In this episode of the Singletracks podcast Gerow, Jeff, and Matt discuss current and future mountain bike trends, starting with a recap of what’s been trending over the past couple of seasons.
- Mixed wheel mountain bikes
- More great trails in more places
- High pivot mountain bikes
- Electronic bits and baubles, from drivetrains to droppers
Next, we move on to the trends we see shaping up for 2022.
- Longer travel dropper posts and fatter seat tubes
- Large scale trail projects with unique funding sources
- New mountain bike destinations and trails opening as a response to overcrowded ones
- Bikes and parts supply improvements
- High pivots on shorter-travel bikes
- MTB geometry stabilization
Finally, we discuss some of the trends we’d like to see happen sooner rather than later.
- More customizable bike builds
- DH or enduro as an Olympic sport
- Athletes receiving a more livable wage
Which trends to you want to see thrive in 2022, and which ones do you hope will wither on the vine?
This episode of the Singletracks podcast is sponsored by Explore Brevard.
Professional mountain biker Adam Craig says it’s one of the top three places in the universe he’s ever ridden. Where is this magical mountain biking nirvana? It’s none other than Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont Recreational Forest. The area boasts over 300 miles of peerless singletrack, not to mention hundreds of miles of gravel roads, creating a near endless array of routes, terrains, and challenges to explore. Four vibrant bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need gear, service, or a top notch rental. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of the best small towns in America in 2021. It all adds up to a premier mountain biking destination you’ll want to experience for yourself. Find out more at ExploreBrevard.com.
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Glad to get another cast! Was getting worried about the 2 week break. Mixed wheel: love it, and that’s w/ putting a 27 on a YT Capra that I was told wouldn’t work well. Its now my park / DH focused goto wheelset (even better w/ cush). I’ve lost zero time, still continue to up my times & PRs.
Most interesting point tho is that w/ flip chip, normal (29) BB heights are 348 and 357mm low and hi (respectively) so w/ the 27 rear its 336 and 349 – so that’s 1mm higher w/ the 27 on the rear in high position than with 29 on the rear in low position – score!
I was told that the added 5 or 7mm of chainstay length would be a problem. Not at all. This thing is waaaaay more fun in corners and more playful, hands down, even tho its not formally designed to run a 27 in the rear. I’m sure if it was it might be even better, but – clearly you can make anything work and get used to it. May be that using a coil helps out too – dunno.
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I know it’s only January but please Santa?
Liveable wages for athletes sounds like such a long time coming that I can’t even believe someone thought to throw that in the ring. It’s definitely something I’d like to see. I think of myself as an ambassador of my sport and I promote and pay it forward every chance I get to make sure it’s future is secure. Liveable earnings for some of these guys and gals that are super passionate and work harder than anyone can ever know unless you’ve, “been there done that” would be well deserved and behind schedule in my opinion.
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What kind of sanitization are you seeing in Sedona?
Teacup had a rock feature taken out. Big Park loop had a rollable rock drop taken out. Part of Hiline had a feature made easier, although I’m not really complaining about that one. And I know I’ve seen a couple other modifications that I can’t think of off the top of my head.
There’s sanitization and there’s trail improvement. I think that’s a very fine line and varies depending on who you talk to.