Southern California - 4 months near Pasadena... which bikes to bring?

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mace2
11-16-08, 07:29 PM
Hi all, I am from BC and will be spending 4 months in the Pasadena area. I will be there around late January, and staying until early May. I do not know where exactly I will be living, but I will be working in Pasadena, so hopefully not too far.

I was just wondering what kind of biking there is down there.
I will be bringing a road bike for commuting... I also have a Specializd Rockhopper that has just been for basic commuting (but I could use this as a cross-country bike). I also have a Norco Shore 1 for freeriding/downhill, which is more of what I'm into.

I like to do jumps and drops and things and am not sure the Rockhopper will hold out as my primary mountain bike... but I do not know if there is enough freeriding to justify bringing the Norco. I will have a car.

Any thoughts at all? Thanks!

P.S. I am also not opposed to selling what I have and getting something like a smaller travel dual suspension bike. Thanks.


urbanknight
11-16-08, 08:49 PM
Road biking is great around Pasadena. Beautiful mountain roads with plenty of climbing, the Rose Bowl for unrestricted laps, and tons of other routes to suit your road biking taste.

Mountainbiking is also great with multiple state and national parks with trails open to mountainbikes. There are desert, mountain, and coastal trails all within reach of Pasadena.

I believe Montrose Bike Shop (http://www.montrosebikeshop.com/) has a shuttle (van with trailer) that will take you up Angeles Crest Hwy so you can mountainbike down it. That should satisfy your freeride desires, but be warned there are some uphill sections, so bring adequate gearing.

Shoot me a PM when you're here if you want to do a road ride.