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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 vs. Shimano has been the proverbial “Coke-Pepsi” test in mountain and gravel bike components for decades. In our updated product line comparison, we include more information about their respective braking systems. For good reason: there are significant differences. Although you can accomplish the same tasks on equipment from either brand, your familiarity or preference may make you more efficient with one over the other. And with an avalanche of new electronic product releases in the past year, answering the question “Should I ride SRAM or Shimano?” can be complex.

The Product Breakdown

Both companies offer full groupset and drivetrain systems that go head-to-head in competition, from mid-level to World Cup race quality. Also, both brands have pushed further into diversifying electronic technology (and both still use naming conventions that start with X) so things can get a little confusing. The following tables are our cheat sheets for understanding how the product offerings stack up:

Shimano SRAM
Mechanical Electronic Mechanical Electronic Electronic/T-Type
MTB
Entry Level Deore NX/SX
Mid Level SLX GX GX Eagle AXS Eagle Transmission GX
High End Deore XT X01 X01 Eagle AXS Eagle Transmission GX
Top of the Line XTR XTR Di2 XX1 XX1 Eagle AXS Eagle Transmission GX
Gravel
Entry Level Apex Apex eTap AXS
Mid Level GRX 600 Rival Rival eTap AXS
High End GRX 800 GRX Di2 Force Force eTap AXS
Top of the Line GRX 822 Red Red eTap AXS
E-MTB Deore XT Di2 Eagle Powertrain
Shimano
Mechanical Electronic
MTB
Entry Level Deore
Mid Level SLX
High End Deore XT
Top of the Line XTR XTR Di2
SRAM
Mechanical Electronic Electronic/T-Type
Entry Level NX/SX
Mid Level GX GX Eagle AXS
Eagle Transmission GX
High End X01 X01 Eagle AXS
Eagle Transmission GX
Top of the Line XX1 XX1 Eagle AXS
Eagle Transmission GX
Shimano
Gravel
Entry Level
Mid Level GRX 600
High End GRX 800 GRX Di2
Top of the Line GRX 822
SRAM
Mechanical Electronic
Entry Level Apex Apex eTap AXS
Mid Level Rival Rival eTap AXS
High End Force Force eTap AXS
Top of the Line Red Red eTap AXS
Shimano
Mechanical Electronic
E-MTB Deore XT Di2
SRAM
Mechanical Electronic Electronic/T-Type
Eagle Powertrain

SRAM: AXS, Transmission, and XPLR

AXS is SRAM’s proprietary component integration system that connects electronic bicycle components and software; the shifter and derailleur communicate via bluetooth. AXS-enabled components pair to a mobile app that serves as a hub for connecting, personalizing, and monitoring your SRAM electronic components. 

Transmission is SRAM’s proprietary mountain bike shifting component (the derailleur), featuring a “hangerless” design that mounts directly to your bike. The design eliminates the variability of adjustment and failures of derailleur hangers. The Eagle Transmission, or “T-Type,” derailleur is also referred to as UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatible, and all Transmissions are AXS components. As of this blog publication, there are 210 bike models (including all the brands at Sports Garage) that have designed UDH-compatible rear triangles, which accept a full mount Eagle Transmission derailleur, that shift electronically via the AXS component integration system. 

 XPLR is SRAM’s proprietary wide range 1x gravel cassette and derailleur combination. This 10-44t cassette is not the same as your mountain bike wide range 1x cassette—XPLR is specific to drop bar applications, and is available on all electronic AXS group sets, and mechanical Apex.

Would you like a side of focaccia with that alphabet soup?

Our Thoughts

The experience of riding SRAM technology and Shimano technology is pretty close these days, with only small details differentiating the two. 

Shimano drivetrains have a little more engaged feel at the shifter, but the chain gradually transitions from one gear to the next, making for a very smooth shift, hence their “Hyperglide” branding. 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. It is nice to experience that smooth shifting without worrying about your battery dying, though that is only an advantage on non-Di2 systems (Di2 is Shimano’s electronic shifting).

SRAM tends to have a lighter feel at the shift lever, but the chain has a positive shift, jumping on to the next cog all at once. You will know you shifted with a SRAM drivetrain. T-Type (Transmission) derailleurs have definitely increased shifting smoothness; in some of our riding experience we think it’s on par with Shimano. Transmissions are hands down the smoothest shifting under load, whether you’re moving up or down the cassette. The Transmission downside? Slower shifting. It’s noticeable.

To us, the biggest difference is in the brakes. Shimano brakes are known for having more power but less modulation—great for stopping 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, but they can feel a little “soft” if you’re accustomed to stop-on-a-dime Shimano 4 piston power. Both can work well but require a different touch. We are looking forward to spending more time on the recently released SRAM Maven brakes, which the brand bills as “Extreme Duty” and compares to Shimano’s Saint brakes. Here at Sports Garage we think SRAM vs. Shimano vs. Hayes vs. Hope is worth an extra conversation, so keep an eye out for more of our thoughts on this.

Brakes
Shimano SRAM
Entry Level Deore DB8
Mid Level SLX Level
High End Deore XT G2
Top of the Line XTR Code
Extra Duty Saint Maven

So, How to Choose?

If you’re a research-driven type of rider, chances are you’ve already spent several hours on “SRAM vs. Shimano” reviews. Research is a great jumping off point for either making your decision or asking more questions! Two rules of thumb we recommend when making your product selection:

  • Demo a drivetrain: If you haven’t experienced electronic shifting in action, consider taking out a demo—even if the bike isn’t the model you’re interested in buying, demoing a drivetrain can help you make a more informed decision. 
  • Compare products in the same quality range: If you’re looking at a bike equipped with Shimano XT technology, the “apples to apples” comparison is a bike equipped with SRAM Eagle Transmission X01. Yes, SRAM’s elimination of new mechanical X01 drivetrains has made this comparison more complex, but in the SRAM vs. Shimano debate, this is where we’re at.

Sports Garage Demo Bikes Equipped with SRAM AXS T-Type Transmissions

  • Pivot Mach 4 SL (Small, Medium, Large)
  • Pivot Switchblade (Medium, Large)
  • Yeti SB120 (Large)

Sports Garage Predictions

The move to electronic components is not slowing down, and we predict more apps and more data integrations will seep into our riding experience. The SRAM AXS app already integrates with Hammerhead, Wahoo, and Garmin bike computers. Although related to Shimano motors (that’s an entirely different article), not drivetrains, Shimano’s E-Tube Project app allows for preset profiles for your e-MTB riding. Want a setting for “gnarly stuff” and a setting for “smooth stuff”? There’s an app for that. 

We predict that Shimano will retain a competitive position with reliably high-quality mechanical drivetrains. There is some comfort and beauty in the relative simplicity of their catalog

Seemingly a contrary perspective, we also predict that SRAM will keep an advantage in the high end of the marketplace, and their innovation in drivetrains will have a positive impact on the adoption of their suspension technology. More T-Type RockShox builds in the catalog? We think so.

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.

SRAM_DSC04141
SRAM_DSC04013
SRAM_DSC03978
SRAM_DSC03920

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.

Shimano_ProductDetail_5_ChainstayAdjustment_InstinctPP_MRiga
Shimano_MOE5028
Shimano_image00111
Shimano_image00104

Sports Garage Predictions

The move to electronic components is not slowing down, and we predict more apps and more data integrations will seep into our riding experience. The SRAM AXS app already integrates with Hammerhead, Wahoo, and Garmin bike computers. Although related to Shimano motors (that’s an entirely different article), not drivetrains, Shimano’s E-Tube Project app allows for preset profiles for your e-MTB riding. Want a setting for “gnarly stuff” and a setting for “smooth stuff”? There’s an app for that. 

We predict that Shimano will retain a competitive position with reliably high-quality mechanical drivetrains. There is some comfort and beauty in the relative simplicity of their catalog

Seemingly a contrary perspective, we also predict that SRAM will keep an advantage in the high end of the marketplace, and their innovation in drivetrains will have a positive impact on the adoption of their suspension technology. More T-Type RockShox builds in the catalog? We think so.

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.

SRAM_DSC04141
SRAM_DSC04013
SRAM_DSC03978
SRAM_DSC03920

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.

Shimano_ProductDetail_5_ChainstayAdjustment_InstinctPP_MRiga
Shimano_MOE5028
Shimano_image00111
Shimano_image00104
Elorie Slater
In Blog

Are You SURE Your Bike Is Insured?

Bike theft in Boulder, Colorado has made e-bike insurance very important.

Image Credit: Zoomo.

One of the less fun things we do at the shop is support our customers when their bikes are stolen, primarily by providing the proof of purchase and serial number data required for the insurance carrier. Based on several recent incidents, we’ve grown aware that coverage for electric bikes is different from standard bikes under a homeowner (or renter) policy. 

Many homeowner policies consider e-bikes to be “motorized vehicles”—regardless of e-bike classification—and therefore excluded from home or rental insurance. We recommend reviewing the specific limitations (some of which apply to either standard or electric bikes) you may encounter in your insurance policy.

Which e-mountain bike is right for you?
Coverage Limit

Does your policy limit the coverage of any one item in your home to a maximum value? $1,000? $3,000? $5,000? Is that enough to cover the replacement value of your bike? Also consider your deductible. 

Speaking of Replacement Value…

Some claim payouts may be based on actual cash value, which could be depreciated over time based on your purchase date, resulting in an amount less than the replacement cost.

Home vs. Away Theft

Some home and renter policies cover the full value of an item stolen from the insured premises, but offer a different level of coverage (or no coverage) for an item stolen when away from home. Check to see if your policy has a theft exclusion.

See the world from your bike with World Ride.
Don’t Forget Liability Insurance

Thankfully we don’t have any firsthand experience with this one. As we’ve become more insurance aware, however, we’ve learned that the same “motorized vehicle” exclusion for e-bikes also applies to medical liability if another individual is injured in a crash or their property is damaged. 

Insurance Options

Following is a non-exhaustive list of companies that offer e-bike specific insurance, each with its own variety of benefits, such as higher coverage values, international travel, and multi-bike policies. 

SportsGarage
In Blog

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.

Photo Credit: Yeti Cycles

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.

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

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.

Photo Credit: Colnago

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.

Photo Credit: Bike Rumor

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

#SGAmbassador Series: Meet Brian Firle

Sports Garage Ambassador Brian Firle has been a member of the SG family for over a decade now. Like a fine wine, our friendship has only gotten better with age. Originally a shop mechanic, Brian has since become a family man who recently moved to Durango where he continues to share his passion for cycling with a global community.

We caught up with Brian to find out how spending time on two wheels–Hunt Wheels, specifically–improves his outlook on life, what bikes he prefers on which of his local trails (hint: he has a comprehensive fleet!), and more. Find it all and get inspired to start planning your next trip to southwestern Colorado, below.

What was it like being a mechanic at SG? Is the culture the same, or has it changed?

Lots of life has happened since I was on staff at the SG! I wrenched there from 2010-2012, over ten years ago now! The culture at the time was so fun and I can still remember every employee, many of the jokes, all the riding trips, and little moments that made that crew so special. It’s been awesome to watch the culture of the SG remain the same after all these years. The SG has always been the go-to place for real riders looking for real help, service, and advice from the experts. The employees have always been the purists who ride, as well as the perfectionists who are meticulous with your bike and your riding purchases. 

How does being an ambassador for SG fit with your professional and family life?

The SG holds a special place in my heart because the clients and (most of) the employees are just senders who ride, not pros looking to be somebody. They are restaurant owners, moms, dads, van-lifers, teachers, normal folks who go out and chase a rip whenever they get a chance.

I’ve moved into a season of life where I’m not racing at an elite level anymore and I’m just chasing the miles here and there like everyone else with day jobs and a family. What’s amazing about living in Durango is there is so much good riding right out our door. Whether it’s town-rides on our local slabby, chunky gnar, or mid/high-country rides that take you up into the San Juan Mountains, there is so much riding to do and so much variety. Being equipped with both an XC and Trail bike, allows me tons of flexibility to put in miles and go fast, or climb slow and scare myself on our local DH trails. 

Family life is so sweet and spending time with my family is my first priority. But what I’ve learned is that taking care of myself and finding my own inspiration and joy actually empowers me to be a better father, better spouse, and better friend. We’ve learned that our family’s rhythms need to revolve around prioritizing things like relationships, joy, and fun. Riding thankfully fits into all of those things!

You have a super unique role in the cycling industry. Tell us about how you found this path, and also a bit about your own experience as a racer.

Throughout my time wrenching and racing bikes as a young adult, I realized that the mental, emotional, and spiritual support pro-riders were getting was minimal and that just “going riding” doesn’t solve most of our problems. Cycling at any level can be used for something, whether it’s coping, running away from our problems, numbing, finding meaning and hope…all of which aren’t necessarily “bad,” but long term aren’t always helpful in us becoming healthy and whole people. 

I knew I wanted to step up and be a part of a transformative process in both the lives of individual athletes and more broadly, develop a healthier culture in elite cycling. In 2015, I joined the non-profit Athletes in Action, which is a Christian organization that provides chaplains and pastors in professional athletics. I joined a small team of staff that were working in road cycling and started using my relationships, influence, and network to begin connecting with pros all over the world. 

Since then, we have put a full-time staff person in Girona, Spain, to minister to athletes in Europe and we have developed an entire outreach and spiritual community for the endurance, offroad, criterium and road pros here in North America. Many of the pros you see racing on TV and at the sports’ highest level are a part of our community and we continue to mentor and pour into them in their personal lives.

Your family recently moved to Durango. Any advice for where to ride when we visit?

There is SO MUCH to ride here! Whether you are looking for some more mellow XC trails to ride with the family or you’re looking for some epic high country days, there is something for everyone. 

When I ride my Santa Cruz Blur, I like to do longer XC days. The Colorado Trail from town is an amazing ride, whether you connect over to Dry Fork or ride all the way up to Kennebec Pass, there are a handful of ways to get on the iconic trail. Horse Gulch, Twin Buttes, and Hermosa are all awesome XC rides with just enough spice to keep them interesting. 

When I ride my Rocky Mountain Instinct, I like to do the steep stuff, both up and down. Haflin, off of Missionary Ridge, is a local fave. The Hyper-Ridge trail in Horse Gulch is one of the most technical trails I’ve ever ridden. But the best stuff is all the high country rides in the summer: the CT Highline, Blackhawk, Stagecoach, Engineer, Graysill, Calico…pretty much anything that takes you above 10k feet and then plummets back down. It’s all so good!

Get More of Brian

Follow along with Brian’s backcountry rides and see all the huge rainbow trout he reels in each summer on his Instagram. Learn more about Brian’s mission with Athletes in Action and get involved. 

Elorie Slater
In Blog

Mountain Biking Slovenia: SG Insider Tips

With a standing invitation from Sports Garage customers who live in Poland, Brad and I packed our mountain bikes and headed to the mountains of Central Europe, riding in several countries over a couple of weeks. With the hope of inspiring others to tackle self-directed adventures near and far, I wanted to share our experience from one of the stops on our trip—Slovenia.

Slovenia was our destination after several days riding with our friends in and around the bike parks in Bielsko and Szczyrk, Poland, and a recovery day wandering around Bratislava, Slovakia. We each brought a Pivot Switchblade (Brad did the bike Tetris in our Peugeot, and I navigated the driving routes), hoping to be well-enough equipped for whatever we encountered, including these highlights and recommendations.

Kranjska Gora-geous 

Our home base for the first few days was Kranjska Gora in the northwest. With sweeping views of Triglav from nearly every vantage point, the village was a perfect mix of sleepy and well-provisioned. And by that, we mean we found an ample number of local bakeries. Pop-up showers arrived every afternoon or overnight, and we learned from local riders that the seasonal rain was lingering longer than usual.

We didn’t ride the gondola at the Krajnska Gora bike park, instead choosing to discover our own route up via gravel roads, double track, footpaths, and bushwhacking. We rode all the well-marked trails near the village, including one supremely well-built and challenging descent called Kinder Surprise. It was here we learned the mud on the flanks of the Julian Alps is not your average trail mud—we can’t be sure, but this mud has been specially infused with Crisco. Or motor oil. (Whichever is more slippery.)

A popular weekend ski destination for Ljubljana residents, we discovered a variety of great restaurants and pubs, all within walking distance of the mountain chalet apartment we rented. Kranjska Gora ended up ranking high on our expectations-to-outcome ratio for the total experience, though there truly is only one day of local riding.

Seeking High Ground

In search of a lesser-known backcountry route, we employed a guide for help with one apple strudel-fueled ride. We wanted to really climb mountains and were committed to finding big views. After connecting with Necj (pronounced “Nates”) from Ljubljana-based HourAway and describing what we wanted to do, he gave us driving instructions to a rendezvous point about an hour from Kranjska Gora.

Most of the climb, predictably, was a gravel road. The decision to ride with Necj paid off when the route turned to singletrack, which was little more than a ribbon of trampled wildflowers. I know us—had we been navigating ourselves we would have assumed we’d taken a wrong turn and abandoned the climb…or at least ridden in circles for an hour. The path hugged steep embankments of thick green grass and wildflowers. The grass was so tall it was hard to see where the mountain cut away, as Brad discovered when he put a foot down and literally disappeared over the side. All I could do was stand there and wonder how far he would slide, but fortunately, both he and the Switchblade stopped after about 25 feet. 

The pictures can tell this story best, and the 1,200-meter climb rewarded us with a beautiful vantage point. We achieved our objective: 365-degree sweeping views of the Julian Alps, green pastures, and a fast and technical descent back to the gravel road. It was an easy tour in the Peugeot to the stunning Lake Bled for our après-ride. 

Simon of Maribor

Never has the phrase “better lucky than good” been more appropriate than when we discovered our lodging in Maribor was at the top of Pohorje Bike Park gondola rather than the bottom: fantastic views and steady cool breeze. Despite its notoriety as a DH venue, there are essentially two sanctioned trails in the Maribor bike park: The Red Line and The Flow Line. 

On one of the mornings in Maribor, after studying Trailforks and combing through Ride With GPS, we rolled out on a rough-ish doubletrack in search of an unsanctioned trail referred to as “indigenous” or “natural.” We weren’t sure we’d find a proper and substantial singletrack route, but were very grateful for plenty of exercise and sightseeing. 

We had been riding for just over three hours and were returning to the lodge when Brad suggested we check out what looked like a hikers’ path leading to a scenic overlook. It was barely a track, but we followed it into trees. Just out of view from the gravel road, the track turned into a pristine, hand-cut, loamy, hidden trail. We descended deeper into the forest, grinning ear to ear, and blasted across a gravel road. This proper trail pitched steeply off the opposite bank, and we descended further. Arriving at the next wide doubletrack, we paused to look at GPS, not having any idea where we were. About 20 yards away, another rider had seen us pop out of the trees and headed toward us hollering, “How did you find the trails?”

This man turned out to be a trail-building angel by the name of Simon. After exchanging pleasantries and extorting promises not to mark, map, or otherwise record our rides in Maribor, Simon took us up and down the forest access roads, showing Brad where to mark the entrances for hidden trails (none of which are on this Trailforks map). Where we once saw what we thought were underbrush piles or attempts to keep motorcycles out of the forest, we now saw Simon’s calling card. Our last day of riding in Slovenia was a thorough and exhaustive exploration of Simon’s social network, and it was glorious!

After several days of brake-burning descents, Brad felt he brought half the number of brake pads he wished he had. Our advice to Colorado all-mountain riders traveling to Slovenia with their own equipment: Arrive with brake pads and rotors in like-new condition. 

In the end, we only had one quasi-mechanical: I left my phone—with a slew of unbacked-up photographs from Maribor—on the Lufthansa Customer Service counter in Munich. So, you’ll just have to go to Slovenia and see it for yourself. 

Elorie

Recommendations

Keep or add Slovenia to your list of global riding destinations. We’d suggest setting yourself up for success with the following expectations:

A. If you’re mountain biking, make Slovenia an enduro adventure. Embrace the gondola and the steep road climbs and lap your heart away on some of the most beautiful mountain slopes we have ever seen. In no particular order, we recommend visiting:

    • Ljubljana: The capital city is charming and will likely be an arrival or departure point. Choose accommodations that allow you to ride from town to the trails/park.
    • Krajnska Gora: A stunning and peaceful mountain village that stole our hearts.
    • Bike Park Jamnica: With a privately owned mountain bike hotel, Jamnica has a chill vibe and its own network of trails, both up and down.
    • Mt. Peca/Pecen: The longest downhill flow trail in Europe—11 kilometers. 
    • Maribor/Pohorje: Whether you’re lapping The Red Line or searching for the social trail network, this place is beautifu

B. If “A” doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, take a gravel bike. We would gladly have traversed the country, including many remote mountain roads, as an alternative to bike park hopping. Particularly in Pohorje, gravel routes were well-marked, linking mountain chalets that served homemade stew and beer across a 130-kilometer gravel Shangri-La in Slovenia’s interior.

Whitney James
In Blog

#SGAmbassador Series: Meet Madison Pitts

Sports Garage Ambassador Madison Pitts is something of a Front Range legend. No matter the weather or time of year, you can find her zipping down the local singletrack, cutting laps at the pump track, or literally defying gravity at a bike park, with not one but two wheels squarely in the air.

Between all this riding, she somehow found time to answer our questions. (Although to be fair, she probably just dictated the answers into her phone while driving to the trailhead.) Find them, below!

You’re a SG ambassador, and sponsored by Pivot Cycles (among several other brands in the industry). What has been your favorite bike in the past five years, and why?

Oh wow, this is a tough question! I am fortunate enough to have access to a variety of bikes and my favorite type of riding (DH, Dual Slalom, Dirt Jump, Trail) really depends on the day. If I had to pick one, I think I would pick the Shadowcat! Not only is it a beautiful bike, it is so much fun, LIGHT, and agile!

We see you at Trestle so often, you may as well be paying rent on the chair! And we know you can hit the expert-rated Banana Peel Pro Line—something most recreational mountain bikers would only dream of tackling. How would you recommend people work up to such advanced features?

I will start off by saying that the Peel has an extremely intimidating appearance but it is built well. Well-built features, mental preparation, and bike handling skills are all key to getting through pro lines like Banana Peel. The pro lines typically include technical jumps and drops, so I would recommend putting in the time at your local bike park. Valmont Bike Park is a great place to go for these basic skills. 

Start small. Yes, even if you consider yourself an expert rider, I recommend taking it back a notch and starting on the small lines. When you are fine tuning your jumping skills, do not rely on speed. Instead, work on using your body and bike to clear the jump. 

Don’t be scared to ask your favorite rider for some tips and don’t forget to work on the features with off camber lips/landings and difficult run ups! Build your confidence, and when you truly feel you are ready to hit the pro lines…do it. It is amazing how quickly the feelings of intimidation turn to empowerment to conquer more features.

We’re headed into the off season, which makes us wonder: How do you stay bike fit, year round?

This is one of my most difficult challenges that I often find myself struggling to juggle. When I do things, I try to do them 100 percent, to the point where I teeter on the line of burning myself out (typical of someone with ADD). On the other hand, if I take a step back to give myself a break (or life comes up), it affects my mental health drastically. 

So, to answer the question, I am a member of CrossFit South Denver. Staying fit is sooo critical to our sport—it helps protect us when we take those tumbles. Not only do I find the programming helps me stay bike fit, but it also gives me another place of community with like-minded individuals. The way I juggle doing both is to prioritize the gym after work (Monday–Thursday) and we typically ride bikes all weekend.

If our readers could make one investment, whether of their time or money, to improve their time on two wheels, what would you recommend?

Take care of your body and your bike! Nobody enjoys hearing squeaky knees or a crunchy chain! 🙂 So get your bike serviced on a routine basis. Sports Garage guys and gals will have your back!

Take Madison's advice and view our service menu, here.
How has mountain biking changed the way you look at the world? 

I have ridden bikes since the age of six; I have spent 28 years riding bikes and traveling the United States (as well as South Korea, Brazil, and Canada). I am incredibly fortunate to experience the diversity this country has to offer. From riding bikes at a local bike park in Chicago to BLM lands in Utah, each trip offers a unique experience with my closest friends. This is something not everyone gets to experience and it makes me appreciate the opportunities that I have been given in life.

What’s next for Madison Pitts?

This summer has been so busy that I think it’s time for a little bit of rest! I will be competing in a CrossFit competition in Broomfield at the end of November and then taking a trip back home to Florida to visit family. Winter is quickly approaching so I will likely start riding more dirt jumps and pump tracks when that snow starts to fall.

Get More of Madison

Follow along with Madison on Instagram, and if you see her at the local trail, say hi and don’t hurt yourself trying to keep up. 

SportsGarage
In Blog

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

SportsGarage
In Blog

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.

SportsGarage
In Blog

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.

SportsGarage
In Blog

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

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