NXT MTB: May 2009

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

NXTeam Iron Steed

For this posting, NXTeam would like highlight one of NXTeam's Iron Steed. It's a Merida Matts HFS 2000 (2008 Model). Hope that you'll enjoy the pics.

Fork : Fox F80 RL (08)

Stopping Power: Hayes Stroker with 180mm Rotor (F&R)

Shifter " Shimano XTR Rapid Fire

FSA K Force Carbon Crankset

Thomson Elite (31.6 mm )

Fizi:k Tundra XC Saddle

FSA K Force Straight Handlebar

Control Tech Stem

The Carbon Crankset

Shimano XTR Shadow Rear Deraill

Matts HFS 2000

Pride and Joy In Riding ........

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Upgradititis : I've Been Infected

Assalamualaikum, to all mountainbikers and bloggers and visitors, I hope you are not stunned by the post title. To tell you the truth I have nothing to post but yet still want to make sure the blog is active, so this is the result ...... a "syok sendiri" posting. Just want to share with everybody what are the upgrades done to my "gergasi" lately. Please bear in mind that this is NOT a showing off competition. I repeat NOT a showing Off post. If anybody feel that I'm doing so, I would be the first to apologise.

Anyway, the syndrome "Upgradititis" will definitely be the nightmare for any MTBikers, and the most important ... your wallet. I have done few small upgrades just for my satisfactory and thats it. Enough said, lets scroll down the post.

Side view of Gergasi.

Front view

Latest Fork : FOX F100 RL

(Remote Lock)

Hope Floating Saw 160mm Rotor.

Token - Rocket. Wheelset. Replacing my Deore XT WH-M770.
Thank You Zul Marvelous for a nice deal.

Thomson Elite X4 90mm stem- 0 Degree

Front View of Thomson Stem.

Fizik Gobi XM saddle and Thomson Elite 30.9 x 410mm seatpost.

Hope QR Seat clamp - 34.9

Side View.

The total weight : Unknown. ( to be honest I have no time to bring the bike to the shop)

Thank You for your time. Any comment please feel free to write at the provided section.

Happy riding!

Ride Safely and Intelligently!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

It's Been Quite Sometimes.......

Peace Be Upon all, praise to the Almighty for the strenght given. Well, it has been quite a while since the last entry in NXTeam post. To be honest I was quite busy with work and plus my camera is facing some problems transferring data to the computer has been the main reason for this blog to be updated. By the way, that doesn't stop us from cycling activity. I have been doing solo MTB on road lately due to lots of constraints and commitments which requires thorough monitoring and observation. I bet most of NXTeam members are doing their own activities to keef their fitness level at its best. A salute to the rest of MTB group which continue organizing get together ride either it is MTB on road or Off road. TRM Mtb, Abg. Ramly SP, RedFlag Cycle and few more to be mentioned has been the core in making the scene alive. To all riders who has been actively involve in keeping up with the activities , keep up the good work, time will come for all of us to ride together and show to the public what cycling can do to unite individual with another individual and how unity can be the best reason for us to be proud of regardless of our race, faith, political view and etc. Whatever it is our blood color is the same. The northern chatbox moderated by Zankx of TRM has done its role in making sure everybody are well aware of whats going on, keep up the good work! To those who read this entry, feel free to leave your comment for this posting. I would appreciate it. Lastly ........

"Ride Safely and Intelligently"

NXT MTB

We welcome any suggestions from all of you in objective to improve mountainbiking scene here in Malaysia generally and Perlis specifically. As we can see nowadays the public has started to realize the importance of exercising and one of the way is cycling. It doesn't matter if it is road cycling or off road cycling as long as we give a hard time to our heart and let the sweat flows from our body. So, don't stop cycling and let us make this scene as big as ever. Cheers!

"NXT WELCOMES EVERYBODY "

RIDE SAFELY AND INTELLIGENTLY.

Setting Your MTB for Race!

Setting/Preparing you MTB for race.

Let's Try This At Home.

Step 1
Remove any additional accessories from your bike including racks, reflectors, mirrors, bells or lights (leave lights on if you'll be racing at night).

Step2
Inspect the frame, fork and all components on the bike for cracks or other signs of trouble. Repair or replace any obvious problems.

Step3
Set your saddle height by placing your heel on your pedal (in your riding shoes) and raising the seat up so that your leg is straight on the bottom of the pedal stroke (6 o'clock position). Your seat should never be so high that your hips rock when you pedal. You may want to lower your seat if the course is very technical and has many steep downhill slopes, but you may pay for that on the uphill portions. When your seat is at the optimum height it allows you to get full leg extension and full use of your leg muscles.

Step4
Set your saddle position - start by having it level with the ground and try it that way for a little while. If you are putting too much weight on your hands, raise the saddle's nose by a degree or two. If the nose is uncomfortable and you experience any numbness, lower the nose a degree or two. It may take a while to find the perfect saddle position for you.

Step5
Set your saddle's fore/aft position by adjusting it so that when your are seated and have your pedals in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, your forward pedal spindle is in line with the small bump just below your kneecap.

Step6
Position your handlebars so that they are between an inch and 2 1/2 inches below the seat. The lower they are, the more control you'll have when climbing, and higher bars give more control when descending. Look for the perfect balance of the two to find the best handlebar position for you. You can adjust your handlebar height with riser or flat bars, different stem heights, and spacers under the stem.

Step7
Be sure that the ends of your handlebars are covered by the ends of the grips or are filled with plugs.

Step8
Position bar ends anywhere between parallel to the ground and a 45-degree angle from this parallel. Go to the lower end of the spectrum for more performance-oriented positioning.

Step9
Inflate your tires to a tire pressure that works with your weight, the tires that you are using and the course conditions.

Step10
Choose clipless pedals over platform pedals with toe straps. Although clipless pedals are a bit intimidating at first, you get a better connection with the bike, and they are much easier to get in and out of than toe straps.

Step11
Check to make sure that the chain is clean, lubed and not stretched. Chains stretch over time, and this will lead to bad shifting and gear slippage.

Step12
Check the front and rear derailleurs to make sure that they are shifting properly and cables are in good condition. Bad shifting is not only very frustrating but can also blow the race for you.

Step13
Be sure that your brake cables, pads and levers are in good condition and working well.

Step14
Turn your handlebars from side to side and see whether there is any play in the headset or whether you hear any grinding noises. Disassemble, clean, grease and adjust if necessary.

Step15
Check your suspension fork for smooth performance and no play in the fork legs. If your fork isn't sliding easily, refer to your owner's manual or check with a local shop for maintenance.

Step16
Ride your bike after doing any adjustments or repairs. You'll want to feel comfortable and confident at the start line.

Tips & Warnings

i.) The best upgrade that you can make for better performance is lighter tires and wheels. The rotational weight has a huge impact on how a bike accelerates and climbs. Start with kevlar-beaded tires and then go with a nice light wheel set. You'll notice the difference on your first ride.

ii·) When selecting a tire for racing, choose a tread design that works with your riding style and the course conditions. Semislick tires are great for racing, but they do take some getting used to, and they aren't for all riders and courses.

iii·) Higher tire pressure gives less rolling resistance and reduces the chance of pinch flats. Lower tire pressure gives better traction.

iv·) Many full-suspension bikes have different settings for the rear suspension, ranging from firm to soft. The firmest setting is usually best for cross-country racing.

v·) If you're unsure of how to check or adjust anything on your bike, such as the shifting or the suspension, bring your bike to a local shop.

vi·) Mountain bike racing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.