Latest mountain bike news

I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Culture
Mountainbiking technology comes full circle.
Nov 8, 2007
  2
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Community
National Mountain Bike Series Ignores East Coast
Nov 7, 2007
A mountain biker riding down stone steps near a historic archway, surrounded by large rocks and ancient stone walls. The scene is set against a clear sky, highlighting the cyclist's action.
Mountain Bike Trails
Epic Ride Report: Grande Route of Historical Villages, Portugal
Nov 6, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bike Trails
A frozen Moab?
Nov 5, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Community
Trail Weekend @ Hueston Woods: Nov 9-11
Nov 2, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bike Trails
Best trail in the world
Nov 1, 2007
Close-up image of a black insect, commonly referred to as a stinkbug or clown beetle, positioned on a surface of small gravel or dirt. The insect is shown from a top-down angle, highlighting its distinct body shape and long antennae.
Culture
Mountain bikers: Yield to wildlife?
Oct 26, 2007
  2
Culture
Ultimate Frisbee on Mountain Bikes
Oct 25, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Culture
Recumbents: Expired
Oct 24, 2007
  3
An illustration featuring a cyclist in an unusual position, riding a bicycle with a skeletal spine incorporated into their body. The background is green, and the text "Riding the SPINE" is displayed in a stylized font above the figure.
Culture
Riding the Spine: Halfway to the tip of South America
Oct 23, 2007
  1
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS Freeze: Problem solved?
Oct 22, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bike Trails
New mountain bike trails in Cleveland
Oct 19, 2007
A Garmin Edge 605 GPS device displaying a map with speed and heading information, featuring a gray casing and a black screen with navigation details.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Edge 605 and 705 release pushed back to 2008
Oct 18, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Community
Bid on a ride with Gary Fisher at Mount Tam
Oct 17, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Culture
Colorado sting nets high end mountain bikes
Oct 15, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bike Trails
Big South Fork mountain bike trail a success
Oct 12, 2007
A red and silver mountain bike with wide tires, front suspension, and disc brakes, positioned on a white background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
All wheel drive mountain bikes
Oct 11, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Culture
Missing Marin mountain biker
Oct 10, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Loading GPS routes in Garmin Training Center for Mac
Oct 9, 2007
  1
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Community
Take a kid mountain biking day: Tomorrow!
Oct 5, 2007
Culture
Week of contests: Final day
Oct 5, 2007
A DVD cover for the film "2 Solo," featuring a close-up of a cyclist wearing a helmet and sunglasses, along with two mountain bikers riding on a dirt path. The title "2 Solo" is prominently displayed in blue, and the cover also includes branding from sponsors like Nike and Trek, as well as a note that it is from the producers of "Off Road to Athens."
Culture
Week of contests: Day 4
Oct 4, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Load GPS routes on your Garmin Edge Cycling GPS
Oct 3, 2007
  6
A DVD case for a cycling workout titled "Cycling Pedaling Strength," featuring an image of a cyclist in action on the cover. Next to it, a black DVD disc is placed in a clear case. The disc is labeled "Singletrack MENDS."
Community
Week of contests: Day 2
Oct 2, 2007
A shiny bicycle cassette resting inside an open cardboard box, showcasing its intricate gear teeth and central sprocket. The box has a light brown color and is partially closed, with the cassette visible from above. The background is a dark surface, emphasizing the metallic shine of the cassette.
Community
Week of contests
Oct 1, 2007
Redline D660
Culture
The bikes of Interbike (Updated)
Sep 27, 2007
  3
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Allen Sports: The Navigator GPS System
Sep 27, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Tag Wheels: Mags are back
Sep 27, 2007
Mountain bike suspension fork displayed on a black wall. The fork features two silver aluminum stanchions with black and red branded lower legs. It includes adjustment knobs at the top and a sleek design suitable for off-road biking. A nearby sign provides additional information about the product.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Suspension round-up
Sep 27, 2007
A silver metal canister labeled "IMBAX" with a red "X" on top, accompanied by a circular disc with a red "X" and the word "MEET," and a circular stack of textured, replaceable inserts. The items are displayed on a white tablecloth.
Culture
IMBA Ride Centers
Sep 27, 2007
  1
Interior view of a mountain bike hall of fame exhibit featuring bicycles mounted on the walls, historical photographs, and informational panels detailing inductees and the history of mountain biking.
Culture
Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Induction 2007
Sep 27, 2007
Image of a mountain bike fork displayed against a yellow background, featuring black and red color accents. A product information card labeled "WOTAN" is attached to the fork.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Magura Wotan: This one's for you Bomb
Sep 26, 2007
A black Bell helmet displayed on a mannequin head, attached to a metal stand beside a table with promotional materials. The background is dark, and people can be seen in the distance.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
High-end Helmet Cam: V.I.O. POV.1
Sep 26, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Edge 705 Preview
Sep 26, 2007
  1
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GoPro Helmet Cam: Rad
Sep 26, 2007
A white mountain bike displayed at an event booth, featuring a sleek design, black tires, and a water bottle holder. The background includes promotional banners with cycling-related messages.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Half Camelbak, Half Waterbottle: Sip Stream
Sep 26, 2007
  2
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Tire balls: Fewer flats, lower maintenance
Sep 26, 2007
Close-up view of a metal bike frame with visible components such as the crankset, chain, and gears. The image shows the intricate details of the mechanical parts, highlighting the craftsmanship and design of the bicycle. The background is dark, and there are tools and information displays nearby.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Wicked Racin: The Dualrailleur
Sep 26, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Culture
Wounded Warrior Project: Supporting Vets
Sep 26, 2007
A silver mountain bike with visible dirt on the tires is positioned next to a table covered with a fall-themed tablecloth. On the bike's frame rests an orange Halloween pumpkin helmet. In the background, another bike and a red bicycle frame can be seen.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Carver Bikes: 650B Cycles
Sep 26, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bike Trails
End Singletrack Prohibition: Donate to the IMBA Legal Fund
Sep 25, 2007
Logo of Interbike, a trade show for the bicycle industry, featuring the word "interbike" in bold, white letters on a dark textured background.
Culture
Interbike 2007: Pre-game
Sep 24, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Culture
One more reason to wear a helmet: Bear attacks
Sep 20, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bike Trails
Finding the perfect loop
Sep 19, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Mountain Bike Trails
New trails coming to Philpott Lake, VA: You can help!
Sep 18, 2007
A Garmin Edge 305 bike computer displaying metrics such as time (02:16:46), speed (38.6 km/h), total distance (64.6 km), elevation (364 m), and heart rate (139 bpm) on a dark screen with a gray casing.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Convert your Garmin Edge cycling data here!
Sep 17, 2007
  1
**Alt Text:** A chart outlining a trail difficulty rating system, including categories for trail width, tread surface, average trail grade, maximum trail grade, and natural obstacles. The system ranges from easiest (white circle) to extremely difficult (double black diamond), with specific criteria for each rating level.
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain bike trail difficulty ratings
Sep 14, 2007
I regularly pick up nearly every mountainbiking rag, covering both the US and UK cycling scenes.  And the coverage of the major industry events & product releases has increasingly focused on the massive advances in suspension and brake technology. However, I've noticed a refreshing trend that runs contrary to the rush towards the most technologically advanced frames and components.  The smaller mountainbiking publications are focusing more on events like the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, as well as smaller frame & component builders.  While advances in materials used in bike frames & parts have approached a level found more commonly in NASA & military aircraft, there is a growing movement in keeping things simple. Steel, fully rigid frames; multi-purpose bikes with internal commuter transmissions; retro-themed one-off hand-built & lugged frames, and utilitarian city cruisers are a refreshing step back from the hyper-speed pace major bike manufacturers are taking in developing mountainbikes for the growing interest in the sport. I myself have taken a serious interest in the beautiful attention to detail & simplicity of bikes made by the likes of Steve Garro (Coconino), Sycip, Hunter Cycles, Kent Eriksen (originator of Moots), and Steve Potts.  These bikes still incorporate some of the advances in bike tech (29" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, titanium), but many of these rides still maintain the soul that harks back to the days of the original Schwinn Excelsior and Hawthorne cruisers which the pioneers in Marin, Crested Butte, & Cupertino fit with balloon tires, derailleurs, and hub brakes before bombing down the fireroads of Mount Tam & Mount Bolivar. Part of my undertaking this path of regression (or is it progression?) has been an injury that makes it difficult to ride my aggressive +6" travel mountainbike.  The laid-back position of a modified cruiser eases the tension placed on my injured back; the swept handlebars further relieves pressure, and the addition of a coaster brake allows me to use my legs & body-weight to haul my bike down from speed.  And there's a level of fun that I've missed with my regular mountainbike, and that's the skid-factor. So in the interest of keeping myself on the bike, my wife and I recently bought a pair of quality cruiser bikes.  But me being me, and not being able to leave well enough alone, I decided to take the path of our mountainbiking forebears.  While my wife has outfitted her cruiser with pannier baskets, lights, and various bells & whistles; I've stripped my cruiser down to the minimum.  Off went the fenders and chainguard, on went an old set of nobby tires, and a conversion to a three-piece crankset; front hub brake, and swept alt-mountain bars is in the works.  Just these small modifications has given me a small taste of what the past has to offer, and it's rapidly becoming part of my future. It's no mystery to me now why the pioneers of our sport got such a blast out of doing what they did.  Tearing down a gravel road at speeds approaching 30mph; drifting through the turns in a roost of gravel and dust with nothing but a smoking coaster brake and legs outstretched in a tripod manner; and leaving the lycra and clipless shoes at home is an experience that I believe a majority of mountainbikers have lost touch with.  Our sport's history is alive and well; maintained by the old school originators who keep on keeping on, and those of us who still keep the torch burning for the love of the sport.
Culture
Economic impact of mountain biking
Sep 13, 2007
  1