We’ve profiled several towns and regions around the world from Israel to Scotland to the US who hope to revive local economies through bike tourism. But does this ever work and how do you measure the impact?

CNBC has a great story this week about a small town in Montana that hosts an annual 24-hour mountain bike race and it seems to be helping the local economy. The race is in its 7th year and although it’ss still a pretty small race (just 130 riders) it does appear to be keeping at least one local business alive.

Bike tourism is working Rapelje, MT because both the community and the mountain bikers have bought into the idea (which, I might add, seems to be rare). Ranchers help cut the race course through their fields and race organizers donate all the race proceeds to help support the local town cafe. Just one race a year can have a big impact on a small town like Rapelje and it’ss great to see mountain bikers coming out to support others.

Some say that Specialized is the most innovative. Others argue that Giant is the most innovative. At dinner parties, my friends say quietly that Cannondale trumps them all. YOU might have an opinion of your own…

Year after year, which company releases the most innovative mountain bike products?

A couple of years ago, Specialized came out with the BRAIN. It was hailed as a wonder of technology. With new carbon-designed bikes, Specialized now has a full arsenal of BRAIN power.

Giant has the new suspension system on the Trance that rides like a champ! Furthermore, their road bicycles have sent many a rider to wins. And what about Adam Craig on the mountain bike.

I just bought a Cannondale Skalpel. This bike is a like a freakin’ computer. Furthermore, think of the Lefty. This Cannondale specific fork is highly complex and extremely reliable.

But all this said, what is your opinion? Maybe you’re a fan of Trek. What about Santa Cruz? What brand has innovation as a key standard?