2016) mtb, but I do a lot of enduro stuff. Which upgrades can I do in order to make my trail bike and enduro oriented one? I have mounted DH brakes, Enduro tyres, an aggressive cockpit (riser handlebar, short stem). Should I change my RockShock Pike for a more hard hitting fork ? #askGMBNTech
#AskGMBNTech would your suspension basically be 2 in one if there is a hsc, a lsc, hsr and lsr. I do a lot of big jumps and flow lines but as well as downhill Rooty trails, I want my suspension to be firm and not to soft for the jumps, using around 70~75%travel and for the downhill bits more of a few bottoming out bits but not too much. how would I tune it to that and how would I know when I have succeeded. Thanks
#askgmbntech Hi Doddy, I'd like some help with brake setup. I have occasional issues with brake fade running Sram Code Rs and and 180mm centerline rotors front and rear. I could either swap to the shimano hybrid material rotor in 180mm or go to 200mm the former option being cheaper as I wouldn't have to source new spacers in addition to new rotors. Does the aluminium have as much heat dissipation effect as the bigger rotors? If you're curious I ride a Chromag hardtail because steel is real and the terrain I ride in the Canadian Rockies is as steep as it gets.
#AskGMBNTech I'm looking at getting a scott spark 970 which has the scott's twin-loc system. Have you had any experience with twin-loc and do they require much maintenance?
#askGMBNTech Doddy or Fin is there any tips or extra steps you would recommend for a heavier rider? I'm about 200lbs and running full tokens in my Fox 34. Am I to heavy for this fork?
Probs a little on the upper scale, I'm 200lbs too and can flex a 34 like a wet noodle, I run Fox 36 on my bikes
New to riding and I have a marin mount vision 5.8 120 with fox 36 van and fox float rp23, I'm 18st and they seem quite spongey no matter how I adjust them do you think I need them servicing
It would help for sure, but you are a little more “manly” than the product was designed for
Something like the Zeb would be more supportive as you’ll be able to run a lower pressure than the 36
@@finlaypaton7202 a grand on forks lol. Sounds nice but the bike even with all the many upgrades still only worth 5-600 lol.
#AskGMBNTech. I have a rockshox super deluxe select rear shock. It only has a rebound adjustment. After looking at the lockout switches on the piggyback of the ultimate it looks like I could bolt on the reservoir assembly to upgrade it. Provided there isn’t any internal differences of course. Is this accurate?
no you can't retrofit them
#AskGMBNTech. Hi Doddy, love the show btw, I was looking to get a new bike but I am unsure on what kind of bike to go for, my local area is pretty tame but I still want to be able to hit all of the trails when I go to trail centers an places like fort William. Trail, all mountain, enduro, freeride?
#GMBN why do I have to pump my fox X2 to 275lbs to get my correct sag when I only weight 210....it just came back from fox and they couldn’t answer it....what would happen if I were a big guy weighing in at 250 it tops out at 300psi
Probably more to do with the leverage of your bike
#ASKBGMBNTech , Hi doddy, why isn`t there such a thing as "hyrdraulic shifting", Greatings from the Netherlands!!!
There is! Rotor do it. It's not more widespread because it's bloody expensive, and the 'high end' options are electronic, which works better than hydraulics.
#askGMBNTech shock service intervals - I have a full suspension bike that I ride a lot, about 2500km a year. My fitness tracker shows its about 250h of riding, fox says that a full rebuild is after 100h, is it a way to get more out off the shock or do I have to do it 2 times in a year
I'd reccommend once a year
#AskGBMNTech I am riding my Cube Al frame XC bike on the trails with some jumps up 0,5m high. I am worried about my 100mm Rock Shox Reba. Is it safe? I have one volume spacer installed and running pressures accordingly not to bottom out.
#askGMBNtech: Finn, what are your thoughts on closed vs semi open bath dampers. Specifically, for someone who wants to do their own servicing. Is the performance trade-off big enough to overcome the increased complexity? Also should fox fork recommended service intervals be taken seriously?
My preference is for the new breed semi open damper such as the Grip 2
Having a blow off that doesn’t affect overall damping performance makes absolute sense, MX has been doing this for a while now.
Yes service your fork.
More often if you can.
#ask GMBNTech Hi my thread on my fork's calliper mounts are gone, do I thread it for a bolt that is 6mm alan head, if I do that that thicker bolt won't fit through my MT5 brake calliper, the fork is min. 203mm rotor so it cant be the adapter pls help also if i thread the calliper with the bolt hole there is a chance od my brale pads rubbing and if I thinker in any other way eith the calliper will it void the warrenty
I thinks he is the person who built that zip ties wheel.
yes - thanks, no one has been brave or stupid enough to ride it yet though
#askgmbntech Doddy can you tell me why most bikes have at least some parts of the shifter or brake cables bare and not have the housing go all the way to the derailleur or caliper. I.e sometimes on the bottom of the top tube or at the chainstay there always seems to be some part of the cable bare
Saves costs on meters of brake & gear cables
#askgmbntech Can I bleed my Monarch Plus without a full service? There is definitely air in the oil system but i don‘t have the time or money for a full service. Thanks a lot and greetings from Bavaria!
There is usually a reason this happens - either a failed seal or damage inside the shock body, I'd get it checked out
#askgmbntech hi dody I have a shimano deore 1X12 drivetrain on my 2021 nukeproof mega, in the highest gear the chain goes very slack but not in other gears my chain isn’t worn and the whole bike is fairly new. Thanks
#askgmbntech
Hey Doddy, I want to change all my bearings and bushes this winter in my 2017 YT Tues AL. All pivot bearings and headset are sorted, but I am having some trouble with the BB. Do I need to get the original RaceFace PF30 83MM BB or can I get other brand ones? So far I know that I need to look at the internal bearing diameter of 30mm and the 83mm spacing for the frame interface.
Any suggestions or help would be appreciated!
Cheers Steffen
#AskGMBNTech Hi i'm from Philippines, i have truvative powerspline BB BSA30 with nx crank with no spindle. I would like to buy DUB BB but save my NX crank . Is there any possible way to replace my BB without buying new cranks?
Thanks doddy! 👌
No they are not in any way compatible. Even the SX DUB crankset would be an upgrade from what you have.
#AskGmbnTech
I’m looking for a new 29” fork for my upcomming Cotic BFeMAX, I’d like a fork thats capable of running 130-160mm of travel as I ride quite wide variety of trails. Was looking at a Rs Pike but it only goes up to 150. The other option that I’d like was a Rs Lyrik but the shortest travel on that is 150. Could you help me out?
Prefferably a Rs fork as I already have parts and spares for them.
Sus you say 😳😳
#AskGMBNTech
What tools does a person who does their own service need or not need and can I use some automotive tools (spanners, torque wrenches, sockets, etc) for bikes?
Yes you can use the same tools. Buy any specific tools that you need as you go along. I would recommend a good set of allen/hex wrenches which are used much more on bikes than sockets.
Yeh tools are tools.
The main reason I keep mine separate is because cars tend to be a fair bit dirtier and I don’t want that inside my bike.
Buy a good book such as Mountain Bike Maintenance and Repair by John Stevenson.
It has a great list of the basic tools to get.
#askgmbntech shoe question. I’ve been using xc style shimano shoes, paired with CB egg beaters and CB candies. They work well together for me until i started riding gnarlier trails. I needed to stand up on the bike more often so i switched to the CB mallet dh and paired it with a specialized cliplite shoes. My issue is the shoe does not allow me to position the cleats all the way backwards to the midfoot. This results on me having to use a lot of calf muscles and it burns me Out. I wear a size 40 and i realized that the bigger size shoes lets you slide the cleats to midfoot but not for the smaller size. This issue can be resolved by going flats but i dont want to go to that direction. Do you have any suggestions? Any brands that accommodate needs of smaller riders like me?
Can you modify the shoe?
#askgmbntech hey Doddy, I ordered a Polygon Siskiu T8. I'm concerned because it has resin only rotors but I'm quite certain it has ceramic pads. is this going to be an issue?
Not an issue unless you change the pads to metallic sintered pads. And if you want to use metallic sintered pads you need to change rotors. (SLX rotors work fine with sintered pads)
#askgmbntech Hey guys, btw, i love your vids. My question is that, how can i fit a mudguard (and what type of) on to a Manitou Markhor fork because of the reversed arch?