When I do pick up mud, the bike always gets a thorough cleaning and lubeing as soon as we get home. Most mountain bikers I know don't worry too much about the paint: it IS a mountain bike after all. You are right of course in that mud is abrasive and that it can immobilize components. Around here, If the mud is of that nature mostly I'll chose not to ride as if it's that bad, most likely it's no good for the trails to be out when it's that gooey.

I just thought the comment about mud damaging a bike was odd...dirt riding is hard on a bike and we do our best to get the most miles out of them. Potentail mud damage is not something I'd ever considered, I just keep my bike clean and hope for the best. Then again, I'm not just getting over a very wet Norcal El Nino winter, either.

irulan