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.
Sticky clay changes the balance between grip, tire support, and clean steering. I’ll explain how pressure, casing, tread, and riding technique work together so you can make sensible adjustments without turning a muddy ride into a tire or trail-damage problem.
Read articleCold, firm trails can make a familiar tire setup feel harsh, skittish, or vulnerable to punctures. I’ll show you how to adjust pressure methodically for temperature, tire construction, rider weight, and changing hardpack conditions.
Read articleCleat position affects how your foot, knee, and hip share pedaling forces, so small changes matter more than forcing a textbook stance. I’ll show you a cautious minimalist setup for clipless pedals and explain which discomfort signals a fit adjustment or professional help.
Read articleLong seated climbs can leave your wrists bent, your index fingers slow to the levers, or your hands crowded by poorly positioned controls. I’ll explain how lever angle and control-body position change comfort and braking access, then help you choose a sensible compromise for rolling terrain.
Read articleI’ll explain how a lighter rider’s air pressure and suspension forces affect useful rebound settings, then show you a repeatable way to tune your fork and shock by symptoms and trail testing rather than copying one supposedly perfect number.
Read articleWhen the fork feels vague under braking but becomes punishing over roots, compression damping may not be the real problem. I’ll show you how to make controlled low-speed adjustments while separating damping changes from spring-rate, air-pressure, and tire issues.
Read articleI’ll compare a quick cable-and-housing service with a deeper internal dropper inspection, showing how to reduce friction, set reliable tension, and decide when a sluggish post needs manufacturer-specific service instead.
Read articleAfter a season of rain, humidity, heat, or freezing temperatures, your bike may look ready while hidden wear says otherwise. I’ll show you how to prioritize safety-critical checks, spot corrosion early, and decide what needs cleaning, adjustment, or professional attention.
Read articleFresh leaves can turn a familiar trail into a surface-reading problem, hiding roots, rocks, and slick drainage lines. I’ll explain how speed, vision, braking, and line choice work together so you can ride autumn-covered trails with more control.
Read articleDeep pine needles reward a different approach than firm dirt: less steering input, better speed control, and more attention to what lies underneath. I’ll explain the first adjustments that help you keep the front wheel tracking through loose forest surfaces.
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