Mountain bike racers have to manage traction, body position, braking, steering, terrain changes and energy expenditure while continuing to move efficiently through constantly changing conditions. Cadence, or the rate at which a rider pedals, (measured in RPMs), affects how smoothly a rider can apply power, respond to terrain and transition between technical sections of a …
Mountain bike racing demands more from a bicycle than recreational riding. Riders rely on their equipment to respond predictably through corners, absorb impacts, maintain traction and remain stable when fatigue sets in. Suspension plays a particularly important role because it connects the rider to changing terrain while helping the bike maintain control. When that system …
Alabama may not be the first place that comes to mind when people think of serious mountain biking. States such as Colorado, Utah, North Carolina, and California have long commanded attention for their dramatic terrain and established racing communities. However, Patrick Putman of Harvest, Alabama points to a mountain biking scene that is steadily earning …
Mountain bike racing in the United States takes place across an extraordinary range of terrain, but some courses stand apart because of how dramatically they climb and descend. From Colorado’s high-altitude endurance races to downhill courses carved into ski resorts and Olympic venues, elevation can fundamentally change the character of a race. Patrick Putman of …