Gear Grinder rider Brian Matter (photo by J. Wolf)
I was asked by MTBracenews.com for my opinion on why I choose to ride a dual suspension 26" bike in the midwest when the main competition is riding rigid 29" singlespeeds. For me it's a simple answer.....the dual suspension 26" bike gives me the best chance to win.
Over the course of a long race the full suspension saves my body from the pounding of mountain biking. Over the course of a long season the same threory applies. I must admit, I did test out a 29er for a few races last season. What they say is true....a bigger wheel has more momentum, but it is not worth it racing in the midwest. With punchy climbs and tight singletrack the accelerations are a key to succesful racing in the midwest. With full suspension I can carry plenty of momentum on the descents to make it up the climbs. If the climbs are sustained a dual lock-out does the trick to make my full suspension nearly as rigid as the 29er. Since I am riding a 2009 Trek Fuel 9.9 SSL, which weighs in at 21lbs and is super stiff, the weight of a full suspension bike is not an issue either.
Brian Matter (right) out kicks Jesse LaLonde to the finish line (photo by J. Wolf)
I love riding my full suspension bike behind a rigid 29er singlespeed and watching the competition bounce all over the trail, spin out on the flats, and be overgeared on the climbs. The biggest advantage though has to be on a flat bumpy section of trail. My bike follows the contour of the ground so well. With my tires always in contact with the ground my pedal stroke is never compromised and my energy is never wasted. I can pick a line and have full confidence my bike will go there. Every bit of effort is propelling my bike forward. When it comes time for the final attack this feature is key. Being able to recover while smoothly descending after that attack is also key and is much easier to acheive on a full suspension. After that all you have to do is make it to the finish line! Thanks for reading.....
