I've always been a roadie, apart from occasionally dabbling in cyclocross, but lately I've been hankering after doing a spot of proper offroading. After 45 years on this planet, it's about time I extended my cycling horizons.
So, I was very pleased to get the opportunity to borrow a Saracen Kili Flyer - alloy frame, full suspension, 27.5in wheels, dropper post. I wouldn't know what to look for in an MTB but I've been told this is one is decent enough for riding cross-country trails.
Took it up to the local woods yesterday afternoon for a quick blast round the trails. What fun!
Riding with full suspension for the first time was really strange - hitting ditches at speed that I would normally expect to throw me off the bike but just bouncing through them is something I'll need to get used to. Cornering is weird too - the short stem and wide bars seem to let you wrench the bike hard round stupidly tight bends with relative ease. I didn't come anywhere close to testing the limits of the tyres' grip, but I did manage to drift the rear wheel a couple of times (not entirely deliberately), which was satisfying.
Only fell off three times - mostly through lack of confidence in the bike's ability to deal with the terrain in a few heavily rutted sections. I can see that more experience and getting used to how the bike handles will make a big difference.
The ground was mostly dry but I managed to find a few mud patches - including one patch that was ankle-deep and stopped me dead. I had to get off and walk through it. Got home absolutely filthy, which was also quite satisfying.
Overall, I only covered 8km but it was a real workout. Planning to go out tomorrow for a longer ride.
I think I'm already a convert to MTB! Might need to see if I can negotiate holding onto this bike for a while... or start saving up to buy one.
