Category: Tips & Tricks

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New to MTB: Sighting Trail Users

Sighting Trail Users on MTB

Sighting trail users: MTB Etiquette New to MTB: Sighting Trail Users

There are a lot of new faces on the trails these days. Welcome – we hope you enjoy the outdoors as much as we do. There has been a lot of change (understatement right?) the last couple months. One that has effected new riders is the lack of group rides. A lot of group rides were effective to help new riders understand etiquette as well as tips to improve their riding. We’re going to publish a handful of concepts that will help new riders, and possibly refresh experienced riders. Let’s start with New to MTB: Sighting Trail Users.

It’s good to remember you’re probably not the only one on the trail. In fact, even if you have strong reason to believe you are, its best to always assume you’re not. MTB riding is a dynamic sport on shared trails. Just because there wasn’t a log, hole, or rut yesterday doesn’t ensure there won’t be today. The same goes for other trail users.

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MTB Tire Removal – BikeCo Tips & Tricks

MTB Tire Removal BikeCo Tips and Tricks

MTB Tire Removal – BikeCo Tips & Tricks

Enjoy a quick video and write up illustrating MTB Tire Removal in this post of BikeCo Tips & Tricks. Modern sidewalls can make MTB Tire Removal a bit more of a challenge, but with a couple quick tidbits you will make your life notably easier. Continue reading MTB Tire Removal – BikeCo Tips & Tricks

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New Bike Assembly

MTB New Bike Assembly Common Issue

New Bike Assembly

A typical new bike delivered from BikeCo.com doesn’t need much to hit the trails. With some basic tools and a bit of skill you’re on your way. You’ve got a fresh BikeCo Build. New Bike Assembly shouldn’t be intimidating.

(so, the modern work from home means this video is in the yard, with my bike “standing in” for a new rig. Obviously your new bike will be cleaner, not have broken spokes in the back wheel, etc! haha. Also, I wouldn’t suggest grass if avoidable to minimize searching for things you might drop…)

Check out the video then read the post for more details.

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Improve Chain & Cassette Wear

Improve Chain & Cassette Wear

Improve Chain & Cassette Wear

There are a lot of tips and tricks to improve chain & cassette wear. This tip helps minimize wear and bent cassette teeth.

It’s pretty simple.

Check out the video then read the post for more details.

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Better MTB Cornering with Coach Kevin Aiello

MTB Cornering Tips with Kevin Aiello

Better MTB Cornering with Coach Kevin Aiello

I’ve come to terms with it. I’m kind of spoiled. For example, extending a morning ride counts as work if you invite the right people. So here’s Better MTB cornering with coach Kevin Aiello!

Are you  you’re already familiar with these concepts? Rad! In the world of “nothing’s new” there’s a lot of good advice out there. But take a minute to read and check out some photos that illustrate cornering techniques to make your ride more fun. Ready to take your riding to the next level? Contact Kevin at SoCalSpeedClinics.com and schedule a training session. Private lessons or with some buddies, Kevin will help you improve your understanding, confidence and speed.

The Basics

We’ve covered good cornering practices with Kevin illustrating how important fit is to proper cornering techniques. (In fact we have another post with Kevin on pedaling more efficiently as well) Our previous cornering post focused on fit and some basics you should practice using a cone drill. In this blog let’s look a bit more about how to take this to the dirt.

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PreCharging a Suspension Pump – BikeCo Tips & Tricks

PreCharge Pump Blog Image

PreCharging a Suspension Pump – BikeCo Tips & Tricks

Let us show you how to precharge a suspension pump for the most accurate air suspension setup.

Many of our clients, and all of our racers, are looking to really dial in suspension. In order to accomplish this it is important to make minute adjustments to air pressure. This blog and video illustrate what’s happening in your air spring and why precharging a suspension pump is so important.

 

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Install Fork Volume Spacers – BikeCo Tips & Tricks

fork volume spacer bikeco blog

Install MTB Fork Volume Spacers

Want to increase or decrease the ramp rate on your fork? You can easily modify the ramp rate with volume spacers.

Disclaimer – If you doubt your mechanical ability utilize a professional resource. Suspension is critical to performance and your safety.

This video assumes your fork is in good working condition. If you suspect any issues such as “suck down”, or an over pressurized negative air chamber, it is important you use a qualified resource.

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Install Shock Volume Spacers – BikeCo Tips & Tricks

BikeCo Tips and Tricks Rear Shock Volume Spacer Install

Install MTB Shock Volume Spacers

Want to increase or decrease the ramp rate on your MTB shock? You can easily modify the ramp rate with volume spacers.

Disclaimer – If you doubt your mechanical ability utilize a professional resource. Suspension is critical to performance and your safety.

This video assumes your shock is in good working condition. If you suspect any issues such as “suck down”, or an over pressurized negative air chamber, it is important you use a qualified resource.

 

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Bike Yoke Revive Seatpost Hydraulic Reset – BikeCo Tips & Tricks

Bike Yoke Revive Seatpost Hydraulic Reset

Bike Yoke Revive Seatpost Hydraulic Reset

The Bike Yoke Revive seatpost has been extremely popular. Along with a variety of available travel lengths the Bike Yoke Revive seatpost also stands out with it’s simple hydraulic reset.

If your Bike Yoke Revive adjustable seatpost is “squishy” air has mixed with the hydraulic fluid.

To quickly reset your Bike Yoke Revive seatpost follow these steps.

Bike Yoke Seatpost Hydraulic Reset

First extend the post to its full height.

Insert a 4mm Allen wrench (or appropriate tool) into the reset located on the drive side near the saddle mount.

Gently rotate the Revive reset clockwise until you feel it hit the stop.

While holding the reset against the stop push the seatpost completely down with your other hand.

Release the 4mm Allen (or appropriate tool) in the Revive reset and let go of the saddle.

Bring the saddle to full height using the remote.

If you still have squish in the system repeat these steps.

If your seatpost is rigid go hit the trails…

 

Click to Shop Bike Yoke and other top Adjustable Seatposts.

 

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MTB Bolt Checks – Simple but Critical To Your Safety

importance of mountain bike bolt checks

MTB Bolt Checks – Simple but Critical To Your Safety

Consistent MTB Bolt Checks are critical to your bike’s reliability and safety. While components should be checked throughout their service life, it is particularly important to check new fittings. Stem, handlebar, grip and brake assemblies are especially important.

Why You Need to Bolt Check

Light weight, minimal contact and leverage.

With the exception of WTB’s Padloc grips, everything that attaches to your handlebar requires radial clamping force to keep it positioned radially (around the circle of the bar) and laterally (left and right).

If the fastener is appropriately tight the radial assembly produces more “bite” than the loads encountered and nothing moves.

So you torque it and it’s good forever? No. Nope. No.

In fact, you torque it – stress it – re-torque it – and then occasionally check it. Continue reading MTB Bolt Checks – Simple but Critical To Your Safety