Evolution of Mountain Bike (First of 3 parts)

Inspired by my brothers Alex Jr. and Arnold, I started pedaling as early as 10 years old. Alex, who rode a BMX, is so passionate about bike that he built a ramp inside our old factory and did some jumping exhibition until his bike was broken in half. Arnold was biking with the Boyscout group, going as far as Danao City at that time. With much gusto, I followed in their footsteps. I would bike the whole afternoon non-stop in my cousins’ compound in Banilad for the whole summer until the confines of the compound became too small and boring for me. We would have loved to go outside but were not allowed to do so. Anyway, around 23 years after between 1998 or 1999, my brother Alex and Arnold again started to bike around the city with my brother-in-law Harold and even went up the hill to Marco Polo (formerly Cebu Plaza Hotel). Drawing motivation from them, I bought my first mountain bike, which was made of chromoly with a V Brake, coupled with a 7 or 8 speed non series. I then set a bike group together with my good friend Jason Ng, then eventually with some of my architect friends Laurd, Michael, Manolo and Manny. We went around Mactan and then challenged ourselves to go all the way to Danao. Little did our bikemates knew that Jason and yours truly loaded our bikes on a tricycle and made a stop before reaching the boundary of Danao. We sprinkled ourselves with water and pretended to look tired to make our trick looked real. From then on, I continued to bike with Michael Quezon and Atty. Fernandez. I never stopped biking until now. I consider myself a mountain biker more than roadie. I have tried almost all kinds of bike from BMX to fixie bike (foot brake), road bike, and time trial bike or tri bike but I would rather spend hours and hours on a mountain bike mainly because of its comfort. Today, the mountain bike has gone leaps and bounds in terms of technology. Here are some parts of its evolution.

Bike Frame: Steel was the most common frame during that time but chromoly has started to take over mainly because chromoly has 36% difference (lbs per foot) in weight compared to steel. From chromoly came the aluminum, and then the titanium frame. Ti, which is famously known to the bike community, sets the gold standard. If one rides in Ti bike during those days, the rider would stand out above the rest, which remains true until this time.

Carbon fiber has taken over the bike frame including parts such as handle bars, forks, pulley and stem. Carbon fiber is considered to be lightest, strongest and stiffest material with best shock absorption. It has endless possibilities to any design and would not rust or corrode like steel. Although carbon fiber is expensive plus not all carbon fibers are created equal, it can and may crack/fracture. The strength and stiffness will depend on the design.

Aluminum frame is the most common frame available in the market. Most of the entry level bike are made from aluminum because of its stiffness and light weight features. It is good enough for an enjoyable ride. Aluminum is strong, stiff and moldable, great for climbing and sprinting. It will not rust or corrode. It is less expensive than carbon fiber. Although it may be harsh on rough roads, it may cause fatigue or stress out over time especially on joints. That is why bike manufacturer sometimes overdesigns and build its frame, which adds to weight.

Steel frame will last a lifetime and are the easiest to repair. Also, it is cheaper compared to aluminum, titanium and carbon. Steel is a strong material and flexes, which gives it a more comfortable ride. But its down side, steel is heavy and flexes too much, which is a disadvantage especially in a race. Steel will also rust and corrode. It needs a regular maintenance like cleaning and grease to avoid the parts from freezing to each other. Most common freezing is a stuck seat post and removing one is the most stressful job you can do as a bike owner. Freezing occurs when an ungreased and dirty seat post comes into contact with the steel frame and in time, both material will bond together.

Titanium frame is the gold standard for most cyclists or mountain bikers. It is more dense compared to steel and aluminum. It needs lesser materials to make it stiff and still have that shock absorbing features. titanium  does not rust or corrode. However, a titanium frame will burn a hole in your pocket. It is expensive and difficult to make aero shapes because of welding problems. That’s why the Ti frame will look like your old school classic bike frame.

Carbon fiber, titanium, steel and aluminum are all great options. The deciding factor is how deep your pocket is. In the end, it boils down to personal preference and for what purpose the bike is to be used in. While all could survive in any circumstance, steel and aluminum are perfect for the city while titanium would fare well on off-road or mountain trail area. A carbon fiber bike, on the other hand, in best in any situation. But then again, as long as you can afford, you just need TLC (total love and care), regular check up and maintenance for your bike.

Next week, we will run through bike wheel set rims and tires.

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