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Mountain biking gear guide |
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Written by Alanna Lungren/Tahoe World
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Tuesday, 13 June 2006 |
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 The Tahoe region is known primarily for its winter activities and lake recreation, but for mountain bikers, the steeps and singletrack surrounding the basin offer adrenaline seekers plenty of fixes.
To vet the gear that’s right for any ability or wallet’s riding style, we headed down the mainstreet of Tahoe City to the fully loaded Olympic Bike Shop, owned by Peter Underwood.
For the “rough, loose, rocky and variable” terrain and “rock gardens interrupted by smooth, peaceful singletrack,” as Underwood described, a cross country full suspension mountain bike is the optimal two-wheel ride for our region’s conditions.
In general, the more money a rider is willing to spend, the lighter, stronger and better performing the bike is going to be. However, there are quality mountain bikes to be found on a reasonable budget.
Specialized Rockhopper Comp
Rider type: The guy or gal who wants an all around bike, good for commuting on the bike path to work, but also fit for going off road here and there and a set up that doesn’t require too much overtime.
The damage: $799.99
Specialized FSR-XC, unisex and women’s specific dimensions
Rider style: For the rider who likes to get out, but doesn’t need top of the line gear quite yet. They need a bike that won’t fall apart when they hurl themselves down the trail and take a hop off a log, a system that responds to tight switchbacks and performs for their generally athletic sports nature.
The damage: $1,050
Cannondale Rush or the Cannondale Prophet
Rider style: Advanced and aggressive. According to Underwood, these two models are the most commonly rode in the Tahoe area. He says the Rush is like a giant slalom ski with 4 inches of travel in the suspension, whereas the Prophet is analogous to a powder ski, offering 5.5 inches of suspension travel. For the rider who’s mastered his riding posture, edging and pressure, either of these models will stand up to the beating and like it.
The damage: $1,200 to $5,000
The front end — Struts vs. forks
The strut is the oldest design in two or four wheel machines (vehicles have four of these) and has the most accurate steering. It is lighter and more rigid, supplying increased strength because the structure is a square inside of a square.
The fork is the most common front end, it can be put on any bike. It performs well enough for most riders, though because of its inherent design of a round inside of a round structure, it is weaker than the strut.
Necessities
Use protection: No side trips down to Washoe Med’s trauma center please.
Giro makes a great helmet at $45 bucks. The only difference in helmets as you go up in price range is increased ventilation.
More power: Clipless pedals can intimidate some, but for those who spend the time to train their muscles to release and clip in like it’s nothing, a more powerful and efficient pedaling movement will be the result.
The bestseller at Olympic Bike Shop and a design easy to clip in and out:
Shimano SPD Pedals: PD M424, $60
The cleat: Mountain biking cleats range in price and style, from a touring more street-style shoe to the treaded sole, all cleats translate to any clipless pedal.
Recommended: Cannondale Roam $69.99; Specialized Carbon Comp MTB $159.99
Gloves: Underwood says most folks can’t get away from the cutoff fingered gloves, but that’s almost like skiing barehanded, so opt for the long-fingered and well ventilated, this way you won’t sweat onto your controls.
Repair kit: A must, including a tire lever, extra tire tube and patch kit. Also handy, a chain breaker and extra link or two.
Clothing: It’s not your fault if you have a sweet ass, but in case you don’t like walking into the Dam Café for a smoothie in full flung spandex garb, grab a pair of baggies off the rack with the cycling shorts built in to them and ride into the sunset. Also remember, cotton is the enemy, so where wicking fabrics unless you want to sweat all over your truck’s seat on the way home.
Photos by Ryan Salm/Tahoe World
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 June 2006 )
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