Mountain Biking Out West

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Permalink Reply by spencewine on May 8, 2013 at 9:55am

I have not been mountain biking in those areas, but I have been road biking in and around Vail. You should have no problem renting mountain bikes in those towns, so I don't think you need to buy one. You could probably just google something like "telluride, rental, bicycle" and get some options...same for Moab. Ski towns usually open up the slopes to mountain biking in the summer, so you should be able to take a lift up to the top of the mountain and ride down.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on May 8, 2013 at 9:56am

Why don't you rent one locally while you're out there? 

That's world class mountain biking out there, I'd get full suspension for sure if you can swing it.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Markus on May 8, 2013 at 11:38am

Riding the real mountains raises a few issues that ya might not think of.
Altitude...Chicago is 600feet, Colorado is 6000 to 10,000 in areas that are fun to ride.
Riding trails are plentiful but ask what the local rules and courtesies are.
It used to be that a hunting license (a few bucks) would get you a back country lift if your injured...check it out for safety
Skill sets are much more important than suspension. You shopuldn't expect to do fast downhill cross country riding as a city road rider. Or see above if you be crazy.
The local National Forests are great scenic places to ride but the service roads can be ruff and off road (dirt service road) riding is discouraged if you get lost off road ain't nobody likely to find ya just by happening along.

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Permalink Reply by SmilingBob on May 8, 2013 at 12:37pm

 

If you have never been on a mountain bike on "real" trails I would also suggest hitting some of the local trails and if time allows there are some classes being offered through CAMBER as mentioned above. I would also suggest posting your questions on the CAMBR site, as there are quite a few folks there who have been riding in the areas you've listed. My suggestion would be if you do not own a mountain bike to rent one by where you'll be riding, a quick search will yield some good spots to rent from. Also where ever you rent from will be able to direct you to the trails that are to your ability, just because you're out west doesn’t mean everything is "expert" riding only. You can also look on IMBA.com for clubs that are local to where you'll be riding and if you post on them when you'll be out there you should be able to find people more than willing to show you around and give you the low down on the area(s) - mountain bikers are a pretty friendly bunch.

While we do not have much in Chicago land that will rival out west for the type of trails you'll be riding there are a couple of trails that will give you a taste of mountain biking. Palos most likely the closest, Kettle Moraine being the largest and then there are some others.

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Permalink Reply by David P. on May 8, 2013 at 2:23pm

I have been MTBing in the front range, though not that part of CO. My experience there suggests you'll enjoy suspension more. (I don't know if this applies to Moab.) I've been riding the same fully-rigid MTB since about 1994 and when I rode it in CO the rocky trails really sort of wore me out. Last time I was out there I rode my sister's dual-suspension MTB and it was a revelation. A lot more fun, too. As others suggest, I'd just rent something when you get out there. You'll get a much better bike that way, too.

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Permalink Reply by Tricolor on May 8, 2013 at 4:09pm

I'd rent.  You're biggest challenge will be the altitude in Colorado, even in Denver.

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Permalink Reply by grayn8 on May 8, 2013 at 9:42pm

I have pretty severe asthma and COPD, the altitude is a serious issue.

Separate note: I have a friend who found Colorado road biking on the road down from pikes peak to be really crazy sick. I think he was being a bit of a DA and hitting over 45 mph. He said he likes hard tails for the off roading there. (In agreement with David P, he usually rides full rigid in WI).

Also, have to say check out the rock climbing on biking off days. Moab is amazing! CO can be pretty intense, but even Rifle has some easier 5.9s to fend off the expletive 5.12d's.


Tricolor said:

I'd rent.  You're biggest challenge will be the altitude in Colorado, even in Denver.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on May 8, 2013 at 10:42pm

I had trouble with the altitude in Arizona at 3,000 feet. If you've never been that high up before, it can be very uncomfortable. Taking deep breaths and never feeling like you're getting enough oxygen sucks.

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