I used to do some serious XC stuff back in the UK. 2 x 20mile XC training rides during the week followed by a 40mile three hills treck on a Sunday, looking back now (15 years) I have now clue how I managed it.
The early to mid 90's suspension was just coming into play, my first bike was a Kona Lava dome, soon tricked out with all the latest CNC stuff and a neat pair of magnesium mazzokies (check spelling) on the front. Then came the hand granades (clip in SPD peddles from Shimano). Not a good move to go out in these for a first trip clipped in and cant get your feet out when you stop at a set of lights!!
So before I knew it I had ordered a custom frame from the USA from Chris Chance, the guy that built the USA mountain bikes for the olympics, the trade name was "fat Chance"
The came the custom wheels from Jeremy Duke, again, he made the wheels for the UK olympic team.
Taking into account this was mid 90's I think i racked up a bill on this bike close to $5k!!!!!!!
and managed about 3 hospital trips on it resulting in concussion twice.
Late 90's I gave up and found Carp fishing!!
Now in Canada I am back in the seat and have a 2009 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR! I just dont have the fitness I had all those years back, but hell this thing is like hacking a sofa on steriods down a hill!!
