My friends and I want to build ladders for our riding area. What’s the best way to build a good riding ladder? - Carey Tillmenin

The origins of the ladder can be traced back as a means to ride across wet lands and to avoid sinking into the mud in the process. Over time the ladders became more of a test of balance and a status symbol of technical riding than a means of staying dry. The key is to cut your sections with enough width to be a challenge while allowing less-skilled riders (or bikes with twitchy handling) an opportunity to practice balance as well. Avoid rapid elevation changes (unless you have a lot of experience riding ladders) and be sure to use treated lumber to avoid weather rotting.

Question about the Specialized Viper Is this bike available for purchase? Thanks Lizzardo AKA Jeramy Lizzardo123@verizon.net

Jeramy (AKA Lizzardo) the Specialized Viper is one of many hoax models from our resident prankster Verdra Ciretop. Please check the article announcement on the main page for more info on the fictitious report.

I am considering a 2001 Specialized (like new) from a friend of mine for $500 How would the Specialized S-works FSR be as all around trailbike? TC@email.com

TC: The short stroke 2001 S-works is still quite capable as a light trail/ cross country platform even by today’s standards. Assuming the bike has been well maintained, the price seems fair and being that it is a friend trying to sell it, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to demo ride it before handing over the cash.

Hi I'm really, really want to buy a BMW feather deluxe and a black widow, but I don't know how and where? If you sell this kind of bike please e-mail me with information about that thanks...... esdr7@hotmail.com

Unfortunately the BMW Feather Deluxe & Black Widow, like the Specialized Viper our buddy Lizzardo is lusting after, are merely figments of Verdra Ciretop’s overactive imagination. However, inventors, engineers, developers, and visionaries take note: Based on the amount of inquires these models generate each month, there is a place in the market for this stuff.

Hey, I have a budget of $1200- $1500 and am looking for an all purpose bike capable of jumping and taking pretty big drops. Any suggestions? - M.K via MBT

Sounds to us like Kona Stinky territory.

Got a Mountain Bike related question, we’ll do what we can to answer them each month in the new ASK MBT column. Send questions to: Mountainbiketales@adelphia.net