You guys have convinced me to get a dj. I feel that from learning to mtb on an ebike I skipped a lot of the basic skills needed to be a well rounded mtb rider. Not only will a dj help teach me how to jump properly. It will also be a good tool to bring to a pump track to learn proper pumping/ berm technique.
@@RideLaughPodcastthanks sage. Wife gave OK so I had to move fast. Dirtlove ST arrives in mid January at a great deal. Whole family wants to hit the philly pump track next spring
Stoked to hear about your DJ progression and adventures!! Really curious what skills you'll learn on the DJ. And def the right tool for pumptracks! E-bikes and DJ's... what an interesting path!! Love it! - Dan
The story about your daughter's crash really hit home, when my wife crashes or stalls(or both), I leave it completely up to here about what is next on the ride while gently encouraging her to try it again. Sometimes she will, sometimes she won't, but she definitely realizes ending your day on a mistake ruins your mental state until you get back out there and have a clean ride.
Right on Pat. I imagine there an another element when it's your spouse too. You both know each other well, so knowing when to coach and when to step back is probably key. Thanks for the comment. Sage
Always appreciate your comments Pat! It's such a fine line sometimes... encouraging someone to keep riding and having fun but respecting their intuition too! Mrs. Chain is lucky to have you! :) - Dan
I really do think learning jump technique and J-hop technique comes from hardtails/dirtjumpers. Full squish MTBs make it very easy to create kind of a "fake pop" from the rear suspension versus rowing the bike off the lip to get some more height. I learned how to pop from my hardtail days and as soon as I got on a full squish the pop only got bigger! I can't say I've buzzed my butt anymore since having a 27.5" rear wheel but I've definitely lost some cheek tissue by getting sucked into a fast step up🤣
You had me at "Cheek Tissue" lol. Good stuff on the jumping Zane. I'm doing this backwards and wished that I had started jumping on a hardtail because bad habits are hard to break. Sage
Not surprised to hear that you learned jumping on a hardtail b/c you like very natural and comfortable in the air! Mtn biking gives us so many challenges to work on, unlock and overcome! What a great sport!! - Dan
awesome Pod guys! I'm not into jumping but you energy and positivity makes all the topics interesting and educational. Speaking about ebiking during winter, in my case (I'm a car free guy) is super important how to choose the winter clothes etc cuz I have to commute to the park, get a nonstop ride and come back home. 1 winter done and not issues with the battery performance (east coast philly rider), good base layer, windbreaker. Warmers, goggles, snow gloves, heated socks & balaclava (for the coldest harder days) All the tips that you gave in the pods works perfect and also I carry backpack because sometimes I have to put some stuff in there. Great advice at the end of this pod, thanks Sage and Dan! cheers and happy trails
That's awesome Pepe! We appreciate the support even when the topics we cover may not be relevant to what your interests are. Also great feedback on the eMTB and winter gear! I hope we get to hook up on the trails someday. Sage
Thanks Pepe!! We're hoping that people enjoy each show just b/c we're talking bikes and having fun! Living the car-free lifestyle sounds cool! Less gas and more money for bikes!! :) Really appreciate you listening and commenting! - Dan
The original purpose of Cushcore is to allow lower tire pressures and increased traction without the "squirmy" feel of low psi. The insert's design supports the tire mid sidewall. Cushcore is not really that heavy and should be used front and rear. The insert acts as a volume spacer for your tire the same way volume spacers work in suspension. As the load increases, the tire becomes more "progressive". The secondary benefit is rim protection.
"Volume spacer for your tire" Love how you put that Jeff. I have not noticed much difference in ride quality on the SS, but I can def feel the weight. But then again that is a super light bike so every once counts, lol. I'm still experimenting with the fat bike insert so I'll let you know if I notice anything there. Thanks for the feedback and comment. Sage
@@RideLaughPodcast Sounds good, Sage! I would recommend experimenting with lower PSI. I typically run 22 front, 26 rear in AZ with all the gnarly rocks here. Surprisingly, I've never had a flat out on the trail (knock on wellies 😜). You might not notice much other than protection on your fat bike.
@@jeffjacksonmtb Thanks jeff! On my SS I'm running 20 in the rear with the Cushcore, and 22 on the front. I'm still experimenting on the fat bike, but on my last ride at Mt Penn I was able to run 10 in the rear (hoping to get down to 8). Sage
@@jeffjacksonmtb I'm very curious about Cushcore and may need to experiment! I run 25-26 in the back and 22 front... which seems to work well for Arizona. Maybe 27 psi at South Mtn. Wonder what psi I would run with Cushcore... but could be an interesting upgrade and definitely a fun experiment! Appreciate your comments and support as always Jeff!! - Dan
my favorite name for a tire insert" Huck Norris". Funny you should mention the bell. I had one on my bike back in the day and no one did it because it wasnt cool. now it is cool. Bells work great on the trail with other people on the trail because bikes are very quite and they dont hear you coming up behind them
I always loved the "Huck Norris" name too!! And I was a huge Chuck Norris fan as a kid! :) Glad you appreciate the bell. I've always gotten such pleasant responses vs. yelling! Thanks as always Erin! - Dan
Buzzing your arse on the tire is a clear indication of losing good form. I forgot where I heard it from, but when you get that far back on the bike, it’s because your body is naturally reacting to the fear of whatever you’re doing. Your body has a natural instinctive to get itself away from danger. As far as Cush core, I added it to my enduro bike and it’s made a load of difference. As you both know, I ride Creek almost once a week and tech trails heavily. I destroyed a pair of e-thirteen rims and had no confidence in corners because of the higher PSI I was forced to run. Now I’ve dropped the psi down for more confidence without worrying bout going through a pair of rims once a season. Don’t feel too much difference pedaling it to be honest, but it’s not my primary pedal bike anymore. Thanks for keeping me company on the way to work, with the best pod in the game!
Yeah, I totally agree. After reviewing the footage of Danny on that feature he was def too far back... good call. Also, I feel the same way about the Cushcore, I feel so much more confident knowing my rims are gonna explode, lol. Thanks for the love Dennis. Sage
I'm sure you're right about the butt buzz = bad form! It's something I continue to work on. Appreciate the feedback! And I'm getting pretty tempted to try cushcore... not ready to pull the trigger yet but anything that can add confidence; probably worth it! Thanks for the feedback Dennis! - Dan
I get asked all the time " should I get a dj". I always say a dirt jumper is everything a bmx bike is but it's a better bike for an adult. Get 1 and never look back
I really don’t think the bike matters as much as we would like to think. Meaning, if you watch Ryan jump, he really applies the “just stand up” pop off the lip. Whereas most others are just surviving the lip of the jump. You put Ryan on any bike he’ll jump just the same. It’s technique most of all.
Excellent point Fred! I think what I was trying to say was, not having the rear shock to rely on helped me to work on the boost. I'm hoping to continue to improve on that technique with the DJ and take that over to the MTB. Thanks for the comment and feedback. Sage
Spot on Fred! If we can learn that 'proper' DJ jumping technique... that will unlock more comfort, steeze and confidence on mtb's!! Easier said than done! Thanks for listening and commenting!! - Dan
I’ve recently worked out a deal for a full suspension bike. A Rocky Mountain slayer, which is a free ride bike. I’ve only ever ridden a bmx bike and a dj. I’m excited to take the journey in the opposite direction. I’m excited to see how my DJ experience will transfer to a full sus. I’m going to build it going forward as a bike park/big jump shred piece. Convert to single speed (soon). So sage, you might need to give me a few tips now.
Yo!!!!! That's awesome Ryan! Congrats on the new whip. Let's take it up to Mt Penn and run some sessions on Skyline. I can't wait to see what you can do on that thing. Sage
Great pod guys! I'm 5'9" riding a full 29er and my booty only buzzes when I've clearly done something wrong and I'm lucky that my rump is all that took impact. Have I used my cheeks to brake like calipers? On rare occasions yes, but only when I've abandoned the handlebars. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanks Josh!! Appreciate you watching and commenting! I'm def too far back when the butt gets buzzed. I'm actively working on it. The only think worse than caliper brakes is caliper butt cheek brakes. LOL!! - Dan
I do have to take off my bottle cage but i only have to do it twice a year (putting it on then taking it off) I have made 3 holes in it, two are for the bottle cage and one is for the cable coming from my light down to the battery in the bottle cage. I will try to send a photo. ps Over shoes only get worn out if you can't mountain bike and have to keep putting your feet down 🤔
Oh sweet. I can't wait to see it. As for the over shoes, we do a lot of sessioning of big rocky features, which means a lot of getting off and walking, needless to say they get torn up pretty quick, lol. Sage
Get the DJ! Your skill and discipline will advance sooo quickly! Learning how to jump, maneuvering, cornering, advanced insanely quick with the smaller, nimble, bike
This conversation has me leaning towards a DJ over an ebike as well. While I would enjoy using the ebike to practice downhilling as an Enduro style rider the DJ would be used more. My kids are just starting to ride pavement style areas and it would be easier to ride a DJ with them there. I frequent PHXBP in the summer months and I also have a small backyard trail system which I ride most mornings. I would love to have Sean from Sticks and Stones help me put a jump or two in there to get even more practice. Dan, I'd like to hear more about your experience with Sean and having a professionally built track in your yard.
I love that Mark, it makes total sense. In the meantime, I created a video on Dan's pump track that might answer some of your questions. You can check it out here: th-cam.com/video/fIanVFip_sY/w-d-xo.html Sage
Riding a DJ is so interesting... it's tough but may unlock some really cool skills! I can't recommend Sean at Sticks & Stones enough. Sean is a wizard with dirt and a great dude. You can have him over for a quote. Backyard pumptrack plus DJ may be around the same price as a high-end e-bike!! And I'd go backyard pumptrack every time... especially if the kids can enjoy it too! Let me know if you want Sean's phone number. I can text him an introduction if that helps too. - Dan
my comment on over shoes was an attempt on humor. I do think they make a low cost big difference. I don't know how many sets i have gone through. I live in a area where the highest hill is about 600 feet (from sea levels 1300 feet) so a big part of my challenge is to do my whole run without putting my feet down. I do understand where you are coming from when it comes to them getting destroyed.
Lol right on John. I gave up on them a long time ago myself. These days a good pair of wool socks and winter shoes does the job for me. Hope you had an amazing weekend of riding. Sage
![MTB Tech Climbing is Alive and Well on National Trail at South Mountain! [RNL S1, Ep 43]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CvGaN-WGFOw/mqdefault.jpg)
![MTB Tech Climbing is Alive and Well on National Trail at South Mountain! [RNL S1, Ep 43]](/img/tr.png)
![Hips Be Lying - MTB Goals and Body Position Tips for 2025 and Beyond! [RNL S1, Ep 47]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gfPjo1siZ5g/mqdefault.jpg)
You guys have convinced me to get a dj. I feel that from learning to mtb on an ebike I skipped a lot of the basic skills needed to be a well rounded mtb rider. Not only will a dj help teach me how to jump properly. It will also be a good tool to bring to a pump track to learn proper pumping/ berm technique.
Love that Rob!!! If you want to borrow mine to see what it feels like before you pull the trigger LMK. Sage
@@RideLaughPodcastthanks sage. Wife gave OK so I had to move fast. Dirtlove ST arrives in mid January at a great deal. Whole family wants to hit the philly pump track next spring
@@robertc2918 Yes!!!! I love that!
Stoked to hear about your DJ progression and adventures!! Really curious what skills you'll learn on the DJ. And def the right tool for pumptracks! E-bikes and DJ's... what an interesting path!! Love it! - Dan
The story about your daughter's crash really hit home, when my wife crashes or stalls(or both), I leave it completely up to here about what is next on the ride while gently encouraging her to try it again. Sometimes she will, sometimes she won't, but she definitely realizes ending your day on a mistake ruins your mental state until you get back out there and have a clean ride.
Right on Pat. I imagine there an another element when it's your spouse too. You both know each other well, so knowing when to coach and when to step back is probably key. Thanks for the comment. Sage
Always appreciate your comments Pat! It's such a fine line sometimes... encouraging someone to keep riding and having fun but respecting their intuition too! Mrs. Chain is lucky to have you! :) - Dan
I really do think learning jump technique and J-hop technique comes from hardtails/dirtjumpers. Full squish MTBs make it very easy to create kind of a "fake pop" from the rear suspension versus rowing the bike off the lip to get some more height. I learned how to pop from my hardtail days and as soon as I got on a full squish the pop only got bigger!
I can't say I've buzzed my butt anymore since having a 27.5" rear wheel but I've definitely lost some cheek tissue by getting sucked into a fast step up🤣
You had me at "Cheek Tissue" lol. Good stuff on the jumping Zane. I'm doing this backwards and wished that I had started jumping on a hardtail because bad habits are hard to break. Sage
Not surprised to hear that you learned jumping on a hardtail b/c you like very natural and comfortable in the air! Mtn biking gives us so many challenges to work on, unlock and overcome! What a great sport!! - Dan
awesome Pod guys! I'm not into jumping but you energy and positivity makes all the topics interesting and educational. Speaking about ebiking during winter, in my case (I'm a car free guy) is super important how to choose the winter clothes etc cuz I have to commute to the park, get a nonstop ride and come back home. 1 winter done and not issues with the battery performance (east coast philly rider), good base layer, windbreaker. Warmers, goggles, snow gloves, heated socks & balaclava (for the coldest harder days) All the tips that you gave in the pods works perfect and also I carry backpack because sometimes I have to put some stuff in there. Great advice at the end of this pod, thanks Sage and Dan! cheers and happy trails
That's awesome Pepe! We appreciate the support even when the topics we cover may not be relevant to what your interests are. Also great feedback on the eMTB and winter gear! I hope we get to hook up on the trails someday. Sage
Thanks Pepe!! We're hoping that people enjoy each show just b/c we're talking bikes and having fun! Living the car-free lifestyle sounds cool! Less gas and more money for bikes!! :) Really appreciate you listening and commenting! - Dan
The original purpose of Cushcore is to allow lower tire pressures and increased traction without the "squirmy" feel of low psi. The insert's design supports the tire mid sidewall. Cushcore is not really that heavy and should be used front and rear. The insert acts as a volume spacer for your tire the same way volume spacers work in suspension. As the load increases, the tire becomes more "progressive". The secondary benefit is rim protection.
"Volume spacer for your tire" Love how you put that Jeff. I have not noticed much difference in ride quality on the SS, but I can def feel the weight. But then again that is a super light bike so every once counts, lol. I'm still experimenting with the fat bike insert so I'll let you know if I notice anything there. Thanks for the feedback and comment. Sage
@@RideLaughPodcast Sounds good, Sage! I would recommend experimenting with lower PSI. I typically run 22 front, 26 rear in AZ with all the gnarly rocks here. Surprisingly, I've never had a flat out on the trail (knock on wellies 😜). You might not notice much other than protection on your fat bike.
@@jeffjacksonmtb Thanks jeff! On my SS I'm running 20 in the rear with the Cushcore, and 22 on the front. I'm still experimenting on the fat bike, but on my last ride at Mt Penn I was able to run 10 in the rear (hoping to get down to 8). Sage
@@jeffjacksonmtb I'm very curious about Cushcore and may need to experiment! I run 25-26 in the back and 22 front... which seems to work well for Arizona. Maybe 27 psi at South Mtn. Wonder what psi I would run with Cushcore... but could be an interesting upgrade and definitely a fun experiment! Appreciate your comments and support as always Jeff!! - Dan
my favorite name for a tire insert" Huck Norris". Funny you should mention the bell. I had one on my bike back in the day and no one did it because it wasnt cool. now it is cool. Bells work great on the trail with other people on the trail because bikes are very quite and they dont hear you coming up behind them
OMG I love that name too... so funny. As for the bell, we agree completely. Thanks for commenting as always Erin! Sage
I always loved the "Huck Norris" name too!! And I was a huge Chuck Norris fan as a kid! :) Glad you appreciate the bell. I've always gotten such pleasant responses vs. yelling! Thanks as always Erin! - Dan
Buzzing your arse on the tire is a clear indication of losing good form. I forgot where I heard it from, but when you get that far back on the bike, it’s because your body is naturally reacting to the fear of whatever you’re doing. Your body has a natural instinctive to get itself away from danger.
As far as Cush core, I added it to my enduro bike and it’s made a load of difference. As you both know, I ride Creek almost once a week and tech trails heavily. I destroyed a pair of e-thirteen rims and had no confidence in corners because of the higher PSI I was forced to run. Now I’ve dropped the psi down for more confidence without worrying bout going through a pair of rims once a season. Don’t feel too much difference pedaling it to be honest, but it’s not my primary pedal bike anymore.
Thanks for keeping me company on the way to work, with the best pod in the game!
Yeah, I totally agree. After reviewing the footage of Danny on that feature he was def too far back... good call. Also, I feel the same way about the Cushcore, I feel so much more confident knowing my rims are gonna explode, lol. Thanks for the love Dennis. Sage
I'm sure you're right about the butt buzz = bad form! It's something I continue to work on. Appreciate the feedback! And I'm getting pretty tempted to try cushcore... not ready to pull the trigger yet but anything that can add confidence; probably worth it! Thanks for the feedback Dennis! - Dan
I get asked all the time " should I get a dj". I always say a dirt jumper is everything a bmx bike is but it's a better bike for an adult. Get 1 and never look back
Bam! I completely agree Steve. Thanks for the feedback brotha. Sage
Bent Spokes Wisdom! Always good stuff!! Steve knows!! - Dan
I really don’t think the bike matters as much as we would like to think. Meaning, if you watch Ryan jump, he really applies the “just stand up” pop off the lip.
Whereas most others are just surviving the lip of the jump. You put Ryan on any bike he’ll jump just the same. It’s technique most of all.
Excellent point Fred! I think what I was trying to say was, not having the rear shock to rely on helped me to work on the boost. I'm hoping to continue to improve on that technique with the DJ and take that over to the MTB. Thanks for the comment and feedback. Sage
Spot on Fred! If we can learn that 'proper' DJ jumping technique... that will unlock more comfort, steeze and confidence on mtb's!! Easier said than done! Thanks for listening and commenting!! - Dan
I’ve recently worked out a deal for a full suspension bike. A Rocky Mountain slayer, which is a free ride bike. I’ve only ever ridden a bmx bike and a dj. I’m excited to take the journey in the opposite direction. I’m excited to see how my DJ experience will transfer to a full sus. I’m going to build it going forward as a bike park/big jump shred piece. Convert to single speed (soon). So sage, you might need to give me a few tips now.
Yo!!!!! That's awesome Ryan! Congrats on the new whip. Let's take it up to Mt Penn and run some sessions on Skyline. I can't wait to see what you can do on that thing. Sage
YES!!! This is so cool!! Can't wait to hear about your shred adventures on a MTB!! More fun on bikes!! - Dan
Great pod guys! I'm 5'9" riding a full 29er and my booty only buzzes when I've clearly done something wrong and I'm lucky that my rump is all that took impact. Have I used my cheeks to brake like calipers? On rare occasions yes, but only when I've abandoned the handlebars. Happy Thanksgiving.
Using your cheeks like brake calipers, LOL! I love it. Good stuff Josh. Thank you for the hilarious and insightful feedback. Sage
Thanks Josh!! Appreciate you watching and commenting! I'm def too far back when the butt gets buzzed. I'm actively working on it. The only think worse than caliper brakes is caliper butt cheek brakes. LOL!! - Dan
I do have to take off my bottle cage but i only have to do it twice a year (putting it on then taking it off) I have made 3 holes in it, two are for the bottle cage and one is for the cable coming from my light down to the battery in the bottle cage. I will try to send a photo. ps Over shoes only get worn out if you can't mountain bike and have to keep putting your feet down 🤔
Oh sweet. I can't wait to see it. As for the over shoes, we do a lot of sessioning of big rocky features, which means a lot of getting off and walking, needless to say they get torn up pretty quick, lol. Sage
I love your passion and commitment to mtbing!! Rigging your bike for winter riding with lights... so cool! You're unlimited!! - Dan
30:49 That's fantastic! Hahaha!
lol Thx Jeff! Sage
Yooooo that shout out!!!! Love ya guys!
Miss you Chris! Thanks for the love and support. Sage
Great story about your daughter! Sounds like the situation was handled perfectly!
Right?! I was thinking the same thing Jeff. Sage
Thanks Jeff! Trusting intuition! - Dan
Get the DJ! Your skill and discipline will advance sooo quickly! Learning how to jump, maneuvering, cornering, advanced insanely quick with the smaller, nimble, bike
It's on Nick. Brian's DJ is on permanent loan to me ;) Sage
This conversation has me leaning towards a DJ over an ebike as well. While I would enjoy using the ebike to practice downhilling as an Enduro style rider the DJ would be used more. My kids are just starting to ride pavement style areas and it would be easier to ride a DJ with them there. I frequent PHXBP in the summer months and I also have a small backyard trail system which I ride most mornings. I would love to have Sean from Sticks and Stones help me put a jump or two in there to get even more practice. Dan, I'd like to hear more about your experience with Sean and having a professionally built track in your yard.
I love that Mark, it makes total sense. In the meantime, I created a video on Dan's pump track that might answer some of your questions. You can check it out here: th-cam.com/video/fIanVFip_sY/w-d-xo.html Sage
Riding a DJ is so interesting... it's tough but may unlock some really cool skills! I can't recommend Sean at Sticks & Stones enough. Sean is a wizard with dirt and a great dude. You can have him over for a quote. Backyard pumptrack plus DJ may be around the same price as a high-end e-bike!! And I'd go backyard pumptrack every time... especially if the kids can enjoy it too! Let me know if you want Sean's phone number. I can text him an introduction if that helps too. - Dan
my comment on over shoes was an attempt on humor. I do think they make a low cost big difference. I don't know how many sets i have gone through. I live in a area where the highest hill is about 600 feet (from sea levels 1300 feet) so a big part of my challenge is to do my whole run without putting my feet down. I do understand where you are coming from when it comes to them getting destroyed.
Lol right on John. I gave up on them a long time ago myself. These days a good pair of wool socks and winter shoes does the job for me. Hope you had an amazing weekend of riding. Sage
Sounds like nothing a good pair of wellies can't fix! :-) BTW, my wife watched the episode and commented, "Oh, I love wellies!" - Dan
Inspired by your jumping journey, Sage! Nice!
Thank you so much Jeff. It's been a long time coming! Sage
Anything is possible Jeff!! Sage is proof!! :) - Dan
@@TheRideAbides Ha!