Conference noted::bicycle

    
    I have a Metro (Cycle Pro) MTB, a real clunker, ~32 lbs. It's great
    for errands, taking out work-related aggressions, etc.
    
    I'd love a Cannondale frame for it, though.
    
    CdH
    
    

    Yo Franz.... great to hear from another mtn-biker though I think
    getting together for a ride might be tough.
    
    You asked a couple questions which I'll try to answer the best I
    can:
    
    I'd say mountain bikes are starting to get pretty popular in the
    states.  They've been big on the west coast for awhile and are really
    starting to get a following in the east.  I work every now and again
    in a friends bike shop and the mtn. bikes are definately going out
    the door more than all others.  So I'd say popularity is gaining.
    
    We've got all makes and models here.  The Specialized bikes (Rockhopper
    and StumpJumper) are great bikes for the money.  Also the more expensive
    hand made bikes like Fat Chance are around.  I forget the other
    big names but all the major manufacturers are also producing the
    bikes.  Oh yeah, another mtn bike specific company is Mountain Goat.
    There's alot of them.  I've got a Rockhopper and LOVE it.
    
    People use them differently.  Some are hard core trail riders others
    a combination of trail/off-road and some just like them because
    they're more stable and easier to ride than bull handle barred ten
    speeds.  Personnaly I like to do some hard trail riding or trail/road
    wandering.  
    
    A big issue here (in all the bike mags) is whether or not to wear
    toe-clips while on the mtn. bike.  I just put some on (plastic or
    graphite) and really like them alot.  It's a good idea to ride without
    them for awhile though to get used to the different frame geometry
    and new style of riding.

    Well... off to conquer!!!!  Take it easy.
    
    Ben.
    

    
    	There isn't much (ANY) doubt in my mind about the toe-clips issue.
    When riding rough terrain it is essential to have your weight applied
    to the bike as low as possible, i.e. via the pedals, NOT the seat,
    for further reading see Physics; Laws of; simplified.  As soon as a
    rider tries to poke a foot out for stability the weight gets applied
    two or more feet higher up on the bike and the stability is lost.
    Of COURSE he's glad he wasn't strapped in, how else could he have saved
    himself from the fall that attempting to save himself from the fall
    would have caused ?
    
    	Ah yes, the 80 year old sport of motorcycle (observed) trials
    riding is worth watching on this.  No, they don't strap themselves in,
    but compare the better riders with the less good.  The better riders
    remain standing all through the section, and if ever they do need to
    put a foot down (rare) their weight remains on the opposite footpeg.
    They also get the first foot back on the peg before taking the other
    one off if ever they need to put that other one down.  The novice rider
    will immediately squat on the seat and there is a very sudden and
    violent loss of control, mostly because the "hinge_point" between bike
    and rider has suddenly moved to a higher and less stable position.  I'm
    not saying that the novice is doing anything unnatural, that's just the
    problem, he hasn't learned to do the unnatural, whereas the expert has
    overcome his instinct to do the natural and totally inappropriate
    thing. 

    	Well, I can't sit here writing about it, gotta go practice riding
    along a 12ft 2 x 4, steer with balance, not bars, Y'know what I mean ?
    Dunno where you guys get the time to read magazines about it, I
    barely get enough time to DO it.
    
    	Reg
    

    Reg,
    
    Great note... I take it you use toe clips then?  Are you local?
    
    Ben.

    One other benefit of toe clips in the really rough stuff is that
    if you hit an unexpected bump, you don't jar your foot off the pedal
    and crash.  I prefer not to ride without toe clips on teh street
    or in the rough.
    			John

    Ben,  are you still around and looking for mtn bikers?  I haven't
    done much yet, but am looking to get into it.  Are there any good
    places to ride in the Nashua area?  I'm also thinking of getting
    a Rockhopper...could you tell me why you love it so?
    
    Kevin