Have we encountered peak mountain biking in the USA? Yes, it's a huge industry, but will enthusiasm and sales start to wane very soon, or have they already? Is there current data?

It surely seems that the 'big' changes in improved bike design have already happened (geometry, suspension, dropper posts, etc.), and it's now incremental "improvements". Is there a driver to push it forward? Perhaps just the many many folks that don't currently ride, or those with Wal-mart bikes, or old bikes that get inspired to upgrade?

I was also correlating the drop-off in DT board posts and enthusiasm to this possibility as well, but Ozzer brought up a good point in his B-day thread; that it's social media hurting forums like this. It does indeed seem like it's the krusty old fucks (or krusty old fucks in training such as myself) that still roam around these quiet halls, with no new blood. I'm a 'mid-timer' here, coming in a bit later - 2011 (when I first started riding), but I too miss the vibrant atmosphere that existed when I first arrived. Maybe Ozzer is right and the drop-off here has everything to do with social media (and not a loss of overall enthusiasm and growth of the sport).

But, is it possible there a correlation between the smallest of small samples; DT board posts, and whether we've hit 'Peak' mountain biking? So again, will sales and enthusiasm wane soon or have they already? (Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy!).

Personally, life conspired a little against me riding as much this year, and I, like MANY others here, post a lot less than we used to, but I'm still pumped to ride. And although I've crossed the mid-line of my forties, I am still improving and look forward to even more growth in my abilities and confidence. I've not yet peaked! But has the sport?...

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"it can go full porno alley"

- Kimba - One love, many bikes - 2020

No. it hasn't peaked.
My opinion is that we are sitting back and waiting till the industry settles with a common standard before purchasing a new ride. Too many design changes., which is a great positive thing but not to those who can't afford to go out next spend a few thousand for what is considered entry level. So I sit back and ride what I have.
Riders are riding to an older age. I'm 44 and ride at least 3x a week. When I was a kid, that was unheard of. And it's not because of my social economic status. So there is definitely more riders than before and it will just keep growing. It's just that riders are riding their what is now considered obsolete bikes longer.

As for DT, well there was a period that admin was passed to someone else and name calling started and well it went to hell. That's probably why all moved to other forms of social media.

Yes. I still login frequently. Mostly to read the 10x posts per week when I need to take a break from work to the pics of the day and such.

Anyways that's my .02 cents.

Still riding a 1st gen yelli screamy 29er with 9spd in the rear around eastlake on the weekends but mostly around Poway during lunch time. I have a 2015 Trance SX too.

Yeah, biking isn't like the old days, when you wouldn't even see another rider on the trail such
as San Juan or Noble. What is amazing is the changing technology in the industry over the years. In 4 years my wife will allow me to purchase a new bike. As you can see I got married in 2010.

1. 84 univega mtb
2. 86 Gary Fisher Hooke koo
3. 89 Niski Pinical
4. 94 GT Zaskar
5. 01 Speacialize Stumpjumper Comp
6. 02 Marin Attack Trail
7. 02 Jamis XC
8. 03 Ellsworth Joker
9. 04 Turner 5 spot
10. 07 Intense 6.6
11. 10 Diamondback 29 HT
12. 16 Commencal V4
13. 2020 ???

Personally, I think there are a couple of factors going on here.

First, take the social media aspect. I probably will never go there in total. Not that I'm an old fart and can't embrace newer technology. Far from it and I sell software for over 20 years and have to stay up with it while connected to 2-3 devices during the day so that not it. I don't find the need to post up my ever step and activity in my life for the world to see. That will also bite some in the ass later in life. (Isn't that right Wikileaks? ) With all that being said I truly enjoy reading about someones TR and great photos like Gabes and Baha's. Posts like that keep the stoke going for a lot of us.

Second, the economy pays a huge part. Most people can't run out and pull the trigger on a new carbon fiber wonder bike at 6K plus, toss on a set of $2500 enve wheels, etc... Hell, there are people riding bikes that are worth more than the cars they drove to the trail head. People are holding onto their cars longer, not buying unneeded items, or big ticket items.

I really think that most people don't have the time (or take the time) to post up or reply as they used to. Maybe their afraid of a internet tough guy or just don't give a shit what someone thinks. I have spoken to some of those that have not posted here and they left during some drama but the funny thing is, most stated they don't view any forums any more. Just disconnecting from it all.

New trends wear on some since what was the latest and greatest yesterday is not worth 10% of what they paid for today. We see bikes over the years and wonder what new things can they bring to market? Smaller refinements seems to happen but other than ebikes, they are still bikes. The rider makes the biggest improvement for the money. Being an old bastard I can attest to that

What brought me here was the need to find group rides and enjoy the ride with fun, chill people which has happened. I travel to OC quite a bit and do group rides there almost every week which really breaks up my work week plus I have met new friends.
Posting up group rides and helping out someone with a bike question/repair is what I see is the strong point of DT. Being a SD based forum we can find the goods locally and interact with someone you can ride with within 30 minutes. Most forums can be a bit harsh at times but most of the banter is in a light hearted manner.

Keep posting, checking it more often, and most of all, keep riding

MoFlow- Funny comment about being married. I've been married for 37 years now and she still lets me buy a new bike now and then
When she asked me "do you really need a new bike?" I couldn't look her in the eyes and answer that with a yes but I still managed to pull it off


Now, Whatcha sippin' on?

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You never know what tomorrow will bring so go ride your EBike today or walk your pooch
Fear the Yeti
"Go ride your bike today, don't let the old man in.."

Mike

Personally, life conspired a little against me riding as much this year, and I, like MANY others here, post a lot less than we used to, but I'm still pumped to ride. And although I've crossed the mid-line of my forties, I am still improving and look forward to even more growth in my abilities and confidence. I've not yet peaked! But has the sport?...

Let me get this out of the way; "FUCK YOU SHANNON"
Since I'm closer to 60 than you are to 50 my friend, that E bike from Trek is looking pretty fuc..king good. There was a time when I could climb but those days are way behind, so the E bike is next in line.
When the Evil frame set and Enve wheels became so prevalent on DT, XT brakes were tested and proven to be effective; who da fuck needs XTR. People still ride but pride of membership here is lost, recruitment....ZERO.
Don't you ever, ever strava line me in a turn again Shannon

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"Just stop this walking shit and let's get this done"
Avidtesty (Arch 2019)

I peaked years ago........................

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I never would have thought that Harley would end up being my inspiration. (well..maybe a little).

avidtest


"it makes mountain biking fun again"

Ozzer

True dat. You used to granny gear everything. Oh wait, aren't you running 1x now (with a 28t ring)? That's practically a granny gear. Still goatin..

I think DT and forums (excluding Pinkbike and MTBR) have had its run.

We will probably get one or two new members here who OldDogDan or Freddie just harrassed enough on a random ride to check out the site.

Forums are just not as attractive nor convenient for the LCD glued generation.

PC and desktops aside - No one under 30 has the time or interest anymore to go through 4 series of swipes on their phone just to get to the freaking DT front page - that is if you are able to manually type in the html address on Safari accurately in the first place. Then, you have to fucking zoom in on the page to sift through the boards, posts and as you were about to post a reply to some stupid shit Fred posted...BOOOM! You can't! Because y'all forgot to log in...

In that twilight zone you were stuck in, Skylar next to you on the trail just streamed a live video of himself popping a wheelie or just read 8 pages of Instagram posts and liked 28 posts while you were just about to finish that last sentence on Fred's post. So maybe Ldood need to write a DT app.

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Department of Good Times

Hells no!!!
With due rspect to our old crusty retro buddies who kept saying and recanting how good they had it back in their day, so many trails to ride, so many miles, so much freedom, etc etc.. Tell him, shut up and we'll buy his burrito for the post-ride grub if he'd just shut up already.

There are more trails now than ever and trail building has gotten better and better. Builders are getting more organized. Better trails make better riders. In my opinion, now is the Golden Age of mountain biking. It's good to be a mountain biker right now and in the future (because Fred and I will have pedal assist bikes). More awesome is that it's great for anyone to get introduced to mountain biking right now. Better bikes (no matter what level, price or components except Ellsworth), better equipment, better service, better trails, better people (less and less crusty old retro geezers), and shit is just going to get better. Stay positive. Stay hungry. Stay driven.. Shit, at 43 and been riding and racing since 97-98, I'm still learning a lot and on almost every ride. I surprise myself when I ride with other and different people too. I learn from them as they do from me. Stay positive and you mutually feed off each other's stoke. I rarely hang with the same crew or clique the same as riding different trails.

So when you feel like you've peaked, you're probably just feeling burnt out. Step out of your routine. Ride elsewhere. Or if you're really just stuck in Calavera, ride shit in random or reverse loop. It's so good to be a mountain biker right now. Even Fred strikes a smile or two these days.

Cheers.

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Department of Good Times

The stalwart DT rider group seems to be north county older riders. The rest of SD county older riders went to FB. There are the Shoebaccans who crave speed and climbing, they are on FB. The young riders post who knows where.

The less posts seem to be related to illegal trails drama and the selectivity of texting, but those issues are surmountable.

There are plenty of north county older riders. Maybe new subheadings would help: "North County AARP ride" Then a "North County gnar ride," "Ozzer ride", "Grom ride," a "Let's Party ride." Ect. If the character of the ride is known, maybe lurkers will find their niche and come along and eventually post.

I agree that the sport seems to be blossoming now. It's a good time to be riding

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"We'll ride it until they pave it."

-Big Clyde

I think you're all right, but I'd add that when DT started, we were all forming the friendships we have today. Many of us were lone wolves out there trying to find "the tunnel trail". Now, many of us are connected via other channels.

DT had some really fast-paced growth there for a while. I think RHS had a lot to do with that -- of course others did too. Regardless, that growth wasn't sustainable. There were only so many members we could add. There are only so many places to ride. There are only so many things to gab about regarding bicycles. The photogs moved to more generalized services like Instagram. Yes, and some people got pissed off and rage quit.

My favorite part of DT these days are the beer pictures.



I read that as LSD, and started seeing tracers and shit. Then I wrote that stream of consciousness crap above ^^



I always have the active topics page in one of my "tabs" on mobile Safari. Never have to log in.



I have considered writing an app, but it seemed like DT had peaked lol. I'm still planning on moving us to a different system that's way more mobile friendly.

If I ever see you or Ozzer on an e bike, (and if I can catch you) I'm going to steal yer fucking batteries. TRUE!


Don't count on it you krusty fucker.


As for DT; I'd agree with this^^^. As for bike sales; well..maybe there are still some legs there. Who knows. I know I'm happy as fuck when I get to ride my bike though.

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"it can go full porno alley"

- Kimba - One love, many bikes - 2020

Can we please get a "No Thanks" button Ld00d?..

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"it can go full porno alley"

- Kimba - One love, many bikes - 2020

just hit "thanks" then "remove thanks"

Truth

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"We'll ride it until they pave it."

-Big Clyde