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Home / MTB Tips / Survey

Do you Enjoy Type-2 Fun?

For some there is fun in the suffering. For others, there is only suffering.

By Jeff Barber
February 11, 2024

8 comments

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I suppose technically everyone enjoys type-2 fun… eventually. After all, it’s not called type-2 boredom. But what I’m curious to know is if you seek out type-2 fun on your rides, and if so, how often.

No pain no gain? Tell us how you view type-2 fun in the comments below.

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Jeff Barber

Jeff Barber has been mountain biking since 1992 and has tested hundreds of mountain bikes and components. He is the co-founder of Singletracks and serves as Editor in Chief. Contact him at [email protected].

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8 Comments

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DCPinOr Oregon // 2024
Feb 11, 2024

I don't know. What is "Type-2 fun?" (yeah, I don't think that I should have to google it)

1 reply

Matt Miller Colorado // 2012
Feb 12, 2024

I think the best explanation I've heard is: Type 1 fun: Fun while doing, fun reflecting on--Downhill MTB? Type 2 fun: Not fun while doing, fun looking back on--XC race? Type 3 fun: not fun while doing, not fun looking back on--getting lost or separated from a group in the backcountry?

2 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Feb 13, 2024

Dammit, Matt!! only one type gets to actually deliver??

Where the hell are the emojis around here anyway...

0 reply

pavel_v Bulgaria // 2024
Feb 20, 2024

Hahah, lots of non-type-2 fun folks in the comments for sure!

0 reply

baillie2 2016
Feb 15, 2024

It's "fun" if it turns out OK and you feel a positive glow. If it's just a total bummer you chalk it up to "character development" and avoid it in future.
The problem is that it all depends on your judgement........and you can't help screwing up sometimes.

0 reply

Ratboy1974 Louisiana // 2023
Feb 14, 2024

Stupid title with no explanation of wtf type 2 is. You’d think the writer would do a better job

0 reply

AUTHOR

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Feb 14, 2024

My bad. There is a link in the text to the phrase type-2 fun that I was hoping would be helpful for those not familiar with the phrase but now I realize that post doesn't explicitly lay out a definition either. (Though I'm pretty sure you can get an understanding from my essay on suffering.)

I just Googled type-2 fun and the #1 result is from REI and #2 is from the Washington Post so it's definitely not just a MTB concept.

0 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Feb 11, 2024

We could use a legend of fun typing and intensity levels for each, Jeff. Without, it is tire pressure and seat choice for any type of fun. Subjective as the day is long!!

Based on the pic, you shoulda been on a singlespeed, Mr. Jus' sayin'!!

0 reply

Tagged: survey, type 2 fun, tips

First published February 11, 2024 @ 3:48:00