A lot of good points, as always colored from past experience, as would be expected. I have rode on crap hardtails with sub-par components when starting out, but so were most of my riding buddies. As my skills grew, so too did the level of bike I had and sought after. Now as I am older have a little more $$$ I can spend on gear, I have a reasonably nice bike.
I don't need to lever of bike I have to ride what I ride, but being honest, the bike and most of the gear helps me ride to the level I currently ride it. My abilities and willingness to crash hard are well understood by myself. Good suspension components, brakes that work as I expect them too, reasonably light weight wheels with tires for the local terrain, and a good reliable drivetrain that with a huge gear spread that helps me with my not as fit body and mind get to the top of the trails so I can ride down as best I can.
I have had relatively new riders on lesser capable bikes kick my ass both up and down the hill, likewise I have rode with people that trails that we take as easy as it gets, like Bobsled, be overwhelmed. Some people will want to have trails made easier to suit their needs others will have the attitude that the harder parts of the trail that they are not able to ride now will one day be conquered. Does make one person right or wrong, just different views.
July 17, 2018, 7:08 a.m. - rideitall
A lot of good points, as always colored from past experience, as would be expected. I have rode on crap hardtails with sub-par components when starting out, but so were most of my riding buddies. As my skills grew, so too did the level of bike I had and sought after. Now as I am older have a little more $$$ I can spend on gear, I have a reasonably nice bike. I don't need to lever of bike I have to ride what I ride, but being honest, the bike and most of the gear helps me ride to the level I currently ride it. My abilities and willingness to crash hard are well understood by myself. Good suspension components, brakes that work as I expect them too, reasonably light weight wheels with tires for the local terrain, and a good reliable drivetrain that with a huge gear spread that helps me with my not as fit body and mind get to the top of the trails so I can ride down as best I can. I have had relatively new riders on lesser capable bikes kick my ass both up and down the hill, likewise I have rode with people that trails that we take as easy as it gets, like Bobsled, be overwhelmed. Some people will want to have trails made easier to suit their needs others will have the attitude that the harder parts of the trail that they are not able to ride now will one day be conquered. Does make one person right or wrong, just different views.