A while back we asked about your favorite trail features; now it’s time to check out the other side of the coin. Trail builders take note!
What is Your Least Favorite Trail “Feature”?
Some mountain bike trail features are more fun to ride than others. Then, there are the features we try to avoid.
By
23 comments
23 comments
Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article.
23 Comments
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 27, 2023
Mar 19, 2023
Mar 23, 2023
If the terrain is gentle and you are in total control, you can often sort of 'Thread' your bars through, one at a time. Fun.....
Check it out first....see how much space you have.......handlebar widths vary! Watch your knuckles!
If its fast and ridiculous -- invest in a compact Silky Saw. They are good for deadfall and unfinished trail clearing........
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 19, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 21, 2023
Mar 23, 2023
There are definitely features that I reject as legitimate MTB........I may have to face a desperate life misadventure, like driving into a deep lake or being mugged, but I don't look for such things in my planned life (such as it is).
These have nothing to do with the technical difficulty of a feature. You can have a Double Black that can "easily" be ridden with advanced techniques.....and/or the right bike.....and a lethal Blue that can kill you.
These dangers mainly occur in wheel and handlebar traps........in rock gaps, roots, ruts or wherever........especially where there are dangerous consequences. I don't believe these things merely raise the standard to Double Black (for the Right person).........I think they suck and I fix them (if I can).
These things are common in trails that started as hiking and, especially, horse trails.....so much of our contemporary efforts need to be spent sorting that group-user mess out.
Do some folks actually enjoy riding bad crud? (not in the sense that "I survived the earthquake")....Well, they can always get their thrills on some cruddy trail somewhere, especially if they have good medical and psychiatric insurance. Just please don't try to stop me working on safe trails that need advanced biking skills.
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 23, 2023
Apr 19, 2023
Mar 19, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 23, 2023
Wood rots easily and becomes a deadly hazard. Its nice to have time and rock to build like The Pyramids. Otherwise.......really thick, preferably treated, oversized lumber......fastened with bolts and lags with washers.
I ALWAYS pre-check any wood feature I ride......once in the ICU is enough.
Oct 2, 2023
win/win
Mar 20, 2023
I chose skinnies/bridges because my favourite trails are natural and hand cut. Although, I do appreciate that wooden features are sometimes necessary, then they're fine.