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 explain how to make fair, low-impact yielding decisions when you meet uphill riders on narrow singletrack, including where to stop, how to communicate, and how to protect the trail instead of creating a wider line.
Read articleI’ll clarify how to share mountain-bike trails with runners when speed differences, blind corners, and mixed expectations make passing difficult. You’ll learn when to slow down, how to communicate without startling anyone, and which approach best protects everyone’s margin for error.
Read articleI’ll compare tire-insert setups for rocky rides, explain how they affect pressure, weight, installation, and rim protection, and help you tune the system so added security doesn’t turn your wheels into a lifeless, overly damped pair of hoops.
Read articleLong backcountry rides reward a bike set up for comfort, dependable carrying capacity, and efficient fatigue management rather than maximum speed. I’ll show you which adjustments and supplies matter most, so you can improve reliability without buying a pile of unnecessary gear.
Read articleI’ll show you how to choose a sensible tubeless tire-pressure starting point for rides that mix sharp rocks, exposed roots, and hardpack, then make small test adjustments without falling into the common trap of chasing one perfect number.
Read articleI’ll help you choose a sensible starting pressure for wet, rooty trails, then adjust it for your weight, tires, rims, and riding style without trading short-term grip for long-term damage.
Read articleSharp rocks can turn a comfortable hardpack setup into rim strikes, vague steering, or damaged tires. I’ll show you how to choose a sensible tubeless starting pressure and adjust it without sacrificing cornering grip.
Read articleRider weight changes sag, spring rate, damping, and sometimes the hardware supporting a mountain bike. I’ll explain which adjustments you can make between riding partners, which require parts, and how to reduce handling and safety risks.
Read articleI’ll clarify why your riding weight includes water, tools, and protective gear, then show you how to measure rear-shock sag consistently. You’ll learn when to repeat the setup and how to avoid chasing pressure changes caused by a different pack load.
Read articleI’ll help you choose a sensible starting pressure for tubeless mountain bike tires, then adjust it for your weight, tire size, terrain, and rim protection needs. The goal is fewer burps, rim strikes, and wasted sealant without giving up useful grip.
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