Comments on: Mountain Bikes: Who Needs Them?

By: bioman

bioman — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 10:49:48 +0000

What is he talking about. I think good skills and good technology is the best thing. Use both and you will ride better than ever. I can show you places in my mtb full suspension where a roadie just can dream.

By: IB Rich

IB Rich — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 23:42:29 +0000

I, too, remember reading this article when it came out way back when. I actually had the exact same Bridgestone RB-1 that he mentions in the article and that he was riding in the photo of him that ran with the story. I think it showed him going down a steep rooty descent with his butt hanging way off the back of the saddle.
Needless to say, I had to turn my RB-1 off the asphalt and give it a try. I have to say that I was amazed at how well my slick 23mm Michelin Hi-Lite Super Comps (remember those?) gripped over wet roots and dirt. The bike felt MUCH quicker than my mountain bike, but also MUCH stiffer and harsher. I could push a larger gear on the climbs. But I felt tentative - I didn’t know how strong a hit a road bike (and road rims and tires) could take. Every bump I hit at speed felt huge and somewhat catastrophic. I suppose a cross bike with beefier tires, frame and rims would be much more confidence inspiring.
While he makes good points and a road bike does do pretty well off road once you try it, he did come across like he was trying to incite an angry reaction from mtb’ers. He shouldn’t have sounded so surprised and hurt by the incendiary responses he received to it. It was a little disingenuous of him to make all the references to McCarthy-ism in his rebuttle to the responders. Relax, everyone. It’s only bikes we’re talking about here.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:09:15 +0000

One of the things he is saying I do agree with.And that is that we sometimes become too dependent on technology.My first mountain bike was a fully rigid Kona,riding a bike like this will teach you very quickly how to pick a line and stay in tune with your terrain.I read alot of articles on these forums of people trashing some pretty pricey riggs,(they expect the bike to do the riding),Things like front suspension forks ,and full suspension are made to enhance your riding experiance,not cover for your inadequate riding skills. Jeff

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 14:57:26 +0000

I remember reading this back when it was first published. It was dreck then too.

Though, he does have a point about using skill and finesse to accomplish what many think they need technology to achieve. Rather than writing a polarizing article, insulting a bunch of potential converts in the process, he could’ve written a positive one encouraging people to work on their skills rather than buying the latest bling.

FWIW, I’ve ridden some semi-gnarly trails here in NoVa with narrow slicks on my mtb (got conned into a ride after work when my bike was set up for commuting…). It’s doable, but not something I recommend on a regular basis.

Chris

By: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 10:13:05 +0000

Must be from the Tom Ritchey- retro-grouch-Grant Petersen school!

Couple of things here: Rock gardens. nuff said!
Trail impact is less? Ever see how a 23mm tire cuts into the soft ground? I have. Speaking of, here’s another word missing from the article: Mud clearance. Yep! And while we’re at it, how about those clips ‘n straps? My boss is suffering from a degenerative foot problem from wearing those so much in his riding career. No thanks bud! Plus, I can easily engage and disengage in half the time it takes this fellow to “properly” strap into his ancient clips and starps. Go with a flat pedal if you must eschew the clipless ped.

Finally: Is this guy a covert agent of the Sierra Club? Whoa!

Enough about him, here’s where it really is at folks: 29″ers! Put whatever tire suits yer fancy on it, ride it full rigid and smoke both 26″ers AND roadies!