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a little piece of me died

Sandro

Terrified of Cucumbers
Nov 12, 2006
3,224
2,537
The old world

William42

fork ways
Jul 31, 2007
3,916
651
This is like watching a 45 year old person have a stroke and just totally faceplant while out for a jog. It'd be funny if it didn't involve firing all the people that have helped make some pretty solid products over the years, and all the race teams and bike advocacy they've done. Jesus fyck Specialized.
 

Kurt_80

Monkey
Jan 25, 2016
488
418
Perth, WA.
Has anyone seen this?

http://dirtmountainbike.com/bike-reviews/trail-enduro-bikes/specialized-founder-mike-sinyard-talks-electric-bikes.html

So yes, Steve Jones is occasionally a little off, but his first impression is surprisingly positive. As a replacement for mtb this would never do, but to add overall 'presence' to mtb, perhaps it may help?

Thinking along similar lines....I do miss the days of primarily outlaw/unmarked trails, but now that mtb has a much bigger presence, the money pouring into the sport at a grassroots level has been pretty sweet. And there's still plenty of unmarked and off-the-grid trails to ride.

Will this make mtb more accessible amongst the general population? Will we get more money into trails etc because of it?
 

Nick

My name is Nick
Sep 21, 2001
24,034
14,644
where the trails are
Mopeds are fine and in fact I'd say battery powered bikes for commuters are better than gas powered bikes. That playboy specialized bike is clearly a commuter-style bike.

Just as long as they don't find their way on trails where motorized use is not allowed, or until they do, I don't care anymore.
 

iRider

Turbo Monkey
Apr 5, 2008
5,653
3,092
Maybe Specialized should put money where their mouth is and sponsor Femke Van den Driessche. She believes in electric powered bikes and would be a great brand ambassador.
 

velocipedist

Lubrication Sensei
Jul 11, 2006
559
702
Rainbow City Alabama
I would think it is more likely to cause trail issues than any increase in money for trails. At least in here in the U.S we have a cordial detente between trail users, and if the last 10 years are any indication here in South Dakota we have lost miles of amazing classic singletrack in town. That has been replaced with 3 foot wide dirt sidewalks, which makes me very sad. Hell I am all for more riders, but I see nothing but shortsighted planning when they don't simply expand the trail system but destroy legacy trail because they perceive it to be redundant with new trail and take the effort to mini ex it out and remove the old trail tread. So even if you are correct I will happily put on my old man curmudgeon hat and say fuck no to new trails if they are built for these abominations that are mopeds and nothing more.. Increase in rider population at what price?

No thanks

Will this make mtb more accessible amongst the general population? Will we get more money into trails etc because of it?
 
Sep 11, 2015
332
118

thad

Monkey
Sep 28, 2004
388
21
I believe Amasa Back itself is a jeep route and allows motorized bicycles. It's the purpose-built singletrack at the top that is non-motorized only.

See also: http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/recreation/motorized_routes.html
I see. I was thrown by that mtbr article, that lists all mountain bike trails. The BLM site shows amasa back and slick rock open to both motorized use and mountain bikes.

I don't have a problem with electric mopeds, as long as they are not poaching non-motorized trails.

Does anyone know if there is an electric mountain bike trail advocacy group?
 

trib

not worthy of a Rux.
Jun 22, 2009
1,478
421
electric bikes will be awesome for those unable to feasibly ride a 'normal' bike. Whether that's as extreme as Martyn Ashton/Paul Bas or maybe just those who've blown their knees out and can't push a climbing gear anymore.

I know that if I used one I'd just get even worse at climbing, and cornering, relying on the engine to pull me through. So whilst fun, it'd be a disaster when I went back to a standard bike.
 

AngryMetalsmith

Business is good, thanks for asking
Jun 4, 2006
21,210
10,009
I have no idea where I am
First trails get dumbed down to bobsled runs through the woods that require little skill to ride, now you don't even need to pedal. Love how some people are determined to make their recreational challenges easier. Everybody gets a trophy.