I ride a fine line between XC and DH when it comes to appearance. I also read countless debates on this forum about DHr's and XCr's. What seems to be the real debate is Shuttling vs. pedaling.
I've been in the biking world (and when I worked in a shop, the 'industry') since I got my first mtn bike in 1988. I was of the camp that the lightest stuff will make me a better rider... and then things change. Going from light weight to realiable and durable seems to be my main theme in mtn biking today. I live in Golden, CO, and have access to several trails without mounting my bike on top of my car and driving there (I really do hate riding on the road). So, I push a 43 lb XC mountain bike up the hills around the town of golden (that would include Apex, Chimney Gultch, N and S Table mtns). 43 lb bike? Its a bullit with a 7 inch travel fork on the front. 7 and 7 I say, its comfy for my aging body. I enjoy getting a good workout, and I really like the cushy feel of being able to descend at a confortable pace with supreme comfort. Besides, pushing a big travel bike like that to the top will get you in shape faster than the uber-light bike.... I guess.
I've learned a few things recently in doing this 'all mountain' type riding. One, I look like a DH with the bigger fork. I"ve been put in a category instantly when I stop to let others pass while heading up. I've been asked "are you shuttling"? One thing I don't do in the front range, is wear a full face helmet and pads. If I look the part of a 'regular' cyclist, I won't get categorized. I SHOULD not ever descend with too much speed to warrant the DH gear... NOT IN THE FRONT RANGE!
My bike climbs better than most bikes, partially because the 2.7 inch tires inflated to all of 15 lbs usually stick better than most. Complement that with 7 inches of travel, and I can stick with out dabs most waterbars, technical sections, rock steps, etc. ha, only if my lungs are ready for it. I try not to widen the trail, but rather go directly through the middle of the hard parts. Going around is for the true XC camp that is of the same mentallity that likes to diss on DHr's for tearing of the trail. I've seen just as much damage done with a XC bike as a DH bike.... DH bikes get better traction, therefore they don't skid as much.
I've only met a few other riders that are doing the same thing as I. Pedaling what looks like a DH rig up hill. I enjoy the workout with 43 lbs, and a s a result, I'm getting stronger by the day. Am I an anomoly on the trial? Does anyone else subscribe to this type of biking?
Just as an FYI, Jefferson County IS taking a hard look at DH'ing in their parks. In recent years, shuttlers are ripping down the mountain with a free ride to the top. Whereas there is no law or rule governing against that activity, it HAS generated more complaints than ever before. I've fallen victim to some DH shuttlers that knocked me off the trail. not fun. The trails are being watched more than ever before now. So do all of us monkeys a favor, don't abuse the system, and please, slow down a tad, and not wear the pads and DH gear so much.
I've been in the biking world (and when I worked in a shop, the 'industry') since I got my first mtn bike in 1988. I was of the camp that the lightest stuff will make me a better rider... and then things change. Going from light weight to realiable and durable seems to be my main theme in mtn biking today. I live in Golden, CO, and have access to several trails without mounting my bike on top of my car and driving there (I really do hate riding on the road). So, I push a 43 lb XC mountain bike up the hills around the town of golden (that would include Apex, Chimney Gultch, N and S Table mtns). 43 lb bike? Its a bullit with a 7 inch travel fork on the front. 7 and 7 I say, its comfy for my aging body. I enjoy getting a good workout, and I really like the cushy feel of being able to descend at a confortable pace with supreme comfort. Besides, pushing a big travel bike like that to the top will get you in shape faster than the uber-light bike.... I guess.
I've learned a few things recently in doing this 'all mountain' type riding. One, I look like a DH with the bigger fork. I"ve been put in a category instantly when I stop to let others pass while heading up. I've been asked "are you shuttling"? One thing I don't do in the front range, is wear a full face helmet and pads. If I look the part of a 'regular' cyclist, I won't get categorized. I SHOULD not ever descend with too much speed to warrant the DH gear... NOT IN THE FRONT RANGE!
My bike climbs better than most bikes, partially because the 2.7 inch tires inflated to all of 15 lbs usually stick better than most. Complement that with 7 inches of travel, and I can stick with out dabs most waterbars, technical sections, rock steps, etc. ha, only if my lungs are ready for it. I try not to widen the trail, but rather go directly through the middle of the hard parts. Going around is for the true XC camp that is of the same mentallity that likes to diss on DHr's for tearing of the trail. I've seen just as much damage done with a XC bike as a DH bike.... DH bikes get better traction, therefore they don't skid as much.
I've only met a few other riders that are doing the same thing as I. Pedaling what looks like a DH rig up hill. I enjoy the workout with 43 lbs, and a s a result, I'm getting stronger by the day. Am I an anomoly on the trial? Does anyone else subscribe to this type of biking?
Just as an FYI, Jefferson County IS taking a hard look at DH'ing in their parks. In recent years, shuttlers are ripping down the mountain with a free ride to the top. Whereas there is no law or rule governing against that activity, it HAS generated more complaints than ever before. I've fallen victim to some DH shuttlers that knocked me off the trail. not fun. The trails are being watched more than ever before now. So do all of us monkeys a favor, don't abuse the system, and please, slow down a tad, and not wear the pads and DH gear so much.