Independent field notes
Suspension of Disbelief is a practical and entertaining guide to recreational mountain biking. It covers riding techniques, bike setup, suspension, maintenance, safety, essential gear, trail etiquette, and the lessons learned from climbs, descents, and the occasional unplanned dismount.
Jake HollowayHey there I'm Jake. I'm a mountain biker who enjoys technical challenges, long climbs, fast descents, and the satisfaction of keeping a well-used bike running smoothly. I write practical guides about riding skills, suspension setup, maintenance, safety, gear, and the lessons learned from occasionally choosing the wrong line.
I’ll help you identify why your rear shock feels harsh over small roots, from incorrect air pressure and compression settings to tire pressure, rebound, or mechanical problems. You’ll get a sensible testing order so you can improve traction without guessing or changing everything at once.
Read articlePoor shifting can come from tight cables, sticky housing, incorrect limits, or a derailleur that was never aligned correctly. I’ll show you how to isolate each cause with the fewest adjustments and replace only the parts that actually need attention.
Read articleI’ll compare the simple adjustments and deeper repairs that can stop a mountain bike dropper post from slowly sinking, from cable tension and remote checks to air pressure and professional service. You’ll learn which fixes are reasonable at home and when to stop troubleshooting.
Read articleI’ll help you distinguish front-wheel lift from steering wander, then show which changes to make first in your body position, gearing, tire pressure, cockpit setup, and climbing pace.
Read articleA five-minute check catches loose controls, soft tires, damaged parts, and missing protection before they become trail problems. I’ll show you what to inspect first, what can wait, and how to build a repeatable routine without turning every ride into a workshop session.
Read articleI’ll compare tires, contact points, braking, suspension setup, and maintenance so you can choose the first upgrade that addresses your actual riding problems instead of spending money on the most visible component.
Read articleDrivetrain creaks often travel through the frame, making the loudest spot a misleading clue. I’ll show you how to isolate pedals, cranks, bottom brackets, chainrings, seatposts, and contact points in a sensible order without replacing parts blindly.
Read articleA battery that seems fine after a ride may still be draining while parked, while a tired battery may only appear similar. I’ll show you how to isolate the cause before it ruins your next big ride.
Read articleI’ll show you how to find a slow tubeless leak at the tread, valve, bead, or rim tape so you can fix the actual problem instead of replacing parts that are still working.
Read articleI’ll show you how to test a suspension adjustment without mistaking a different trail, colder air, tired legs, or hopeful expectations for a real improvement. You’ll learn what to record, how to repeat a comparison, and when a change is worth keeping.
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