Hey Matt, just wanted to thank you for these videos. I saw this line 4 years ago on my first trip to Squamish and back then, I didn't even think it would be possible to ride down that (or gouranga) on a bike. Even the main line on in-n-out burger was super scary to me. Flash forward a week or so ago, I went back to Squamish with my buddy and thanks to your videos, we rode this line and Gouranga and many others. Seeing you do the line in total control did inspire us that it is indeed possible to find a somewhat mellow way down these slabs if you apply proper brake management, body position and have a good line choice so your videos were definitely a contributing factor in us attempting these trails!
Any tips on how to practice those steep transition moves to avoid parking the bike? I've gone OTB on a couple moves like that now and can't seem to figure it out.
Another great video. Shows the importance of walking features that are new to you...better yet hire a guide! This looks like an easy feature for someone to want to be the bike passenger rather than the pilot, and I could see where you really were punching into some of those transitions. Confidence in your skills looks like a must here!
You are absolutely right - a lot of people drop in blind to this and it escalates quickly! Definitely a bike control exercise - anyone can bomb down something, but riding slow and controlled is quite difficult.
Thank you so much for all of this content! I have only been riding a few years and still have a lot to learn. I have been watching these videos and just yesterday I was talking line choice on a new trail with my buddy and I was able to explain reasoning based on what I have learned from your videos. Thank you very much for the content and please keep it coming!
My slab super tips: 1) Run Shimano 4-piston brakes (XT 8020/8120, XTR 9020/9120 or Saint/Zee) with Shimano finned metal Ice-tech pads and 203mm Ice-tech rotors front and rear 2) Run Maxxis MaxxGrip WT tires, preferably downhill casing, at low 20's PSI in the front You will be able to trackstand pretty much any slab haha.
There are some great slab tires, but the best I have found is the @e-thirteen LG1R Mopo / It's bananas. Also, we prefer SRAM Codes, as they are way less of an on-off switch like Saints/Zees and the fading experienced in this video would have happened to any brake. The DOT 5.1 in my brakes boils at the roughly the same temp as Mineral Oil - It was just too hot outside, on a piece of heat reflective rock, doing brake drag runs down a slab - thats pushing the limits of any brake. I have always been happy with the performance of the new Codes and previously ran Saints... Lot's of good gear to get you home safe!
Hey Matt, just wanted to thank you for these videos. I saw this line 4 years ago on my first trip to Squamish and back then, I didn't even think it would be possible to ride down that (or gouranga) on a bike. Even the main line on in-n-out burger was super scary to me. Flash forward a week or so ago, I went back to Squamish with my buddy and thanks to your videos, we rode this line and Gouranga and many others. Seeing you do the line in total control did inspire us that it is indeed possible to find a somewhat mellow way down these slabs if you apply proper brake management, body position and have a good line choice so your videos were definitely a contributing factor in us attempting these trails!
Your 'what not to do' read like a live viewing of how I rode this the first time. Excited to give it another go after watching a bunch of your videos!
Any tips on how to practice those steep transition moves to avoid parking the bike? I've gone OTB on a couple moves like that now and can't seem to figure it out.
Excellent and thorough! I wish to see more from this in the future!
Thank you for the great tips and video
Another great video. Shows the importance of walking features that are new to you...better yet hire a guide! This looks like an easy feature for someone to want to be the bike passenger rather than the pilot, and I could see where you really were punching into some of those transitions. Confidence in your skills looks like a must here!
You are absolutely right - a lot of people drop in blind to this and it escalates quickly! Definitely a bike control exercise - anyone can bomb down something, but riding slow and controlled is quite difficult.
Your videos make me want to get some coaching. Great content and great video presence.
Thank you so much for all of this content! I have only been riding a few years and still have a lot to learn. I have been watching these videos and just yesterday I was talking line choice on a new trail with my buddy and I was able to explain reasoning based on what I have learned from your videos. Thank you very much for the content and please keep it coming!
Thanks for the feedback - glad you are getting use out of the content!
Well done Matt
My slab super tips:
1) Run Shimano 4-piston brakes (XT 8020/8120, XTR 9020/9120 or Saint/Zee) with Shimano finned metal Ice-tech pads and 203mm Ice-tech rotors front and rear
2) Run Maxxis MaxxGrip WT tires, preferably downhill casing, at low 20's PSI in the front
You will be able to trackstand pretty much any slab haha.
There are some great slab tires, but the best I have found is the @e-thirteen LG1R Mopo / It's bananas. Also, we prefer SRAM Codes, as they are way less of an on-off switch like Saints/Zees and the fading experienced in this video would have happened to any brake. The DOT 5.1 in my brakes boils at the roughly the same temp as Mineral Oil - It was just too hot outside, on a piece of heat reflective rock, doing brake drag runs down a slab - thats pushing the limits of any brake. I have always been happy with the performance of the new Codes and previously ran Saints... Lot's of good gear to get you home safe!