Lifestyle Mountain Bikers of TMMAC

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Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
That there is a Swagman Jack Knife, holds two as you can see. I've used a tailgate pads for years too but having a shortbox I find I prefer having my canopy on most of the time. If we do an out of town trip for a few days or even a day trip with kids it's super tight to pack all the bikes and gear without a rack. Four bikes on a pad takes up 90% of my box. I bought this one used for $200CA and am happy with it so far. When bikes come off it folds down to save some space. I still think the platform style are one of the best. So easy to load/unload. Another great style is called a North Shore rack. Can fit up to six vertically.

North Shore Racks | A Bike Rack by Mountain Bikers, For Mountain Bikers





Most decent racks will have a locking hitch pin and cable to keep everything relatively safe. They will also tilt down to allow access to drop tail gate or open canopy hatch.
I love the Northshore racks. Overkill for daily use, but they are handy to have around! One of my buddies has one that we use on our bike trips, thing is awesome. Here is my truck with in in November on our way to Moab :D


 

Never_Rolled

First 10,000
Dec 17, 2018
5,798
6,349
I like the Kuat racks, and also Thule.
The Saris was a good idea. Probably about half the cost of the Kuat. I bought mine too soon. It has the annoying rim tie down straps. The newer model has a better system. I could use my frame and switch the parts out but it wasn't worth the cost. It does hold them securely and swings down to open the hatch.

That 4 bike Kuat though is tits. It also has a built in stand for repairs.
 

Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
There is another USA-made brand that I really like called 1UP. They are solid machined aluminum racks. They have a special mounting system for the hitch - the things are rocks solid, no wobble at all.

Downside is price, for a 2-bike setup it's like $600-$650. You can add on up to 4 bikes, but that's even more.

Bike Racks – 1UP USA | OFFICIAL SITE
 

Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
The Saris was a good idea. Probably about half the cost of the Kuat. I bought mine too soon. It has the annoying rim tie down straps. The newer model has a better system. I could use my frame and switch the parts out but it wasn't worth the cost. It does hold them securely and swings down to open the hatch.

That 4 bike Kuat though is tits. It also has a built in stand for repairs.
One of my buddies has the one with the built in stand. Awesome for last minute fixes at the trailhead!
 

Never_Rolled

First 10,000
Dec 17, 2018
5,798
6,349
There is another USA-made brand that I really like called 1UP. They are solid machined aluminum racks. They have a special mounting system for the hitch - the things are rocks solid, no wobble at all.

Downside is price, for a 2-bike setup it's like $600-$650. You can add on up to 4 bikes, but that's even more.

Bike Racks – 1UP USA | OFFICIAL SITE
I know about those also. Really nice and as pointed out expensive. I don’t take the bikes to other locations enough to justify spending that much on a rack. I mostly ride close to home.
 

Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
I know about those also. Really nice and as pointed out expensive. I don’t take the bikes to other locations enough to justify spending that much on a rack. I mostly ride close to home.
Yeah, the 1UPs are nice to have if you travel with bikes (i.e. they're solid and secure, no worries about the bikes coming off on long trips etc.). But way overkill for me locally as well. My tailgate pad is great for local use, and I have one of the bars that goes across the front of the bed rails too (has 2 spots where the fork clamps down, so have to remove front wheel for that one). Having a couple of options already, a hitch mount rack is definitely a want and not a need - but I like having options :).

Adding a hitch mount to my arsenal would allow me to take 2-4 on the hitch, and if needed a couple in the bed on the other rack, and still have room left over for other cargo. Most likely I will be shopping on craigslist or the like. Racks have gotten pricey, but damn the good ones are nice to have!
 

Never_Rolled

First 10,000
Dec 17, 2018
5,798
6,349
Yeah, the 1UPs are nice to have if you travel with bikes (i.e. they're solid and secure, no worries about the bikes coming off on long trips etc.). But way overkill for me locally as well. My tailgate pad is great for local use, and I have one of the bars that goes across the front of the bed rails too (has 2 spots where the fork clamps down, so have to remove front wheel for that one). Having a couple of options already, a hitch mount rack is definitely a want and not a need - but I like having options :).

Adding a hitch mount to my arsenal would allow me to take 2-4 on the hitch, and if needed a couple in the bed on the other rack, and still have room left over for other cargo. Most likely I will be shopping on craigslist or the like. Racks have gotten pricey, but damn the good ones are nice to have!
Seth uses that gate pad and seems to like it. I have an SUV so not an option for me. Taking the wheel off is another PITA.
 

La Paix

Fuck this place
First 100
Jan 14, 2015
38,273
64,597
Is this out yet? I have not seen it, but have been looking forward to it!
I haven't seen anything more than the trailer bit I think it's out.

I love the Northshore racks. Overkill for daily use, but they are handy to have around! One of my buddies has one that we use on our bike trips, thing is awesome. Here is my truck with in in November on our way to Moab :D


Is that six Pivots and your Evil? Demo day?
 

Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
I haven't seen anything more than the trailer bit I think it's out.


Is that six Pivots and your Evil? Demo day?
4 Pivots, 1 YT Jeffsy, 1 Ibis Ripley, and my Evil

Not a demo, just the bikes some of the dudes in my group own. I gotta say, driving across the country with around $45k worth of bikes in the back of my truck is a bit nerve wracking lol.

My biking buds have good taste in bikes :D


I'm going to look tonight to see if that movie is out!
 

La Paix

Fuck this place
First 100
Jan 14, 2015
38,273
64,597
4 Pivots, 1 YT Jeffsy, 1 Ibis Ripley, and my Evil

Not a demo, just the bikes some of the dudes in my group own. I gotta say, driving across the country with around $45k worth of bikes in the back of my truck is a bit nerve wracking lol.

My biking buds have good taste in bikes :D


I'm going to look tonight to see if that movie is out!
Serious rides there.
 

Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
Yeah buddy - 26 miles every morning since last Friday.
That's awesome man! Let us know in here if you need any help getting your bike setup/adjusted and dialed in for you perfectly ;). Or if you have any mechanicals down the road, we can likely help you out there too!

I can only assume that you're liking it and enjoying it....are you happy with your Surly?

Are you mostly on the road? Just a friendly reminder to use your helmet and lights!! Also, carry an extra tube! If you want some suggestions for a little emergency kit to carry with you, I can give you some ideas. Good idea to carry a few small things with you so you don't get stranded in case of a situation.

Are you using flat pedals, or clipless? If you haven't used them before, I recommend clipless pedals (I prefer the Shimano SPD system). A bit awkward at first if you've never used them, but they are priceless once you get used to them :)
(clipless are where you have cleats on your shoes that lock into the pedals)


Keep at it man, glad to hear you've put in some good miles!
 

Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
Serious rides there.
Yeah man, we don't fuck around lol (several of the guys I ride with are very well off, so they set the bar high!)

I've been eyeing a new ride...I have the fever for an Evil Offering (an extra inch more of rear travel than my Following). Big money though...so I'm trying to see what I can build one for if I just buy a frame with rear shock.

Offering
 

Never_Rolled

First 10,000
Dec 17, 2018
5,798
6,349
Yeah man, we don't fuck around lol (several of the guys I ride with are very well off, so they set the bar high!)

I've been eyeing a new ride...I have the fever for an Evil Offering (an extra inch more of rear travel than my Following). Big money though...so I'm trying to see what I can build one for if I just buy a frame with rear shock.

Offering
An extra inch in the rear seems like we have moved beyond bikes. In
 

La Paix

Fuck this place
First 100
Jan 14, 2015
38,273
64,597
Oh man, you've got some ground to cover!

Are you already familiar with those trails, or are these new to you? Looks like a killer place to go exploring through the woods
I've riden less than half of the zoomed out photo.

This is my neighbourhood.




This trails wear of the map are my go to, about a 8 minute drive. It's a 1.25 hour climb up then blast down. You can extend or shorten those numbers of course but usually that's the time.




L @The Pink Panther the photo above is called Smith Creek, so fun. A good one by you is called Campbell which is also a decent climb up then rip down.

 

Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
La Paix @BirdWatcher

I think it was you that posted about these a while back....do you remember the Revolution Suspension grips?
Revolution Suspension Grips

I've been thinking about trying a set. They are pricey, but at the rate I blow through grips I don't think it'd be a waste. I wish I could try a pair in person before purchasing though. If the marketing is to be believed, I like the idea of these grips and am curious to see how they work. I think these would be beneficial on bike trips where I'm riding hard multiple days in a row. Those trips also include a lot of DH time, so the relief of hand fatigue sounds nice in that scenario.
 

Rambo John J

Eats things that would make a Billy Goat Puke
First 100
Jan 17, 2015
71,542
71,466
26"s or 29"s?

Broke out my Old steel frame Salsa(29er) Mariachi and went up a hill last night, need to get in biking shape...legs are tight and a bit sore today