5 Random Tips and Tricks for MTB riders (1)
The first in a series of random tips and tricks for all Mountain Bike riders:
1 - These ESI extra chunky soft grips (or similar brands) for your MTB handlebar are great, always a bit tricky to fit (use of bit of dishwashing soap), but very comfortable!
2 – Wrap a length of Duct tape or Gorilla tape around the handle of your hand pump: easy to roll out and with duct tape you can repair just about everything. Alternatively, wrap around your seatpost.
3 – Don’t be scared to lower the tire pressure in order to increase comfort and grip; if you have tubeless you can run really low pressures, depending on your weight you can go even below 1.5 bar. Limiting factor really is the danger of pinch flats. Put a bit more pressure in your back wheel.
4 – Put your chain lube on the inside of the chain, while rotating the cranks, preferably a few hours before your ride. Wipe off any excess lube. For dry conditions, I never use anything else than Squirt lube, it’s the best!
5 – Look ahead! Your bike will take you to where your eyes are looking, if you look at that big rock in order not to hit it, your bike will magically make sure you hit that rock… Look where you want to go.
My cycling posts:
What to carry on your bike
Plugging your tires
My bike, Salsa Cutthroat
My competitors
Fast after 50: book review
I've been testing a mixture of chain lubes. After a chain clean, I put a small amount of an oil based lube, then I use a wax based lube over that. It seems to be working well so far.
And if your hands hurt on long rides, check out ergon grips.
Thanks Glennolua. I've also tried to use a wax based lube, but am not yet convinced. Great thing about Squirt is that it doesn't attract a lot of dirt.