She Rode Her First Black MTB Trail On An E-Bike

[@PaulThePunter]

Yup you saw correctly - you can now get a riding jersey by hitting this link right here 👉 bit.ly/PunterStore

[@joehubbell5013]

+5 horsepower guaranteed

[@Basement_CNC]

i think her breakpads are close to their end this often also increases a feeling of lack of control

[@josh_on_bikes]

Nice modeling!

[@Pitstopcomponents]

My experience says, it is more difficult to learn on a heavy Bike, than something Light and good controlable...it feels more pleasant to be able pull the Bike away from something you will be sure to crash... like going to fast and almost send out of a curve... and the distance of Braking is shorter too... i dont like Ebikes for sending Trails downwards...especialy when going fast...

[@jacklancaster1445]

Are you riding for Scott again

[@dvaughn22]

Having RA and still Mountain Biking is hardcore. Even with heavy medication tons of people are debilitated by it eventually. Props to her.

[@followmylines]

Totally, I’ve got a bad form of it called Ankylosing Spondalitis. Some days I can barely walk. Riding bikes helps and I grab my ebike on bad flare up days. People think I’m lazy for it, but I probably ride more than most because it’s the best way to make me feel better.

[@zeldafreak2318]

@@followmylines Same deal here I was diagnosed at 15 (31 now) with R.A. and A.S. on my worst days when I can barely move I start with a bike ride, as long as I don't push it too hard and send the inflammation of my joints into overdrive it always makes me loosen up, to quote BKXC "pain and pleasure" pain before(and during) but later that day I can live my daily life w/o feeling like death, ....... pleasure. A.S. blows but I'm super stoked that MTB can help to keep this debilitating disease at bay and spread joy as a hobby and lifestyle! (p.s. R.A. and A.S. combined hate the idea of life, trust, I don't know what I would be without my bike!!!!!!!)

[@followmylines]

@@zeldafreak2318 I’ve been on Humira giving myself injections twice a month over the last 7 years. I’m 43 and hanging in there pretty well. I still have flare ups that hit me like a ton of bricks! Keep riding on.

[@jankoepf9085]

No way guys I've got RA too and biking helped me out of it. I didn't even know there were as many people bikes and having RA. When I got I couldn't even move outside my bed for 3 months but when my medication made it possible I got on my bike and it's been like 13 months since and I'm almost healed despite having it in my right hip and knee and left shoulder and elbow. Nice to hear there's people dealing with the same stuff. Just turned 20 btw.

[@DeadsetYT]

This is such a cool series! I'm learning lots of little things that will for sure help me be better on the trails. Cheers!!

[@PaulThePunter]

Glad to help!

[@elyhim]

I have to hand it to you, these are incredibly useful videos that all new mtb'ers should watch. Possibly the most informative about suspension and set up in ways new riders can understand and letting them speak with their own words is great. These are great videos!

[@PaulThePunter]

Thanks!

[@JB50713]

I LOVE the direction you've taken your channel Paul! These are great to watch.

[@norman-str3ss88]

My wife's got the same condition, tried Mountainbiking with her, but she just feels every bump in her wrists... :/ but nice that it works for some...

[@PaulThePunter]

Sorry to hear! Hopefully she finds a solution.

[@willwaters9309]

I wonder if Revgrips would help? I've never tried them and I don't have anything to do with the company, but they are suspended from the bar itself to help with shock. The claims seem ambitious but people who use them seem to swear by them. OneUp bars are pretty flexy. There's also Fasst Flexx bars too which are an interesting solution.

[@chameleonpogono]

I have RA and mountain bike. If she is really wanting to keep biking, I have some suggestions, if you want. Being that RA is different for each person and I'm not sure how advanced her condition is, I don't know if my suggestions would help. As the previous person suggested, I've heard good things about Revgrips, but I've never used them. I use ESI super chunky grips. Can try Spank Spike vibrocore handlebar. Having a higher rise on the handlebar helps relieve pressure on the upper body.. Tire inserts, like Cushcore, help reduce shock. Just a few suggestions.

[@OTWW]

2019 Lyric forks has this issue where they don't fully extend. Rock Shock introduced a modification to the air piston to fix this. It costs arround $30.

[@christieclaypool7667]

I like the idea of walking a section of trail and practicing body position without the bike. I'm going to practice this on a jump line I've been sessioning. Thanks for the tip! 😊👍

[@PaulThePunter]

Give it a try and let me know if it helps!

[@christieclaypool7667]

@@PaulThePunter sure thing! Thanks for the quick reply and for the videos. 😊

[@tbgiw]

It’s great you’re doing this with less experienced riders and it’s so great to see people getting better. If you’re ever in Ireland I’ll happily be your guinea pig! 😂

[@aeromtb2468]

i have similar condition, and my RA DR is happy I’m mtb biking just as long as I keep crashes to minimum at Northstar. keep on riding its a great activity to do for life!!!

[@bigben037]

This series is amazing. Great work! Looking forward to future episodes :-)

[@rextilian]

you are making a difference one ride and rider at a time! love the grassroots feel of this series. pedal power to the people paul!

[@spin2win721]

Roadie at heart. Just started EMTB just to change things up. Love this series. Keep it up dude! Definitely learning something with every video.

[@PaulThePunter]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for stopping by :)

[@rcranston3]

Really liking these. Fun watching people at about my skill level kick it up a notch.

[@HEIPPI]

A fellow MTB'r with arthritis, there's some of us out there :D

[@PaulThePunter]

Nice work!

[@followmylines]

Me too... some days are better than others!

[@HEIPPI]

@@followmylines Definitely, pretty fortunate to still have the possibility to do the only sport I love even though my wrists are all kinds of messed up.

[@brianraymen3085]

Im from the UK 65 yrs old i have RA in both wrists and thumbs joints very painful when holding the bar but i still get out there not so much these days but still enjoy what im doing, down side is the small rock gardens for me my hands take a battering, a good video Paul.

[@justinlemire9025]

I love these video's man, I'm a pretty timid rider and these have been great for my confidence! Can't wait for the better days to get out and ride again

[@1067148]

Just so you know, older debonair spring on the form had the seal position a little lower than the dimple inside the chassis. I think they solved that in 2020. These fork had a tendency to sit lower in the travel because of how the positive and negative air chamber equalized. I think is is what may be happening here.

[@PaulThePunter]

It’s a 2020 fork :)

[@dackzy404]

@@PaulThePunter That's the "issue" it's the 2021, not the 2020 one that has this issue fixed

[@lexusstefan927]

Me reading the title: "They had us in the first half not gonna lie"

[@marksman857]

Again awesome video... love the way you explain and teach

[@PaulThePunter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gregdavey4261]

I am 60. Would love to do Boogie Nights on Seymour. Could use some coaching. I like your style! Can we connect.

[@al-vz8cn]

10 psi wtf

[@ShreddinDirtyOutdoorAdventures]

Great job on helping her build her confidence! It’s great to see experienced riders working with new riders, it’s one of my favorite things to do with new riders, Teach them to be confident, safe and understand their bike more. Great video friend

[@doubletrackdodger2512]

I think everyone needs something like this... all I know is that my air pressure in my tires is between 20-40, and my fork pressure is a little more stiffer than it should be so I have more control 😂

[@HalBran]

Love this series Paul! Kudos on the face covering and distance as well!

[@PaulThePunter]

Thanks a ton!

[@DW-dl7bk]

Love these videos Paul. You're a genuinely nice person and it shows 👍

[@PaulThePunter]

Gahhh thanks :)

[@NanoDex]

I bet you my hand is accurate within 2psi on a tire I know :P

[@PaulThePunter]

I bet it isn't 😉

[@Basement_CNC]

i bet 5$ on paul

[@frankthetankricard]

I never needed or wanted a pressure gauge, I always go by feel, but it's certain that I can't tell my tire pressure by hand very accurately and I doubt anyone can get close to 2 psi accuracy. I have a vague idea but knowing the number is not necessary. I can roughly estimate how that feeling in my hand will translate to the bike's handling. Still I can't fault anyone who relies on a gauge instead. Just don't pick a number and stick to it for life, conditions can change. By the way I'd get in on that bet if you guys want to make a video out of it. :)

[@jamesconnell323]

I have arthritis too. My knees hurt if I walk but I can ride a bike all day. Take care of your hands in crashes, I messed a finger up and I can’t bend it all the way now.

[@jailbreakoverlander]

wow paul, you made this sound so complex, when it isnt.

[@andrec.136]

I like the way you reinforce body position and the importance of keeping your torso as stable as possible. It's only after you explained this in another video that I fully understood why I lost my front wheel in an left hander berm. I was kinda steep and the lack of confidence caused me to put my weight too far back. Also what I noticed before you mentioned it was that I had my bars rolled too far back. I had raised the bars before which effectively gave me less room (because of the head angle) and put me in an out of control position when hanging off the back. I since then analyzed the situation and rolled the bars forward to regain the room. Now its way more comfortable.

[@roaldtrainor468]

Loving these videos Paul very entertaining

[@jonathanwilliams5976]

Great work. I love this series. I wish more mtb'rs did this.

[@standardbuilt340]

Just food for thought, that suck down in that Lyrik is common in a lot of RockShox forks. My Lyrik and Pike did it until I installed an updated airshaft that moved the point the seal passed that equalization port in the lowers. Cheap upgrade that any shop and most DIY'ers can do!

[@PaulThePunter]

Yup, called up a rock shox service center and this was the new air cartridge

[@standardbuilt340]

@@PaulThePunter yeah I was in the same boat. Ran my serial on my Pike and it was supposed to have the updated air piston. Pulled it apart, no red footnut/piston. Was disappointed to say the least

[@AdamMock]

Loved everything about this. Nikki did great and seeing her build her confidence is inspiring. Love watching your kindness as you drop knowledge to developing riders. ✌🏼🤟🏼

[@chameleonpogono]

As someone who bikes and has RA, it was very nice seeing how patient you were and setting up the bike. Bike setup is huge for comfort while riding. Looks like she was able to put more weight down with her upper body. I cannot do that as much cause of pain in my wrists and elbow. Each person with RA is a little different than the next. Good for her getting out and riding!

[@vroom6591]

E bikes are great , nice video 👍

[@markRUshredding]

So cool to watch someone progress, conquer fears and ride new tech features. So stoked for Nikki. Great coaching Paul.

[@TheCrashingDad]

I'm LOVING this series... hear me out. Seriously. Name Change idea: "Coach Paul" 😎

[@PaulThePunter]

Haha nooooooo. Punter for life my dude.

[@jrsuk1170]

Seriously though why is it punter. I thought it was a brass house review channel at first.

[@J_Harker]

@@jrsuk1170 a punter is a person who takes gambles and risks

[@jrsuk1170]

@@J_Harker Yep I know that. But in UK slang it can also be used to describe the customer of a prostitute.

[@brendan1]

Paul the Coacher?

[@downhilldummy8091]

Definitely a great instructor. You hit the nail on the head with teaching others how to do things... anything. And what’s up with the only yellow Jersey....? Canary yellow at that.... shit. 😂

[@servidig483]

Do more for women riders, it's for sure a growing audience

[@stewartbibb]

These sessions videos are some of the best work you have done ✔. It is fantastic to watch people succeed. Continue to keep it simple....

[@liveintransit3783]

These lesson videos are excellent.

[@piggycool8615]

I have arthritis as well and riding my bikes helps with it a lot

[@DavidSmith-wy5js]

Great to watch how you helped with her progression over the day, never crossed my mind to dry walk the route many times.

[@GoodTrails]

The last one was good but I liked this one more!

[@EthanAdey]

I would do that on my 15 year old Walmart mtb

[@davidboucher4535]

A lot of beginners don’t understand that speed in most cases is your friend, it allows you keep body position because your not getting jolted around on rocks and roots. Your suspension setup is key to traction and control with speed, great that your getting that set before you hit the trail!!!!!!

[@CosgroveNotts]

Blooming thing is a write off. Nicky wouldn't have a clue about the changes lol, same as me

[@isaacastin3894]

Love the vids wish you could set up my bike for me

[@PaulThePunter]

Maybe one day!

[@islandaerial3414]

Observation: You aren't really a 'punter' any longer...

[@bananasstuff3344]

very true, he's getting a lot better.

[@iliketoridebikes]

Are you sure the fork suck isn't just the B1 spring? It's pretty well documented that you "lose" the first 10mm of travel with the B1 spring

[@PaulThePunter]

I called them up and asked that exact question! The suspension techs told me it doesn’t do it anymore...who knows. That’s why I said to take it to a service shop :)

[@iliketoridebikes]

@@PaulThePunter Well regardless, this series is great and I love seeing you spread the stoke!

[@Basement_CNC]

guys everyone thinking about their poor rs fork, this is normal on roxkshox forks with the debon air spring , caused by the neg air spring and if you want to change it its 40€ for the new aurspring kit (2021 my) dont worry its fine 🤣😅

[@PaulThePunter]

Well I actually called up Fluid Function who are the ultimate in Rockshox specialists and they said it doesn't do that any more. I'd always get it checked! Maybe they got confused about the year of the fork I was talking about...

[@Will99x]

Yeah i agree. Although reviews for the 2021 air spring generally say it's a backwards step, in terms of being less supple, due to it sitting higher. 2021 damper is an improvement though

[@GoodJobbuddyOfficial]

It could also be wayyyy too much grease on the air shaft. That's common on fox and rockshox forks, it can reduce air chamber volume and clog the transfer ports causing the pos/neg chambers to not equalize. If there's a vacuum in the neg it would suck the fork down as shown in this video

[@tomsadventures1001]

Great job on the coaching. Do you ever place a stick or small rock on where you want people to look when cleaning a section ?

[@themtber3912]

👍

[@CharlieVanLiew]

I love these videos. As a newer rider, it has me craving this kind of mentorship. I live in a mtb community in Wenatchee WA and really want to be able to do this for my kids as my skill grows. What a fun sport!

[@TheButlerNZ]

A year.... Really.... only a year... I've been riding bikes since the 70's, trail bikes since the mid 80's and actually paying attention to MTB's for more than a year (had a really good spec bike from around 2000 that is still better than a lot of starter spec bikes but didn't use it to it's potential)... and Nikki is passing me... with Arthritis... I just ride like I have. Next Paul will have her doing doubles and I guess I'll just retire...

[@boggybigpants9462]

Cracking vid mate 👍🇬🇧

[@andrewslipperbrown3809]

@Paul the punter Not sure if someone already mentioned this, but that whole sag issue is a known thing on any RockShox forks running the 'old' debonair air spring! Super annoying but cheap to fix!! Loving this series! Canna tow me down a Double Black this summer? Lol Cheers mate!

[@karlosxzy]

15/13PSI is still really low for an ebike. I'd usually recommend 20/18PSI min for an average 70kg rider on a standard weight eMTB with plus tyres.

[@lonelymtbrider3369]

Some fork suckdown is normal if it has debon air because it is 100% pneumatically balanced and does not settle against an end stop. Please don't run to the LBS if your debon air fork has a tiny bit of suckdown because that's normal. But hey, there is a downgrade called debon air C1, it actually makes the fork sit at "0". :-)

[@dazholi]

I love the jersey displaying hands 😂

[@bananna856]

LOL E-BIKES, THE ULTIMATE SYMBOLS OF LAZYNESS!

[@oldman1037]

Walking and planning is also an excellent way to train beginners into riding motor bikes off road (general all around term) smooth and evert less lets you ride much longer with less energy. Good Stuff! My back injury has kept me away from this sport :(

[@jordidiego3391]

You can fix that issue with the fork sucking the bars using a small miedium zip tie. Use the rounded edge and very carefully introduce it in between the seal and tger bar, once you brake the air seal of the negative chamber pressures equalize and stops sucking the bars, then gently remove the zip tie. I've done it a couple of times after replacing the seals and it worked fine. Be gentle with the zip tie if you do it with care you wont brake the seals.

[@LuluBejot]

😊This is a great mtb video! I believe in you, you just earned a new subscribers

[@3mtech]

I'm waiting for 250cc assist bike that wiil eliminate pedal bob going uphill and make manuals a breeze

[@toddstrelow1213]

Liking the new series Paul. Keep it up. Just tried to buy a new jersey as they look great! but postage to Australia was way too much. Sorry mate!

[@Frindleeguy]

Excuse me, sir, but this video is fantastic. Thank you. And good job Nikki!

[@ethigod9381]

Damn! Your videos make me to want me to buy a DH-bike and to go out to ride some black trails. Kinda awesome^^'

[@BGbikeandski]

I rode my first black diamond trail as my second trail ever😂im just suprised it took a year and a half

[@ola_tosia_gaming_official]

anyone else think her bike sounds like it's trying to communicate with R2D2?

[@ajlongworth69]

can you come to Australia and teach me Paul your great at showing the different options to try awesome video

[@thedoomslayer3698]

At my bike park the black trail that I like to do is a black tech trail and the trail is like the width of the tire and it's so sketchy but stupidly fun

[@meibing4912]

How to avoid getting onto "Friday Fails". Too many there trying stuff they are not ready for.

[@puncturefilms6186]

the fork may be just sitting further in its travel if it’s a 170 cause of how rock shox is

[@Joe-wi9qz]

Great video Paul, have you done a MTB instructor's course?

[@peterharris3096]

Good instruction, quick leaner very good to watch.

[@dazzastuart1923]

i have arthritis aswell, i wish i had an e bike for those climbs i just walk em and take a 10 min break lmaooo

[@stamy1]

B2 air spring sucks down by default.

[@setransou]

Paul, Rockshox forks are notorious for sucking down into their travel without any weight. It’s really obnoxious and Rockshox will feign ignorance to the issue but it is definitely a problem with their Debonair spring.

[@bananasstuff3344]

I have heard that they have actually offered a solution. Although for money, it's a start.

[@shaquilleoatmeal2654]

is it just me or do people like this need to learn on a hardtail I think someone like nikki could learn her skills faster.

[@chris-murray]

Such a great series, well done! and well done Nikki!

[@davidv6803]

Paul I need you to teach me these skills!! great job

[@martinwillcox6652]

Great explanation of a how too video cheers Paul the Punter

[@adventureknan]

Come to Ontario and help me out with some coaching! Great series so far!

[@Benhutchie22386]

Loving these videos Paul!

[@EdLo.]

10 psi in the front very very very low lets bump it up to 13

[@jonhale6918]

Nice one nikki, i couldn't walk down that let alone ride down :/

[@cornishcactus]

You've dropped the stem in both videos now. I've got mine at the full stock height as it came as my thinking is if I'm on something steep I want the bike to feel flatter even if that's only 10mm ( because why wouldn't 10 degree flatter have as big of an effect on feel as 10mm weight shift? ) I've seen a quick test which is to get rolling and stand tall on the bike with your hands just hovering over the grips, if you feel yourself trying to fall forwards or backwards your spacers need to adjust to find that hover point. Yay or Nay?

[@PaulThePunter]

Hmmmm not really. You want to be centred on the bike regardless of how steep down or up you’re going. The most important thing is to not feel disconnected from the front wheel.

[@seeker6755]

Thats the most awesome bike ive seen in my entire life. I want one :(

[@jinda8897]

I'm learning so much. Great series!

[@ChefIan73]

This is another great video Paul! RA is NO JOKE, and can be completely debilitating. I have several friends who suffer with this. So to see her not only on an MTB but also concurring a black trail is awesome. Keep up the great work.

[@groengm2012]

Favourite comment don’t go a million miles an hour

[@memereview1579]

that old debonair spring got stuck down

[@Nit2315]

Almost all Lyrik, Pike and Revelation with the previous Debonair spring (2019) are a bit ''sucked'' on the sag ;)

[@madmaxmtb4674]

Love this series! I've learned so much from just these two episodes. I never thought of walking each section first. I will definitely be doing that on my local black diamond trail that kicks my butt every time. I would really like to see you do an in depth video on suspension tuning techniques, tire pressures and handlebar heights and angles. Seems like that alone makes such a difference and to be honest, I have no idea where to start. Thanks for all you do!

[@Nachiios]

Coolio

[@slowrvr]

Nice work Nikki, great progress! These are great Paul, you're 100% correct the we need to stop an analyze features more often.

[@carlosmaligat788]

What app was he using to measure the angle on those levers?

[@ChrisLeadley]

Great video, I think these tutorials are a great idea. Also hope Brian (bkxc) appreciates the product placement :D

[@D91Mart]

Wish that was the same for me, “your much better than you think you are”. I’m actually much worse then I think I am that’s how I ended up in the ER 🤣🤣🤣