floody
Wheel size expert
I don`t think that these " enduro " bikes climb or descend as well as an XC or DH bike
I really think this is more due to how specialised and how refined the XC and DH bikes are now.
I don`t think that these " enduro " bikes climb or descend as well as an XC or DH bike
I really think this is more due to how specialised and how refined the XC and DH bikes are now.
PS:http://www.pinkbike.com/news/must-watch-george-brannigan-loose-laps-2015.html
that will show people how fun DH actually is
This has nothing to do with bikes. It's about the trails.
If trails were designed in a way that accommodated DH bikes better there would be no need for Enduro. Unfortunately, most people aren't prepared to put in the time and effort that it takes to develop a DH skillset, so they ride and build mellow flow tracks. Because they ride mellow flow-tracks, people don't see the need for DH bikes. They go buy enduro bikes instead. It's a self-perpetuating circle of crap that's hollowing out mountainbiking as a sport and turning it into something entirely new.
I'm not entirely sure what to do - but I think it starts with continually positioning DH as a sport for spectating. Build the hype around watching the supremely skilled riders. Have people aspire to do the things they see the pros doing and the sport will move away from the vanilla direction it's currently moving.
I have been racing DH and attending DH races since about year 2000.The other issue with DH racing can be the scene that is attached, (not always the case) but there isn't always a 'kid-friendly' vibe at a DH race.
I have been racing DH and attending DH races since about year 2000.
I have NEVER come across this non-kid friendly vibe you mention. Not even remotely.
I would MUCH prefer to take my young girls to a DH race than a XC race. DH racing has always been the friendliest, most supportive group of organisers or direct competitors I have come across in any sport. When I started racing back in the early 2000's direct competitors would gladly help with riding, bike setup or anything they possibly could do. I have walked away from every DH race loving the scene.
The closest I can think of to what you are saying is sometimes the younger guys who are not riding can be loud, occasionally swear a bit much and maybe appear to be goading racers. But that's basically good-natured egging them on. Not bad sportsmanship.
Admittedly my attendance to XC is minimal, but they have mostly been populated by people who are self-absorbed, not approachable and generally more clique-ey than DH or 4X people. Not nearly as friendly an atmosphere as DH.
I guess I was referring to that culture of swearing/drinking at races - not to say that I haven't found it friendly but I know it's a reservation of parents of some school kids I teach..
This is just a troll isn't it?Well i havent found the dh scene unfriendly as such either but it has a 'young male action sport' feel to it complete with frequent throwing of horns and chainsaws to motivate participants. In my old age it sometimes makes me cringe. Personally i wish dh scene would move closer to downhill snowskiing than the 'monster energy motorcross explosions fireworks why is that girl dressed in a bikini and winking at the camera' side of things.
... I love shuttles, I love dh, I have few riding friends that do anything else...yet when we all agree that the departure time x:xx and only 2 people are on time, I'm going to go ride shit I can push and get some extra runs in while the retards try and fit their underpants to their heads.
I am about to embark on a weekend at Buller with 4 riding buddies. One of them - another Rotorburner who may see this - is uber-reliable. The other 3 are your underpant-headgear, cork-on-the-fork, cant-find-their-arse-with-both-hands type clusterfucks of unorganisation when it comes to getting a group ride happening.
But they're my boys and I love 'em and it's for my 40th and it'll be fun even if I have to tie them together with rope like kids in childcare so they know where they're going.
We will ride the trails of Buller and lament the death of DH as we Enduro our way from the top of the mountain to the bottom. Sans-skidding though ... it looks fkn cool when George Brannigan does it, but whenever I try lock-up around a corner I just fuck it up and end up slower, or stack.
I have to agree with you, Link!
What also grinds my gears is when people use the excuse of "we're trying to attract new, younger riders to the sport, so the tracks must be easier". I have a huge amount of respect for anyone that puts time on a shovel, and I'll happily ride any type of trail, but dumbing down trails won't attract new riders to DH.
As I'm getting older and I've seen a few injuries I do question DH for young and new riders. Definitely needs to be stepping stone in there somewhere between beginner, young rider and racing full full blown DH trails.
Our DH trails have never been overly technical, but do have some bits where you need to commit to go fast. Pony Express has some spots that I struggle with and thus I don't race it often, but that more me getting old and sooking it.
To help with the progression we run mini DHs that take part of sections of Xc trail, sometime modified. These give kids and beginners a chance to learn racing against the clock in a relatively safer environment and lets them build their skill set before tackle the big trails
I guess I was referring to that culture of swearing/drinking at races - not to say that I haven't found it friendly but I know it's a reservation of parents of some school kids I teach..