Free Zwift

Smart trainers aren't nearly as expensive or as intimidating as they used to be.  It's fun to see the cycling industry catching up with technology.  Indoor training used to be something I dreaded, but with the added interactive features smart trainers offer, indoor training isn't only tolerable, it's fun!  With quality smart trainers starting out just over $400, it's easier to jump into the game.  I've been using my trainer with a sweet training program called Zwift.  Zwift is kind of like a video game you control with your bike.  You pick a ride or a workout, then the program tells your trainer what to do.  You can train solo or with friends; you can race; you can group ride; you can work out to custom plans.  There are a lot of options, and they're all excellent at pushing you not only physically but mentally. 

If you're interested, we'd like to help get you started.  Our Spin Lab includes Zwift training in a group setting.  We have a cycling coach on hand in every class to help you along the way.  If you sign up before Jan 1, you can get $50 off.
If you'd rather spin at home, we're offering a FREE 3 month subscription to Zwift with the purchase of any smart trainer before Christmas.  Come in and check them out.  We have them set up in the Lab, so you can even set up a bike and try before you buy. 

Six Do's and Don'ts of Your First Mountain Bike Ride

Mountain biking is an amazing sport because it combines the enduring thrill of cycling with the beauty and harshness of natural landscapes and terrain. There are many breathtaking trails all over the world, which is why more and more people decide to take up this activity.

If you’ve decided to do so as well, you need to remember that you also need to prepare for the experience thoroughly and consider all the variables that are involved. Here are the do’s and don’ts you need to consider before going on your first mountain bike ride. 

The Do’s

1.   Adequate Riding Techniques

At the end of the day, mountain biking is an extreme sport of sorts, even when it isn’t performed at a professional level. Therefore, when you’re out on the trail for the first time, there are two main positions that you will need to alternate between so that your ride is a successful one, namely the neutral position and the ready position.

The former is best used on non-technical segments of the path so that you roll along smoothly and comfortably. To achieve it, slightly bend your knees and elbows, keep your eyes straight ahead and always have your index fingers on the brake. This not only ensures that you stay safe, but it also facilitates the transition for more difficult portions of terrain.

The latter intervenes in such situations. To quickly switch to it, bend your knees and elbows more, lift your rear off the seat and shift your hips back for added balance. Ensure that your back is flat, keeping it almost parallel to the ground below. The rest stays the same. Always look in the direction you want to follow to keep course and be ready to hit the brakes anytime.

 

2.   Proper Gear and Equipment

As any good gear guide will tell you, the most important thing to have on hand for your first ride is a reliable mountain bike that will provide you with safety, comfort, and performance at the same time. For beginners, the best choice is an aluminum-frame one because it is more malleable and lighter on its wheels.

For a heftier frame lover, steel is always the classic choice. But if you’re willing to invest in something a bit more high-end and modern, carbon frames are all the rage now. They provide amazing durability combining the sturdiness of steel with the lightness of aluminum. The price will be one to match, but you will see visible results right off the bat.

However, not everyone will want to go out and buy a bicycle for their first ride, and that’s perfectly understandable. If you’re just testing the sport out and don’t want to invest in one just yet, using a bike rental service is also an option to consider. After all, proper safety equipment is equally important, so you might want to save some money for that as well.

And speaking of which, forgetting or refusing to wear a helmet is a potentially fatal mountain biking mistake that many beginners tend to commit. Although it might seem like an extra weight that you have to carry, your helmet is essential on your first ride because they will safeguard you in the face of any potential accidents.

3.   Respecting Trail Etiquette

An aspect that is seldom discussed in the community is that of proper trail etiquette. Although there are plenty of areas that can be approached via MTB only and few dare to do so, if you’re a beginner, chances are you are going to share the road with hikers, horses, and other fellow riders, of course.

When you encounter another person or an animal along the way, you need to follow a certain set of rules so that everything unfolds smoothly. First of all, horses always have priority because they are unpredictable. If you come across one, let it carry on unbothered and then you can also proceed. When it comes to other hikers or riders, things are bit more complex.

Remember that you have more mobility on your bike, which means that you should yield the way to those who are on foot if the need for it arises. Even though most hikers will be the ones to yield once they see you coming at a great speed, you should never expect them to do so. Always be prepared to clear the path for them before you continue your journey.

Finally, both hikers and riders who are going uphill have the right of way. It is harder to travel in this direction, and you need to keep this in mind no matter in what position you are in. However, not everyone sticks to the etiquette, so ensure that you are responsible enough to prevent an accident. Always practice caution above all else.

 

The Don’ts

1.   Too Little Food and Water

The most common mistake beginner mountain bikers make is not bringing enough food and water out of a desire to travel light. While this might be done with the right idea in mind, giving up on necessary nutrients and hydration is not the way to go. You should always have at least one bottle of water on hand, and one containing your electrolyte sports drink of choice.

As for on the go snacks, energy bars are the best choice. And if you’re looking for some variety, a small bag of trail mix is the perfect nutrient boost. As for all the sandwich lovers out there, the classic peanut butter and jelly is an ideal bring-along that is both tasty and energizing. Mix and match between these for the perfect MTB lunch.

 

2.   Dressing Inappropriately

When you’re out on a trail for the entire trail, coordinating your choice of clothing with the weather and terrain conditions you are going to face is essential. And even if the forecast is an optimistic one, things can go south all the time, especially if you live in an area characterized by unpredictable storms.

Thus, layering is your best friend if you want to ensure that you are always warm and dry. Remember, it’s better to have something to take off when you get hot than nothing to put on when it’s cold. And seeing as how most trails will have you pass through varying altitude levels, this means that temperatures might vary a lot along the same stretch of road.

 

3.   Not Bringing Spares and Tools

Unfortunately, many beginner riders learn how inconvenient not bringing a portable repair kit can be the hard way, a.k.a. being left stranded on a remote trail for a couple of hours with a flat tire or something of the sort. For this reason, having a few tools and maybe even a spare on hand is a true life-saver.

The simplest array of items can help get you back on track in no time. All you need to carry with you is a multi-tool, tube, tire lever, and a pump.  While this isn't a complete list, it will at least get you home where you can then bring your bike in for some professional service. Don’t ruin your first ride by not being able to get home.

 

Conclusion

Being a beginner mountain bike rider is going to be a challenge, but the results will be worth it if you prepare for the experience accordingly. Invest in a reliable MTB and remember to use it correctly. Bring enough food and water to last you through the trip, wear your helmet and dress appropriately for the terrain and weather conditions outside. Have fun!

Author Bio: Amanda Wilks is a writer, contributing author for Mountain Bike Reviewed and veteran MTB rider. Her passion for mountain biking dates back to her childhood, when she would join her dad every weekend for a quick ride uphill. She is now addicted to the sport and she never misses a trail. Learn more about Amanda on Twitter.

Bike Packing: Bob's Lake

My latest bike packing adventure took me to Bob's Lake in the Uintas.  Here's how we got there:

• Follow I-80 east past Evanston
• Before reaching Bridger, take Exit 30 (Bigelow Road at the TA gas station)
• Turn right onto 202 (202 turns into a dirt road) 
• Follow 202 past some windmills on your left and a small energy plant 
• Turn left onto 207 (shortly after energy plant) 
• Follow 207 south for several miles until you intersect 204 (2014 creates a 'T' in the road)
• Turn left onto 204 and follow several miles until you hit pavement 
• Turn right onto 271 (immediately after dirt road converts to pavement)
• Continue on  271 past Meek's Cabin Reservoir
• 271 changes to FR065 past Meek's Cabin Reserviour
• Cross the bridge over Blacks Fork River
• Turn right onto FR064 (shortly after crossing bridge)
• Follow FR064 to the trailhead

We drove on FR064 all the way to the trail head.  After entering the pines, the road starts to get pretty rough.  It's definitely drive-able, but you should have an off-road capable vehicle with some clearance to get there.  A Subaru outback wouldn't cut it.  You could definitely park at the pines and hike or ride in the last few miles to the trailhead.

We planned on a three-day, two-night stay.  I was able to comfortably pack all my food and gear into six dry bags holding a total of 70L.  I had two 5L Salsa Anything Cage Bags and Anything Cages on my fork legs, one 20L bag on my front rack, one 20L bag on the rear rack (top), and two 10L bags on the sides of the rear rack.  I carried a Camelbak Skyline on my back with my water and bike tools.  I've included some images of how it all packed down:

 

The Trek 1120 was amazing!  What a fun ride!  I'm 5'9" tall with goofy long legs and arms.  I usually ride an 18.5" Fuel EX.  This model isn't offered in an 18.5", so instead of going smaller I decided to go a bit bigger.  Bigger makes sense: more comfort with a higher front end and a bit more stability with the longer wheelbase.  I test rode the 17.5" before making my decision, and I felt like my weight was too far extended over the handlebar.  The 1120 comes stock with a front and rear rack installed.  The front rack securely cradles my 20L drybag.  With only two nylon straps, I was able to firmly secure the bag to where there was no shifting or readjusting.  The rear rack secured my other 20L bag just as easily.  The rear rack further includes two harnesses that will secure 10L bags to either side of the rear wheel.  the drybags slide in nicely, and with only a little effort, everything can be adjusted so there is no unwanted movement.  Everything stayed snug and secure for the duration of the trip with exception of one bolt that worked itself loose on the rear rack (nothing a little Loctite won't fix). 

I only made a few minor modifications to the stock bike:  I ended up swapping out the Chupacabra tires for some Maxxis Chronicles.  They offer a little more volume for the size (29X2.8), and they look really good.  I also installed a wider Bontrager Line Pro handlebar and a shorter Bontrager Line Pro stem.  I made this switch because I like the feel of a mountain bike cockpit for comfort and handling.  I was really happy with the results on the ride. 

The ride in was slow, but really pretty and actually quite fun.  I'm used to hiking these same trails, so I've gotten used to the amount of time it takes to span certain distances.  The bike definitely makes light work of the straightaways and meadows.  There were plenty of challenging areas too.  Of course, I like technical riding, so this was right up my alley; however, if you're not into the techy rough stuff, you may want to avoid this adventure.  Because we're single-track climbing over 10,000 feet, the challenges were plentiful, and the dead fall crossings were frequent.  There were only a few hike-a-bike sections though, and everything was ride-able on the descent which made getting out a breeze.  

We ran out of light and set up camp at 3.5 miles in.  There are plenty of nice areas to find a soft spot to pitch a tent and to make a small fire pit.  We set up about 100 yards off the trail nearest the river for easy access to water. 

The next morning we left our camp set up and took the bikes (now much lighter) up toward our goal of Bob's Lake (Tokewanna Peak was under a bit too much snow).  We had fun exploring the several cabin remains from 1920 loggers that line the trail.  We were able to ride the bikes another four miles and finally ditched them to hike the rest.  There was too much snow for the bikes, and the trail was getting tough to follow.  The hike was easy enough so long as we kept the river within ear-shot.  The toughest section of trail with the most elevation gain was the last 1.5 miles to the lake.  Bob's lake sits in a bowl just northwest of Tokewanna Peak near 11,500'.  Other than the wind, the temperature was really nice.  We were able to comfortably cook up a lunch of Raman Noodles and hot cocoa.  Scrumdidliumpcious. 

This area promises to be a perfect location for September camping.  Had we planned this just one month earlier, we could've summited Tokewanna (13,165').  If you like to get away from groups of people, and if you don't shy away from technical climbs, this trail is definitley worthy of your time.  Have a happy adventure!

The BEST bike ever!

Just a few months ago, I sold the bike of my dreams.  It was a 2016 Trek Boone.  I had a really hard time buying one because it was such a popular bike, and quantities were waaaay limited.  With no small effort I ended up getting my hands on a coveted frameset.  I went to work pimping it out from axle to axle:

• I chose the Ultegra Di2 road kit with a 50-34 crank and an 11-27 cassette.  I decided against Dura Ace because I planned to really test the Boone's limits.  I wanted to see how it handled all the rugged Northern Utah terrain at our fingertips -- on road, off-road, gravel, single-track, etc.  Anyway, I figured it'd be less painful to scratch up an Ultegra crank as opposed to DA.  I ran standard road gearing because it was also going to be my road steed, and I needed to be able to keep up.  
• Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes (before they were a big deal)...never again will I use rim brakes!  They offer more stopping power, better modulation, and awesome performance in any weather conditions you dare to ride in.
• Bontrager RXL FlatTop carbon road bar in a 44cm - two cm wider than I usually ride for off-road stability and a little more flex.  The FlatTop feature offered just a bit more width on the top of the bar too. 
• Zipp 303 Firecrest clincher wheelset.  I converted them to tubeless...the only way to go!  I don't recall ever flatting on that bike.  I mounted two Bontrager CX-O 700X33 tires:  tubeless ready, light weight, and they roll really great while still offering enough tread for some off-road bite.  Today's trend would call for a bigger tire, and I'd jump on that bandwagon for sure, but where I used the bike for full-blown road rides the 33mm width was adequate on dirt while still fast on pavement.
• Crank Brothers Egg Beater Ti pedals:  very light and small.  I needed a pedal that was really easy in and out in mud or snow that could hold up to pedal strikes.  There were times when some more platform support would've been nice, but all-in-all, I'd use the Egg Beaters again.  With a carbon sole and a Shoe Shield installed under the cleat, the platform was solid enough (unless you're a sprinter or a crazy hill-climber in which case you wouldn't be riding this bike). 

So now you have an idea of my dream bike, here's what I used it for:  EVERYTHING!  Really.  I rode my Boone everywhere you can imagine:  Stan's trails, Rattlesnake, Coldwater, Cougar-kill and the entire East Bench including Beus, just about everywhere at SnowBasin including Ice Box and Wheelers, and then thousands of miles on the road.  One cool memory comes from a road ride with Matt.  He and I planned on meeting at the base of the North Ogden Divide early one morning, ride around Pineview, up Old SnowBasin Road, down Trappers, then out Weber Canyon.  I slept through my alarm, so I texted Matt to go on ahead claiming I'd try to catch up.  I was about 30 minutes behind when he started up Old SnowBasin Road.  I decided to try short-cutting up a dirt trail (Wheelers).  I pointed my bike off-road, climbed Wheelers, passed several impressed mountain bikers, and popped out at East Fork just as Matt was passing on the road.  Perfect timing!  It turned out to be an awesome ride, and I became more enamored with the Boone than ever before.

 My main use for the Boone was commuting.  I live in Plain City and commute to work to South Ogden.  My fastest route was 16 miles that cut through the city using the Ogden River Parkway.  A funner (but more technical) route led me up above Weber High to a Pleasant View trailhead, along the trail system through North Ogden and the East Bench, and finally down Beus.  Definitely a full-body workout!  This is where the versatility of the Boone truly blew me away.  Wherever I had the notion to ride, I didn't have to hesitate...the Boone would handle whatever I threw at it.

Some of my craziest rides were in the Spring when the Ogden and Weber rivers flood over their banks and submerge the Parkway trails.  I got soaked and dang near had to swim a time or two, but I always made it across.  I learned something awesome about Di2:  if you plug all the junction ports, it's 100% waterproof.  I tested its waterproof capabilities over and over and it never let me down.  Perfect shifting all the time, dry or submerged, with ZERO adjustments!

Owning this bike has made me crave adventures on bikes.  I loved every minute of our rides together.  I've bought and sold countless bikes, but this one actually hurt when I watched her roll out the door with someone else.  Hopefully it leads to just as many adventures for him.  On the bright side, Trek has rolled out an all-new Boone.  It rides smoother with front and rear IsoSpeed; the handling is more predictable with front and rear thru axles; there's more frame clearance for bigger tires; and it's stunningly sleek and beautiful with 100% internal electronic and cable routing.  Sign me up!

I love the design on the top tube.

Trek 2018 Boone 7 in all her glory.

Front IsoSpeed creates an incredibly smooth front end  by allowing the steerer tube to flex without any lateral movement.  This keeps the handling predictable and precise.

Front and rear through axles are noticeably stiffer and handle great off-road.

Rear IsoSpeed adds vertical compliance to smooth the rough gravel roads.

Trek's Control Freak internal cable routing is the cleanest out there. 

A section of the downtube is removable for clean, easy access to the battery on Di2 systems.

What Every Fatbiker NEEDS

Here we are at week two of reviewing what every fatbiker needs.  Since last post, I've been able to get out on the bike four more times.  It's been really cold these past few mornings.  This morning, as I was descending down Eastfork (after a long, sweaty climb), I ran into two moose hogging the trail.  They refused to move, and I wasn't about to climb all the way back up, so I ended up following them about a mile down to Old Snowbasin Road.  Once I stopped moving, I started getting cold pretty quick.
Cycling gear works like that.  If you're sitting in the cold doing nothing, you'll freeze; but when you're exercising, the minimalist clothing will keep you warm and regulate temperatures so you don't get too hot and sweaty.  Needless to say, as I was sitting around waiting for the moose, I got pretty chilled...except for my feet. 
I chose to invest in some winter cycling boots a few years back, and I'm pretty happy I did.  Before that, I tried regular snow boots, hiking boots, and cycling shoes with thermal shoe covers.  Snow boots keep you warm, but are far too bulky and heavy to be practical.  I ditched those pretty quick.
Hiking boots are a bit chilly, but much lighter and pedal-friendly than snow boots.  My biggest issue with them was snow getting inside.  If you ever put your foot down in snow deeper than your ankle (and you will), you get snow in the shoe.  Be ready to welcome wet, cold feet. 
I found the most success running regular cycling shoes with a heavy duty shoe cover.  My feet stayed fairly warm, and I could clip in and pedal without restrictions.  The problems came anytime I had to hike the bike.  The nose of my shoe cover would peel back and pull up and over the toe of my shoe filling with snow and exposing my shoe.  This not only stretched out my shoe covers, it proved to be pretty miserable once my toes started freezing.  So, after trying everything else, I finally decided to give the cycling boots a try. 
There are a lot of awesome brands out there.  At the Shoppe, we've sold Lake, 45Nrth, Louis Garneau, and Bontrager.  After some studying, I decided to give the Bontrager Old Man Winter boots a shot.  I know they're expensive.  $300 is a lot to pay for a pair of cycling boots you'll only be using four months out of the season.  However, compared to many other brands on the market, $300 is not a bad buy, especially considering the quality of the boots and the features.  So let's talk features.  Bontrager have done an awesome job keeping these boots simple and easy.  They have really practical features with lust-worthy benefits, but aren't loaded down with gadgets like some of the 'Swiss Army'-type boots out there. 

First, look at the insert bootie:  Bontrager made the insulated portion of the boot a removable insert.  It uses a comfortable fleece lining with a healthy 200g 3M Thinsulate insulation.  The bootie fully opens up then snugs tight with an easy draw-string and cinch.  There's a convenient loop at the back for quickly pulling it over your heel and onto your foot.  After the insert is snugly fitted, you can effortlessly slide your foot into the boot. 
The heel-portion of the insert is wrapped in non-slip material that prevents the heel from slipping when walking or riding...and it works! 
Water problems?  If you ever manage to get the shoes wet with water or sweat, the insoles are removeable from the bootie, so air drying is a breeze. 

Now the boot:  I like simple.  It's nice when things do what they're designed to do without being complicated by useless gadgets and add-ons.  Bontrager nailed it on the head with this design.  The front fully opens up with a zipper.  Once open, it slides easily over the bootie and is tightened with two sturdy velcro straps.  One thing that bugs me about winter riding is the time wasted putting on all that cold-weather gear.  But with Old Man Winters, anyone could gear themselves up in a snap even while wearing full winter gear and gloves.
The boot extends about 9" from the sole, so it's plenty tall for the hike-a-bike situations without being cumbersome or restricting.  If you find yourself post-holing out in the deep stuff, the top of the boot tightens with an elastic draw string that can be pulled taught and locked with one hand. 
They've used a fully waterproof, 4-way stretch upper protected by a durable 'GnarGard' shield wrapping the toe box and lower sides prone to brush and rock strikes. 

The Vibram sole is meaty for traction, but avoids the extra bulk many other boots carry.  I've had no issues with the boots rubbing my cranks or striking my chain or seat stays, but I've had no shortage of traction marching up steep, slick slopes.  They hook up nicely on a good pair of platform pedals, but work well with a clip-in system too.  I've chosen to run clipless (Crank Brothers) because they give me a little more room when the trails are narrow and deep, and I've never had issues clipping in or out...even in snow.   The clipless also makes them much more practical when commuting on my cross bike.  Speaking of commuting, the back-side of the boots have a velcro strap designed to hold a flashing tail light for increased visibility on moving parts.  The Bontrager Ember fits nicely here.

All-in-all, these are excellent boots, and in my opinion, well worth the investment.   You should take a minute to stop by and check them out.  I promise, they'll make your winter fatbike adventures much more comfortable. 

re-CYCLE!

Do you have a lonely, neglected bike gathering dust sitting in your garage?  Why not put it to good use by giving it to someone who could really use it?  The Bike Shoppe is teaming up with the Ogden Bicycle Collective to gather, refurbish, and donate used bikes to people in need. All donated bikes will be thoroughly inspected and tuned before being carefully placed with a qualified individual in need.  

If you don't have a bike but would still like to help, we're also collecting non-perishable food items to donate to The Lantern House in Ogden. 

Please help us out.  It's the little things that make the biggest difference. 

Donations can be dropped off at The Bike Shoppe during business hours now thru Monday, January 16.  Monday we will extend our hours to 7:00pm. 

Thank you so much for your generosity!