Well done,mate! Absolute, meticulously brilliant explainations ! Might I suggest an idea for you to attract more views and followers : could incorporate somehow a video of yours, explaining how to choose proper bike size and geometry... (measurements, adjustments, etc...). Some people are having shorter or longer legs, arms... This could be great! Good luck and all the best !!
@evh226 күн бұрын
Great vid Ben - mid 40s now this has been really helpful thank you
@jillianjob50248 күн бұрын
I'm three years out from crashing and breaking my elbow clean off the bone. I still struggle with confidence. I think the biggest thing I was missing was just accepting it. I beat myself up all the time for not being as ballsy as I was before I had the injury. it's especially hard when people who used to be worse than you are leagues better than you now. I need to just accept it!
@MTB4RNR9 күн бұрын
Neck injury took me out for about a year. Have been wanting to get back into it but my fitness level has plummeted and so has my confidence.
@BlackMan6149 күн бұрын
Just wait until 60.
@carlosbarragan672917 күн бұрын
ive been on a medium for a year and it handles like a dream. 5.8' 150 lbs. what bottle/cage combo do you have here? i haven't been able to fit anything on mine. thxs
@thestrengthfactory.17 күн бұрын
@@carlosbarragan6729 specialized SWAT side loading cage and any 500ml bottle. 👍🏻
@thestrengthfactory.18 күн бұрын
Probably the best email you'll receive on a Tuesday: MTB Momentum Sign Up..... thestrengthfactory.uk/mtb-momentum/
@user-hy9dn7fi2z19 күн бұрын
Hello. I've been watching your wonderful channel for a long time. I am also the owner of a Vitus Sommet 29 l. Can you please tell me how the angle of the seat tube will change if the flip chip is bolted up and down? Now the flip chip bolt is at the top. What is the current gkometry of the bike? I can’t figure it out, because... On the website only some indicators are indicated and changes in the angle of the seat tube are absent
@thestrengthfactory.19 күн бұрын
Hey mate, no worries. I don't know exactly, but basically if the head angle steepens by putting the chip in the high setting, then the seat angle also steepens. Probably by a similar amount. About 0.5 degrees. The website is still live and geo section pretty well laid out: vitusbikes.com/collections/sommet/products/vitus-sommet-290-crs-mountain-bike-07e7
@msm62420 күн бұрын
If you believe this guy, you're a fool.
@thestrengthfactory.19 күн бұрын
@@msm624 explain? Why? Have you ridden them? Why am I still riding them a year later then? I prefer them. I think they’re faster.
@msm62419 күн бұрын
@@thestrengthfactory. you can think and feel all you want, but you're not faster
@msm62419 күн бұрын
And exactly what is your experience and history with mtb? Are you an experienced racer ?
@thestrengthfactory.19 күн бұрын
@@msm624 except my Strava and race results would say different 🫣
@thestrengthfactory.19 күн бұрын
@@msm624 riding since 1995. Spent 8 years doing bike reviews and product testing for MBUK and Wideopen here in the UK. But you’re right. I don’t have a clue. 🤷🏼♀️Have a great day. Don’t forget to subscribe 👍🏻
@msm62420 күн бұрын
This is totally rubish
@thestrengthfactory.19 күн бұрын
@@msm624 😂😂😂👍🏻
@danielray155822 күн бұрын
I’ve just moved to Arizona and the climbs here are so much harder than where I lived before. I appreciate this video because I need all the help I can get
@thestrengthfactory.22 күн бұрын
Nice one, cheers mate. What an opportunity to step up your game though! Do you get snakes on the trail too? Honest question.
@spikeymike26723 күн бұрын
My local nemesis climb is out of Watendlath on the Borrowdale bash, still haven’t cleaned it after 19 years trying. Still love trying it though!
@thestrengthfactory.22 күн бұрын
Wow, that sounds pretty epic. Do you know anyone who has done it?
@9entax23 күн бұрын
You didn't really make it clear (apart from riding one in the video) how an ebike can help those starting from a low base. It is a real challenge and very frustrating to have your hr jump above z2 and her out of breath on every hill. An ebike can allow you to keep cycling while in z2. An added factor is because they are fun to ride you are more likely to go out for a fun cycle than spend an hour on a boring spin bike
@thestrengthfactory.23 күн бұрын
Totally agree. They are a great tool for Zone 2 training as you have so much control over your intensity.
@thestrengthfactory.23 күн бұрын
Any tips of your own to share? Any Jedi level tech climbers out there?
@unknownKnownunknowns23 күн бұрын
Agree. Gym work has definitely helped raise my FTP.
@thestrengthfactory.23 күн бұрын
@@unknownKnownunknowns 👍🏻👍🏻
@MrJFunk23 күн бұрын
You pump that tire really fast 😂 Thanks for all the tips!! Been super busy with work but need to go back to fitness and conditioning.
@thestrengthfactory.23 күн бұрын
@@MrJFunk years of practice mate!! Check out the online programmes if you want to get back on it. Cheers. Ben.
@karlnurmi353027 күн бұрын
57 now. This video obviously resonates with me. Noticed last winter fatbiking that after riding an event with ‘fast’ friends (pace was pushing me the whole ride) I seemed to unlock the next level of fitness and speed by mistake. Was an eye opener. Plan on starting a mobility and strength program now too. Already suffering a stiff lower back. Hip flexors need work. Subscribed so keep the content coming!
@thestrengthfactory.26 күн бұрын
@@karlnurmi3530 nice one mate. Check this out too. Loads of handy stuff to help you out…. thestrengthfactory.uk/over-40s-free-guide/
@VexaraxАй бұрын
Ooooooh that’s where the thing is. I had no idea how to make the machine go “harder” and only use the gym at like midnight so couldn’t ask anyone 😅
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
@@Vexarax 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@VexaraxАй бұрын
@@thestrengthfactory. nooo I just got back from the gym - I couldn’t find any nobs to make it harder 😭 I was on it for 30 mins and didn’t feel anything - no heart race increase. Ended up just doing level 15 incline on the treadmill instead. I wish I could work out how to make the rowing machine function!?
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
@@Vexarax maybe google the specific brand they have there?
@VexaraxАй бұрын
@@thestrengthfactory. yeah definitely! it’s called Elite Fitness Pro I tried having a quick Google in the gym but I’m going to have to watch some KZfaq videos :D definitely need more resistance as my core is already very strong (can do 100+ weighted sit-ups easily as a petite 5’2 female etc). My core strength may be making the rowing machine less effective so hopefully I can work out how to turn the resistance up - not using the feet strap things either as I heard that makes it more challenging 🙏🏻
@davidenglish2003Ай бұрын
Pedal strikes can also damage your motor.
@thombatty1950Ай бұрын
I had a stroke lastr October. Cycling has always been a passion, but the hills around my home were too much for me. Using the e-bike to get started again was a life saver. I'm back on analog most of the time now, but still pull out the ebike oon days I'm feeling weak.
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
@@thombatty1950 great to hear you back to riding
@Sto79BeАй бұрын
Jesus Christ, as a novice looking for local places to start i guess I’ll keep clear of here with you about thinking everyone should just stop and get out of your way all the time! Maybe you should try a more intermediate or expert route that’s not shared with us annoying less experienced people getting in your way next time?
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
'Excuse me please, do you mind if I squeeze past,' is pretty polite if you ask me and then I waited for a safe place. I am never rude to people on the trails. Sometimes people overtake me around here and I move over when there is a space. This happens more often now as many people E-Bike around the trails here too. You just let them know you are there politely..... like I did. You should try AC - it is a lovely place to ride.
@unknownKnownunknownsАй бұрын
Love riding intervals outside. Debating getting power meter pedals for this to stay in zone. What are your thoughts?
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
Hey Steven I have never used power meter pedals but previously had a Stages power crank on a road bike. I would say that to make it worth the investment of cash, you will need to put a lot of effort into your education to properly understand power training and how to utilise it. This would be my go to resource: amzn.to/3SeKvFz
@unknownKnownunknownsАй бұрын
@@thestrengthfactory. thank you !
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
@@unknownKnownunknowns No worries
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
Hey, don't forget to sign up to MTB Momentum........ thestrengthfactory.uk/mtb-momentum/
@timmcdowell3097Ай бұрын
Excellent video, many thanks for posting this 👊
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
Cheers mate
@TheObserver567Ай бұрын
Very helpful
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
Cheers mate
@madetowin1612Ай бұрын
There is a paradoxical way: ride moderately intensely, but periodically stop for a short rest of 5-10 minutes. For the most part, I rode like this for the first 3 years (often group rides) and progressed very quickly. I rarely drove slowly... At least these were long rides of 30-50-70 km or more. We just stopped relatively often to wait for those lagging behind and recovered at this time)). And yes, I had an aerobic base in the form of 2 years of running before getting into cycling;) I am not persuading anyone to use this method. ) Ok... Now i trying to use more classical training🗿
@madetowin1612Ай бұрын
Very glad what YT recommend your's super useful videos! I must see this earlies. I conspect maximum what i understand. ❤❤❤. Like and subscribed🤷🏼♂️😼🚵 49 years old, and 4 years last training mtb XC. 😊
@thestrengthfactory.Ай бұрын
Cheers mate. Glad you like them.
@mariametkoАй бұрын
Your audio is too low 😵
@twowheelsondirt2 ай бұрын
Great video Ben, straight and to the point without any fluff. As a coach I will be recommending this video to my clients. Thx!
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Legend - Really appreciate that mate.
@lukesince892 ай бұрын
Ben... I love your videos. But... man... that tash has gotta go 😅
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Yeah that's what my wife said too. It was a race moustache that I grew to make me faster. After the race (and my best ever result!!) I shaved it off. I think it worked.
@oneorangecap2 ай бұрын
Building up your standing fitness is fun to see grow over time. I had a hill I would have to climb for a commute home from work. And I always used it to build standing climbing endurance. It was great victory to climb the whole thing standing out of the saddle. It made me a stronger biker.
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Exactly this. I had a bar job in about 2001 and after my shift I would stand up pedal my BMX up this huge hill at about 1 in the morning. It was brutal! haha.
@charliewilliams55892 ай бұрын
Awesome tips Ben :) Firing a Cannon from Canoe lol! love it
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
haha, no worries mate.
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Any questions? Just drop them below and I'll get back to you. Complete MTB Programme: thestrengthfactory.uk/complete-mtb-programme/
@charlieoscar092 ай бұрын
You jumped the start .....
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
haha. The countdown is a guideline. Clock starts when you cross the beam just down the trail!
@kussimtb35462 ай бұрын
Which hub/freewheel with how many grid points do you use? Thanks
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Nukeproof Horizon wheels. I don't know how many points of engagement it has. To be honest I think that the whole quick engagement thing is all just marketing nonsense! Just my opinion though. B
@dirtycommtroop2 ай бұрын
I really thought i'd be able to leave my current bike with the factory build. First, I really want to try shorter cranks. Second, any dropper that isnt PNW blows.
@christineharrington35732 ай бұрын
Been training 6 mo for 3 days of trans BC. HR still spikes into 160-170's on anything more than a moderate climb. Been doing all of these things - strength, long rides, intervals, resting, lots of protein... not sure where I'm going wrong. It's encouraging to hear that I can still make gains this last month before the race! It's a little discouraging as a female mountain biker when content is so clearly bro-focused, though. Clearly there's no ill intent behind it, just sharing some food for thought.
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Hey Christine that does sound a bit frustrating if you’ve been working hard and ticking all the boxes. A women’s training video is on my to do list. Promise 👍🏻
@hogeandrew2 ай бұрын
Just ordered a set (165) thanks to the video for my S-works Turbo Levo
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Nice... let me know how you get on.
@ashokhargovan96032 ай бұрын
This topic drives me insane. My bike came with 175mm cranks as standard. I want to give shorter cranks a try... not brave enough to drop straight down to 165mm so I'm looking for 170mm, specifically Shimano XT because the rest of my groupset is Shimano. No one seems to have stock where I'm from. Even 170mm SLX is impossible to find. Its either I wait for stock (who knows for how long) or give the 165s a shot. Everytime I see a video about crank length, I immediately look at my 175mm cranks in disgust. Lol
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
😂😂😂 good luck on your quest!!
@hambo762 ай бұрын
I wonder if I can try this with a frozen shoulder? I can reach about 60 degrees but not 90 as needed for a military press.
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Can only try!
@user-dc2do1hj6n2 ай бұрын
Such an effective movement👌
@CHIEFSFAN19692 ай бұрын
This is fantastic! Thank you!
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
No worries
@andriy_moskalyk2 ай бұрын
FastCo Flexx bars are really a game changer. Especially for DH
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Thanks mate, I'll check them out.
@NRWorkbar2 ай бұрын
HI Sir! How can i contact with you?
@LaurentiusTriarius2 ай бұрын
Jumping is cool looking and quite fun, I really enjoy it, but it's a very calculated risk no backflip that's for sure. Is it worth it? Probably not 😂
@thestrengthfactory.2 ай бұрын
Yes, it's all about balancing risk and reward for sure.
@TrailBoundco3 ай бұрын
I’ve been standing more on climbs for your point 2, to get stronger on the standing downhill position. To much road riding after an injury I find my back sore and getting tired when riding downhill again
@thestrengthfactory.3 ай бұрын
Ah that's a shame mate...... Some general advice: I would have a look at your hip mobility and strength then if that is the case. If the hips are restricted and the muscles around them aren't strong enough then that can often cause the lower back to get sore. A good local physio or coach should be able to help you. Cheers. Ben
@waki_resigns3 ай бұрын
You talked about jumps. I would argue that looking at it from perspective of "a bit bigger every year" is a risky approach. I strongly recommend biting your teeth deep into the skill of jumping until you can tear off a big bit, instead of going progressive overload on it. The two places to do it is proper chicksands type dirt jump site. I bet you know some people who can introduce you to it. The second is skatepark. You really want to get at least ok at boosting jumps for height. Skatepark will get you familiar with more extreme fore/aft angles. Then it is time to get some whips and table tops. Once you can boost jumps while leaning into a turn on them, no trail will ever look the same for you, and speed jumps in th bike park willl be laughably easy, even 20 footers+
@thestrengthfactory.3 ай бұрын
The bigger bit has happened gradually and naturally along with my skill improving. Never forced and always on my terms, when I want to step up. I actually think I’m probably at my peak now and unlikely to ever do much bigger stuff
@waki_resigns3 ай бұрын
@@thestrengthfactory. Try dirt jumps. They look intimidating but in reality thay are safer than regular 10ft speed jumps in bike parks. When you jump up so much, you lose loads of speed, thus landing speed is lower than in bike park, and ground tends to be softer, usually with not rocks and trees around. Jumps like Chicksand will also be very well shaped so no weird flights should occur given right speed which locals will show you. When you learn to push against a big steep kicker, flatter speed jumps will be easy peasy. It will also lower your speed for speed jumps, since you will be more effective at using speed to clear the distance. This skill also translates to riding trails, where you will be far more comfortable to pop features to get over other ones. When you can pull 45 degree tabletop trick and whips, you will be far more comfortable to exit features at an angle and not tense up to always have tires directly under you in the air :)
@thestrengthfactory.3 ай бұрын
@@waki_resigns Cheers dude.
@conorprendergast99093 ай бұрын
Yoo vitus still about? Or coming back? Hope so..got two of em.. 😂
@thestrengthfactory.3 ай бұрын
No idea I’m afraid. Need to change that intro graphic 😂
@conorprendergast99093 ай бұрын
It’s a damn shame they’re not around! Have a sommet and emythique .. thought they had a great middle ground on price and quality
@LaurentiusTriarius2 ай бұрын
Oh I was thinking I got a scoop here 😅 sad, they were starting to make waves...
@marcelthebiker3 ай бұрын
This is just one of those videos you have to come back to once in a while. Just to remember the long term. Thanks, great video!
@thestrengthfactory.3 ай бұрын
Thanks mate. Maybe I’m a slow learner or maybe we all need to play the long game 😂