On The Pedals

By Jason Giacchino

Trendy, Trendy...

I don’t consider myself particularly trendy when it comes to the sport of mountain biking. This revelation is confirmed nearly daily as I sift through countless emails from readers asking for our take on single speeds, 29 inch wheels, or pink frames. I don’t purposely frown upon such choices; after all I value the wisdom behind the expression: to each his own. But at the same time it is difficult for me to offer much in the way of an intelligent response from the saddle of my 27 speed, 26 inch wheeled, silver framed daily mount. I suppose to some this represents a failure to adapt, or perhaps a fear of attention on my behalf. I, of course, don’t view it as such. I guess the wisdom of another cliché just happens to affect me even deeper: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.

The technology implemented in mountain bike design is in a constant state of evolution. This coupled with the fact that there is an endless tugging sensation from opposite ends of the spectrum (for everyone successfully campaigning a hard-tail there is someone else swearing by an 8 inch travel down hill model). I find that my own comfort level is somewhere in the middle, the happily medium of off-road bicycling if you will. So how do I differentiate between fads and true revolutions in the industry with this system? Simple- I allow time to sort it out. Innovations proven to pass the test of time quietly pass from marketing trends and overnight fads to standard equipment and oft-duplicated technologies. Best of all their prices generally become accordingly more reasonable in the process.

For me this system of patient observation extends beyond bicycle components and branches out into clothing style and superficial details such as frame paint selection. If, in a few years when the time to replace my daily rig arrives, pink just so happens to remain the top selling color of choice, perhaps I’ll be convinced it’s here to stay and act accordingly. In the mean time, I find no reason to upgrade just for the sake of fitting in at the local bike spots. I selected silver for it’s timeless charm and the fact that it still fits in today says I chose wisely.

On the other hand, what becomes of all of the trends that don’t catch on for one reason or another? They become markers of an era, permanent reminders of the exact time frame they faded from. Don’t believe it? The afro, bell bottoms, wing collars, open shirts exposing tufts of chest hair and gold necklaces- Nothing says the 1970's more regardless of the fact that pockets of wannabe’s have attempted to bring the style back. Hippies, peace signs, British Invasion, Woodstock- 1960's right? Pac-Man, big hair, stone washed jeans, oversized glasses: the 80's and so on.

The point of course is that some of today’s innovations may be here for the long haul while others may mysteriously disappear only to be replaced by some other marketing breakthrough tomorrow. I’ll just let time run its course and remain free of the burden in having to decide which is which. The way I figure, worst case scenario would be showing up to some lame retro theme-party in the distant future on a pink single speed with 29 inch wheels and having everyone immediately recognize the fact that you’ve come as a mountain biker from 2006.