Mountain bikes are revolved around 4 different types of suspension, each has its benefits and each for a different type of bike. You may find this information useful...
1. Hardtail - A frame with no rear suspension, often containing a front suspension fork.
2. Fully rigid - This is a sub type of hardtail, with a rigid fork.
3. Dual or full suspension - These bikes offer a front suspension fork and a rear suspension that are integrated into the frame.
4. Soft tail - Offers a frame with a small amount of rear suspension, normally less than a full suspension frame.
The different designs of bikes in mountain biking will offer you what you need for your unique style
of riding. You'll want a different bike for different terrain, such as cross country or downhill. As the terrain changes, you'll want to make sure you have the right bike for the job.
Mountain biking is different than any other sport, offering you plenty of excitement and thrills. If you are new to mountain biking, you'll find the different designs to be very enticing yet very challenging at the same time. Each design serves a purpose with mountain biking, even some that excel on the trails.
There are also several other designs which reflect on the many challenging disciplines in the sport
of mountain biking. No matter what type of mountain biking you like to do, there are bikes for that specific discipline.
If you are new to mountain biking, you'll want to check out the many designs and types of biking
before you purchase a bike. Mountain biking can be a lot of fun and excitement, although it can
also be very dangerous if you don't have the right bike for the terrain. Before you decide to buy a bike and hit the trails, make sure you have the right design of mountain bike for the riding you are planning on doing.
Thursday 27 March 2014
Thursday 20 March 2014
The Parts Of A Mountain Bike
There are many pieces that together make up a mountain bike, there might be a time where you need to find out what one part is but you might have no idea what it is, hopefully this anatomy of a mountain bike will let you know how to tell things apart.
1. Bottom bracket - This attaches the crankset to the body of a bike.
2. Brake cable - This is the cable that connects the brake lever to the brake mechanism.
3. Brake lever - The lever on the handlebar to activate the brakes. The left side is the front brake and the right side is the rear brake.
4. Chain - The circular set of links that transfer power from the chain ring to the cogs.
5. Chain ring - The toothed rings that attach to the crank to hold the chain.
6. Crank - The lever that extends from the bottom bracket to the pedal, transferring the power to the
chain rings.
7. Derailleur - The mechanism for moving the chain from one cog to another.
8. Down tube - The section of frame that extends downward from the stem to the bottom bracket.
9. Front shock - The shock absorber on the front fork.
10. Handlebar - The horizontal bar attached to the stem with handgrips on the end.
11. Headset - The mechanism in front of the frame that connects the front fork to the stem and
handlebars.
12. Hub - The center part of the wheel that the spokes are attached to.
13. Idler pulley - The bottom pulley of the rear derailleur that provides spring tension to keep the chain tight.
14. Nipple - A threaded receptacle that holds the end of the spoke to the rim.
15. Pedal - The platform to pedal on; attaches to the crank.
16. Rear shock - The shock absorber for the rear tire on dual suspension type bikes.
17. Rim - The metal ring that holds the spokes on the inside and the tire to the outside.
18. Saddle - The seat.
19. Seat post - Offers support for the seat.
20. Skewer - The metal rod that goes through the hub, attaching the wheel to the dropouts of the
frame.
21. Spindle - The free rotating axle that the crank arms attach to; also a part of the bottom bracket.
22. Spokes - The thick wires that join the hub to the rim.
23. Stem - A piece that attaches the handlebar to the steering tube.
24. Wheel hub - The center of the wheel that the spokes are attached to.
1. Bottom bracket - This attaches the crankset to the body of a bike.
2. Brake cable - This is the cable that connects the brake lever to the brake mechanism.
3. Brake lever - The lever on the handlebar to activate the brakes. The left side is the front brake and the right side is the rear brake.
4. Chain - The circular set of links that transfer power from the chain ring to the cogs.
5. Chain ring - The toothed rings that attach to the crank to hold the chain.
6. Crank - The lever that extends from the bottom bracket to the pedal, transferring the power to the
chain rings.
7. Derailleur - The mechanism for moving the chain from one cog to another.
8. Down tube - The section of frame that extends downward from the stem to the bottom bracket.
9. Front shock - The shock absorber on the front fork.
10. Handlebar - The horizontal bar attached to the stem with handgrips on the end.
11. Headset - The mechanism in front of the frame that connects the front fork to the stem and
handlebars.
12. Hub - The center part of the wheel that the spokes are attached to.
13. Idler pulley - The bottom pulley of the rear derailleur that provides spring tension to keep the chain tight.
14. Nipple - A threaded receptacle that holds the end of the spoke to the rim.
15. Pedal - The platform to pedal on; attaches to the crank.
16. Rear shock - The shock absorber for the rear tire on dual suspension type bikes.
17. Rim - The metal ring that holds the spokes on the inside and the tire to the outside.
18. Saddle - The seat.
19. Seat post - Offers support for the seat.
20. Skewer - The metal rod that goes through the hub, attaching the wheel to the dropouts of the
frame.
21. Spindle - The free rotating axle that the crank arms attach to; also a part of the bottom bracket.
22. Spokes - The thick wires that join the hub to the rim.
23. Stem - A piece that attaches the handlebar to the steering tube.
24. Wheel hub - The center of the wheel that the spokes are attached to.
Thursday 13 March 2014
Spring Tune Up After The Winter Period
Normally the winter months people will decide to stay inside rather than go through mountain biking due to ice and the cold and the holidays etc. However, after the winter you will end up at a point where you have to start back into your sport and after a long slumber your bike is going to need a check up to make sure that it is in the right shape.
Before you take your bike out, check the wear and tear on your components and adjust them if its necessary. Start off with your chain. If you haven't replaced it in a year or more, it's time to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the chain will get worn out, increasing its effective length.
As this happens, the chain is no longer able to conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring, so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of the chain. If you can replace the chain before it stretches too much you'll save yourself from having to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.
Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these should turn without a problem with no play in the system. Before checking the bottom bracket, make sure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.
Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel for any free play or binding. If you feel play or binding, you need to make an adjustment. To check
the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted wheels back on the bike.
Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the handle bars back and forth. There shouldn't be any
play. If you lift the front end off the ground, the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels rough, it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.
While your looking, check the condition of your cables and housing. The cables should be rust free and the housing shouldn't be cracked or kinked. If you see any of this you should replace the offending device, as if you don't your shifting and braking will be sluggish.
Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you know when they need to be replaced. Brake pads that are worn out will compromise both safety and braking efficiency.
Once you've got the tune ups out of the way, it's time to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!
Before you take your bike out, check the wear and tear on your components and adjust them if its necessary. Start off with your chain. If you haven't replaced it in a year or more, it's time to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the chain will get worn out, increasing its effective length.
As this happens, the chain is no longer able to conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring, so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of the chain. If you can replace the chain before it stretches too much you'll save yourself from having to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.
Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these should turn without a problem with no play in the system. Before checking the bottom bracket, make sure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.
Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel for any free play or binding. If you feel play or binding, you need to make an adjustment. To check
the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted wheels back on the bike.
Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the handle bars back and forth. There shouldn't be any
play. If you lift the front end off the ground, the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels rough, it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.
While your looking, check the condition of your cables and housing. The cables should be rust free and the housing shouldn't be cracked or kinked. If you see any of this you should replace the offending device, as if you don't your shifting and braking will be sluggish.
Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you know when they need to be replaced. Brake pads that are worn out will compromise both safety and braking efficiency.
Once you've got the tune ups out of the way, it's time to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!
Thursday 6 March 2014
Maintenance - Your Bike Tire Pressure
When it comes down to the tires you want to make sure that they have enough pressure, by doing this you can increase control of your bike but you have to make sure that you have enough pressure every time before you go riding. You will damage your wheel pressure regularly during your rides so make sure to keep it up.
Setting your tire pressure too high will make for poor contact with the ground and also make your bike less controllable. Setting your tire pressure too low will make your tires unpredictable and also
make them susceptible to pinch flats.
The appropriate amount of tire pressure in a mountain bike will vary between rider to rider and tire setup to tire setup. The conditions of your trail and the type of terrain your riding will also greatly impact what tire pressure you should be using in your tires.
The trick here is to find out exactly what mountain bike tire pressure works for you and your setup during normal conditions. After doing this, you can learn to adjust your pressure for different trails and types of terrain as needed.
You should start by finding a reliable pressure gauge or a pump with a pressure gauge. Then, use this same gauge or pump anytime you are making adjustments. A gauge can be very inaccurate, so if you switch around it you can make things much more difficult.
You should start with a higher pressure of around 40 - 50 psi. If you have a tubeless system, you should start lower, 30 - 40 psi. The more you weigh, the higher pressure you should start with. Try this pressure for a while and get a feel for how the tires take corners and loose dirt.
Drop the pressure by 5 psi in each tire and get a feel for how this new setup rides and how it compares to your previous setting. You should notice some improvement in stability, and if you don't, drop the pressure by another 5 psi.
You want to find the lowest pressure you can ride with without sacrificing pinch flat resistance. A pinch flat occurs when your tire rolls over an object then compresses to the point where the tire and the tube get pinched between the object and the rim on the wheel.
With tubeless tire systems, you can run much lower air pressure, as you don't have to worry about getting pinch flats. If you start to dent your rims, burp air out along the bead, or feel the tire roll under the rim during hard cornering, you've taken the pressure much too low.
Once you've found a comfortable setting for your tire pressure, learn what your tire feels like when you squeeze it with your hands. Once you know what your tires feel like you can always get the right air pressure - with any pump.
You will be able to tell how much easier it is to ride when you have a bike that has the proper pressure.
Setting your tire pressure too high will make for poor contact with the ground and also make your bike less controllable. Setting your tire pressure too low will make your tires unpredictable and also
make them susceptible to pinch flats.
The appropriate amount of tire pressure in a mountain bike will vary between rider to rider and tire setup to tire setup. The conditions of your trail and the type of terrain your riding will also greatly impact what tire pressure you should be using in your tires.
The trick here is to find out exactly what mountain bike tire pressure works for you and your setup during normal conditions. After doing this, you can learn to adjust your pressure for different trails and types of terrain as needed.
You should start by finding a reliable pressure gauge or a pump with a pressure gauge. Then, use this same gauge or pump anytime you are making adjustments. A gauge can be very inaccurate, so if you switch around it you can make things much more difficult.
You should start with a higher pressure of around 40 - 50 psi. If you have a tubeless system, you should start lower, 30 - 40 psi. The more you weigh, the higher pressure you should start with. Try this pressure for a while and get a feel for how the tires take corners and loose dirt.
Drop the pressure by 5 psi in each tire and get a feel for how this new setup rides and how it compares to your previous setting. You should notice some improvement in stability, and if you don't, drop the pressure by another 5 psi.
You want to find the lowest pressure you can ride with without sacrificing pinch flat resistance. A pinch flat occurs when your tire rolls over an object then compresses to the point where the tire and the tube get pinched between the object and the rim on the wheel.
With tubeless tire systems, you can run much lower air pressure, as you don't have to worry about getting pinch flats. If you start to dent your rims, burp air out along the bead, or feel the tire roll under the rim during hard cornering, you've taken the pressure much too low.
Once you've found a comfortable setting for your tire pressure, learn what your tire feels like when you squeeze it with your hands. Once you know what your tires feel like you can always get the right air pressure - with any pump.
You will be able to tell how much easier it is to ride when you have a bike that has the proper pressure.
Thursday 27 February 2014
Maintenance - Lubing Your Mountain Bike
A mountain bike will need maintenance to make sure that it is at its peak performance. One of the ways to do this is to lube the bike before you go on a ride make sure that things go smoothly. It is suggested that you do this the day before so that everything is fully lubed and smooth and ready for you in the morning.
1. The chain
Apply a generous amount of mountain bike lube to your chain as you move the pedals around backwards. It also helps to find a spot to steady your hand such as the frame while you move the pedals around and around. Make sure you watch out for the cranks and chain rings as they move around.
2. Front Deraileur
On the front defaileur, lube the pivots. Use a spot of lube everywhere you can see movement when
you move the shift lever.
3. Rear deraileur
Just like the front deraileur, lube the pivots.
4. Pedals
There are some types of clipless pedals that will need to have the release mechanism lubed. You should only lube this mechanism if you have this type of pedal.
5. Everything into motion
Pedal around, shift your gears, and bounce your bike around. If you hear anything squeak, there's a moving part there are it should be lubed immediately.
6. Wipe it all clean
Once you've lubed everything and wiped it all around, simply wipe it all back off. Use a rag to wipe away all the lube you used, including all the lube off the chain. Wiping it away will leave the lube in between the parts but clean it away from everywhere it isn't needed. This will keep your bike from collecting dirt while you ride.
Maintenance is important so make sure that you take out some time from your day to make sure that something you spent a lot of money on is in great working conditions.
1. The chain
Apply a generous amount of mountain bike lube to your chain as you move the pedals around backwards. It also helps to find a spot to steady your hand such as the frame while you move the pedals around and around. Make sure you watch out for the cranks and chain rings as they move around.
2. Front Deraileur
On the front defaileur, lube the pivots. Use a spot of lube everywhere you can see movement when
you move the shift lever.
3. Rear deraileur
Just like the front deraileur, lube the pivots.
4. Pedals
There are some types of clipless pedals that will need to have the release mechanism lubed. You should only lube this mechanism if you have this type of pedal.
5. Everything into motion
Pedal around, shift your gears, and bounce your bike around. If you hear anything squeak, there's a moving part there are it should be lubed immediately.
6. Wipe it all clean
Once you've lubed everything and wiped it all around, simply wipe it all back off. Use a rag to wipe away all the lube you used, including all the lube off the chain. Wiping it away will leave the lube in between the parts but clean it away from everywhere it isn't needed. This will keep your bike from collecting dirt while you ride.
Maintenance is important so make sure that you take out some time from your day to make sure that something you spent a lot of money on is in great working conditions.
Thursday 20 February 2014
Accessories That You'll Need For Mountain Biking
One of the most confusing things that you'll have to deal with after buying a bike is what accessories are you going to need for you and your bike. There are numerous things out there and most you won't really need but you might be distracted by them. Here are some essentials that you should look for first....
There are several mountain biking accessories and related products that you can purchase. Although
the sales staff will try to sell you anything they can, the real question for those on a budget isn't what's cool, but what accessories you need to make your rides more safe and enjoyable. By starting
with these accessories, you'll be just fine when you hit the trails.
Bike helmet
The bike helmet is the most important mountain biking accessory that you can buy. No one should ever be on a bike without a helmet. There have been many people who have experienced serious head injury, when it could have prevented by wearing a helmet. All mountain bike helmets are comfortable and stylish and everyone who rides on the trails wears one.
Mountain bike gloves
No matter what season you ride in, your hands can take a beating. Beginners will normally keep a death grip on the handle bars, which can be very brutal for their hands. When you crash, your hands will be the first thing to hit the ground - and everyone crashes at some point. Mountain bike gloves are a must have accessory, as they will take the beating for you.
Mountain bike shorts
After the first few mountain bike rides you take, you'll notice that your rear end will be quite uncomfortable. Even though your body will adjust, bike shorts are great to have as they will help keep it at a bare minimum. You can get shorts that are very comfortable, making them a great addition to your mountain bike ride.
Mountain bike shoes
Depending on the type of pedals you have and the type of riding you do, you'll want to pick your mountain bike shoes accordingly. If your bike has clipless type pedals, you'll want to get shoes to accept the special cleat for your pedals. Good mountain bike shoes are durable, comfortable, and also a stiff sole for better efficiency when pedaling. Also, you should make sure to get the right shoe for the terrain you'll be riding in as well.
Eye protection
If you get something in your eye, you can run off the trail in a matter of seconds. Sunglasses or clear lensed glasses can help keep your eyes safe from debris, as well as protect them from the wind. When you buy your glasses, make sure they are non-breakable.
Hydration system
Bringing a water bottle or hydration backpack with you is always a great idea. It's very easy to get dehydrated so you should always bring water with you and drink it on the trail to ensure that your body stays properly hydrated at all times.
Trail repair kit
It's easy to get stuck in the woods or on the trail if you don't bring the proper repair kit for your bike. To be on the safe side, bring a multi-tool designed for bike repair, tire levers, and a patch kit for fixing flat tires.
These tips should help clear your vision on what equipment to get for your ride and keep spending down to a minimum on things you don't.
There are several mountain biking accessories and related products that you can purchase. Although
the sales staff will try to sell you anything they can, the real question for those on a budget isn't what's cool, but what accessories you need to make your rides more safe and enjoyable. By starting
with these accessories, you'll be just fine when you hit the trails.
Bike helmet
The bike helmet is the most important mountain biking accessory that you can buy. No one should ever be on a bike without a helmet. There have been many people who have experienced serious head injury, when it could have prevented by wearing a helmet. All mountain bike helmets are comfortable and stylish and everyone who rides on the trails wears one.
Mountain bike gloves
No matter what season you ride in, your hands can take a beating. Beginners will normally keep a death grip on the handle bars, which can be very brutal for their hands. When you crash, your hands will be the first thing to hit the ground - and everyone crashes at some point. Mountain bike gloves are a must have accessory, as they will take the beating for you.
Mountain bike shorts
After the first few mountain bike rides you take, you'll notice that your rear end will be quite uncomfortable. Even though your body will adjust, bike shorts are great to have as they will help keep it at a bare minimum. You can get shorts that are very comfortable, making them a great addition to your mountain bike ride.
Mountain bike shoes
Depending on the type of pedals you have and the type of riding you do, you'll want to pick your mountain bike shoes accordingly. If your bike has clipless type pedals, you'll want to get shoes to accept the special cleat for your pedals. Good mountain bike shoes are durable, comfortable, and also a stiff sole for better efficiency when pedaling. Also, you should make sure to get the right shoe for the terrain you'll be riding in as well.
Eye protection
If you get something in your eye, you can run off the trail in a matter of seconds. Sunglasses or clear lensed glasses can help keep your eyes safe from debris, as well as protect them from the wind. When you buy your glasses, make sure they are non-breakable.
Hydration system
Bringing a water bottle or hydration backpack with you is always a great idea. It's very easy to get dehydrated so you should always bring water with you and drink it on the trail to ensure that your body stays properly hydrated at all times.
Trail repair kit
It's easy to get stuck in the woods or on the trail if you don't bring the proper repair kit for your bike. To be on the safe side, bring a multi-tool designed for bike repair, tire levers, and a patch kit for fixing flat tires.
These tips should help clear your vision on what equipment to get for your ride and keep spending down to a minimum on things you don't.
Thursday 13 February 2014
How The Gears Of Your Bike Work
With the evolution of the sports and activity mountain bikes have developed and become more fancy in their design. Today we can see bikes having as many as 27 different gears to help aid the rider with their challenge of getting up and down a mountain. Some of you might actually be interested in how the gears work and if so keep reading on...
The idea behind all these gears is to allow the rider to crank the pedals at a constant pace no matter what kind of slope the bike is on. You can understand this better by picturing a bike with just a single gear. Each time you rotate the pedals one turn, the rear wheel would rotate one turn as well (1:1 gear ratio).
If the rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then with 1:1 gearing, one full twist on the pedals would result in the wheel covering 81.6 inches of ground. If you are pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM, this means that the bike can cover over 340 feet of ground per minute. This is only 3.8 MPH, which is the equivalence of walking speed. This is ideal for climbing a steep hill, although bad for ground or going downhill.
To go faster you'll need a different ratio. To ride downhill at 25 MPH with a 50 RPM cadence at the
pedals, you'll need a 5.6:1 gear ratio. A bike with a lot of gears will give you a large number of increments between a 1:1 gear ratio and a 6.5:1 gear ratio so that you can always pedal at 50 RPM,
no matter how fast you are actually going.
On a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the gear ratios are so close to each other that you can't notice any difference between them.
With actual use, bike riders tend to choose a front sprocket suitable for the slope they are riding on
and stick with it, although the front sprocket can be difficult to shift under heavy load. It's much
easier to shit between the gears on the rear.
If you are cranking up a hill, it's best to choose the smallest sprocket on the front then shift between the nine gears available on the rear. The more speeds you have on the back sprocket, the bigger advantage you'll have.
All in all, gears are very important to mountain bikes as they dictate your overall speed. Without gears you wouldn't be able to build speed nor would you be able to pound pedals. The gears will move the pedals and help you build up speed.
There are all types of gears available in mountain bikes, all of which will help you build up a lot of momentum if you use them the right way.
Hopefully that has satisfied any questions or thoughts you had about the gears of a mountain bike
The idea behind all these gears is to allow the rider to crank the pedals at a constant pace no matter what kind of slope the bike is on. You can understand this better by picturing a bike with just a single gear. Each time you rotate the pedals one turn, the rear wheel would rotate one turn as well (1:1 gear ratio).
If the rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then with 1:1 gearing, one full twist on the pedals would result in the wheel covering 81.6 inches of ground. If you are pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM, this means that the bike can cover over 340 feet of ground per minute. This is only 3.8 MPH, which is the equivalence of walking speed. This is ideal for climbing a steep hill, although bad for ground or going downhill.
To go faster you'll need a different ratio. To ride downhill at 25 MPH with a 50 RPM cadence at the
pedals, you'll need a 5.6:1 gear ratio. A bike with a lot of gears will give you a large number of increments between a 1:1 gear ratio and a 6.5:1 gear ratio so that you can always pedal at 50 RPM,
no matter how fast you are actually going.
On a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the gear ratios are so close to each other that you can't notice any difference between them.
With actual use, bike riders tend to choose a front sprocket suitable for the slope they are riding on
and stick with it, although the front sprocket can be difficult to shift under heavy load. It's much
easier to shit between the gears on the rear.
If you are cranking up a hill, it's best to choose the smallest sprocket on the front then shift between the nine gears available on the rear. The more speeds you have on the back sprocket, the bigger advantage you'll have.
All in all, gears are very important to mountain bikes as they dictate your overall speed. Without gears you wouldn't be able to build speed nor would you be able to pound pedals. The gears will move the pedals and help you build up speed.
There are all types of gears available in mountain bikes, all of which will help you build up a lot of momentum if you use them the right way.
Hopefully that has satisfied any questions or thoughts you had about the gears of a mountain bike
Thursday 6 February 2014
What Is Cross Country Mountain Biking?
Cross country is the main choice of mountain biking when starting out. This involves as its suggested going long distances up and down mountains. This is different to downhill riders who take lifts to the top of mountains most times just to feel the rush of going downhill, cross country on the other hand enjoys the journey up the mountain instead of just down.
Just as cross country riders are a different breed, the bikes they ride are as well. The cross country
bike is completely different in many ways from other types of mountain riding bikes. The premise for cross country riders is speed. Everything about their bikes revolve with the idea of making the
bikes faster and faster.
Bikes used in cross country mountain biking can be fully rigid frame, hardtails, or even full suspension frames. Through the years, the cross over to full suspension has become very popular.
The weight difference between free ride bikes and cross country bikes are considerable. You'll be
extremely hard pressed to find a bike that weighs more than 24 pounds, and even that weight can be
heavy. Free ride bikes weigh close to 40 pounds, which makes the difference in weight pretty close.
If you've never tried cross country mountain biking, you'll probably find it to be a break from the
ordinary. Even though this type of biking involves trails, it's normally the type of terrain that beginners wouldn't want to ride. Involving hills and rough terrain, cross country biking offers
quite the rush.
For mountain bikers everywhere, cross country is the way to go. It offers you a new assortment of
bikes, new areas to bike, and a new twist to mountain biking as you know it. If you've been looking for a mountain biking rush, cross country mountain biking is what you need to be experiencing.
Just as cross country riders are a different breed, the bikes they ride are as well. The cross country
bike is completely different in many ways from other types of mountain riding bikes. The premise for cross country riders is speed. Everything about their bikes revolve with the idea of making the
bikes faster and faster.
Bikes used in cross country mountain biking can be fully rigid frame, hardtails, or even full suspension frames. Through the years, the cross over to full suspension has become very popular.
The weight difference between free ride bikes and cross country bikes are considerable. You'll be
extremely hard pressed to find a bike that weighs more than 24 pounds, and even that weight can be
heavy. Free ride bikes weigh close to 40 pounds, which makes the difference in weight pretty close.
If you've never tried cross country mountain biking, you'll probably find it to be a break from the
ordinary. Even though this type of biking involves trails, it's normally the type of terrain that beginners wouldn't want to ride. Involving hills and rough terrain, cross country biking offers
quite the rush.
For mountain bikers everywhere, cross country is the way to go. It offers you a new assortment of
bikes, new areas to bike, and a new twist to mountain biking as you know it. If you've been looking for a mountain biking rush, cross country mountain biking is what you need to be experiencing.
Thursday 30 January 2014
How To Get A Good Size For Your Bike
One problem that people have is that they are sometimes measured wrong for the bike and end up having one that's too big or one that's too small which can end up hindering your riding enjoyment. In case you are not sure there are methods you can use to see if you are using the correct size with your bike.
Standover height
When you check the fitting yourself, the first thing you want to check is the inseam clearance, or the
standover height. You want to have plenty of room between yourself and the top tube when you come to a stop. There should be around four to six inches of clearance from the top of your inseam to the top of the top tube.
Leg and feet position
There's a nifty formula for determining the leg position for riding a mountain bike. When riding
a mountain bike, the terrain constantly changes, raising you off the seat constantly, sometimes just
slightly, other times completely off.
Therefore, you'll need to sit your saddle slightly lower than you would on any other type of bike.
Be sure you take this slightly lower seat height position into effect when you factor the size of
the frame.
Riding compartment
The next thing you'll want to check is the rider compartment layout (the distance between the saddle
and the handlebars). Once the proper leg extension has been determined, be sure the handlebar is one
to two inches below the height of the saddle. You should never have the handlebars higher than the
seat, unless there is some type of upper body problem.
Dual suspension bikes
With suspension being at both ends, you'll want your weight more in the middle of the bike so that
your weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear suspension units, thus allowing the front
and rear suspension to work as a unit.
This can be done quite easily by using either a higher or shorter stem to raise the hand height, which will in turn move the upper body up and the weight towards the rear. The increase in rise shouldn't be no more than two inches, then the decrease in reach shouldn't be any more than two inches.
Test ride
Once you have taken all of these steps into account, go out and test drive the bike. Make sure you
wear a helmet, even if you are going to be testing for a brief period of time. Be sure that the tires
are set to the right pressure, and the shop has adjusted the bike for you properly.
You should have a shop employee observe your body position and ride height while riding, to determine is any further adjustments need to be made. Ride the bike around for a bit to get used to its
handling and new equipment. Start off slowly, then give the bike a bit of time to present its personality.
After a few minutes, you might notice that something isn't working correctly or just doesn't feel right
in general. If this happens, go back to the shop and have the problem corrected before you rule out
the bike.
The more you ride bikes, the easier it will be to tell the difference in the ride types. Keep in mind, it may take months and even years to appreciate the way a bike handles. Talk to those who ride, and
ask them if they ride the bikes they sell. This way, you'll learn more about the mountain bikes you
love so much!
Standover height
When you check the fitting yourself, the first thing you want to check is the inseam clearance, or the
standover height. You want to have plenty of room between yourself and the top tube when you come to a stop. There should be around four to six inches of clearance from the top of your inseam to the top of the top tube.
Leg and feet position
There's a nifty formula for determining the leg position for riding a mountain bike. When riding
a mountain bike, the terrain constantly changes, raising you off the seat constantly, sometimes just
slightly, other times completely off.
Therefore, you'll need to sit your saddle slightly lower than you would on any other type of bike.
Be sure you take this slightly lower seat height position into effect when you factor the size of
the frame.
Riding compartment
The next thing you'll want to check is the rider compartment layout (the distance between the saddle
and the handlebars). Once the proper leg extension has been determined, be sure the handlebar is one
to two inches below the height of the saddle. You should never have the handlebars higher than the
seat, unless there is some type of upper body problem.
Dual suspension bikes
With suspension being at both ends, you'll want your weight more in the middle of the bike so that
your weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear suspension units, thus allowing the front
and rear suspension to work as a unit.
This can be done quite easily by using either a higher or shorter stem to raise the hand height, which will in turn move the upper body up and the weight towards the rear. The increase in rise shouldn't be no more than two inches, then the decrease in reach shouldn't be any more than two inches.
Test ride
Once you have taken all of these steps into account, go out and test drive the bike. Make sure you
wear a helmet, even if you are going to be testing for a brief period of time. Be sure that the tires
are set to the right pressure, and the shop has adjusted the bike for you properly.
You should have a shop employee observe your body position and ride height while riding, to determine is any further adjustments need to be made. Ride the bike around for a bit to get used to its
handling and new equipment. Start off slowly, then give the bike a bit of time to present its personality.
After a few minutes, you might notice that something isn't working correctly or just doesn't feel right
in general. If this happens, go back to the shop and have the problem corrected before you rule out
the bike.
The more you ride bikes, the easier it will be to tell the difference in the ride types. Keep in mind, it may take months and even years to appreciate the way a bike handles. Talk to those who ride, and
ask them if they ride the bikes they sell. This way, you'll learn more about the mountain bikes you
love so much!
Thursday 23 January 2014
Keeping Yourself Safe
One thing that people say about the sport is that it is dangerous which is partly true, however you can do it safely and still enjoy yourself. Here are a few tips with your safety in mind as a top priority.
Gear
Always make sure that you wear a helmet and other necessary safety gear for the conditions that you
plan to ride in.
Never ride beyond your control
There is never any shame in walking the areas of the trail that you don't feel comfortable in riding
and you should never let anyone else tell you that there is.
Keep your speed under control
Always make sure you keep your speed at a level where you can quickly adjust to any obstacles or
change in the trail.
Knowing your trail
You should never push the limits on trails that you aren't familiar with. You should take trails you
aren't familiar with at slow speeds until you learn them better.
Slow down around blind corners
If you can't see past a corner you should always slow down, as you never know who or what is around it.
Start small then go big
Work your way up to stunts or obstacles. Practice in less difficult or dangerous situations before you
move up to something more dangerous.
Playing it smart
If you start to question what your doing, you probably shouldn't be doing. Always think about what you are doing and go with your instincts.
Hopefully with these tips you'll be able keep yourself safe when climbing up and down a mountain at high speeds.
Gear
Always make sure that you wear a helmet and other necessary safety gear for the conditions that you
plan to ride in.
Never ride beyond your control
There is never any shame in walking the areas of the trail that you don't feel comfortable in riding
and you should never let anyone else tell you that there is.
Keep your speed under control
Always make sure you keep your speed at a level where you can quickly adjust to any obstacles or
change in the trail.
Knowing your trail
You should never push the limits on trails that you aren't familiar with. You should take trails you
aren't familiar with at slow speeds until you learn them better.
Slow down around blind corners
If you can't see past a corner you should always slow down, as you never know who or what is around it.
Start small then go big
Work your way up to stunts or obstacles. Practice in less difficult or dangerous situations before you
move up to something more dangerous.
Playing it smart
If you start to question what your doing, you probably shouldn't be doing. Always think about what you are doing and go with your instincts.
Hopefully with these tips you'll be able keep yourself safe when climbing up and down a mountain at high speeds.
Thursday 16 January 2014
Tips For When You're Buying A Bike
With all the bikes out there it can be very stressful when you are looking into buying a mountain bike. What are you looking for? How may gears do you need? Things like this can make it hard to pick out a bike so check out these tips on things to look out for with mountain bikes to make sure you don't spend money on something that you really won't want.
Determining your price
There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out what your price range is and how much your willing to pay for a new bike. When you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass merchant stores such as Wal-Mart. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.
Finding your style
All mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. You'll need to figure out what type of riding you will be doing the most. Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you select fits your personal style and not that of the sale's staff.
Full suspension or hard tail
If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail,
without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full suspensions
offer more comfort and overall better control. You'll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you'll be riding on the most.
Finding your favorites
Comparing mountain bikes component to component is nearly impossible, as there are far too many combinations available. The best way to go about doing this is finding a few components that are the most important to you and making sure the rest or the minimums fall within your price range. You can start with the fork then look at the wheels and rear derailleur.
Sales and seasons
During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the
main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars. Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them.
Finding a good dealer
Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than selling you a high priced one. A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and give you the impression that you can really trust them.
Test ride
You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You'll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. The more bikes you can test drive, you better you'll understand what works and what doesn't.
Doing the research
Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a mountain bikes reliability and overall performance. You should always look at what other owners and reviews think about a bike before you make that final purchase.
Just these tips alone can help you understand where you want to start when looking into mountain bikes so take a read through and see if any of them help with the final decision
Determining your price
There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out what your price range is and how much your willing to pay for a new bike. When you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass merchant stores such as Wal-Mart. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.
Finding your style
All mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. You'll need to figure out what type of riding you will be doing the most. Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you select fits your personal style and not that of the sale's staff.
Full suspension or hard tail
If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail,
without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full suspensions
offer more comfort and overall better control. You'll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you'll be riding on the most.
Finding your favorites
Comparing mountain bikes component to component is nearly impossible, as there are far too many combinations available. The best way to go about doing this is finding a few components that are the most important to you and making sure the rest or the minimums fall within your price range. You can start with the fork then look at the wheels and rear derailleur.
Sales and seasons
During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the
main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars. Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them.
Finding a good dealer
Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than selling you a high priced one. A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and give you the impression that you can really trust them.
Test ride
You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You'll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. The more bikes you can test drive, you better you'll understand what works and what doesn't.
Doing the research
Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a mountain bikes reliability and overall performance. You should always look at what other owners and reviews think about a bike before you make that final purchase.
Just these tips alone can help you understand where you want to start when looking into mountain bikes so take a read through and see if any of them help with the final decision
Thursday 9 January 2014
Various Types Of Mountain Bikes
There are numerous types of mountain bikes to choose from and each of them will suit someone better than another will and it's up to you to decide what you want to do with your bike to help make the overall decision easier.
1. BMX
BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels. These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.
2. Cross country
This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it's the least
extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.
3. Cycle cross
This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.
4. Dirt jumping
Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they
are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps
in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.
5. Downhill
Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very
intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.
6. Freeride
Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express
yourself. These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see
fit.
7. Single speed
No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that's done using a bike
with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight
chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical
problems and a lighter bike.
8. Street and urban
This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles.
Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.
9. Trails
Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.
Once you have decided what type you are looking into you can start looking for bikes which are in this category and get yourself looking into investing your money into a new bike.
1. BMX
BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels. These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.
2. Cross country
This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it's the least
extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.
3. Cycle cross
This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.
4. Dirt jumping
Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they
are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps
in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.
5. Downhill
Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very
intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.
6. Freeride
Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express
yourself. These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see
fit.
7. Single speed
No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that's done using a bike
with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight
chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical
problems and a lighter bike.
8. Street and urban
This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles.
Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.
9. Trails
Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.
Once you have decided what type you are looking into you can start looking for bikes which are in this category and get yourself looking into investing your money into a new bike.
Wednesday 8 January 2014
Easy Skills To Get You Used To Your Mountain BIke
Riding a mountain bike is slightlly different than you would go about riding a bike. For this there are many different skills that it might be worth practising before you go on your first trial. These basic skills should be easy to master but will be highly essential when it comes down to mountain biking.
You can do this anywhere you can get space with a bike but you may want to try implementing the skills at places such as downhill when you are more ready.
Get a feel for your pedals
Practice moving your foot away from the pedal, first while sitting on your bike with one foot on
the ground. Next, move on to releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling around for a
bit. Those with toe clip and clip-less type footpedals will want to spend a bit more time
practicing.
Sit and spin for position
Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You should keep your arms slightly bent. You should
also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke
on the pedal. Keep your body relaxed, as there will never be a position where you should have
either your knees or your elbows locked.
Shifting gears
Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The higher gears are harder to pedal and will go
faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal and will help you ascend hills. As you get to
steeper hills, its best to shift before you get to the hill rather than while your on it.
Coasting
You should spend a bit of time coasting while standing on your pedals, without actually sitting
on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don't lock your knees. Now, try experimenting with shifting
your body towards the rear end of the bike.
Pedal while standing
You should get as comfortable as you can with pedaling while standing on your bike. Try lifting
yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals, then crank them around. You should try this in
higher gears on flat ground then again in lower gears while on a hill.
Dropping down a curb
Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the upper portion of it. Practice at a moderate speed,
standing and coasting right off the curb from the upper level to the lower level. Try this at
different speeds until it becomes second nature.
When you've mastered these skills you will find that going on trails and different courses will in fact be easier for you so make sure that you do.
You can do this anywhere you can get space with a bike but you may want to try implementing the skills at places such as downhill when you are more ready.
Get a feel for your pedals
Practice moving your foot away from the pedal, first while sitting on your bike with one foot on
the ground. Next, move on to releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling around for a
bit. Those with toe clip and clip-less type footpedals will want to spend a bit more time
practicing.
Sit and spin for position
Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You should keep your arms slightly bent. You should
also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke
on the pedal. Keep your body relaxed, as there will never be a position where you should have
either your knees or your elbows locked.
Shifting gears
Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The higher gears are harder to pedal and will go
faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal and will help you ascend hills. As you get to
steeper hills, its best to shift before you get to the hill rather than while your on it.
Coasting
You should spend a bit of time coasting while standing on your pedals, without actually sitting
on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don't lock your knees. Now, try experimenting with shifting
your body towards the rear end of the bike.
Pedal while standing
You should get as comfortable as you can with pedaling while standing on your bike. Try lifting
yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals, then crank them around. You should try this in
higher gears on flat ground then again in lower gears while on a hill.
Dropping down a curb
Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the upper portion of it. Practice at a moderate speed,
standing and coasting right off the curb from the upper level to the lower level. Try this at
different speeds until it becomes second nature.
When you've mastered these skills you will find that going on trails and different courses will in fact be easier for you so make sure that you do.
Saturday 4 January 2014
Intro To The World Of Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is an extreme sport that is seen as very dangerous but what many people don't say is that it is a great way to stay in shape and to enjoy yourself. Yes it can be dangerous but that rush that you get from going downhill at unimaginable speeds, that is what keeps people going.
Just as long as you follow the rules and keep safe this can in fact be a great activity for the whole of the family.
There is a lot about mountain biking that you will need to know and we don't want to bore you with it but for those who like information here's a little bit about it all.
History
There is a lot of history and information out there in regards to the history and origins of mountain biking, with some being recognized and some that depends on who has the best firm of public relations. Whether it be origins from Buffalo soldiers, France or North California, the developments have led us to the great sport of mountain biking.
Styles of mountain biking
Mountain biking can best be characterized into three different styles - downhill, free riding, and cross
country. Even though the different styles are similar in some ways, they still require different skills. The style that you pick will determine the type of bike you get.
Locations for mountain biking
The sport can best be thought of as biking on an unpaved surface. Many areas throughout North America have specific locations designed for mountain biking. Before you decide to go down a trail, you should always check with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and any rules that they may have.
You can also find groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions. You can look on the internet or even in a local paper and see exactly what's available in your area. You may be able to find groups for the more advanced riders as well as beginners.
Becoming a great biker
Endurance and stamina are a must for a great mountain biker. It will also take ambition and practice to succeed as well as conquer the course. Like all other sports, it takes time and practice. Those just beginning will have to get past the bumps and bruises from falling off the bike.
Selecting your mountain bike
The bike you select is more of a personal choice, and a big determining factor on the type of riding you will be doing. Bikes come in all styles, shapes, and prices, which will make selecting one for yourself very difficult indeed.
You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike, even do some price comparisons online as well before you make a purchase. Before you buy a bike, always ask to try it out first. A great mountain biker will become one with his or her own bike. When buying, make sure you check for comfort, how it fits, even how it is geared.
Staying safe when riding
Mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be very dangerous, as mentioned earlier. Anytime you are riding, you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads. If you are following a group or riding in the woods you should strongly consider a pair of goggles as well. Safety should be your top priority and never taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.
Just as long as you follow the rules and keep safe this can in fact be a great activity for the whole of the family.
There is a lot about mountain biking that you will need to know and we don't want to bore you with it but for those who like information here's a little bit about it all.
History
There is a lot of history and information out there in regards to the history and origins of mountain biking, with some being recognized and some that depends on who has the best firm of public relations. Whether it be origins from Buffalo soldiers, France or North California, the developments have led us to the great sport of mountain biking.
Styles of mountain biking
Mountain biking can best be characterized into three different styles - downhill, free riding, and cross
country. Even though the different styles are similar in some ways, they still require different skills. The style that you pick will determine the type of bike you get.
Locations for mountain biking
The sport can best be thought of as biking on an unpaved surface. Many areas throughout North America have specific locations designed for mountain biking. Before you decide to go down a trail, you should always check with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and any rules that they may have.
You can also find groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions. You can look on the internet or even in a local paper and see exactly what's available in your area. You may be able to find groups for the more advanced riders as well as beginners.
Becoming a great biker
Endurance and stamina are a must for a great mountain biker. It will also take ambition and practice to succeed as well as conquer the course. Like all other sports, it takes time and practice. Those just beginning will have to get past the bumps and bruises from falling off the bike.
Selecting your mountain bike
The bike you select is more of a personal choice, and a big determining factor on the type of riding you will be doing. Bikes come in all styles, shapes, and prices, which will make selecting one for yourself very difficult indeed.
You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike, even do some price comparisons online as well before you make a purchase. Before you buy a bike, always ask to try it out first. A great mountain biker will become one with his or her own bike. When buying, make sure you check for comfort, how it fits, even how it is geared.
Staying safe when riding
Mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be very dangerous, as mentioned earlier. Anytime you are riding, you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads. If you are following a group or riding in the woods you should strongly consider a pair of goggles as well. Safety should be your top priority and never taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.
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