Pinkbike Poll: How Has Your Riding Style Changed Over the Years?

Jan 15, 2015 at 12:24
by Mike Kazimer  
It's time for a little bit of time travel. Close your eyes, and picture yourself in 2005. That's the year New World Disorder VI and the Collective were on endless repeat in shops around the world, and the freeride era was still in full swing, with the overbuilt bikes and precarious stunts to go with it. It was a time of distinct rider categories, largely dictated by the type of bike you rode. You could choose to be a freerider, downhill racer, or cross-country rider, which left a large segment of the riding population in limbo, waiting to be classified by whatever clever marketer came up with the terms “trail” and “all-mountain.” Enduro was still a strange French activity that hadn't yet made the leap into the limelight.

Do you remember the bike you were riding at that time? How about your favorite trails? Fast forward to the present era and do the same exercise. More than likely, that heavy freeride bike has been traded in for a lighter, but still just as capable steed, one that you no longer need to push up the hill in order to access those rowdy trails hidden deep in the woods. Your riding style has no doubt evolved as well, and while stair gaps and hucks to flat may have been left behind, a decade of accumulated mountain biking experience will have resulted in a solid set of technical skills that won't soon be forgotten. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that the overall skill level of today's mountain biking population is at an all time high, the result of improved bike technology, combined with the increased number of bike parks around the world and easy access to the thousands of hours of online mountain bike videos.

Vintage

Riding and trail building styles continue to evolve as the past is left behind.


Mountain bike trails themselves have evolved, and although in some areas there has been an unfortunate trend towards a smoother and flowier style of building, there are also more trails than ever with well built jumps and drops that have been approved by the landowner. Rickety, plywood contraptions covered in chicken wire, complete with nails jutting out in all directions, are less common than they once were, a testament to the higher level of trail building proficiency that has arisen in many areas. Mountain biking is an ever evolving sport, awash in a sea of new products and constantly changing styles of riding - there's no telling what the next ten years will bring.

That brings us to this week's poll question: How has your riding style changed over the years? If you weren't riding in 2005, think back to when you first began mountain biking.


How has your riding style changed over the years?

This poll is closed

Choose as many options as apply.



Author Info:
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Member since Feb 1, 2009
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184 Comments
  • 147 1
 Getting more and more into biking has made me want to get more and more fit to become an all around better rider. This means dialing in my downhill skills on the weekends, but riding xc during the week. It has made me lose weight, get stronger and more fit. It makes everything better and has improved all of my riding loads. Overall I am just stoked on riding bikes! Yew!
  • 16 30
flag treymotleyDH (Jan 16, 2015 at 0:17) (Below Threshold)
 Cooooooooooooool
  • 44 1
 Haha get out of here Trey
  • 4 3
 Just wait until you come up here to race at Fontana or anywhere in general. You'll be super nervous and then super pumped by the time you're done.
  • 5 1
 He does race fontana
  • 10 0
 You could say things are getting pretty serious. Sport at Fontana looking at dominating some world cups next year
  • 11 2
 Why would you work backwards? Sport fontana is way harder than any worldcup
  • 4 2
 Yeah, two wheels rule! Four aren't bad either!!
  • 5 0
 this is me too. i used to ride a lot as a teen, then nothing for like a decade as drifting/car racing/motorcycles took over. getting back into riding in my mid-20's started off pretty mild. slowly it went from XC bikes and easy trails, to longer rides, to AM bikes on longer rides, to starting jumping, to dedicated XC bike for exercise and DH bike for ripping ill shit on weekends. slowly but surely, onward and upward. as long as i can steadily keep increasing skill and having fun and touch a bike almost every day i'm content with life.
  • 2 0
 Nice man
  • 16 3
 Just a curious thought here, WHERE IS I FREERIDE MORE THEN I USED TOO! Seriously pinkbike you could have done better with this one. Im thinking lately that you guys just want freeride to dead, WHICH IT IS NOT. Just my thoughts.
  • 7 0
 Absolutely. More general strength and fitness = more fun on the bike. Period.
  • 2 0
 @matthewfraser13 cheers to that one mate... It will never be dead !!
  • 1 1
 Maybe if you mean uphill as riding
  • 1 0
 Obeh you need to get a rigid like mine for your trails in SC. It is surprisingly fun to ride and super light.
  • 6 1
 freeride isnt dead, nor is it dying, its just been chillin up in canada.
  • 3 1
 Riding's become less and less technical over the years. Single track that used to be shoulder width narrow, with turns as tight as the bike is long are now all double track wide with easy bermed corners you barely have to steer around. Just let go of your brakes and roll is pretty much all you have to do these days. To get anything challenging you pretty much have to cut your own, and that only lasts until some berm shovellers find it and voila interesting single track turns into a bermed dirt track. (And then the trail gets so obvious the forest service shuts it down)
  • 1 0
 @fatenduro check some of my clips... There are some pretty tight tech trails that are local to me. I know what ya mean about berm builders, I always seek the most difficult lines.
  • 2 0
 @fatenduro I used to ride these shoulder width trails in my area. We used to ride them on hardtails with a 2 inch fork and rim brakes. They were More fun than a barrel of monkeys. I cannot find any of the original lines because the guy with 6-8 inch bikes have either widened them or straight lined the corners.
Now when I hop on my DH or Freeride bike I find myself wanting for some gnarl. We have turned into a world of intermediate trail building or a smooth trail full of jumps.
  • 2 0
 honestly i only experience riding like you guys are describing when i go to Cali. everything i ride on the east coast is still rocky and rooty and tight and narrow with tons of trees. XC or FR, doesn't matter. i literally don't know of anything wider than shoulder width around MD of any type. maybe just depends where you are.
  • 52 2
 I got a good job, I got money, I got two fancy bikes that I always wanted to have, and I dont have time to ride them now, because I wanted to have money to be able buy them, and for that I needed to go to work. f*ck that.
  • 19 2
 there is money can't buy....age, go ride your bike bud Smile
  • 12 4
 A good bike makes a big difference though...
  • 8 7
 I'm not trying to dissing you man, but if you have time for Pinkbike, then maybe you have some for riding too!
  • 15 2
 People pinkbike when they can't ride. As for working too much, if you don't have kids then dial back the work schedule. The real dream is living at the trail head in a camper wagon. If you can get away with working 3 days a week at some shop then do it. If you have kids then wait until they are teens before you do it, but still do it.
  • 45 2
 The things you own end up owning you - Tyler Durden
  • 2 0
 the problem is when you're the shop owner or some other job like that where you really can't dial back the work schedule. happens to me, i used to ride like 4 or 5 days a week, now i can only ride on sundays, so i really make them count.
  • 6 16
flag scary1 (Jan 16, 2015 at 6:12) (Below Threshold)
 I don't wanna live in a f***ing camper!..?
Maybe some of us have more well rounded dreams for our life. Please don't have kids, it dosent seem to be a priority thought. And that's ok....enjoy YOUR dreams
  • 9 0
 I would live in a camper at the top of a trail or bottom if i could ride everyday. Shit all i need is some land, a buncha bikes, some brews and a roof over my head. I still don't get why people feel the need to buy expensive houses with a million rooms they don't even use? I would rather work less and have less money than work more and not even have time to enjoy the money you earn.
  • 7 0
 @scary1 (apt name) too late. I have 4.
Sorry if I don't care about having a lot of stuff. My idea of well rounded has more to do with learning, loving, and having fun than it does owning stuff. Not very 'merican of me I know.
  • 2 0
 Nobody said any t hung about "having stuff" or what nation you wish to to live in. You're advocating a lifestyle that maybe not everyone wants. I work for myself and thank god I love what I do AND get paid for it.
I don't know what is so alluring about not doing anything, personally. Id blow my brains out if I didn't feel like I was contributing to something or wasn't striving toward something.
Whatever...enjoy your trailhead. I hope your kids grow up and work on Wall St.
Wink
  • 4 0
 Wall street? What a nightmare.
You can't work towards things in a camper? I am working on a second degree (teaching) and revising my book while looking for a publisher.
Nothing wrong with working for yourself or having ambition, or even having a nice home. I ran a small business for s while and may do so again some day. I just believe most people aren't pursuing happiness, just a cultural ideal of success. If my kids are happy flipping burgers I am happy. If they wanna work wall street I can live with that too.
I should not that I don't live in a camper but I could happily do so. My wife maybe not so much. Not yet. I'm working on her.
  • 3 0
 "Alluring about not doing anything"?? Nobody said they don't wana work at all, bikes aint cheap. I just don't wana spend all of my time in life working for "stuff" i prolly dont even need. Some people are fine with working all their life till they retire and are too old to do anything, but personally i would rather enjoy my time as much as possible while i am still able to even ride a bike.
  • 3 0
 @taletotell I can relate with you, a lot! I work more than I would like to but the decisions I made when I was younger (got married had my daughter, both of which I would never change) make me have to work. I like my job but it's not my dream. I'm fortunate enough to provide well for my family and still ride 3-4 days a week. Not to mention the few trips a year with the boys. That being said, living in a van at the bottom of a trail would be a hoot. I couldn't steadily live in one though..... But a solid week in one would be a treat. Let's not forget that every Tom, Dick and Harry's dreams are not the same. That's what makes us individuals and who we are. We are all on this site secretly wishing we could live the life of the coastal crew or Cedric Gracia but we don't. Do we keep logging into pinkbike hoping that one day we will have such an opportunity? Or are we just looking for the next product to buy? Either way, we all have this one hobby in common..... Riding mountain bikes. We have seen this sport grow at an incredible rate. At the end of the day and when all the bull shit settles, I'm a firm believer in chasing the impossible dreams.
  • 4 0
 I'm just pushing your buttons @taletotell.
I started at 5:30 this morning- just got done at 9:30 tonight. F-that!Smile
But, had a quick deadline, so..
i just think the camper thing hits too close to home. Probably cuz I was homeless for a bit in my early 20 ' s and it seems one step removed from that, for me anyway.
I still remember how goddamn cold that was and how you couldn't even really sleep.
I guess, now that I'm thinking about it, it's why I really don't care for camping, either.
Weird....it took me 24 years to figure that out just now.
Thanks!Wink
  • 1 0
 it's all good, man. I work full time and go to school and can't get a mortgage til i pay down my medical bills. I want to get away from it all sometimes. the camper is my escape dream. For a while i worked as a wilderness therapy guide. 8 days wandering in the desert with troubled kids. 6 days off. some of my coworkers lived out of their cars and spent the 6 days doing epic adventures while i went home to my family. i was so jealous. I decided at that point that when my kids are grown I will live free for a while and see if it is all that it appears. For now I am a normal guy, but i don't want to be. Someday I'll have that camper and I'll travel to all the best trails and my wife and I will teach the grand kids how to keep up with old people.
  • 4 0
 Forested land is about a thousand bucks an acre around Oroville WA. Near the Canada border. Probably cheap in a lot of other places too. I just bought 20acres and building a cabin and mini bike park , that's the dream
  • 2 0
 @SirWonky Holy shit that that's awesome!!! That's my dream right there! Have fun!
  • 1 0
 Anyone want to buy 150 acres in christian valley BC?
  • 49 1
 I came off the ground recently. It was sick.
  • 5 0
 everybody else go home, @joecrosby wins.
  • 1 0
 Yeah but how far did it go?
  • 2 0
 I like how the general trend of the poll leans towards everyone saying they do more, jump higher, more downhill, more everything. Evidently the PB population does not age.
  • 40 1
 I used to ride like shit, now I still ride like shit, but I get tired faster too...
  • 4 2
 LOL - best response on here!!! I would up-vote this 20 times if I could.
  • 39 1
 I'm wearing a lot less pink lycra these days
  • 4 1
 This is the most noteworthy and important development over the years at all! Big Grin Thank god for that...
  • 16 0
 germans still wear it
  • 13 0
 I think it would've been interesting to enter age into this too. The people who were 15 in 2005 are now 25 and are probably riding bigger/harder stuff, with more shuttles and racing. whereas the people who were 25 in 2005 are now 35 and most likely do more trail and xc, and less racing. I'd like to see how true that statement is
  • 12 0
 Not always the case. I rode xc almost exclusively until I was about 38.Now I ride mostly D.H. and park..I am turning 46 this year and have no plans on giving up gravity riding .
  • 2 0
 I rode primarily XC from ages 12-26, because there was nowhere to ride a DH bike. Then the local mountain opened, and I didn't ride XC from age 26-30, then realized I was a fat piece of shit and should probably start riding uphills as well as down them. Now it's a 50/50 split.
  • 4 0
 I was 24 in 2005, turn 34 this year. Racing has definitely declined(if I wasn't SHIT at it, that might not be so true though) & I'm not really willing to spend money to drive to the park anymore(if the two closest weren't 5 hours away, & crap, or 13 hours away, that might not be so true, either. The price of gas until recently has been a factor as well)

That said, most of my local riding is on the same trails as ever, on a bike that I can pedal to the top on, which wasn't true 10 years ago. That means trails that had too many annoying ups for a freeride bike get ridden more now.

The biggest difference I've noticed? Lots less people thinking XC is MTB, & everything else is crazy hooliganism. The majority of MTB riders want to ride actual terrain now, 10 years ago buying something with more than 100mm of travel was the exception outside of the PNW.
  • 2 0
 Great point/question. For me the type of riding has been dictated by the places I've lived. In the midwest (missouri, kentucky) CX, Road and XC are huge. In Colorado there's all of that plus a big trail scene and a fairly prevalent DH scene. It always cracked me up to meet riders in the midwest with big trail bikes. It also befuddles me to see people riding rigid single-speeds on nasty, rock filled trails. To each their own I guess...
  • 2 0
 True for me. I am 25 now, (so exactly the age you said) and was racing xc a lot in that decade, but now ride a 6" travel bike and focus more on developing bike handling skills. Less racing, but do plan on hitting a few enduros.
  • 10 0
 I rode XC style (even though it would be called trailriding nowadays) for more than 20 years. Now that I've proved myself on uphills and am no more the KOM, I enjoy more and more going downhill and tackling jumps and drops. I'm 48 and intend to get better and better at it. So, no, getting older does not mean lowering the bar, pretty much the opposite, in fact! Mountain biking has evolved a lot during the 25 years I've been riding and to be honest, I also follow the trends, but with the bikes we have nowadays, we can do a lot more than we used to in the 90s. The limit is rather in our heads than the ride itself…
  • 5 0
 I was 37 in 2005, i agree with cool3 as far as i'm concerned i've raised the bar the last 5 years not the other way around. I'm now regularly doing 4-6ft drops riding more technical terrain than before, doing more downhill, and overall having more control and more fun. I' m only going to stop when my body could not take it anymore
  • 8 0
 I don't have the experience or skill of most PB'ers having just gotten deeply into riding in 2010. Started with XC to build a skill and fitness base and my riding clan slowly got me into DJ, FR, AM, DH. The beauty of elder riding (54) is time and money issues tend to be less pressing with mortgages paid off, kids grown, and retirement nearly here. Trailforks stats says I rode 141 days last year - it was probably more. I now have at least one decent bike for each of these riding styles and can ride everything except the pro lines at Whistler. AM and DH are my faves and I just learned how to whip.

I guess my message is aging does not necessarily mean gentler riding. A bit of fitness and having mates around that help you gain these skill sets will keep you edging the gnar bar up.

Pretty well whatever @cool3 said, just longer.
  • 4 0
 It's also worth noting how much the blurring of the lines has made going for an "XC ride" so much more interesting. Dropper posts, better suspension, chain management... It all makes for the ability to climb well enough, but also to descend in a more exuberant manner. The one issue that I am completely opposed to nowadays that wasn't prevalent in 2005 is the whole trail sterilization movement aimed at bringing more new people to the sport. I'm all for more riders, but getting a little sick of the whole "dirt sidewalk" thing. Private trails FTW.
  • 3 0
 @martis, I'm absolutely with you on the grooming of the trails! Some manmade work is good but too much kills the spirit of MTB, which is exploring and being connected with nature.
  • 3 0
 This would have made more sense back when the bikes couldn't handle it. My criteria is if I can ride it at speed on my rigid 29er without getting off the bike, crashing, or fearing for my life, the trail is too easy, thus, a failure.
  • 2 0
 But the most popular answer is "I ride more difficult terrain than I used to". And we all complain about the groomed trail and the straight lines instead of corners. Have our bikes actually made us better riders?
  • 13 1
 I got multiple 70+ hour/week jobs that paid meh... then I decided having a life was important. Still don't have enough $ saved up for a killer rig, but I WILL IN ONE MONTH! And to top it off, my lovely wife was the one that suggested that I go ahead and get it.

Life is about to get a lot faster and dirtier. YES!
  • 6 1
 f*ck work! We work like slaves for many hours a week on shit wages just so the rich can get richer. Having a quality rig and enough time to ride (barely) is the only thing making it worth it to me.
  • 7 1
 I did not touch my bike for 2 1/2 year now. I used to ride/race tons, but bought and renovated house and found time consuming job. My bike is ready as I do maintenance and clean it every once in a while. I am really looking forward to ride again Smile
  • 9 0
 Still visiting pinkbike is a good start! Must be in your blood,
  • 16 0
 I'm in the same boat buddy. House renovation is 80% done and my workload at my job has gone through the roof... also trying to plan a wedding!

But... I'm riding more now in the shitty January weather than I have done in the past 18 months! Why? Because it has a massive impact on my mental state and I hated being the guy at the back of the pack in the few times that I did get out last year.

My advice; just make time for biking, no matter what. The house will still be there when you get back and your work can survive without you (unless you're self-employed - tougher situation). You can't afford not to look after your physical and mental health.

Get after it bro. Stop looking at bike p0rn on Pinkbike and go ride. You’ll feel better for it!

Good luck.
  • 6 0
 Back to 2005 it was all extreme freeride (crazy stuff in old quarries and timber stunts high up in the trees) as well as lots of BMX skatepark / street and dirt jumping. Doing a couple of DH races every year. Great times.

2015? I've just been out on my road bike for an hour, climbing steep hills (which also means lots of tasty, high speed descents).

Tomorrow? I go out on my trail bike to get some dirt under the wheels.

Short on time, but I can always find a good hour or two for a local ride.

Really enjoy riding both road bikes and mountain bikes, its a great contrast and I've probably never been fitter.

For people short on time, I'd recommend getting a good road bike, its all riding and its great for developing a good level of fitness which really helps your mountain biking become more fun.

I got old too, and felt thankful I enjoyed a solid decade of extreme riding, but it was time to call time on that, and enjoy more regular riding.

We also lost many good riding spots in the South-East, which was making it harder and harder to justify owning a big travel bike Frown
  • 5 0
 Far too true. I'm short on time these days, but it's great just to get out, roadies really do have a place now as you get older, always said I'd never ride one, but with life getting in the way, it's a great and fast way to get the legs spinning. I'll always consider myself a mountain biker, but a road bike is a must when you're getting on!!!
  • 4 0
 HA! Road bikes!...... me too.

Got one a couple of monts ago. Been out on it 4 times and use it on the turbo 1-2 time a week. Is that what happens when you start getting older?
  • 6 0
 Lads, dont quite agree with the road bike thing, it scares the livin day lights out of me cycling on the road. Yes, I can see where your coming from to get the legs spinnin, its just some mad motorists out there!! Having said that I do use the roads on time to get to where I want to cycle, but I do try stay away from more major routes.
But martino, I totally agree with your earlier statement, F..k work, F..k the house as that will still be there, just get out and ride. Me, I started this mtd thing back 7-8 years ago as a means to shed weight and get fit. Now, ive turned 50 and my skill level is higher, im fitter and lighter and mountain biking is like a drug to me. I used to like my cars and worked as much overtime as I could then worked on the cars. Now, cant work on cars due to all the computer control, so now enjoy working on the bikes. Dont work much overtime now, esp weekends as I just have to be out on the bikes, fresh air, birds & bees, trees and exercise. Life is now to short, time to enjoy life!!
This week has been shit weather wise though, and I do try to cycle 50 miles each week. Not going to cover this this week, just wish I had room in the garage to set up a turbo trainer!!
Oh, ye, and you know when you 50 when the NHS sends you a letter about health!!!!!

GET OUT AND RIDE ;-)
  • 2 0
 I got a road bike to commute to work and school. Nothing like getting to work with sire thighs from doing sprints. I can't agree they are good when you are short on time. Takes forever to get in a long road ride. Takes an hour to have done fun on a trail.
  • 7 9
 Sorry @hampsteadbandit , I'm not trying to sound like one of the cool kids... but road bikes, for me, are just plain f*ck boring. I would rather quit biking all together, than it be my sole riding kick. Even more on point, I'd rather spend that time in front of the playstation.
  • 4 0
 bandit rides his road bike like he is racing the isle of man tt, its a much different type of road riding you should try it
  • 4 6
 Being raped by a Rhino sounds more fun than a road ride
  • 2 1
 Used to be really into the mountain bike side, but now have gone to the road side as I have gotten older.
  • 5 0
 @Sup3rc0w
Sounds like you need a better saddle.
  • 4 3
 you;re only 34 dude - getitng older aint not excuse for lycra'ing up
  • 6 1
 mr-smashy went full roadie... you never go full roadie.
  • 9 0
 I will never understand how people think riding any kind of bike can be boring. IMO road biking is really fun, just not as fun as MTB. If riding is boring, you're doing it completely wrong.
  • 5 0
 I agree age is no excuse. I actually enjoy it and I'm only 29. Again, Mr sup3er c0w, if you associate riding road bikes with rhyno sex then you must have ridden with some large gay dudes at some point.
  • 8 0
 I'm a mountain biker till I die. I road bike for the same reason that I used to ride Motocross and BMX..... fitness, variety, crosstraining and fun. They all just help to make me a better mountain biker.
  • 2 0
 It may sound kind of hipster, but as I commute on my road bike I find myself riding stairs, jumping stuff, and generally bending the crap out of my wheels. Turns out, of you can do it on a road bike it makes it easy on a MTB. Road can be fun. I don't own any spandex though.
  • 1 0
 Let's hook you up!
  • 2 0
 With a rhino, sorry I hit reply much earlier! Don't want anyone in spandex! I ride road in baggies, jumping everything and with a Troy lee lid on, so only a rhino not spandex!!
  • 4 0
 @mr-smashy, you've got a ways to go to get to "older". Personally, I find road riding terrifying given the multiple independently moving variables that are potentially aiming for your non-armoured body parts. On the trails it's rare that the trees and rocks are aiming for you - it's usually the other way around and you have some control over that.
Regardless, I know there are others that drive as badly as I do on the road - truly scary.
  • 4 0
 Road cycling, like any kind of riding, is what you make of it?

I'm lucky to live at the base of some of the steepest road hills in London, including the notorious 'swains lane' which has max gradient of 18%. I also have good xc trails only 2 km from my house.

On the road bike I have a wicked ride called 'nine hills'. Takes just over an hour, absolutely punishing steep climbs and scary descents, all done at race speed. 2 of the descents take you to 60mph if you have the balls, 1 has speed bumps to prehop for added fun!

Would love to show you guys what road biking can be. Its also great going on lazy Sunday road rides with my wife; she just bought a Giant Propel Advanced to add to her bike stable.
  • 1 0
 I went through a similar lull. Same issues... no riding for a year... then one day I consciously made the time to ride my bike and not a week goes by without it. It happens
  • 2 0
 Having been diagnosed with a genetic issue that could kill me with factor v leiden and protein c deficiency both could cause a blood clot(which I have in my right leg), which can break loose and go to lungs or heart. Having been hit by a car back in 2013, which gave me my second shoulder injury to the same shoulder in a years time. Arthritus in right shoulder and blood. My 30's have been rough so far and am feeling older than I am from it.
  • 5 0
 Conclusion:
I'm live dangerously close to poserville
I ride less but have way better bikes
I ride bigger stuff and tougher terrain on bikes that make the trails less difficult then 15 years ago
I get more out of a ride today then I ever have before
The friends I have today are the friends I ride with every week
  • 4 0
 Used to ride XC/trail as a teenager (in the 90's) with my best mate, on a bike I built from scratch. Had a pair of RST Mojo Pro elastomer forks on the front, triple chainrings, V-brakes (with brake boosters!) - anyone remember RST?? Could never afford a proper full suspension rig but we used to try our best on technical DH sections (just had to go really slow!). We didn't know it back then but we were basically riding 'All Mountain'.

Wasn't until I turned 30 that I thought I could finally afford to go full sus. I went with a do-it-all Reign X. Now I can do drop offs and jumps without buckling my wheels! I'd now describe my riding as 'Enduro' - though I know people love to hate that word. I ride to the top like I used to in my XC days but now with 170mm of travel front and back, I can smash it all the way back down like the DH guys. There's just no excuse for pushing or driving your bike to the top of the mountain these days. I like to "ride" my bike...not walk it up and freewheel it down.
  • 2 0
 Right there with ya man: though I went freeride for a large chunk of the last decade, & am now back to pedaling up stuff. I feel absolutely confident saying that we're in the golden days of MTB right now, these are the best bikes that have ever existed.
  • 2 0
 So right. The only limits to my riding now are in my mind...the bike will do whatever I ask it to.
  • 2 0
 @pjoliver Very well said. Technology certainly helps compensate for my limited skill/fitness and helps me spin to the top and then go crazy fast on the downs.
  • 8 1
 My riding style has always been, and will always be the same. I ONLY RIDE PARK
  • 2 0
 I hear ya, I was riding it in late 90's we just called it mountain biking then but it was basically 'PARK' I'm so not enduro, Park Life...
  • 6 0
 Getting OLD, getting INJURED, and having KIDS makes all those poll responses go the OPPOSITE way I wanted them to over the years... LOL
  • 3 0
 2005 I was 42 occasionally riding my Jamis Dakar. 2007 I got my Yeti 575 and my riding went from pastime to obsession. I soon got into DH (and a Yeti 303r) and Seasons wouldn't stop playing on my TV. We had our daughter in 2010 (47yo), and I really haven't slowed down on my obsession. A few injuries and close calls recently have made me a little more cautious. 51 now and I am fortunate to be able to pick the "more/better" option on each line of the survey except dirt jumping.

I got old, had a kid, got injured AND I ride more, faster, farther, better and braver than in 2005. Yay me! Knolly Endorphin and Podium have replaced my beloved Yetis. Oh yeah, and my job requires that I work at least 60 hours per week. Double yay me! I am fortunate. Time will catch up...and soon.
  • 2 0
 I know some people who still do whitewater kayaing in their seventies....so in my opinion there's still plenny of time.
  • 2 0
 @herzalot I feel your pain and echo your sentiments. It is nice to be able to still ride despite the full inbox and receding hairline. Keep old man time at your 6.
  • 4 0
 Age 47, still ride the most difficult terrain I can find, push myself as hard as I always had, get up off of the ground a little slower, cherish any time I can to ride, still DH, still do stair gaps, still huck to flat, still sit in the driveway on my road bike trainer when there happens to be over 12" of snow in the forest, still ride 26" wheels, still use tubes...Still brew killer beer !
  • 6 1
 If the day starts in an S then it's a Shreddinday. The summer is all about cramming in the rides around the family and other sports.
  • 8 0
 Option 18: I'm faster!!!
  • 15 0
 I'm faster than you
  • 7 0
 Most probably yes! Big Grin
  • 2 0
 I rode in my pajamas but it didn't make me any faster and i got strange looks.
  • 9 2
 Slower and shitter probably
  • 7 0
 Where's the option about hucks to flat?
  • 3 0
 Been riding bikes for 35years. I grew up in a heavily influenced by bike culture family. Multiple riders under multiple disciplines/"styles" across the board. Riding was always encouraged around our places. So like the wild child I was (still am) I migrated quickly to BMX. and was jumping the whoop's at our local track by the time I was 4. The feeling of going fast, flying through the air, charging corners and just being reckless and free was felt and I was hooked! Theses things haven't faded yet and are still strong. Once I was shown mountain biking by uncles and grandfather I was super hooked! I'm much like most old guys around here I learned how to "freeride" on sketchy rigid frames. On trails that should never be ridden. On features that where less then legal. So I've been a part of the evolution of MTB from the beginning and have seen fads and styles come and go and comeback again. My "style" has always remained the same. Sketchy and fun as f*ck! I don't care what kind of bike it is or where I'm riding weather it be road or trails. I always find that little feature to play on, jump everything I can, or get sideways as much as possible, manual all the everything's and charge everything as fast as I can and skid like a bad-ass mofo as much as possible ! I love riding my bikes and I love bike culture!
  • 3 0
 For me we never had the money for a mtb or any type of decent quality bike for that matter. Only within the last 5 years I've actually been able to afford to buy a mtb, now I'm making up for lost time
  • 1 0
 Exactly the same boat as you mate - growing up a bit & getting a salary has meant I can now finally get a proper bike & I'm loving it
  • 5 1
 in 2005 I was a cross country riders who dreamed of becoming a freerider ... now I use a freeride bike and dream of learning how to use it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 6 0
 Instructions for freeride bikes: Step 1:find things to huck off of like a goon. Step 2: IMPORTANT! Land rubber side down. Step 3: Party like it's 2005.
  • 6 0
 Am I the only one that still hucks to flat? Damn...
  • 4 0
 no
  • 2 0
 No.
  • 3 1
 I rode a Transition Preston FR back then, and a quick Google search of old forums will reveal that the terms "All Mountain" and "Trail" we're alive and well in 2005. Maybe the industry as a whole hadn't caught on yet, but even back in 05 there was something between XC and Freeride, and I have a hunch most of us were riding the same way we are now, up and down mountains, regardless of the label given to our bikes.
  • 2 0
 I am nearly 36,riden mtb since I was 11,rode all types of bikes ridged xc to DH. In 2010 I was riding a 5 year old(had from new) full sus orange sub 5 with 130mm both ends about 28lbs,now ride 2010 orange 5 with coil u turn lyrics,jump a bit bigger ride the same stuff just a bit quicker and iam fitter bike is 31lbs .new bike will be a Giant Trance with a coustom pike in 2017 or some thing like that.I just don't need 160mm at the rear ot a 65o head angle.mtb is brilliant don't buy into all the hype of types of bikes, buy what's suits your riding and learn to look after it.you can't buy being a good rider ,do you need a carbon enduro bike with 65o head angle or would you be better off getting a lesson on how to ride?or learn from some you know is better than you.
  • 2 0
 I haven't ridden my bike for about 8 weeks (she's about ready to dump me I reckon) as riding buddies have injuries and broken bikes, and I hate riding on my own. That's the one thing I definitely do less of now. And I don't ride my hardtail anymore.
  • 2 0
 Man this article was funny. In 2005 I was 16 riding a giant downhill comp with Marzocchi shivers that weighed 55+. My dirt jumper was an Ellsworth specialist with Super T triple clamps that we would do stair sets with, dirt jump, and the poorly constructed North Shore style wood features we built. Now I ride a sub 40 pound downhill bike, a low 30 carbon trail bike that gets ridden a majority of the time, and a sub 30 carbon XC bike. Times have changed, I really enjoyed this article.Thanks
  • 2 0
 I quit my corporate job, so I can ride my bike more. I now work part time at Department Store building bikes, and trying to give solid knowledge to new riders, who can't afford the big prices at local bike shops. My wife divorced me, but I have really become a better rider.
  • 1 0
 Haha. Sounds a little like my story. Only mine was a cheat'n ho among other things and people. Made me look for more outta life. Shred'n is life. Arideon mang!
  • 1 0
 I'm still riding the same bike as 10yrs ago, although it's close to being decommissioned. Trails got tougher, I ran out of time, got fitter, changed jobs, got fatter, got thinner, ride harder, ride faster. Still love my Cove Hustler, still rides well, and manages the Trail/All mountain tag perfectly, although that Transition Scout may get me.......
  • 1 0
 If you have ridden off road for long enough you have probably changed or evolved your riding style along with the bikes. Having started riding a bike on dirt in the early 70's (yeah, I am old) and 'trail' riding by the late 70's I, along with many others, have seen and experienced a lot of different styles. With the biggest changes taking place in the last 10 years, the 'style' of tearing ass down a trail with your buddies has not and never will change. So it doesn't matter if you do more or less of any one type of riding as long as you ARE riding something somewhere and hootin and holerin doing it.
  • 1 0
 2005 was when I properly took up mountain biking (I did a bit when I was a kid, but that's when I really got into it). The most important progression for me has been getting comfortable going further off the beaten track and finding more and more places to ride. From stuff that was right on my door step to big days out in remote places.

Obviously the progression in bike tech has had an impact on how I can ride, but I think I'd still have enjoyed the last 10 years nearly as much if I'd kept riding my 04 Giant XTC
  • 4 0
 Best thing to happen is my two boys have grown up and now come out with me and I'm jumping more because they make me !
  • 1 0
 Before I started riding again in 2008 with a 'modern' trailbike I used to ride xc until around 1995. Pretty long hiatus, madness how bikes developed. I still have my Merlin Titanium from that time with a Rock Shox Mag 21 (and Ritchey cranks) and i even rode it half year when i started again in 2008 but it was hopelessly undergunned for technical chunky sections: really flexy, not to mention the cantis, dangerous in the rain on said sections. Still fun on tamer loops, in the city and on the turbo trainer though. A few people even recognise it and start a conversation ; ) And titanium really shrugs off time as if nothing was, no oxidation or paint to chip, ha!
  • 1 0
 Ive only been riding perhaps 4 years now, more like 3 and a half but this last year ive really tried to improve my all round riding. Last weekend consisted of Friday on the road bike, saturday riding DH all day at my local spot, pushing up and then back down covering 7 miles and then on sunday rode my trail bike on a nice explorative XC ride. I just love riding bikes. Got my second ever DH race in a weeks time so i try and get out as much as possible.
  • 2 0
 the older I get the more I enjoy the journey that riding bikes brings. Starting off as purely dh and maturing into more trail/xc style riding - loved it all. Still riding DH but definitely not as kamikaze as I used.
  • 1 0
 I definitely ride more than I used to, back then I was on a 2005 Rocky Mountain switch SL, still have the bike but my overall style has been the same I would say having a strong Bmx back ground but I've learned to be able to air it out more when I want thanks to my dirt jumper and the hours I've spent at the local dirt jumps. It's now that I'm glad my dad got me into Bmx racing when I was 10 when all I wanted to do was fallow my cousins steps and race motocross but that didn't happen until I was in my early 20's on my own dime.
  • 1 0
 Well personaly I really changed my style of riding, cause I started with a crappy bike and then just collecting money from allowence or birthdays and finally built my bike september 2014 (I started building a mountain bike November 22.10. I decided it around 3:30 pm)
Then i started searching proper terrain and building stuff, theresince i havent stopped digging and building what I've been inspired by or what i have on my mind. I am keep riding and building even right now when I am in Luxembourg(I ride an build alone, which is a bit crappy) The
  • 1 0
 I bought a house, had two kids and haven't slept in 5 years. I didn't ride my DH bike once last year. You need to be able to concentrate to ride DH. and you can't really afford to break anything when you have two young kids. I learned that the hard way when I broke my wrist 10 days before my first son was born. I was pretty useless in the delivery room with a cast on... Also, stamina is non-existant in my sleep-deprived state. I can't keep up with my buddies on trail rides anymore. It's getting better though, and my new years resolution is to ride my DH bike more this year.
  • 1 0
 10+ years ago I was full into the whole freeride thing. Made multiple trips up to BC and Colorado to ride downhill. During that time I was probably at the top of my technical riding game and could keep up with the local Vancouver guys we were riding with. For about 3 years kind of fell out of it, still rode but wasn't ever pushing myself. I live in the Midwest, but we have pretty good technical trails around here so I ride a long travel "AM" bike. Probably not the fastest, but I like its capability and versatility. Don't have kids and a decent job so now I'm bucket listing every place I want to ride. In the last 7 years I've hit Moab, Fruita,Tetons, Hood River, Bend, Oakridge, Blackrock, Pisgah, Colorado 5 + times, Sedona and am planning a trip back to WA and BC this summer, and thinking NorCal after that. Just want to keep exploring and riding! I live for it.
  • 1 0
 haha. sad to say most of my responses were in the "l don't…" categories. oh well. still riding and having fun. l have been demoing new bikes and the new technology helps get the mojo back. looking forward to march and a new ride!
  • 1 0
 My riding style hasn't changed since I really got into mtb in 2004. I've progressed by going bigger but the style remains the same. Ladders, skinnies, tetters, and wooden drops are still in my diet. NWD still runs in my veins.
  • 1 0
 The pole PB should have is how to do make time for riding, and if not, why? For any kind of hobby, I'm always floored when somebody is selling their gear to accommodate a baby or because they are getting married. This may be a male perspective, of course, but I see it all too often. What a great message to send...I'll sacrifice my soul for my marriage and family. Perhaps in some cases devoting 100% of yourself to family is the right thing for certain personalities, but in my observation this only leads to unhappiness and animosity towards your spouse and family. A certain about of sacrifice is necessary for any endeavor be it family or job, but balance is necessary to. Alright, I can honestly say that my riding evolved in parallel to the kind of riding opportunities available to me. Where I live we have tons of purpose built bike trails + legacy rooty single track + adventure rides and hike a bike opportunities. Once the purpose built trails came along with jumps,etc. it changed everything, but my bikes were evolving along with it (longer travel, wider bars, etc.). I'm in better shape than I have ever been and hope to ride until I am an old, old man and hope to enjoy good rides with my family, friends and my grandkids body willing.
  • 1 0
 Its funny to think this post goes back to 2005. The differences are even bigger when you go back to 1993. Full suspension was 1.5" and shuttling didn't exist. Downhill was the Kamakazi at Mammoth and the stars were Juli Furtado and John Tomac. Cool days and big changes!!
  • 1 0
 My favorite ride is the same since 1988, when I bought my first MTB, 65km of gnarly a always dirty trail, hard to ride. Same fun since, every climb, step, drop, etc is a reward.... Riding style did not change either, I ride as fast as I can from first minute on, mostly completely bonk on the end, need at least three power bars, two bananas and refillin my camelback at least twice.. It is descending that got improved a lot and it is amazing that now, bein old f*rt I ride drops and lines I did not dare to think about back then. Stiff forks, stiff wheels and XT or Saint brakes are miracle, f** the wheel size. MTB is the best sport of all. Period.

Ah yes, the picture in mtb action, with Tomac leading the pack, riding where all behind him were carrying the bikes, influenced my life a lot. Thx JT
  • 1 0
 I love smoking all the nubes, on my 10 year old bikes,ther all poncy hair cuts, nukeproof rideing, neon neckbraced pussys nower days.... with ther wakker plated trails and ther 650 b s, il piss on em on a shitty old stinky yeeaaahhhh fuukkk yyeeaaaahhh BENDER RULED!!!!!! ohh and crispy was ok too........ im gona jump off me shed!!!!!
  • 4 0
 Triples on the hard tail hucking to flat, I miss those days!
  • 6 1
 FREERIDE AINT DEAD!
  • 1 0
 Amen
  • 1 0
 I get more of fun from riding, less of adrenaline. I progress very slowly, but I do not break a bones couple times a year. And now I can afford parts that I want. I like both - now and when I was younger Smile
  • 1 1
 The older i get, the better i was! I used to huck of things in my teens on a rigid then a cannondale super V that i look at now and wonder how i am still alive!
I love my seasons at whistler and now i suck at getting air, i find it more challenging and fun than i used to.
All these slightly negative points are balanced by the fact that now in my 30's i can pedal uphill all day and love to! I find riding uphill more rewarding than any DH riding i have ever done!
I know why, married with responsibilities i can't afford to have a big off and miss work, so when i ride DH i worry too much, its all about risk homeostasis!
My old man in his 60's now regularly whoops me on DH runs with his hardtail just because he has reached an age where he doesn't give a s*it about safety anymore!
  • 4 0
 Riding style hasn't changed at all, I'm still shite !!
  • 2 0
 Other than getting older an stiffer My style hasn't changed since I was a kid I'm still exploring the woods, looking for cool stuff to ride or jump off
  • 3 0
 Having children has been the biggest influence on my riding style. No more do or die hucks/jumps for me these days.
  • 3 0
 Smart - but there's plenty of fun and thrill available without stupid-risky hucks and jumps!
  • 2 0
 Being self employed stopped me from doing those massive hucks i couldn't do anyway. But that doesn't stop me razzing everywhere with 2 wheels on the ground.
  • 2 0
 Exactly!
  • 1 0
 I feel like I was more fearless before I had my first have-to-stay-off-the-bike injury at 19. Now, even though I'm more into biking these days, I'm in school and work so much that I barely get to ride. Funny how that goes.
  • 1 0
 Went from mainly urban trials, street and dirt,
to urban assault hucking,
to technical street riding,
to fixed gear racing (with a bit of XC and DH every now and then),
since 2003.
  • 4 0
 Today like yesterday: FREERIDE.
  • 1 0
 I ride less tech that I used to. Trails got too easy with modern tech, it became only a cardio workout not an adrenaline rush. I like having to pick a line and pay dearly if you get it wrong.
  • 1 0
 Like a fine wine, I get better with age Wink In the beginning I was on a v-brake, rubber booty forked bike that looked like a comic book cartoon, so it helps that the bikes can handle thrashing without braking constantly.
  • 1 0
 Only when I hit 32 did I own a car that cost more than the bike I owned at the same time. It comes down to priorities. I can brew my own beer and save $, but I can't manufacture my own derailleur…yet
  • 1 0
 I have had a big change in my riding style, now I'm fat and slow, back in 2005 I was only slow. But most of all I miss the good old heavy freeride huck bikes.
  • 3 0
 it didn't change at all. Still full throooottle!!!
  • 1 1
 I used to think I was a XC rider, but as my style changed over the years I have realised that I am an all-rounder leaning strongly towards Enduro/ All-Mountain with a bit of fast DH.
  • 1 0
 2005 riding northshore and 4x for me now I just ride xc and trials difference is any xc dh gets smashed like I am still on my dh bike
  • 4 1
 Where is "I crash more than I used to"?
  • 3 0
 And where is I make more stupid crashes than I used to
  • 2 0
 I should't read this,I'm so f*cking depressed now.2015 will be recovery from this feeling now Frown
  • 3 0
 I still do stair gaps. So I guess I'm outdated?
  • 2 0
 I still go to the university and jump off shit.
  • 1 0
 i ride way more now but anyone from bc would now that are winters are long and wet and the only place to ride is coastal gravity
  • 1 0
 im a big prick if I don't ride!pisgah forrest here I come!weekend of bliss for me.
  • 1 0
 My riding has not changed in last ten years, but everyone else has got faster at racing
This takes the fun out of racing?
  • 2 0
 Five years ago I was 10 Smile didn't quite shred as much as I do now
  • 1 0
 Raced BMX from the early 80's, to early 90's, then bought my first DH 2 years ago,so yea my riding has changed a bit.
  • 1 0
 Xc to dh. Downhill is where its at. Moving from Ontario to BC. Its my love
  • 1 0
 More ,bigger jumps. Plenty of gnar. flow trails are still boring. Im still progressing. and im 49 years young.
  • 2 1
 In the last 10 years I got a wife, 2 kids and a lot of work. So basically I do everything less than before.
  • 3 0
 Is that what the wife said?
  • 2 0
 I said everything
  • 2 0
 I'm fat and don't ride anymore. *cries*
  • 1 0
 In 2005, I only recognized the magic mountain bikes Smile
  • 1 0
 I can't identify with any thing.
  • 2 1
 bikes evolved a lot too in the last 10 years...
  • 2 0
 life is N+1
  • 1 0
 I ride fewer sketchy wooden stunts now. Where's that option?
  • 1 0
 a lot less ladder bridges....
  • 1 0
 Where's the "I build more trail than I used to" option?







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