Free Ride

Free Riding is a type of discipline in mountain biking which includes the rush of downhill and adrenaline of dirt jumping. With this freeride bikes combines the toughness but lighter version of a Downhill bike with less travel.

This mixture makes a the free rider climb trails without the use of any chairlift but has the ability of taking on any terrain on the decent. Also since they are lighter they can be use to jump over certain obstacles.

They have more steeper head angle and a shorter wheelbase for maneuverability on tight turns  on slower, technical sections of trail. With these specs on the bike a free ride bike can be considered an all around bicycle also useful in street and skate parks.

One of the most popular contest for free riders is the Red Bull Rampage. Launched in 2001 it has brought unrestricted ethos of free ride mountain biking to the contest arena. In each contest the boundaries were pushed farther to test the limits of some of the best riders in the world.

Located in Zion National Park in Utah. with notable past winner such as Cedric Gracia, Wade Simmons,Kyle Straite, and Darren Barreclot, just to name a few.

The contest puts the audience on the back seat as they watch the riders jump from man made ramps on high cliffs as they gracefully move in mid air capturing possibilities that a rider can do while in flight.

With contest like these development of free ride bikes were noted by big manufacturers creating a line of bicycle specifically made for free riding and with specific components and suspensions.

Big name bike brand such as Intense Bikes, Transition Bikes, Santa Cruz Bikes and Trek with the rest following the pack.

With the spread of this new discipline all over the world one can expect that a lot of upcoming talents will rise each one eager to show their technical prowess on a mountain bike and with this you can expect a much exciting contest in the future.

Steve Peat "Mr. Second Place" at World Championship

Sheffield's very own Steve Peat " Peaty" one of Downhill Mountain biking winning-est rider was actually dubbed as Mr. 2nd Place. He began his riding career with Saracen and GT bicycles in the early 90's and for the Orange team between 2002 and 2005, where he won the Fort William Cup. He then joined the Santa Cruz Syndicate team in 2006 where he made his mark winning 1st overall and continued with it ever since.

May 10, 2009 in La Bresse marks a turning point in Steve's career as the last man down the hill Peat won the world cup knocking out Sam Hill for his 16th world cup win.Tying Nicolas Vouilloz all time win record and just a week later on May 17, 2009 in Vallnord, Peat won again over Gee Atherton by just 0.02 seconds making him the most successful downhill mountain bike racer ever by number of wins.

But with his success on world  cup events, it is the World Championship which eludes him for many years and with it the ultimate prize of being world champion. Steve manage to finish second place in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2008 season.

With these near wins and having to bear watching younger riders take home the glory, it came to a point where he asked himself if this is the end for him. But that will all change for in September 6, 2009 in Canberra for the first time in his career he finally won the World Championship with a wining time of 2:30.33 besting his fellow Syndicate Greg Minaar by just 0.05 seconds.

Steve still rides with Santa Cruz Bicycles using the V-10 downhill mountain bike with his current sponsors FOX Racing, Shimano. Monster Energy, Royal Racing, Maxxis, WTB, Chris King and Troy Lee Design.

Aside from his professional riding career, Peat has other involvements with the sport, including contributing to the design and manufacture of specialist riding clothing made by Royal Racing where he is part owner. He is also involve with young cyclist and their involvement in sports.

Indeed Steve Peat is a true legend in the sport of mountain biking in winning the World Championship it only proves that if you believe and work hard to achieve your goal it will happened. With Mr. 2nd place a thing of the past.

Cross Country Mountain Biking

Since the start of its popularity the mountain bike has become the favorite bicycle for adventure seekers, free riders, downhill enthusiast and street riders. Because of its virtually unlimited characteristics on the type of trail one would choose to discover. The cross country mountain bike made its mark as an all around mountain bike

 TERRAIN
Due to the type of terrain which is a mixture of rough forest paths and smooth fire roads. Cross-country or XC mountain biking is considered one of the most demanding cycling event. For this type of racing one can never determine what type of terrain one will be facing. Endurance, technical skill and experience are the key ingredients to go over these challenges.

THE RACE
Races are divided up into stages so as to span several days. Races can be either point-to-point or lap-based. Traditionally cross country races begin with a mass start or Le Mans start where racers begin the race with a short sprint towards their bikes. Often riders are released in several large groups divided by age and/or ability.

THE BIKE
Cross-country bicycles are some of the lightest mountain bikes, typically between  (15 and 30 lbs). They usually feature a suspension fork in front and sometimes have suspension in the rear but others still prefer a hardtail or a bike without the use of any suspension.


This is for easier control especially on tight turns. Because of its quality of being very light and very strong Carbon Fiber is becoming the standard material use for making a cross-country mountain bike.However aluminum alloy is still being used and there is a lighter type of aluminum that was developed for these type of bikes.

EQUIPMENTS
Bicycle helmets are often used for cross-country riding this is because of the different terrain a rider will need to travel. However, XC riders only rarely wear full-face helmets and do not wear the full body "armour" like of that used by downhill riders. Cross country cyclists are more prone to injuries than road cyclist however, the injuries sustained by these riders are usually not as severe.

Cedric Gracia Rides for Santa Cruz

Among the legends of the sport of mountain biking comes France's very own Cedric Gracia. He started racing when he was 6 using a bmx and became a mountain biker afterwards. He then turned professional in 2001 with his team Volvo/Cannondale.

He participated in Downhill and Four cross events where he captured numerous world titles including winner of  the 2003 Red bull Rampage in Utah USA.

He also rode for the Commencal team in 2006 and later joined the Santa Cruz Syndicate team in 2011 as a free agent. Gracia also started his own team, the CG Racing Brigade.

As its first rider he was then joined by the Colombian National Champion Marcelo Guttierez, they are two of the very few riders out the Santa Cruz team to ever ride the V-10 carbon downhill bike during the 2011 season.

His current sponsors includes Oakley, Truvativ, SRAM, Fox, Panaracer, Mavic, MRP, Leatt, Jagwire, Lizard Skin, HOPE and Santa Cruz. With Cedric riding for the famed Santa Cruz Syndicate team its like an additional muscle on that teams otherwise powerhouse cast.

With him is 2009 world champion Steve Peat, 2003 World champ Greg Minaar and Junior world champ Josh Bryceland no doubt a team to watch for on downhill's up coming season.

Currently the team is traveling the world over to compete in both minor and major events in preparation for the next world championship which will be held in South Africa.

Again Cedric, Steve, Greg and Josh will be using the V-10 all carbon bike downhill bike for their campaign although there are talks of new sponsors coming in a lot of Santa Cruz fans are eagerly awaiting the new V-10.

Of course the best riders deserve the best bike and the V-10 is truly one awesome machine that only a very few riders can ride.

Twenty Niner vs Twenty Six

Another highly debated topic in mountain biking is the wheel size, due to the fact that the Twenty Nine inch wheeled mountain bikes are currently gaining popularity still others prefer the Twenty Six wheel size bike.

My first impression when I saw a niner is that its too heavy and back then I don't see a lot of bike shops selling twenty niner parts. Also I thought that this was created specifically for taller riders and most guys I knew that raced bmx growing up, are not fans either even though they are tall.

One of the main reason is that majority of the riders that switched to mountain biking came from riding bmx with their riding style much more compatible with 26 inch wheels.

Also I haven't seen anyone yet who use a niner in doing tricks. Not to subject myself from mere speculations I mange to get a hold of a niner and ride it myself.

Here are a number of observations that I had with this bike. First let me give the Pros on having a bigger wheel.

ADVANTAGES OF A 29NER

• it definitely roll over obstacles better.
• if you have good technique, it rails corners better.
• it has more adhesion on steeps, both up and down.
• it floats a bit better in loose or muddy conditions.

Although some riders will appreciate its advantages here are the things that I noticed that are not quite appealing.

DISADVANTAGES OF A 29NER

• 29er is a bit harder to handle in super tight technical stuff, but then again you can roll stuff you wouldn't on the 26er.
• 29er is harder to wheelie, but that means the front is easier to keep down on climbs.
• 29er is a bit less 'flickable', not much of an issue for trail riding really.
• currently 29ner parts a more expensive than the twenty six inch wheeled.
• bunny hopping on a 29ner is a bit harder due to the heavier weight and bigger wheel size.

BADDEST" thing about 29ers is that they ARE NOT for everybody and not everybody is going to be faster or ride better on one. Whatever riding style your into these bikes do have specific riders  for it. It would also be  a factor to know first hand your riding location, a lot of people will appreciate bigger wheel size with rocky trails and a lot of roots.

Since major manufactures are producing parts and accessories for twenty niner bikes,it still need a lot of time to catch up on its development with its smaller brother.

Whatever your options are the best way to make a decision is to find out for yourself which of these features will suite you. I would suggest that you check out the latest bike demos in your area and most manufacturers do have niner line up for those willing to try them. Remember that these factors should not deter one in choosing the ride that your looking for.

Ready for the Ride

For most of us we ride a trail for the sheer pleasure of  going from point A to point B but for adventure seekers like me it is the journey rather than the destination that really matters. Even before I started riding the thing that really excites me is the actual travel itself simply because a lot of  things may happened along the way. Good or bad this will make the rest of the story for that journey.

Throughout my riding career I have experienced a lot of bad things along the way, dozens of flat tires, crashes, encounters from wild animals and so on. In the end  those experiences became a part who I am not only as a mountain biker but as a person. For every crash or flat tires will make you wiser and ultimately more prepared for the next ride.

I soon realized that these are not bad experiences after all but a lesson that needs to be learned sometimes the hard way and you can differentiate them from those which can be perceived and be  avoided from those you cannot.

 One of ways to perceived something before a trip is get information on a location as much as possible, you can get them from websites, forums, blogs if they are available or get in touch with actual people who went to that place before such as guides or even a resident.

With the information that you obtained you can basically plan ahead and give out this information to the rest of the group so that you will know what kind of preparation that needs to be done. Also the specific equipment to carry or if you have more than one bike, one that is suited for the the trail.

There are times that  a typical trip will take more than a day this is a very important data as well, so that each one has an idea on the amount of food and water that is needed for the trip and sometimes a few extra clothing.

For the things that one can easily expect to happen, the usual equipment should always be included like bike tools especially for flats or fold-able tires and spare spokes and portable pumps.

Also the old first aid kit, a snake bite kit should always be included, rain gears for sudden changes in the weather and a GPS.

For things that cannot perceived such as accidents it is through experience and training that will be a the key. Its always best to get CPR and swimming lessons just to be updated, at least you do have an idea on how it is applied properly.

Remember that no ride experience is the same, and it will require you to tap those survival skills to a certain level. However the best thing  with a bad experience is how one overcomes it, and that would really make a great story.

Hardtail VS Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

There is are lot of riders out there that has had this argument on which type of bike is better, majority of the riders I know go for a typical hardtail  bike rather than a full suspension simply because hardtail bikes are easier to control on or off the ground. That's why road bikes are still made this way. Back then there are certain types or riders who prefer certain types of bikes.

Before Downhillers used the full suspension because they didn't care about the weight, and most Cross-country riders used the hard tails because they were lighter and more efficient. But with new designs and lighter materials in today's bikes those views have change. 

A lot of cross-country riders are winning major competitions today using a full suspension bike. However this did not change a rider's preference on his specific needs. 

This will depend on the type of riding and the location of your ride. If one prefers to ride on the road, street, parks or occasional dirt roads then a hardtail is very much recommended. However for those who are gravity oriented riders and likes to riding rocky terrain then a full suspension rig is suitable. 

For obvious reasons riding is very comfortable on a full suspension bike especially in rough trails and it makes riding some technical sections easier. The big issue is on budget most full suspension bikes tend to be very expensive due to the added technology centered on the shocks. 

So if you don't have the money for a full suspension bike might as well get a very nice hardtail because getting a cheap full suspension is not worth it.

I have listed a number of Pros for both types of rides, Here they are.

Advantages of Full suspension
1. Allows tires to stay on ground, making climbing over rough
    terrain easier.
2. Smooths out the ride allowing rider to sit and pedal where
    others must stand
3. Makes some technical sections easier.
4. Eliminates some pinch flats due to big hits on the rear wheel
5. Looks a lot cooler.

Advantages of Hard tail
1. Stiffer ride gives you less squish and more power.
2. Less to go wrong
3. Lighter 

For me the best ride will still come from a bike that I tested on the all types of terrain and has the qualities I need. The good thing about technology is that companies are still trying to merge the two characteristics of these bikes and I hope to see that day when they finally produce the ultimate mountain machine. And I get to ride it.

Mountain Bike Now and Then

When I started out I did not consider mountain biking as a sport that will be a part of my life until now. Since I used to ride a bmx it was a hobby that I know that will not last. Also I'm not use to seeing a mountain bike, back then they looked ridiculous especially when your looking at those big wheels.

My impression on these new bikes is that they were heavy. Actually they are, although aluminum alloy did replaced steel on most bikes back then, it was the heavier type of alloy that was very popular. Maybe the lighter kind of aluminum has not been used yet on a mountain bike.

Most of the designs were not that pleasing to the eye compare to the present ones. It was like putting fat tires on a road bike "really awful". Also the suspensions being used is not that refined during that time most of them tend to sag and has no lockout making it difficult to ride on flat surfaces.

I stopped using my bike when I started college and started riding again 10 years later which is in fact a good thing for me primarily because of my age, I really need the exercise. And I noticed that I still posses that adventurous spirit. Another thing that I noticed is that I accepted the fact that I am ready to ride a mountain bike. I was actually glad to make that decision. But why a mountain bike? Why not a road bike instead? you may ask.

Although I do admire the classic beauty and design of a road bike with all its technical advancement involve in producing one, still its capabilities are very limited. Since I am considering riding again it should be like a bigger version of a bmx bike.

Something that will not limit my adventures to mere asphalt road alone but will take me further inland absorbing the punishments of mountain trails and will not be a burden for me with regards to maintenance which a road bike can never be.

The ten years of absence from riding has a lot of advantages also now companies who are experimenting on mountain bikes back then have greatly matured with specific focus on design, materials and suspension. Merging those qualities bike makers today have made state of the art machines that were a dream a few years ago.

Never has a manufacturer been so focused on, has spent countless hours of  testing and fine tuning being done on today mountain bikes. With the results speaking for themselves never has the mountain bike gone farther and faster it its development.

Today majority of mountain bikes and even their parts are made from space age carbon fiber and research is still on going to get the lightest and strongest material to produce these machines. The only thing that has not change as of yet is the price and hopefully its effect will soon follow.

Jeff Lenosky The Legend

The Legend of Urban Riding

Jeff  Lenosky is my top choice to be one of  the greatest mountain bikers of all time, because of his exploits he has literally invented the sport of street mountain biking. Not to mention his influence to thousands of riders who are engage in this kind of discipline. A native of New Jersey, Jeff is a pioneer of MTB street and urban riding and he holds the world record for the highest bunny hop on a mountain bike (45.5 inches).

He regularly competes worldwide and you can always catch him performing demonstrations of  his extraordinary athletic ability.

Also he enjoys showing new tricks on his bike on each performance. With his long time sponsor Giant Bicycles Jeff has given numerous clinics around the world. He also has his own signature frame The Giant STP and has his own pedals as well developed specifically to his riding style.

Jeff has also planned and designed mountain bike courses across the U.S.  also in different countries. One of his latest design input can be seen in Milwaukee at Rays MTB indoor mountain bike park.

He also has starred and produced dozens of instructional and adventure videos that can also be viewed online. One of my favorite is "Tricktionary" a step by step guide on street and park riding.

Here he starred with fellow mountain bike Hall of Fame inductee "Aaron Chase" also a legend himself. 

Today Jeff spends most of his time showing his skills at group events, he performs over 150 shows across the country and still competes in dual stunt, trials and not to mention other events such as the Odd Couple MTB/BMX contests.

Since I don't see this guy showing any signs of  slowing down until now, that's very good news for the new riders out there. I really hope you guys could see him perform in one of his clinics or even get an autograph one of these days.

Next Red Bull Rampage

The 2010 Red Bull Rampage was one of the best so far with its current champion Cameron Zink doing that awesome 360 was totally the highlight. Also those insane runs by Gee Atherton and Darren Berrecloth, I bet these are the guys to beat on the next rampage. So far the 2011 contest out shined the previous ones as far as technical difficulties of the terrain. No news of the location will be though but it should not be downgraded.

Andreu Lacondeguy was totally awesome having captured second considering this is his first rampage, he will be one of the riders to look out for as well.Hopefully will be Brandon Semenuk in his top form with the injury he sustained from crankworx did not really slowed down this guy not surprising for the 2008 champion. Also I'm still hoping that one of the old guys win like Cedric Gracia he still can ace these trails. I remember when the winds died down he was the very first rider to try out the slopes. Now that's what you call maturity.

Right now we are anxiously awaiting for red bull 2012 and the rest of the action with it. We can only think of the new highlights on this contest that will definitely rock Utah again. Were hoping things will be higher much more difficult technical lines, that will ultimately challenge the riders and let them put in a big show.