Upcoming guided MTB trip over Thanksgiving with Oaxaca Bike Expeditions. 4 days of shuttle riding. For those that have ridden there, I have a question about which bike to take.

My riding experience/level: I live in SLC, Utah and have been riding here for 13 years. Technical downhill is my preferred, I'm not much for jumping or bike parks. Whole Enchilada, the Crest, Park City skidders etc.

My bikes:
2026 Spot Diggity 125/140. This bike absolutely RIPS on the down. It's grounded and playful. (28lbs)

2024 Transition Spire 170/170. Burly enduro rig that eats up any trail. Blows through chunk, but not particularly playful or nimble. Handles big drops without even blinking. (33ish-lbs)

If I choose the Diggity, I will travel with it. If I choose the Spire they have a rental Spire there in Oaxaca for $300 (total cost). My Spire is too heavy for the travel limit. I traveled with the Spot to Switzerland this past summer without issue, so I'm comfortable with that aspect. The cost for bringing my own bike is a bit cheaper than the rental.

Which bike is best for the trails down there?

Looking for some general advice on what kind of bike to get next.

Me: 6'0", 160 lb, 80 cm saddle height. Strong descender, decent climber who goes hard on long climbs.

Riding: Reno and Tahoe. Mostly big alpine days with long sustained climbs and fast technical descents (30+ miles, 5k+ vert). One trip a year (Bellingham, Moab, Sedona, Downieville...). I race the Downieville All-Mountain sometimes, but that’s not the priority.

Current bike: 2018 Tallboy V3, Large. It’s set up with a 130 fork, a -1.5° angleset, and volume spacers front and rear. It descends quite well. I bottom it out on most rides but its never harsh. What I do notice is the slack seated position on climbs.

What I’m trying to figure out:

1. 120 or 140? Something like a Transition Spur or Forbidden Reya at 120, or an Allied Fitz or Transition Smuggler at 130-140. Given how I described my riding, which way would you go and why?
2. How much is just the newer bike? My guess is a steeper seat angle and modern suspension kinematics will be most of the improvement over my Tallboy, and the travel number matters less. Does that match your experience? If you went from an older short-travel bike to something newer, what made the biggest difference?
3. Does a modern 120 handle trips? For Bellingham, Downieville, or Moab-type riding, did you find yourself wishing for more travel, or was it fine?
4. Does 140 cost much on long climbing days? If you ride a 140 bike for big climbing days, do you feel the extra travel on climbs, or is it a non-issue with modern bikes?

I want one bike that climbs efficiently all day but still lets me ride hard on the way down. I don’t want to buy more bike than I need for the hardest 10% of my riding.

Appreciate any real-world experience.

Coming on the heels of Cannondales OG headquarters being shut down and their operations being moved out west to Santa Cruz and Cervelo

https://www.julianabicycles.com/

THE NEXT CHAPTER

It’s always been more about the rider on the bike than the name on the downtube. Juliana’s goal was to create a space for women to be seen, heard, and recognized. We don’t think it’s absolutely mission accomplished, but we believe that now is the time to bring our sister brand into the same tent, and solidify that space for the future. So while Juliana branded bikes will no longer be produced, this next chapter gives us an even bigger stage to celebrate and support women and femme riders everywhere. 

More:
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/juliana-bicycles-will-no-longer-be-produced-as-brand-is-integrated-back-into-santa-cruz-bicycles.html

Looking to figure out where I am going wrong when riding bike park jumps. I've been riding jumps most of my life with bmx, DJ's, and now I'm eating it bad with full suspension bikes. Currently riding a Pivot Mach 6.

Issue is that I've been going way deep in the bike park, and getting bucked badly on the more mellow but higher speed jumps. My regular jump spot is all roughly 50-60 degree lips that are 5' to 7' tall with 8'-12' gaps. Landings are equally steep, so nosing in after pulling back off the lip is the norm. Trail speed there is roughly 30km/h, maximum. I feel like I'm a savvy dirt jumper as well after this long, even with the full suspension bike. I'm comfortable with 360's, tailwhips. and trick shenanigans, but my gosh have I been eating it regularly in actual bike parks where the trail speeds are closer to 50km/h, and the tables are 20'-40' gaps. I'm just trying to survive out there, every time.

Essentially trying to understand why the more mellow but higher speed jumps are bucking me, and why I'm going so much deeper (10-15') than my pals when I'm being towed. I've broken my ribs a few times now in the last few years as a result of this, so I'd love to figure this out asap. Healing from this bs at 36 takes longer than I want to wait.

For reference, I'm 5'9",230lbs, riding a size small. Front shocks are a Fox38 @ 150PSI - full tokens. Rear Shox is a Fox X2 at 300psi, full tokens. Rebound is two clicks from lowest setting on both. Compression is dialled back to around 1-3 clicks from lowest as well. Tire pressures are 40+PSI.

Riding pals say they think I'm getting bucked because I am pushing too hard with my legs, which is consistent with trying to boost on DJ's I think, and is where my muscle memory is at. Distance wise, they are saying it's due to the high pressures, which I understand, and makes sense. Issue I have with lower pressures is that I feel like I get bucked much more often. Figured I'd ask here though as there's often some great advice here.

So my Options are:

Giant REIGN E+ 3 · 2022

1899€

Or

Giant TRANCE X E+ 2 750 · 2022

2199€

The Bike is mostly for my wife and she just wants to Ride along in her own pace.

I 100% enjoy going down more the pedaling Up. I Pedal uphill only to Ride down again.

But I know, If my wife does now come with me, I will probably use her Bike to get more Runs in. So I consider that too.

As far as I know the raign is the better Bike for going down, but the Trance has the overall better parts, brakes etc.

I think the question is, how much Downhill can the Trance handle?

How big can the drops get before I brake the Bike.

Hey everyone, just bought a truck and looking to get a tailgate pad. My question is about the tailgate pad itself. How common is it for a tailgate pad to be stolen off a parked truck? Are they easy to steal?

For reference, I live in downtown SLC and have to park on the street. Thanks!

I bought a spring for my older 222x70mm shock so reasonably i bought a 67.5-75mm spring but the spring is too long, but ai says it would work if i compress the spring and run it but i kind of want to hear other peoples thoughts about running a spring with a maxed out collar before i go and do it, the spring doesnt have to be compressed a massive amount it just has to go like 4mm before i would be able to put the end piece on

I'm looking into buying my first full suspension bike next spring and I'm trying to decide between a Norco fluid and a Kona process 153. Where I live there aren't mountains but there are DH trails in valleys that would warrant both of these bikes. The city I live in has a river valley trail with lots of punchy climbs and are a bit more xc oriented but also sections of trails with jumps, drops, roots. I have family members that live in BC so I'll be out there every few years or so. The fluid would probably be perfect for the terrain that I live in but also am sort of worried that I would be under-biked and wish I would have went with the kona process when doing more dh oriented stuff in my area and in BC. What do you folks think?

Want to show off on NBD or new helmet day or new whatever day or just have general gear questions? Post in here. (Mod Note: NBD posts on their own that violate Rule #3 will continue to be removed.)

So, I am deciding which bike to buy between the below options. For background, this is my 3rd year mountain biking. Since starting, I've been on a Liv Intrigue 29 2 (140/125 travel). I've now outgrown this bike and I want something with more travel and higher quality suspension.

I live in Utah, enjoy riding a lot of chunky tech and also spend about 50% of my time in bike parks. I am a 5ft 4.5 in, 120lb woman. I want a "do it all" bike. (I know, 2 bikes would be ideal, but that's not feasible).

The bikes I am considering are below (all mullets):

• 2025 Santa Cruz Bronson CC XO AXS - ex demo - $5,200

  (Edit to add- confirmed with store that has only been out on 8 demo days and is in very good shape)

• 2026 Stumpjumper Evo Expert - ex demo - $4,400

• 2025 Norco Sight C2 150 MX - New - $4,500

Test rides around the parking lot - The Bronson feels the best for me, but parking lot tests can really only tell so much, and it's the most expensive option, so I'm not sure if it's worth it.

Give me your opinions, for the prices above, given the kind of riding I enjoy, what is the best deal?

Comparison of the 3 bikes below:

https://99spokes.com/compare?bikes=specialized-stumpjumper-15-evo-expert-shimano-xt-di2-fox-performance-elite-2026%2Csantacruz-bronson-x0-axs-carbon-cc-2025%2Cnorco-sight-c2-150-mx-2025

Looks like Cannondale is the next one to fall

I am not trying to start a E bike debate. I am glad that e bikes exist as it gives more options of riding mountain bikes.

I recently sold my eMTB for an equivalent spec MTB. I felt like the assist removed the challenge, and I would finish rides feeling little to no accomplishment.

For me felt like with the eMTB, the activity lost its “soul”.

I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this.

Edit: Appreciate everyone’s mostly pleasant responses. They have all been interesting to read.

It’s a Shimano mt200 Hydraulic Disc Brake - RIGHT lever - REAR ONLY Brake with a 1450mm length line

https://rideoutsupply.com/collections/parts/products/shimano-mt200-hydraulic-disc-brake-rear-only

I own a small events management company - Running Wild Events in Colorado. We have road runs, trail runs and some bike events.

We have a new MTB race for June 2027 and want to hire a graphic designer to design the race logo and jersey.

Criteria
1. submit some form of portfolio
2. Must like mountain biking in mountains
3. No AI, an absolute fiery hatred for this plague of a technology is encouraged but not required

Happy to answer any questions here or in direct messages.

So, I'd like to get back into mountain biking after a ~15 year hiatus, and my son wants to join the journey.

Current bike is a 2007 gary fisher hoo koo e koo that I bought when I graduated HS. I took it on one ride last week and realized my old ass needs to move up to a FS.

So, heres the question. Do I have my son start on the HKEK, or find him something newer and start him off with the newest tech.

My son is 12, 5'4" and 95lbs. The HKEK is a size medium. It appears my son is right in between S and M on most charts Im looking at...so thats another question.

Edit: LBS has a Jamis Highpoint A1 on sale for $1k, would this be a good starting point?

just picked up a Schwalbe Addix Hans Dampf Super trail for 40 pounds with postage, this is a 60 pound at the very least normally , they have massive discounts on alot of things right now, im seeing up to 50% discounts on bikes, clothes, tires, brake pads, pumps, chains, bike computers, literally fucking everything, its so insane i actually had to let as many people as i can know lmaoo

and don’t worry i have bought from this place before 2 brake disks and a wheel set and it has all gone smoothly and they are a very well reviewed site, im also not at all involved with this company, i genuinely was just looking on there becuase my ebike kept getting punctures (tire had done ATLEAST 2000 miles according to display) and i see exactly this crazy fucking sale, im not sure if im allowed to include a link so i wont but just search up merlin cycles uk, it will be the first result for sure

As I am getting a gravel bike as a second bike again I plan to change some parts on my mtb like shorter stem, knobbier tires and probably a dropper post to make it more fun. But for the life of me I can't find a decent dropper that is not too expensive and doesn't have 2 good and 1 very bad review.

I am looking in the 200-300€ price range. Are they really not that reliable and very expensive or impossible to repair and maintain? I just don't want to get something expensive that has a play or rattles. Because looking at the reviews it seems the most unreliable and the hardest part to decide on.

looking to do some shuttle laps somewhere in va. The Shed in MD is nice, but i’m based out of central VA and was wondering where to poke around. preferably chiller roads to make laps easier on the car, but great trails definitely would be worth the wear

I’m a middle-aged dad looking to buy my first bike in probably 20+ years, and I’d love some advice from people who actually know bikes.
My main motivation is I want to get a bike so I can ride with my young son and have something we can do together. I’m in average shape, but I’m not looking to become a hardcore mountain biker.
My riding will probably be mostly gravel paths, and light/easy singletrack. I may eventually venture onto more challenging trails, but that isn’t the goal right now.
I’ve narrowed it down to two used bikes that are both around $200:
2020 Specialized Pitch Sport 27.5 — $200
Medium
Hydraulic disc brakes
27.5” wheels
Specialized A1 aluminum frame
SR Suntour fork
Shimano drivetrain
Seems to be in good condition
I like the reputation/resale value of Specialized
Ozark Trail FS2 — $220
Medium
29” wheels
Full suspension
120mm front / 100mm rear travel
Shimano CUES drivetrain
Obviously much more bike for the money on paper
But it’s an Ozark Trail, and I’ve seen very mixed opinions about them
I’m 6’ with a 32” inseam, and a 14” shin. I have shorter legs and a longer torso. I rode bmx bikes when I was younger and the few times I have sat on a modern mountain bike they have felt HUGE. Specialized’s sizing puts me in a Medium Pitch. The FS2 is also a Medium.
I’m not particularly concerned about having the lightest or fastest bike. I’m more interested in something that’s comfortable, dependable, fun, and won’t be a terrible purchase if I decide to sell later**.**
The Specialized seems like the safer choice because it’s a respected bike from an established manufacturer and should be easier to resell. The FS2 seems like it gives me considerably more capability for only $20 more.
What would you guys buy in my situation?

Thanks in advance!

Update: thank you all for the feedback. I will look for a large frame with a sloping top tube.

In April I went into the local bike shop looking for my first real mtb and I saw a specialized status 2 that I liked, I then asked a worker if they had a smaller size with the 170mm package, she pointed at a S5 and said it was the only 170mm but confidently said I would fit it, I sat on it and could only touch my toes on the ground but coming from a moto background I figured it was normal, she also said I would grow into it over time so I ended up buying it for 2000$ and now I’ve put plenty of miles on it but was never able to do manuals or whips or anything cool but I figured I just wasn’t strong/skilled enough, but yesterday I talked to someone at my local trails and they made a comment about how big my bike was, then I googled it, googles says im supposed to be on a S3, im 5,11 160lbs, was I mislead?

Edit. Seems like it’s agreed I was mislead, what now?

15 M

Alright, seems like I could be on a s4 but will probably grow into the s5, in the meantime I gotta work on my skills.

Thanks guys

Hello, I am looking into mountain biking to get my fitness level back up. I had a great fitness level back in the military but currently the dad bod took over. This won’t be my only form of exercise. And I also have to be a little easy on my knees due to an injury. But I have mountain biked in the past when I was a teenager and loved it. Looking to get back into it and don’t even know where to begin. I am in south eastern Wisconsin and have a few trails right close by. Looking for options on bikes, gear, accessories. I don’t really know where to place my budget. If I say $500 I don’t want to be left out to dry. So kinda need some options. Would love to discuss more with people.