Mountain Biking

New Shimano Component Groups – SLX and LX

Robb Sutton33.7K views

Say hello to the new component group from Shimano…SLX. Set to replace the Hone and LX line for mountain biking, the SLX is marketed as a heavier duty all mountain group for the Shimano line. So far from the pictures, it appears that Shimano mixed the previous LX and Hone together and added a new look along with the some features that were added to the XTR line. The rear derailleur shows some XTR-like characteristics. This line will still fall below the XT line in price and is designed around the growing popularity of 5″ and 6″ trail bikes.

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When does passion turn into obsession?

Robb Sutton72.9K views

I started thinking this morning about how much during the day I actually think about mountain biking….Turns out it is A LOT! [Thumbsup] So at what point does passion turn into obsession?? When I’m not riding…I am at work posting to forums, posting to my blog, contemplating the next parts purchase, etc. At least the other half thinks it’s ok because at least my obsession/addiction keeps me in shape and healthy!

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Winter Riding Has Come to a Close

Robb Sutton01.4K views

The winter riding season has ended for the 07/08 season, so I thought I would share my favorite picture from the year. This one was taken at Rich Mountain during the last of the cold rides. We started off the ride in the low 30’s with several inches of snow that was left over from several days before. It really made for a beautiful landscape to start the climb up Stanley Gap. This ride included over 25 riders that included a lot of veteran racers.

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I Miss My Singlespeed

Robb Sutton51.7K views

That’s right…I finally said it. I really do miss my singlespeed. Now, to clarify, I don’t particularly miss the Curtlo as much as singlespeeding itself. The Curtlo was an incredible bike built by Doug Curtis. It rode beautifully and one of the best rides I have ever been on was a ss ride on this bike at Tsali with Jason. It was just one of those days where everything was on. I think we did somewhere around 33 miles that day if I remember correctly.

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Turner Sultan in Stealth Black

Robb Sutton31.5K views

The Sultan is one of the most lusted after 29er full suspension bikes. With 4″ of travel, this bike feels like it has 5″. Made out of 5 Spot tubing, this bike is a great all around machine. With the introduction of the 20mm 29er Reba coming soon, there should be some great AM styled Sultan’s in the near future.

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650B Wheels – 198's Thoughts…

Robb Sutton91.5K views

Honestly…how many different wheels sizes do we need? With the introduction of the 650B (27.5″) wheel size, we are now up to 3 different available wheel sizes for mountain bikes if you don’t include the 24″ variety. The idea is that you get the same rolling power seen in 29″ wheels with the agility of 26″. I am not jumping on the bandwagon that fast for several reasons.

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Turner RFX – 2008 Model

Robb Sutton02.7K views

got a chance awhile back to get some serious saddle time in on an ’08 Turner RFX. This particular one was custom sparkle white with a Marzocchi 55ATA and a Cane Creek Double Barrel. The ’08 RFX’s received a weight decrease…

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Ventana El Terremoto 6.0 – My Ride

Robb Sutton73.3K views

It was only a matter of time before I blogged my sled. I am actually surprised it took this long quite honestly. Built by Sherwood Gibson of Ventana Mountain Bikes USA, this in one of the highest quality bikes I have ever owned. As my riding style started to change…so did my bikes. I ended up needing something that could handle more of a beating than what I had been riding previously. Apparently large drops to flat aren’t a good idea on 4 and 5 inch bikes…who knew?

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Cane Creek Reserve 110

Robb Sutton12.2K views

So what does a 650.00 headset look like? Here it is…the Cane Creek Reserve 110 headset. So what do you do with a handmade, precision-machined titanium, inlaid with maple or mahogany headset?

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