Zuestman

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Followers: 5

Following: 4

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Forum topics started: 2

Forum replies: 192

Comments: 81

Lives in:

Seattle, WA, USA

Member Since:

10/27/2014

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TEAMROBOT Liked a reply to forum topic Stronger Wheels

8/24/2026 3:36pm

I agree that butted spokes are essential for wheel strength. They allow the spokes and the wheel to bend and not break. But even more important than that, butted spokes hold tension better. Because spokes are always being cycled from more tension to less tension (and in heavy duty bike park or DH riding they're also being reduced to zero tension in heavy berms and ruts), the spokes need a way to absorb constant changes in spoke tension. With a butted spoke, that take-up of tension is built in, but straight gauge spokes are much less elastic, so they tend...

This forum topic has 48 replies.

SylentK Liked a reply to forum topic Stronger Wheels

8/24/2026 3:36pm

First, I'd look at suspension; probably more important: Why is your LSC fully closed? Isn't that the same as locking out your suspension? You know, for climbing? Try half of that. Or just no LSC for an extreme taste of difference. Also, your rebound seems fast. 6 from full open? For a clydesdale's 600# spring? Hmmmm....Both those things kinda doesn't add up. I'll let the suspension pro bros chime in. Second, You're not going to like this. But I'd look into your riding style. Yeah, I know you're a big dude. But your track record of failed wheels is, um...

This forum topic has 48 replies.

TEAMROBOT Liked a reply to forum topic Help a clip pedal noob pick out the right clip pedals

8/5/2026 7:15am

I know you're not going to want to hear this, but: On these SPD test rides, have you tried thinking about something other than your feet? If you focus on your feet while you're in clips, they're going to feel weird if you're used to flats, and weird is likely going to progress to bad and then terrible the more you think about it. I remember my first few rides on clips, coming from flat pedals. Those first few rides were on Shimano SPD pedals that felt icy exactly like you describe. But then, over next few weeks, I did...

This forum topic has 30 replies.

Zuestman Added a comment about blog post PIT BITS - 2026 U.S. National Champs

7/24/2026 10:14am

Heather absolutely slaying the pit bits!

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This blog post has 5 comments.

Zuestman Added a reply to 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

7/1/2026 1:57pm

I am going to be completely transparent here in that I work for FSA, but I will say I worked really hard on making the 31.8 40mm Gradient alloy bar one of the most compliant on the market. and here is the proof: (chart from PB article)

Zuestman Added a reply to 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

5/20/2026 2:32pm

I will also chime in here as a bigger rider that does enjoy this style of bike... a more linear feel like that is ideal because of the pressures I need to run. Otherwise bikes get WAY too progressive for larger riders. Easier to add tokens than be left with none to take out and then still be way too...

Zuestman Added a reply to 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

5/20/2026 11:30am

FYI for those that want to nerd on the Evil bike there is a closer up pic of the linkage in the NW Cup writeup: https://www.vitalmtb.com/community/NW%20Cup/blog/05/19/2026/entry/148326

Zuestman Added a comment about video ONE LAP - NW CUP ROUND 2, Port Angeles, Washington

5/18/2026 9:03am

Next year you should come race again!

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This video has 5 comments.

Zuestman Added a reply to 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

5/8/2026 10:31am

good to see, but unfortunately they say that increase to super boost incurs no cost.... that isn't specifically true as it is a redesign of the frame (though frame is already being redesigned). Also, yes we know there is a weight penalty, but they only went to a 1.65mm spoke and not a 1.8. but yes more weight. also, not...

Zuestman Added a reply to 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

5/8/2026 9:34am

So, going to ask this question fully understanding the debates and tech here... So everyone is saying 32" will NEED new/wider hub spacing, especially for DH. WHY? Most companies are designing asymetric rims. spoke tensions are even. now, on top of that, commencal is running 32h rear 28h front. so going down in spoke count. AND most teams are running...

sspomer Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 Race Talk

5/6/2026 8:21am

Race Cascadia thinking outside the box for race coverage.

This forum topic has 1114 replies.

Zuestman Added a reply to 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

4/13/2026 12:44pm

The funny thing is... the garbage can is still the most important tool for cushcore install....

Zuestman Added a comment about feature PIT BITS - Pro Downhill Series, Ride Rock Creek

3/31/2026 3:03pm

Honestly have to give Suntour props the last couple seasons. A concerted push to support MTB and support riders. and the product is looking solid.

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This feature has 7 comments.

TEAMROBOT Liked a comment about Feature PIT BITS - Tennessee National 2026

3/21/2026 10:48am

This is how I found out about ODI's new Rogue V2.1 lock-on grips for big hands. What rock have I been under? They look sick.

This feature has 8 comments.

LookinForIt Liked a comment about Feature PIT BITS - Tennessee National 2026

3/21/2026 10:48am

ALL HAIL PIT BITS

This feature has 8 comments.

Zuestman Added a reply to 32-inch Wheels and Mountain Bikes

3/21/2026 10:31am

I'm have not read this in depth, so bear with me both of you. But, in terms of leverage going to throw another wrench in the works

V-brakes on a rim brake bike. Less clamping force than a hydraulic brake (though, we could toss magura hs33 rim brakes in to make it even better). and your leverage is massive...