The Bible of Bike Tests Gallery: All Mountain

An extended photographic look at our all-mountain testing grounds.

Photos: Dan Barham

While the photos for our all-mountain section are from Farlow Gap and Dan’s trail, we did most of our all-mountain bike testing here:

Sycamore Cove Loop – Pisgah National Forest

Sycamore Cove is quick and dirty loop just a few miles both Sycamore Cycles and The Hub (down Highway 276). This four-mile ride begins with a middle-ring climb from the Davidson River trailhead. It’s a fairly gradual grind before leveling off for a few swoopy, rolling minutes. And then? Downhill. Envision lots of rocks, a few stream crossings, some off-camber root sections and more than a few whoop-worthy minutes that’ll test the limits of a five-inch travel bike. The trail eventually dead ends back on the highway. Turn right for a short pedal on asphalt back to the trailhead. If you’re feeling spry, consider this a warm up because there are plenty of longer rides to be had in this same neck of the woods. –Vernon Felton