Thanks for the feedback! The postion of the Camber Pro 29er is so upright (Compared to what I was used to) that I am certain that I do not have enough weight on the front end. I will definitely take your advice and hope to avoid those nasty crashes.

Thanks for taking the time!!!

J

Anyway, I think what we have here is a case of not enough weight on the front wheel in turns. I would recommend finding some relatively benign trail with some tighter corners and try going into these corners and at the same time, getting your body weight up over the handle bars some more. Elbows out, chest right over the stem, at least. Then drive the outside hand on the handle bar through the corner as you go though it at the same time weighting the outside pedal with your foot in the six o’clock position.

If it is a right hand turn, you will use the left foot/left hand, opposite for a left turn. Practice making your body turn towards the exit of the turn as you do this. Especially in tighter turns.

This should have the effect of weighting the front wheel more, and your body will help drive the bike around the corner. Pin that front wheel!

The worst thing you can do is sit back, or scoot back on the saddle when going through those corners, unweighting the front wheel.

Practice going at a moderate speed, then work on going faster. remember to look up the trail through the corner to the exit as you ride. Lead with your eyes.

Good luck!

While most of my buddies have moved to road bikes (which is my current favorite pastime, 2011 Road Specialized 61cm). I have several buddies that have convinced me to get back on the trails.
I have owned the XL Camber Pro 29er for 5 months. I was hoping that I would enjoy it so much that I would be out every weekend and at least once during the week, however, I am very uncomfortable in the turns, so much that I will chose a road ride before hitting the trails every-time.
Geometry: I LOVE the way this bike goes in a straight line!!! There is nothing that I have not been able to climb or descend. It is exactly as you said. One of my buddies (Riding a 2011 HiFi) made the comment that it looked like I was driving a Cadillac as I was unaffected by the ridiculously rough terrain that we were faced with. However, in the turns I felt like I was driving a Cadillac!!!! Given the technology, I had conceded the fact that the turns were a product of my lack of confidence. I decided to “trust the bike”. The first time I trusted the bike in the turns the front end slid out and I bruised 4 ribs on my left side (Dr. Imposed 8 weeks recovery) . The second time front tire slid out, elbo, knee and thy rash on the right side (Wife and self imposed 2 week recovery). The third, front tire slid out but it was insignificant as far as injurys but the last time I have ridden. I am not able to approach a turn without moderate to heavy application to the breaks!!!

I am willing to acknowledge the fact that it is me since it is a new bike, tire size, full suspension, etc.., However, is it possible that the shock settings, tire pressure, or frame size is wrong?

I am 6’4″ and an athletic 240 lbs.
I ride with tire pressure at 40 lbs
Front shock at 120
Rear shock at 180
Frame Size XL

Please let me know if my settings are wrong or if the bike is wrong.

Thanks!!!! J