How much difference does weight matter in a mountain bike?

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Matt H

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I went mountain biking this weekend and had a blast. I own a ironhorse maverick 4.2. Everybody that I was riding with were using treks. The whole time they were probably at least 10Min's ahead of me. When I compared bike weight mine felt like it was at least 2 times as heavy. I am new to this and really enjoy it. After this year I would like to invest into a better bike. Any ideas or suggestions to my issue. Is it even in the bike or is it my conditioning? Thanks for any advice!!!
 
Bob's right. IT ALL Depends. And you'll get stronger running with weights on your ankles, but it can also ruin your knees! But you are new to the group, so it's no surprise you're the one off the back. Glad to hear that deosn't discourage you, though.
Your bike may suffer from lots of things, weight being a major one. Level of quality, state of tune, and overall fit also play a large role. I'd keep riding it until you need/can afford a new one. Meantime see if you can get a friend to loan you their lighter model; somebody your size. Then try out a couple others too. Talk to your buddies, and maybe get one of their bikes cheap when they buy a new one. This will give you a chance to get up to speed on things before you spend too much money in the wrong place.
In answer to your question, weight does matter a great deal, especially if you are small like me. A pound or two isn't a big deal, and fitness makes the bigger difference. But if your bike felt twice as heavy like you said, (which it could be) then you are at a huge disadvantage to the others. They'll enjoy it until you get the right ride. Then you'll be the one waiting on them!
Meanwhile, keep truckin'! You're going to be great! Good Luck, TT
 
The weight will have a little to do with it but the chances are your full suspension bike is eating up a lot of your energy. If every one was ridding hard tail bikes they will have an advantage. Rear shocks can eat up a lot of energy with something called pedal bob. Front shocks can do the same thing when climbing hard.

You can try to reduce pedal bob by spinning fast 70-90 rpm's and try to be smooth as possible. The worst thing you can do is pump hard for a few strokes and coast. The good news is that bike will make you stronger so when you get a new one you will have the advantage.
 
The weight will have a little to do with it but the chances are your full suspension bike is eating up a lot of your energy. If every one was ridding hard tail bikes they will have an advantage. Rear shocks can eat up a lot of energy with something called pedal bob. Front shocks can do the same thing when climbing hard.

You can try to reduce pedal bob by spinning fast 70-90 rpm's and try to be smooth as possible. The worst thing you can do is pump hard for a few strokes and coast. The good news is that bike will make you stronger so when you get a new one you will have the advantage.
 
Bob's right. IT ALL Depends. And you'll get stronger running with weights on your ankles, but it can also ruin your knees! But you are new to the group, so it's no surprise you're the one off the back. Glad to hear that deosn't discourage you, though.
Your bike may suffer from lots of things, weight being a major one. Level of quality, state of tune, and overall fit also play a large role. I'd keep riding it until you need/can afford a new one. Meantime see if you can get a friend to loan you their lighter model; somebody your size. Then try out a couple others too. Talk to your buddies, and maybe get one of their bikes cheap when they buy a new one. This will give you a chance to get up to speed on things before you spend too much money in the wrong place.
In answer to your question, weight does matter a great deal, especially if you are small like me. A pound or two isn't a big deal, and fitness makes the bigger difference. But if your bike felt twice as heavy like you said, (which it could be) then you are at a huge disadvantage to the others. They'll enjoy it until you get the right ride. Then you'll be the one waiting on them!
Meanwhile, keep truckin'! You're going to be great! Good Luck, TT
 
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