I Love Mountain Biking With All My Heart

I started mountain biking over seven years ago. I have been beyond spoiled because my first mountain bike was a Specialized Camber, full suspension, tubeless 29er with hydraulic brakes. All of my friends used to tell me of their hardtail horror stories with 26 inch wheels and cantilever brakes.

I learned basic bike mechanics on my Camber. She went through every upgrade possible. The first was the new Shimano XT 2 piston brakes. Next was the 11 speed 1-by drivetrain. After a few taco-ed stock wheels, it was time for another upgrade. I stepped my game up with a set of Mavic Crossman wheels. They were so much stronger than the old wheels. Finally, my wife (the boss) said it was OK to get a new fork. RockShox Pike time!!! What a totally different bike.

It was time for an upgrade. Not for me, but for my wife.

She stepped up to a Specialized Rhyme 27.5+ monster truck. She finally loved mountain biking as much as I did, and all it took was a little bit of full-sus love.

Both of us on our full-suspension steeds started our mountain bike specific trips all over the country. Our first notable trip was to Crested Butte, Colorado. What a beautiful destination, not to mention the amazing riding there. We were hooked! Another life-changing event in Crested Butte was our first bike park. I never want to climb again!!!

It was time for the upgrade that I always wanted.

The boss said, "Get the bike you want." I said, "Are you sure?!" She then replied, "Mountain biking is all you do. Get the one you want and make me happy!" Did I mention I have the best wife in the world?! Time for the full carbon Pivot Switchblade!!! This was the first demo bike that actually made my face hurt as I was smiling so much! What an amazing machine.

I rode over 4,500 miles on her all over the country. I finished the Suffer-Fest here in El Paso, Texas called the Puzzler. 50 miles and 6,500 feet in elevation in 8hrs 15min. What a day. I finished happy and not too tired, due to the overtraining I did.

I look forward to this upcoming summer so much.

As time went on, with more riding destinations like Skyline bike parks in both Rotorua and Queenstown, New Zealand, I had become more and more aggressive and stylish. It was time for a new bike. The monster of a bike was mine, the Pivot Firebird 29. With this new bike that I got an amazing deal on, the best wife in the world also said I could get new shiny wheels.

I thought to myself, "Should I get a top-of-the-life carbon 29er wheelset, or try my hand at wheel building?" With the help of my local bike shop, The Shock Lab, I was able to build and afford a 29er and a 27.5” set of wheels. Similar builds for both - i9 1/1 hubs, Sapim Race spokes, Sapim Secure Lock nipples, and some shiny new Light Bicycle rims. The 27.5” set is built with AM733 front and EN733 (replaced with DH rated rim) rear, while the 29er set is with AM933 front and EN933 rear (soon to be EN933 front and back). I love the versatility of being able to run 27.5”, 29er, or my favorite park setup mullet.

I look forward to this upcoming summer so much. My family is headed to the best place in the world - Whistler Bikepark. My personal goal is to slay all of Dirt Merchant. I think I am ready, and I know my bike is ready. Time for a full-circle evolution, from XC short rides to hitting some of the best trails with the biggest jumps in the best bike park in the world.

SHARE NOW:

December 11th, 2021 | Light Bicycle

MORE ADVENTURES

Get in touch

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions on our products or other issues.

Please leave your name here.

E-mail is required for further contact.

Please enter a message.

We use cookies for a better experience. Learn more.

Customize

Your Cookie Preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience on this website. You may choose which types of cookies to allow and change your preferences at any time. Disabling cookies may impact your experience on this website. You can learn more by viewing our Cookie Policy.

Essential Cookies

Cookies required to enable basic website functionality.
Performance Cookies

Cookies used to understand how the website is being used.
Preference Cookies

Cookies that are used to enhance the functionality of the website.
Advertising Cookies

Cookies used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to your interests.

Aceept All Cookies

Save Preferences

Reject All Cookies

Save Preferences

Reject All Cookies

Accept All Cookies