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!
Thursday 30 January 2014
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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