Posts
16
Joined
7/12/2017
Location
San Diego, CA
US
Hey all, i'm about 1 day away from picking up a new 2016 Trek Remedy 9 and putting my current Top Fuel 9 up for sale. Yup, i'm making the transition from xc to enduro. Don't get me wrong i love xc and i LOVEEEE the top fuel 9, but after doing xc for about a year i've discovered that enduro is more my thing, and I think that has to do with the fact that I am coming from a motocross background. The idea of fast, technical, aggressive, balls out enduro sounds more appealing than xc, which seems more endurance and agility based. With that said, I have some questions about enduro:
- The Trek Remedy 9 seems like an ideal bike for me, because i'm told that it can climb well, descend like a beast, and can handle most if not all riding I throw at it (i'm novice level so I won't be doing anything too crazy for a while). I was also told that this bike can handle most anything, and I can grow with this bike as I get better. Is this bike a good choice for what i'm doing? I considered the slash, but the remedy seems more 'all mountain' and i still wanted a bike that could climb and be a trail cruiser when I wanted it to be.
- For enduro, i've seen a mix of open face and full face helmets. When do you use one vs the other? Even on the pro level, I've seen a mix of both helmets, and for the CES their rules state you must wear full face helmets but Ive seen a ton of race pics where racers have open face. If someone could give a run down on the full face open face dilemma, i'd appreciate it.
-As far as gear goes, I have a smith rover MIPS helmet, 510 hellcat shoes, and I will purchase mtb shorts and kneepads when I get my remedy. Any suggestions on brands or styles for what i'm doing? I know there are tons of styles and companies, but i still thought i'd ask.
-Lastly, I live in San Diego and I do not know many riders because I got into the sport on my own and was not introduced to it by friends or family. Who lives in the area that is down to ride, help a squid like me become a legitimate enduro rider, and maybe grab some beers after a day of riding?? Thanks!
- The Trek Remedy 9 seems like an ideal bike for me, because i'm told that it can climb well, descend like a beast, and can handle most if not all riding I throw at it (i'm novice level so I won't be doing anything too crazy for a while). I was also told that this bike can handle most anything, and I can grow with this bike as I get better. Is this bike a good choice for what i'm doing? I considered the slash, but the remedy seems more 'all mountain' and i still wanted a bike that could climb and be a trail cruiser when I wanted it to be.
- For enduro, i've seen a mix of open face and full face helmets. When do you use one vs the other? Even on the pro level, I've seen a mix of both helmets, and for the CES their rules state you must wear full face helmets but Ive seen a ton of race pics where racers have open face. If someone could give a run down on the full face open face dilemma, i'd appreciate it.
-As far as gear goes, I have a smith rover MIPS helmet, 510 hellcat shoes, and I will purchase mtb shorts and kneepads when I get my remedy. Any suggestions on brands or styles for what i'm doing? I know there are tons of styles and companies, but i still thought i'd ask.
-Lastly, I live in San Diego and I do not know many riders because I got into the sport on my own and was not introduced to it by friends or family. Who lives in the area that is down to ride, help a squid like me become a legitimate enduro rider, and maybe grab some beers after a day of riding?? Thanks!
Unless it's mandated by the race organizer, helmet choice is (obviously) up to you. Opt for the full face in situations where you simply want more protection. Just realize that it's going to be hot while pedaling up the hill.
As for shorts and kneepads, check out some of the reviews we've done:
http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/category/Riding-Shorts,64
http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/category/Knee-Shin-Pads,56
There are also some good bargains to be had on our MTB deals page:
http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/deals
For full face helmet, wear it either during races, during DH shuttle runs, or when you're really pushing your limits. If I use it trail riding (which is rare) I use a half shell for transitions between descents, keeping the full face strapped to my pack. While everyone is different I would always recommend knee guards, most are very comfy to wear but will save you a lot of grief during even minor spills.
https://www.foxracing.com/us/mtb/proframe
Post a reply to: New to enduro: who wants to answer some questions??