An obsession for light weight, elegance and function – in that order - that dominated my road and XC days, has been replaced by an equally strong pull for function, durability and sexiness. Now the parts on my bike can spell the difference between sipping a Shaftebury at the end of the ride and gulping down Ibuprofens. My Razor Rock levers keep my hands from getting fatigued so I’m much more able to avoid the bony bits at the end of a descent and a good fork can save your ass more often than a high-priced lawyer.

It has a titanium spring, CNC machining, sealed bearing jockey wheels, and aluminum limit screws. Dead sexy. On top of that it works remarkably well and is, thus far, about the toughest changer that has ever hung from a bicycle of mine. After 3 months of punishment it is just as solid as it was on day one. When it clunks the chain into the correct gear before an awkward wheelie drop there is a bonus pulse of satisfaction that arrives shortly after the move is successfully completed. Unfortunately you may have to take out a second mortgage to feel that pulse.

While being out in the woods with friends and getting that superstar feeling of a great ride is at the core, a fascination with technology and beauty is a Keg-sized bonus. I had the chance to ride an 03 Big Hit on Saturday out at the Woodlot. Brandon "WolfBoy" Sloan, Specialized Product Manager (another Californian who can school me on my home turf), who was up riding the Shore for some “research” left the bike in BC for some testing. Before you think I’m blowing sunshine let me tell you that out of the eight veteran riders who rode Massage Therapy (an exquisitely built trail) only Brandon and Kwakee Baker rode every line. Back to my ride at the Woodlot. As you can imagine Brandon's bike was well equipped. Manitou Dorados and 8 inches of redesigned travel in the rear handled the suspending duties. When the first 7 footer on the Crazy Carpenter felt like a high curb, I knew it was going to be a good day. I seem to ride above myself at the Woodlot most days but on Saturday I had my best Lot ride ever – nailing a rock line and a drop that I had been too sketched to try previously. This on a bike I had never before swung a leg over. So now I’m pining for an O3 BigHit with Dorados.

In case you haven’t heard, Interbike is the industry’s largest trade show. The big companies all try to outdo each other with huge, lavish displays and amazing new products – and Gary Fisher will be walking around in a velour suit of some description. Imagine a 12 year old girl asked to be the love interest in an *NSYNC video and you can fathom the giddiness I’m feeling. Perhaps in a few years I’ll be jaded but I’m more excited for my second year because I know what I’m in for.

Despite all this, if it came down to choosing between riding a Walmart MGX and never riding again I’d still be saddling up. The joy of riding now outstrips the desire for new gear by a wide margin, but the lust remains alive and well.