I joined the ranks of mountain bike enthusiasts relatively late in life. It was on a trip with my young son near Clam Lake that we first decided to rent mountain bikes and explore single lane trails. I never realized that with the right gearing one could glide along these pathways with such effortless bliss. Pedaling past a hidden lake with the shadows of big bass cruising made the sport even more enticing for this longtime angler.
It was not long before I purchased some bikes for each of us. Those purple Treks did at times visit real mountain trails in Colorado, but for the most part, they provided needed exercise and fresh air right here in Wisconsin. I had never been instructed in all the fine points of riding. These were bikes. We all knew how to ride them. Right?
Wrong. My age is now well past mandatory retirement. Electric bikes with big, fat, off-road grinders (tires) caught my attention. I have one now, with a big fat engine and a big fat seat for my moderately oversized rear end. I could not wait to get on this beast and tackle all manner of terrain. Until a problem arose. At close to eighty pounds, this was not the aluminum bike I could swing around. I found I could not throw my leg over the seat, even in its lowest position. I should have bought a step-through frame, except I could not fathom boonie bogging on a girlie bike.
Many solutions were forwarded by an internet group for electric bike owners over sixty. Mounting from a curb looked doable, but on the trails, it would have to be a rock or stump. Someone suggested a seat dropper post. This is a lever actuated device that will raise or lower your seat as you ride. No stopping!
While investigating this clever gadget, I discovered that seat height adjustment is critical to avoid accidents, particularly when going downhill. We all know legs should be almost fully extended to reach pedals for efficient riding. However, when going up and down hills, your body height changes the center of gravity.
Picture your body weight five feet above your seat. Then imagine hitting even a small bump going downhill. Rider goes forward over the handlebars. It is called a header. A lower rider position results in a favorable center of gravity and lessens the chance of a dreaded forward launch.
Seat dropper posts have made off road cycling safe and more pleasant. They can be easily installed on your bike, and are not expensive. I want to get in all the outdoor excursions on my trail devouring machine as I can before a winch is needed for me to mount my pony. This innovation gets it done.
