The “Dirty” Secret On How To Make Mountain Biking Enjoyable…

by Alex Silgalis | May 25, 2023 | Uncategorized

Let’s be honest… mountain biking can be a downright “pain in the you know what”. The first few times you go out, you’ll have a blast. Then suddenly, your hip bones begin to get so tender that the idea of hopping on a bike is crippling. What is going on that your bike seat hurts? Are you the only one with this problem? The shocking answer is NO! Luckily, we got the inside scoop from our local bike shop owner on how to fix this AND help make mountain biking more comfortable.

No Saddle To Rule Them All

First and possibly the easiest thing to do if your bike seat hurts is to change out the seat. Everyone’s body structure, weight, and style of riding is unique. This means that the seat the bike came with will most likely not work for you. In addition, there’s a BIG difference in anatomy for men and women and so the pressure points are different. As Jaime, the other half of Local Freshies® found out, getting a female-specific seat did wonders to help remove the debilitating pain. While at face value they may look the same, they are not! Here are just a few of the female-specific saddles out there:

Specialized Saddle Options

When you look at Specialized saddles, the options can get a bit dizzying. Similar to the German language, they add words to help define what it is. There are a few things to look for in their saddles for women, but one word in particular is VERY important for comfort and that is MIMIC.

What Is MIMIC?

In a nutshell, it’s Specialized foam design geared towards female cyclists to ensure the bike seat doesn’t hurt. In their words, at the nose soft foam eliminates pressure. At the rear, firmer foam provides sit bone support. And in the cutout, soft memory foam delivers anatomical support to prevent soft tissue swelling. All this helps reduce the pain that is associated with cycling.

Difference Between Power Expert And Power Comp

Another example of their saddle definitions is the “Expert” versus “S-Works” lines. While both provide a carbon reinforced shell and level 2 padding, the differences come in the material the railings are made of. The expert is equipped with titanium railing while the S-Works is carbon-fiber.

Specialized Power Expert Saddle With MIMIC

Specialized S-Works Saddle With MIMIC

Selle Italia

While racing isn’t about comfort, when you use your bicycle as a daily mode of transportation comfort becomes crucial. Selle Italia started making saddles in 1897 just outside of Milan in the cozy village of Corsica for that particular purpose. Back then most Italians couldn’t afford autos, and instead used a bike to get everywhere. They are so good that to this day they sell more than a MILLION seats each year.

For both on-road and off (i.e. mountain biking), the Selle Italia Lady Gel models are some of the best on the market. Similar to the Specialized MIMIC design, the Gel Flow inserts have varying thicknesses and widths on the pressure points to provide a soft base, whilst the cut out relieves pressure. The main difference between the Diva and The Lady Gel Flow is slightly wider on the rear section and has a differently shaped cut out. This extra padding in the Lady Gel Flow makes it a better option for those resting more on their sit bones than an aggressive rider leaning forward over the handlebars. Whichever option you go with, you will be as they say in Italian – Bravissima! 

Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow

Selle Italia Diva Gel Superflow

Terry

Next up another Italian manufactured bike seat. In what has been a very male dominated sport, this company was founded by a woman Georgena Terry in 1985. A mechanical engineer, she traded in her day job at Xerox for her real passion designing and building bicycles for women. Decades later, the company is still going strong pushing the design limits not just for women but for everyone with innovative products such as their comfort saddle introduced in 1999. The seamless center cut away and contoured rear reduces pressure on soft tissue and is a game changer in the biking industry.

There are quite a few models offered such as the Liberator and Damselfly but the Butterfly seems to be the most geared towards mountain biking. While these models reduce pain in the saddle, the width might become counterproductive when you lower it via a seat dropper. With that being said, Jaime hasn’t had a chance try this one yet.

Terry Butterfly

WTB

Last, but in no way the least. WTB stands for Wilderness Trail Bikes, and since their founding in 1982, the focus has been on mountain biking specific gear. Throughout its history, they’ve been constantly tinkering and re-jiggering to make things as they say “go from ‘meh’ to ‘wow!'” When Jaime first started mountain biking, the bike seat pain was the #1 contributor for reducing her ride length. As soon as she got on the WTB Deva, it was game over. The pain went away, and it wasn’t so big to the point that it felt like a granny seat. A perfect combination of padding in the right places and aerodynamic design allows her to crush the singletrack at her convenience. Another plus is how short the nose is allowing for her to ride less obstructed when it’s lowered. To this day, she won’t ride anything else.

WTB Deva Steel

WTB Deva Cromoly

Chamois – The Dirty Secret Of Cyclists

The next piece of gear is something that could be considered the “Dirty” little secret cyclists don’t talk about. It’s all about the chamois. Not the soft pliable leather used to dry a car, but the cycling shorts designed to improve comfort and efficiency while cycling. While they might feel like you’re wearing a diaper, your rump will thank you. The built in padding will help extend your ride to a whole other level. Similar to a bike seat, don’t just try one pair but rather as many as you can. It’s a true personal preference.

Chamois Cream

Another taboo subject cyclists don’t really talk about is chamois cream. Just like running, as your adventures get longer, chafing becomes a bigger and bigger issue that can even become a medical problem. The cream is used to help reduce friction and keep bacterial build-up at bay. Do you need to use it? If you only ride every once in awhile for a few miles, most likely No. It’s when you start riding more and your journeys get longer that suddenly preventative stuff like this is important.

Don’t Have to Sacrifice Performance

We can agree that performance is key when riding on technical terrain. You don’t want to have a huge granny seat that’s in the way as you try to navigate a sandy patch or boulder field. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a ton of money or sacrifice performance to make mountain biking more comfortable. These simple tricks may help take you to the “ultimate fun” zone that mountain biking can be! To learn more about ways to make mountain biking more enjoyable, get tips on gear, or read about hidden adventures you can have on two wheels, check out our in-depth guide: The Down & Dirty On Mountain Biking.

The post The “Dirty” Secret On How To Make Mountain Biking Enjoyable… appeared first on Local Freshies.

The Singletrack Less Taken – Eight Awesome Mountain Biking Towns

by Alex Silgalis | May 23, 2023 | Uncategorized

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

As Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” alludes, it’s not that one place is more visited than another but rather the way you perceive it. While there are the classic mountain biking meccas like Whistler or Park City, we’d rather journey to a less obvious place. Here’s a few of the best mountain biking towns that we feel are less spoken about & are now on our personal bucket list to experience.

Copper Harbor, Michigan

“The BC of the Midwest”

Jaw-dropping views of a great lake? Check. Escape from the hustle & bustle of a major metropolitan area? Check. Miles & miles of prime singletrack ranked among the top 5 trail systems not just in the US but the world? Check.

The grassroots Copper Harbor Trails Club on the northern-most tip of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan is where it’s at. Some of you are thinking, “Oh, it’s in the Midwest so it can’t be THAT good.” Well, the riding at Copper Harbor is REAL mountain biking! And, if you’ve ever ventured up to Mount Bohemia in the winter, you know what we’re talking about. Still don’t believe us? They’ve been building their network since the 90’s and were given the prestigious International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Silver Level “Ride Center” just behind Park City. With these accolades, it’s no wonder it made our list of the best mountain biking towns in the US off the beaten path.

If you do make it up here, be sure to stop by the Keweenaw Adventure Company for more information on Copper Harbor bicycle rentals, mechanic help, guides, and shuttle service.

Make A Pit Stop In Marquette

While Copper Harbor is the beating heart of the Keeweenaw Peninsula’s mountain bike scene, the city of Marquette just a bit south is starting to make waves as well. A bronze-level IMBA certified ride center in its own right due to the local mountain biking association RAMBA. Over the decades, they’ve hand-built ALL their singletrack (no machines) as well as the re-birth of seriously sweet shuttle serviced mountain biking on Marquette Mountain that’s well worth a couple days diversion on your way up to Houghton and Copper Harbor.

Boise, Idaho

City Life with Uncrowded Trails

We LOVE Idaho. The state is a land filled with outdoor adventure for ALL seasons. While most people think of Sun Valley when they talk about Idaho destinations, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A great affordable option is Boise. It’s a recreationalist’s paradise!

During the day, you can spend time on the pristine rivers and rugged mountains while at night enjoy locally sourced food and drinks on an outdoor patio. But the best part is right at Boise’s doorstep. With over 100+ miles of trails, their network covers the full gambit of terrain. You’ll find high alpine in the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation to the smooth rolling network in the lower foothills. And the gem of the network – that’s the Around the Mountain to Berm Baby Berm trail. It’s considered one of the best not just in Boise but all of Idaho. It’s flowing with scenic views of the Sawtooth Mountains and relatively tacky dirt.

For more information about this trail & others, be sure to check out Boisetrails.com.

Ashland, Oregon

Biking Your Way into Alice’s Wonderland

We first heard about this destination through an event called the Ashland Spring Thaw. Taking place each May & considered one of the biggest and longest standing mountain bike events in Oregon, it sounded like the Oregonian Downieville Classic. As we tumbled further down the rabbit hole researching this destination, we found out they have an entire network filled with trails named after Lewis Carroll’s fanciful creations from Alice in Wonderland.

Besides the creative names, the East Side Forest Lands stretch over fifty miles offering a combination of shuttle accessed riding and cross-country treks. Featuring a rich biodiversity of vegetation such as oak savanna & mixed conifer growth and scenic views, it’ll keep anyone entertained. And with many of the trails dropping right back into the laid back town’s center, you can finish the day off right with a cold brew or a glass of local wine. Talk about our type of place!

Harrisonburg, Virginia 

Biking the “Burg”

While not as old & established a destination as others on this list, this spot is nothing to scoff at. This college town, located in the Shenandoah Valley, has an enthusiastic partnership between the City of Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition. Working together, they’ve successfully secured federal funding for large-scale mountain bike projects. It definitely helps that it’s surrounded by one of the largest concentrations of public land east of the Mississippi.

With over a MILLION acres of the George Washington National Forest, it makes sense that there’s HUNDREDS of miles of singletrack. From the easily accessible Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park to the flowing slopes of Massanutten, with so much to access and explore, you might just consider starting at the Shenandoah Mountain Touring Ride Center. It creates an ideal jumping off point for group rides, multi-day adventures, and family excursions. If you do hit up Massamutten’s Western Slopes, they’re on resort property so you must be a member of the Bicycle Coalition and volunteer for trail work to obtain a pass. The trails are bicycle optimized and built by riders for riders. If you’re craving downhill, there’s two lift-accessed bike parks in the area less than 45 minutes from town:

Bryce Resort

Massanutten Resort

Medora, North Dakota

Ride a Trail that Native Americans Used

We know what you’re thinking. Just like those Pace Picante commercials… North Dakota?!? If you’re looking for not just a place to ride but an adventure, Lewis & Clark would be proud of Medora as it’s a great option. The longest and considered by many the most grueling, the Maah Daah Hey Trail puts you at the doorstep of the vast beauty of the Badlands. Not just a one-day jaunt but rather a multi-day journey, it features A LOT of climbing (8,000+), total self-sufficiency, and lots of advanced planning. Luckily, each section is anchored by campgrounds.

Cedar City, Utah

The “Downhill of the Gods”

Utah has A LOT of the best mountain biking towns in the country. Of course, you have the legendary Moab bike scene. Park City supposedly has 100,000 miles of singletrack that you could create a mountain bike tour out of! But for us, the one area that we were pleasantly surprised by when researching possible road trips is Cedar City. The main area is to the east of the city and is called the Iron Hills Trail System. This area has a vast array of options from intertwining loops for climbers to shuttle-able raunchy rides like Blowhard. And if you need to cool off or just get some lift accessed sessions, head to Brian Head resort. Situated at almost 10,000 feet, they offer 100 miles of what is referred to by Outside Magazine as “Downhill of the Gods” alongside another 100 miles of cross-country goodness.

Whitefish, Montana

Big Riding At “Big Mountain”

The ski resort might be called Whitefish, but as locals will tell you, the real name is “Big Mountain.” Skiing might be what put this place on the map, but lately it’s bubbling to the top of peoples’ lists for the best mountain biking towns. Why? For starters, there’s over 500 miles of singletrack in the Kalispell/Whitefish region to enjoy. Secondly, the resort itself contains over 30+ miles of sinewy dirt you can access via a lift.

So, they definitely got the quantity, but what about quality? Being so close to the monstrous bike zones to the north, it’s no surprise that passion for quality terrain is there too. If that wasn’t enough, as of 2015, the after-work zone known as Spencer Mountain became a legal network. While the freeride trails at the north end of Spencer are separate from another trail network called the Whitefish Trail, this project is done in conjunction with Whitefish Legacy Partners (the organization behind the Whitefish Trail). The Whitefish Trail Network currently has 43 miles and 12 trailheads available with up to 75 miles planned.

Driggs, Idaho

Dirt Pow At Its Finest

Year in and year out Grand Targhee is voted as one of the best destinations to get powder due to its lack of crowds and hefty snowfall. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that in the summer months this quiet enclave also serves up amazing mountain biking as well. On our personal visit here, we called Grand Targhee Mountain Biking… The Quiet Version Of Whistler.

Why? For starters, just from Grand Targhee’s village you have access to over 70 miles of singletrack. This includes the 2,000+ vertical you can access via lift. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You can even add to that lift accessed vertical and combine it with Mill Creek / Colter’s Pass shuttle spitting you out below the resort. Down in Driggs, you’ll find multiple trail networks to pick from such as the Big Holes, the Southern Valley, and our personal favorite Horseshoe Canyon. Not enough? Head up onto Teton Pass for even more trails. To us, the shocking thing was how EMPTY the trails were and just how good the dirt is even midsummer.

Local Freshies® Tip: This is the land of the Grizzlies. If you do venture into the wilderness, be sure that you carry bear spray and know how to use it.

On the cover, this list of the best mountain biking towns might be popular to some people, but in our heads, they’re obscure and not as well known… and as Robert Frost stated, “And that has made all the difference.”

If you want to read about unique adventures like heli-biking, get tips on gear, or learn about the history of the sport and more, check out our comprehensive guide: The Down & Dirty On Mountain Biking

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Are You A Snow Addict? Where To Go Skiing In June

by Alex Silgalis | May 18, 2023 | Uncategorized

For those of us rightly named ‘snow-addicts’, the warm weather of summer can lead to depression, anger, and frustration. The idea of giving up skiing or riding is sometimes just too painful to bear. Especially for this year! Is there a way to cure these doldrums? By going skiing in June! Of course, you could head to the southern hemisphere like Valle Nevado or even New Zealand to chase the powder but for most of us that’s too much dough. For the rest of us, it means it’s time for a road trip to where the snowpack is deep, and the lifts are still turning.

 

Ski Resorts Open After Memorial Day

Listed below are all resorts that are (normally) open through AT LEAST Memorial Day and give us a chance to go skiing in June. To make spring/summer skiing the most enjoyable, check out our article to get some tips on how to combat sticky snow, what gear to bring, and much more:

Everything You Need To Know About Spring Skiing…

Timberline Lodge

Average Prior Closing Date: Open through September (*closed a few weeks for maintenance)

Are you a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining? If you are, kill two birds with one trip and visit Timberline Lodge located on Mt. Hood. This infamous lodge built during the depression by the WPA was used as the setting for the famous outdoor scenes in the Stanley Kubrick film. In addition to being a Hollywood star, it’s also THE most famous summer skiing destination on the planet. This ski area literally stays open all year round with only a few weeks closed in September for maintenance.

Skiing/riding on the Palmer snow field in July is a great option for a vacation while the rest of your friends sit at home cooking in the heat. Mt. Hood is also home to the famous summer snowboard camp known as the High Cascade Snowboard Camp. This place is perfect for teenagers looking for fun summer activities to help them improve their riding as well as the chance to shred with some of their idols.

 

Mammoth Mountain

Average Prior Closing Date: At least through Memorial Day

On a normal season, Mammoth Mountain continues their streak of being open as long as possible which normally includes skiing in June. In average winters, they stay open through AT LEAST July 4th. And with how much snow they received this winter, this season’s target closing date is July 30th. This means you still have MONTHS left to enjoy turns in the morning followed by some fishing or mountain biking. And with cold nights followed by warm days, this resort has some of the best weather for corn skiing. Wondering what that is? Check out our article:

Corn?! What’s that got to do with snow?

 

Beartooth Pass

Average Prior Closing Date: Memorial Day through early July

If the previous two choices seem a little tame for you, Beartooth Basin may fit your bill. A true Mom and Pop resort, this gem was started by people who live to ski/snowboard. The newest of all summer skiing destinations, this ski resort does not open until summer. Yup, that’s right! It doesn’t open UNTIL late May.

Beartooth is designed for more adventurous folks looking for something that hasn’t been done before. Everything about this place is rugged like the beautiful state it lives in, Montana. With only a Poma lift to access ’the goods’, you will be forced to hike to get to some of the premier features available here. In addition to the resort, the mountains surrounding Beartooth Basin are the perfect backdrop for anyone looking to do summer ski-touring as well.

Whistler Blackcomb

Average Prior Closing Date: Blackcomb closes late May and glacier skiing runs early June through mid-July

Whistler Blackcomb is the epitome of all season fun. With a car free village, you’ll enjoy walking around to shop, eat, or hang out in the mountain bike park situated right in the middle. The bike park is filled with ridiculous natural terrain augmented by hand crafted jumps. There’s so much to try out and conquer in the mountain bike park, you may never want to leave. Like the cherry on top of any respectable sundae, the glacier skiing at Whistler Blackcomb may be the best part of the journey. Of course, the ice cream is still darn good too! Similar to Mt. Hood, Whistler Blackcomb also has multiple summer camps which helps up-and-comers hone their skills and kill it the next season. 

For those of you wondering what happened to the legendary Camp of Champions, check out our post: Ode to Camp of Champions – A Summer Camp for Freeskiers and Snowboarders is forced to call it Quits.

Palisades Tahoe

Average Prior Closing Date: At least through Memorial Day

The self-proclaimed “king of spring” always pushes the length of their ski season to the max every year. Depending on how BIG of a winter it was, they target at least for Memorial Day. And on big snow years such as this year with near 800 inches, they are planning to keep the lifts turning through July 4th. Although most of their lower elevation trails have melted out, this just expands the assortment of fun that can be had on a given day like mountain biking or even boating on Lake Tahoe. For the 2022-23 season, be aware that normal late season skiing is changing a bit. Instead of running the Funitel at Palisades up to the upper mountain, throughout the warmer months it’s migrated over to Alpine Meadows. Here’s the full run-down of their spring and summer operations.

 

Arapahoe Basin

Average Prior Closing Date: Early June

A-Basin is #1 on our list for the best April skiing. This is because it’s less about the corn and more about skiing and snowboarding their packed powder. For the same reasons, the snow stays so good late in the year, they can push the envelope to stay open. In effect, there have been years that they’ve been skiing in June and until July 4^th. How is this possible? For starters, the steep Palivaccini terrain faces north meaning the sun doesn’t directly hit it. Second, their trails range from 10,800′ to 13,050′ meaning that when they do receive precipitation even in June, there’s a good chance it’s going to come as snow.

Come spring, the parking lot next to the Molly Hogan and Pallavicini lifts transforms into what is nicknamed the “Beach.” Why? Well, because the mountain is their ocean and the bank of flattened snow bordering the edge of Early Riser parking lot is the closest thing they have to a beach. While après-tailgating is not unique to Arapahoe Basin, it does set the precedent across ski country. Expect some of the best grilling, beer, music, and kicking-back with your ski posse you can find. If this isn’t on your bucket list to visit… it should be!

Are you excited yet about your Summer possibilities? We certainly hope so!

Don’t forget to check out our articles on what are the best spring skiing locales and best spots to go skiing in April AND in May:

The 10 Best Spring Skiing Resorts In North America

Spring Has Sprung – Where Is The Best April Skiing

Last Call For Most Lift Accessed Terrain – Skiing In May

The post Are You A Snow Addict? Where To Go Skiing In June appeared first on Local Freshies.

Libations For Everybody – 5 Truckee Breweries To Visit

by Alex Silgalis | May 16, 2023 | Uncategorized

Just under thirty minutes from the shores of Lake Tahoe is the town of Truckee. A place that’s near and dear to our hearts. Its historic downtown is filled with award-winning eateries such as the original Squeeze-In. Surrounded by half a dozen ski resorts and miles of world-class singletrack in the summer. While we don’t make it here often enough, when we do, we ALWAYS make it a point to stop at one of the Truckee Breweries to celebrate.

Alibi Ale Works

Ever since the brewery opened in Incline Village, we’ve LOVED everything they’ve done. So much so that we’ve held countless movie premieres here. Their classics such as the porter, IPA, and Kolsch are drinkable to the point that you don’t even realize you’ve had three of them. But what makes them stand out is their experimental concoctions. Like mad scientists, each season brings forth another one or four to try. Ingredients such as wild yeast from their beer hives or entire juniper branches into their boil kettle.

Truckee Public House

With their second location open since 2017, it reminds us of a German ale house we visited years ago on a trip to Koln (or Cologne in American). The windows are framed with pine and let in lots of light. While the outdoor seating is large and airy allowing you to relax the afternoon away with a cold pint in hand. They also serve up classic brew house food such as a bratwurst and large pretzel with their own twist on both.

Easy On The Gut

I have to be honest with you. My body doesn’t like beer as much as it used to. I can have one or two at the most before I regret it or rather my body tells me that I should regret it. As Bernie Mac would say, “I’m old ‘merica.” Alibi has gone out of their way to help us folks by using enzymes to ensure your gut can enjoy it without regret.

FiftyFifty Brewing

You’ll see there is a theme to Truckee breweries, each one being innovative and crafting suddy brews that are all worth a visit. FiftyFifty has won countless awards over the years and even named the “Brewery Group of the Year” at the Great American Beer Festival. Besides the core lineup, their seasonal variations are a must. IPA drinkers will beeline to the Space Dog. It gives their brewers a chance to create with new and experimental hops each season being a different release. How do you know what it will be like? Each version is marked with a “Mission” like Apollo 11.

The Eclipse Series

How could we talk about this Truckee brewing company without mentioning the Eclipse series. Every year they take their award-winning Imperial Stout and age it in whiskey barrels for months to create a one-of-a kind concoction that’s released in December. They are so popular that to grab one of these you must reserve a future in April.

Truckee Brewing Company

Since 2018 when the Truckee Brew Co opened in the Pioneer Commerce Center, their mission has been to put out quality drinkable beer. To ensure this happens, they use domestic malted barely, high quality hops, and water that flows from Lake Tahoe. This helps guarantee that the flavor of their suds are consistent and tastes great.

In 2022, they stepped up their game by opening a restaurant serving elevated bar food. It includes hand crafted pizzas made with double zero Caputo flour.  Mouthwatering sandwiches and appetizers such as freshly shucked oysters flown in from northern America. All that pairs well with their different styles of ales, lagers, and IPAs. Located in the same plaza as the new Raley’s in Truckee, they’re far enough away from the hustle and bustle of downtown (i.e. free/easy parking) but close enough to get there quickly. And to make it even better, they arguably have one of the best views in Truckee from their patio deck giving you a prime time shot of Castle Peak.

The Good Wolf

In 2017, a wolf was spotted for the first time in more than a century in Lake Tahoe, but there is one that is more permanent and of a different kind found in Truckee California – a brewery named the Good Wolf. A wolf symbolizes untamed wildness that stirs something deep within your soul and this brewery’s offerings do just that. Located in the old Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company, they continually rotate and experiment with their offerings. For example, they’ve brought back an extinct lager recipe that was crafted in Truckee more than 150 years ago and shipped globally. From heavy hopped maniacs to German hounds, you’ll find their barley pops refreshing and creative.

Donner Creek Brewing

The final spot on our list of Truckee breweries is Donner Creek Brewing. It reminds us of the little engine that could. Smaller than a nano, it’s labeled as a “pico” brewery meaning they use a 1-3 bbl system. And yet it’s nominated for the best brewery, best bartender, best lunch, and even the best local spot. From the Storm Day IPA to the Death by Pothole Stout, the names will make you smile, and the taste will have you coming back for more. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwiches. And if some of your friends aren’t into brews, they also serve a variety of wines, ciders, hard booch, and even CBD drinks.

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Keep On, Pedal On… The Best MTB Flat Shoes For Flat Pedals

by Alex Silgalis | May 11, 2023 | Uncategorized

No matter the suspension, the most important part connecting you to the bike are your feet. Despite people spending thousands of dollars on a mountain bike, many skimp on what connects them to the bike. If you’re looking for the next step in upgrading your experience, we recommend looking at picking the right shoe. Here’s what to look for in the best mtb flat shoes.

Clipless or Flat Pedal That Is The Question

Before we jump into the best shoes, here’s a little about the ongoing debate between clipless and flat pedals. Personally, we’re about six years into our mountain biking journey. If you need some encouragement or inspiration, consider reading Fear and Horror… That’s How I Got Into Mountain Biking. Anything that can help our confidence is key when trying to tackle terrain. Things like rocks, boulders, tree stumps, and many other obstacles you’d find out on a single track. Flat pedals give you the opportunity to put the foot down easily and stop a bit quicker. You may scratch your shins, but at least you can dismount or get off the bike easily. Clipless is about providing the best power transfer to the wheels with the least amount of effort. If you’ve been riding clipless for most of your life or going to spend the majority of your time doing cross country with minimal terrain features then that might be the way you want to go. 

An Ode To Clipless

All that being said, for those that grew up road cycling or just want the advantage of less work pedaling up a mountain, you may want to consider at least going clipless. For steep hills with varying gradients, clipless allow for an increased upstroke and about 10% more power for short bursts. For more about the science behind it, check out this article by Pedal Chile.

Not All Shoes Are The Same

I know there’s a lot of people out there that think one pair of shoes is all you need. Heck, I grew up with a father that believed a pair of Keds worked for everything and anything. It wasn’t until I started looking at the mechanics of sports that I realized that isn’t necessarily true.

Would You Put Racing Slicks On & Go Four Wheeling?

While you don’t need a different pair of shoes for EVERY sport you do, it is a good idea to understand WHAT you need to maximize your balance and control in an activity. For example, in jogging you want a shoe that cushions against the pounding on asphalt to reduce injuries like shin splints. For tennis, it’s all about quick side-to-side lateral movements so you need support on the inside AND outside the foot. Just like a pair of tires on a car, would you put on racing slicks and go four wheeling? I think not.

Conditions You Ride In

So, what makes for the best mtb flat shoes that you’d use with pedals? Let’s break it down scientifically. Normally when you’re out riding, you aren’t exploding from turn to turn in milliseconds. You want a zero-balance (i.e. not too far forward or backward) when riding. You’re in conditions that might be muddy, dusty, or off-camber making traction important.

What To Look For In A Mountain Bike Shoe

If you put all these things together, you want a shoe that is pretty much flat. Next you’ll want a sticky rubber sole pattern that won’t slip once it’s on the pedal. And to round it off, the upper part should be snug and stiff so that you don’t loss energy during pedaling. In short, you want a 4WD-like shoe that will lock you in on unforgiving terrain but still be comfortable.

Additional Features To Consider

With the amount of manufacturers flooding the market, the amount of options has exploded. This means you can look for shoes that cover the full gambit. For example, Specialized has created a shoe that makes it easier to hike-a-bike if need be. Others have started using a BOA lacing system to keep the laces away AND lock your foot in one place. There isn’t a better time to pick up a pair of shoes even for us flat pedal fanatics.

Are Mountain Bike Shoes Worth It?

The question then arises do you NEED a specific pair of the best mtb flat shoes? It depends. We started out on a pair of skate shoes, and they worked well for the first year. They were grippy, provided some support, and were flat-balanced meaning they didn’t naturally have us leaning forward. But when we switched to a pair of true mountain bike shoes along with real pedals… Whoa!

First, before you buy a pair of shoes, consider checking out our mountain bike essentials section in the Down & Dirty mountain biking guide. There’s so many options to help step up your game like pedals or a seat dropper.

Flat Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes

Looking back to just 2019, the amount of options available to you were let’s just say a bit boring. And if you look back even further to the beginning of the century, there was pretty much only one option. Luckily, that has changed BIG time. Everyone has seemed to join the market. To help you in your journey of finding the right shoe, here’s a breakdown of the main brands that have specifically designed a flat pedal shoe. From the big household names for cycling like Giro or Specialized to the niche brands that only focus on mountain biking, you’ll find what you want out of this list. 

Ride Concepts

Our mountain bike coach Dylan Renn put us onto this company. While it’s important to make a great product, to us the story of how the company was founded is almost as crucial. There’s a lot of corporations that step into an industry only because they see an opportunity to make a quick buck and use their millions of dollars to beat out the competition. That’s not Ride Concepts.

How Ride Concepts Idea Was Born

This company based out of Truckee, California was an idea born out of necessity. CEO Brandon Dodd saw that no one was making quality mountain bike shoes that would fit kid’s feet appropriately. It was when he was up at Whistler’s bike park that he noticed kids. In fact, A LOT of kids. He also noticed that women didn’t have any good options either.

Founded in 2016

And thus, the idea was born. Already with a two-decade background in the action sports goods/action industry, he had the resume to make it happen. And so in 2016, RC came out with 14 models. As you may have noticed, we’re BIG fans of this company and ride their shoes every time we get in the saddle.

The Redesigns Continue

One of the only things we complained about with their mountain bike flat pedal shoes when they first came out was their lacking in style. The color combinations were simple, and we hate to say but a little dull. Well, in 2022 that changed BIG time. Besides upping their game in a new rubber compound, they also added some flair to their designs. We couldn’t be more excited on their new models. And for those that love their older models, you can now pick them up with some ridiculously cool colorways. And in 2023, the redesigns continue. As a sneaker head first and mountain biker second, I’m beyond AMPED!!!!

Tallac

The Tallac is named after the iconic south shore mountain that you can see from pretty much anywhere in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Similar to the peak, the shoe’s styling stands above the rest as well. On those blazingly hot days, the Cordura mesh upper will keep your digits cool and yet protected if you hit something. Combine that with their new Max Grip hexagon tread pattern that sticks to the pedals like fly paper, and you’ll feel as though you’re on a pair of clipless mountain bike pedals. And for women, there is the Flume shoe named after the legendary mountain bike trail on the east side of Tahoe.

If all this wasn’t crazy enough to make us flip, they’re coming out with a pair that’s using the BOA lacing system similar to snowboard boots. 

TNT

The TNT are the burliest in the Ride Concepts line. They have a microfiber upper for durability and performance in all conditions. Within it, you’ll find a hefty custom-molded toe cap and heel to make sure if you hit something, the object feels it instead of you. Finally, they have a new MAX GRIP rubber outsole that’s tacky and yet will last a long time. As Bon Scott from AC/DC screams “‘Cause I’m T.N.T. I’m dynamite T.N.T. and I’ll win the fight” these shoes will do just that.

Livewire

The Ride Concepts Livewire is a great all-mountain shoe. The upper is made of quick-drying materials that if you do hit a creek or rain storm, those feet will dry off quickly. The waffle-like sole grabs onto our One Up Components pedals like a grizzly bear. The construction is like a roman coliseum, still solid after years of riding them. Are there grippier shoes? Sure. More comfortable? Maybe. But for only a $100, this shoe is a steal with what it provides compared to the other big hitters on this list. All that being said, if you have the extra cash, consider picking up the premium line of theirs called the Ride Concepts Hellion. Backcountry.com has the full selection of colorways if you’re interested in more colorful options.

Ride Concepts Hellion

The next level to the Livewire is the Ride Concepts Hellion Model. An additional $30 never looked so good. Stiff-soled to make pedaling effortless. The investment goes to the upper half of the shoe. Made out of a material that wicks away moisture even faster than the Livewire.

Wildcat

Although they’ve been around a few years, the Wildcat was revamped as well in 2022. For those that mountain bike in dusty conditions, little rocks somehow always end up in your shoes. To solve for this issue, they took their pacesetting Hellion and added a protective mid-height collar with a hook and loop strap for extra security. The is a go-to shoe for those who are looking for a no-nonsense pair that will protect your foot and at the same time keep you locked into the pedals. 

Ride Concepts Powerline

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon of their shoes. If you feel like the Livewire or Hellion aren’t as sticky as you want, the Ride Concepts Powerline turns it up a notch. These mountain goats of shoes are designed for even the most hardcore adventure requiring hike-a-bike situations yet still keep your feet comfortable and happy.  

PEARL iZUMi

The story of PEARL iZUMi starts on the roads in Japan. Kinji Shimizu rode his bike everyday 38 miles to deliver 90 pounds of clothing to his customers. In 1964, one of his sons Hiro made it to the Japanese national cycling team and rode in the Asian Cycling Championships.

Fate Leads To The Company Being Created

The team ordered the typical cotton kits except for one special one. As fate would have it, Hiro won the opportunity to wear the special jersey. It was made in Italy and out of 100% nylon unlike anything he’d seen before. Based on that design, Kinji created his first kit from materials he found in Japan.

Innovation Continues

Over the past five decades, the company continues to strive for innovation, and in 2018, they’ve embraced social purpose. Their pledge is now to “Ride more and do more.” They’ve always led the industry in social responsibility, but now they’re taking it to another level.

Ride More and Do More

A good example of this social awakening is the removal of hangtags. This new initiative alone uses 19,400 lbs less paper, saving 165 trees, 68,082 gallons of water, and 4,503 gallons of oil annually. If you want to read more about what the company is doing, check out this article in SNEWS. Along with all this hard work, they produce an assortment of the best mtb flat shoes on the market.

X-Alp Flow

One of the biggest issues for mountain biking shoes is they’re not very comfortable once you get of your steed. The firmness can be unbearable walking around. PEARL iZUMi’s X-Alp Flow is a great option for those that want comfort on AND off the bike. They’ll give good grip on the pins and still feel nice walking around in. This dexterity in both worlds removes some of the absorption the other stiffer models have that you see on our list.

X-Alp Launch

If you haven’t noticed, each of these brands have the “basic” line which aren’t perfect but do 90% of what you ask of them. Then there’s the next level or two that pushes their company’s innovation to the fullest. This is the X-Alp Launch for PEARL iZUMi. Over the years they’ve really pushed the limit on what goes into a mtb flat shoe. For example, they now come with a BOA dial system to ensure your foot stays where you want it to be. The sole is where things get REALLY interesting. They’ve partnered with Good Year (yes as in the company that makes bike tires AND the tires on your car) for tread on the bottom of the shoe. Still focused on providing a shoe that will work on and off the bike, it’s quite a bit lighter and has additional stiffness to turn things up a bit. For those that want an all-day shoe that can take on moderately technical terrain, this is an awesome option.

FIVE TEN

Five ten literally created and set the bar when it comes to making the best mtb flat shoes. It all started in ’85 when Charles Cole made a rock climbing shoe called the “Five Tennie.” This shoe was designed to help him conquer the toughest walls he frequented in Yosemite and Joshua Park. For those unaware, climbs are based on the Yosemite Decimal system, and at the time, the most advanced climbs were demarcated as 5.10 and thus the name FIVE TEN was born.

Transition To Mountain Biking

The shoe became the staple for rock climbing due to its incredibly grippy rubber. Around the late nineties, they began to hear that pro mountain bike racers were already using their shoes in the world cup circuit. So, in 2000, FIVE TEN came out with their first ever mountain bike shoe using their ground-breaking stealth rubber. And in November 2011, Adidas bought the company for $25 Million.

FIVE TEN Freerider DLX

If you’re a fan of classic skate shoe design, you’ll love the Freerider DLX. The solid construction makes for a shoe that can take a beating and keep on pedaling. And it still comes with the classic Stealth S1 Rubber dot pattern that kicked FIVE TEN into the #1 brand for mountain biking.

FIVE TEN Freerider PRO

This is the descendent of the popular Freerider or you could even say the evolutionary cousin to it. You could call this the Swiss Army knife of their best mtb flat shoes the Freerider Pro. The toe box is extra fortified so that if an errant rocks hits your feet, it keeps those toes happy. Just like James Bond, its good looks along with its deadly skills make for the ultimate “killer” on the trail or at the bar.

Trail Cross Mid Pro

Just because you’ve designed the gold standard on mountain biking shoes doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels. After years or so it feels like, FIVE TEN and Adidas have released a refreshing new take on what a mountain bike shoe should be in their Trailcross line. The Trailcross LT is the low-cut version which is good for those that don’t have to worry about rocks and gravel getting into their shoe. The shining star is the Trailcross Mid Pro. The high top version along with the membrane ensure that even on the dustiest and muddiest trails, you don’t have stuff getting in. On top of that, the design and look is less of a clunky mtb flat pedal shoe and more of one that you could even use for hiking. If most foot protectors don’t give you enough waterproofing then the Trailcross Mid Pro has a GORE-TEX model as well.

Specialized

Founded in 1974, the name came from the Italian word “specialistas.” An Italian term for manufacturers who would build or connect specifically tailored products with the consumer. Back in the seventies, it was challenging to get quality spare parts in the US. Mike Sinyard saw this as an opportunity and sold his VW bus in search of parts. As fate would have it, on his tour he met Cino Cinelli, the founder of Cinelli Bicycles. Buying as many parts as he could from Cino, he went home with them and with that he started Specialized. A year later, they came out with their first product – the Specialized Touring Tyre. Since then, they’ve expanded their portfolio to include pretty much everything cycling including a mountain bike shoe. 

2FO Roost Flat Pedal Shoe

The word that comes to mind when looking at the Specialized 2FO is clean. The durable leather provides a casual look that would be comfortable in a fancy apres spot and yet at the same time the SlipNot ST rubber sole ensures that your feet stay locked in on the pedals. A delicate balance between casual and performance.

Rime Flat

If you haven’t noticed, each company that’s on the market today is doing their best to provide a different take on what mountain bikers need. For Specialized that’s the Rime Flat shoe. Instead of just focused on keeping your feet to the pedals, this shoe is designed for full-on adventure. What do they mean by that? Well, unless you’re Danny MacAskill there are going to be some parts of a trail that you may need to hike-a-bike. The Rime Flat helps you with that and more. It still has the SlipNOT ST rubber sole pattern like the other models in the middle to keep you locked in on the pedals when biking. But then on the toe and heel, it has lugs that are more friendly towards hiking. In addition, the toe has a bit more flex allowing more natural foot articulation when walking. 

Giro

When I first heard the company name “Giro”, I thought it was an Italian company. I mean one of the triple crown tours in Italy is called “Giro d’ Italia.” After doing some research, I learned it was an American company born from a person passionate about the sport of cycling and saw an opportunity to create something special.

Once-in-a Lifetime Product

The same year Charles Cole created the rock-climbing shoe, in a small one bedroom apartment in San Jose a man by the name of Jim Gentes started the evolution of cycling helmets. Using his industrial designer skills and passion for cycling, he created the “standard” of what cycling helmets are today. Back then, compared to all other helmets on the market, his design wasn’t hot, heavy, or uncomfortable. Rather, it was half the weight of his competitors, had ventilation, and looked totally different.

Versatile Company

Always on the forefront of what’s going on in the two-wheeled world, over the years they have expanded beyond just bike helmets. Giro manufactures things like goggles for MTB and snowsports as well as soft goods for cycling, skiing, snowboarding, and even helmets for winter sports. They also produce a line of some of the best mtb flat shoes on the market.

Giro Jacket II

Like all good designers such as Apple, looks are just as important as function. The Giro Jacket II are as fashion forward as they are functional on the trails. The upper is made with water-resistant and breathable microfibre allowing your feet plenty of breathing room. Out of the box, they’re incredibly grippy. The only issue is that the gum sole wears out quickly, leaving large gaps where the pins are on your pedals. For only $89, these are a great option if you want to look good and ride on the weekends.

Giro Riddance

Being a sneakerhead, if Giro EVER made a limited-edition Riddance shoe, I’d be the first in line to pick one up just from the sheer beauty of its design. Without a Velcro strap to keep the laces away from moving parts like the chain, they solved this issue with an elastic lace keeper. The sole is much firmer than the gummy Giro Jacket II and has a look similar to the Ride Concepts. Not as grippy as the RC’s or FIVE TENs, they still give you a decent amount of traction if you like a looser feel when riding. In the end, I think they’re the best looking shoe of the bunch, but unfortunately don’t perform as well as the other models on this list.

Latch

One of the biggest beefs most mountain bikers had about Giro’s Riddance is the weight of them. If you look at some of the other shoes on this list, they have a waffle-like pattern or the inverted form of it. You sacrifice on the traction but at the same time make them last longer since it’s a harder rubber. As soon as you look at the sole of the Latch, you’ll notice that this isn’t the case. Giro worked with a rubber compound specialist to create their ‘Tack Rubber’ into their “Gamma” tread pattern. What you’re given is a shoe that once it sticks to the pedal it ain’t comin’ off regardless of rain, snow, or sun.

Shimano

This Japanese company has been in the game for more than a century. For the first product, founder Shozaburo Shimano focused on building free wheels. Over the years they expanded to include many of the key components of a bike—the shifters, hubs, cranks and even the derailleurs. And now they’ve expanded into making mountain bike flat pedal shoes.

Shimano GR Series

Just a few years ago, Shimano’s offering for gravity-fed riders was let’s just say a bit dull. It feels like now they applied their attention to detail on things like their cranks and put it right on these shoes. For starters, their soles are designed specifically to fit and excel with their own flat pedals. Does it mean it won’t work with others? Absolutely not but now these shoes’ treads line up seamlessly to the Shimano’s Deore XT and Saint flat pedal models. 

GR5, GR7, & GR9

Like all other brands on this list, their product line is divided up based on base models up to the most performance focused. The GR5 is their base model and uses their proprietary rubber on the outsole. As you would assume, the GR7 & GR9 build upon that. For starters, both upgrade the rubber and grip with rubber provided by Michelin. The GR7 includes additional ankle padding and finally the GR9 adds a lace shield and a speed lacing system. Another unique take on the shoe line-up is that Shimano has also debuted the ET7, a flat pedal shoe designed for e-MTB riders.

Leatt

How companies start is always interesting. Some see a gap in the market. Others are about the stoke of the sport. Leatt, on the other hand, is an emotional story. On the weekend after Dr Leatt’s son started motocross, he witnessed the death of fellow rider and friend Mr. Alan Selby. Immediately he began working on a way to reduce neck injuries and came out with his first neck brace a year later. In 2010, he came out with the 1st MTB specific neck brace and continued to expand their product line to include mountain bike helmets and now shoes.

1.0, 2.0, 3.0… Flat Mountain Bike Shoe

What it lacks in creative naming it more than makes up in look and styling. Each of the models provide different functions based on your needs. The 1.0 is like the skate shoe. It provides a great connection to the bike but minimal on other features like protection. And the 4.0 and 5.0 are their clipless models. The 2.0 and 3.0 use Leatt’s own rubber recipe RideGrip that keeps the foot dialed in for excellent pedal grip.

Differences Between The 2.0 And 3.0

From there, that’s where the differences become more prevalent. The 2.0 is focused on the more casual rider balancing comfort AND performance. The upper toe and heel boxes are reinforced, and the heel is shaped to hold the top of your ankle locked in. While the feel of the shoe on the bike is more of a soft-medium hardness, the 3.0’s are their performance shoe. Stiffer in torsion flex and a focus on protection on the inside of ankle, both will do you well. You just have to consider what kind of riding you’ll be doing.

Fi’zi:k

Let’s be honest, Italians know how to make shoes. They aren’t just manufacturers but artisans. Founded in 1996, Fi’zi:k’s were designed in the US and built in Italy by the world’s largest saddle manufacturer, Selle Royal. Fi’zi:k is the phonetic spelling of the word physique, referring to the form or state of the human body. 

Animal Kingdom

Since the beginning, they’ve been doing things a bit differently. When they initially released their saddles, they classified them based on three animals. The Chameleon. The Snake. And last not least, the Bull. As you would assume, each corresponded to your level of flexibility. Despite the naming conventions going “extinct”, they still focus on producing the lightest possible products with a keen eye towards design. These aren’t just any shoes but rather a group of individuals that are passionate about what they produce. If you care about attention to detail, you may seriously consider picking up a pair made by them.

Gravita Versor Flat Cycling Shoe

Speaking of build quality, as soon as you see a pair of Gravita Versor’s you’ll notice their attention to detail. How each stitch is thought out and articulated. The sole meshes with the upper and the potential point of contact on the side has extra grip and protection. That the laces are offset towards the outside of the shoe to ensure that they avoid the chainring. A rip-stop material to make them lightweight and quick-drying. And where you’ll most likely collide with obstacles, they’ve reinforced the toe and heel areas with a PU-laminated (polyurethane) toecap and rubber bumpers. 

Gravita Tensor Flat Cycling Shoe

Their flag ship shoe, the Tensor, takes what you see in the Versor and adds a bit more fashion and functional flair to it. The toe cap is a bit more beefy. A velcro lace-up closure makes sure that the laces are tucked away. Finally, to put the frosting on the cake, the upper section features an Ariaprene sock sewed perfectly into the shoe to keep any debris from getting in. 

As we continue to research more on who makes the best mtb flat shoes on the market, we’ll keep adding to this article. Until then, let us know if there’s anything we’re missing or a brand / shoe models we should add.

The post Keep On, Pedal On… The Best MTB Flat Shoes For Flat Pedals appeared first on Local Freshies.