MTBikeAZ.com

I have finally put together a map of the San Tan Mountain Regional Park trails. This is an MTB friendly map as it will tell you where to go for the singletrack, where doubletrack and old Jeep roads are, and most importantly…where the SAND is. While there is quite a bit of Jeep road and doubletrack, there is a smattering of young singletrack in the area, primitive in spots but skinny just like we like it.

I’ll be updating the San Tan Park trail page soon with more detailed descriptions of the trails. Until then, download the map for a visual layout of the system.

Download the PDF San Tan TOPO Map (PDF 1.3 MB)

A couple Saturdays ago I headed out to the McDowell competitive loops for the Specialized demo day. It was a beautiful morning to be out riding expensive bikes. Garth was there with his crew setting riders up with the top of the line 2008 bikes. I started the morning off with a bagel and a side order of Enduro SL.

I’d been on the 2008 S-Works Enduro SL once before, but only for a few minutes. This time I got to spend a few miles on the Enduro. The terrain at McDowell Park is all XC, so there’s not enough sustained steep downhill to really let the Enduro shine.

I gave it a few laps around the sport and tech loops and was happy with its climbing ability. My buddy really liked the Enduro he demoed at Interbike. While I enjoyed the plushness, I did feel a little awkward in the cockpit. Even though I rode a large frame it felt like I was scrunched just a bit. I was thinking I need more time and more challenging terrain on it. Then just yesterday, Global Bikes of Gilbert/Chandler (who were there with their Specialized demo fleet too) sent an email offering a free couple days rental to anyone who attended the demo. That is some sweet marketing. Now I can ride the Enduro down Geronimo like it was meant to be ridden.

Next I gave the Stumpjumper Comp 29 hardtail a spin while I waited on a Stumpy to come back.

This was only my third time rolling on the big wheels. I honestly enjoyed it. I’m not ready to make the jump quite yet though, I’d say I’m closer to going singlepeed than 29er at this point. This 29er would be a good choice if I ever decide to ride both, the frame is rigged with singlespeed sliders that make conversion simple. Riding hardtail really puts the mountain back in mountain biking.

My final ride was on the S-Works Stumpjumper FSR.

Two crank arm rotations later and I was in the zone. I immediately felt at home on this bike. I hit the tech loop for the climb, and sailed right up. Feeling so good, I connected to the Long Loop and hammered on. I didn’t quite have the suspension dialed in for plushness as much as I would have liked. Not knowing how the Brain worked I didn’t bother to try and adjust.

Didn’t get a chande to ride an Epic, except for a short spin in the lot on a customized singlespeed Epic that was someone’s baby. He wasn’t letting it out on the trails.

Specialized put on an awesome demo day. I’m sure the South Mountain demo went just as well if not better. Thanks Garth and the whole Specilized crew for the granola bars, bagles, oranges, and oh yeah, the sweet bikes.

Test the Best: Specialized Demo Days in the West.

From Specialized Demo Day

From WTB Pure V

I first sat on a WTB Pure V Race saddle while demoing the Nomad at Interbike. The seat felt like I was sitting on a couch. It was the most comfortable saddle I had ever sat upon. I knew then and there I had to have it. My buddy and I both ordered the Pure V Race when we got back from Interbike and we’ve been riding in lazy-boy comfort ever since.

I’m a light rider, at 150 lbs, so the chromo rails suit me fine. I’ve never had trouble sliding on and off the back of the saddle on tech spots. I actually like the grippiness of the cover material.

The seat weighs 355g so it’s not the lightest seat in the world, but I will argue that it’s one of the most comfortable. The stock Bontrager Race Lite Lux I’d been riding for almost two years pales in comfort. I wish the rails had broken sooner so I could have replaced it sooner. The serfas LOLA I have on my hardtail is like riding on a brick. Until riding on the Pure V I had no idea what comfort was. I’m finally going to have to get another Pure V for that hardtail. Upgrading the hardtail to the Pure V will be like getting an inch of travel in back.

I am sure there are other saddles that are as comfortable as the Pure V, but I sure won’t be looking…until Interbike 2008. Thank you WTB for getting my back.

MTBR Reviews of the Pure V Race

I’ve been on a San Tan kick lately. I’ve been out to the park five times since I first explored the area in December. The unknown trails keep calling to me. Last weekend I rode all the newly designated trails on the new map. There are a couple of sweet singletrack segments that just may make the southern San Tans a destination.

Cross country and singlespeed riders will find rolling singletrack that winds through amazing Sonoran desert with views to the south of Rock Peak and the Malpais mountains.

There are still a few sand traps that could use an MTB friendly re-route and there are spots of doubletrack connectors in the mix. But overall the southern San Tan trail is ready to ride.