After months of keeping out of the saddle of my mountain bike due to cold weather it’s time to start tackling the latest bulge that’s developed, not in my wallet but in my waist band. Struggling to squeeze my shorts over my now fat ass I decided to tackle the most challenging ride this year!!!!
It absolutely was quite possibly the most challenging as it was the initial mountain bike ride, anyway after leaving the village that is essentially in the center of a valley I was shattered, feeling the burn I think “why did I go out?” around 20 mins later I discovered the answer when i tackled light terrain from the snow (mostly slush by now). I felt the adrenaline do its stuff as I slipped and churned through sticky mud which eventually caused me to halt as it clogged up my wheels, I decided to head back onto the road after my brief first mountain bike experience of 2011. I arrived back into the house put on the kettle and relaxed.Ill admit it wasn’t any truly epic mtb ride but it was obviously a ride that reopened my eyes to keeping fit and having fun while doing so, while id been out of the saddle for around 3-4 months straight I was amazed at how quickly mountain biking returned with me.Overall it absolutely was a fantastic ride to get started with 2011 and I suggest you grab your bike out of your shed and hit the local hills, then come summer we will show those roadies what real men appear to be after winter riding.
With the majority of 2011 mountain bikes kit already out and available to buy, it’s time to show what I think of some of the best new products which will drastically improve your performance.
Coming in at 1st position is the new Fox Shox 32 TerraLogic FIT Fork. This fork earns its First place by providing all the stuff you may also imagine from the mtb fork with the welcome addition of the terralogic system that makes it a vital cross-country fork for any hard tail riders. If you ever ride a ufll suspension I recommend the same version without terralgoic technology as the fork is exceptionally hard to balance along with your rear shock.
2nd place is awarded to many of the hottest wheels ever made, Red Metal 1 XLset from fulcrum, although they aren’t the most technological forks in the fulcrum range they feature all you could ever wish for in a pair of mountain bike wheels yet still be affordable.
3rd position goes to an extremely quirky product which every cyclist should love the Knog Kabana Lock, this lock offers amazingly high protection from a varied range of thefts while maintaining that stylish Knog look. I personally prefer the blue colour but there’s a variety of colours available. Every mountain biker needs a lock, may as well ensure it is an awesome lock.
Just missing the podium will be the unchanged Chris King Headset. Remaining in keeping with it’s original design this headset is the essential choice for just about any serious mountain biker, plus the wide range of colours and sizes available means their truly is not any better headset.
Coming in 5th but not last is inner tubes. A pretty obvious choice but nothing sucks more than being stuck on a mountain 5 miles away from your car with a busted tube. Essential kit no matter how far you ride a pair of inner tubes in your pack will always keep your face locked in glee mode.
Enjoy the fun and happy new year (disregard the fact it is a few weeks late)
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