To all of those who ski in New England, you’re welcome.

You see, I got a new mountain bike for Christmas, thus is snowed a shit-ton this winter. Yup. That’s the way it goes.

Just last week I took it out for the first time--I don’t do change well, my 1999 IF is a testament to that--and my first impression was, “huh, where is the trail?” I felt detached from the trail and struggled to ride the way I was used to riding. I didn’t know how to ride this fancy bike, and I needed help.

I gave a call to one of the most brilliant people I know--a person who wrote a thesis on full suspension system. A person who can sometimes be a little Spooky--Mickey. Mickey is a god when it comes to setting up full suspension.

I took a little tour of Spooky central,

and we chatted while Mickey readied a bike for himself.

Mickey always worked under the watchful eyes of The Captain:

My bike waits patiently for hands to be laid upon it.

We rolled out to a local park and Mickey immediately started asking me questions about how I ride. He dropped my stem, he moved my saddle forward, then he set to work adjusting the pressure in my fork and shock. Mickey says, the keys to setting up a fully is balancing the suspension and knowing how the rider rides. This is why, he said, most people aren’t getting the most out of their silly expensive bikes. the shops from which they buy them aren’t tuning the bikes for the riders. They may tune the bike the way they like to ride, but without understanding the rider him/herself, they are really just guessing.

For example, Mickey put about 30 lbs more pressure in my fork than the factory recommends for someone of my weight, but since Mickey knows I like a quick responding, perky fork that I can drive into corners, he made that adjustment for me.

The results?

Holy shit.

The new position on the bike means I actually feel the sag you’re supposed to when getting on the bike. I’m in control of the bike again! I can stand on the pedals and throw it around and drill it into corners and it all feels so effortless! Thanks Mickey!!

I took the bike over to Batchelor Street and did two loops: Roller Coaster and Far Out/Missing Persons.

On Roller Coaster the bike really shined. It rides better and is more stable at high speeds. It floats and inspires confidence. I smiled and giggled a bunch on this section. My arms and shoulders didn’t hurt from pushing and pulling the bike around turns and over little ups.

On the more technical Far Out, I attempted far more obstacles than I usually do. The full suspension really does help rolling over the spiney ridge rocks, but I still lack the gumption to do many of these stunts--the size of the drop off if you botch the stunt is still too big for my little brain to get around. I still walked a fair bit here. The confidence to even attempt this type of stuff is huge for me, and I loved the feelings of getting over something that I never had before.

Small bits.

The stock grips suck ass. In my full finger Fox gloves, I still got blisters after riding the technical Far Out. I will be getting rid of them soon.

I swapped out the stock saddle, but instead of going with my old standby Fizik Aliente, I put on a saddle that I picked up about eight months ago--the San Marco Magma. You see, I have a flat ass, and this saddle’s flatness reminded me of my previous-favorite-saddle-that-is-now-discontinued a Vetta that had a similar flatness to it. I enjoy the way the saddle feels, but breaking in my sit bones to a new saddle has been a little owie, and the sharp edges of the saddle have shown me just how much time and energy I devote to steering the bike through the backs of my thighs via the saddle. More owie. I think I’ll leave it on and see if I get used to it.

I know this is getting long, sorry.

The Giant Anthem Advanced is a beautiful bike that is well balanced, tracks beautifully and is light as balls. It turns on a thought and feels better the faster you go. It’s lighter than my hardtail and just as nimble. I love love love this bike.

I will admit. I didn’t think I would love it. Have I mentioned I don’t do change well? I never really thought I would ever really like this kind of bike, I’m a stubborn, steel, hardtail kind of girl, who prides herself on being able to ride trails with dudes on full suspension and still keep up. This bike has changed all that.

I’ve never had XTR before--I love it. I only hope to hell I never have to replace any of the parts; I don’t think I could afford it!

I’ve never had a carbon fiber bike before. Wow, it’s light and quick and I can’t believe how amazing climbing feels.

If you’re looking for a ride like the Giant, you should roll into Bikes Unlimited and say, “Hey Bob, I want that bike Meg has.” And he will set you up. Get ‘em while they’re hot and here. These bikes sell out fast, and next year I think they will be 5” of rear travel and in aluminum only.