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On The Pedals By Jason Giacchino Off Season Wrenching |
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You have to admit, just reading the words “May Issue” brings some positive associations to mind. While readers fortunate enough to live in year round warm climates are collectively shrugging their shoulders, those of us who endure painfully long off-seasons are breathing sighs of relief. The months of coffee swilling, magazine reading, bike modifying, and redundant fantasizing are finally becoming realized.
As I have mentioned in recent columns, this off-season was fairly productive for me. I had finally gotten around to some well-needed (see long overdue) modifications on my trusty steed. A glimpse of Spring-like weather had arrived in late March both unexpectedly and deeply welcomed. I was quick to make use of such conditions to dial in the new equipment. Dirt mounds were erected with speeds that rival an ant colony and for about three consecutive days, I did little more than launch myself sky-ward, followed by the turning of several preload, compression, and rebound adjust dials, before repeating the process. The fruits of such labor have resulted in a set-up that is both supple enough to absorb small trail clutter but resist bottoming on big hits. Of all of the potential modifications available to mountain bikers today, I find few as exhilarating as fresh suspension; especially when that which is being replaced is seriously outdated. Unfortunately, this brief foray into summer has been short lived (even by New York standards) as within a matter of days the eighty degree temperatures have deteriorated right back down to the freezing point, complete with darkened skies and blowing snow. Apparently the days of studying brochures and drinking coffee aren’t quite behind us yet. While disappointing, it does allow for some moments of both recollection and planning. This month we sat down with Kona bicycles to get the scoop on both their roots in the sport and their plans for the future. John Wimberly returns with the Nor’easter and of course, all of our regular contributors are on board with fresh tales and features. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for all of the positive feedback we’ve received regarding the new format. The support and enthusiasm has been unreal. Keep an eye on MBT as this is only the beginning of our evolution and as always, we welcome your opinions/ suggestions.
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