Technobabble...

I am sure most cyclists love their bikes like I do...I'm not talking an unnatural sort of perversion, but a healthy respect for the technology involved in designing and manufacturing frames and components. I have had road bikes, cross bikes, and mountain bikes... carbon, steel, aluminum, and titanium frames... fully rigid, front suspension, and full suspension. But, there is one thing that is always constant...I analyze (and overanalyze) my bikes. I think this is part of the sport.

Every rider wants their bike to perform like the proverbial "extension of their body". I have had a couple of bikes that felt this way straight out of the box. One Bontrager (pre-sloping top tube) in particular felt just right from the day I built it up...one of those I never should have sold. My first Phil Wood SS...same thing.

But, there are a lot of factors thrown at serious racers these days. Many riders train on the road most of the time in order to get in hours, and get on the mountain bike rarely in comparison. So, my question is, how are you supposed to race well on a bike you spend relatively little time on? And, quite frankly, riding on the road is not what I want to do...I have more fun on the mountain bike! Several years ago, I changed the cranks on all of my bikes to 172.5s. I knew that training on the same length cranks would at least give me some consistency. Although, my spin bike has 170mm cranks...ok, too much analyzing Chuck! But, there has to be something to this. Look at Mark Weir and Jason Moeschler. These guys ride there mountain bikes a lot...they do the "Hell-Ride" at Downieville, often a few weeks before the Downieville Classic. They also turned their respective bikes in single-speeds a couple of years agofor the SS worlds in Napa. They both are not only strong, but they know how to ride their mountain bikes. They are comfortable with them and have strength in that position. Don't get me wrong, Jason also rails on a road bike...top 20 I think in last year's Nevada City Classic where Lance and Levi brought a different level of competition.

Like I said, I overanalyze sometimes...but I think that these guys both do something right. I have chosen to ride on my mountain bike full time this year, to not only get used to the position, but also to have fun! That is what it is all about right?! I have done a few rides on a hardtail I have, but just picked up some sweet stuff from Santa Cruz that I will be building this weekend with any luck. My rides on the road have been nice...not so worried about flats, better traction with my 2.0 WTB Pathway tires on our local gravel infested roads. And, with some steep (20 degree +) downhills around here, the more rearward position plus the Formula R-1 brakes are nice. All in all, comfy. The G---t against the garage is my current "road bike", but the other pic shows my new machine...a Santa Cruz Blur LT carbon Frame (medium), Fox Talas 150 fork, R-1 brakes, plus some SRAM XX goodies I picked up. Not shown are the Lightning Cranks, and WTB saddle, tires, and wheels. I should have the WTB stuff posted in the next week.

From not so humble beginnings...

Should be an epic year with great rides and races! Be honest, sometimes it is about the bike...and this one is going to be bitchin! Let the fun begin!

Cheers!

Chuck