Now I think of it as being downhill vs Downhill. downhill being the natural progression of XC riding. I thought the thread was referring to Downhill lift-assisted type riding and not so many riders care about doing that kind of riding...and in downhill, there's usually go-arounds that some folks are just content doing forever.zoey said:I would think that "downhill" is a natural progression in mountain biking. If you are out there riding, wouldn't you want the skills necessary to get you over the drops and down the hill safely?
downhill vs Downhill.redFoxx said:Now I think of it as being downhill vs Downhill. downhill being the natural progression of XC riding. I thought the thread was referring to Downhill lift-assisted type riding and not so many riders care about doing that kind of riding...and in downhill, there's usually go-arounds that some folks are just content doing forever.
Good point here. I am 5'4" and most of the guys I ride with are quite a bit taller so it was tough for me to borrow a bike, gear and try DHing. I wasn't ready to drop a lot of $ for a big bike and lots of gear when I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. Now, I value my bike and gear so I can pretty much rationalize purchasing most anythingredFoxx said:Maybe another reason is it's so hard to get the proper fitting gear and bike to really enjoy it. I'm not small at 5'7" and yet at the rental shops, I have a hard time finding something small enough. So I end up with a bigger bike and it's harder to maneuver. I can't wait to get my own ride which is going to fit like a glove.
Definitely!!! I learned SO much from Downhilling and it made me a much more confident XCer. I now ride faster and don't even think about small drops or techy dh sections on my xc bike.geargrrl said:downhill vs Downhill.
Interesting point. I know a lot of XC riders that think it's one and the same, and don't realize how many of the skills crossover when descending, lift serve or not. They won't go lift serve, equating it with Downhill riding. Or, they think they will turn into a freerider just by putting the saddle down. I know for a fact that learning downhill/descending specific skills, and going lift serve even on my XC bike has made me a better overall rider. Even one day going lift serve will teach you a lot about speed and control.
I will still never be really fast, but I am confident on many kinds of technical descents.
Or at least what would very techy xc descents...
gg
PatienceI've been trying my hardest to get my girlfriend to ride bikes with me. We took a trip with our bikes for a weekend and I didn't think she enjoyed it much, she was worrying that she was holding me back etc.. then a few weeks later I find out she's been taking her bike to the local trail when she finishes work early. I am so proud! She's still dismounting to take her bike over a large root or anything remotely steep, but it's cool that she's doing it