Bicycle thread

[Aurelius]

Originally Posted by bogieboy

And i also dissagree on softening the trails... Theres only one way to get better at riding, and thats to push yourself...

Just to be clear, the bumpy trail isn't necessarily more difficult to ride than the others. Even beginner riders can make it through without falling; it's just that bouncing over all those roots for an hour (typically one lap) is like riding a jack hammer.

[bogieboy]

Originally Posted by Aurelius

Just to be clear, the bumpy trail isn't necessarily more difficult to ride than the others. Even beginner riders can make it through without falling; it's just that bouncing over all those roots for an hour (typically one lap) is like riding a jack hammer.

Stamina/endurance building....LOL

[zippy]

Originally Posted by Gummee!

I disagree on principles that trails should be for the common enjoyment. IOW mtn biking shouldn't be about lowest common denominator fun.

The roots and rocks are what give trails character.


M

I'll have to disagree, mtn biking is all about fun for me anyhow.

The roots , rocks , climbs , skinny ledges ...etc are all apart of said fun .

choose the trails you enjoy , ride your ride

[Gummee!]

Originally Posted by zippy

I'll have to disagree, mtn biking is all about fun for me anyhow.

The roots , rocks , climbs , skinny ledges ...etc are all apart of said fun .

choose the trails you enjoy , ride your ride

I'm confused. Are you actually agreeing with me or disagreeing with me?

M

[Aurelius]

Originally Posted by zippy

I'll have to disagree, mtn biking is all about fun for me anyhow.

The roots , rocks , climbs , skinny ledges ...etc are all apart of said fun .

choose the trails you enjoy , ride your ride

It's interesting to see that all the local racers avoid the bumpy Snow Hill trail. All their Strava training runs are done on smoother trails.

[zippy]

Originally Posted by Gummee!

I'm confused. Are you actually agreeing with me or disagreeing with me?

M

It depends maybe I misinterpreted your earlier statement , if so my bad and apologies.

"IOW mtn biking shouldn't be about lowest common denominator fun"


biking is all about having fun , sure sometimes suffering is involved but that makes it all the more rewarding/fun .


If it's not fun and you aint getting $$$$ for it, why put yourself through it ?

[zippy]

Originally Posted by Aurelius

It's interesting to see that all the local racers avoid the bumpy Snow Hill trail. All their Strava training runs are done on smoother trails.

It's a rare occasion for me to race. Different mindset I guess.

[bogieboy]

Originally Posted by zippy

It depends maybe I misinterpreted your earlier statement , if so my bad and apologies.

"IOW mtn biking shouldn't be about lowest common denominator fun"


biking is all about having fun , sure sometimes suffering is involved but that makes it all the more rewarding/fun .


If it's not fun and you aint getting $$$$ for it, why put yourself through it ?

I think what he meant there is that we shouldnt have to settle for a nice smooth walking path (lowest common denominator fun) but instead we should be able to have a fun challenge to ride

[zippy]

Originally Posted by bogieboy

I think what he meant there is that we shouldnt have to settle for a nice smooth walking path (lowest common denominator fun) but instead we should be able to have a fun challenge to ride

ok, in that case I'll STFU as I do agree

[bogieboy]

Originally Posted by zippy

ok, in that case I'll STFU as I do agree

LOL

[fullmonte]

Originally Posted by Aurelius

It's interesting to see that all the local racers avoid the bumpy Snow Hill trail. All their Strava training runs are done on smoother trails.

My riding buddy refers to those guys as roadies. He said it's fun to watch them carry their bikes through the technical rocky sections during the annual Raccoon Mtn race. I will say there is a fine line between challenging and dangerous. I enjoy riding at Raccoon Mtn, but will NOT ride there alone. A local doc who used to refer patients to my wife is now permanently wheelchair bound from going over the bars up there late last year. Lots of others have broken legs, collarbones, arms, etc. as a result of messing up on the tough sections of those trails. I'll admit there is one boulder section I always carry the bike through, because the risk is not worth it. Clint Eastwood was spot on...

[Gummee!]

Originally Posted by bogieboy

I think what he meant there is that we shouldnt have to settle for a nice smooth walking path (lowest common denominator fun) but instead we should be able to have a fun challenge to ride

+1

There's what's called the Cross County Trail up in Fairfax Co. VA. They're steadily paving the whole thing. Right now, its appx 3/4 singletrack. Lots of fun in a VERY suburban area. Its about a 3.5hr lollipop from Oak Marr Rec Ctr to Rt 7 at Tyson's Corner and back.

...but you can tell they really, really want it to be a MUT that's a paved (road) lane wide for the lowest common denominator to enjoy.

They've managed to pave a bunch in the last few years. Some was needed, the rest? see above.

I don't go off-roading solo. I've seen too many 'whoops!' moments to not want someone around 'just in case.'

M

[RxZ]

I hate to quote myself, but this post being at the bottom of the page I think got missed

Any advice?

Originally Posted by RxZ

So, at a demo the other day the bike I rode had tires that were 2.3 inch diameter. Mine are 2.1 inch. Other than the fact this bike was a full suspension compared to my hard-tail, the tires were immediately noticeable on the trail.

Question is, I don't know if that is a good or bad thing. I liked them, but I don't know enough about riding in general to know if I should pursue getting a set for my bike (or if they would even fit )

Anyway, why would someone want slightly larger tires? Pros and cons of a 2.3 over my current 2.1.

Ready, GO!

[moodfart]

Originally Posted by Gummee!

+1

I don't go off-roading solo. I've seen too many 'whoops!' moments to not want someone around 'just in case.'

M

I really need to stop going alone so often, but the place I frequent is heavy use with parking lots full of hikers and mountain bikers. I always feel if I had a bad crash, someone would be along sooner or later to scrape me off the rocks. I also wear more protection than I probably need, including shin guards, pressure suit and new full face helmet Santa in brown will be dropping off tomrrow! Oh well, too much fun to not go when no one else is down to ride. Joined IMBA to find more people who want to ride regularly, this spring I'm going to attend a couple meets.

[Gummee!]

Originally Posted by RxZ

I hate to quote myself, but this post being at the bottom of the page I think got missed

Any advice?

Larger tires = lower pressure without pinching.
Larger tires = bigger contact patch
Larger tires = heavier

Were they the same tread pattern as what you've been riding? Some tires just work better in certain areas than others.
Tubeless?

If you liked em, buy a set and try em longer term Only way to find out.

M