Latest mountain bike news

A scenic outdoor landscape featuring two mountain bikers navigating a dirt trail on a hillside. The sky is filled with clouds, and the terrain is rocky with sparse vegetation. In the background, distant mountains are visible under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike with a sleek design, featuring a white and blue frame, positioned on rocky terrain. The bike has large tires suitable for off-road conditions and a prominent front suspension fork, showcasing its capability for rugged trails.
Map of the most popular mountain bike trails in the United States and Canada for the year 2017, featuring various trail locations marked across the regions of both countries.
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Close-up of a bike tire featuring a rugged tread design, partially covered in snow. The tire's surface is detailed with distinct, square-shaped knobs, which provide traction for winter riding conditions. The background shows a snowy landscape.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a hillside, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A close-up view of a person wearing a CamelBak hydration pack, positioned on their lower back, while holding onto a bicycle handlebar. The background features a forested area, suggesting an outdoor activity like biking or hiking.
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A winding dirt path through a tranquil forest, surrounded by tall trees and patches of green moss. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting gentle shadows on the ground.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky terrain, with large boulders and sparse vegetation, under a clear blue sky.
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A close-up view of a bike suspension tool mounted in a workshop, featuring a metallic silver body with a blue label and a clamp at one end. Various bike tools and equipment are visible in the background, arranged on a wall.
A person riding a mountain bike on a gravel path alongside a river, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. The scenery features hills in the background and a clear sky.
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape at sunrise, featuring rugged peaks illuminated by warm sunlight. In the foreground, a rustic wooden fence and scattered bushes blend with the natural surroundings, while a house is nestled among the trees in the distance. The scene captures the tranquility of nature, with a mix of rocky terrain and evergreen trees.
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A mountain biker rides along a narrow rock arch in a desert landscape, with cloudy skies overhead. The scene captures the thrill of outdoor adventure and the natural beauty of the terrain.
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A close-up image of a brightly colored, worn shoe resting on a large stone, surrounded by natural elements such as dried leaves and small plants. The shoe features a black toe with red accents and visible text printed on the side.
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Group of four outdoor enthusiasts posing together by a body of water. They are smiling and wearing casual attire, with logos visible on their shirts and hats. The background features a recreational area with boats and greenery under a clear blue sky.
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A mountain biker riding over rocky terrain on a sunny day with a clear blue sky. The cyclist is dressed in a black and pink jersey and gray shorts, focusing on navigating the challenging landscape.
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A group of mountain bikers in various colored outfits and helmets are lined up next to a starting banner on a dirt path. The setting appears to be a grassy area with hills in the background, under overcast skies. Some participants are holding umbrellas due to the weather, while others are on their bikes, preparing for the race.
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Alt text: A detailed view of a mountain bike featuring a black and green frame, showcasing the suspension system and handlebars. Images include close-ups of the shock absorber and fork with branding, highlighting the bike's advanced components.
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A mountain biker climbs a dirt trail on a hillside, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.
Four containers of Nikwax cleaning products are displayed on a red background. The products include TX.Direct Wash-In and TX.Direct Spray-On on the top, and Basewash and Tech Wash bottles on the bottom.
A scenic landscape view featuring rolling hills and a valley, with a winding river and patches of trees. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise against a cloudy sky, illuminated by sunlight breaking through the clouds.
A black and yellow GT mountain bike frame is positioned on a workbench. The frame features a stylish design with prominent branding and is equipped with a shock absorber. A small piece of wood is supporting the frame, and the background shows a power outlet and a row of electrical sockets along the wall.
A blue fat bike with oversized tires is displayed against a textured white background. The bike features a sleek design, with a modern frame and disc brakes. Additionally, a graphic reading "Coming Soon" is positioned at the top left corner, adding a promotional element to the image.
A mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action shot that captures the thrill of the sport.
Two people riding mountain bikes along a dirt path in a desert landscape. The scene features sparse vegetation and a distant mountainous horizon under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike with orange handlebars and two water bottles mounted on the frame is parked beside a trail sign featuring symbols for biking and hiking. In the background, a rocky mountain range and clear blue sky are visible. The scene is set in a natural outdoor environment with scattered shrubs.
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A mountain biker skillfully navigates a rocky trail on a bicycle, with a wooden bridge in the foreground. The landscape features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, showcasing the challenging environment of the bike ride.
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Close-up of a man’s face with a focused expression, accompanied by the text "dirtTV" in the top left corner and the words "BEYOND THE BIKE 'NEEDLES'" prominently displayed. The background is dark, emphasizing the subject's features.
A black fat bike displayed in a shop, featuring oversized tires with white rims and a sleek frame design. Various bicycle accessories and other bikes are visible in the background, showcasing a vibrant retail environment.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by tall grasses and rocky terrain, with hills in the background under a partially cloudy sky.
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A spacious bicycle shop featuring a variety of bicycles on display. The interior has high ceilings with bright overhead lights and large windows allowing natural light. Rows of bikes are arranged around the shop, with a counter where staff assist customers.
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Logo of "Bell Built" featuring a hexagonal design in red with the words "BELL BUILT" prominently displayed. The tagline "MAKING TRAILS" is included, accompanied by a gear symbol.
A cluttered bike shop filled with numerous bicycles, both on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. Various styles and colors of bikes are visible, including a bright yellow bike prominently displayed amongst many others. Price tags are attached to most bikes, and posters and signage decorate the walls of the shop. The overall atmosphere is busy and vibrant, highlighting a vast selection of bicycles.
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A person standing outdoors in a black t-shirt, speaking towards the camera with a scenic background featuring trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. A video player interface is visible at the bottom.
It was long, and most definitely a challenge, but we've completed the<a href="http://www.singletracks.com/channels/30daysofbiking"> 30 Days of Biking Challenge</a>! Here are six things the challenge taught me:

<strong>1. </strong> <strong>A bike ride of any length can be cleansing for the soul.</strong>

Even after working all day and being super tired, hopping on my bike for a ride around the park usually led to two laps around the park... or ten miles on the river front trail... or even a change of plans and a trip to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/lunch-loop-tabeguache.html">Lunch Loop</a>.  Riding my bike always makes me feel better. Even when I don't think I have the energy for a ride, I always come back smiling and feeling way better than I did before the ride.

<strong>2. Biking for 30 days straight means more opportunities for adventure and exploration!</strong>  When you have to find time to ride every day, you tend to try new things. I have tried things I'd never tried before on my mountain bike, like <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-events/30daysofbiking-day-16-using-the-lunch-loops-for-their-intended-purpose/">biking on my lunch break</a>.  I discovered that, in the spring and fall, lunch rides are a great way to get in a good 45-minute workout during the week.

[caption id="attachment_43545" align="alignnone" width="535"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-04-19-19.03.52.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43545" alt="Check out Lunch Loop's Three Sister's Trail, &quot;Yes N DeeDee.&quot;" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-04-19-19.03.52-535x400.jpg" width="535" height="400" /></a> Check out Lunch Loop's Three Sister's Trail, "Yes N DeeDee."[/caption]

I also met new people by biking with other fellow Singletracks writers and their families: cycling8r and delphinide! It was great to get a chance to hang out with new friends, while also putting in a few days and miles on my bike.

<strong>3.</strong> <strong>Challenges are called "challenges" for a reason.</strong>

I've biked home from work on days when the wind was blowing 30 mph.  I've biked in the rain with raindrops dripping off my coat and down my shorts the whole time.  I've biked on days when biking was the last thing I really felt like doing.  Each time I said to myself, "If challenges were easy, everyone would do them!"

<strong>4. I can bike in traffic.</strong>

It's rained here quite a bit during the challenge, and because of that I've had to utilize Frankie the cross bike more than I thought I would.  Tired of riding around the block, and tired of my work route, I mustered the courage to join the traffic on Grand Ave to reach the Riverfront trail by the quickest route.  Grand is a 4-lane road and it was about 5:30pm when I was on it.  Traffic was heavy.  I discovered, though, that I only had to be in the traffic through one intersection.  At the next light I hopped in the bike lane and used the bike/pedestrian paths to cross two bridges over the Colorado river and reach the Riverfront Trail unscathed.

[caption id="attachment_43547" align="alignnone" width="535"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-04-14-18.02.48.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43547" alt="2014-04-14 18.02.48" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-04-14-18.02.48-535x400.jpg" width="535" height="400" /></a> Watching the river rise.[/caption]

My best advice in situations where traffic is heavy and you've got lots of lights to deal with and no bike path: Just get out there.  Get right behind a car and just go.  You're highly visible and, honestly, I think a lot of times people are more comfortable with a cyclist in front of them than beside them.

<strong>5. A lighter pack makes all the difference!  </strong>

I've written before <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/whats-in-your-hydration-pack/">about pack weight</a>.  It's amazing how much it can affect your ride.  Lately, on short rides (anything less than 2 hours) I've been using a smaller Camelbak pack.  The hydration bladder holds 50 oz.  It has 2 very small zip pockets and one stuff pocket.  I can fit my phone, my bike tools (though I didn't have my pump or a spare tube with me... since I run tubeless tires it's not usually an issue), my windbreaker and a snack in the pack.  But it feels <strong>so much lighter!</strong>

Using this pack, I found myself climbing up a difficult hill at Lunch Loop (the Holy Cross hill) and up Pet Y Kes with much less effort.  I also climbed Rustler's and Mary's hills, and didn't feel as winded as usual.  There will be times, especially when it gets hotter, when I"ll need more water.  Right now, though, this little pack is working out perfectly.  If you can go with a minimalist pack, do it!

[caption id="attachment_43548" align="alignnone" width="298"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-04-17-17.59.01.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43548" alt="Sunlight and wildflowers at Lunch Loop" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-04-17-17.59.01-298x400.jpg" width="298" height="400" /></a> Sunlight and wildflowers at Lunch Loop[/caption]

<strong>6. Riding every day makes you a better rider overall. </strong>

I've ridden harder features than ever before in the past few weeks.  I honestly believe this is due in part to the fact that I've been on a bike every single day for the past 30 days. I am so comfortable on my bike that features seem more rideable, or I seem more confident.  My legs seem stronger, and I seem to be more focused on features and how to ride them. I plan to stay on my bike as many days as possible to continue this forward momentum!

[caption id="attachment_43906" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gunnydrop.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43906" alt="gunnydrop" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gunnydrop-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> I've walked this drop on Gunny Loop for years.[/caption]

<strong>Bonus:</strong> Even after all this riding, biking is still fun, and I'm still learning with every ride. Isn't that what it's all about?  If after 30 days straight of doing something, you can still say you love it?  I still love my bikes, my local trails, and getting out there as much as possible!

Now... can I extend this to 60 days?!

<strong>Your Turn: </strong>What have <em>you</em> learned from the 30 Days of Biking Challenge?
A mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail, leaning forward with intensity as he expertly rides his blue bike through a rugged, natural landscape surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
An artistic arrangement of Shimano XTR bike components, including a crankset, cassette, chain, and derailleur, set against a dark blue background. The text "SHIMANO XTR" and "ENGINEERED FOR THE WAY YOU RIDE" is prominently displayed.
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A fat tire bike parked on a snowy trail, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A man wearing a black helmet, a dark plaid shirt, and black pants is standing next to a mountain bike. He is holding an orange object in one hand and has a relaxed expression while posing against a textured gray background.
A bright turquoise mountain bike with striking pink accents. The bike features a sturdy frame and is displayed on a stand against a green backdrop, indicating a bicycle event or exhibition.
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A cyclist navigating rocky terrain on a mountain bike, wearing a helmet and a red shirt, with trees in the background. The cyclist appears focused and is leaning forward, showcasing a dynamic riding posture.
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A high-performance mountain bike suspension fork with a black and silver design, featuring adjustable settings and a sturdy crown. The fork is shown from a frontal perspective, highlighting its sleek lines and branding.
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A sleek black fat bike positioned on snowy ground, showcasing its wide, knobby tires and sturdy frame. Pine trees in the background add a natural, wintry setting. The bike features a minimalist design with a small storage bag attached to the frame.
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A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a rocky trail, with a mountainous landscape in the background under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an adventurous moment in an outdoor setting.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire showcasing its textured tread pattern, designed for grip and traction on rough terrain. The background features blurred earthy tones, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A cyclist riding along a winding dirt trail on a rocky, arid landscape with sparse vegetation, surrounded by hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
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Illustration of a cyclist riding a mountain bike over a winding path, set against a map outline of Georgia. The design includes the text "Georgia State Parks" and "Biker" at the bottom, with earthy colors reflecting outdoor adventure.
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