[IROC]

I am probably the only person in the world who believes this, but I believe that "mountain" bikes are inherently unstable. IMHO, they place too much of a person's weight over the front axle and that, coupled with the geometry of the bike in general, leads to instability.

I practically lived on a bike from age 5 thru 16 (from the late '60s thru late '70s) and have spent *alot* of time riding on trails in the mountains, albeit on an old Schwinn 20" bike that I "modified" to look more like a motorcross motorcycle. Jump forward 15 years to 1995 or so when I bought one of the current style "mountain" bikes and found it scary on trails that previously would have been a breeze. Especially downhill, twisty stuff.

It seems to me the "motocross" positioning of the rider is much more stable than the current "weight over the front axle" position.

Am I nuts? Am I too old? :>)

Mike