Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

Make Tonight Free Mountain Bike Movie Night

Have you seen all of these before? Here’s a list of movies and a very exciting 2019 women’s XC race you can watch for free online today. We’ve chosen a couple of old favorites as well as a film released just a couple of months ago. Get the popcorn going and enjoy.

Women’s XCO finals – Albstadt 2019

Brutal climbs, wet woodwork, and greasy trails vs. some of the best women XC racers in the world. Click on the ‘Women’s XCO Finals’ tab on the right from a desktop to see the race.

Watch on Red Bull TV

Purple Mountains

Ok. We’re sneaking in a movie from professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones. He takes on exploring climate change and how it has become a politicized, money driven issue.

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Ryan Leech in Kranked 6 – Progression

Ryan is the ageless O-G of the North Shore and trials riding. This is a bonkers clip from 2006. Take a look at his online mtb coaching site, too.

The Flying Squirrels and Radical Rippers

Learn about a youth development mountain biking group for girls based in Bellingham, Washington.

Symbiosis

This one always chokes dad up because of the little kids at the beginning. He clearly remembers being at the old Whistler skills parks when the kids were still on a balance bike and 20in bike. Created by Scott Secco and Ryan Howard – this was part of a past Dirt Diaries film contest that took place during Crankworx Whistler.

Danny Macaskill – Industrial Revolutions

Mom found this one years ago. The music and cinematography are on par with Danny’s riding.

Written by Traci SHARE TWEET

Bontrager Avert Women’s Mountain Bike Rain Jacket Review

Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket Review - featured image

Lightweight enough to toss into your pack with your other gear, but with enough protection from the elements, the Bontrager Avert Women’s Rain Jacket will keep you dry on rainy days and warmer on those slightly crisp rides. MSRP is $169.99 USD and you can get it on the Bontrager/Trek website.

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Available in three different colors, olive, black and cardinal red, as well as an array of sizes ranging from extra small to double extra-large – this women’s jacket was designed for durability and comfort.

Water beading upon the Bontrager Avert Women's Stormshell MTB rain jacket

Hydration pack on the Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket

Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket Review

It’s made of Stormshell waterproof fabric that has a 37.5 membrane that keeps you dry. The material is very breathable, ensuring that you won’t overheat on those hot, muggy days. With that said, the light protection that it provides makes the Stormshell jacket a great warm outer layer should the weather cool off a little while you’re out riding. After all, it’s rated for between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the temperature down even more with a a base layer like the Bontrager Vella Women’s Thermal Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey.

The jacket weighs less than half a pound. Normally, I just stuff it into my hydration pack, but it folds up well into the built-in pouch, too. The hood is compatible with various helmets, so you don’t have to make a decision between keeping your head dry or protected. The roll and click BOA adjustment system is a great amenity for this women’s rain jacket.

Hood over mtb helmet on the Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket

BOA hood adjustment system - Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket

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Hood down detail - Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket

YKK Zipper and seal tape detail - Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket

There are two pockets that both zip shut, giving you an extra place to keep your valuables. Plus, the semi-fitted style allows for plenty of movement without bulk, so you won’t have to worry about the jacket getting bunched up when moving on the bike. It’s comfortable when I wear a hydration pack as well.

On the bike with the Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket

The Bontrager Avert Women's Rain Jacket is flexible and comfy

My Experience With The Bontrager Avert Women’s Mountain Bike Rain Jacket

I have been using this jacket all season long and it’s been my favorite for cycling, running, and walks when the weather has been less than ideal. It’s small and light enough that I hardly notice it when it’s in my hydration pack. During a couple of NICA team rides that ran a bit past dusk late in the season, I simply dug this out when the temperature fell and was comfortable on descents at elevation.

During a heavier than expected rain storm in Moab last spring, the jacket performed very well. The YKK AquaGuard zipper and taped seams stopped water from getting inside and I really like the over-sized hood. The elasticized sleeves and waist cord are still springy.

Thanks to the Bontrager Avert Women’s Stormshell Jacket, you won’t have to wait for those perfect sunny days to head out on the trails.

Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

Camelbak Flow Belt And Podium Bottle Review

It’s crucial to stay hydrated while riding. The main problem with water bottles is that they’re hard to access. You often end up having to stop mid-trail in order to remove them from the holder on the frame of your bike before you can take a drink. This makes it less likely that you’ll drink enough water during your excursion. The Camelbak Podium Flow Belt 21 oz takes care of that problem. The MSRP is $44.95 USD.

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Camelbak is known for their hydration solutions. They make both backpacks and belts, like this one, that are utilized by mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Made of proprietary waterproof materials, Camelbak bags often have a built-in bladder that holds water, or they have an ingenious pocket and an easy to access water bottle, like this model.

The bottle does not wiggle around on this Camelbak accessory belt

Camelbak Flow Hip Pack and Podium Water Bottle

Camelbak Podium Flow Belt Specifications

Dimensions	13 x 44 x 11cm / 5.1 x 17.3 x 4.3"
Gear Capacity	2L / 120in³
Fits Waist / Hips	28-46 in / 71-116 cm

The Camelback Podium Flow is a lightweight belt that attaches around the waist. It’s easily adjustable, thanks to the nylon strap and buckle system. Along with the built-in zippered pockets, there’s an elastic sleeve that securely holds a water bottle (included with the belt), that slips in and out easily. You no longer have to awkwardly reach for a frame-mounted, water bottle holder.

Both of the included pockets were designed with utility in mind. The top zippered compartment contains handy spaces that hold the various tools that you may need in order to adjust your bike on the side of the mountain or other trail, while the front, smaller pocket holds keys, energy gels, and more.

Racing with the Camelbak Flow/Podium hip pack

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Here's how the Camelbak Podium bottle opens and closes

There's a lot of extra belt on the Camelbak Flow hip pack

Even when fully loaded with a full water bottle and plenty of tools, it will stay in a comfortable position around your waist. Plus, the mesh back panel is breathable, limiting sweat from building up when you wear it.

The Camelbak hip pack is comfy and functional

Available in several different colors, including all black, a camo combination named camelflage and brown seal, and a lighter mineral blue and silver, you’ll be able to choose the shade that best matches your bike, riding gear, or protective clothing. No matter the color, the Camelback Podium Flow has built-in reflective patches that make it easier for vehicle and other bikers to spot you in the dark. Camelbak really thought of everything when they designed this hip pack, waist pouch… whatever you want to call it.

Keep It Rolling With The Camelbak Podium Flow Belt

Both our lads like this accessory a lot. We had to pick up one for our youngest when our oldest was flaunting it on rides and at races. The bottle stays put in its pouch because there is a quality elastic holding it in place. These have been put through the wringer over the course of a season. The zippers are durable and have not broken down. Overall, this is just a well-designed product that works great for both the lads. They carry snacks, tools and extra tubes in them – sometimes a packable rain jacket.

Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

Introducing The Specialized Carbon Hotwalk

Specialized Carbon Hotwalk - Balance Bike for Kids

Would you pass up the opportunity to make something like this if you had the resources to do so?

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From Specialized…

The team at Specialized just built the ultimate first bike. Full carbon and only 2.1kg/4.63 lbs… Now don’t you wish you were younger?

On December 3rd, cycling fanatics will be able to share their love of carbon race machines with the future performance rider in their lives. The new super lightweight Hotwalk Carbon features a purpose built carbon frame for better handling and more control. No details were spared on this build, including a lightweight FACT 9r carbon frame, fork, and handlebars. The wheels are carbon, too, and feature Rhythm Lite tires with super-light casing. The grips feature a 38% smaller diameter, offering a better grip for little hands. And to top it off, the Hotwalk Carbon is equipped with a Low friction Body Geometry Saddle, with an integrated carrying handle.

Starting as a daydream napkin sketch, the Specialized team quickly took action and utilized their decades of knowledge in carbon layups to bring this bike to life. Because, hey, if the parents get to play around on the best bikes all day, why shouldn’t the kids!

And yes, of course it’ll cost you, just a cool $999 USD. What was that about the N+1 rule? Gotta start ’em young 😉

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Chill – It’s Still Just A Balance Bike

The first real, good kid mountain bikes were one-offs created by parents, designers and/or craftspeople who had the skills, tools, and materials to bring an idea to life. Our son’s first quality purpose-built kid-sized bike was made out of a need from moms and dads who worked at major bike brands.

The sport has aged well, and with more and more 1st generation mountain bikers having families of their own – the market is growing for quality bikes and gear for kids.

Obviously, this bike was designed and created as project that can be akin to a concept car that that graces the pages of Motor Trend or Car And Driver. But like all things in the mountain bike world – if you have means, then there is a premium product for the having.

Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

15yo Aiden And 17yo Wyatt Ride Kong

Our friend Aiden Parish stitched together this POV video of him and our oldest son Wyatt hitting Kong for the first time over the 2020 Thanksgiving break near Virgin, Utah. We owe Aiden a big thanks for sharing this video with us.

Follow Aiden on Instagram @aiden_parish83 and Wyatt @wat_is_good. Aiden and his brother Alex @alex_parish1 are the initial members of @parish_brothers_racing.

If you’re not familiar with Kong, it’s a line near the Red Bull Rampage site that many pros ride and advanced riders can test their mettle on. The trail is accessed via Flying Monkey and its notable features are a series of exposed ridge-to-ridge drops and rolls that leave zero room for big errors.

The boys were supposed to ride this with friends who were familiar with the trail, but following a hard crash by one of them earlier in the day, the ride was put off. Nonetheless, after Aiden’s dad offered to shuttle them up so they could check it out – it was go time.

For over a year, Aiden and Wyatt have been riding together because they’re members of the Racekraft Gravity Development MTB Team. They decided each of them had the ability to do this due to their experiences riding together. This being their first time down Kong, they took the time to inspect each feature, determine the lines, and only ride it if they knew they would succeed.

Aiden is 15 years old and rides a Santa Cruz v10 in this video. Wyatt is 17 years old and rides his Transition Sentinel. One of the more interesting details is that you can hear Aiden clipping in and out of his pedals. That’s just next level.

Wyatt said one of the toughest moves on the trail was on the first feature where the trail made a slight dodge to the right when you had speed after the initial slab. You can see that based on how the video is spliced up, both riders were sure be patient and stay on line when starting to roll in on a drop.

When they had the opportunity to ride the trail again the next day, they exhibited their smarts once again and decided to ride other lines nearby.

Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

Shred Til Bed Book – From Kids Ride Shotgun

From the makers of the Kids Ride Shotgun bike seat comes the most captivating page-turner of the year: Shred Til Bed – The MTB Animal Alphabet.

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A-B-C… Don’t worry. We won’t ruin the ending. This hard-cover book has 52 pages of wonderful illustrations featuring members of the animal kingdom mountain biking across terrain that would send Curious George back to the hospital.

Written by Kids Ride Shotgun Co-Founder, Dan Necklen – along with art by Mike Hearsey, the book cleverly pairs mountain biking vernacular with animals that begin with the same letter.

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The illustrations are a a lot of fun and you can keep your kids engaged with the sport rain or shine while introducing and/or reinforcing a tad of extracurricular learning.

Ll - Shred Til Bed book from Kids Ride Shotgun

Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

Mountain Biking In Bellingham With Kids

The best mountain biking trails for families and kids in Bellingham

Mountain Biking Bellingham

GALBRAITH MOUNTAIN

CHUCKANUT MOUNTAIN

WATERFRONT PUMP TRACK

LAKE WHATCOM PARK

Cascadia’s backwoods are home to some of the best mountain biking in the country. Tall old trees, mossy granite, exposed roots, and dirt that deserves its own seat on the periodic table are what you are here to see. This is a sample of some of the best family friendly mountain biking trails in Bellingham, Washington.

Bellingham is just thirty minutes south of the Peace Arch border in to Canada. The town is also headquarters for Evil, Kona, and Transition bike companies. We have the luxury of having friends who live in the area – and through their generosity of playing tour guides, our family has experienced some of the best riding in the region.

BELLINGHAM MTB Weather

The WMBC Is The Local Trail Organization

If you’re planning on riding Bellingham or have enjoyed the trails in the past, take a moment and donate to the WMBC right now. The Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition is composed of a board and volunteers who are among the most active mountain biking communities on the planet. And, because of contributions from families like yours and mine, the WMBC can build more trails so we can all enjoy the outdoors together.

In addition to being stewards of the trails, the WMBC sponsors events, youth programs and service learning opportunities.

WMBC: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Galbraith Mountain

Galbraith Mountain Trail Map

Examine the embedded map and you’ll see that the Galbraith mountain biking trails mimic a Paris street map. If you can spend a few days here, you’ll reap the rewards. You can ride the north of the mountain or the south. The south side is most popular because that’s where most of the trails are accessed. Park on Samish Way just west of Galbraith Lane. An early arrival in the day will guarantee parking. If you have a hitch mounted tray rack, be sure to move it in upright position. This is so you maximize the available space for vehicles to maneuver in a parking area with limited space. If the lot is full, you can park on the side of the road, but make sure your car is completely off the road.

Parking: Google Maps
Who It’s For: balance bikes through advanced mountain bikers

Galbraith is privately owned and as mentioned above, the WMBC (Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition) is the trail organization responsible for preserving the relationships that keep the area accessible. The WMBC also creates new trails, maintains the existing trails, and is also responsible for the majority of the fundraising. Bellingham’s mountain biking community is among the best and strongest in the nation. Citizens put in the volunteer hours and pony up the dough to make things work.

We can’t write about everything on Galbraith, but we strongly encourage you to explore and plan your family’s bike rides based on your abilities and levels of interest. Always keep in mind that when you’re riding with your kids, it’s not your ride. It’s your job to keep the itinerary fun and safe. Carefully cross Samish Way to get on Galbraith Lane / Pipeline Road. Once you’ve crossed the road, head north.

You get to earn your turns on Galbraith. There are no lifts, paid shuttles, or self-shuttling. Check the weather and bring appropriate clothing. Plan ahead and be sure to have space in your pack for your kids’ extra clothes, additional food and water, whatever they need to make the ride a success. Always keep in mind that you’re responsible for creating positive experiences for your young riders.

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Beginner Trails On Galbraith Mountain

Once you’re on Pipeline Road, continue north to the southwest zone of the mountain. Here you’ll find trails like Bunny Trails, Little Dipper, Art’s Trail, and more. You can make loops from these trails that use Pipeline Road as the main corridor. You can get creative and make a route that resembles a figure-eight. Clock-wise or counter-clockwise, out-and-back and so on. You could even incorporate a couple of blue/intermediate trails like Pony Express or Mole Trap if your group is up to the task. Galbraith can keep everyone in your family pedaling and interested.

Crossing a bridge on Galbraith Mountain's beginner / family-friendly mountain bike trails

Getting back to Pipeline Road on Galbraith Mountain in Bellingham, WA

Mountain biking with kids in Bellingham, Washington - Lost Giants trail

Evolution, Unemployment Line, And Atomic Dog

These three trails are for adventurous intermediate riders through advanced riders. There are steep, elevated features; jumps and drops. Link these three trails together by pedaling to where Evolution starts. From the south parking lot on Samish Way, here’s how you get there: Cross Samish Way. Go north on Pipeline Road / Galbraith Lane and continue on Last Call. Cross Pipeline and get on Lost Giants. Take a right on Dog Patch. When you reach Towers at the end of Dog Patch, take a left on Towers. Get on RD 2300 at the intersection and take a left on Three Pigs. At the next intersection, get on Huff and Puff. At the end of Huff and Puff, go right and meander to the start of Evolution.

Evolution starts off fine and well, and the first challenging move is a sweeping left turn on to a wood feature that leads into a long, elevated laddered log. We have nothing like this in Utah and I’m always enamored with this feature. I’m not good enough to ride into the start of it yet, but I always like seeing it. Once you’re on the log, it’s well over 30 feet long and roll off sends you into another ramp with steep roll-down. From there, it’s hooting and hollering through more features and jumps. The trail ends on the Towers access road. Take a left on Towers. Pass the Pump Track trail and you’ll arrive at Unemployment Line.

The Evolution sign on Galbraith Mountain

Point-of-view screen grab of the elevated bridge on Galbraith's Evo trail.

The start of Unemployment Line was rebuilt a couple of years ago and it’s more of an art installation opposed to the drop-in of a mountain bike trail. When you see it in person, you’ll understand. The trail is only 3,800 feet long and it’s rated intermediate, but riders with good jump skills will get to enjoy it the most. There are a couple of berms on this trail that rival the Daytona Speedway. Unemployment Line ends on RD 2300. Take a right and pedal over to Atomic Dog.

Atomic Dog is another intermediate rated trail that will leave everyone in your group barking with joy. The features aren’t as big as Unemployment Line, but the flow of the trail is top-shelf. Keep your speed and you can clean a step-down, step-up which is one of the trails biggest moves. The trail ends at the intersection of Gate and Switch and Towers. From here, you can head back to the car, or prep for another lap on the mountain.

Mohawk

Mohawk is an advanced trail riddled with jumps and berms. It was built by a group of diggers known as The Shire Crew. Follow them on Instagram at @shire.built. The jumps at the bottom of Mohawk are world-class, if you or your kids have the skills to ride these – they look like a lot of fun. Our oldest and a couple of his friends where able to experiment and unlock the entire line. Get to the top of Mohawk by pedaling to the top of Huff and Puff. Take a right.

Galbraith Mountain Is Big

There’s about 80 miles of trails packed into this zone. If you’re in town for more than a couple of days, you’ll get to find what works best for your family when you add mountain biking on Galbraith to the mix. We’ve been on several more trails here, but your experience will be your own and there is plenty to choose from. If you’re not from the area, you’ll be pleased to find that most of the climb trails are in shaded trees and they’re not straight up. Our youngest made it to the Evolution trail when he was 9 years old. Every rider is unique and Galbraith can accommodate everyone who likes to mountain bike.

Cedar Dust Jump Lines - Gabraith Mountain - Bellingham

Cedar Dust Jumps

Located near the west-central zone of Galbraith Mountain are the Cedar Dust Jump Lines. There are four trails rated from easiest to most difficult: Green, Blue, Black, and Expert.

Do laps and improve your skills; carefully working up from one line to the next. The Green line has tables where novice and beginning riders will learn to build speed and get their wheels off the ground. The Blue line has a couple of drops and doubles. The Black and Advanced lines have gaps.

People come to Galbraith just to ride these jumps for hours on end. They’re just another good reason to plan a trip and get this mountain biking destination off your bucket list.

Blue Steel

Opened in September of 2020, Blue Steel is a jump line composed of 7 BIG features. The line was designed and constructed by pro Nico Vink in partnership with Transition Bikes. Prior to dropping in on the jumps, you’ll see a sign with “Tips From Nico” that can help you complete the jumps in one piece.

Chuckanut Mountain

Chuckanut Mountain Trail Map

Our family has only ridden a couple of trails on this mountain and they’re very challenging. I’m not ashamed to admit that I walk a few features because I don’t have the skills to get down them on my bike. If I put in the work at build up my skills, maybe I’ll be able to clean ’em when we return. On the other hand, our kids were able to ride from top-to-bottom when they were 13 and 9 years old. Gauge your family’s skills properly. Play it safe and have a rider in your group with at least strong intermediate skills pre-ride these in order to ensure a good time for all.

Drop Off: Google Maps
Pick Up: Google Maps
Who It’s For: strong intermediate through advanced mountain bikers

Double Black Diamond And Double Down

The route we describe here is a shuttle ride. Chuckanut Mountain is south of Bellingham. When you approach the mountain on Chuckanut Drive turn on to Hiline Road. Hiline will merge into Cleator Road. Keep going until you reach the viewpoint where you can see the ocean far, far below. Cleator Road is three miles long. If you park facing the road, ride or hike up the Double Black walk up for a few hundred yards. Double Black Diamond will begin on your right.

Double Black Diamond is a mile long and it’s wonderful. Exposed steppy roots and switchbacks, narrow lines through trees adorn Double Black Diamond. In my opinion, the toughest move on this trail is short bumpy strait with roots that leads into left turn. I have to dab it with a foot to get through. The rest of the trail is composed of similar goodies. Double Back Diamond ends at the Fragrance Lake Road. Cross it and you’ll begin Double Down.

During the summer, we traveled through the PNW with our friends, the Parish family. Aiden @aiden_parish83 and Alex @alex_parish1 make brief appearances in these videos.

I don’t enjoy Double Down as much as Double Black Diamond, but that’s only because I can’t ride it all. There are roots on off-camber slopes and tricky rock sections. On our most recent trip, I was able to do a section for the first time and that made me feel like a pro. Double Down has a couple of optional features that easily qualify as expert. One is a rock drop that carries riders about a dozen feet from leap to landing. Another is a booter that launches qualified riders through the uprights of a couple of tall, thin trees. Score!

When you reach the bottom of the Double Down trail, merge on to the Fragrance Lake Road and head south. This is where you get picked up by your shuttle, at the Lost Lake Parking Lot. On one side of the lot, there is 15 minute parking so you can avoid paying the day use fee.

Waterfront Pump Track

Bellingham Waterfront Bike Park Map

Pump tracks and skills parks are great because everyone can enjoy them. Young ‘uns on balance bikes, moms on dirt jumpers, dads with bmx bikes, and groms on hardtails can all have a good time at the pump track. Access the Bellingham Waterfront Pump Track via Granary Road or West Laurel Street. The area is marked by old red-orange tiled storage tanks remaining from a paper processing plant. There’s plenty of parking and space to work on your cornering, jumping, etiquette, diction and vocabulary.

Location: Google Maps
Who It’s For: everyone

Riding at the pump track - Bellingham, WA

Taking a break at the Waterfront Pump Track - Bellingham, WA

Lake Whatcom Park

Lake Whatcom Park Map

Location: Google Maps
Who It’s For: strong intermediate and advanced mountain bikers

Chanterelle Trail And Brown Pow

This area is home to the multi-use climb trail Chanterelle and the downhill romp Brown Pow. When ascending Chanterelle, be conscious of hikers and trail runners. Be on your best behavior and yield to foot traffic. If you have a bell, the Chanterelle trail is where you want to use it. This route can be busy on the weekends and we had several hikers thank us for using our bells. For our family, coming from dry and dusty Salt Lake City, climbing the three miles on close-to-sea-level Chanterelle is nothing short of pleasant. There are a few road crossings where you can take a break. At the top of the lower section of Chanterelle, there’s an overlook where you have a wide open view of Lake Whatcom.

Climbing the Chanterelle trail by Lake Whatcom.

Side show attractions. Mushrooms on the Chanterelle trail.

When you start Brown Pow, it’s on the stunning side and sans rock slabs – it embodies what makes the PNW famous for mountain biking. Compared to what we normally ride in Utah, the dirt can be considered tacky – even in blown out corners.

Near the bottom of Brown Pow there’s a couple of spaced out roots with small drops that warrant the trail’s advanced rating. An eager intermediate rider will enjoy the trail no problem even though he/she may have to hop off the bike and walk a couple of sections. Put this ride on your to-do list if you have more than a couple of days in town. It’s worth it. If you’re visiting in the heat of summer, a jump in the lake on the way back to the parking lot is a no-brainer.

Go jump in a lake after you ride Brown Pow near Lake Whatcom

Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

Six Mountain Bike Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself

As your growing family makes more mountain bikers and acquires more mountain bikes, you’ll soon notice that you inherently acquire more bike maintenance duties. Learn how to take care of minor tasks on your own. Once you acquire a base set of tools and skills, you can save a little money and keep your bikes rolling without waiting on a bike shop for service. Sure, there are infinitely more maintenance tasks you can do on your own – but we’ll start with these six basics.

Bike Repair Stand
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Nitrile Gloves
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Shop Towels
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Bleeding Hydraulic Mountain Bike Brakes

One of dad’s goals in life is to have everyone in the family run the same brand brakes and model – just so we only have to stock one type of fluid and pads. Until then, we have to use the right tools for the job. SRAM even went above-and-beyond and created an additional $20 proprietary tool for some of their brakes called the “Bleeding Edge Brake Bleed Tool”.

When you bleed brakes, be sure to wear gloves and have the lint-free shop towels handy. Brake fluid is nasty stuff and it can stain anything. Also be sure to avoid getting brake fluid on the brake pads or rotors. Parts contaminated with fluid can be cleaned up, but that’s for another article.

Shimano Brakes

SRAM Brakes

SRAM Bleeding Edge

SRAM Bleed Kit
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SRAM Bleeding Edge Tool
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Shimano Bleed Kit
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SRAM DOT Fluid
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Shimano Mineral Oil
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Plastic Tire Levers
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Changing Mountain Bike Brake Pads

This task only takes a few minutes and it really helps if you keep a spare set of pads on hand so if you really need them, you’re ready to go. Some pads require a set of pliers to remove a cotter-pin that helps keep the pads in the caliper. Some require a small hex key to remove the retaining bolt that keeps the pads in the caliper.

SRAM Brake Pads
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Shimano Brake Pads
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Hex Key Sets
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Needle Nose Pliers
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Centering or Aligning Disc Brakes

This is one of the first things we taught ourselves because it was necessary and not that difficult. Over time, your rotor may get just tiny bit warped or bent and you hear that steady chime whenever the out-of-whack portion of the brake rotor passes across the brake pads. In some instances, you may have to replace your rotor – but a lot of the time you can fix this yourself.

Put your bike in a repair stand. Then, lightly loosen the bolts that attach the caliper to the brake mount adapter. Notice that these fastening points are not an exact round hole. There is a little bit of wiggle room or tolerance for the caliper to float on the brake mount adapter. Next, squeeze the brake lever. You may need another person to help. This will align the caliper on the rotor. Then, tighten the mounting bolts. Release the brake lever and spin your wheel. You may have to do a bit of fine tuning if you still have some rubbing.

Lightly loosen the mounting bolts, and one at a time – carefully pivot the caliper so the rotor spins without contacting the pads. Mind your fingers so they don’t get bit by an spinning wheel. Go through this with each caliper mounting bolt until your rotor spins without making a noise and the bolts are tightened.

You may be surprised by just how small an adjustment needs to be made so the noise is eliminated. If you still have rubbing noises, try spreading the pads in the brake the same way you would when your replacing your brake pads as explained above. This may get you the fraction of a millimeter you need to get your caliper aligned and end the brake rub.

Aligning Brake Calipers

Swapping Out Bike Pedals

Some pedals require a hex key, others require a pedal wrench. Regardless of what tool you use, it’s important to know which way you have to rotate the wrench to remove and install pedals from the cranks. If you attach the tool facing the front of the bike, parallel to the ground, the tool always has to rotate up [counter-clockwise] to loosen the pedal. This is same on both the drive side and non-drive side of the bike because the non-drive side is reverse threaded. Be sure to keep the proper-sized hex keys or wrench in your tool kit.

How to loosen and remove pedals on a kids mountain bike

Pedal Wrenches
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Installing And Maintaining Tubeless Tires

Although setting them up for the first time can be tough, the pros of going tubeless far outweigh the cons. Save time. Save money. And once again – save time. Just as early as last spring when we demoed a bike, we got 2 tube flats on the same ride. It was rotten. Yes – proper air pressure with tubes makes a difference, but we have had no problems with our tubeless set ups for for years.

Installing and maintaining tubeless mtb tires

In order to go tubeless, you need a combination of tubeless compatible rims, tires, valves, and sealant. A lot of rims come tubeless-ready with rim strips. For some, you will need to tape yourself. What does taping a rim ensue? It helps create the air-tight seal required. Every couple of months or so, depending on how often you ride or how much wear-and-tear you’ve put your tires through; you have to keep sealant in the tires. Seating a tire on a rim without a compressor can be a bit tricky, too. We just went to the neighborhood gas station with a Presta compressor valve adapter.

SRAM Bleed Kit
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Tire Sealant
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Tubeless Valve Stems
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Pump With Air Chamber
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Valve Core Remover
Shop at Jenson USA

Presta Compressor Adaptor
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Installing Internal Housing For Brake Cables, Shifting Cables, And Dropper Posts

We needed to build up a our son’s mountain bike from the bare frame last year for the first time and it was quite a learning experience. In order to get the internal housing through the frame we used the Park Tools Internal Cable Routing Kit. Be cautious! This kit will drastically reduce the coinage in dad’s swear jar.

The kit comes with a set of cables composed of magnets and other adapters that allow you to quickly get a lead cable through the bike. Once you have the lead cable running through the bike, you can pull the housing you need through the frame. It took a bit of practice and coordination to gently use the external guide magnet, but the overall performance of this tool is five out of five stars.

Internal Cable Routing Kit
Shop at Competitive Cyclist

Have Your Kids Help You Maintain the Family Mountain Bikes!

When our kids were younger, we would have them help us maintain the bikes as much as they could. For instance, they can play the role of assistant mechanic by organizing and handing off tools when doing a repair. They can operate a floor pump, help tighten bolts, etc. As the years have gone by – the kids have learned how to build up demo bikes, bleed their dropper posts, adjust derailleurs, replace derailleur cables, adjust their suspension, and so on. You can even watch a video of our youngest as he converts his bike to a 1x drivetrain.

Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

Pictures From Virgin, Utah – October, 2020

Last weekend, we attended a couple of events. The Utah NICA league had its state championships in St. George and our friends from the RaceKraft MTB Team staked a claim in the desert outside of Virgin.

We spent the first night camped next to the NICA pit zone, but were able to spend a couple of evenings with the RaceKraft crew in the dirt.

Utah’s unlimited outdoors was on full display. When the red rocks collide with big skies and the wind is chill, the kids can enjoy the mountain biking across this world-class terrain without the crowds and clamor of city living. Here are a few photos from the weekend.

Fall and spring in the Utah desert can be quite amazing. If the wind is low and the bugs are out of town, it’s hard to leave.
Our friend Aiden [far right] @aiden_parish83 works on sealing a deal from the comfort of his remote office.

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The fun is spread out over several square miles. It’s like Disneyland, but uncrowded and fun.

Wyatt hikes his mountain bike up a ridge

No lift lines all day long.

MTB Helmets For Kids

Make sure your kids have proper, well-fitting head protection.

Mountain Bike Helmets For Kids

Knee Pads For Kids

Knee pads are another level of protection for young riders.

MTB Knee Pads for Kids

Hydration Packs For Kids

Is your kid big enough to carry their own water and supplies?

MTB Hydration Packs for Kids

Making way back to camp on a desert ridge

Look ahead. Level pedals. Attack position on the bike. One finger on each brake lever. Well done!

A chest protector is a good idea out here because O-T-B doesn’t just stand for “Outside The Beltway”.

Sending a straight-down line with multiple drops

Wyatt returns to the ground floor of the venue on a line with a few bumps and drops.

Mountain biking down loose terrain in the Utah desert

Riding a narrow strip of the desert’s dusty slip-and-slide.

Flying Monkey. Cue the music and scan the clouds

The Flying Monkey trail is a favorite. Tyge has to walk a section or two, but he can iron out the tail every time.

Jumping at the old Rampage site near Virgin, Utah

Getting sendy on a run-out from a steep, chunky line.

Attend Virgin Tech. It’s an experience and education all its own. Learn as you go. Broaden your horizons and meet like-minded people.

Until next time, Virgin. We hope it’s soon.

Written by Brett SHARE TWEET

1x Drivetrain Upgrade On Our Kid’s Mountain Bike

Upgrading a kids mountain bike to a 1x drivetrain

We converted a 2×10 drivetrain to a 1x set-up on Tyge’s bike with a non-boost hub. Before we started, our friend Steve from Hyland Cyclery took a look at the bike to help us identify all the tools and parts we needed. I was glad to find out we could save some money by keeping the original crankset and shifter. As you’ll see in the video, this is obviously the first time we’ve done something like this.

DOWNLOAD a PDF with a list of parts and tools that may be helpful. This PDF includes affiliate links.

How To Convert A Mountain Bike To A 1x Drivetrain?

If you’d like to try a similar upgrade for a bike your family owns, be aware that drivetrains are different from bike-to-bike and your project will almost definitely require different parts. Ours ended up with parts from SunRace, Shimano, SRAM, and WolfTooth. If you’re not comfortable taking inventory and assessing what you need, we bet your local bike shop can help you out. Watch the video and Tyge will take you through what he did.

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