December 14, 2017

Mountain bike destinations have come a long way from being merely composed of dirt roads. They have now become full-blown athletic centers: with more robust amenities, an increasingly wide range of geographic and regional locations, and more sophisticated trail systems. Here are the top five mountain bike destinations in the United States based on consistency, evolvement over the years, and overall reputation.

Bend, Oregon

Nestled in the central Oregon high desert, Bend provides around 300 miles of easily accessible linked trails. The biking experience is further enhanced by the small-town feel and a tree-filled west side. And singletrack keeps getting added to maintain Bend’s position as one of the top destinations; most notable is the recent inaugural opening of the Mount Bachelor downhill mountain bike park, which is already overflowing with trails. It also helps that Bend is home to almost two dozen craft breweries, thus offering to quench the thirst of many a mountain biker. Indeed, the town offers the most breweries per capita in the United States.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Only two places in the United States can claim to be the origin of mountain biking. And Crested Butte is one of them. It remains one of the most captivating high-alpine trails in the country, with a location famous for its high altitude and welcoming cuisine. Bikers can enjoy over 750 miles of trails in this quaint area of Colorado.

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Part of Harrisonburg’s charm is its location. Blessed with the scenic Shenandoah Valley, this independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia serves as a college town; James Madison University is located here. However, it is no slouch; about 500 miles of trail travel around the city and through the George Washington National Forest. And thanks to regular maintenance by locals and its accommodation of both novices and hard-core bikers, the IMBA designates this area as a Bronze-Level Ride Center.

Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah’s claim to fame is its special designation by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), which chooses locations as “ride centers” based on what new treats they offer: from rookie-friendly singletrack to veteran-thrilling backcountry. Park City was the first bike destination ever to be considered a Gold-Level Ride Center by the IMBA. And it has its massive trail network—which can all be accessed from downtown and includes about 400 miles of singletrack—to thank for its envied status.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

The capital of New Mexico has its status as an IMBA-rated Silver-Level Ride Center, as well as a long period of sunshine per year (320 days), to recommend it. Also worthy of consideration is its cuisine culture, which just might be superior to any other bike town in existence.

Ready for your next mountain bike adventure, or are you yet to embark on one? Come check out our collection of Litespeed Bikes today.



Also in Litespeed Stories

The Cohutta Cat: 250 Miles of Cohutta Wilderness
The Cohutta Cat: 250 Miles of Cohutta Wilderness

June 07, 2023

The Cohutta Cat is a 290-mile bikepacking race in the North Georgia and East Tennessee mountains. The route packs an impressive punch, with 33K of climbing along a mix of singletrack, gravel roads, and pavement. Of 25 entrants, only 4 crossed the finish line and Litespeed ambassador Matt Schweiker was one of them.
Read More
2023 Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego: Dusted Belgian-style
2023 Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego: Dusted Belgian-style

April 19, 2023

The 12th annual Belgian Waffle Ride is a full six-event gravel race series. Here's our 2023 recap...
Read More
Behind the Spezia with Brad DeVaney
Behind the Spezia with Brad DeVaney

April 12, 2023

The Spezia isn't just another titanium road bike. It's modern, wildly versatile and incredibly light. But most importantly, it's technologically advanced to a degree never seen before.
Read More

BE AN INSIDER

Litespeed Sizing Chart
​HAVE IN-DEPTH QUESTIONS ABOUT SIZING OR FIT?
DON'T HESITATE TO  CONTACT US!

 

Road, Gravel, Cherohala, & City

Frame Size
Rider Height (in)
Rider Height (cm)
XS
4'10” – 5’2”
147 - 157
S
5’2" – 5’6”
157 - 165
M
5’6"– 5’9”
165 - 175
ML
5’8” – 5’11”
173 - 180
L
5'-10” – 6’2”
178 - 188
XL
6’2" – 6'4"
188 - 198

Pinhoti III, Nolichucky & Unicoi

Frame Size
Rider Height (in)
Rider Height (cm)
XS
5'0" - 5'4"
152 - 165
S
5'3" - 5'7"
162 - 174
M
5'7" - 5'11"
174 - 180
L
5'11" - 6'3"
180 - 192
XL
6'2"- 6'5"
189 - 198