1st long ride with my new (used) sugar

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I purchased a 2002 Sugar 1 about a month ago and took it for a 24 mile ride with about 1200' of climbing here in Napa, CA.

18 miles of the ride were flat and on paved rodes. Things got interesting once in Skyline park though; all of the climbing happened in less than two miles of gravel trails that feel like sand. The decent was alot of off camber, very rocky and steep single track. I've never ridden on trials like this or owned a dual suspension bike for that matter.

The Sugar is definitely a cross country machine with its low bars and short travel suspension. I have a feeling it was a little out of its element on the decent.

That said, anyone have any advise for setting this bike up? I think I have it dialed in ok. My riding style is more fast xc, not technical stuff. Basically I guess I want more confidence in steep decents. However, 80mm of fork travel just may not be enough.

1200' feet of climbing in 2 miles in sand :eek:
Dude, you are the sh!t! :rolleyes:

lol thanks. actually it's not sand its big loose gravel. almost looks like shale.

i guess once upon a time the trail used to be big loose rocks but after all the rains and flooding here they opted to change it to gravel (i think horses like it? the equestrians have alot of influence). it rides like sand in that you have to spin a low gear really fast and maintain your momentum to not get stuck in it. there is still hardpack dirt on the trail but for some reason the gravel seems to be where the steeper parts are =/

that said, i went back yesterday. i made a few adjustments to my suspension since i was able to locate owners manuals online. i think i just need a higher bar position. im already at the top of the steerer. guess ill have to send it to marzocchi to have a new one pressed in.

id still like input from other xc riders though on how to set up a plush yet efficient ride.

Just swap out stems or install riser bars to get your hands higher. You don't need to send the fork back.

Also I believe that bike will allow you to move the shock lower in the rocker link for additional travel.


lol thanks. actually it's not sand its big loose gravel. almost looks like shale.

i guess once upon a time the trail used to be big loose rocks but after all the rains and flooding here they opted to change it to gravel (i think horses like it? the equestrians have alot of influence). it rides like sand in that you have to spin a low gear really fast and maintain your momentum to not get stuck in it. there is still hardpack dirt on the trail but for some reason the gravel seems to be where the steeper parts are =/

that said, i went back yesterday. i made a few adjustments to my suspension since i was able to locate owners manuals online. i think i just need a higher bar position. im already at the top of the steerer. guess ill have to send it to marzocchi to have a new one pressed in.

id still like input from other xc riders though on how to set up a plush yet efficient ride.

To be confortable on steeps you need to move your centre of gravity back on the bike. This can be done by using a shorter stem and riser bars. The problem with this set is you compromise your set up for climb and flats.

More confort on the steeps can be also be achieved by some simple adjustments. A simple thing like lowering your seat can allow you to get your weight further back. It is amazing how much easier steep are with a lower seat.