Another short ride late afternoon/early evening (can’t seem to get out until dusk recently) on the Gary Fisher Ged.
Not so sure about yesterdays (totally unscientific) theory of riding a heavier biker will make you faster when out on the race/light bike. As I felt reasonably OK at the top of a climb which I usually finish gasping for breath on the lighter bike (Voodoo Bokor (and SS but that is to be expected)).
I believe this is because the lighter bike encourages you to go faster whilst climbing, a terminal velocity is reached on the heavier bike you can put in the extra effort but not a lot happens so the plod continues. Although my thighs felt slightly tight after yesterdays ride, which is quite unusual for me (this could be down to the differing pedal position of each bikes though?).
One of the most technical descents in my local loop area (descent into to Little Mill Inn/Rowath from barking dog farm) usually requires a wise line choice - on the Ged though I can (more a less) just blatt down any line that looks half decent. I was again surpised just how much quicker the bike is downhill (rocky, boulder ridden downhill - i think the difference would be far less in sweepy/trail center-ish stuff).
*don’t like the term ‘hardcore hardtail’ - can the mtb press create a new marketing term please.