The early days of mountain biking
Written by Robbie Powell | 23rd February, 2010
Last week I was discussing the early days of mountain biking in SA and the bikes we rode. I remember riding a Bridgestone MB4, this was my cross country and downhill bike all rolled into one bumpy,- hard,- teeth rattling, fun machine. Every trail was a new experience with even minor bumps becoming mountains on the rigid bike. Those days we had cantilever brakes that required huge forearms and the length of an airstrip to stop. Thinking back its a miracle that MTB riding caught on as it did and thank goodness it did! Fast forward to 2010 and we see our sport swamped with cutting edge technology and pushing the lightweight barrier daily.
Currently I am riding the 2010 Scott Spark 30 full suspension bike sporting the new twin lock shock and fork push-button lockout lever. The bike represents cutting edge carbon technology with the latest parts from Shimano, Rock Shock, Avid, DT Swiss and a huge chunk of World Cup experience curtsey of Nino Schurter.
Riding the bike off-road for the first time was a revelation, the Spark handled really well with precise steering and incredibly stiff response to pedal input. Being able to switch from 110mm travel to 70mm travel and then to lockout is a real bonus and I used the lever multiple times during the ride. I was able to adjust the compression gate on the 120mm travel Rock Shock Reba SL so with the rear suspension locked out I was able to climb on dirt roads with the front fork still offering some suspension without bobbing on standing climbs.
Downhill was a blast, flick the lever to 110mm travel and you can feel the acceleration immediately as the bike starts to soak up the trail. I rode most of the single track and jeep track seated in the 70mm travel mode which allowed the bike to soak up most of the bumps while pedalling. All of this in a package that weighs less than my rigid Bridgestone MB4! Man I love this industry.....
Currently I am testing a Ransom 30 - 6,5" travel "trail bike" and will post my findings on the next blog feature.
