For me, that is mountain biking. For as far as I can remember, there has always been a mountain bike in my stable. As time went on, the sport of mountain biking has meant different things, but one thing is for certain…through all of the changes in my surroundings and tastes…it was always there.

I was finally riding dirt over the weekend (rain stopped for just long enough to get in a great ride), and as I was spinning my way up a long climb up the hill taking in the first cold air ride of the season…I really got to thinking about it. I have used mountain biking any many forms and fashions over the course of my cycling career.

I used my mountain biking as a form of celebration. Have a birthday to celebrate? Let’s ride. Something great happen in my life? Raise? New wife? Let’s get out and ride. Get a new part or bike in? Ride! Whatever it was in my personal or professional life, it was normally celebrated with a great ride out in the woods.

Expected negative life happenings? Ride… Some of my best riding has come in times of turmoil. While some might go to a bar or to the gym to work out…I hit my bike. Right now – more than ever – riding allows me to keep my head on straight. Getting out and enjoying fresh air while challenging myself to get better and faster keeps my head clean throughout the day as my wife and I handle a situation that is out of our control. Will we get through it? Absolutely, but by getting in my spin time, I am able to stay sane and push through. Mountain biking has been my best form of mental therepy over the years when times get really tough. The mental stress relief of hammering out that singletrack or airing out that drop organizes my thoughts and allows me to stay level.

Ever ride just to ride? Mountain biking is always there when you don’t need anything at all. Sometimes it is great to just grab the bike and go without a worry in the world.

There has always been something about the sound of rubber tread ripping into rocks and dirt with my breath in the background sucking in every bit of oxygen that my legs can pull in to push faster and harder than the last ride. There has always been something about the peacefulness of bringing chaos into a quite forest. There has always been something more to mountain biking than riding a bike for this rider.

Here is the lineup.

CORSAIR CROWN (DH)

From the website:

Developed to compete on the World Cup DH circuit with an adjustable headtube, two position primary rear shock and an optional add-on secondary blow-off shock. The Crown is designed to be fully adjustable and tune-able for any DH race course. The Crown’s 65 degree head angle, 44.5″ wheelbase, 22″ effective top tube length and 17″ chainstay length may seem normal, but the function and adjustability of the frame are far from typical.
Pricing: Frame w/Marzocchi Roco WC and X-Fusion Air US $2399 (includes Headset, Seat Clamp, Maxle)

198′s Thoughts

What a killer frame. If you look at their website, you can see how the suspension reacts and actually control it with a slider. Corsair is one of the first that I have seen with this feature on their site. Overall, the frame looks really solid. The only worry I have is the two shock setup. It just seems like more linkage and shock problems to worry about. The axle path also radically changes when the second blow off shock engages. My guess is that Corsair did their homework, so the frame is probably an incredible performer, but we won’t know until someone gets to abuse it.

CORSAIR MAELSTROM (FR)

From the website:

Fitted with a massive 10.5″ coil shock with a 3.5″ stroke (267x90mm) and featuring a 2:1 stroke ratio, the Maelstrom’s 7″ (180mm) of high quality travel is designed for DH race courses, demanding back-country or bike park madness. With its proprietary idler pulley technology and innovative rear swingarm design, the Maelstrom has been painstakingly engineered to be a great climber. As with all other Corsair models, this frame features an adjustable headtube angle, and replaceable Maxle rear drop-outs.
Pricing: Frame w/Manitou Swinger Coil X-6 US $1699 (includes Headset, Seat Clamp, Maxle)

198′s Thoughts

Another great entry to their lineup. The 7 inches of travel and long stroke shock are just begging for a Cane Creek Double Barrel to handle the action. The fixed top shock mount is not something that you see very often. It will be interesting to see one up close.

CORSAIR KONIG (SS)

From the website:

Slopestyle is perhaps the most exciting new cycling discipline seen in years. When creating the Konig, our goal was to channel the energy of a great run into the engineering and style of our slopestyle frame. Getting off the ground, landing in one piece (at any angle) and getting the bike where you need it to be in a split second require that a bike be light, strong and maneuverable – three things that define the Konig.
Pricing: Frame w/Marzocchi Roco Air R US 1399 (includes Headset, Seat Clamp, Maxle)

198′s Thoughts

Honestly, I do not know much about slopestyle other than it is a blast to watch. The frame looks up to the task.

CORSAIR MARQUE (AM)

From the website:

Representing the newest breed of All-Mountain/Trail bikes, the Marque is lightweight but tough. It is ideally suited for the rider who requires more travel than is offered by the typical XC bike but still demands super efficient pedaling and climbing characteristics. With over 5″ (130mm) of high-quality travel, the Marque quite simply out-climbs and out-descends anything else in its class. As with all other Corsair models, this frame features an adjustable headtube angle, and replaceable Maxle rear drop-outs.
Pricing: Frame w/Marzocchi Roco Air R US $1699 (includes Headset, Seat Clamp, Maxle)

198′s Thoughts

Looks like a strong AM rig. I would have liked to see 150-160mm travel out of this frame. With the adjustable headtube angle, you could throw on a fork like the Rock Shox Lyrik U-Turn and really have a completely adjustable bike.

CORSAIR DUCAT (DJ)

From the website:

Dirt jumping and street are the main form of riding for many riders. Whether you live in the city, countryside or mountains, there are always great opportunities to build your skills and bag of tricks. The Ducat has been designed to be both durable and agile. With a dialed in frame geometry featuring 15.9″ (405mm) chainstays the Ducat is perfect for tricks and jumps of all types. As with all other Corsair models, this frame features an adjustable headtube angle, and replaceable Maxle rear drop-outs.
Priceing: Frame US $499 (includes Headset, Seat Clamp, Maxle)

198′s Thoughts

Solid dirt jumper for a good price.

198′S THOUGHTS ON THE COMPLETE LINE

The highs:

1. Maxle rear dropouts – I have been waiting on frame builders to bring this incredible axle to frames for some time now. This is one of the major selling points of this frame for me. All the ease of a QR with the stiffness of a thru axle. A Maxle rear should be standard on all AM and higher frames.
2. Adjustable Headtube Angle – You can really dial in a bike to your liking and trails with this feature. The headtube angle really affects how the bike feels during descending and climbing. Being able to adjust this measurement is a huge plus in my book.
3. Price – These frames are all reasonably priced in each respective market. I was actually really expecting them to be a lot more expensive.
4. Looks – Visually…these are great looking frames and they should equal even better looking builds.

Now the negatives:

1. Adjustable Headtube Angle – Hopefully this isn’t a source for future creaking.
2. Linkage – There are a lot of tight linkage areas that may or may not pack with dust and mud. Hopefully these areas clear out easily with well designed pivots.
3. Dual Shock Setup – This part could end up being a huge positive if it works correctly and shows to be durable. Until there is some serious field testing…this will stay in the negative for now.

Ted’s Article on Long Travel 29ers

There is often much debate in the comments section whenever I post about “long travel” 29″ers. Do we really need them? What is “long travel” on a 29″er, and will it even work? These are the sort of things that have been brought up and all are legitimate questions concerning full suspension and 29″ers. This post will attempt to take the concept apart and see if we can find out just where this whole 29″er full suspension thing is going to.

The Roll Over Effect: First of all, one of 29 inch wheels defining attributes is the ability to roll up and over trail obstacles with an ease that smaller wheels can not match. This has been one of the reasons many have caught the big wheeled fever and have never looked back. Some have argued that a smaller amount, or no suspension at at all is necessary on a 29″er for their local trails and riding styles. Whatever the case may be for you, it is probably a universally agreed upon idea that 29″ers are smoother over the trails than smaller wheeled rigs. Is this a quantifiable thing? How much does a 29 inch wheel erase the need for suspension? Or should we be looking at this in a whole different way?

The Comparison Factor: It was inevitable that when the first 29″ers appeared that they would be compared to 26 inch wheeled bikes. Everything a 26 inch wheeled bike did, 29″ers were expected to do as well. This has been a dominant factor not only in suspension, but in the handling department for 29″ers. I think this isn’t a good way to evaluate what a 29″er is really all about. Sure, it is a bicycle and when it is designed for off road usage, it is going to have some parallels to 26 inch mountain bikes, but 29″ers do have their own set of defining characteristics. Added to this are the physical attributes and limitations of a 29″er wheel and the frames designed around them and you can see it is a whole different enchilada than what we are used to seeing with smaller wheeled mountain bikes. Comparing what is “long travel” for a 26 inch wheeled bike to a 29″er is then a flawed comparison from the start.

How Long is “Long”?: This leaves us with the question: Just what is “long travel” for a 29″er? Well, I believe it is very different from what it is for a 26 inch wheeled bike. I believe we already have long travel 29″ers in our midst, but let me take you to one specific example that is still out on the horizon: The W.F.O. 9 from Niner. This is a prototype that takes the 29″er wheel format into uncharted waters. With an estimated 165mm of usable rear wheel cush, this bike redefines long travel and will certainly push technology to the limits. Considering that there is currently no tire, rim, or front fork combination available that would even live up to the capabilities of this platform, you might say it is a “mad scientist” experiment. Well, that’s a different story, but what I want to point out is that this bike is probably the definition of what “max travel” in a 29″er platform for all mountain/down hill riding is. What I also want to point out is that this bike, if and when it becomes available, will more than likely show why 29″ers should be classified as a whole different animal when it comes to “long travel” all mountain bikes. I say this because Niner will more than likely get this bike out to a wider audience than currently available “long travel” 29″ers such as Lenz Sport’s Lunchbox. Physically, these two bikes show why “more” travel isn’t probably practical in a 29″er format, but more importantly, I think they show why it isn’t necessary.

For his conclusions, visit TwentyNineInches.com…

My Thoughts on Long Travel 29er’s

I am in the process of looking at a 29er rigid bike, and I am really excited about the project.

That said…

I see no place for a long travel 29er. I ride a 36 lbs 6″ bike as my regular ride, and to get a 29er to fit the same bill…the geometry would not work. To get the slack angles required by 6″ + bikes, a 29ers wheelbase would have to be so long that it wouldn’t be turnable in tight dh situations. In dh/fr, quality travel is a requirement that wheel size can not make up for. You can’t tell me that a 5″ 29er is going to perform the same as a 6-7″ 26er off a 5′ drop to flat or higher.

Another note…

The amount of leverage that will be put on long travel 29er forks will require a much stiffer suspension fork to keep the same ride as a 26er. This, in my eyes, can only be accomplished with wider hub spacing and larger axles.

I have a feeling that the same people that are making an argument for a long travel 29er…are the same people that wouldn’t use the full potential of a long travel 26er.

29ers have their place. I see their positives in short travel xc/am rigs and ht/rigids, but the long travel market is a place for 26″ bikes.

I don’t know about you guys…but I thought it was hilarious.  There is some truth to her statement, at least in her eyes.  I do come home with at least something almost every other ride due to pushing something past its limit or from a freak incident.

Part of what I love about the sport is the adrenaline rush, and when you mix that with speed and unpredictable situations…you are bound to run into some problems.  For most riders, it’s not if…it’s when, but that is why this sport is on the more “extreme” end.  Hey, if you don’t want to get hurt…you could always take up basket weaving!

Soon…the woman in my life will be riding a Felt thanks to Chad at Red Barn Bikes.  It will be interesting to see how she does.  I am already predicting that she will probably be a better rider than me in the next year and I’ll never hear the end of it!

I posted this quote up on a local board (SORBA) and these are the responses I have gotten so far…I’ll update them as they come in.

neilster

The words and tone will change after you get married and have kids..

shortbus

As Jenn was pouring hydrogen peroxide on the back of my leg…

“Next time go RIGHT when I call ‘On your left’…”.

“Now when can we take my new bike out again?”

Fixed:

Names have not been changed to protect the innocent.

I started thinking this morning about how much during the day I actually think about mountain biking….

Turns out it is A LOT!

So at what point does passion turn into obsession??

When I’m not riding…I am at work posting to forums, posting to my blog, contemplating the next parts purchase, etc.

At least the other half thinks it’s ok because at least my obsession/addiction keeps me in shape and healthy!

Now we are all aware that I already know I am in full out obsession mode and have been for some time. I don’t see it ever changing either, so if there is a cure…I won’t take it.

Here are some of the responses we have seen so far…

HikerToo:

When you start hiding your purchases:-) I have a brand new $1,600 bike and still ended up buying a few hundred dollars worth of parts and accessories, maybe if I had not bought the bike in the winter I would have just ridden it instead of perusing the Internet for better parts. It’s probably because there is “gear” involved. I get the same obsessions with hiking, photography and now MTB. If you just get out and do it, and stay away from the Internet you’ll be fine.

Whafe

A very good thread topic… The almighty question

Well I think it is Obsession when your life becomes unmanageable from your cycling passion…

Then I say, well it is a good obsession, health wise very good, the networks and friends made is great etc etc, far better than going down the pub, gettign pissed up and smacking your partner….

It is relevant too, many of those that dont share a passion for all things cycling would presume most if not all of us on here are obsession material…

RSutton, e stoked to tha max that your partner loves that you have this passion that keeps you fit and healthy, that indeed is a very very good place to be….

I think though in all seriousness, if you own 8 bikes, you are gone, it is obsession and you need help, thank goodness I have 7 bikes….

Mellow Yellow

When you have entire rooms in your house or apartment dedicated to your bikes or bike stuff
When you have a long list of cycling related websites bookmarked on your web browerser
When the time shown for when “you last visited:_ _ _” is never more than a few hours
When instead of buying new clothes for work, you’re more concerned with getting more bike wear
When you sit at work and all you do is visualize what like you’ll take on your favorite singletrack
When you pass a car/truck/SUV with a bike on a rack, and you don’t look at the driver but you see what bike they are carrying…

… these are examples of when you know this has become an obsesion. One that I hope we never find a cure for.

Curx

When you have more parts and bikes than your LBS.
When you do not need to run to the shop for parts years out.
You own some frames with single or double digit serial #s.
You need to reorganize the garage to fit another bike box, never mind a full up bike.
You own a frame originally built in 2000 with less than a season on it.
You start separating your parts box by type and vintage.
You visit Frostbike and know more than the manufacture / distributor their expert does.
Replacement value on your collection of bikes is greater than all other possessions (not including the house)
You can compose or add to the list already growing here.
You really do not want the wife to see this thread.

iWiLRiDe

Top ten signs of mountain bike obsession…

10. Your bike/s are worth more than your car.
9. You have more than one chainring looking scar on the back of your legs.
8. While driving or just walking around, you constantly hear voices inside your head saying: “there’s a sweet line”.
7. You have more bike product stickers on your tool box than you have tools.
6. While driving, you can spot make & model of any bike on other cars from at least a 100 yards away.
5. While driving, you speed up to see what brand bike it is on that car/s in front of you.
4. While driving, you slow down if you see good lumber being thrown away.
3. You never disclose the actual dollar figures you spend on bikes with your better half.
2. You often use the phrase “droppin’ in” for many other things besides biking.
1. after a bad crash, bleeding from the shoulder / leg and elbow the first words out of your mouth are “is my bike alright”

ebxtreme

RSutton,

I think this is a valid question, but I’m totally obsessed with building these days. Last night, for instance, I had dreams of a new trail we’re building and can NOT get a few of the new berms out of my brain.

Cheers,
EB

So what are your thoughts? Share some below in the comments…

1. When you take most 26″ wheels and add large volume tires, you are almost in the 27.5″ range already.
2. Tire Manufacturers – Remember how long it took to get some decent tires for the 29ers? It is going to take at least that long to get them for the 650B’s. Molds have to be created, more part numbers and fewer quantities mean higher prices for the end user. I understand trying to give the riders more options, but at what cost?
3. Frame/Forks – For the most part, you are going to have to use the 29er frame and forks that are already on the market to accommodate the larger wheels. There are some circumstances that you can use 26″ forks with 650B wheels. I have seen pictures of Rock Shox Pike’s with the new wheels mounted to them, but the clearance under the arch is extremely small providing little to no mud clearance. So in the meantime, the 29er forks are going to be the best to use for these wheels, and there is still a shortage of these forks available that are really worth riding.
4. Rim Manufacturers – Basically the same argument can be made for the rims that was made for the tires minus the molds. The more we force manufacturers to into more product lines at smaller quantities, the more we are going to see our cost rise.

So why is there a 650B wheel hitting the market today? Everyone has to have something different these days to get noticed. It is almost starting to seem like everything has been done already in the mountain biking market, so to get your name out there, it has to be something new and different.

Will the 650B wheel hold or fizzle off? Time will tell. I’ll be honest, I didn’t jump onto the 29er craze right away either, but after riding several, I can say that I do see the benefits in cross country hardtails with the most benefit going to singlespeed rigids. One thing that the 29ers have that really helped them in the market is that they are extremely different than 26″ bikes in the way they handle. I have a feeling that the 650B is going to be too similar to what is already out there, and this will make it difficult to get everyone on board. Right now it is getting headlines because it is something different. Over time, we will see if it sticks or not. Who knows…I could be completely wrong…but in the meantime, I will hold out for the 28.25ers.

As always, Sherwood has kept ahead of the curve with his new addition…the 650B El Bastardo.