TALKING POLITICS
I have supported IMBA in the past and am really befuddled by the recent redirection of this organization’s support for the HR 1349. I read the Wiens letter, which states that they were working with land managers on access and to “protect” the land. I consider myself a responsible mountain biker and a good ambassador of the trails and people I encounter on my rides. Clearly it would be easier to negotiate with land managers with the HR 1349 bill signed into law. This leads me to believe the leadership has been usurped, and I question the direction of IMBA. Maybe I am wrong in my assumption of IMBA, how recently it comes across like an environmental organization. If that is the case, we already have the Sierra Club.
Would you do an in-depth article of HR 1349 and the reasons IMBA backed away from advocating for mountain bikers? I want to understand and support organizations that promote and protect mountain bikers’ privileges. Are any other good mountain bike organizations working towards trail access?
—“Podium Crusher”
A: We have been keeping a close eye on this topic and do intend to comment on it soon. HR 1349 has caused plenty of stir in the mountain bike community the last few months and is a topic that shouldn’t be ignored. We don’t want to get too political, but this bill will have a huge impact on the mountain bike community.
NEW BIKE DAY
Q: So I have a 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 that I have been riding for a while now. I have upgraded many components, including an all-new Shimano Deore 1×11 drivetrain, new wheels and other less sig- nificant components that come with wear and tear, like grips. When I have been rid- ing recently, a recurring problem has been my suspension bottoming out really hard. It is just a spring fork and not really designed for mountain riding, so an upgrade has been on my mind for a while, but 29er forks are extremely expensive, with a lot
of them starting above $600. My bike was around $700 new, so I was just wondering if it’s a good idea to upgrade. If so, are there any cheaper options, or if I should just start saving for a new bike?
—Tomas
EXPENDABLE PARTS
Q: I’ve been mountain biking for about a year now and have been extremely rough on my bike and will need a new cassette. I was wondering if you guys could give me a recommendation of which kind of cassette to get. I ride a Giant Reign SX and ride it for everything.
—Jason M.
A: This is an impossible question to answer without knowing what drivetrain you are using, but we can give you some are expendable components and made to wear out. That being said, we don’t recommend getting the highest-end cassette, unless you have to have the lightest gear out there. Shimano makes some high-quality cassettes at very affordable prices.
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO GET MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION
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