Mountain Biking - Is it just me, or are grades harder on loose dirt?

While I haven't been biking for almost a half year, I'm wondering if I'm really that out of shape, or if going up something like a 3-4% grade in soft sand is significantly tougher than on asphalt? I ran to the store today, and on the return trip I was just dying, it felt worse than a half mile ~8% grade I used to do almost every day, and I went slower as well on the sand as well. I'm so weak... :cry: :D

Actually, I find loose 70% grades much easier than asphalt 30% grades. I am so fast it hurts to talk about it. I can climb a pine tree with my hardtail. I can levitate and eat glass too.

Yeah...loose or squishy terrain will suck your NRG more than assfault. Gets you in good shape though. Always train on the sand with your 50# downhill bike...then race on hardpack with your 18# dink-shot.

You will notice that tire pressure will effect your speed and NRG level too.

Oh yeah...I really can't eat glass, silly! I'm not very fast anymore either.:D

While I haven't been biking for almost a half year, I'm wondering if I'm really that out of shape, or if going up something like a 3-4% grade in soft sand is significantly tougher than on asphalt? I ran to the store today, and on the return trip I was just dying, it felt worse than a half mile ~8% grade I used to do almost every day, and I went slower as well on the sand as well. I'm so weak... :cry: :D

Have you ever tried running on a beach compared to the road--it's tons harder. It's the same on a bike. You lose tons of efficiency.

Whew, at least I'm not nuts. Around here must be a good area to train... :D

Whew, at least I'm not nuts. Around here must be a good area to train... :D

Yeah, other places have roots, trees, rocks and manmade stuff ("playgrounds") as hazards. Here in Oklahoma, we've got sand on our trails to make some beaches jealous--especially around tight corners and at the bottom of gulley drops. I know how it feels.

hmm, sand......I love sand at some parts of the trail but not always, yeah its a good training place though because you will use more energy :D, but if you fall when downhill, you will end up with a lot of "artwork" on your legs and hands, should not get stitches though :D

Dos-niners, that's the way to go, mate. Sand pits are so much easier to ride on big wheels. I ride 26" myself, but I wish I could afford a 29'er :-)

hmm, I wondered if 29'er will be the next standard in MTB

hmm, I wondered if 29'er will be the next standard in MTB


don't think so.

hmm, I wondered if 29'er will be the next standard in MTB
As far as I can see 29er's would be best suited to people taller than 5'10", if not those above 6'. Therefore I can't see them becoming the next standard. They will however probably be successful alternate standard, much like the 24" wheel.

there was a 24"?

hmm, I wondered if 29'er will be the next standard in MTB

yes. trade in the giant and get one.

was there a 24"? what happened to it?

As far as I can see 29er's would be best suited to people taller than 5'10", if not those above 6'. Therefore I can't see them becoming the next standard. They will however probably be successful alternate standard, much like the 24" wheel.

Than there are those tall people who like small fitting bikes.

I don't think 24" was a standard. Unless you count the first few years when they played on beach cruisers.

was there a 24"? what happened to it?

They do still make 24" wheeled bikes, but they are usually reserved for those tall people who think 20" is to damn small for street.

Loose dirt or gravel definitely is harder. Not only is your drive wheels slipping some, wasting energy, but also a lot more side to side movement and balance required. Not to mention the "pushing" of the loose dirt adds to rolling resistance. Combine that with a hill... its tiring.

if going up something like a 3-4% grade in soft sand is significantly tougher than on asphalt?

It's just you.

All trail surfaces are the same. Riding up dirt, stone, gravel, sand, ice, or snow all require the same amount of effort because they all offer the same amount of traction.


Heh heh.

The "asphalt" that lyeinyoureye referred to is akin to slickrock.

absolutely harder! i can climb much steeper grades on my roadie and never have to get off (stand.... yes... walk... not so far)... however on the mtb... WOW! ha.... dirt, sand makes a BIG difference!