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Over at BikeCommuters, we’re running a poll about what type of frame material our readers are riding on. As of this morning, 62% have answered steel. Even more discussions could be found HERE where readers are talking about how much better steel is compared to any other frame type.

Now if steel is such a hot commodity for bike commuters, I wonder if steel could make a come back in mountain biking.

Lately the only type of steel bikes you can get are hard tails. Our very own Khoa even built one by using a steel Nashbar frame.

The reason why I ask if steel will ever come back, well simply its out of the fact that steel does feel really good as a frame whether you’re on a road bike, commuter, or a mountain bike. I’m curious to even see if there are any steel full suspension bikes out there(not from walmart). If so, does it ride nicer than aluminum?

But the other side of this argument is that steel is heavy. Some have even said that carbon frames offer the same dampening properties of steel, but without the weight. Lemond makes a few road bikes that are steel and carbon, from what I’ve heard, that bike is a dream to ride. With all that said, “will steel make a come back in mountain biking?” Leave us your thoughts and comments.

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I have rarely talked to a mountain biker that has just one bike in their stable. Hard tails, single speeds, full suspension bikes, rigids…we all have come a looonng way from the Klunkerz days. Our household has a lot of variety in our garage because RL LOVES to build up bikes…and our collection is growing. lol.

The other day RL and I were talking about how I want to tackle some more technical trails. I am starting to really feel comfortable on this new bike I am riding and I think I am ready to tackle some harder stuff. You won’t see me doing weelies up the hill anytime soon though! lol. So he suggested building up another bike for me to do this.

Another bike?? Why should I build another bike to improve my skills? I am a simple girl. Once I get comfortable on my bike, I am a happy camper. It takes me a few rides to adjust to my bike so that it is JUST right. Once I have achieved that I am all smiles out on the trails. Aside from that I think that if I want to expand my biking skills I should work with what I got.

So I guess that’s where RL and I differ. More of you will probably agree with RL but I like my bike and I don’t want to feel like I have to change out my bike all the time. I still dream of the Gary Fisher Hi-Fi 29er (I am drooling) but I love feeling like my bike and I are one out there on the trails and that comes from spending a lot of time on that bike. Not sure that I can achieve that by constantly changing out bikes?

Don’t get me wrong. It’s fun to try something new everynow and then. I really enjoyed Moe’s Trek Remedy and ultimately that turned me on to full suspension. The downhills were a lot of fun on that bike. But again, I want to have one bike that I will always go back to.

So is there anything wrong with that? Am I really limiting my skills with this mentallity? And even so I have seen singlespeed hardtails jammin down hillsides quicker than some full suspension riders. Mabye someday as my skills progress out there it will be easy for me to jump from bike to bike more often? Just seems this conversation has come up a lot with RL and I. And he gets pretty insistant on wanting to build up something else for me. I think he is just trying to distract me from the Hi-Fi 29er though….hahaha.

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The rebound dial is what slows your shock or springs extension after taking a hit. If you didn’t have rebound dampening, your rear suspension can buck you off the bike like a mechanical bull.

Too much rebound can result in your shock not being able to fully extend after taking a hit on a bump or jump. If your taking a bunch of hits your shock starts to what they call “pack�? and it pushing your shock in causing you to not have enough travel. It also makes for a harsh ride.
If you have too little rebound, your bike will bob like a pogo stick.

Here’s a tip, set your rebound as fast as your shock can take without it feeling too springy. If its too bouncy for you, then adjust it one click at a time. You’ll have to play around with it until you find what’s right for your riding style.

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