cboyracer

I am a design school student who has choosen to design a Mountain Bike as a senior project. I have been doing research in person but, living in Savannah, GA finding a decent place to ride and a large variety of people with different experiences is a bit difficult. If anyone is interested in answering any of my questions or just telling me what they dislike or like about their bike or bikes in general would be greatly appreicated. I will post the final model pictures when I finish the class. The questions I have are
What do you ride? Why? feel free to send a picture if you want
Where do you ride? as in surfaces or terrain
How often do you get to ride?
What is on your wish list? bike or components
Any maintenance that really bothers you?
Have you had to replace your derailleur? Why?

I am sure I will be able to think up more questions later but, this is all for now. I would appreciate any help that anybody could give. Thank you very much, Joel Johnson

a2psyklnut

What do you ride? An Intense Uzzi SL w/ a Rock Shox Psylo SL, set-up as a light freeride bike. Heavy duty wheels and chromoly cranks. Nothing spared, all XTR.

Why? Because I feel it's the best suspension design on the market. It's a four-bar Horst link, and I think that Intense is a great company with a great reputation for quality and durability.

Where do you ride? All over really. I travel as much as I can. I live in FL, but have traveled North to NH, and Northwest to WA and everywhere in between. I prefer singletrack with downhill sections and fast technical turns and small drops. I like to go fast!

How often do I get to ride? Not often enough! I'm lucky to get out once a week. I try to hit the local trails once during the week, and once on the weekend, but job, family and ...etc. get in the way all too often!

What is on your wish list? I wouldn't mind having an Intense Uzzi SLX, same basic design as my frame, but with more suspension travel. 6" vs. my 4.5". Other than that, I've got everything I ever wanted.

Any maintenance that really bothers you? I find maintenance as theraputic, not so much a chore, but a release, and time spent alone with my thoughts. The part I dislike is bleeding hydraulic disc brakes. Fortunately, I have Hayes, and have only had to do this upon initial set-up.

Have you had to replace your derailleur? Yes. Why? I've ripped several from my bike. You're riding some sweet singletrack, usually the furthest distance from the car, and you pick up a stick, it gets lodged in the bottom jockey pulley, and BLAM, you're stopping instantly while hearing metal snap!

That's why I carry a chain tool!

I know what you're thinking, but I don't think a new derailleur design will work! I've tried, even made some crude working models, and the current design just seems to work! Actually, go for it! Maybe you'll get farther than I. Don't let anyone tell you, "NO", I'm sure you'll figure it out!

BTW,still working on mine too!

L8R