Update on Things

It has been a while since my last update. I thought I'd take a few minutes to post a Winter 2009/2010 update.

Injury

On 16Nov2009, I managed to sustain a serious injury while biking on a paved greenway. I was coming in way too hot on a hard left-hand turn. The back end washed out and I crashed. I instinctively put my left foot out to try and catch myself, but I was moving too fast. About the only thing I remember from the crash was seeing my left foot up by my left elbow. Ouch! That's what snapped my MCL. The PCL snapped when my upper tibia slammed into the ground as first point of contact.

The orthopedic surgeon decided to let things heal on their own and see how things felt after two months rest and two months of physical therapy. I'm coming up on five months post-injury and things are looking very well. My knee joint is still weak and aches at some point every day, but I'm stable and I have no problem riding as hard as I want.

Cross Country

I'm still enjoying the Niner RIP9. I rode it about 3-4 times a week all Summer and the first part of Fall. The Niner has been the workhorse of my rehab from my knee injury. The first post-injury ride was 01Jan2010. I stuck to gravel roads for two months. On 01Mar2010, I ventured back on single track. I've been on the bike 3-4 times a week since then. Ah how I've missed single track.

Downhill

2009 saw an unprecedented four trips to Snowshoe, WV. The first trip of 2009 was with the Big Hit. The last three trips were on the v-10. When I last blogged about the v-10, I mentioned that I was disappointed with the Reach of the bike. I had done a ton of research and found that the v-10 was about the biggest DH bike they make (without getting a custom frame).

I'm still disappointed and feel a bit out of control on the bike. For someone 6'3" or less, I think it's an amazing bike. The rear travel is endless and super plush. I love bombing down the mountain on that bike. However, as the speed ramps up I begin to lose control. It's like I'm falling off the back of the bike. I've got some thoughts on this and will save them for a later post. Let's just say that I really wish the bike fit me better.

So that brings you up to date with me. Other than the injury, it's just more of the same.

Big Hit Make Over

I built up my Downhill bike last June. It has been to Snowshoe three times and worked great each time. At 6'5", I'm a tall rider and have a hard time finding bikes that fit me well. Although the Big Hit rode really well (and I just love the Monster T fork on that thing), I decided I'd see if I can get a better fitting bike; but more about the new bike later.

On my last trip to Snowshoe (June 2009), I damaged the rear derailleur and bottom bracket. So it was time to give the Big Hit some new parts. Today was the big day for the Big Hit. All of the parts arrived this week and it was time to strip it down and built it from the ground up.

Here it is broken down to just the frame, shock, and headset cups.


The Monster T had started leaking oil recently, so I broke it down, too. Completely dismantled it, replaced the oil seals and dust seals plus I replaced all the oil - nearly a liter (960 ml to be exact).


After a day's work getting everything just right, here's how she looks.


Here's a rundown of the build specs:

• 2003 Specialized Big Hit, Size Large
• 2003 Marzocchi Monster T with integrated headset
• Avid Juicy 3 brakes
• NEW SRAM X.9 rear derailleur
• SRAM X.7 shifter
• Truvativ Hussefelt DH Riser Bar
• Bontrager Big Earl pedals
• NEW Panaracer Fire FR rear tire
• Maxxis Holly Roller front tire
• Nearly new Truvativ Howitzer XR bottom bracket
• NEW Truvativ Hussefelt DH cranks with 38t chainring
• MRP Chainguide (ISCG mounted)
• Stock Fox Vanilla R rear shock
• NEW chain
• NEW 12-23 cassette

My trusted local mechanic has the bike now giving it one last blessing before its off to a new home for the Big Hit. Without a doubt, I'm going to miss that bike.

Out for a Spin

With the BigHit built up (and weighing in at 49.5 lbs), it was time to take it for a spin. There's nothing close by that would test this DH machine, so I decided to try the Morrisville creek jump again. It's easy to get to and will let me know how the bike will handle when it gets some air.

It's a very short pedal to get to the jump. During the little ride, I was overjoyed with how the suspension felt. The Monster T was incredibly plush - just stunning! I hit a couple of 2' drops-to-flat and it was like they weren't even there.

Here's some video of a few of the jumps:

I hit the same jump when I built up the Morewood. Note that I had a hard time keeping the nose down on the Morewood. No problem at all on the BigHit, thanks to the 12+ lbs. Monster T hanging off the front.

Only 6 weeks until Snowshoe!