[math2014]

Hi all,

After my dh day on sunday, i ve come to some conclusions and considerations and i would very much appreciate some monkey input/advice.

I am using Time Z control pedals, in combination with Shimano M021 shoes. The combination is fine for trailriding and xc and i love it, but when i come over tough terrain or DH/FR stuff i have the need to be unclipped...

While the Z pedals have an OK unclipped feeling with normal shoes... when i am unclipped with the M021 shoes it SUCKS, i am so hopeless up there slidding. Clipped in is a bit scary for me on DH or prior to a drop/jump.

So ... new shoes and keep the Zs?? or should i go for a pair of Vans and DMR V12 flat pedals?

The other serious issue is that i use a 70mm diabolus stem now and everything is ok stemwise. However i use 1" rise , stock specialized xc riser bars.

Having ridden a pure DH bike (2001 Straight8 with 888) and some bighits DH i really liked the tall front end of the bikes on steep inclines.

To cut a long story short... for trailriding the SX is ok as it is, but when stuff goes down in a steep manner, i would like a taller frontend. Since a taller fork is not an option, i was thinking that 2" or 2.5" risers replacing my 1" riser bar, would offer me a good solution/compromise. What do you reckon on this one?

Finally i think that i need a 2nd seatpost... for DH... The seat is low now but not enough...

Thanks in advance for the responses.
Yannis

Here is a pic showing seatpost

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=66481

 

[Jeremy R]

Your problems will be an easy fix.
First, all you need is cheap pair of skate soled SPD's like the 661 Launch shoes. They grip the Times fine even when unclipped.
Second, get a good 2" DH riser like an Azonic doublewall.
And whatever cheap low post you can find.

 

[SuperSlow]

get a rise stem as well as the riserbar. You should be fines

 

[biggins]

2 inch riser bar, and maybe a couple more spacers under the stem if you have enough steer tube. the diabolous has a 7 degree rise? i dont have any rise on my stem i just use a taller bar.

 

[Zark]

Jeremy covered it nicely.

I don't think you necessarily need new shoes though, just commit to your lines I know easier said than done.

I like the bend of Easton bars myself, but thats all preference.

A second post and seat will help.
You might think of having some skate shoes and flats for practicing on the sketchy stuff.

 

[math2014]

Thanks guys,

In terms of stem i got a diabolus with 10deg rise so that covers it.

I ll try EA70 2.5" risers, new cheapo post for dh,

As for pedals/shoes, i ll try first with a vans-esque shoe, and maybe get a pair of cheap flatties.

BTW any differences between EA50 EA70 bars apart from weight?
Also i am leaning towards the DMR V12 pedals...what do you reckon?

Thanks again!

 

[Kornphlake]

EA 70 is stronger and lighter and more expensive, at least according to Easton's marketing jargon. I'd see if I could find a shop that would let me borrow a 2.5" rise bar to put on the bike, you don't have to put your brakes and shifters and grips on, just clamp the bar in the stem and sit on the bike and see if you like the feel of the rise. I'd think a 2.5" rise might be a little excessive, but that's just me, I like my front low. For seat post can you cut a little off the bottom of your post and still have it go up high enough with a several inches of insertion for trail riding?

Other things you could do if you just have that itch are to put a 24" rear wheel on, that will slack out the angles nicely and make the BB lower, I don't imagine trail riding with a 24" wheel would be fun though because you'd probablly smack your pedals on a lot of stuff.

 

[math2014]

Cheers korn,

I can slacken things up by flipping the linkage...but the bb height would then suck...

I ll probably go with 2" rise... and try to convince the lbs to try both 2 and 2.5 risers...

As for the post... i already chopped 3" off it to get the ideal compromise between trail and fr/dh, but still it is not ideal for dh it is a compromise... hence either titec telescopic or a 2nd post.