Any body know who is the best crosscountry mountain biker? What bike brand is he riding for?
597861
The current top ranked XC Male rider is Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, from Boulder, Colorado.\n\nThe current top ranked XC Female rider is Shonny Vanlandingham, from Durango, Colorado.\n\nNow you have to also understand that there are different rankings based on age groups. The NORBA/USA Cycling site can give you all of the information you need, and is located at http://www.usacycling.org/rankings/\n\nGood luck.
763132
Awesome news!\n\n  I was unaware of this, so thanks for the good news.\nIvan is a great cyclist, with a great attitude and one of the best mountain climbers in the world (easily in the top 5).\nI think Basso is a much better fit with the Discovery Team then with his old CSC team. \n\nI'm also a big fan of Tyler Hamilton, who was suspended, due to doping (wrongly) accusations two years ago. Tyler has a very similar riding style, when compared with Ivan Basso.\n\nRemember all of the past TDFs where Lance Armstrong and Hamilton where always side by side on the mountain. stages? I don't know if Ivan would be able to endure the pain that Tyler did in the 2003 TDF, where at the end of stage 1, he was involved in a 35 rider accident where he broke his collar-bone in two places. He continued on to win the 17th stage and finish the Tour in 4th place overall.\n\nSo, as far as Discovery Team taking on Tyler's 28 year old, Ex-CSC teammate, Ivan Basso?  It should be an awesome move for everyone involved. \n\nI could easily see Ivan taking the Discovery team back to the Yellow, hopefully restoring the world's confidence in an American team once again.\n\nI can hardly wait!\n\nResponse to Ross:\n\n   By the way Ross, watch that stage again!  Ivan never beat Lance! That mountain stage win was a courtesy win given as a gift to Basso from Armstrong. Lance has a lot of respect for Basso and considered him to be a rider that could one day take his place. Watch the tour footage and you'll see Lance wave Basso on before reaching the finish. Lance gave up several yellow jerseys to other riders that he felt deserved it, as long as he had the overall lead, that was all that matterd to Lance.\n\nResponse to Doping Accusations by the (angry) Europeans:\n\nI myself, have never touched a drug in my life, yet years ago I tested positive twice, by the sport I was involved in. I retested again and was found innocent on both accounts.\n\nThan again when I was 17, I failed a polygraph that I was completely truthful on. I didn't get the job I was applying for, but I learned an important life lesson, not all test are fair and without fault.\n\nAs far as Floyd Landis, I can't be sure one way or the other. I hope that Landis is innocent, but that jury is still out for now.\n\nAs far as Tyler Hamilton, I without a doubt believe that he was wrongfully accused and hopefully he will soon be vindicated.\n\nEuropeans: Get over it! The Americans are here, they're viable contenters and they're here to stay. So shut up, get in that saddle and ride.
661070
kinda bias answer but I'd go salomon.  rossi just hasn't been producing noticable skis lately.
716838
Haro and hoffman bikes are far best by standards. and its reliable.. Cheers
891089
I had them as a co-sponsor once.  They made BMX frames and a couple other parts but am pretty sure they have went out of buisness because their products just werent that good for the price they were charging.  They also factory sponsored Kyle Bennet, Christian Becerine and a couple of other riders.  I rode their Element frame which was their top fo the line and I ended up hating it.  It sits in my friends storage unit now.
650516
Hi,\n\nI assume that you are trying to decide whether to purchase a hybrid or a mountain bike. The answer depends on your riding style and the intended use for the bike. If you plan to ride the bike within city limits (along the path close to the river, to school, to the coffee shop, etc.), then go for the hybrid.\n\nIf you plan to take the bike on gravel roads and maybe some dirt trails the wider tires and suspension will make the experience much more comfortable and safe - you should go for the mountain bike. \n\nUltimately visit a local bike shop. They will be able to provide the most help. And stay away from big box stores (Walmart, Costco, etc.).\n\nHappy riding,\n\nCarlos\n\nPS: don´t forget to ride with a helmet!\n\nhttp://www.lava-tours.com
922087
You should find everything you need to know here.\n\nhttp://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2004&sid=04Rockhopper\n\nif not\nhttp://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBikes.jsp?my=2004\n\nHere's a bunch of reviews for bikes. You'll have to look yours up as I'm too lazy right now. Sorry.\n\nhttp://www.mtbr.com
374314
First of all, depending upon the type of riding that you're planning on doing, I would recommend a hybrid type bicycle that's from a bicycle shop.  This means that you have a mountain bike frame, 700 mm wheels (larger wheels), 27-gear range, and a much lighter package that you could get from a retail store.  Next, have them fit you to the right size bike and tell them the type of riding that you will be doing.  Why I recommend a hybrid, I can run 700 mm wheels with less tread for commuting (l live off a rail trail) to and from work, then put 650 mm wheels with more aggressive trail for riding.  In theory I have two bikes in one package.  My bicycle is a Cannondale with a head shock for front suspension and a cane creek seat post to absorb the shock of riding on the seat.  I have rode from New York to California with this bike and it still serves me well after 10, 000 + miles.  Because of my love of biking and my dedication to the sport, I would love to share any insights I have that may help you or answer any questions that you would like to ask.  Please Email me at discgolfforever@myway.com and I will answer you as soon as possible.
932998
I know the bikes although I have no idea that's not really my area of expertise but these guys have always come through for me in the past with regard to the old classics (they don't deal exclusively with Schwinn lotta old timers with extensive knowledge here. http://groups.msn.com/SchwinnTalk
409634
Second hand in my opinion is always the best way, you can get a better quality bike at a greatly reduced price. By second hand I dont mean 'broken', just previously owned.\n\nTo find a good second hand bike I would recommend online auction sites like e-bay.\n\nYou need to know what you are buying though, so you get a good deal and not ripped off, so educate yourself through mountain biking magazines or easier still reviews on websites. \n\nhttp://www.mtbr.com/\nIs good.\n\nI bought a GT moto second hand with heaps of upgrades including new wheel sets, Sram X9 shifter/derailleur, mrp 'bones' crankset and upgraded forks for a great price and has been a quality ride so far.
939654
hello orange is a really good mountain bike name and make sum of the top mountain bikes a bout so i should think it would be very good as it is a 07 model.
1151545
Ok, so "ardi_95" says he's got experience with bikes... although I'm at odds with his ego, I am in his corner here.\n\nPersonanlly I *like* the older bikes and enjoy fixing them up. I wouldn't worry about adding more gears just because that's the trend. If you plan to be a racer, *then* I would worry about more gears and in which case, just buy a new bike. But if you're not a racer, don't worry about what's the latest fad. The important thing is do *you* really like the Nishiki? That is the most important piece -- if the frame fits you, you're comfortable on it and it does what you want, keep it.\n\nIf you decide to sell it, call me first!\n\nAnd since you've asked for qualifications, I will just give a run down of my bike shed...Road Bikes: Trek 400 (mid 80's) Miyata 110 (late 80's), Trek 2300 (late 90's carbon fiber), Bianchi Campione D'Italia (late '80's), Takara (late '70's). Mountain Bikes: Giant ...crap, don't remember (2004), GT LTS Team Issue (2000): Recumbents: BikeE CT (2004), Linear LWB folder (mid 90's). Various BMX, cruiser and other bikes. Anything else feel free to contact me off the list.
716952
They dont sell to many complete race bikes on there but I suggest building yourself up a Saats or Standard frame.  I am actually riding a Standard right now but am going to go with an aluminum staats for this racing season.  If you really want a complete the only race bike they sell is a MCS.
727891
There are 3 common types of bicycles right now... road, atb, and mountain. I am going to assume you don't mean a road bike.\n\nA mountain bike is built for off road use in rough terrain, and usually has suspension for better handling. Suspension is NOT for comfort, but is to keep the wheels on the ground for control. These bikes are very unfriendly on the road. Expect to pay $600 or more for a mountain bike.\n\nAn ATB, or All Terrain Bike, looks a lot like a mountain bike but is built lighter and any suspension it might have has very little travel. It is good for on the road and light trails but will soon fail if taken on severe terrain. The cost anywhere from $250 to about $800 or so.\n\nThe other kind of bike that looks like mountain bikes or ATBs are found at discount stores like Wal Mart or Target. They tend to have all kinds of fancy features, but they don't tell you that they are only for looks... taking these bikes off the road or at worst on a groomed trail will mean trouble very quickly. Never get a bike from a discount store and expect it to perform well. you can't buy a mountain bike or an ATB for $169.99.
247823
I would have to agree that you should not go with any large travel shocks unless you are doing downhill, however, if you have the dough to get good components and rear suspension, go for it. The technology has changed drastically in the last few years and now most good CC and trail bikes perform just as well as a hardtail on the climbs, but will be much quicker and smoother through the rough sections. New air shocks are the way to go since they are substancially lighter than coil-over, plus they have great configurability (travel, rebound etc.) and coupled with 4-bar and virtual pivot technologies, among others, these shocks virtually eliminate pedal bob(loss of power to wheels through shocks). Even on higher end shocks something called stable platform valving is applied which basically  at which locks out the shock  until there is enough upward force (from the ground) to open it and give you the travel. The best part about this is you set how much force it takes to open it. There are a ton of new features and technologies coming out now so really chech out as many companies as possible if you are buying a new bike. Consider what type of riding your gonna be doing and choose the qulaity and travel of the shock form there. Some good shock companies to check out are fox, manitou and rockshox. Good luck and happy trails!
26881
First off, I know that I’m going to get tarred and feathered for this and no, I don’t care about getting ten points for the best answer, so don’t feel bad about hating me.\n\nThe answer is this:  Farm and Fleet, Shopko, Walmart, Kmart, heck, anywhere.  \n\nYou don’t need a great bike, or a great pair of cycling sunglasses, or skin-tight, silky shorts (you especially don’t need the shorts!)  Mountain Biking is about attitude (go ahead and correct me if I’m wrong.).  You go out there to cliff hang and skid sideways down 45-degree hills, not to glide on a shiny chrome cloud wearing spandex. You ride rugged, you dress rugged, and you beat up your bike (I call this “breaking it in”)  You’re smart for looking for discounted bikes, I wouldn’t pay $500 for something I don’t want, need, or will be replacing in two years.  Besides, you’re only as good as your equipment is bad.
975685
Burton is by far the best, but you pay for it. \nSome other good ones are Ride, Salomon, Never Summer(good boards from what I've been hearing)\nYou may want to stay away from actually buying him a board/boots/bindings though. These are things that should be fitted for him and you wouldnt want to buy him something he's just going to take back. Maybe talk with a local board shop and see if they can set you up with a package gift certificate so he can just come in and get fitted and sized for what he needs. \nYou may want to even look into a season rental program from a local shop too until he figures out his style of riding that he wants to do, then he can buy something designed closer to that style. Board lengths/brands/design are a MAJOR factor in this as well as his height/weight and a good fitting boot is just as important.\nOther than that, some good cold weather clothing(preferably waterproof), some goggles too.\nIf he is just starting out,  I HIGHLY recommend a helmet and some wrist guards and knee pads. Helmet in case he falls and smacks his head. But he WILL fall and he WILL fall on his knees and wrists. Don't forget to protect them too. Don't wait for an "I told ya so". I'm a big fan of the Burton/Red impact gloves ($100 pair)with the built in guards and the Burton/Red knee gaskets($100 pair. Although, they are getting harder to find. Pro-tec makes a viable runner up($20-35 pair), but if you can find the burton stuff, it IS worth the money.\nNow that we know rick is a complete BONEHEAD........\nWhy anyone would tell you not to get pads is beyond me. It doesn't take a backflip to hurt yourself. All it takes is to catch one edge at a decent speed. Something a beginner WILL DO. Blown out knees and broken wrists aren't the most common injury among boards b/c they don't. The physics of the matter dont get much clearer. Not to mention it takes some of the pain out of learning (minor bumps and bruises)and puts the fun back into it. Yeah it's snow, but it's best friend is ICE. Which can be hard as concrete at times, especially on a groomed/packed snow base which you'll find on about 90% of the slopes out there. Unless your brother plans to be a strict powder hound, get the pads. And definitly dont listen to knuckleheads like rick that dont put safety and well being first.