Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25038
• The Cost of Beinႀ Compႀ䊉 ive
The Dream Bike: Kona Stab frame wi Fox rear suspension Marzocchi Mr T DH forks Chris King headset Roox Danny DH stem
Roox Bomber DH handlebars Shimano XTR shifters Hayes disk brake set Shimano BMX grips Syncros Pro seatpost
Shimano XTR UN91 bottom bracket 48-tooth Raceface DH chain ring Raceface DH cranks
MRP chain retention device 636 Shimano pedals XTR rear derailleur Sachs 55 chain XTR rear casette
Ride On Goretex cables
Mavic Downhill Max Wheels set wi Mavic rims and Mavic hubs IRC Missile tires
I • !
$1 500 $1 500 $132
$133
$105 $665 $7
$133 $287
$70 $70
$105 $87 $189
$35 $86 $1 281 $84 . . $175
The Rider: Full face helmet Gloves
Racepant/Leathers Jersey
Knee pads
$87 Elbow pads Shoes
Goggles • !
$250 $25
$100 $40 $30
$100 $40
$40
Even then, downhill mountain bike racing is not all nn..,n,h;ll_ are hammer sections that require big lungs and ripped legs. You
to train, and since the big mamas and papas of the sport train year, some with personal trainers, you're going to be spread thin if you to work to support yourself. With the growth of the sport, some of the top athletes (who,
rough multiple big corporate sponsorship contracts, can make high six ure salaries) have taken the initiative to help younger riders get into hilling. Missy Giove, the spiritually orientated athlete who wears a pet piranha named Gonzo around her neck to remind her to be
instinctual" and tucks bits of her dead dog's ashes into her sports bra re each race, started a nonprofit organization to help women get into hill mountain bike racing. Team Amazon gives emotional and finan
al support to women who, according to Giove, "show potential and have great attitude." Her motivation? The outspoken queen of women's ownhill started Team Amazon to avoid the elitism that comes with finan Ily oriented, gear-laden sports. "I don't want cycling to become an elite
gle and clothing companies, for the most pa ' they're left to fend for themselves.
sport like skiing," she once said. "To me it's a soul sport, an art form. I see the world in a different light when I'm looking at it from a bicycle." Unfortunately, initiatives like these are rare in this sport. While some privateers find support from gog-
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