SSMTBs

Maybe we were just on stupid terrain in stupid conditions. I've been trying to google to find pictures of terrain similar to what we were on and all I can find are trails/singletrack that have me thinking "yeah, I could do that on my bike without much bother".

Things usually look for less gnarly* on screen, I guess if in doubt just gear lower and lower.

*am I doing it right?

Rad

No shame in running with your MTB alongside overtaking the 24/36 spinners and freewheel-smash it on the descents.

This is as close as I can find.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQRDb-zp1WE/UWay3wzEqHI/AAAAAAAAG7U/NN_kPWqNrso/s1600/100_5053.JPG

I'm going to declare that it was unsuitable for a novice on SS and will update my MTB status from "fuck that shit, I'm never doing that again" to "okay, I'll give it another go, providing the conditions are dry and the route moderate".

I can't figure out if I'm just missing something, using the bike in a way that's inappropriate for SS or other. These guys I've been riding with have been racing MTB, some at a fairly high level, for the last 20 years and if they're chosing ~1:2 for the trails, I don't see how it's possible to do the same at 2:1. But if I geared to 1:2 or thereabouts, it'd be useless for any mixed terrain ride where there may be flat/smooth riding.>

2:1 26" here as well. I deleted my post above because I remembered M_V is riding in Scotland and they have proper hills there.

SS MTB requires good line choice and being ready to stand and crank. The extra leverage of a nice wide set of bars will help with hoofing the bike around a bit more. Spotted a root or rock comin' atcha? Don't just ride into it like a dead seal on a skateboard, get light, allow the bike to move below you, it's an organic force, stroke it, be the Golden Retriever.

dead seal on a skateboard

The name of my next band. EPIC!

32:16 on 26" and 32:18 on 29" are the classic ratios. 175mm cranks help, as do wide bars as mentioned above. Every time I mtb after a while off i'm reminded how much you use your upper body.

Ah, forgot to add, I was on 29x2.25", fully rigid with 560mm bars.

Sounds like my Mum's hybrid

yeah the 2:1 mostly applies to 26" wheels

560mm bars.

Yikes... 1990s flashback O.o

Try something wider. You'll be surprised how quickly you get used to the feel of it.

*notaeuph

i used to ride this as a fixed trail bike for 2 years. Had multiple different bar stem and seat combos.

better like this:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/111089357@N08/16169670689/

Nice Rock Lobster SSMTB for sale

I'm putting your name down for the Gas Hill Gasp this year.

I did want wider bars, but good luck finding oversize, silver, flat bars without loads of sweep that are wider than 560mm. All I could find was pricey Ti options. I should really have kept with black components.

lines starting with a 'greater than' denote quoted text

38/18. (54.5)

I didn't choose it, it chose me. Rarely have to walk climbs now unless it's super technical. Don't run out of go on the flat either. Don't think I'll be changing.

They all look the same when covered in mud.

Berm

Also, £14.99?
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBOOOFB/on-one-oversize-flat-bar-handlebar

Well....shit. :(

They must have just gotten them back in since they were the first place I checked! I may order one of those.

Those are 600mm! That's balls, anything less than 680mm isn't gonna cut it. Ditch the silver idea, fit something cheap that will make a difference, then get pimpy if you like it.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fsa-comet-flat-handlebar/rp-prod120355

Boom!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/funn-flame-on-flat-bar/rp-prod109349