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Labor of Love Service

Yeti bike on display in Sports Garage store

NOW BOOKING: Labor of Love Service

We are now accepting reservations for our annual Labor of Love service special:

40% off labor* and 20% off Suspension and Linkage Services
for the entire month of February.

Putting off needed service can cause costly wear and tear on your bike, and now is the ideal time for annual maintenance.

Call the shop at 303-473-0033 to book your appointment. Please note that the discount applies to all services performed during February, and our Labor of Love calendar fills up fast! Please see our service menu for a complete list of service offerings and prices.

*Terms
· Discount applies only to service hours, not any parts or accessories required to complete the service or repair.
· Exclusions include Bike Boxing, Bike Building, Wheel Builds, Creak Diagnosis, and Frame Protection Installation.
· 20% off Suspension and Linkage Service
· Special does not apply to installation or use of used, after-market, or third-party parts and accessories provided by the customer.

View Services

1994 Year in Review

Sports Garage’s passionate founders set up shop in the Quonset huts at the corner of 27th and Spruce in 1994, and we never left. Anchored by not only our history as a locally owned small business, but also the history of mountain biking, this year we celebrate our 30th anniversary. A quick look back at what made headlines in the world of cycling, and beyond, the year Sports Garage’s doors first opened.

Founders Thom Beckett and Frank Vogel moved into “Q1,” the south hut of the current Sports Garage location at 27th and Spruce. With workbenches for early MTB suspension and skis, SG focused on cutting edge service for serious adventurers.

The movies Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, and Schindler’s List are all released with critical acclaim award nominations. In June of that year, Schindler’s List was banned by Indonesian censors.

The MTB World Cup DH race was held just up the road in Vail, Colorado, where American Julie Furtado was expected to dominate, but finished 4th. David “Tinker” Juarez earned silver, leading the U.S. to second place with a total medal count of 4, behind France’s 7.

Whitney Houston wins R&B/Soul song of the year for her cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”

Yeti Cycles, early in their tradition of alphabet soup model names, releases the A.R.C. A.S. LT.

In South Africa’s first post-apartheid election, Nelson Mandela and the ANC are officially confirmed winners. On May 6, Mandela is sworn in as South Africa’s first black president.

Unseeded Andre Agassi wins his first U.S. title, defeating German player Michael Stich at the U.S. Open in September.

In response to his murder charges, O.J. Simpson pleads “Absolutely 100% Not Guilty.”

Entrepreneur Jeff Bezos founds Amazon in Seattle, Washington.

The world record for distance covered on a bicycle in one hour is set, for a second time, by Tony Rominger, reaching a distance of 55.291 miles.

Orbea Bicycles, which had been in business nearly 150 years by 1994, built and showcased an iconically (odd) model called The Orbea Next One, which featured an of-the-moment pink paint job and a one-legged fork.

You can expect more 30-year anniversary celebrations as the proper riding season returns to Boulder this spring!

5 Epic Bike Parks in Colorado

Barring any bumps and bruises, it’s officially the time of year when we find ourselves in peak biking shape.

We’ve honed our fitness with after-work rides, weekend camping and mountain bike trips to higher elevations, and diligent time in the gym. The work is in the bank, as they say. So who can blame us for seeking a little gravity-fed fun to reward all that hard effort? 

August and September are peak bike park season, when afternoon thunderstorms are less frequent and fall colors begin to pop out between the evergreens. Of course, with so many options for lift-access riding here in the Rocky Mountains, it might be hard to pick a spot on the map. Here are five of our favorite options in Colorado, with a little something for everyone thrown into the mix.

The Front Range Favorite: Trestle Bike Park

📍Winter Park, Colorado

Often compared to Whistler, Trestle Bike Park is known for its legendary technical lines and punk-rock attitude. If you’ve been following us for awhile, chances are you’ve seen #SGAmbassador Madison Pitts nailing some of our favorite lines, and you can see the appeal! With over 40 miles of trails and difficulty ratings extending beyond double black to “pro line,” it’s fair to say that Trestle offers the most fun for more experienced riders. But beginners shouldn’t fear—there are greens to be found on the mountain and you can even book a guided lesson. Their website offers some excellent resources for those starting out as well. Day passes are available, but Front Range riders who want to take advantage of the proximity to Winter Park will surely enjoy the season pass offer. Once you’ve been to Trestle, chances are you’ll want to go back. (Read more from the SG team on Trestle.)

Additional Info:
  • 2023 Day Ticket Price: $64–89
  • 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $115
  • Uphill Access Allowed: No

Photo Credit: Trestle Bike Park 

Best All-Arounder: Evolution Bike Park

📍Crested Butte, Colorado

It’s hard to go wrong with your mountain bike in Crested Butte. Basically no matter which way you point your front tire, you’re sure to encounter stunning mountain views, purpose-built singletrack, and descents that deliver. But many of the rides in this mountain bike mecca require a lot of climbing—at a starting altitude of around 9,000 feet. Say goodbye to the pedaling and spend the day at Evolution Bike Park, instead. With over 30 miles of lift-served singletrack ranging from green runs to double black diamonds, there’s something for the whole family at this Vail-owned establishment. Keep an eye out while you’re riding the lift! It goes right over the tech line on “Psycho Rocks,” which makes for great spectating.

Additional Info:
  • 2023 Day Ticket Price: $55–60
  • 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $108
  • eMTBs Allowed: Yes; Class 1
  • Uphill Access Allowed: Yes

Photo Credit: Evolution Bike Park

The Crowd Pleaser: Snowmass Bike Park

📍Snowmass, Colorado

Located in the Roaring Fork Valley just north of Aspen, Snowmass Bike Park is a fan-favorite for riders around the mountain west. After one lap, you’ll see why. Beautiful views make it hard to keep your eyes on the trail, and you might just spend as much air time on the way down as you did on the lift up (don’t miss “Valkyrie” trail). There may only be 25 miles of lift-accessed trails here, but with 50 miles of additional singletrack that can be accessed in the surrounding area, you might just have to extend your trip. Plus, when the trails have names like “Animal Crackers” and “Cowboy Coffee,” you’re going to want to explore them all. If you’re anything like us, it might be hard to leave before the lift stops running! Afterward, wash off all the dust with some fishing in the nearby Roaring Fork or Frying Pan rivers.

Additional Info:
  • 2023 Day Ticket Price: $57
  • 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $134.95
  • Uphill Access Allowed: Yes

Photo Credit: Snowmass Bike Park

Newest Offering: Steamboat Springs Bike Park

📍Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Although Steamboat Bike Park is still in the final phases of its multi-year construction project, it’s fair to say it’s officially worth the trip from the Front Range. Your uphill options for exploring the trails include the newly finished gondola as well as chairlift, opening up access to the 2,200 vertical feet of gravity-fed flow trails and jump lines. The close proximity to surrounding cross-country trails on Buffalo Pass and Emerald Mountain make Steamboat Springs a no-brainer for your next weekend in the mountains. Pair all the trail time with a float down the Yampa River and some tacos or wood-fired pizza in town, and you’ll be doing it right.

Additional Info:
  • 2023 Day Ticket Price: $59–69
  • 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $159
  • Uphill Access Allowed: Pedal Pass required and available for purchase on-site only

Photo Credit: Steamboat Springs Bike Park

Further Afield: Purgatory Bike Park

📍Durango, Colorado

Not only does this resort have the most epic name in our roundup—it also claims to be the only resort in the Rockies to offer riding on clay-based soil and real dirt! That means less time spent slipping out and more time cruising around berms and cleaning tech lines like a pro. After all, it’s Purgatory Bike Park that hosted the Big Mountain Enduro last summer. When half the trails at the resort have the phrase “World Champ” in them, you know what type of bike you’ll want to pack (hint: a big one). But don’t let that frighten the beginners—lessons are available at Purgatory and kids are welcome to enjoy the lift-assisted fun here in this corner of southwestern Colorado. Jump on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad after you’ve hung up your bike to take in even more scenery. 

Additional Info:
  • 2023 Day Ticket Price: $49–59
  • 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $120

Photo Credit: Purgatory Bike Park

Behind the Scenes with Action Photographer Emily Sierra

Each spring, several members of the Sports Garage crew embark on a team ride and enlist the help of a local photographer. The mission is twofold: test out the latest mountain bikes, technology, and gear, and capture some great content we can use to spread the stoke on our local Front Range trails. 

This year, we teamed up with Colorado photographer and rider Emily Sierra. Chances are, you may recognize Emily’s work from brands and events in the mountain bike community, including: Wild Rye, Küat Racks, Red Bull Rampage, Grit Fest, and many more. 

Our trail of choice for this spring’s shoot? Walker Ranch. This 7.8-mile loop delivers plenty of whoops interspersed with a few hard-hitting tech zones, one serious hike-a-bike, and two descents to scenic South Boulder Creek below. In other words, the perfect place to kick off the season. 

After we loaded the bikes up and descended back down Flagstaff to open the shop, we caught up with Emily to get her take on the shoot and discover some of the intricacies about what goes on for a mountain bike photographer, behind the lens.

How did things go at Walker Ranch with team SG?

We had a successful trail shoot up at Walker Ranch, west of Boulder! The week of the shoot I was uncertain what the air would be like since the Front Range was inundated with wildfire smoke from Canada, but we were lucky to have a clear window that day. The group rallied for an early start and we milked the morning light for as long as possible. 

Having a mechanical is always in the back of my mind during a bike shoot, but it somehow rarely happens. Today wasn’t one of those days. Elorie was ripping too hard through the tech zone and tore into her tire. She radioed down that she had what she needed and would catch up shortly. Given the shop’s “teamwork makes the dreamwork” approach, Dan and Blake zoomed back to help get her squared away. I must say, it’s really nice having riders on a shoot (or any trail ride!) who can quickly take care of any mechanicals. Fortunately that was our only one of the day!

Any notable moments or shots?

Moving through the morning, my favorite shots were the crew on the ridgeline in the distance, Elorie descending through the pine trees, Suzy and Brad pedaling past the abundant wildflowers, and Dan and Blake getting playful on the berm near the river. We had a great crew of riders, which made the shoot so much fun! 

I love finding trails that have alternative lines or points where two trails merge and I can get multiple riders in a shot. There were a few stretches that day when Dan, Blake, and Brad could “race” each other up a hill. Those sorts of moments on a shoot are always a blast!

Anything special about Walker Ranch as a location for shooting Front Range riding?

Walker Ranch is a special place to shoot mountain biking on the Front Range. The trail offers a wider variety of terrain than many other places. There’s technical riding on rocks and roots, gorgeous vistas, a mandatory hike-a-bike staircase, and even a pine forest that might fool you into thinking we aren’t in Colorado anymore. This sort of variety is great for an outdoor shoot because we can be flexible depending on the light, weather, and—as in our case—the smoke. 

The last shot of the day ended up being one of my favorites. Near the river, there’s a beautiful forested area, which was perfect for the harsh 11:00am light coming through the trees. I saw a beautiful patch of sunlight and Dan rolled straight through it.

See More of Emily's Work

Want to see more of Emily’s inspiring action photography? Follow along with her on Instagram, and look out for her and her new Pivot Shadowcat XO1 AXS on a Colorado trailhead near you this summer.

5 Common Bike Washing Mistakes

It’s that time of year—we’re back on our bikes, riding through puddles instead of around them. (Right, rule-abiding trail goers?) 

We can all agree that there are few things better than those first tacky loops of the season. But with spring showers can come grit and grime building up on our frames and those particularly fragile, integral components of our bikes: like our drivetrain and suspension.

At the end of a wet ride, you may find yourself wondering how to best wash your mountain bike. We caught up with Sports Garage team members Brad and Fred to find out what the most common bike washing mistakes are—and in doing so, how to do it right! The good news is that with proper care, you can keep your two-wheeled investment functioning like new for many miles and puddles to come.

1. Not washing (or overwashing)

Follow the Goldilocks principle and try to find the right amount of balance when it comes to washing your mountain (or gravel) bike. If your bike is just dusty, you can wipe for stanchions on the fork and shock with a soft towel and knock the dirt off the chain with a stiff brush. A little bit of lube, and you’re good to keep going. If the bike is legitimately muddy, it’s time to wash it! 

2. Using high water pressure.

When you overdo the water pressure on your bike’s components, it pushes water into the bearings and past suspension seals. While there is some room for interpretation here as to what defines high pressure, we can try to apply common sense. Obviously, a pressure washer is too much. Chances are, so is the highest setting output on your hose. Instead, opt for a lower setting and apply a little elbow grease. Some brushes and a sponge will do the trick for those harder-to-reach, sensitive areas.

3. Using harsh chemicals.

You don’t need anything fancy to wash your bike, and many people forgo soap entirely. But if you want a little extra oomph, Dawn dish soap is perfect and has some extra degreasing powers. Whatever you do, don’t apply harsh chemicals like Simple Green.

4. Not drying the bike after you wash it.

Everyone knows that if you let your car drip dry, it’s going to look almost as dirty as when you started. The same goes for your bike, in addition to the fact that you won’t want water to sit in the bearings post-scrub. To remedy this, after you’re done washing, pedal your bike around to dry the chain and shed any water remaining in the bearings. Use a microfiber towel to get rid of pesky water marks. And after it’s dry, lube the chain (and only the chain).

5. Hanging your bike after washing it.

If you hang your bike up vertically after giving it a good rinse, water may settle in the headset and bottom bracket, ruining the bearings. Let your ride hang out—rubber side down—for a while before returning it to its dedicated throne, the centerpiece of your gear garage.

Want More?

For more recommendations on how to navigate trails when they’re muddy, be sure to review this handy guide from our friends at Boulder Mountainbike Alliance. And if your bike needs a little more than a wash, take a look at our guide to bike service and why it matters.

Rides On Our Radar: 3 Colorado Destinations You Might Not Know About

It’s not hard to rattle off world-renowned Colorado mountain bike destinations.

Annual pilgrimages often include cities with names like Crested Butte, Fruita, and Salida. We pulled out the map recently to plan our summer to-do list, and decided to throw some new trails into the mix. Here are three lesser-known options that rose to the top.

Rico, Colorado ♦

Rico lies southwest of Telluride in the San Juan Mountains and is the nearest town to Colorado Trail Section 26. With the apex of the highest rated trails near 12,000 feet, we’ll keep an eye on how the snow is melting before heading toward Rico—likely in the late summer. Also, we’ll need that time to get in the season’s peak technical riding mindset, as there are very few green or even blue trails in the Rico area. This is black diamond country, with words like “primitive” and “difficult” appearing frequently in trail descriptions.

If you follow Yeti Cycles, you may have already seen the announcement for the 2023 Yeti Gathering in Rico. The Rico Trails Alliance has a beautiful website, which will refer you directly to Trailforks for local riding beta.

Bikes we’re taking to Rico:
  • Pivot Switchblade
  • Santa Cruz Bronson
  • Yeti SB140LR
  • Pivot Firebird

Photo Credit: Rico Historical Society

Marble, Colorado 🟢

Marble, as the crow flies, is in Crested Butte’s neighborhood. Naturally forming the third point in a triangle with Grand Junction and Aspen, Marble is as central to the heart of Colorado mountain biking as you can get, and technically part of the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association.

The rides attracting our attention are long and pedal-y, but visually stunning. For example, from Daniels Hill on the eastern edge of Marble, you can tackle rugged two-track jeep roads that ultimately take you to an ascent of Schofield Pass. It’s more or less a 20-mile trip to the 401 trailhead, but includes places like the Crystal Mine, Mineral Point, and Devil’s Punchbowl.

If heading to CB isn’t your cup of tea, the route also accesses the Lead King Basin Loop.

Bikes we’re taking to Marble:
  • Yeti ARC
  • Santa Cruz Blur
  • Pivot Mach 4 SL

Photo Credit: Gear Junkie

Norwood, Colorado 🟦

There is only one trail system truly near Norwood, but we’re intrigued enough to make it a road trip stop in San Miguel County this summer. The Thunder Trails Loop includes 20.2 miles of stacked loop singletrack—a pure blue ribbon winding through the ponderosas.

MTB Project notes that the trails are multi-use, which means you may encounter motorcycles. BUT that also means Thunder Mountain is e-MTB friendly. Equally important, Norwood is a certified International Dark Sky Community. If you like sleeping under the stars like we do, this is a real treat.

Bikes we’re taking to Norwood:
  • Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay
  • Pivot Shuttle SL
  • Santa Cruz Heckler

Photo Credit: Uncover Colorado

Well-Rounded Fitness for Life on the Trail

Wondering how a seven-time CrossFit World Games competitor can elevate your time on two wheels?

Chris Spealler, longtime member of the Pivot factory rider family and certified personal trainer, explains how in our exclusive interview. Whether you’re a freeride addict or a competitive cross-country racer, Chris has tips for you.

How does strength training translate to building a strong foundation on the bike?

Ultimately, the better our base of general physical fitness, the more potential we have for success at our specific sport. I get it, I love riding bikes too and there can be a lot of pride in what we do. Hardcore mountain biker, etc. BUT if you have a stronger midline (core), legs, shoulders, and chest, it is going to make you a more capable and durable rider.

You will have more control of the bike and be able to take bigger hits if you’re into freeriding. And most people find the ability to put some serious power to the pedals on punchy or technical climbs greatly improves. 

It’s easy to associate “strength training” with “meatheads,” but any professional athlete has a dose of strength training to make them better at their sport. You aren’t any different!

Those interested in your custom training programs should, of course, check you out on SpealProgramming.com. But for those who have never worked with a trainer before—or had a plan specifically to improve their biking—can you explain how you build a program for getting started?

It’s easy to overthink things when it comes to programming. Often, simple is better and creating a template for your week is a huge help.

  • Here’s an example program template:
  • Monday: Strength Training
  • Tuesday: Ride
  • Wednesday: Strength/Endurance
  • Thursday: Ride
  • Friday: Strength Endurance
  • Saturday: Long Aerobic Sustained Effort (can be on the bike but it’s nice to change it up too)
  • Sunday: Rest

Strength training is largely based around power (slow) lifts, and Olympic (fast) lifts. I like to work on more power lifting for the bulk of our strength training and Olympic lifts if people are interested in them. They are incredibly valuable, but not necessary to build speed or strength, depending on how we lift. 

The strength/endurance days are often a mix of movements that complement one another and have a lifting and conditioning element to them. When applied well, these are super valuable and applicable to riding bikes. 

Aerobic work can come from bike riding for sure, but it’s great to mix it up with running or rowing. You will notice different heart rates and thresholds you can hold with each of these.   

Three to four days of work IN the gym that is under 60 minutes will pay dividends on the trails.

You sometimes talk about “when life happens to CrossFit.” Can you talk about how you’re evolving traditional training plans, and how this helps people?

Fifteen to 20 years ago, we all talked about if CrossFit was a training program we could do for the long haul…20-plus years. We are there now and I want to help answer that question. Age, lifestyle, injuries, throwing kids in the mix, available time, relocating, etc., all play a role in our ability to train. It’s simply not possible to flip the switch and crush ourselves every day. We have to earn the right and be smart to have workouts with intensity (which are valuable with the right frequency).

  • I like to look at two things:
  • Flow of work throughout the week. This is the total volume AND intensity we are accumulating across the week. Programming workouts that are longer in duration or have more sustained effort approaches are a great way to help find balance for the more intense days to serve their purpose.
  • Movement function over simply modifying load, reps, or time. Yes, those are all ways we can adjust programming, but it’s just scratching the surface. Some of us may not be able to perform movements due to limitations, or simply the juice isn’t worth the squeeze so to speak. We can still find value in squatting, pushing, pulling, hinge work, and carries. I like to focus on most demand to least demand on the joints within these categories to help people make the best decisions with their daily training.

How does recovery play into training? What about when you’re in peak mountain bike season, logging your biggest mileage, and climbing weeks of the year?

You will never “recover” your way to performance and gains, but without it you will never get there. The training stimulus is what we do while riding or working out, but the adaptation (where we see the gains) is what happens when we recover. Age, and a number of things on a daily basis, play a role in how much recovery we need.

6 Total Markers
Here’s a good approach with some questions to ask yourself if you are wondering how hard to push for the day.

Sleep quantity How many hours of sleep did you get last night? Eight-plus hours is a great target to shoot for, but no less than six.
Sleep quality This takes some pressure off the total time, as six hours of great quality may serve you better than eight of tossing and turning through the night. Deep sleep promotes recovery and health.
Soreness There is normal soreness, and “over-the-top” soreness. When we train or introduce a new stimulus, it’s common to have general soreness most days that subsides within 24–48 hours. Anything beyond this that limits range of motion, mobility, or performance means we are likely overdoing it.
Mood Simply, how do you feel today and what kind of workout are you looking to have today? Ready to take on the world? Great! That’s not every day, though. Most are just…normal. What we want to be aware of are those days of lack of energy, lack of motivation, or just down in the dumps.
Previous day’s performance A simple awareness of how we are feeling that week. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is setting a personal best every day. Most days we are just looking to feel motivated, work hard, and be happy with our efforts. If we see a continued trend of lack of energy and motivation, or the inability to push yourself one to two times/week, it should be noted.
Immune status You’re either feeling good or experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, coughing, and sore throat, which may be correlated to training stress and/or fatigue. When these are ignored, training can worsen symptoms.

How to Use this Info:

If 5–6 markers are good and in a “green light,” feel free to move forward with more intensity if you like.

If 3–4 of the markers are in the green, we suggest proceeding with some wisdom. Look to the less-demanding movements and an intensity that suits you best, so you can feel better leaving the gym or riding than when you started. 

If 1–2 of the markers are good, but not the others…you need some recovery. Utilize the recovery options and eliminate intensity so you can focus on simply improving range of motion, increasing blood flow, and setting yourself up for success in the coming days.

You’ve been a passionate mountain biker for decades now. How do you prevent burnout and keep your love for the sport alive?

I hate it when people say “the secret is…”—I pretty much never pay attention to anything they say if they open their “pitch” with that. But the secret? It’s not my avenue for improving fitness. 

When I go for a ride, I do it because I legitimately love it. I don’t care if some bro in spandex passes me on a climb, tells me I’m “cheating” because I’m out on the eMTB for a change, or if the guy in the flannel and oversized glasses doesn’t think I’m “enduro” enough. I ride my bike because I love the feeling I get from it. Mostly downhill and jumps! My fitness gains are made in the gym with smart, productive work that is under 60 minutes a day and 5 days/week. 

This leaves PLENTY of room for me to enjoy riding since it’s simply icing on the cake. Check your ego, ride for the enjoyment of it, not the pressure of Strava or others’ perceptions.

To learn more about Chris and his offerings at Speal Programming, find him online. You can also learn about his take on parenting and raising adventurous, bike-loving kids on PivotCycles.com.

The Eternal Question: SRAM vs. Shimano

Both SRAM and Shimano offer top-of-the-line components for the best mountain and gravel bikes on the market.

If you’re looking for the footnotes: SRAM and Shimano both make great drivetrain and groupset choices for your next ride. We like to think of the Mac vs PC debate as a good comparison. You can accomplish the same task on either, but your familiarity or preference may make you more efficient with one over the other. But for those who enjoy the fine-tuned tech details that go into their mountain or gravel bike, we break down the history of both companies and some noteworthy differences, below.

SRAM History in 60 Seconds

When it comes to bike history, American-founded SRAM is legendary for the invention of the Grip Shift. Introduced in 1988, this “twist shift” shifter elevated clunky shifting technology from the downtube to the handlebars. While the Grip Shift put SRAM on the map, it wasn’t until the introduction of their derailleur and MTB Grip Shift entered the scene that SRAM became a mainstay in the cycling industry. The XO1 rear derailleur was launched in 2001, and the XX1 groupset followed in 2012—completing the family we still see offered on mountain and gravel bikes today. Looking to the future, SRAM is expanding into new territories: They recently announced an exciting partnership with the New York Yacht Club for the 37th America’s Cup.

Shimano History in 60 Seconds

Hailing from Japan, Shimano’s roots reach way back to 1921 with the development of a new and improved bicycle freewheel. This remained the company’s bread and butter for 35 years, until they introduced an external speed changer followed by an internal one (a revolutionary 3-speed hub). It was in the ‘70s that Shimano announced their unique foray into the fishing industry, making use of this new technology on reels. Their shifting tech, called Positron, followed in 1974. Fast forward to the early ‘80s, and a familiar name comes to life: the entry-level Deore XT groupset. XTR followed, with a gravel-specific groupset coming on the market in 2019. This steady march toward progress over the past 100 years has kept Shimano in the running as one of the best options for components available today. 

The Product Breakdown

While SRAM began with a focus on shifting and Shimano on cassettes, today both companies offer full groupsets and drivetrain systems that go head to head in competition. Each lineup features a variety of levels, from entry-level to World Cup race quality. Of course, as both use naming conventions that start with X, things can get a little confusing. Check out their distinct hierarchies in the following table, and keep in mind that here at Sports Garage we stock only the top three levels from both brands.

Shimano SRAM
Entry-level Deore SX & NX
Mid-range SLX GX
High-end XT  X01
Top-of-the-line XTR XX1

Our Thoughts

The drivetrains are pretty close these days with only small details differentiating the two. SRAM tends to have a lighter feel at the shift lever, but the chain jumps on to the next cog all at once making for a nice positive shift when you’re in the next gear. There is no doubt you shifted with a SRAM drivetrain. 

Shimano drivetrains have a little more positive feel at the shifter, but the chain gradually transitions from one gear to the next, making for a very smooth shift. Sometimes it’s so smooth it’s hard to tell if you actually changed gears besides the fact that it is suddenly easier to pedal. 

To us, the biggest difference is in the brakes. Shimano brakes are known for having more power but less modulation—great for stopping you before you run off the trail, but not as easy to scrub just a little speed before a corner. SRAM brakes have a little less power but have great modulation—perfect for slowing down without making the tire skid. Both can work well but require a different touch. 

What About Electronic Options?

For those who want the latest and greatest, it’s hard to beat SRAM’s electronic shifting technology: Eagle AXS. The best part is that for the tech-forward rider, this upgrade is available on XX1, X01, and GX builds.

What Do We Carry?

Because SRAM and Shimano components are so comparable, the decision is, for the most part, left in your hands. Maybe you’ve had a better experience with one over the years, or more likely, one set of components is available more readily than the other. When it comes to the brands we carry here in Boulder at Sports Garage, you’ve got the following options.

Rocky Mountain: Shimano
Santa Cruz: SRAM or Shimano
Pivot: SRAM or Shimano
Yeti: SRAM or Shimano
Open Cycles: SRAM or Shimano
Parlee Cycles: SRAM or Shimano

So, How to Choose?

If you’re the research-driven type of rider, chances are you’ve already spent several hours reading reviews comparing SRAM and Shimano components. We always support making informed decisions. Otherwise, you can rest assured that as long as you opt for comparable products (XT vs. X01), you are going to have a great ride experience. 

And of course, we always recommend demoing before you buy. Our fleet is ready for you this weekend

Sports Garage Predictions

As mountain and gravel bike technology continues to evolve, we look forward to seeing what these engineers dream up next. Intelligent suspension by Fox and SRAM is already on the market, and SRAM’s new XPLR AXS wireless drivetrains are leveling up the gravel bike scene. Bike technology has certainly come a long way in the past century, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.

Local Nonprofit Love: SMBA

Singletrack Mountain Bike Adventures (SMBA) is a Boulder-based nonprofit that helps get more kids on bikes.

A cornerstone of the cycling community on Colorado’s Front Range, SMBA offers everything from one-day introductory programs to summer camps and team racing for kids ages 6 to 18. Their newest offering? Adventure trips to places adults wish they could sign up for, like Moab and Crested Butte.

We dive into the details, including how we’re partnering with SMBA in a big way this year, in our exclusive interview with SMBA Director Heather Williams, below.

How does SMBA go beyond the bike to foster a culture of giving back?

Our motto is building champions both on and off the bike. A key to building champions is community stewardship and giving back to the community. We foster this through getting the athletes involved in community projects. For years prior to COVID, SMBA has volunteered with Boulder County Parks Open Space on trail building and maintenance projects on Heil Ranch and Betasso. We have also worked on trail projects in Nederland. Some of the more recent days were spent building the climbing trail that connects to the Skills Loop, Overland Loop, and Schoolhouse Loop trailheads at Heil Ranch. Our athletes learn about what goes into building and maintaining the trails that they ride all the time, but they also develop a sense of appreciation and stewardship for the trails.

We also work with the Boulder Community Gardens and Food Share. Each summer, groups of our athletes volunteer to work at the community garden in Boulder instead of riding. The gardens we volunteer at help provide fresh vegetables to families in need.

SMBA will be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year (Sports Garage shares a similar birth date!). What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in mountain biking since your founding?

We’re looking forward to celebrating SMBA’s 30th anniversary in 2023! One way we plan to celebrate is to have our SMBA teams complete 30 Epic Rides (of 30 miles or more) during the season. We’ll be documenting each one throughout the season.

Here are some of the changes I’ve seen since then: I had just been introduced to mountain biking around the time SMBA started. I had always ridden a bike, but I got my first real mountain bike in ’94. It was a nice bike at the time; a lugged carbon hardtail with a suspension fork (65mm of travel) and I had a lot of fun rides and adventures on that bike. I really fell in love with the sport on that bike and it took me to a lot of different trails. Since that bike, I’ve seen the expansion of trail systems in places around Colorado and beyond, as well as a lot of changes in bike design and technology: bigger wheels, bigger cassettes, wider handlebars, and cushy suspension!

Another really cool change that I’ve seen is growth in the sport, particularly among women and juniors. When I first started mountain biking, I rode with a really supportive and fun group of mountain bikers, all still close friends, but I was usually the only girl in the group. At the time, there really weren’t any women’s social ride groups around the Front Range, and I didn’t meet any other ladies to ride with regularly until the early 2000s. In the last few years this has changed and it has been awesome to see more opportunities for girls and women to get into the sport and super cool to see the numbers of women and girls participating in the sport grow. Each season we see an increase in the number of girls participating in SMBA programs and they continue in the program through high school. Most continue to ride and many join their collegiate mountain bike teams. Currently we have an amazing team of girls’ coaches who are awesome role models for our newer athletes. They all started in SMBA when they were in elementary school and now some are juniors and seniors in high school and some are in college, but they all stay involved in the program as coaches.

The increase in youth participation in mountain biking has also grown since I first started mountain biking. In general, when I am out riding, I see more juniors riding with their families on the trails than I ever remember seeing before, and I’ve watched the Colorado High School MTB grow from just a few hundred riders in 2012 to over 2,000 riders last year. Many of those high school athletes also participate in SMBA during the spring and summer.

We’ve also noticed increases in the number of younger riders getting into our program. The number of kids participating in our K-1 Dirt Riders program and second-grade through fifth-grade team groups has continually increased over the past two to three years; and the enthusiasm and excitement to ride among our youngest riders is so much fun. It is always amazing to ride with these younger groups and watch their confidence, skill progression, and love of the bike build over the course of the session. What is even more fun is to see our first cohort of K-1 riders continue in the program. This spring, we have a couple of them who will be riding with our Spring Team program!

Recently you launched adventure programs as part of the SMBA offering. Could you tell us more about how this differs from previous SMBA programs and what makes it special?

I think there has been a shift in interest among many of our riders as well as a number of our coaches. We have team riders who love racing with their high school team and riders who love cyclocross or competitive ski racing in the winter and look forward to some non-competitive rides and adventures they can share with their SMBA teammates and friends. We also have coaches who love being on their bikes, and love exploring new ride routes.

Our two adventure trips—Moab on spring break and Crested Butte at the end of summer—have actually been part of our schedule for many years now. There seemed to be increased interest in exploring some of the great trail systems and classic rides around Colorado, and a little less interest in racing from our SMBA families.

This year, we also decided to head to Fruita in April. We are also planning a summer mini-trip to join in the fun with CB Devo’s Jr. Mountain Bike week in June, and a fall trip to Curt Gowdy in October. In addition to van-supported camping trips, we were also able to purchase a dedicated set of bikepacking bags for any SMBA group that wants to experience a self-supported bikepacking ride. This past summer, our Girls’ Team was the first group to test out the bags on a three-day bike packing ride across section 11 of the Colorado Trail. They are hoping to build on that ride and do a longer trip this summer.

In addition, our newly introduced Epic Team program has also been extremely popular. The goal of the Epic Team is to provide opportunities for SMBA athletes to explore trails they may have never ridden before, experience fun challenges on big epic rides, build endurance throughout the season by increasing the distance and effort of each ride from spring to summer, learn a little more about orienteering and being self-sufficient in the backcountry, learn a little bit more about the local ecology and environment, develop an increased appreciation and stewardship for the the beautiful natural landscapes we have access to on bikes, and have a lot of fun while going on big ride adventures all season. We’re excited to see this program grow and expand under the leadership of one of our coaches, Jim.

For many seasons, SMBA riders were required to participate in a variety of race disciplines. How has that changed over the years?

We have always provided opportunities and coach support for SMBA athletes who were interested in racing, but it has never been a requirement for athletes to race in order to be part of SMBA.

Six or seven years ago, we had a cohort of athletes who had a strong interest in racing. In fact, many of them continued to race successfully in college and professionally after SMBA. We were able to tailor a race program for that group and they trained with our coaches and committed to a minimum of five races during the season. We have not had as strong of interest in racing since that cohort of athletes, but we do have a few athletes who are interested in learning more about racing and trying a few races. This year, we will have some team athletes who will focus a little more on skills and preparation geared towards racing, and we will offer some opportunities for athletes to try a few races.

We’re looking forward to having a SMBA presence at the Floyd Hill Session Series, Crested Butte Jr. Mountain Bike Week enduro race, and at least one Revolution Enduro or similar race this year!

Sports Garage has been a proud supporter of SMBA for many years. Any special memories of our time together in the Boulder cycling community?

Sports Garage has been an amazing supporter of SMBA for years, and some of our most fond memories are having team meetings at the shop and seeing the awesome support, but also seeing our athletes get amped for the season at the shop.

We’re really looking forward to participating in more events with Sports Garage this year, and having you sponsor an athlete for the 2023 season! Our Epic Team is getting excited for the Gravalanche in May, too; I think we’ll have a good size SMBA group out there riding!

Changing the World by Bike

We sat down with World Ride founder Julie Cornelius to learn how your next mountain bike trip has the power to change the world.

If you’ve been following along with us for awhile now, chances are you’ve heard of World Ride. Perhaps you attended the SG-sponsored Pivot Cycles Sunset Shred that benefited World Ride, or have been lucky to see one of their movie nights at your local bike shop. If not, let us introduce this female-led nonprofit.

Part travel company, part global community development, World Ride goes beyond the typical “sustainable travel” paradigm. Their female-guided co-ed trips to Nepal, Guatemala, Peru, Lesotho, and Botswana provide on-the-ground support and resources for local women, as well as encourage promising local riders in the sport of mountain biking. Their programs have significance that extends beyond any one trip, providing education and careers for the long term.

Learn more about what sets World Ride apart—and how you can get involved—in our interview with Julie below.

What was the original inspiration behind World Ride?

World Ride was started after working on the film project Moksha. This film tells the story of three Nepali women and their experience as female mountain bikers in their country. I knew that I wanted to do something to continue to help in Nepal after the film project, and while traveling there for the filming, the idea for World Ride was born. I didn’t want to limit it to just Nepal and knew it could benefit women all over the world to give women the opportunity to mountain bike.

How do you go about determining new locations?

New locations for programs have come about in a variety of ways. We have discovered some through personal travel to places. We also have great relationships with other organizations with similar missions, like Pump for Peace, that connect us with women in the areas they are working in and we connect them in the places we work in.

We have amazing partners in each location that organize our trips and work to train the women who become mountain bike guides. We could not do what we do without these awesome partners. There are many Zoom and WhatsApp conversations that happen at odd hours of the day to make the magic happen for our trips and programming.

What sets World Ride apart from other guided trips?

Our trips are very similar to other guided trips in that they are fun mountain bike trips in an amazing destination. The thing that sets them apart is that they are guided by women that we have helped to support with training to become mountain bike guides. This gives trip participants a chance to meet the women that we work with and get to see firsthand how mountain biking has made a difference in their lives. Also, all of the proceeds from our trips go back into our programs to get more women into mountain biking in the place that we work. Essentially, World Ride trips are an important source of funding for the economic development we’re doing with women around the world.

Our trips are a really special way to support our programs! We often have trip guests bring gear to donate or even leave their bikes in the countries they visit to add to our bike libraries in those locations.

What is exciting about 2023’s agenda of trips?

Our Botswana trip is sold out! Also, we are really excited about opening the first opportunity for riding in the remote, culturally rich Upper Mustang region of Nepal. We will also be hosting our first trip to the beautiful, mountainous country of Lesotho in Africa, during which we will also be training two new female guides and visiting the Pump for Peace pump tracks that helped to connect us with this incredible country.

Can you share any particular special stories from the female guides in the countries where World Ride runs programs?

There are so many stories! I think one of the most special things about all of them is the commonality between them. Every woman we work with around the globe says the same things about what mountain biking gives them: a sense of freedom and confidence. This is exactly why we are doing what we do. Because mountain biking can be a challenging sport, it can really give someone a newfound sense of confidence. We find that with the women we work with, this confidence translates into other areas of their lives off the bike. Some of them have started their own businesses and some have started their own women’s groups. It is hard to say if they would have done this if they hadn’t gained that confidence through mountain biking, but we really believe in the power of the sport.

If someone wants to get involved but can’t afford or take time for a trip right now, how can they support World Ride?

There are plenty of ways to support World Ride other than a trip. Our programs cost money to run, so financial support and donations are always the most helpful. We are a 501c3 nonprofit, so any contribution is tax deductible.

We also host events both in person and online throughout the year. Join our mailing list to keep up to date on these or check out our website.

We will also be opening applications for ambassadors in January 2023. We have both female and male ambassadors since we truly believe we need allies for our mission. Our ambassadors engage their local communities to help spread our mission and also help us with fundraising.

Do riders need to bring their own bikes?

We do recommend bringing your own bike on our trips and have created a guide to help you travel with your bike if that is something new for you. There are limited rental bikes in each place if someone needs to rent a bike.

If you want to know more or help in other ways with World Ride, you can email me at julie@world-ride.com.

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