Dirt Rag Issue #190 is out!
Originally posted on March 22, 2016 at 7:00 am
On the Cover
Photo: Ryan Creary
“On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
Columns and Readings
Watts Dixon writes about learning to love bicycle retail again. Bama issues a call for us to remember that “this sport was birthed from the greasy … loins of hairy hippies” and that we ought to grab a shovel and get gritty, again. Stevil remembers the person who inspired him to get on a mountain bike in the first place, and Rebecca Rusch challenges us to re-think our ideas of what “winning” means.
We also review a whisky, check out some cool bike shops and bring you sneak peaks at new bikes.
Features: Beyond the Bike Park
The three features in this issue take fresh looks at three, well-known bike parks: Whistler, Park City (Utah) and Winter Park (Colorado). Three first-hand accounts take us on unique adventures through these much-loved landscapes.
Reviews and Stuff
We took all three versions of Specialized’s current Stumpjumper (the 27.5, the 29er and the 27 plus) and put them to the test in an in-depth faceoff. Each one gets its own ride review followed by a comparison of why each tester would choose one of the three and for what type of riding. We also “reviewed” a 1984 Stumpjumper, which you can read about online now.
Our four-page wheel size explainer delves into the stories of different tire widths and which we’d choose for what applications. A handy chart guides you to choosing the perfect wheel size for your preferred riding style. For example, if you have ever uttered the words “26 for life,” go buy a Yeti SB66 on eBay and a pile of Maxxis Minions and stop reading about new bikes.
Win Big!
We’re giving away a 2016 Trek Fuel EX 9 27.5 valued at $4000. Enter to win the bike!
Get a copy of Dirt Rag #190 in our online store or at your nearest newsstand. Or quit putting it off and order a subscription so you’ll never miss an issue.