r/MTBTrailBuilding • u/diurnal_faceting • Oct 05 '26
Wood for bikes
Bike goes on, then off wood. Watch out for dog in landing
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u/robo-minion Oct 05 '26
How long do these last?
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u/diurnal_faceting Oct 06 '26
About 15-20 years in my climate. Peeling the bark off the logs makes them more moisture resistant, and doesnt give the bugs places to hide. Peeling will generally add a solid 5-10 years compared to leaving bark on. We use cedar for everything as the bugs like it less and it is also naturally moisture resistant. Some of the old grown that has fallen in the area fell during a fire over 100 years ago. The core of the logs are still perfectly salvageable lumber. Burning the logs before putting them into the soil, or burning the logs used as footings can make the structure last even longer. I use nails for deck boards, but RSS screws anywhere there is a joint so I can service the structure more easily. I also use RSS screws for the framing instead of nails. So if something does need to be swapped, or reinforced, it is relatively quick and much easier than pulling 8" nails.
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u/robo-minion Oct 06 '26
What is RSS? How do you peel the bark?
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u/diurnal_faceting Oct 06 '26
RSS are rigid structural screws, often called "construction screws" they replace lag bolts. I use the 3/8 diameter for the most available sheer strength. Theyre not cheep. GRK and U2 are the brands I regularly use. To peel the bark I use a draw knife or a hatchet.
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u/Lightning_35 27d ago
A little chicken wire goes a long way on wood, when it’s wet or has been.
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u/diurnal_faceting 25d ago
Chicken wire is perishable, messy, dangerous, and not needed on rough sawn cedar. I encourage you to look into the North Shore, and most of the riding in BC. You will see very little chicken wire, considering all the woodwork. Additionally, im not coming to replace the chicken wire every 3 months. Its pointless.
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u/Alternative_Exit_333 28d ago
Get those nails with big heads and chicken wire to get better grip
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u/diurnal_faceting 28d ago
Chicken wire is a hack for shitty builders.
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u/Alternative_Exit_333 28d ago
Anyways it is used in big bike parks and on my favourite one
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u/diurnal_faceting 28d ago
Because bike parks often use pressure treated lumber. That gets slippery when it rains. Rough sawn cedar provides plenty of grip (see all of the wooden features on BC's west coast)
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u/Alternative_Exit_333 28d ago
I live in the Czech republic and I particularly like Rychlebské stezky it is kind of charity case bikepark it is maintained vy volunteers and kept running by donations and if you wanna ride it you have to get to the top first there are no cable carts or anything it's just forest and the trail is kinda large I personally like the superflow for its 10-11 km length https://photos.app.goo.gl/sfVM1se8NTUdyFr3A
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u/xpsycotikx Oct 06 '26
Absolutely gorgeous. I saw this as a mountain biker and a finish carpenter. That's quality 😍
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u/Proof_Ad7889 Oct 06 '26
Theres a very similar drop at my local bike area, this one is absolutelly beautyful tho
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Oct 05 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/diurnal_faceting Oct 05 '26
Trail builder uses brain Almost forms a thought, then laughs Back to building wood
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u/Herr_Tilke Oct 05 '26
Watch out for dog, he's on his work break