gary-j profile

Great article, and fun stroll down memory lane for sure. I do agree that Fromme and Seymour were at the centre of the movement, but it seems unfair to discount the early MTB pioneers all over BC:

Lumpy and Binty in Whistler

Schley and Tippie in Kamloops

Vic, The Crazy Carpenter, and all the builders in the Fraser Valley.

The list is endless.

I do question how prolific "The Shore" and it's riders were to the emergence of the the modern mountain bike. When examining the modern trail bike, I feel the early European designs, are far more relevant to how and what we ride today.  When comparing Wade's RM9 to Nico's Sunn World Champs bike I know which one I would pick.

Still, a fun read, Thanks.

I think the judges did a good job of ranking the runs overall, but I just don't get the scoring.

As an example, How did Zink only loose .5 points on is second run when his 3 drop wasn't landed clean?
And for that matter, what would his score been had he even straight aired the bottom third of his run? KS rode the same line, just as smooth with a suicide no hander off the drop, (a super tech. move on huge drops) then finished the line and scored lower???

As for BS. his top line line was also super tech, (although he was a little slow) but his layering of big tricks was superior to anyone else.

I think there needs to be more clarity regarding scoring. If big smooth tricks don't score why not just call it a Chinese DH and let everyone huck away.

The skinny on bike shops.

Bigger shops will have more selection. And specialty shops will have the most specific goods.

If you are looking for soft goods find a shop that has a lady on the floor. (its true)
Don't bug the mechanic unless it's a tech question. He isn't there to chat or sell you a jersey, and if he is, don't get your bike worked on there.

For the best deals and service, build a relationship with a shop. And that doesn't mean hang around for hours on end. Buy a tube or map and ask the sales person specific questions.
In short, do your homework first and don't be a time waster, the deals will come.

gj

First point: Yes, the fork needs a service. but after Crankworx, Vegas Moab, andthe Coast mountains, I think that's exceptable.

To say there is no difference between 26 and 650 is just plain wrong.

The Sight 650 is far closer in ride feel (and weight) to the Range 26 than sight 26

I was very surprised on my first rip, after riding my range just hours berfore, how similair these bikes are. It tracks well and is very compfortable at speed in the ruff.
One major difference is ride pace. I have found that I am in the same gear on all my regular climbs but the bigger wheel means more speed.

There is NO QUESTION the big wheels climb better. Even in this changing season I am still holding traction on my favouite tech climbs.

Will the 650 turn everyone into a pro, or even significanty improve your experience? Probably not.
Is it a fun new thing that will likely de-throne our beloved 26ers? Probably

the sunshine coaster aka rat race needs an extra shuttle trailer for their event may 5-6.

we can pick up (or pay for delivery plus free entry) and will pay rental fees for the weekend.

call Off the Edge if you can help.
604 741 0767

thanks
gary

Seriously, thanks for the great coast plug and we are happy to have guests. The Coastal crew have a few "secret" zones but only because they are on private land.
Although the weather is a bit rough today. It's like minus 1 and there is almost a full CM of snow in Sechelt this morning.

over priced, over enginered, over weight parts, for an over priced over enginered bikes.

i've raced it the past two years and both courses were great!
2010 had more pedalling and was slightly less tech. (although practice in the rain was downright scarry)

the race is NOT a holeshot wins, in the masters class the lead changed 5 times and the top 4 were less than 30 seconds apart, fourth place made a pass for podium in the last corner.

it is my favourite race.

dh racing used to be about riding, racing and smack talking with friends.
the only people i knew at the coaster event were the long time pro's and the locals.

not racing nationals.

after a woulda, coulda run at the coaster event i've decided not to race nationals and focus on the crankworx enduro instead.

I used to love putting it all on the line for a 3 minute run but just don't seem to have the head for it any more. (if riding off the course in the first 15 seconds is any indication).

a 20 minute run is better suited to a 1 or 2 event racer.

it was def a fun wknd. great conditions.

it was extra rad being flipped the bird by the crap weasel as drove off of the hill with his bitter heart cuz he got all testy when i dropped in a head of him on my fun freeride friday lap.

get a grip bro.

FYI: it's a far bigger FU to snake someone's clear track than a friendly bird on the drive out.

But i don't need an apology. all is forgotten.