Yesterday, I had the chance to go on a trail ride with my buddy in Delaware. After spending the past couple of weeks tearing a part my bike and going through everything, the bike was finally ready for a nice trail ride. One of the biggest changes for this year was running a new line of handlebars, chains, and sprockets by Mika Metals. Yesterday, I tried out my Mika Metals 1 1/8" handlebars which are made from an aircraft aluminum. I chose to go with the CR low bend this year because I have been told by multiple knowledgeable riders that the lower bend will help keep my weight over the center of the handlebars and help with turning. Last year, I ran the Renthal RC/ Mini handlebars which are extremely tall but come not as wide so you don't have to cut them down. On my Mika Metals handlebars, I cut 0.75" off of each side which is the most you can take off of them in order to have room for your controls. With these handlebars, I am also running the Torc 1 Racing enduro grips with their grip donuts. My friend and I went out to the farm and made a nice 1 mile loop that had perfect sandy dirt that provided great traction. After breaking in this loop, I was very impressed with the way the Mika Metals handlebars felt. They enabled me to get my elbows up in the corners and provided me with nice cornering. At first, I was over-steering in some of the corners but then got a hang of the way these handlebars were working. They seem extremely strong and I am excited to use them for the rest of the year.
I can't tell you how much of a blast it was to ride yesterday. I am looking forward to a strong year in 2012. I am confident in my equipment and I feel that I have the best support so far from my sponsors. Next time, I will be trying the Mika Metals sprockets and chain. Stay tuned for more updates!
