Merry Christmas from the crew at Mountain Biking by 198. May your Christmas bring you joy and laughter with your friends and family…and hopefully more bike parts!

We started off the ride in 38 degree overcast and ended it in 45 degree sunshine and I am extremely glad that we didn’t bail on account of the outside temperature. We were warm the entire ride and it was perfect. Since this was my first extended ride on the road bike, I did have some very distinct observations to share. This ride was a huge eye opener into what I have to look forward to in the ride to come…

ACT NOW! A quick reminder to get your trail submissions for the following prizes in by today! It is the last day you can enter! Trail submission form link can be found at the bottom of the page. We have gotten in some great reviews already…make sure yours makes it to the short list!

MTB by 198 is starting a new mountain bike component buyers guide. Every Monday, you are going to see tips and tricks on what to look for in mountain bike components. When I scour the web, I see a lot of information on mountain bike buyers guide, but very little on actual components. If you look at any forum site, the most common questions are normally something like this…

Mountain Cycle is not new to the bike industry. For newer riders, this may be the first you have heard of Mountain Cycle, but for those of us that have been around since the late 80’s/early 90’s…Mountain Cycle used to be a household name that graced the cover of magazines worldwide.

I’ve been bobbing and weaving through the woods on a mountain bike long enough to know that wearing a good set of glasses is pretty smart. Glasses can be a bit of a pain to deal with while trail riding. Trying not to forget them on the side of the trail is one thing. Then there is the fogging issue. On top of that is the helmet/glasses fit.

During the winter season, we are constantly on the lookout for different ways to stay involved while the weather is not cooperating. Your local work parties are an incredible way to get involved and expand/maintain your favorite local trail. Trail work is done on a constant basis, but work parties are structured much differently than normal maintenance.

So…You have someone special that needs a gift for the holidays, or you are getting drilled for gift ideas from your loved ones. Here is a list to help you out with the perfect holiday gift ideas for that cyclist in your life!

Act now! Only one week and 1 day left in the Mountain Cycle Fury frame contest! For complete details go to the contest article located here. All you have to do is talk about your favorite trail…Want to see what you are up against? Here are some excerpts from just some of the entries so far…