I agree with all the sentiments in this article.
The first mountain bike that captivated me was my buddy's orange and pearl Bontrager ('95ish). Built up for XC, as most things were, but man that thing was beautiful. Even without any previous appreciation for fine bicycles I could literally feel the soul of that thing when I borrowed it for a couple days and cruised around the neighborhood.
Fast forward 20 years of mountain biking later (and tonnes of different frames). My first "modern" all-mountain hard tail was a 2013 Aperture, and while it was still a blast to ride, it didn't have the same attention to detail or captivating charm. Didn't have the "soul", real or perceived.
Very much looking forward to my next build. Currently under construction by a friend of mine, he used a good amount of my input to make sure I'm getting the bike that will make me happiest. It will be unique and tailor made for me, and I know the maker will be absolutely torturing himself over all the tiny details (because that's just his nature). It's gonna have ALL the soul. Can't wait to swing a leg over that puppy.
Oct. 20, 2017, 11:50 a.m. - Mammal
I agree with all the sentiments in this article. The first mountain bike that captivated me was my buddy's orange and pearl Bontrager ('95ish). Built up for XC, as most things were, but man that thing was beautiful. Even without any previous appreciation for fine bicycles I could literally feel the soul of that thing when I borrowed it for a couple days and cruised around the neighborhood. Fast forward 20 years of mountain biking later (and tonnes of different frames). My first "modern" all-mountain hard tail was a 2013 Aperture, and while it was still a blast to ride, it didn't have the same attention to detail or captivating charm. Didn't have the "soul", real or perceived. Very much looking forward to my next build. Currently under construction by a friend of mine, he used a good amount of my input to make sure I'm getting the bike that will make me happiest. It will be unique and tailor made for me, and I know the maker will be absolutely torturing himself over all the tiny details (because that's just his nature). It's gonna have ALL the soul. Can't wait to swing a leg over that puppy.