I just started racing xc in the LACC series in Louisiana, I have a 2008 kfx450r with nerf bars and an exhaust and that's it. My first race, I got very tired and my arms were like jello. I've read up on things to do or buy for my bike to smoothen the ride with stabilizers or precision clamps and shocks. I'm about to order a stabilizer, but I heard shocks are the best thing for xc racing. I'm on a tight budget, and was looking to see if anybody runs shocks that aren't very expensive that work well. Would like to hear some feedback, thanks!

 

On a budget get the stockers resprung and revalved. A quality shop will work wonders. I would also invest in a stick style stabilizer as well. The puck style are much better, but also cost at least another $2-300.00. Also, in xc you will always be tired and sore after a good race. The 2nd one of the season is always easier than the 1st that way

 

Thanks scooter! I've seen where people say getting their stockers rebuilt for them are very good. And I just ordered the streamline stick style stabilizer, will he here Monday. Back to the shocks, do you know any companies that do good rebuilding? And what are their prices?

 

And how much will the stock stabilizer help with my arms getting tired?

 

Stick^

 

It will help a bit. What it will do is lower the force on the bars when you hit a rut, hole, rock, tree, etc. Know that it won't fix the tired arm issue over a 1.5-2 hour race. For that you will need to ride, workout, ride, eat right, ride, do more cardio, ride. Get the picture? Mountain biking off road can also help a bit too.

 

Ok, I think the biggest thing last race was it felt like every time I hit big roots or ruts or holes, it would want to knock the bars out of my hands, it happened often, I'm hoping this will help a bit. That's probably my biggest problem.

 

Yes, that is exactly what they are supposed to help with. I am at the point where I want at least a stick on anything I ride these days that has decent power.

 

Ok, have you ever used the precision anti vibe clamps or flexx bars?

 

Sorry about the delayed response. I have run Flexx bars for years. Great product. They do take a few hours of seat time to get used to and dialed in. Spendy though. I have bad wrists from an injury when I was a teenager. The Flexx bars are almost must haves for me when I want to ride hard.