I love this article. After my first wife passed away, I turned (back) to mountain biking. I went the local bike store and bought a Cannondale carbon lefty to replace the 20 year old aluminum lefty sitting in my basement. I rode the hell out of that bike the first 10 years I owned it and then began working way too much (and commuting way too far). I live in GA, but I have carted that bike from here to CA and back riding various trails along the way. I love MBing so I bought a 2nd one along with a recumbent road bike (which I ride 99% on bike paths). I am now 62, riding, rucking, happily remarried, retired, and enjoying my remaining days. PS wear your helmet…it saved my life on a MB trail when I was 30 years old.
Thanks for the comment Dom! I'm sorry to hear about your first wife. Keep the the riding—I'm glad it's been so helpful! (And thanks for the reminder about helmets).
Yes Michael! I just got back from a two day MTB car camping trip. 22 miles of single track day one, and 21 miles day two. The article hits on exactly why I love mountain biking. I ride a Yeti SB140 🤙
thanks for writing an article about mountain biking- i've done it since the mid 90s, and am a mountain bike coach for my son's team which races in the oregon affiliate for NICA. you def get a much more upper body workout than with road or gravel cycling. even riding downhill you need upper body strength for control. las vegas def has some rad trails, i have always wanted to drive down with my MTB and try some of them.
and my son also has a specialized bike- the stumpjumper comp alloy, def love it!
I've been recovering from a newly occuring and huge plantar fasciitis flare up (running can suck it), and biking has been a game changer. I've been doing a combo of road and trail on my hybrid bike for the past 6 weeks, but I'm now wanting to upgrade to a mountain bike, so the recommendations are so timely.
Great! Remember: Honda Accord lol. It's one of my dumber analogies but somehow people "get it" and it tends to steer me into the kind of gear I'm after.
I hate to mention my age 66 but it adds context. I have been a cyclist from about age 18. I haven’t read the post or watch the video yet, but I wanted to be the first to comment. More to come for sure.🙏🏻
You mentioned Sam Harris Dr William Glasser makes similarly the same case Dr. William Glasser introduced the concept of positive addiction in his book “Positive Addiction,” where he argues that certain activities can become positive addictions because they contribute to mental and physical well-being, enhancing the quality of life. Examples include running, meditation, or other activities that people engage in regularly and that bring about a state of peace, satisfaction, and personal fulfillment. These activities are pursued not only for their intrinsic enjoyment but also for the beneficial psychological state they induce.
I like that you continue to reference Alan Couzens. When you mentioned him previously I start to look into his recommendations. Would you ever bring him or Inaki de la Parra on as expert interviews?
Love this - Mountain biking is my go-to for sure. I recently was introduced to 'Hard Tail Party' out of Sedona. He articulates how our riding can still evolve to work better with these modern trail eating machines. here's a great video on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0E4ZuwbNb8
Love this post. When people ask my happiest memory, being a child and going on bike rides with my mom or dad (we called them "going on adventures"), flying down hills with the wind in my face and my eyes tearing up, absolutely tops the list. I've been saying for the past several years that I need to get a new bike so I can start riding with my kids and, I hope, make great new memories--so thank you for the Honda Accord recommendations. Oh, and also, I appreciate the benefits you included, even for stationary bikes. My cousin Jason of a little-known backpack company makes endless fun of my Peloton bike that goes nowhere, but my VO2 max is killer from it, and it’s FUN!
I have a group of CrossFit friends that I bike with all summer and fall. I'm so fortunate to live near Acadia National Park and we spend a ton of time biking there. Biking is one of my faves and 10/10 would bike than run. Even at the gym, I'd rather use the assault bike than row or run if given a choice😂 thank you for all the info that I didn't know . I just knew I love biking! And your bike looks pretty sweet! An amazing gear not stuff acquisition!🤩
Hahahahaha but nope. No. Not at all thank you. I can write a post as long as your article on why I’ll never mountain bike, or ride a bike period! That said, great post! Almost had me thinking about it for 30 seconds. You’re a damn persuasive writer.
Great article! I've been Mountain Biking for over 30 years. I'll be 60 in a few months and hope to get another 30+ years on the trails. I'm currently riding a Canyon Lux and have had several Specialized mtn bikes. Great advice and getting a bike that "fits" and never ride without a helmet. Looking for mountain bike misogi in 2025.
I love this article. After my first wife passed away, I turned (back) to mountain biking. I went the local bike store and bought a Cannondale carbon lefty to replace the 20 year old aluminum lefty sitting in my basement. I rode the hell out of that bike the first 10 years I owned it and then began working way too much (and commuting way too far). I live in GA, but I have carted that bike from here to CA and back riding various trails along the way. I love MBing so I bought a 2nd one along with a recumbent road bike (which I ride 99% on bike paths). I am now 62, riding, rucking, happily remarried, retired, and enjoying my remaining days. PS wear your helmet…it saved my life on a MB trail when I was 30 years old.
Thanks for the comment Dom! I'm sorry to hear about your first wife. Keep the the riding—I'm glad it's been so helpful! (And thanks for the reminder about helmets).
Yes Michael! I just got back from a two day MTB car camping trip. 22 miles of single track day one, and 21 miles day two. The article hits on exactly why I love mountain biking. I ride a Yeti SB140 🤙
Looks like a great bike and sounds like an awesome trip!
When I lived in Bolivia when I was younger, I worked for a Mountain Biking tour company that used Yeti bikes. I loved them.
thanks for writing an article about mountain biking- i've done it since the mid 90s, and am a mountain bike coach for my son's team which races in the oregon affiliate for NICA. you def get a much more upper body workout than with road or gravel cycling. even riding downhill you need upper body strength for control. las vegas def has some rad trails, i have always wanted to drive down with my MTB and try some of them.
and my son also has a specialized bike- the stumpjumper comp alloy, def love it!
That's fantastic! Tell him good luck in his races for us.
I've been recovering from a newly occuring and huge plantar fasciitis flare up (running can suck it), and biking has been a game changer. I've been doing a combo of road and trail on my hybrid bike for the past 6 weeks, but I'm now wanting to upgrade to a mountain bike, so the recommendations are so timely.
Great! Remember: Honda Accord lol. It's one of my dumber analogies but somehow people "get it" and it tends to steer me into the kind of gear I'm after.
I hate to mention my age 66 but it adds context. I have been a cyclist from about age 18. I haven’t read the post or watch the video yet, but I wanted to be the first to comment. More to come for sure.🙏🏻
I appreciate your competitive nature! Ha. Definitely looking forward to hearing more from you.
As great piece !! I like how you’re always exploring new ideas !!
I happen to get a mountain bike when this article came out , glad I did !
Perfect timing. Enjoy the riding!
Should add in this new variant: gravel cycling. Partly between MTB and Road—it’s becoming the most sold type of bike. Worth looking into in the future
I have a couple friends who have gotten really into gravel cycling. They love it.
I love this! Trail running and hiking are meditative practices for me.
You mentioned Sam Harris Dr William Glasser makes similarly the same case Dr. William Glasser introduced the concept of positive addiction in his book “Positive Addiction,” where he argues that certain activities can become positive addictions because they contribute to mental and physical well-being, enhancing the quality of life. Examples include running, meditation, or other activities that people engage in regularly and that bring about a state of peace, satisfaction, and personal fulfillment. These activities are pursued not only for their intrinsic enjoyment but also for the beneficial psychological state they induce.
I like that you continue to reference Alan Couzens. When you mentioned him previously I start to look into his recommendations. Would you ever bring him or Inaki de la Parra on as expert interviews?
Love this - Mountain biking is my go-to for sure. I recently was introduced to 'Hard Tail Party' out of Sedona. He articulates how our riding can still evolve to work better with these modern trail eating machines. here's a great video on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0E4ZuwbNb8
Love this post. When people ask my happiest memory, being a child and going on bike rides with my mom or dad (we called them "going on adventures"), flying down hills with the wind in my face and my eyes tearing up, absolutely tops the list. I've been saying for the past several years that I need to get a new bike so I can start riding with my kids and, I hope, make great new memories--so thank you for the Honda Accord recommendations. Oh, and also, I appreciate the benefits you included, even for stationary bikes. My cousin Jason of a little-known backpack company makes endless fun of my Peloton bike that goes nowhere, but my VO2 max is killer from it, and it’s FUN!
I have a group of CrossFit friends that I bike with all summer and fall. I'm so fortunate to live near Acadia National Park and we spend a ton of time biking there. Biking is one of my faves and 10/10 would bike than run. Even at the gym, I'd rather use the assault bike than row or run if given a choice😂 thank you for all the info that I didn't know . I just knew I love biking! And your bike looks pretty sweet! An amazing gear not stuff acquisition!🤩
Hahahahaha but nope. No. Not at all thank you. I can write a post as long as your article on why I’ll never mountain bike, or ride a bike period! That said, great post! Almost had me thinking about it for 30 seconds. You’re a damn persuasive writer.
Great inspiration and has sparked my interest in pursuing MTBing in the future.
Bike choice will obviously be the Canyon since they are from and built in my home town :)
Great article! I've been Mountain Biking for over 30 years. I'll be 60 in a few months and hope to get another 30+ years on the trails. I'm currently riding a Canyon Lux and have had several Specialized mtn bikes. Great advice and getting a bike that "fits" and never ride without a helmet. Looking for mountain bike misogi in 2025.