Let's Clear This Up!

Yo! Ted here with your Monday goodness. We, ( that is, Jeff and I), have been consumed lately with the details of the Trans Iowa race. Along the way, I'm sure we will both learn a lot. One thing I've learned is that there is a ton of confusion over what constitutes a mountain bike, and "29ers" in particular. So, let's get into this, shall we? What is a Mountainbike?: Can you believe we're even going to discuss this? That's what I thought! However; you wouldn't beleive how many people are confused on this! While it's true, many, if not all, bikes can be ridden off paved surfaces. Not all bikes excell at the task. Only one "type" of bike is designed specifically to handle the rigors of "all terrain" riding. (It may be interesting to note that the term "all terrain" has been replaced by "all mountain".) The single most distinctive feature of this type of bike is it's ability to fit WIDE, KNOBBY, VOLUMNIOUS TIRES! In my mind, this means a MINIMUM width of TWO INCHES. Some may say that other features are, or should be included as a defining feature. Let's check that out. Suspension equipped- Nope, hybrid and comfort bikes have suspension, too. Tough, durable frames- Nope! BMX type bikes have, arguably, tougher frames than many MTB's. BMX is "close" to MTB, but there are much better 20" choices for MTB's 26 inch tires- Nope! There are 20", 24", 26", and, yes, 29" MTB's. Multiple gears- Nope! Single speed MTB's were arguably the first MTB, and still flourish today. So, what really makes a MTB a MTB? TIRE WIDTH, VOLUME, and KNOBS, along with a FRAME that accepts the WIDE TIRE. What isn't a MTB? Cyclocross, Road, Touring, Hybrid, Comfort, BMX, and any other bikes that can't mount up a two inch, knobby, big volume tire. ( Although, I will give a nod to BMX stlye dirt jumping, trail bikes, which "could" be ridden as a MTB- ie. there are 2" wide knobbies for these bikes) This is why the early pioneers of this sport focused on "fat tires" as the description for their bikes. "ballooners", "fat tire flyers", etc.... Now, 29ers, that is just a WIDE, VOLUMNIOUS, KNOBBY tire on a 700c, (or "road" bike) rim. The overall diameter of a 2" wide knobby, mounted on a 700c rim = approx. 29". Okay? Now, your not going to get that set-up in a road bike, cyclocross, touring bike, or hybrid frame. So, those are not 29ers. The tire won't fit the frame= no mountainbike, GOT IT? Sheesh! The response we got to "only MTB's allowed" for the TRANS IOWA race would have made you think we had declared a civil war! Well, I don't need no civil war! It's really easy, but we ended up striking that in favor of letting ANY bike compete! So, that's pretty much it. Bar choices, shocks or no shocks, single speed or gears, it's all up to you- the competitors to decide. The race will determine who is correct in their choices. I have my predictions- but I'm not tellin! YET! What I Say: Your a MORON if you use.............Ha! You'll have to wait for that 'till next time! Congrats on the guess to the musical clue goes out to THE SAME GUY AS LAST TIME! Does any body else get these? Let's try harder this week, people! Okay, I'm over an outta here! Gotta plan, finalize, verify, and what-not with "Mr. 24" tonight at work. In the meantime, check this out. There are yellow, blue, pink, black, and NOW---BROWN BRACELETS!!!! Go to www.stolenunderground.com , and click on the cute black Lab's nose!!!! Ta ta for now!