Repost: Technical habits of Chris Akrigg @Mongoose & Types of Mountain Biking

For 4 min 45 seconds of film, this is about all the inspiration I needed to get out (tomorrow) and ride another 150K for the weekend. Chris Akrigg of Mongoose demonstrates the finer lines of mountain biking control. Obviously, the mountain bike is designed to perform in all road conditions, there are distinctions though, let's have a look in each category. This is an incredible video, glad to share it here too.


What are some popular styles of Mountain Biking?


(XC) Cross-Country: is the most popular style of mountain biking. Cross-country trails consist of a mix of rough forest paths (tree roots and rocks exposed) and narrow mountain trails that are ideal for this type of riding that are known as 'single track'.  In other areas between forested areas, there are also fire roads (gravel roads in timber areas or through protected national forests), and even paved paths connecting other trails. Riding or racing is also only deemed cross-country if the technical complexity of the trails is easy or moderate. Trails nearly impossible even to experienced riders are more often dubbed "all-mountain", "freeride", or "downhill".


(DH) Downhill: is a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event. Riders race against the clock, usually starting at intervals of 30 seconds (seeded from slowest to fastest), on courses which typically take two to five minutes to complete. Riders come from all around the world. 


Freeride: is closely related to downhill cycling and dirt jumping focused on tricks, style, and technical trail features. It is now recognized as one of the most popular disciplines within mountain biking. Freeride bicycles tend to have shorter wheel bases, and lighter components than Downhill bikes. 


(AM) All mountain: these full-suspension mountain bikes are crossed between Freeride and XC. These bikes have long-travel dual-suspension and are suited for big mountain terrain. The frames are made from aluminum, carbon, and dual composite builds. Take this simple example: a 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe. This model was built with Bontrager Race Disc wheelsets and handlebars (by the Trek company). The traditional double-walled rims are ultra-durable and featured SUP-tubeless ready applications. The standard rims on most mountain bikes in this category are 26" and feature 6-bolt hubs to mount 185mm front and 160mm rear disk rotors powered by Avid Juicy Five hydraulic brakes. The crankset is the standard Shimano Deore LX, and drive train is complimented with SRAM X7 rapid-fire shifters, SRAM X9 rear derailer and Shimano LX front derailer using a 9-speed chain. These mountain bikes have 27 external gears, while newer models have switched to 2X10 (2 gears up front, 10 gear cassette in the rear). Popular components are now the 2011 Shimano Deore SLX, XT and ultralight (and expensive) Shimano XTR models. SRAM produces similar component groups like the X7, X9, X.O, or ultralight X.X. components and these shifters are designed to work with complimenting SRAM rear-deraillers only. Depending on your bike and model and price, these components will be available to you to choose from.

(MTBT) Mountain Bike Touring: is a category where riders carry equipment to be self-supported and ride variable terrain, such as fire roads, single track, or pavement. There are two classifications, light and heavy-loaded MTB touring. The carrier setup can be similar to those racks and traditional bicycle panniers used in combinations to comprise a heavy-loaded touring MTB carrying everything from water purification, cooking stoves, sleeping bags, tents, clothing, food, tools and maps or navigation. The lighter category includes MTBs that are equipped with minimalist camping gear and clothing, attached directly to fixed/non-moving parts of the bicycle, and the handlebars. The lighter category has become popular in the continental North American Rocky Mountain - Tour Divide race. The heavier category hasn't become popularized, however, I have tested the setup using a hardtail aluminum mountain bike frame with Fox RL 120mm front suspension and all components carried over from the 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe.  Heavy loaded bicycle touring with a mountain bike is ideal, and stronger frames and suspension forks are well designed to carry up to 40kg of equipment plus a rider (myself being 85kg).  The heavy MTB setup I'm mentioning worked flawlessly across 3,200km of western China's roads this summer. So, I added this new category. MTB touring is becoming popularized across China, while resources for touring vacations and the MTB brands like Giant are finally becoming popular at home (Eastern China's bicycle touring population riding across the Western half of the country*, Tibet as example is now popular with Chinese, although entry is restricted to foreigners*). This photo set includes photos from crossing the 552km stretch of the Tarim Highway across the Taklamakan Desert this summer on my way to the Himalayas of Xinjiang/Uyghur Autonomous Region. Heavy loaded MTB touring is ideal out here, where the roads lead you southwest towards the Himalayas (hard to believe from these photos, but I found it with a paper map in my hands). Enjoy the free Korean-World!

An introduction to types of Mountain Bikes. Thanks for visiting. Good luck, enjoy the rides!

Repost: Technical habits of Chris Akrigg @Mongoose & Types of Mountain Biking

For 4 min 45 seconds of film, this is about all the inspiration I needed to get out (tomorrow) and ride another 150K for the weekend. Chris Akrigg of Mongoose demonstrates the finer lines of mountain biking control. Obviously, the mountain bike is designed to perform in all road conditions, there are distinctions though, let's have a look in each category. This is an incredible video, glad to share it here too.


What are some popular styles of Mountain Biking?


(XC) Cross-Country: is the most popular style of mountain biking. Cross-country trails consist of a mix of rough forest paths (tree roots and rocks exposed) and narrow mountain trails that are ideal for this type of riding that are known as 'single track'.  In other areas between forested areas, there are also fire roads (gravel roads in timber areas or through protected national forests), and even paved paths connecting other trails. Riding or racing is also only deemed cross-country if the technical complexity of the trails is easy or moderate. Trails nearly impossible even to experienced riders are more often dubbed "all-mountain", "freeride", or "downhill".


(DH) Downhill: is a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event. Riders race against the clock, usually starting at intervals of 30 seconds (seeded from slowest to fastest), on courses which typically take two to five minutes to complete. Riders come from all around the world. 


Freeride: is closely related to downhill cycling and dirt jumping focused on tricks, style, and technical trail features. It is now recognized as one of the most popular disciplines within mountain biking. Freeride bicycles tend to have shorter wheel bases, and lighter components than Downhill bikes. 


(AM) All mountain: these full-suspension mountain bikes are crossed between Freeride and XC. These bikes have long-travel dual-suspension and are suited for big mountain terrain. The frames are made from aluminum, carbon, and dual composite builds. Take this simple example: a 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe. This model was built with Bontrager Race Disc wheelsets and handlebars (by the Trek company). The traditional double-walled rims are ultra-durable and featured SUP-tubeless ready applications. The standard rims on most mountain bikes in this category are 26" and feature 6-bolt hubs to mount 185mm front and 160mm rear disk rotors powered by Avid Juicy Five hydraulic brakes. The crankset is the standard Shimano Deore LX, and drive train is complimented with SRAM X7 rapid-fire shifters, SRAM X9 rear derailer and Shimano LX front derailer using a 9-speed chain. These mountain bikes have 27 external gears, while newer models have switched to 2X10 (2 gears up front, 10 gear cassette in the rear). Popular components are now the 2011 Shimano Deore SLX, XT and ultralight (and expensive) Shimano XTR models. SRAM produces similar component groups like the X7, X9, X.O, or ultralight X.X. components and these shifters are designed to work with complimenting SRAM rear-deraillers only. Depending on your bike and model and price, these components will be available to you to choose from.

(MTBT) Mountain Bike Touring: is a category where riders carry equipment to be self-supported and ride variable terrain, such as fire roads, single track, or pavement. There are two classifications, light and heavy-loaded MTB touring. The carrier setup can be similar to those racks and traditional bicycle panniers used in combinations to comprise a heavy-loaded touring MTB carrying everything from water purification, cooking stoves, sleeping bags, tents, clothing, food, tools and maps or navigation. The lighter category includes MTBs that are equipped with minimalist camping gear and clothing, attached directly to fixed/non-moving parts of the bicycle, and the handlebars. The lighter category has become popular in the continental North American Rocky Mountain - Tour Divide race. The heavier category hasn't become popularized, however, I have tested the setup using a hardtail aluminum mountain bike frame with Fox RL 120mm front suspension and all components carried over from the 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe.  Heavy loaded bicycle touring with a mountain bike is ideal, and stronger frames and suspension forks are well designed to carry up to 40kg of equipment plus a rider (myself being 85kg).  The heavy MTB setup I'm mentioning worked flawlessly across 3,200km of western China's roads this summer. So, I added this new category. MTB touring is becoming popularized across China, while resources for touring vacations and the MTB brands like Giant are finally becoming popular at home (Eastern China's bicycle touring population riding across the Western half of the country*, Tibet as example is now popular with Chinese, although entry is restricted to foreigners*). This photo set includes photos from crossing the 552km stretch of the Tarim Highway across the Taklamakan Desert this summer on my way to the Himalayas of Xinjiang/Uyghur Autonomous Region. Heavy loaded MTB touring is ideal out here, where the roads lead you southwest towards the Himalayas (hard to believe from these photos, but I found it with a paper map in my hands). Enjoy the free Korean-World!

An introduction to types of Mountain Bikes. Thanks for visiting. Good luck, enjoy the rides!

Repost: Technical habits of Chris Akrigg @Mongoose & Types of Mountain Biking

For 4 min 45 seconds of film, this is about all the inspiration I needed to get out (tomorrow) and ride another 150K for the weekend. Chris Akrigg of Mongoose demonstrates the finer lines of mountain biking control. Obviously, the mountain bike is designed to perform in all road conditions, there are distinctions though, let's have a look in each category. This is an incredible video, glad to share it here too.


What are some popular styles of Mountain Biking?


(XC) Cross-Country: is the most popular style of mountain biking. Cross-country trails consist of a mix of rough forest paths (tree roots and rocks exposed) and narrow mountain trails that are ideal for this type of riding that are known as 'single track'.  In other areas between forested areas, there are also fire roads (gravel roads in timber areas or through protected national forests), and even paved paths connecting other trails. Riding or racing is also only deemed cross-country if the technical complexity of the trails is easy or moderate. Trails nearly impossible even to experienced riders are more often dubbed "all-mountain", "freeride", or "downhill".


(DH) Downhill: is a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event. Riders race against the clock, usually starting at intervals of 30 seconds (seeded from slowest to fastest), on courses which typically take two to five minutes to complete. Riders come from all around the world. 


Freeride: is closely related to downhill cycling and dirt jumping focused on tricks, style, and technical trail features. It is now recognized as one of the most popular disciplines within mountain biking. Freeride bicycles tend to have shorter wheel bases, and lighter components than Downhill bikes. 


(AM) All mountain: these full-suspension mountain bikes are crossed between Freeride and XC. These bikes have long-travel dual-suspension and are suited for big mountain terrain. The frames are made from aluminum, carbon, and dual composite builds. Take this simple example: a 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe. This model was built with Bontrager Race Disc wheelsets and handlebars (by the Trek company). The traditional double-walled rims are ultra-durable and featured SUP-tubeless ready applications. The standard rims on most mountain bikes in this category are 26" and feature 6-bolt hubs to mount 185mm front and 160mm rear disk rotors powered by Avid Juicy Five hydraulic brakes. The crankset is the standard Shimano Deore LX, and drive train is complimented with SRAM X7 rapid-fire shifters, SRAM X9 rear derailer and Shimano LX front derailer using a 9-speed chain. These mountain bikes have 27 external gears, while newer models have switched to 2X10 (2 gears up front, 10 gear cassette in the rear). Popular components are now the 2011 Shimano Deore SLX, XT and ultralight (and expensive) Shimano XTR models. SRAM produces similar component groups like the X7, X9, X.O, or ultralight X.X. components and these shifters are designed to work with complimenting SRAM rear-deraillers only. Depending on your bike and model and price, these components will be available to you to choose from.

(MTBT) Mountain Bike Touring: is a category where riders carry equipment to be self-supported and ride variable terrain, such as fire roads, single track, or pavement. There are two classifications, light and heavy-loaded MTB touring. The carrier setup can be similar to those racks and traditional bicycle panniers used in combinations to comprise a heavy-loaded touring MTB carrying everything from water purification, cooking stoves, sleeping bags, tents, clothing, food, tools and maps or navigation. The lighter category includes MTBs that are equipped with minimalist camping gear and clothing, attached directly to fixed/non-moving parts of the bicycle, and the handlebars. The lighter category has become popular in the continental North American Rocky Mountain - Tour Divide race. The heavier category hasn't become popularized, however, I have tested the setup using a hardtail aluminum mountain bike frame with Fox RL 120mm front suspension and all components carried over from the 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe.  Heavy loaded bicycle touring with a mountain bike is ideal, and stronger frames and suspension forks are well designed to carry up to 40kg of equipment plus a rider (myself being 85kg).  The heavy MTB setup I'm mentioning worked flawlessly across 3,200km of western China's roads this summer. So, I added this new category. MTB touring is becoming popularized across China, while resources for touring vacations and the MTB brands like Giant are finally becoming popular at home (Eastern China's bicycle touring population riding across the Western half of the country*, Tibet as example is now popular with Chinese, although entry is restricted to foreigners*). This photo set includes photos from crossing the 552km stretch of the Tarim Highway across the Taklamakan Desert this summer on my way to the Himalayas of Xinjiang/Uyghur Autonomous Region. Heavy loaded MTB touring is ideal out here, where the roads lead you southwest towards the Himalayas (hard to believe from these photos, but I found it with a paper map in my hands). Enjoy the free Korean-World!

An introduction to types of Mountain Bikes. Thanks for visiting. Good luck, enjoy the rides!

Repost: Technical habits of Chris Akrigg @Mongoose & Types of Mountain Biking

For 4 min 45 seconds of film, this is about all the inspiration I needed to get out (tomorrow) and ride another 150K for the weekend. Chris Akrigg of Mongoose demonstrates the finer lines of mountain biking control. Obviously, the mountain bike is designed to perform in all road conditions, there are distinctions though, let's have a look in each category. This is an incredible video, glad to share it here too.


What are some popular styles of Mountain Biking?


(XC) Cross-Country: is the most popular style of mountain biking. Cross-country trails consist of a mix of rough forest paths (tree roots and rocks exposed) and narrow mountain trails that are ideal for this type of riding that are known as 'single track'.  In other areas between forested areas, there are also fire roads (gravel roads in timber areas or through protected national forests), and even paved paths connecting other trails. Riding or racing is also only deemed cross-country if the technical complexity of the trails is easy or moderate. Trails nearly impossible even to experienced riders are more often dubbed "all-mountain", "freeride", or "downhill".


(DH) Downhill: is a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event. Riders race against the clock, usually starting at intervals of 30 seconds (seeded from slowest to fastest), on courses which typically take two to five minutes to complete. Riders come from all around the world. 


Freeride: is closely related to downhill cycling and dirt jumping focused on tricks, style, and technical trail features. It is now recognized as one of the most popular disciplines within mountain biking. Freeride bicycles tend to have shorter wheel bases, and lighter components than Downhill bikes. 


(AM) All mountain: these full-suspension mountain bikes are crossed between Freeride and XC. These bikes have long-travel dual-suspension and are suited for big mountain terrain. The frames are made from aluminum, carbon, and dual composite builds. Take this simple example: a 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe. This model was built with Bontrager Race Disc wheelsets and handlebars (by the Trek company). The traditional double-walled rims are ultra-durable and featured SUP-tubeless ready applications. The standard rims on most mountain bikes in this category are 26" and feature 6-bolt hubs to mount 185mm front and 160mm rear disk rotors powered by Avid Juicy Five hydraulic brakes. The crankset is the standard Shimano Deore LX, and drive train is complimented with SRAM X7 rapid-fire shifters, SRAM X9 rear derailer and Shimano LX front derailer using a 9-speed chain. These mountain bikes have 27 external gears, while newer models have switched to 2X10 (2 gears up front, 10 gear cassette in the rear). Popular components are now the 2011 Shimano Deore SLX, XT and ultralight (and expensive) Shimano XTR models. SRAM produces similar component groups like the X7, X9, X.O, or ultralight X.X. components and these shifters are designed to work with complimenting SRAM rear-deraillers only. Depending on your bike and model and price, these components will be available to you to choose from.

(MTBT) Mountain Bike Touring: is a category where riders carry equipment to be self-supported and ride variable terrain, such as fire roads, single track, or pavement. There are two classifications, light and heavy-loaded MTB touring. The carrier setup can be similar to those racks and traditional bicycle panniers used in combinations to comprise a heavy-loaded touring MTB carrying everything from water purification, cooking stoves, sleeping bags, tents, clothing, food, tools and maps or navigation. The lighter category includes MTBs that are equipped with minimalist camping gear and clothing, attached directly to fixed/non-moving parts of the bicycle, and the handlebars. The lighter category has become popular in the continental North American Rocky Mountain - Tour Divide race. The heavier category hasn't become popularized, however, I have tested the setup using a hardtail aluminum mountain bike frame with Fox RL 120mm front suspension and all components carried over from the 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe.  Heavy loaded bicycle touring with a mountain bike is ideal, and stronger frames and suspension forks are well designed to carry up to 40kg of equipment plus a rider (myself being 85kg).  The heavy MTB setup I'm mentioning worked flawlessly across 3,200km of western China's roads this summer. So, I added this new category. MTB touring is becoming popularized across China, while resources for touring vacations and the MTB brands like Giant are finally becoming popular at home (Eastern China's bicycle touring population riding across the Western half of the country*, Tibet as example is now popular with Chinese, although entry is restricted to foreigners*). This photo set includes photos from crossing the 552km stretch of the Tarim Highway across the Taklamakan Desert this summer on my way to the Himalayas of Xinjiang/Uyghur Autonomous Region. Heavy loaded MTB touring is ideal out here, where the roads lead you southwest towards the Himalayas (hard to believe from these photos, but I found it with a paper map in my hands). Enjoy the free Korean-World!

This concludes a brief on types of Mountain Bikes and purposes where these can be used. Good luck!

Cycling from the Hermit Kingdom to Western China, Reloaded Bicycle Expedition Touring

Northern Silk Road - G314, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, western China (south of Tian Shan!)

My first expedition by bicycle, 3240km standing-only train, 1028km of extreme bus journey, 505km of hitch-hiking, 3200km cycling in western China - solo & with other adventurers down the road

 After the painful arrival on the train (36 hours, no toilet, no seats, standing-room only) Mark helps with a mobile phone purchase (100 RMB/Chinese Reminbi/Yuan) and mobile card for the first 30 days (100RMB)

 Mobile phone markets are common in China. Find a deal for less than new. I purchased a 2003 Siemens mobile and a China mobile 100RMB recharge card (including mobile telephone number). Deal.

 iPhones are available in the Chinese market, cheaper than export markets, Made in China.

 Mark and I met on the Beijing-Urumqi Express train ($49 USD, 316 RMB/Yuan)

 Not only are the noodles good in China, there are all sorts of ways to serve it up in Urumqi, Xinjiang 

The bare essentials - Ortlieb Ultimate (Large, Black) waterproof, handlebar bag, bottles, snack, water, toothbrush/paste, rear mirror, diary/pen*,bike repair tools (Topeak Alien II), glasses, Xpedition stickers

 Lowepro SLR camera bag (circa 1994), Canon IXUS 90is, Sony Handycam HDR-XR550V, Samsung Yepp 4GB mp3 player, Siemens phone/mini charger, Bodyglove sunglasses, spare batteries

Food supply for the expedition, oatmeal, raisins, dried apricots, water...Taklamakan Desert 552km was crossed with this and 6 loaves of Nan Bread. Just Do It. 

 Starting out on a new ride, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Western China 

 Cycling the G314 leads to Kashgar, northwest to Kazhakstan, north to Mongolia, west to India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, South to Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, Burma (Myanmar)

 Proposed route across the Spine of TIBET, Himalayas of Xizang Autonomous Region of western China

 Proposed route across the Tian Shan Mountains, Taklamakan Desert, Uyghur Autonomous Region

 Leaving Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea from LPG car (Gangneung-Incheon, 3 hours) to Ferry (Incheon-Tianjin, 36 hours) to Bike/Bus Tianjin/Train (2 hours) to Bike to Train to Bike 

 China is a very big place (especially when coming from South Korea!)

Mark wishes me all the best (but I think he had serious doubts about my safety on the road, he didn't know me well enough...same is true of many cyclists in Korea, they don't know me!!!!) 

 Finally ready for lift-off from Urumqi, China 

 Something important I prepared before leaving the Korean-World, a Logo banner supporting IDEAS foundation and Education Through Expeditions - Love you guys and important missions!

 Custom touring mountain bike (I wouldn't have it any other way...2008 Blackcat stock-aluminum frame OEM Giant, Bontrager Race Disc Wheelsets, Shimano Deore LX Hollow crank, Fox RL 32 front shocks

 Pavement and poplars in Urumqi metropolitan area

 Strapped for an expedition, cycle weighs 23kg, equipment 27kg, full-loaded touring

 My GOPRO helmet camera HD, 32GB Class 10 memory loaded

 My graphic design job, 1 semester of graphic design in California (circa 2001)

 Hitting the pavement for the next 3200km of expedition bicycle touring (10% of the A2A2012-2014)

 Signs are explained in Arabic, Chinese Pinying, and English (+ Numerical) at the start

 Older Uyghur settlements in Urumqi are being paved over, history is right next to the road!

 G30 Southbound, Highway travel by bicycle is NOT enforced as illegal in Xinjiang (luckily!)

 I ride hard, I always wear my mask (dust allergies, asthma, keeps hydration levels higher)

 Crankwerks sessions, 100km a day, 3200km + leap days+/days off-, I returned to Beijing 57 days later.

 Note: non-ergo grips. I rode the entire expedition hard on the hands. Next stage, Ergo grips already installed!

 G312/G30 split, the modern Silk Road in China never looked smoother. Straight ahead!

 Signs change to Arabic, Chinese Pinying and Numerical 

 Irrigation such as this is essential and breathes life into Uyghur Autonomous Region (the way they always did it...something of yesterday and of today). Waters run south from the Tian Shan Mountains.

 Open roads beckon the endurance cyclist in western China. I found the expressways an essential route across some of the barren parts of Xinjiang (New Province in Chinese language). Note: this is Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. A unique culture living alongside the Han Chinese.

 Feeling thirsty? With a MSR micro-filtration system...it's a source of a cyclist's best friend on the road, H2O.

 Long haul truckin' on a custom MTB-touring bike, it's an awesome feeling today! Turpan 157km, others?

 HimalayasX2011 is a unique cycle experience to take on my greatest challenge to date, the unknown western  ranges of China

 Sheep travel in small herds in Xinjiang, Uyghur Autonomous Region, China

 Getting water when I was running low. This is a full-service, 1-stop brothel alone the desert highway.

 Friendly people making a living. I escaped with boiled water (Rhur Shuaa/Kai Shuaa)

 Back on the G30,G312 and glad to see that China is thinking ahead: Wind Turbine Power.

 Stoked (excited) to meet people at truck stops after traveling for hours in the desolate western G312

 Truckers out west in China have big hearts, nice to meet so many of you all!

 How is this for an amazing shot, high school students who work at the Petrochem station, Thanks guys!

 The high school students work at the Petrochem station and live in the dormitory, I take a room for free and share some GOPRO video with them. Language and cultures connect. 

Peace guys, you made my adventure great!