Mountain Biking - Ski Slopes

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dswilson
Does anyone mountain bike on ski slopes - during the summer and/or winter? If yes, what are the best bikes to rent/buy? New to this!

I think most people that mountain bike on the slopes are downhillers, which requires a downhill bike. a standard MTB, even one with full suspension, won't hold up to the rigors of downhilling.

The variety of trails on most mountains allow for any level of biking, not just downhilling, and any decent MTB will work, just like your trails at home. You may want specialized parts, but if you are new to the sport, you probably wont do damage enough to yourself or the ground to justify the overpriced swag.

The name on your bike doesnt make much difference in the lower-priced/hardtail models anyway, within reason. Many companies make a good product with comparable pro's and con's and have good warranties (essential in MTB's.) I like Rocky Mountain's, but they are way overpriced. For value Kona and Norco can't be beat.

Hate to say it, but go to your local bike shop. A good shop will have the best advice for a starting bike, based on what you want to ride, your level of skill, sizing. A reputable shop can find you a good deal on what you need, and have a variety of brands. CAVEAT: Salespeople are Salespersons (re:little money hungry wallet gnomes) in any store, so wait to buy, always. Look around!

Ah, but that new bike smell, the rubber and grease, so alluring...
Welcome to this oft-misaligned sport!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dswilson
Does anyone mountain bike on ski slopes - during the summer and/or winter? If yes, what are the best bikes to rent/buy? New to this!

Thanks for the info!

georgehoward - thanks fo the info & names of bikes that aren't crazy in price.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dswilson
georgehoward - thanks fo the info & names of bikes that aren't crazy in price.

actually I have ridden Killington numerous times and most of the terrain is far from downhill. I would suggest an agressive XC bike such as one from the Marin series.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Xsmoker
I think most people that mountain bike on the slopes are downhillers, which requires a downhill bike. a standard MTB, even one with full suspension, won't hold up to the rigors of downhilling.

Just not true. I purchased my Cannondale 400 in 1984 (exact copy) I lived in the Adirondacks and rode/carried/dis-assembled carried, that thing to the top of many of the High Peaks and launched. No suspension, bmx brake on the rear, tires that were lets say - "questionable". Worked a summer at Whiteface doing maintenance - would get rides up in trucks and launch. Did that hundreds of times. Granted, when I rent a full suspension I can take hits, corners, faster. My 43 year old body feels a Hell of a lot better afterwords. My personal bikes "hold up to the rigors" but my body doesn't. And of course the Cannondale was bought at a time when that company put dollars into innovation, value, and quality - instead of marketing. But that's another post. Once or twice a year I still ride it at ski areas. It's always humourous when they come to the pre-ride inspection . . . "you're going to ride - this . . .?"

To answer your question. Today I have a 13 year old son we've downhilled ski areas: Attatash, Mt. Snow, Killington, Whiteface, and Plattekill. We live on the back side of a ski area here in CT which he and his friends poach often. (CT Ski area is a oxymoron btw). I would strongly suggest renting your first times out! Take notice of the components on the bikes. See what you like, what you don't like. Talk to the mechanics at the slopes!! When you go to the slopes check into the rental dept. and see how many of their bikes are out of commision - find out why. (These folks LOVE to talk about bikes). These shops also repair personal bikes. Find out what they have probs with. Don't forget, bike and component companies pay BIG dollars to magazines and website in advertising. This may or may not have something to do with how those sources rate products . . . A chick I knew worked for a "large cycle company." It wasn't uncommon for them to go on mtbreview, epinions, and (God forbid) cyclingforums and rip the competion.

This time of year many slopes are selling their stock or local bike shops are selling it for them. Be careful about buying them - I often rent and you would NOT NOT NOT want a bike I have rented. Yeah, they are maintained well, but they are beat on too.

Things I've gleaned from riding ski areas: 1. Most rate their mtb trails the same as they do as the ski trails. But, just because you ski or board a black diamond doesn't mean you can bike it. 2. Most likely you will not be injured by what is under or in front of you - but what is coming from behind. 3. Poach closed areas at your own risk. 4. You have NO CHANCE with the hottie putting you on the lift.