Classes, News, Ride & Events
Suspension and Tires For Trail Riders
Learning to Make Your Bike More Fun
RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY THE 6th
Unless otherwise scheduled, these classes will take place on the 1st Thursdays of the month at 6 pm with the possibility of a second to be scheduled. (Please bring your bike)
When Joe got his very first full suspension trail bike, he couldn’t believe how great it was. Joe had left the factory settings on the front and rear shock, assuming that the shop or the factory knew better than him exactly how this fancy bike should feel. He POGO’d around for a while with the biggest grin ever before going to the trail to meet his friend. As they started their ride, his friend stopped him. Here is the paraphrased conversation that ensued:
Not Joe: “Nice bike”
Joe: “Thanks”
Not Joe: “Do you know what any of these knobs are for?”
Joe: “Nope”
(The miracle of knowledge about suspension occurs)
Not Joe: “See how much better your bike feels?”
Joe: “Holy Sheep Sh*t”
Not Joe: “Pass it on”
And so we are. We want to show you what is going on with your suspension frame and/or your suspension fork. All those knobs are there for a reason. And we understand how confusing setting suspension up on your bike up can be. Our solution is a hands on real world class.
SUSPENSION THEORY
Forks: We want to show you how suspension forks work. We will cover the premise behind how suspension mechanics work, so you can have a grasp on what is happening when you turn a knob and how it will change your ride. This understanding leads to seeing how different adjustments make certain aspects better/worse/indifferent.
Goal: Tune your fork properly for your ride to make you safer, faster and so you just have more fun on your bike.
Rear Shocks: Rear shocks work much the same way as front shocks, so this will be a brief review more of the differences than the similarities. The class will have you understanding what you are feeling on the trail, so that you can make adjustments to your likes and dislikes.
Goal: Tune your rear shock so that your bike handles predictably up and down.
Frame Designs: We are going to cover the basics of pivot placement and wheel path theory. We have to call it theory because in the end: you will like what you will like, despite how the marketing appeals to you. Upon having this information within your grasp, you can make informed decisions regarding future purchases (and forum debates).
Goal: To empower you with the knowledge to pick a full suspension bike that works for you, without having to listen to a bunch of marketing fluff.
TIRES
Tires make the difference between pretty fast and oh-my-god-my-eyes-are-burning-from-flying-through-that-corner fast.
We want to teach you how to read a tire. This is a pretty simple thing once you know what to look for. We want to give you a peek into the thinking behind the engineers at companies like WTB, Maxxis, Kenda and Continental. They (for the most part) aren’t just making patterns and crossing their fingers that you will buy it. Each tire has a story that it wants to tell, you just have to know how to listen. Different riders and different trails have a multitude of variable that the right tire can help. Once you get a feel for this, you will be faster.
Goal: You will be able to pick out tires that help your riding.
Maxxis Ignitor
COST (IT IS FREE, BUT NOT REALLY)
Signing up for our Suspension and Tire Class is free. We ask that if you sign up, you show up, because seats are limited.
Contact Joe at Salvagetti dot com to sign up.
FULL DISCLOSURE
In the grand scheme of things, we want you to enjoy cycling. That is why this class is free. We are only charging to ensure that you make it to the class.
And by taking this class (for free), you will absolutely learn something that will make your cycling experience better. But our plan does not stop with you taking our class and having more fun. Oh no no no. We want you to spread your knowledge like wild fire. Get everyone to set up their suspension correctly. Make everyone realize that tires make a HUGE difference on the trail. Give the gift of knowledge to anyone who will listen, so the good times keep on coming. And if they need more info than you can throw at them, send them down for a class. JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN, DAMMIT!
gck says:
Sounds great! Uh…. what day & time does it happen?
Cory says:
Count me in. When are you planning on holding the class?
Scott says:
We are working on our first timeslot. Let us know what day and time would work for you!
Joe says:
I’m thinking Sat, Dec 19th. 4:30
What say you? The royal, inclusive, everybody who is interested “you”.
Scott says:
Sounds good. Those who can make it should contact joe at salvagetti dot com to reserve a spot.
HannaH says:
I would like to take this workshop. Any knowledge to help me improve my mountain biking skills is welcome.
Drake says:
I am in send me the dates.