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Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Culture
Road speed on mountain bike trails
Jun 23, 2008
  3
Logo of BikePedia, featuring bold blue text with green accents and an orange sun motif.
Culture
Looking to kill some time at work? 2 MTB sites to check out
Jun 20, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Culture
MTB & Cycling news
Jun 19, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Community
One of a kind MTB race series in Florida
Jun 18, 2008
Mountain Bike Trails
Common MTB Trail Names
Jun 17, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Culture
MTB Blogosphere Round-up
Jun 16, 2008
A mountain biker in mid-air jumps off a large rock onto a wooden ramp surrounded by trees. The scene captures the excitement of outdoor biking in a natural forest setting.
Mountain Bike Trails
Northstar set to open for mountain biking June 20
Jun 13, 2008
A mountain bike with a sleek bronze frame, featuring wide tires, front suspension, and a comfortable saddle. The bike is designed for off-road terrain, showcasing advanced components and a sturdy build.
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Beauty or the Beast: Trek 69er Single Speed
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Mountain Bike Trails
The best urban mountain bike trail systems in the US
Jun 11, 2008
  2
Logo for the IMBA Epic Ride featuring a stylized pinecone in the center, surrounded by the text "IMBA Epic Ride" at the top and "Forks Area Trail System" at the bottom, both in a circular black border.
Mountain Bike Trails
IMBA Epics: How many have you ridden?
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A hiker standing on a rocky trail at the base of a large earthen dam, surrounded by a steep slope covered in stones. Lush green trees are visible on the left side, while the clear blue sky looms above.
Community
Southeast MTB race series at Raccoon Mountain
Jun 9, 2008
Illustration of a Cannondale MetroPolite bicycle's handlebars and frame. The image features a modern bike design with a data/power port on the top tube, alongside a display showing bicycle technical information and a rearview camera interface. The design emphasizes functionality and technology integration in cycling.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Cannondale iPod dock
Jun 6, 2008
  2
A group of mountain bikers navigates a dirt trail through a grassy landscape, with one rider in the foreground prominently showcasing a blue bike and wearing athletic gear. The scene captures the dynamic motion of the cyclists as they traverse the rugged terrain under a cloudy sky.
Community
Colorado Springs mountain bike race series returns!
Jun 6, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Community
New Ultra Mountain Bike Race in Ohio
Jun 5, 2008
Text logo for "CHAIN LOVE," featuring bold black letters and a red, dripping "LOVE" against a textured dark background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Way to save: Mountain bike gear deals
Jun 4, 2008
  1
A chaotic scene showing several cyclists involved in an accident on a road, with bikes scattered and some cyclists airborne. A car is in the foreground, creating a cloud of dust. The setting appears to be an outdoor race or event.
Culture
Dangerous start to MTB season
Jun 3, 2008
  1
A tranquil forest pathway winding through lush green trees, with patches of fallen leaves on the ground and a wooden bridge visible in the background.
Mountain Bike Trails
Epic Alabama mountain bike trail in the making
Jun 3, 2008
A soldier in camouflage clothing riding a green bicycle through a shallow stream, splashing water as they navigate the rocky terrain in a wooded area.
Culture
Mountain bike cops in California
Jun 2, 2008
  1
A close-up view of a mountain bicycle with a uniquely designed tire that features an inner tube coiled around itself. The bike frame is blue, and the wheel is shown on a black asphalt surface, highlighting the innovative tire design.
Culture
Mountain bike emergency repairs
May 30, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Culture
USA Cycling announces UCI worlds MTB team
May 30, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Mountain Bike Trails
This must be one hell of a mountain bike track!
May 29, 2008
  1
A bicycle frame made of shiny metal tubing is displayed on a workbench in a workshop. The frame is in a triangular shape, showcasing the welding joints. Various tools and equipment are scattered around, including gloves and a welding machine, with a closed door and storage area visible in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
29ers from a female perspective
May 28, 2008
  2
A hiker walking along a narrow dirt path through a dense forest, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a dappled light effect on the ground covered with fallen leaves.
Mountain Bike Trails
Georgia mountain bike trail report
May 27, 2008
A bike mount displaying three different mobile devices, including GPS navigation and smartphones, showcasing various maps and interfaces. The mount is attached to a handlebar, highlighting its functionality for navigation on bicycles.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike gadgets and tech
May 23, 2008
  1
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Culture
Mountain biking in the news
May 21, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Mountain Bikes and Gear
New ways to GPS with your mountain bike
May 20, 2008
Culture
MTB documentary about blind DH racer
May 15, 2008
  1
A long-sleeve athletic shirt featuring a white base color with black accents and a red logo. The shirt has a modern design with a high neckline and contrasting panels on the sleeves and sides, suitable for sports or outdoor activities.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
High tech MTB crash protection & tips for n00bs
May 14, 2008
Close-up image of a small fan mounted on a bike handlebar, featuring a black casing and a four-blade propeller, designed to provide cooling airflow while riding.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Charge your GPS or iPod on the trail
May 13, 2008
Cover of the magazine "MBR" (Mountain Bike Rider) featuring a mountain biker in green apparel riding on a rocky trail. The cover includes text highlighting features such as "Skill School," "Best Trail Centres," and "Budget Bouncers."
Culture
Mountain Bike Rider article angers villagers
May 12, 2008
A Garmin Edge 605 GPS device displaying a map screen with speed reading of 29.6 mph and heading direction marked as north. The device has a gray casing and buttons for navigation.
GPS
Garmin Edge 605 Mountain Bike Review
May 9, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Culture
MTB News Round Up: May 8, 2008
May 8, 2008
A creative bike rack designed to resemble a bull, with a red bull head and black legs. Several bicycles are parked beside it on a sidewalk, with traffic cones and a sign indicating "DO NOT ENTER" visible in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mod your mountain bike for commuting
May 7, 2008
Community
Seasons MTB movie screening in Atlanta @ Sweetwater on Monday!
May 7, 2008
A wooden footbridge winding through a lush, green forest, surrounded by tall trees and underbrush. The path has a rustic design, with some sections elevated and others connecting through the natural landscape.
Culture
Creative MTB trail features
May 6, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Culture
Betrayal? A mountain biker argues against trail access
May 5, 2008
  1
Garmin Edge 605 GPS device displaying a map with speed and heading information.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike trail maps on your Garmin Edge 605 / 705 GPS
May 2, 2008
A green plastic tray with a curved edge and a handle, designed for carrying or organizing small items. The tray has a smooth surface and a contoured bottom for stability.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
MTB Wallet: The JIMI
May 2, 2008
  1
A smartphone mounted on the handlebars of a bicycle, displaying the logo for USB Fever. The bike's handlebar features a bright orange grip and an American flag sticker. The background shows a blurred pathway and greenery.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike trail tech
May 1, 2008
  1
A cyclist in a racing jersey with the number 59 is falling off their bike while riding on a snowy slope. Snow is flying up around them as the bike flips over. In the background, there are snow-covered hills and a clear blue sky. Red and white tape is visible marking the course.
Culture
V-brakes and snow don't mix
Apr 30, 2008
A mountain biker in mid-air performs a jump over a rugged canyon, with spectators watching from both sides. The scene is set in a natural landscape featuring green hills in the background. At the top of the image, there is a memorial text honoring Mark Reynolds, listing his birth and death dates.
Culture
Mark Arthur Reynolds Memorial Fund and Race Event
Apr 30, 2008
A mountain biker is upside down, falling off their bike while attempting a trick on a sandy slope. The rider is wearing a helmet, gloves, and protective gear. A caution tape line is visible in the background.
Culture
Mountain bikers: Don't push your limits this spring (yet)
Apr 29, 2008
  2
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike price inflation?
Apr 28, 2008
Silver mountain bike with thick tires and front suspension, positioned against a dark background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Electric mountain bike
Apr 25, 2008
  2
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Community
Western MTB Adventures: From Utah to South Dakota
Apr 24, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Culture
Lifestyles of the fast and fearless: Pro mountain bikers
Apr 24, 2008
Cycling Phun <a href="http://cyclingphun.blogspot.com/2008/06/mountain-biking-observations-revisited.html">posted today</a> about how riding on a road bike and mountain bike in the same day can lead to some interesting observations about balance, speed, and rolling resistance. I've certainly noticed some of the same things, so allow me to weigh in on some of the main points: 1. Balance is tougher on a road bike than a mountain bike. Yes, road bikes have skinnier tires but you're riding on a paved road vs. rocky, rooty, off camber trails so you'd think it might be a wash between the two - it's not. I can ride my mountain bike with no hands for miles and miles on road but as soon as I take one hand off the bars on my road bike to grab a drink I can feel my life flash before my eyes. I'll take a rocky technical trail on the MTB over a narrow highway shoulder any day. Riding indoors (yeah that's right) is another story though. For some reason I'm much more comfortable riding my road bike inside the house than my mountain bike. I think it has something to do with the fact that the road bike is closer to the ground but I'm not sure. In our last house I was able to ride a complete indoor circuit on the road bike - from the living room, through the dining room, out the office, and back again without putting a foot down. On the mountain bike it didn't work so well (plus mudhunny wasn't excited about having dirty MTB tires on her floor). 2. Road speed and trail speed are totally different. Cycling Phun touched on this but it's foolish to think you can manage anything close to the same average speed on the trail as you can on the road. I can generally push around 17-18mph on my road bike but on the MTB in dirt a 10mph average is a fast ride. Sure you'll get up to 25mph every now and then on a fast downhill trail but climbs, turns, roots, rocks, etc. all serve to slow you down big time on the trail. The only thing on the road that slows me down is stop lights. Interestingly, the sensation of speed seems to be about the same on road and trail. Roads are wide and obstacles are non-existant so when I'm on a tight trail clocking 12mph it feels as fast as 30mph on the road. Kinda like when you go night riding and a 8mph ride feels like you're racing an Indy car with one eye closed ;) 3. Rolling resistance isn't something most mountain bike riders typically think about since on the trail gripping power is king. While it's true that you need some good grippage on your rear wheel, I'm not afraid to rock a semi-slick tire on my front MTB wheel most days. If you've never seen a semi-slick tire, the side knobs are still in tact for gripping in turns while the middle knobs are flattened to give you more speed on the straights. Running a semi-slick on your front tire isn't for everyone, especially for those who ride in sandy conditions but at least it gives me a bit of a mental speed boost on the trail. With 29er MTB wheels now an option we're seeing even more crossover as road designs honed for speed are adapted for the trail. Next thing you know kids will start putting drop bars on their mountain bikes to cut down on wind resistance ;)
Mountain Bike Trails
Australia cracks down on illegal mountain bike trails
Apr 23, 2008
Black and red sock featuring the text "Fruita Fat Tire Festival" and the US Bank logo, along with a website URL for Fruita Mountain Bike.
Community
Spring mountain bike adventures: Fruita
Apr 23, 2008