[BZ202]

For a long time, Devinci was manufacturing their aluminium bikes in Canada with locally sourced aluminium; I believe this is still true for some of their lineup, which is pretty cool. While difficult, especially if a rider is on a budget, I fully support buying locally produced/sourced frames and components when possible. For me, it comes down to two things. First, supporting local companies and brands usually has positive effects on that community, and I think most bike companies will fall into the category of being beneficial for local communities. Secondly, the amount of carbon released from transcontinental transportation of people and goods is insanely high. Cycling can have positive effects on our communities, environments, and world, but I’d still like to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of my riding as much as possible.

[BZ202]

As another Northeast rider (New Hampshire and Vermont mainly) I’d recommend going on the shorter travel end of the spectrum (130mm is perfect). Because many of our trails are so tight and lack prolonged climbing and descending, trail bikes on the more mid-short travel end of the spectrum can handle the rolling terrain a bit better, but really don’t give up much on the descents once you learn how to ride them. And, as you’re still learning, the shorter travel will take the edge off bumps but still teach good line choice. Also, a few of my riding friends have fuel ex’s and love them!!

[BZ202]

Downieville might be a bit of a stretch since the shortest route is about 18 miles, and while none of it is exceedingly technical, the constant bumps definitely wear you out by the end of a run if you’re not used to descents that long. Also, there aren’t really “bail out” options, so once you’re going, you have to at least make it to the bottom of third divide (about 11 miles down, including the most technical bits) before you can opt for a fire road bypass. That said if your kid is stoked on spending time outside and for a challenge, it could be great!

Another option I recommend looking into is the corral network in South Lake Tahoe and/or flume trail on the Nevada side of Tahoe, both are the same distance from Sacramento as Downieville. The corral network has some of the best trails in the state and can be enjoyed by just about every level of rider (they have everything from high-alpine singletrack, to some of the rockiest-techiest stuff imaginable on Mr.Toad’s, to the best tabletop jumps I’ve had the pleasure of riding outside of a bikepark) all within a tight trail network that can be connected to the Tahoe Rim Trail. And there are shuttle services nearby if that’s what you’re into. Flume is also popular with families that ride since it’s not very technical but has incredible views of Tahoe.

 

 

 

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