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 clarify how to loosen and remove dried clay from a mountain bike drivetrain without grinding grit deeper into the chain, cassette, or derailleur, while explaining when water, degreaser, brushing, and relubrication each make sense.
Read articleTurnaround time matters because an out-and-back can become a night ride when pace, navigation, or repairs take longer than expected. I’ll show you how to build a realistic decision point around daylight, group speed, route uncertainty, and recovery options.
Read articleAn aging or damaged trail helmet can leave you choosing between reassuring features and the fit that actually keeps it positioned. I’ll help you compare coverage, ventilation, retention, and certification information without letting marketing details distract from recovery, comfort, and protection.
Read articleMoving from a hardtail to full suspension changes how much the bike settles beneath you, not just how comfortable it feels. I’ll explain what sag does, where to start, and how to adjust it without losing support, control, or confidence on the trail.
Read articleA safe stopping place gives you visibility, stable footing, and room to move without creating a new hazard. I’ll explain how to read trail surfaces, traffic patterns, and terrain so you can choose a pause point before fatigue or trouble makes the decision for you.
Read articleClimbing feels cramped with a low saddle, yet descending with it high can limit movement and confidence. I’ll explain the trade-offs and show how to set a fixed post or dropper post for efficient pedaling and safer control.
Read articleWhen trail conditions are uncertain, prioritize routes with reliable information, manageable elevation, good drainage, and realistic exit options. I’ll show you how to weigh those factors before committing to a ride that may be different from the map.
Read articleI’ll show you how to avoid choosing routes by distance alone, using elevation, technical difficulty, effort, and bailout options to build rides that support steady fitness and dependable bike maintenance.
Read articleWhen a tire feels vague, harsh, or repeatedly suffers pinch flats, the casing may be the real problem. I’ll explain how to match casing strength to your weight, terrain, riding style, and pressure goals without adding unnecessary weight.
Read articleWhen your bike feels nervous in tight turns or awkwardly stretched on climbs, stem length may be part of the problem—but not always the cause. I’ll explain how to choose a sensible length and identify fit issues that belong elsewhere.
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