A lengthy or extravagant speech or argument usually intended to persuade.

To talk or say (something) at length or extravagantly.

The Opinion area. You've got it, I've got it, find it here.

What you got to say??? Send YOUR spiel to: riderx@singlespeedoutlaw.com

Spin The Crank

Change is Bad by Joe Whitehair

The ever-changing nature of the trail is one of the things I’ve always loved about mountain biking. Every ride, even on those trails you know like the back of your hand, have the potential to be different than the last. New fallen trees, rocks that have shifted in a stream crossing or even just the texture of the soil: hard packed and dusty one day, tacky and grippy the next. Lately though, there have been some changes that don’t sit to well with me.

In areas that have heavily used trails, like my local backyard, the wussie patrol has taken root and is changing the trail in ways that aren’t good. Twists and turns are being blown out in favor of straight, fast, unchallenging lines. The smallest log that falls will immediately develop a cheater-line going around it. Instead of developing skills, riders are opting for the easiest route, often developing lines that aren’t sustainable and become mud holes in low-lying areas of the trails. Things continue to snowball as the line widens when riders avoid the mud (wouldn’t want to get a mountain bike muddy, would you?) until you have a trail that no longer resembles singletrack. The mud hole avoidance problem is compounded by the fact that many times when these lines are being developed the trail conditions dictate you shouldn’t even be on the trail. Locally, rock garden sections that have existed for years and are the most sustainable sections of trail in times of rain are now being avoided in favor of a smooth line. The ugly absurdity here is that some riders are seeking the smoothest almost road-like ride yet fail to stay off the trail and hit the road when the trail conditions indicate you should not be riding the dirt.

True, there are cases when you need to detour a new obstacle because it’s impossible to do otherwise. A good case of this is when a tropical storm ripped through this fall and left dozens of trees down. Many fell with their large crowns completely enveloping the trail, leaves and branches reaching 10 and 20 feet in the air. But when the case is a simple tree trunk blocking the way that is beyond your skill level, you really only have two choices: dismount and climb over or work on your skills so you can get over it. Actually, there is a third choice, and that is to do some trail maintenance. A good rule of thumb is, if other riders can make it over, you shouldn’t be creating a new trail around it.

And speaking of trail maintenance, one last bit of ranting. Don’t undo trail maintenance. Yes, believe it or not a lot of locals have been correcting problems like the ones mentioned above only to find their work undone. So, instead of performing some actual trail maintenance that benefits all users, a few dipshits have actually been putting things back in worse condition.

Don’t dumb-down the trails to meet your skill levels. Some of us like a challenge. If anything, work to bring your skills to the level they need to be to conquer the trail. There are plenty of trails out there that you can find one that fits your skill level. Luckily, these ignorant riders seem to be the minority. Unfortunately they have a big impact on both the trails and our image to other trail users.

Let’s keep the singletrack narrow and the trails open to bikers.

Sound Off

Last issue's question was: What's the best type of single speed hub: freewheel, SS cassette, or converted cassette?

Mouth off your opinion at: riderx@singlespeedoutlaw.com

• Best type of hub:
  Track cog, pussy.

  -Ralph Leonard

  I like your style Ralph. That's why it pains me to tell you that a track cog is not a hub - it's a COG. A small but important detail. Make sure you wear your helmet, you'll need those brain cells. - ed

• There is a great White Industries hub emerging as we speak/type. It is build on an eccentric axle, thus no eccentric needs at the bb, and the chain is tensioned via the axle, not a external tensioner (i.e. singulator or such). Buttery bearing, sweet machining, the classy chrome White finish, and fixie/freewheel option on one hub makes it one of the best. Downside: no disc setup possible, but that's all I can see. Look for it soon at www.whiteind.com.

  Friend to the boys and girls over there at White Industries,
  -Peter Olivetti

  It's out and getting nothing but positive feedback. Looks to be great for those vertical dropout conversions.

• Which hub? Which hub? Which hub?

  I can tell you right off which one I'm on...a freewheel...which is a fine piece...it hasn't failed me...through mud, ‘n snow...‘n boozy nights home. It is high tech enough to be flexible, lowtech enough to be easy to work with (given you have the right tools).

  Not to say I don't desire a single-speed cassette. As easy as the freewheel setup combined with the beauty of...well...let's just call it lusty. Lusty like the girl at the local wateringhole who is kind enough to bring you beer...though you're certain you saw her in a movie you rented late at night...that one time.

  And as for the converted cassette, while it appears primative on the outside...it is really a thing of beauty on the inside...like that first clock you made in shop class. Sure it doesn't have the sexy lines like the single speed cassette, but what it lacks there it makes up for with good old fashioned grit.

  Now that I've come to the end, I've not picked which one is the best...oh yeah, I know...the one that brings me a smile and maybe occasionally a sixer of Spotted Cow back to my house.

  Peace, love and frosty mugs of love....
  -Jamie Molitor