You’re Being Lied to About Mountain Biking

[@lindseyarnold5074]

Don’t let people tell you what is needed to go mountain biking. Pick up your bike and just go and enjoy.

[@danlewis7678]

This! 100% this!!!

[@spiderpimp33]

Fact.

[@ernestgomez1835]

I’ve got to thank you man. I’ve been watching your channel for a bit and I was preoccupied with the idea of making a fool of myself out on the trails (hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a kid) and I’ve been looking for another way to get outside and improve on the cardio. Your videos made it seem approachable enough that I finally got out to a place named Greer ranch recently and had a blast. Thought I was gonna die because you guys make pedaling look like such a breeze but despite that I’m all in now! Your enthusiasm for biking and seemingly life in general really encouraged me to just go, and I just wanted to say thanks and that I enjoy your videos.

[@Sopris17]

Every time a new type of bike comes out, trail bike, enduro whatever, I always see comments, "That's not real mountain biking." Wrong. Mountain biking is whatever you want it to be. And if you're having fun, who cares?! Be happy, ride lots

[@TheSpade83]

I never question why I'm into mtb. The things that ruin it for people is the ebike culture, send it culture, and the best bike competition or competing with others. Just an FYI having a nice bike does make a difference and the experience is different. Riding a 300 bike on a familiar trail vs a 4k bike on the same trail makes a difference and tuning it enhances the difference. In no way does a more expensive cheat you out of riding. Now choosing the right type of bike can change the trail. If you ride a 200mm travel dh bike on a simple blue trail of course it's going to feel less of a gnarly trail vs riding a 100mm xc bikes. Same trail different ecperience.

[@zc154]

100% truth sir. Mountain biking is mountain biking. Overinflated ego and justification of how much your bike cost can lead so many away from this amazing sport. Thank you for staying humble and sharing that with everyone else

[@theymademepickaname1248]

That and the dude bro gatekeeper culture.

[@taylordarion3477]

I cant justify the cost of my bike, but having gotten to racing levels, i at least know that my bike is what brings me the most fun in exchange for money

[@tico78742]

I love just being outdoors riding through the woods. No hurry. No kit or special shoes. Just whatever I have on. I have just as much fun.

[@farwoodfarm9296]

Matty, you’ve transcended just being another MTB channel. You are a Zen Guru and I’m here for it. The best bike is the one you ride.

[@johnmccann7750]

Great video Matty. I'm 62, used to race Mx back in the 80s. My wife laid down the law and I'm not allowed anymore dirt bikes. However after a hip replacement, kidney cancer then a heart condition I'm determined not to give up doing what makes me happy. I was made medically redundant so decided I'd treat myself to an emtb and it's fantastic. I don't do jumps (to scared to risk my hip) but I can climb where I would normally just give it a miss. Exploring is such great satisfaction and I've got an extended lease of life with bikes again. We'd all love the newest thing but your right, just being out there and taking in the nature is soooo good. Keep it up Matty, I'm glad you're still cycling.

[@acuhealer62]

Mountain biking is a lot like skiing. If all you've ever seen are Warren Miller movies with extreme skiers bombing down extreme slopes you might never try skiing. MTB is the same. Lots of bunny slopes, intermediate terrain and you can progress with time and practice if you choose to. I've been mountain biking since 1986, before full suspension was a thing. I was happy to be in the woods on my bike. My riding progressed and I can do black diamond trails and hit the bike park a few times per year on my full sus enduro bike, but mostly I like to ride in the woods on techy, flowy trails. I don't have to be "full send" to have fun. Now, I am 62 years old and my air time on bikes is getting dialed WAY BACK (I don't bounce like I used to). Point is, go out, have fun and not worry about what other people are doing. Ride, your ride, the way you want and have fun.

[@RealMTBAddict]

Yeah every time I go to Keystone I never hit the double Black diamond I always just do the green and blue trails. I get 7 runs a day in with over 10k feet of descent. Top 20 spots on a lot of DH sections on my hardtail 26". Making full sus riders think I'm cheating 😂

[@magicunicorn6535]

You are so right! I watched Warren Miller movies long before I ever tried skiing, because I thought it was all extreme stuff. I was scared to try it. Once I learned that it wasn't all just hucking yourself off cliffs, skiing in shoulder-deep powder, or bombing down near-vertical descents, I tried it. I've loved every minute of it.

[@cycologist7069]

I’m more or less a road rider and if I ever get a MTB it will likely be a hard tail. I’m only interested in riding flat trails and maybe some mild hills.

[@rob1399]

Best bike and best trail are the ones you like being on

[@4rollingon4]

Spot on man 🤘 I've been mountain biking since the early 90s and things have changed so much, bike parks, trail centres, harder lines and more capable bikes needed to ride them. I enjoy a long easy trail ride in the summer with good friends just as much as trying to push myself. For anyone getting into the sport in the last 5 years social media would have you believe you need an enduro bike just to even start riding and that unless you're clearing 40 foot doubles you're rubbish. Marketing departments and social media have a lot to answer for, put simply going for a ride should be fun, not some macho 'I'm rowdier than you' contest. 🤘

[@IdrisFashan]

So many good points. Honestly, the less time I spend online, the more time I spend on my bike. That’s what I’ve learned. Instagram distorts the view of anything. My wife is a daily commenter (I work from home) and we cross 2 ravines to get from our community to downtown. I just stopped driving. Now my mountain bikes are my cargo bikes, my gravel bikes, my road bikes and my fun bikes. I work in marketing, so I understand the pressures put on those teams to sell stories. It’s a factor of a mature marketplace, that they cater to the most profitable areas. Extreme sports sell better than hybrid bikes any day-remember those? 😅

[@austinradtke2896]

I've had similar experiences mountain biking. I used to enjoy group rides up until a few years ago. Now these days, it seems like most people I ride with are peacocking about their fancy expensive e-bikes and how that's the only way to enjoy the sport. They don't seem to understand there's more to mountain biking than the equipment they buy.

[@biosfearmag]

Your experience with mountain biking sounds like my experience with BMX jumping until I was a teenager. As a middle-aged adult, I just like going for long bike rides out in nature for mostly the meditative effect. I feel no need to jump anymore, and that's totally fine. The key is to keep riding a bike until you can't anymore.

[@TheRougeRiverRider]

I’m pushing 40 myself and I just enjoy the ride being out in nature as corny as that sounds it’s the best part

[@viperdemonz-jenkins]

as a 49 year old dude that still rides heck yea. but I do like jumps and downhill going fast more than flat trails.

[@biosfearmag]

@@viperdemonz-jenkins At 51, I like climbing the most, which I would've never thought a few years ago. I enjoy challenging myself and keeping my fitness level in check. And with every good climb, there's usually a nice view and descent. I hurt myself enough on my skateboard in my 40s, that I shifted to bikes and I'm trying to keep out of the hospital again if I can help it. :)

[@viperdemonz-jenkins]

@@biosfearmag heck yea.

[@nickcummins3084]

"you can never go wrong being out in nature on your bike" that right there, is the essence of mountain biking for me.

[@jamespmorganjr4276]

This is what mountain biking used to be about. Literally XC riding with a hard tail or short travel full suspension. Almost no trails were flow trails or had berms. From time to time there were some tech obstacles that would be thrown in the way. Today it’s nothing but tech and flow.

[@xda8009]

Where I'm from, people on the trails are so obsessed with speed and their times, they get very annoyed if you ride slowly enjoying the ride and holding them up. They have this notion that they must be going fast to have fun or beat someone else's time to be the best, really annoying.

[@Steven_Falcon]

A basic/inexpensive rigid mountain bike is the gateway to happiness, improved mental and physical health, adventure and discovery.

[@JonDo-1986]

And sore wrists and lower back but I LOVE IT!❤

[@ceb4382]

Rigid specific geometry with plus tires and a suspension dropper post is choice. Check out Jones bikes for this 👍

[@tally2312]

@@ceb4382was just about to say the same thing to Steven. I love my 2 bike quiver. Jones swb and Rocky Mt element full sis with moto inspired riser bars. For multi surface riding and old guy mtb riding, I doubt there’s anything more that I’ll ever need.

[@FrogDad556]

I’m gonna plug the Kona Honzo ESD here fam. Give it a look.

[@limegreendemon5847]

Well said Matty! I fell into this, kept trying harder trails, upgraded my bike. Still enjoying it but really didn’t need to upgrade.

[@RealMTBAddict]

It's not well said. Kids aren't being influenced by the bike industry. Kids do what they enjoy. When they grow up and have their own money they mountain bike because that's their personality.

[@JonDo-1986]

Nothing beats the feeling of clearing a gnarly section with a shit bike and look at your overbiked friends struggle on the same section 😂

[@elvislee7686]

After 6yrs off a bike, used to race track and crits, I am now getting back and this time around with a inexpensive bikesdirect full rigid singlespeed 29er. I actually built the bike up almost two years ago but never took it out until a month ago and I'm loving it. Sure I'm slow but all I care about right now is just having fun. I've taken it to the local singletracks and having so much fun. It's like being a kid all over again in my late 30's. Thanks for this video Matty!!!!

[@scottl8469]

Nice-if your joints are good, you’re setup is as good as it gets!

[@tico78742]

@@scottl8469It’s just a different style that isn’t hard on the joints if done correctly. You obviously have to slow down and get out of the saddle and use your legs as suspension. I keep a loose grip which seems counterintuitive. Tire pressure is even more important on a rigid bike. It’s not for every one of course. I also enjoy more full suspension.

[@tico78742]

I’ve looked at those bikes. Any good?

[@scottl8469]

@@tico78742, yep, I rode rigid SS for years. Destroyed my shoulder 35 years ago, severe arthritis, no labrum left, and I just separated same shoulder at Thanksgiving. At 61, Going with a suspension fork from here.

[@elvislee7686]

@@tico78742 yeah I've had multiple bikes from there. As long as you repack the headset and bearings on the hubs before riding then you're good. The higher price bikes should come with sealed cartridge bearings though.

[@fortesfortunajuvat6782]

Matty, as usual, some great insights into the mountain biking scene. Thanks for pointing out how varied mountain biking can be and how enjoyable it can be for anyone who rides.

[@17even]

Glad you said this. I was headed down that path... thinking I needed the best kashima coated fork, shock, and dropper, etc. I stopped myself before I went off the deep end

[@mattj6676]

A person gets to a point where they don't feel the need to prove themselves to others or seek other's approval on that other person's terms. You're an athlete, used to proving yourself constantly against the average, against others, against yourself. Part of it is just simply de-programming a little and letting yourself breathe. You've found the way you like to ride, now you can probably use some of those other bikes in the way YOU like as opposed to challenging yourself to max out what they can do. Or you can move them along to others and free up some space both in your house and mentally as well. All that equipment can be a burden as well as a blessing. I'm happy for you that you found your lane!

[@LanceR33]

Over 30 years of mountain biking now. I see two types. 1) Adrenaline chasers that just go flying down trails, disregarding safety and longevity. 2) Endorphin chasers, love the climb and exercise. The trail riding through the beautiful mountains. Along with technical challenges both up and down. The endorphin chasers use our heads for more than just a helmet rack and we don't treat the Bike/Hike trails like bike parks.

[@TrekkinMTB]

Pretty much on point maddie, I have spent a lot of money on bikes that were Way beyond my capabilities on the bikes. I have my Roscoe 9 which was an expensive bike and I have upgraded it extensively but I do everything on that bike. It is literally my daily Rider when I go on bike rides with my wife and daughter. I use it for all my local trails and I'm looking forward to getting up towards Jared's place with it

[@SprSonik13]

i’ve been mtn biking since to 80s and have been through more than my share of insanely expensive bikes and “extreme” riding/racing over the years. But my favorite mountain biking is on my single speed hard tail on my local trails when i get out and ride to enjoy the sites, sounds, smells of nature and relax. it is sad that people can’t see the simplicity of the sport and fixate on the marketing and media hype. The sport definitely needs more supporters like you!

[@davemcbeard]

I feel like you and I have a lot in common. I love the sport but I hate the industry. I quit a long time ago and only got back into it last year when my circumstances allowed me to. You're absolutely right, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on the latest gear to have a good time, all you need is a dirt track and whatever bike you can get your hands on. I wish I'd realised that sooner. Keep up the great work 👍

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

It’s definitely social media hyping the expensive bikes and insane jumps. I’ll admit I have nice bikes, but I don’t buy into the jump lines and Red Bull style riding….I’m happiest on the old school single track that’s mainly natural lines. There is a place for nice bikes, but just don’t focus on that being the only reason it’s fun or the only way you can get out and ride…. You are saying this loud and clear! Thanks for keeping up the fun content

[@codered7453]

I'll never be Jeff Kendall or Keegan Swenson, and I'm cool with that. I bought a super sweet bike that I wanted (Specialized Epic HT) and it is far more capable than I am. I love my bike and I'm glad that I bought it, it's super quick and maneuverable, and I'll probably never buy a "bigger bike " for these little eastern NC trails do not require it. Good work on what you do and how youve accomplished your mtb journey. Stay stoked.

[@llamont2336]

Great video!! The cycling industry promotes a “you need this to do that” marketing approach in order to sell products. In reality, it’s not the case for most of the consumer population. I used to ride local trails in Pasadena, CA on a Specialized Hard Rock. lol. Other folks had far more technical rigs but I still had a great time! Ride what you have and enjoy!!

[@RealMTBAddict]

Who is promoting that? I've never seen those ads.

[@llamont2336]

@RealMTBAddict - To each their own… In watching all sorts of cycling content here on YT often times a lot of the equipment being pedaled (pun intended) is for bikes that cost thousands of dollars. I get that there’s a difference between $1k and $8k but there are people who don’t have that kind of money to get into the sport (even at the lower “value bike” endorsed price points).

[@RealMTBAddict]

@@llamont2336 Ok. My first bike was a rigid steel Raleigh, I didn't care about getting a nice bike until I was 25. You're supposed to start small with any sport. I didn't have a nice bike until I was 30. Even after moving to Colorado I ride a steel 26" hardtail. It's worth $5k but only because I chose the toughest parts, not the lightest. In my opinion anything over $5k is a waste unless you're doing pro level races. I have over 100 top 10 spots from downhill in Keystone to flat segments in Florida against the fastest out there. I've ridden with people that had more expensive bikes than me, but they can't keep up. And eventually they quit riding with me because of the shame.

[@APham-ld9do]

Thanks Matty for your practical approach to mountain biking. I bought my first Trek Marlin 6 based on your recommendation and had a blast this past season mountain biking. I read a KZbin comment that said that the coming generation of newcomers to cycling, including mountain biking, grew up with video games and smart phones. They did not grow up with an attachment to bicycles and the outdoors. Therefore, I think your channel has great potential to attract this new generation. You're make cycling very approachable, which unfortunately most cyclists do not. Your focus on enjoying the outdoors and its capacity to improve mental health is something that I think the coming generation will be drawn to, since there's so much dysfunction that has come from our "technology" age. I hope you really take off this year and the coming years. If bicycling brands/companies are smart, they'll get behind you and your approach to mountain biking!

[@Adventuregirl96]

Wonderful to see you uploaded this. I was talking to a girl this weekend who is riding an entry level Salsa Rangefinder. She though she needed a new bike to do things when all she needed was new tires. I live in the PNW and have a very capable bike that I can do anything I want on it. I also have family and friends who live near Atlanta, and they just have basic hardtails. They can ride any green or blue trail they want and have a wonderful time riding together and enjoying nature. It makes me enjoy time riding my bikes doing simple things with husband and son as a family.

[@eriklehnsherr]

Just got back from some really nice easy blue and green trails. I couldn't agree with you more. I always have more fun on trails that don't have a high like likelihood of putting me in the hospital if I make a mistake. Great ride you got going there .

[@stephenkohler3472]

Moving through nature under your own power on a bike that's comfortable on dirt. THAT is the heart of mountain biking. I'm so glad you're illustrating that point with your videos.

[@durden.tyler537]

A truly realistic and sane perspective. Thank you, Matty!

[@dancarlos1216]

I have so many people tell me I need a full suspension to go here and there, or don’t upgrade and enjoy my current hardtail and just save for a nicer bike, it’s mad weird. I enjoy having my trail bike and upgrading it to feel the changes and riding all types of trails and parks

[@02mtb]

YES! Thank you for speaking aloud. There's something wrong: If you ride the road you don't need the best Lycra outfit, you don't need to be the fastest. The regular T-shirt and granny's pace is fine. Same on gravel. It doesn't have to be 100 miles. Same on mountain bikes. It doesn't have to be rocky, you don't need to jump. The egos are wrong.

[@michaelmann3636]

It’s all up to the individual what type of riding and risk they want to encounter on any given day. The main thing is to be outside and have fun.

[@Ron_SpecializedRDR]

Matty Active, you nailed it. Most honest video of a rider I’ve seen or heard. God bless you for your candid honesty and your love for riding.

[@trailscouter]

I’m all about the “nature hikes on wheels” on my hard tail.

[@oatmilk169]

I was actually on the board of directors for a non-profit mountain bike organization. At that point, I had been mountain biking for 35 years. I've had pretty nice bikes over the years, but couldn't tell you much about them (gearing, for example). It was never about the bike or the more extreme features as it was being with friends out in nature and just enjoying a nice ride. But most of the folks at the non-profit were all about steep single track and any trail project that wasn't extreme to some degree wasn't considered "fun." That's why I left. And that's why others my age left. For me, it's a win just to get new folks out on trails and enjoying being outside. And, I think there's a larger group of potential enthusiasts out there who need that message. I think it's really important to promote the sport from the "get out and ride and enjoy nature" angle instead of from the spend a bunch of money and ride technical trails angle.

[@kaytee858]

I mountain biked when i was kid going into my early 20's, then just stopped due life changes, work, school, and just wanting to party lol. But after coming across your channel it inspired me to get back out and enjoy what i love about it. Thanks Matty for the inspiration. Now in my 40's with a new Roscoe 7 I feel my passion again. PS my first Mountain bike was an early 90's Raleigh Discovery( rigid bike) , then a Raleigh Serengeti with front suspension, which i still have and will be restoring one day 😁

[@Chris-505]

Beautifully put! Sometimes it’s so easy to get wrapped up on what we think mountain biking should be instead of just taking a step back and just enjoying the little things within the ride! Great video!

[@hananas2]

Matty, I'm really glad I came across your videos on mountain biking because I really recognise how you feel about it. I bought a full suspension mountain bike in 2018 and freaking loved it, took it out for a ride every weekend, looking for the most difficult trails and features I could find! But being in college then, I also got an old steel city bike that I totally restored to use as my general get-around-town bike. I soon discovered that it was totally possible to take that old city bike with skinny slick tires on half the paths I would previously take my full suspension mountain bike on and discovered I was having WAY more fun because it was a much more meaningful challenge! I still have my mountain bike in the garage, but I don't really ride it anymore. These days when I wanna be out in a quiet place I take my steel road bike out in the countryside and I'll still ride whatever unpaved sections I come across which is a super fun challenge. Context tho: I don't have a car because I don't want one, so whatever I'm riding is at my doorstep or whatever I can get to from the train station. I also live in Belgium and in my side of the coutry there are practically no places where you can ride uninterrupted unpaved trails. Riding on the road to connect sections of trail always felt kinda sluggish and I didn't really enjoy that on my mountain bike. Now on my road bike I feel like I have so much more freedom because I can cover so much more distance. I love quiet backroads so much now because it's just smooth and quick and it's generally a lot more fun to take out that steel road bike than a completely overkill mountain bike. If I was being rational I should sell my mountain bike but it's old and not worth much anymore and I'm still emotionally attached to it. It's also a total moneypit because my fork needs a major service, my rear suspension pivot bearings are all shot and my rear shock is at the end of its life and spending that money to get it all fixed is just not worth it at all for me.

[@derekmann4317]

Great video. I admit I fell into the same mindset of wanting the best to enjoy mountain biking. I recently realized it's about being outdoors, enjoying everything around you, and savoring the time you have out there.

[@thepurplealpacca7353]

When underbiking was a trend I stopped and tried to simplify my bike. I got a 90s mtb and made it fixed gear. The best part of biking imo is the meditative headspace of grinding the pedals and breathing in nature.

[@ktaylor47]

All facts sir,great video. Thank you for keeping it real,ride a bike that makes you happy,not one that spends more time on a bike stand than on a trail. I grew up in Colorado and we had some wild trails back in the day , some right in the city!! I used to notice that when we would go to bike parks and get dirty looks from more serious riders that like to pre judge you off of your bike and some even off your gear! It wasn’t fun anymore . What got me back on bikes was an event called the Denver cruiser weekly rides. You had every type of bike imaginable out there just cruising along having fun! To me that’s what it’s all about! I think the bike industry needs to get back to the simple idea of buy our bike,put air in the tires and ride.once again great video brother!

[@magicunicorn6535]

My first mountain bike was very inexpensive, probably made in Taiwan or something. But I loved it and had tons of fun on it. I rode it everywhere. One day I bent one of the front gears (the cheap ones are pretty thin and flimsy, I'll admit). I took it to this fancy, big-name bike shop in town where I worked, and they turned their snooty noses up at it and said "We don't work on low-end bikes here." I went to another shop - a local mom-n-pop bike neighborhood shop, and the guy happily fixed my bike. I told him about the other shop and he said "There's no such thing as a "bad" bike. This bike got you into the sport of mountain biking, so it's a GREAT bike."

[@reggiefuentes4599]

100% correct. I got caught up on the fs high-end bike. Don't get me wrong, I had fun on the bike, but when I was riding it, I would always think about going back to an HT. I have more fun on an HT. I'm in my 50yrs old and I don't need to ride the hardest trails or need to flex because I'm riding an high end fs mtb. Just need to get out and ride , have fun, and enjoy nature.

[@nellyx1x493]

Totally agree. I've been mtb'ing almost continuously for over 35 years solid. Been down the whole path of fancy bikes, chasing progression blah.. but I never really liked those bigger bikes to ride and was always harking back to the early style of mtb. Now am more than happy on smooth flowy trails, enjoying the outdoors, chilling on a nice hardtail or gravel bike. This way I find I've had fewer rides that end up with an unexpected trip in a heli straight to A&E, and am better for it.

[@iecrime]

Likewise. Got my first full rigid in 1993. For years, I spent way too much $$$ chasing the mtb dragon but sold my fs a decade ago and now ride only a steel or emtb ht, staying safe and enjoying nature on the easy trails.

[@andersun16]

Bravo! Getting into the woods or trails is the real pull for MTB. I also got sucked into the extreme - but the green and butterballs are where it’s at. Thanks for this video!

[@davidleemann7395]

Been watching you for a long time. Your kid like enthusiasm just to ride a bike, any bike and it was refreshing and fun to watch. I've always rode as an escape to nature and it allowed me to unplug and do something for me. I like to watch the talented riders at rampage and other events just like I watch F1 racing, but I don't want to drive the way they do. Thanks for sharing your view and I agree with you. Ride for you at the level you're comfortable riding. Keep on riding @mattyactive

[@dennissmall2436]

Love your content and positivity. Keep up the great work!!

[@Team81MTB]

I just ride what I want to ride. Mostly xc with some rocks and roots. Sometimes I like to go for a PR. Sometimes I just like to get out and go slow. Yesterday I went out in 6" of snow. It was different enough to be interesting so therefore fun. There are times when I go for a long trail ride just because that's what I'm feeling. There are no rules for mountain biking. You are free to ride what you want, how you want and when you want. The end goal is fun. Period! People over think this sport way too much. Just go enjoy whatever you love to do on a bike. 👍

[@magicunicorn6535]

🎯👍

[@jokermtb]

back when I started mtb'ing, the tech trails that turned you off were hike-a-bike sections - nobody could ride over that stuff on rigid 26'ers, so we rode on trails we could ride. Kinda like the chill trails you ride on your gravel bike. That kinda riding was always there waiting as a baseline and still gives that 'mountain biking' zen people enjoy.

[@RealMTBAddict]

I've ridden up and back down Pikes Peak on Barr trail on a hardtail 26", twice. Only 60 others have done it in Strava, none of them did it on a 26" hardtail.

[@paulwalsh2124]

@@jokermtb I still ride a 26er, it is a quality Yeti that was ahead of its time and it fits what I ride.

[@sundayscaries11]

I started mountain biking during the first Covid lockdowns with my girlfriend on two Specialized Rockhoppers that we got for $700. I’ve put $700 worth of upgrades on them and the biggest difference makers have been tires that are more suited to what we ride, pedals that our feet don’t slip off as easy, and dropper posts. Everything else has been completely negligible.

[@magicunicorn6535]

Dropper posts are the best invention since the wheel itself! I use mine constantly. Even on level terrain, I find that periodically adjusting the height of my seat, even just a few centimeters, saves me from a lot of knee pain.

[@frankfeenstra]

Awesome positive video! I'm 52 years old and live in Netherlands close to a famous dune/forest MTB trail. I've done long climbs and downhills in places like the German black forest, the Belgian Ardennes and Lake Garda in Italy. These were all on old Giant, Cannondale and Koga hardtail bikes with front suspension. Had so much fun. Only the last (second hand) bike was a Specialized Stumpjumper Pro with Fox front/rear suspension and disc brakes. This one was more comfortable, but I cannot recall having had more fun with that thing. Now it's time to replace it to be able to pick up mountainbiking again and this video made me contemplate. The only reason I am looking at a Full Suspension is the fact that my back hurts quickly and this will prevent that a bit better. But for the trails here it's actuallu not a requirement....maybe I will switch to a hardtail after all...

[@earthlingdamien]

Who's being lied to by whom ? You may have been lied to, I don't feel like I have. I bought myself a hardtail, I dont feel like people have been trying to convince me to go for the "best" bike. The real question is WHO have YOU been listening to? I'm not being lied to, you've been lied to. I have a hardtail I bought second hand for 800 bucks and I'm having a great time. I tried some red trailss, and then some blue ones, I highly prefer the blue "flow" tracks and that's what I'm looking for. Have fun, go ride !

[@jamespmorganjr4276]

The trend over the past 5 years has been to have gnarlier and flow trails with big jumps. That’s what the main stream MTB has turned into. So for most people who got into mountain biking during this time frame, the primary thing they know is gnar, flow, and jump trails. I’ve been riding MTB for 20 years and it is only a shell of what it was just 5-7 years ago. It’s easy for newer riders to assume todays style of riding is the only type of MTB there is or how it’s supposed to be without realizing there are multiple styles of riding.

[@dom_veloce]

Matty your perspective is spot on! Keep spreading the word 👊🏼

[@pittsburghandy]

I’ve always recognized that my favorite mountain biking is away from mountains… More flowing, rolling trails like in southeast Michigan than Mountain hike bike trails in Pennsylvania, for example. I have friends who are the complete opposite.

[@RealMTBAddict]

Not me. I moved to Colorado Springs 11 years ago for hard trails.

[@bradvdb4136]

I’m with you ,I live in west Michigan and love fast flow trails. I hate the hardcore stuff like rock gardens in the middle of a flow trail, stupid. I understand everyone is different and has different tastes.

[@pittsburghandy]

@@RealMTBAddict we’re all super glad you found your calling. :)

[@francisvanrafelghem1188]

This is a great message. I just had this conversation with my brother. I've done some intense trails on Oahu and in Truckee but I also enjoy the mellow rides I do by the ocean, just enjoying the peace and quiet. i am trying to convince him to buy a hard tail and ride the trails in Virginia where he lives. Great video, Matty.

[@dieselindustries1572]

Awesome video man! This is how I ride. I rode power sport(snowmobile, dirt bikes, 4 wheelers ect) from 7 tears old and up but moved to a big city with only bike and mountain bike trails so in my mid 30's I started mountain biking but my day of big air sand no fear are behind me I just go out have fun and see the sights. It's so worth it im so glad I made the choice to start!

[@joesmith3908]

I got back to mtb’ing at 40. Recently Turned 50 and had a weekend in the mountains with friends. Biking has been so good for my mental and physical health!

[@kettlebellcarnivore-vr5cw]

I'm going back to a fully rigid bike. I miss that pure, fun, riding. I still like fancy components, but a full Deore bike is still more than enough to have a riot. I work at a bike and ski shop here in Whitehorse, so I see the full spectrum of stuff. Fatbikes are another pure and fun riding experience, and we have a booming fatbike scene here.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

N+1

[@wnchokie]

Great video. Love the message. This is the type of riding everyone I know does and I live in an MTB destination location. There’s trail riders and park riders. I’ve been mountain biking for 30 years and the extreme side is definitely driven by social media and clicks. I think what holds most people back is lack of fitness and not wanting to put in the hard work riding is.

[@Driver8takeabreak]

I've been riding a single speed rigid as my only mountain bike for the last eight years. Mostly I'm just doing cross country, like you're describing here. Cruising trails, gettig outside, and riding to/into cool places. Downhill/freeride/all mountain (and large travel (i.e. expensive)) has become THE definition of mountain biking the last few decades, but XC really is so much more accessible (financially, locationally, and risk-wise).

[@magicunicorn6535]

XC is the type of riding I usually do, too. I currently ride a hardtail XC bike, and it's literally a jack of all trades. Great city bike, fun bike-path bike, and perfect trail bike. That sucker is fast, too -- last summer I met up with friends to do a social bike ride, and uh-ohhh -- turns out I was the only one not riding a road bike! But not to fear -- my little XC bike easily kept up with all of them.

[@ashrides8918]

Seeing your follower count grow is proof that youre doing something crazy good

[@BDubb720]

Appreciate your honesty and humility in these videos. Thank you sir

[@jasonfitzgerald1955]

Thank you for sharing this video! You make some very important points about the sport. I am also an MTB coach and I try to share some of the same philopshies about the joy of riding and risk vs reward with my team. Well done sir!

[@chuckjoga1161]

You got it right. I've been biking well before suspension and mountain biking. When I was a kid, we took our Schwins and Huffys to "The Trails" and modified/fixed them when things broke. BMX became a thing, but bikes on dirt isn't new and underbiking is just a throwback to simpler bikes. Singlespeeds and fixed gear really bring out the essence of biking. But, if you have the skills, a modern full suspension bike is a very sharp weapon that cuts both ways.

[@dragonflygenetics420]

When I built my bike I built it single speed and I haven't put my gears back on yet....✌🏽

[@upstatesinglespeed7177]

Agreed. Went SS rigid and now I can just concentrate on the ride

[@dragonflygenetics420]

When I started out it was in flatwoods park in new Tampa and those are some of the funniest trails ripping through the flat trails...stopping to take a break and having a deer or at night wild hogs running at you with you...but the rush of tge experience... all started on a trek y3

[@paul734]

I have a status 140 FS and a Specialized Chisel hardtail. My Chisel all in is about $2,300. Upgrades includes dropper, carbon bars, upgraded stem, Fox 32 fork, pedals, and grips. I probably got over 300 trail miles on it in comparison to my status at maybe 50 trail miles. My Chisel hardtail is my go to bike for pretty much all trails. I only use the status for enduro races.

[@LaMerleNoir216]

Absolutely LOVE this message. The image that’s presented of MTB via most media and especially KZbin is the extreme end of it. And it’s exclusionary in a way. I live on the east coast. The closest actual mountains are hours away. But I still go mountain biking. It’s my favorite outdoor activity besides the beach. And I really wanna see more people that show this side of it. I mean I love watching the extreme stuff. Like I’m a big Sam Pilgrim fan. But that’s not all there is to it.

[@kjj9701]

You nailed it with this video. I ride the same trails you do on a rigid fat bike and have a ton of fun doing so.

[@domingoleija3436]

I have a ripmo and prefer the challenge of climbing cause dropping is just holding on to dear life but climbing is where the cardio challenge is 🏆

[@markmoreno7295]

I have the Ripley in a green "pond scum" color. Going up hill is where it is at. Descending is the necessary evil, except for some nice flow trails.

[@carlhansen9512]

Totally on point bro. Nice to see somebody finally say it out loud.

[@andrewjensen7173]

I have always been about the technical climbs and hard lines. Huge drops and jumps and steep downhills are for people that don't mind taking the rest of the year off if they screw up or people without responsibilities yet. I guess im lucky I feel that way. At 45 my knees hate long runs but love hiking and biking and that is much more fun.

[@andrewjensen7173]

I actually tool around on a bmx for exercise on and off road with my dogs. No park just bumps curbs and bunny hops, some light singletrack and all out sprints and trying to get better at manuals. Just because most of the people over 30 use a treadmill does not mean i have to I get weird looks but im having fun.

[@markmoffett6813]

You're a wise , good human being. 😊

[@benhoward4294]

Good observations. Totally agree with your thoughts. The bike simply enables. The rider decides what they want to do. In the UK, many riders criticise the trails as being boring and not captivating or interesting enough. They’re missing the point quite often I feel as the enjoyment should be being out in the fresh air, the sights, the landscape, the freedom, simple exercise. Plenty of good, budget friendly, capable bikes out there for experiencing the outdoors without breaking the bank or some bones in the process.

[@Kristian_Saile]

I think the whole ATB concept fully embraces the simple conceit of what mountain bikes once were. Don’t get me wrong, modern mountain bikes are crazy fun. Having started in the mid 80’s I got to see a real evolution of the sport and all the big hits, gnarly lines, super capable bikes as impressive as they are kind of removed me from what I most loved about the sport initially. Just carving up some singletrack in the backcountry and the experience over the equipment and if man made trail challenges.

[@matthew.tamasco]

Great video. Well said. I will share this with everyone too afraid to get into MTB

[@scstinger5]

So true! I have 3 bikes. A enduro bike, a hardcore hardtail, and a $350 “beater” single speed bike. I can appreciate all of the bikes but at some point I realized that I spend 90% of my rides on my single speed bike (Gravity Deadeye single speed) just exploring green and blue trails. Also at some point I stopped wearing all the expensive mountain bike clothes, shoes and opted for some old Van’s, cut off Jean shorts, a t-shirt or flannel. So I’m kinda back where I started in a way lol!

[@snoopymcbaron1569]

You hit this one 100% man. I’ve been getting turned off in recent years for multiple reasons, not the least of which was the push from the industry and the culture to ‘go harder and go gnarlier’. The whole “you need a better bike” thing and “you’ve been riding for years you should be doing this” culture is demeaning. As an experienced rider that rides an older bike and doesn’t like to get hurt, that whole turn in the MTB scene made me very bitter. But at the end of the day you are absolutely right, it’s about just being out in nature and enjoying the ride.

[@cperryisnow]

Wow. Spot on ! As a mid 50’s rider I would much rather ride the single track type of trail you show here than the technical rock/steep stuff. Get some exercise. See nature. Get outside and enjoy and decrease the chance of a major accident on the tech stuff. For myself, the Hardtail mtn bike does just fine on the single track or wide gravel and Ill keep my road Bike for the roads and bikeways. Cheers. Great content Would kill for those trails you have access to around boulder and denver !!

[@alanredenius4210]

You are spot on! I live in the Fargo Nd area. We have really no general purpose off road bike trails. Because the leaders in the Fargo area cities have the misconception that you need hills, mountains and such to ride for mountain biking. They are wrong! Yes it's fairly flat here but all we want is off road trails. Not drops, rocks or rock gardens and such just regular off the street dirt trails.

[@GoAndPractice]

Similar issues here in Minnesota. Mountain biking in ND could be beautiful!

[@scottl8469]

Yeah, I’m not into the machine-built trails-want to ride and get miles in the woods! Look at your awesome views in this video!

[@travissnow6373]

So true about the machine built trails. What happened to flagging a path through the woods that is doable almost as-is and still sustains the environment. Now it seems it is just plow a trail wherever ya want and make sure it drains.

[@guest6423]

Beautiful sentiment. Get yourself a reliable bike that allows you to get out and enjoy the experience of riding, especially with others, because those are the memories you'll carry with you forever.

[@michaelsnedden9029]

Excellent video. Thanks for putting it out there. I have a 1997 Rocky Mountain Blizzard hard-tail with 26" tires that I upgraded with a 2023 RockShox Recon fork and a SRAM GX Eagle 1x12 groupset. I'm rockin' V-brakes, too, and they stop me with no issues. I don't go on the crazy, gnarly trails that are popular these days and I don't want to but there are a lot of beautiful trails that I can ride and that I love to ride, like the ones you mentioned in this video. My bike works well and makes me smile every time I ride it. Just get out on the trails, enjoy nature, and ride. Don't believe the lies. You don't need carbon. You don't need full suspension. You don't need disc brakes. You don't need a new bike.

[@DandyHippo]

Bro u the best. Shoutout from also snowy Finland

[@reallybigphilly]

I took my 7-year-old mountain biking a few days ago. 10 miles at less than 10mph average, doing mostly broad forest roads and a little bit of singletrack. No rush, just enjoying the surroundings and bonding with my kid. May have been one of the best rides of my life. And the least hard on my bike too. I also do harder stuff occasionally. It's good to challenge yourself now and then. But if every ride's a substantial injury risk, you may need to recalibrate.

[@roberteslick3050]

My best rides were on a rigid SS and a rigid fat bike. Finally got to old to risk the falls but I loved every minute of the 15 years I rode. Great video and advice.

[@flybyguy1450]

Basic xc hardtail. All most people ever need

[@magicunicorn6535]

Yes! The Swiss Army Knife of bikes!

[@loopedoutmtb3458]

I'm more afraid of that cold weather you're riding in then any of the rest. haha!! Love your content Matty! Keep on rollin!

[@FitGearSpot]

This is spot on! We need to get this message out to more people. 💯👊Kudos for making this video.

[@kwaktak]

This is why I’m still riding the same Marlin 7 that I was riding when you started this channel with your Marlin 6. For, me a good bike ride isn’t about quick thrills but more about endurance and distance and good views.

[@paulwalsh2124]

Thanks for sharing my truth. I have been mountain biking from before there were mountain bikes. This is what I ride 90% of the time, if you wouldn’t have shown the trail head I would have sworn you were on a trail I have ridden. I shared this video with family and friends because it shows them the truth of what I ride.

[@derbanner]

Hey, i felt exactly the same way about snowboarding 20 years ago. Marketing goes into the extremes, and after a while they are completely disconnected to the customers.

[@nixon2tube]

I wish it was the way you say Matty, but I constantly downplay the craziness in mountain biking, such as "John Bryon's not scary, it's just a easy ride through the woods. It's scenic." I still don't have any takers. There's some other reason for people not biking, and it's not being scared. At least not the ones I talk to.

[@plethoraofpinatas.]

Hey Matty, try tracklocross, or fixed gear mtb. Makes all those easy trails fun again. Simplest of the simple minded!

[@TheLaughingOtter]

Oh yeah, before I forget...@0:43, Matty...you should know, never lay your bike derailleur side down....honest mistake :^) I've accidentally done it myself. Great video brother!

[@michaeltiffe6341]

You actually believe a drivetrain on a MTB to be that fragile? If you lie the bike on the rotors and they become wet that may present a bigger problem then lying it on the drivetrain.

[@JoeyJoe-JoeJrShabadoo]

​@@michaeltiffe6341I never lay my bike down EVER! I actually run down the mountain while CARRYING my bike! Bike is life

[@bcmtnbka]

You are enlightened and find the true meaning of mountain biking.

[@mrsmtw5210]

My favorite trails are green and d easy blue.just super fun. The biggest problem out there is those people with big egos that want MTB to be exclusive to difficult terrain on the trails. Every difficult feature needs a ride around. These trails should be open to everyone and for everyone to enjoy. Not everyone wants to tackle technical trails and features they just want to ride in the woods. The trail builders are at fault as well. I know several people that stopped riding because their local trails were all too technical. Just make an alternate route so everyone can enjoy!

[@martinschwartz7342]

I am 73 years old with expensive joint replacements. I can't afford high speed crashes. I am perfectly happy on green and blue trails. I get the most enjoyment out of long distances on mild trails.

[@bluemootang3239]

As Elton John said on one of logics songs, status overrules money in terms of what people want "they gotta have this, they gotta have that, and they don't really want it. If they sat back and considered "do I need all that is this trip really necessary?" They would come to the conclusion it wasn't." This describes mountain biking and the bike industry in a whole because they gotta have the new fox 38, or the latest electronic shifting. And they don't really want it. It's super deep to think about.

[@chas5131]

Remember windsurfing? It went extreme, then died. You can still buy longboards and just have fun.

[@cycologist7069]

Windsurfing has actually made somewhat of a comeback where I live.

[@chas5131]

@@cycologist7069 Great Where do you live?

[@StarEssences]

I got into Mountain Biking because there were many lives which surrounded me that would make an effort to instill fear into my life as if I had no rights to freedom (as I was approaching the age of 18). I was tired of all the phobias they made me have. Mountain Biking showed me that I CAN and gave me courage among other skills that a non-active person does not have. I quit riding in 2009.