> Similar thoughts cross my mind every time I'm passed by a cyclist with a $2,500 bike wearing technicolor corporate spandex. To each his own, but I can't imag

> Similar thoughts cross my mind every time I'm passed by a cyclist with a $2,500 bike wearing technicolor corporate spandex. To each his own, but I can't imagine getting much enjoyment out of road cycling. Now mountain biking seems to me much more interesting. And my friends and I don't compete to go the fastest, we try to 'clean' difficult trails. To clean a section means to ride it without putting a foot down or stopping. You need to watch your line, and traction becomes your most precious resource on climbs. Apply too much power when your back tire is over a root and you'll blow the climb. You have to keep a constant awareness of where the contact patch of your back wheel is at all times. You can't just mash up the climb and 'win.' It's like the difference between saying: "I'll ride this trail faster than you" and "I'll ride this trail 'better' than you." I myself ride a pair of $2500 mountain bikes, but they are a mix of ghetto old components (one frame is 20yrs old with gripshift!) and high end parts (Chris King rear hubs). I put the money where it makes the most difference. Also, re lycra, I've been known to ride wearing a mechanic's jumpsuit when the stinging nettles are bad, but I do sometimes wear the lycra stuff too.