Mountain Bikers Guide To Etiquette and Vocabulary
October 5th, 2008 by Guitar TedHey all! Have you ever wondered just what was going on with some of these guys you see at the trail heads? Ever wonder what they are saying, or just what a certain phrase means? How about things like what jersey to wear, or what side of the bike to get on? What is the deal here?
No doubt about it, mountain biking has its own vocabulary and weird traditions. This series will appear from time to time to help you at least be aware of what is going on with the inner workings of mountain biking culture. Maybe it will educate some of you, maybe it will save some of you from an embarassing situation, and maybe it will just make you angry that we mountain bikers are so weird in some way. Whatever it may do, I am writing this series mainly for fun and entertainment, so don’t take things too seriously. I didn’t write these “rules” and traditions, I am just here to “’splain ‘em”, okay?
As always on this site, we’ll look at things from a “blue collar” perspective. It’ll be fun and to the point.
Got Questions?: Hit us up with some comments on things you’d like to see us cover here. I’ll consider all suggestions and may even use your question as a post. So, be nice!
Look for an initial installment in the coming days………..
What is RSS?
Get our articles in your inbox:
Yeah, what’s going on at the trail heads. When I roll up on my cross bike to take to the trails and see these packs of guys with body armor and big ole squishy bikes, I’m curious as to whether they know about trails that I’m not aware of. Am I missing something?
Mike: You know more than you are letting on.;)
But yeah…..we will get into some of that in due time.
“…things like what jersey to wear”
I’m riding tonight. I’ve got a royal blue bike, black shoes, and charcoal grey shorts. Should I wear the royal blue jersey, which coordinates oh so well, or should I risk a fashion faux pax by wearing the High Viz green jersey because it’s a safer one for night riding?
Richard-o: Safety trumps style every time.
Wear it with pride.
I would have suggested he match his eye color
I would have said he should get back on his road bike…….:D
Criss cross bikes on technical trails are kinda of a throw back to when we road bikes not designed for off-road work. …the thrill of that OTB thing…bent down tubes…shattered forks.
The main difference being the $50/50lb bike of the ’80s is the $5,ooo/22lb bike of today. Carbon-fiber on the rocks keeps the economy strong.