Where are all the racers gone?

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What's happened to MTBing in UK over the last 12 yrs. I used to ride XC and DH until bad accident ended it all. I remember XCing used to be HARD uphill, technical on the flats/or flat out and challenging downhill. Is it that it was too hard and people prefer to get chairlifts so they can ride 'fast (?)' downhill and not hurt their poor legs/lungs with all that pointless effort? Is that why XC has lost popularity, it used to be No1 and DH No2 with racers 12 years ago. Are you men or mice?? And what's this freeriding about - get a BMX.

That should get the blood boiling but seriously what do you think, am I a grumpy old man or were we tougher back then?

No I don't think we tougher back then.

The lack of racers is due to a change in trails and bikes. As trails have become more and more techical bikes have changed to match these trails. A good trail bike is 25-30 pounds with slack angles and 5 inches of front and rear wheel travel. This same bike climbs OK but all climbs are done in the middle and granny gear.

Mean while the best XC bike is still a hard tail with steep angles, minimal front suspension and tires that are sketchy at best. When you climb on one of these you use the middle and the big chaing ring. Most people are willing to ride this bike on their local trails. An XC bike on a super techical trail is not a lot of fun. Actually it is really scary.

The funny thing is, in Canada at least, as the fields have gotten smaller they have gotten faster. The level of fitness and techical skills that a Pro XC racer has now a days is truly stunning.

No I don't think we tougher back then.

The lack of racers is due to a change in trails and bikes. As trails have become more and more techical bikes have changed to match these trails. A good trail bike is 25-30 pounds with slack angles and 5 inches of front and rear wheel travel. This same bike climbs OK but all climbs are done in the middle and granny gear.

Mean while the best XC bike is still a hard tail with steep angles, minimal front suspension and tires that are sketchy at best. When you climb on one of these you use the middle and the big chaing ring. Most people are willing to ride this bike on their local trails. An XC bike on a super techical trail is not a lot of fun. Actually it is really scary.

The funny thing is, in Canada at least, as the fields have gotten smaller they have gotten faster. The level of fitness and techical skills that a Pro XC racer has now a days is truly stunning. So, do you think the choice we now have means that people are choosing not to ride their hardtail on anything but the smoothest of tracks. Mine is pitched down everything and pretty much survives the lot (even if I don't). Also, years back the average MTBer was slim and athletic, nowadays they're fat and look like they like nothing more than a good curry downed with a few pints of lager. Is our sport becoming more of a pastime for men who get off on Pepsi max adverts?