Another MTB season, new challenges. Different outlook.
One day Classics, some point to point, Chequamegon 40, Ore to Shore, Iceman. The USA National Championships. Other, large regional type mountain bike races. Maplelag is one. The schedule isn't set. Any venue ideas are welcome.
Another is bike choices. Traditional 26" Moto Rapido or new hot rod Mamasita 29". Moto Rapido is for sure, just thinking of two different choices on varying terrain. Should be very similar weight. Same frame concept. Are the 29" wheels going to be an advantage on the high speed rolling point to point format? Or is someone my size, not going to realize the difference?
These are some of the ideas about the upcoming season. Any feedback is good.
Snow commute in the morning. Might be 3 - 6" fresh.
J Hall
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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5 comments:
I debated a much similier question 29er vs 26. I thought about all my options and decided on the 2008 Moto Rapido. I just love the fast steering of a 26" bike and tight manuverability. The rear triangle was a huge selling point of the salsa. I haven't ridden it yet as its still being built. I won't know the full result of my decision for about another month as I continue to get parts.
I think all us racers would like to see you on anything with a boat anchor; ) That way were not all racing for 2nd.
When I had the Dos Niner it always took a little time switching between the 29's and 26's maneuvering feel. I did like the 29's for the fat tire road races though. Keep the Rapido for the short punchy hills, and tight courses. Let the big dogs roll at Harmon(You can get the 29s leaning a lot farther in the long sweeping corners), ore-to-shore(29's are also better in sand), and chequamegon(I remember carrying more momentum on the rolling berkie sections on the 29's)
Thanks for the input, that sounds like the way to go with the 2 different bikes. Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the hard-tails. They seemed to work the best last year in the World Cup type racing. Quicker response.
J Hall
Jeff,
I found the Mama to ride very easy. there wasn't a "wow this is so weird feeling" I just got on and road! I did notice it wasn't as fast of an accelerator. I road the Mama and El Santo at Mount Snow. I felt more comfortable going down hill on the 29er, as you know more comfort=more speed! To bad I bonked hard during the race.
I will probably one be doing Snow this year, hope to see you there.
Hi Andrew,
Hope you had a good winter, thanks for the input.
J Hall
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