[gerG]

I gave up mountain biking for 10 years due to the punishment factor. I have found salvation in the form of a Titus switchblade frame. 5" of front travel and almost 6" in the back can really soak up some bumps! It is so light it even cranks uphill quick. I am a born again gonzo biker

Of course I have to sell off all of my headphones to pay for it (well, not all of them).

Exercise isn't supposed to be this much fun.


gerG

 

[andrzejpw]

Where's the bike? All I see is an rx-7.

 

[gerG]

This one?

That is Bahnzai, he flies too. I get a D- for photo composition, but I was anxious to get out on the trails that day.


gerG

 

[bangraman]

Get rid of those Fire XC's at the front. Damned deathtraps.
Rolls very well, washes out even better

 

[gerG]

b'man, really? They have worked pretty well on the rough crap that I ride on, but I would hate to get a surprise. Suggestions?

I skipped disc brakes for now to keep unsprung weight down. Haven't decided on the best stoppers for me yet. Still getting used to this newfangled technology. I miss the feeling of being connected to the ground on the smooth stretches, but the increased control over the giant fist sized ball bearings is wonderful.


gerG

 

[bangraman]

Yes... Zero traction on wet or loose hardpack once you lean from vertical. Try the classic Panaracer Smoke/Dart combo or the WTB Velociraptors for XC. The lightest tyre I usually use now is the WTB Motoraptor 2.3 but if you're worrying about unsprung weight I guess that's completely off your list!


Unsprung weight

really... If you're worried about weight get the Avid mechanicals. I recommend the Hope Minis for beginners because they don't have the 'touch and straight over the bars' feel of the M4, my favourite brakes. Some people swear by Hayes and in the US they would be cheaper and better available, but they're a bet inbetween for me. Rim braking is so last century.

 

[Outdoor Man]

Do you live in a bomshelter????

I hardly see any green.

Peter.

 

[pigmode]

Quote:

Rim braking is so last century.

It can be greatly improved with Mavic ceramic rims. Much more troublefree I would think.

 

[gerG]

Peter, I live on the side of a hill in the desert. There is some green, but it is usually covered by thorns. What grows here are mostly rocks. otoh there is no humidity to speak of, and very few flying insects intent on stealing my blood! I should post some desert photos for members who haven't seen the bizarre lifeforms around here.

bangraman, rims are just really large discs. I am ahead of the curve

Unsprung weight is a huge factor in suspension design. I need to get lighter hubs (about my only non XTR components) but these were quite cost effective, and I didn't want to go over the top until I got a feel for what works for me. The frame and fork are actually used components (last years models). I am not a complete impulse buyer, honest.

I know what you mean with the tires and side force. They slide like crazy in that direction. I am getting good at 2 wheel drifts. I thought they were supposed to do that

gerG

 

[TWIFOSP]

Nice FD! Do you have anything done to her?

Here is mine

http://dh3.doggus.com/~nef/rx7/sidefront.jpg

 

[gerG]

Hi TWIFOSP!

Very nice!

Nah, mine is completely stock

Except for the PF intercooler and exhaust, and some brake components, and the aluminum pan and duct work under the front, and a bunch of other stuff...

Next I have to decide if I want to replace all 70 of those damned little hoses or convert to a single turbo. That will guide my computer mod. Also needs a new downpipe. We have strict emissions testing, so I have to be careful.


gerG

 

[D-EJ915]

I like the brakes that GT has on their better bikes (1700+ dollars WOW!), their disk brakes!! it's crazy, there's no way you need that much stopping power! (unless they work better in the wet)

 

[becomethemould]

i just came back from a ride. haven't ridden for over 3 months. after 10 mins i was screwed, had to rest for another 10 mins. after that i felt pretty fine, almost back to my prime

haha i went down a local "dh" track that i sort of started. the drop-offs are really huge! and there is a see-saw now, i don't think i'll be confident enough to do them for like another 1/2 year haha

 

[kentamcolin]

Nice rides! I've always been a fan of that model RX-7. Beautiful lines, great cockpit, and that big chrome bezel tach front and center, where it should be.

 

[gerG]

kentamcolin, you just have to love a car that puts the speedometer down at the same level of importance as the fuel gauge!

That big tach is important. The rotary is so smooth and quiet that redline will sneak up without any warning. Buzzer goes off at 8000, ignition cutout at 8500. More than once I have been out cruising at 75 or so and realized that I was humming along at 6500 rpm.

gerG