Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25122
column: gear_ THE COMPET1TION HARDT All CUTURY: PARING KNIFE Ideal For: Climbing and cross-country riding with fit friends where descents are mellow ond/or short. Competition level hardtoils are designed with one thing in -==="" mind: efficiency. They're as light as fully-geared bikes get 121-24 pounds), have a minimum of front suspension 160-80mm) and are made with the highest-grade frame ..,., materials-most often aluminum or titanium. "",..., Schwinn's homegrown line of high-end, competi- tive hardtails is hand-built by some of the best aluminum frame builders in the world-those at Durango, Colorado's Yeti factory. The Factory, one of the top models, features 7000 series Easton aluminum, which means a sharper, lighter blade. The tubing is tapered !thicker at the welds, thinner at the center)' making it at once light and supple compared with less- er-grade aluminum. The geometry is typical for this class with a steeper 171 .5 degrees) head tube angle than the norm 171 degrees)' yielding quicker handling in slow, tight conditions. Hanging from the frame is a mix of Xl, XTR, and Mavic com- ponentry, as well as some pretty trick paint. Schwinn Homegrown Factory, 800-SCHWtNN, www.schwinn.com $2,600 @1i'IXI~~ ®@@@ f:iln~~~: Cannondale F4000: $3,250 www.cannondale.com 800-BIKE-USA, Rocky Mountain Hammer Race: $1,125 9993, www.bikes.com n r I • • m >< :t> ==::::1 THE AU.-MOUNTAIN HARDTAIL CUTLERY: STEAK KNIFE Ideal For: Efficient climbing and aggressive descending. AII-mountain-style hardtails make up the largest part of the fun pie. Equipped with either aluminum, steel or titanium frames, you'll find some or all of the following: rise bars, beefy tires, cushy saddles, suspension posts, disc brakes and forks with 80-100mm of travel. Compared to their anorexic sisters, they're heavy 125-29 pounds\. Ounce-for- ounce, though, they're the choice for maximum fun on ter- rain varying from smooth and rolling to rocky and steep. Fisher'S X-Caliber is a prime example with all the bells and whistles to prove it. Fisher frames feature "Genesis" geometry, which means the top tube is longer than normal with a shorter stem. Arguably, this offers better climbing trac- tion as well as handling at high speeds. Up front, Manitou's X-Vert E totes 100mm of plush travel for cutting through ruts and rocks. Stopping force is via Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, which add a pound but make up for it in uncompromised power-not a necessity but more a luxury in this class. Lastly, the Titec Berzerker saddle softens the rear end some, but a suspension post would round-out the ultimate all- mountain hardtail. Fisher X-Caliber, 800-473-4743, www.fisherbikes.com $1,749 @1i'IXI~~ ®@@@ f:iln~~~: Deep Cove Stifee: $475 (frame only) www.covebike.com Trek 8500: $1,450, 800-369-TREK, www.trekbikes.com Ideal For: Rediscovering the sport of mountain bik- ing, raising your fitness level and riding faster than ever before ... with a quasi-BMX feel. A singlespeed mountain bike is precision, ele- gance, grace. Irs the purest form of mountain bik- ing, intended mostly for those who've ridden long enough that they're looking for something different, more challengin~ike the alpine skier who decides to take up telemarking. It's also a cheaper way to go, as there are fewer components. "you're fearful of solitary confinement, the Santa Cruz Chameleon is the Swiss Army knife of singlespeeds. 1\ has all the cable stops for a geared bike, yet horizontal rear dropouts allow for a singlespeed hub. As well, the radically sloping top tube and stout pedaling platform open it to dual- slalom applications. Made of aluminum, irs stiff and somewhat light. For under $1,000, you can have a rootsy stylie NorCal ride. Santa Cruz Chameleon, 831-459-7560, www.santacruzbicycles.com $500 (frameset only) @1i'IXI§~ ®OO@ I?II~~: Bianchi BASS: $820 510-264-1001, www.bianchi.1t Spot Brand: $625 (frame only) 888-711-n68, www.spotblkes.com