Lately there has been quite a bit of alienation between what a guy riding 24" wheels is pullin' off as opposed to what a guy riding 26" wheels is doin'. It seems to have gotten worse since reading the last few issues of Decline magazine. I felt it was neccesary to address this to the boys at Decline, so that they don't lose any dedicated readers. So I wrote a letter, and there will be a fairly large article inside one of the next couple issues surrounding there "one sided" opinions as well as those opinions from riders who ride 24" wheels, 26" wheels, or both.
Here is my letter that was sent out to about 500 people. If you feel like talkin' about it… maturely,,, then go ahead… if you feel you may have some good insight for Decline and there readers, then send them a letter.
The feedback has been awesome… and the 24" riders have some SERIOUSLY great points of view surrounding this issue. Please don't slam peoples personal opinions and beliefs!!
OK Ladies and Gentleman,
I want to start off by saying that I got into the Sport of Mountain Biking for a few KEY features. Versatility, Creativity, and Good People. Lately I, and many others close to me, have been lacking in motivation due to the Drama surrounding our small and tight knit community.
Its seems to me that lately there has been quite a bit of controversy over the usage of 24" wheels on Mountain Bikes. Not too mention Single speed set-ups and lack of front brakes.
Now, I do not want to name names here…. nor do I want to start a revolution, my goal here is to let everyone know that now is the time to state your opinions and let your voice be heard on issues surrounding us and being a bike rider.
As far as I know, a Coalition has begun to try to limit competition Mountain Bikes to 26" wheels and gears with suspension forks.
I know quite a few of you, and your closest friends, are partial to SS set-ups and 24" wheels. Some of you are also eager to be competitors in this sport. If that is true, or even if you just want to be recognized as a bike rider, doing your own thing and enjoying the freedom and versatility around riding a Mountain Bike with various set-ups, then you need to voice your opinion.
I am hoping you will voice your opinions surrounding the current state of "Mountain Biking" and its versatility, by writing an e-mail to [email protected]
Doing so may just save the future of our sport, the natural progression of it, as well as the overall Well-Being of the sport.
Please send this message to your friends who may be interested.
Thanks for your time, and continue having fun on a bike!
Chris