Mountain Bike » Tires

Mountain Biking is a Sport to Some

Admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:23:59 +0000

Regular bikes compared to mountain bikes may have a smoother ride and are slower and heavier but are great for riding on the street. You can find information about mountain biking online or in magazines; they are geared toward beginners or professionals. Mountain biking is not really thought of as exercising but it is a great way to burn many calories.

If your interested are off-road you will need bike that can handle the terrain so you will need some big treads and a good suspension to handle the bumps and holes so get a good mountain bike, if you are just riding for fun then a regular bike will do. There are so many different styles of mountain bikes so when you are looking to purchase one make sure it fits the terrain you will be taking it on and make sure it fits your riding style. If you are going to be rough on your bike and plan on going through gravel, dirt and jumping off hills you definitely need a mountain bike.

The chassis on a mountain bike is sometimes referred to as the skeleton, this is a term that refers to the fork, frame and suspension and is looked at as one unit. Mountain bikes are equipped with knobby tires, large number of gears and handle bars that are wider; they also include shocks and a much stronger suspension. You can choose from many different suspensions on your bike, make sure the suspension you choose is going to fit the type of cycling you intend for it. These used to be the most common kind of mountain bike but they are rapidly being replaced by the more comfortable models which feature some sort of suspension system. They have had front suspension on bikes for a while now; the rear suspensions have just come into the market place, it took longer because of all of the design complexities.

Of course, there are many other things to consider when purchasing a mountain bike, but for the beginner, it’s best to just narrow it down to how much you want to spend and what kind of suspension you’re going to want.

If you want to ride your mountain bikes look for trails that are suited for mountain bikes. If you don’t have any trails or jumps, you can build them.

When you first try the toe clip style of pedal you might want to spend some time getting use to it, it will take some practice. Getting a feel for your pedals while first sitting on your bike, keep one foot on the ground and practice moving your foot away from the pedal.

If you have clip less foot pedals or toe clips, you will want to practice this quite a bit. Turn your bike upside down, move the pedals and shift gears. The pedals can also use a regular application of lubricant.

The purchase of your helmet should be at least as important as buying your bike. About 90 percent of the people riding can reduce head trauma just by wearing a helmet. Cost shouldn’t be a factor as a good helmet can be acquired for around $25-$45.

By: David Marc Fishman

Endurance Mountain Biking: Reserved For The Best

Admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:46:06 +0000

The sport of mountain biking, as an enjoyable and relaxing outdoor activity, is attracting ever-increasing numbers of every age and background. There are many organized outdoor events and competitions which include on their list of activities both mountain biking and endurance mountain biking.

Endurance mountain biking is a form of exercise appropriate only for those in the peak of condition; a single competition, depending on its category, can continue for up to twelve hours. Endurance mountain biking, therefore, is reserved for professional bikers who have proven that they are up to the demands involved. How is an endurance mountain biking event structured?

Categories

Endurance mountain biking events are divided into three categories according to their length. There are three-hour, six-hour, and twelve-hour races; the three-hour races are restricted to solo men and solo women. The six-hour events are open to either solo men and solo women, or duos–two riders of either sex; and twelve-hour races allow the broadest range of riders. They can be solo men or women; duos of either sex; solo single speeders–either one man or one woman; a women’s team of between two and four women; and an open team of two to four riders of either sex. For more info see http://www.mountainbikingreviews.com/All_About_Mountain_Biking/ on All About Mountain Biking

Endurance mountain biking events require that the competitors register with the organizers beforehand, and, in some cases, submit to physicals. They are also required to have their own approved safety equipment, including gloves, helmets, and knee pads. They are expected to wear accepted biking attire, with completely enclosed shoes and the endurance mountain biking event’s designated T-shirt.

Endurance Mountain Biking Safety Measures

Safety is one of the overriding factors in endurance mountain biking events, and the bikers are expected to keep every part of their bikes in prime shape, from the tires to the handlebars. Neither reflectors nor kickstands are permitted; headsets, adjusted hubs, sound frames, and true wheels are also prohibited. Headphones, Walkmans, or any other sound devices are forbidden.

If you’d like to become involved with endurance mountain biking, look for a mountain biking club in your area and approach them with your questions. There’s’ a vast amount of information on endurance mountain biking, and you’ll need to learn about everything from the basic rules, to the local event scheduling and locations.

You can get started by visiting the Internet sites different mountain biking groups, and if you work very hard and have the ability, may find yourself a member of an endurance mountain biking team!

By: David Faulkner

mountain biking : How to make your bike run better

Admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:45:14 +0000

once in a while, I look at professional bike riders in magazines or on television and ask myself: "how do they make their work so well?" – Mostly, the differences between professional bikes and serious biker’s mountain bikes are not so substantial. The answer I am told when asked, and is also the answer which I believe is true – it’s not only what bike you have – what really matters is what you do with it. A good bike provides its rider good performances if the bike is fitted to the rider’s dimensions and needs and takes good care of the bike. It’s not enough to own a state of the art mountain bike. If you don’t take care of it properly, even a pro bike will deteriorate as well and will provide you with only mediocre performances.

Here are some useful tips given to me by professional mountain bike riders on keeping good technical care of your bike:

- Keep your chain lubricated. A lubricated chain will allow you to have a smoother bike ride.

- Replace your chain between 2-3 times a year (depends how much you ride regularly).

- Check all nuts and bolts after rides. Loose nuts or bolts can move important handles and leavers, which if taken out of their fitted position will lower the quality of your bike ride.

- Make sure you ride with the proper air pressure in your tires. When riding in harder terrain, it is recommended to lower air pressure on your bike.

One of the advantages of taking a biking vacation, and to Morzine especially is that you can learn a lot of important information on keeping up your bike from peer bikers and instructors. We’re expecting to see you in Morzine this summer!

http://www.morzine-mtb.com/

By: Club Giraffe

Specialized Mountain Bikes – A little Customization goes a Long way

Admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:31:38 +0000

There are many makes and models of mountain bikes on the market today. In fact, you can usually find exactly what you want – right off the showroom floor – without ordering specialized mountain bikes. However, sometimes specialized mountain bikes can offer more of what you want in a ride!

Bikes can be specialized in a variety of ways – depending on what type of performance you want from the bike. Some bikes are even specialized simply to look a certain way, and the specialization has little or nothing to do with performance. Again, it all just depends on what you want and what you need – and how much you are willing to pay for it.

Many people request or make very small changes to the bike – but certain changes turn an ordinary mountain bike into a specialized mountain bike – no doubt about it! For instance, many people want specialized frames, but everything else about the bike is factory standard. A large majority of people want specialized ultra-smooth suspension seat posts or fully adjustable handlebars made of alloy.

Specialized suspensions are common requests and modifications that a large number of mountain bikers make. Specialized tires, which are suited to specific types of terrain, are popular as well. Of course, specialized paint jobs or designs are the top requests and modifications made by those who place a great deal of importance on the look of the bike as well.

Specialized parts and components cost a lot of money in most cases, but some specialization and customization can be done affordably, if you are willing to do the work yourself and only pay for the needed parts. Having to pay a shop to do the work starts driving the costs up quickly! So, if you want to customize your bike in anyway, try to learn what you need to know to do the work yourself to keep costs down.

Some people have major specialization work done, and by the time the work is complete – the bike rides and looks like a totally different bike! Of course this type of specialization should be reserved for expert riders who know exactly what they want, and how those customizations will affect their ride or their techniques. This type of specialization runs into the thousands of dollars – over the cost of the bike without the specialization!

Beware of the word specialized! It doesn’t always mean what you think it means. For instance, many bike shops use the word ‘specialized’ in their business name – this doesn’t necessarily mean that they sell specialized bikes. It is also important to note that a specialized bike, in most cases, does not mean that you are the only person in the world with that type of bike – unless you’ve ordered a specialized bike that is guaranteed to be one-a-kind (most bike shops will not make this guarantee, but you could get such a guarantee from a major manufacturer).

Beginners do not need specialized bikes. Again, the average rider can find exactly what they want and need in a bike shop, or at an Internet bike store. Some bikes arrive at the store for resale already specialized – in almost every case you have the option of getting a bike that you see in a store customized to suite your needs, but it usually costs quite a bit, and you have to wait for the parts to come in and the work to be done before you can take the bike out of the store and onto the trails.

The best way to get a specialized mountain bike is to order one at an online bike store, or directly through the manufacturer. This is the best way to ensure that you are getting the right specialization to suit your needs and desires. Just make sure that you have enough experience with mountain bikes to know what kind of specialization you want before you just start adding or changing components without fully planning or thinking things through – sometimes specialization can ruin your ride, as opposed to improving it – which is what specialized mountain bikes are supposed to be all about!

By: Trevor Mulholland

Ten Ways to Get the Most Out of Mountain Bikes

Admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:21:02 +0000

Many people are approaching the sport of mountain biking for the first time due to their huge surge in popularity in recent times. It can be difficult to know what to look for and what to do when you’re planning to ride in a new environment even if you are used to riding road bikes. To get the most out of your mountain bike follow the 10 tips below:

1. Take the time to select the bike that is right for you and one that fits you properly rather than gravitating towards the first impressive looking mountain bike you see. To check the fit and comfort take the bike on a test ride.

2. Spend now, save later. You may not want to invest much money in a mountain bike before you’re sure how much you’ll enjoy riding it, and it’s true that the most expensive bikes really only offer an advantage to experienced riders, but it’s worth investing in a good, durable bike to avoid having to fork out on repairs later. Most good beginners bikes cost between six hundred and eight hundred dollars.

3. Select the correct wheels. Since the wheels will obviously take most of the abuse and wear, make sure you choose the right tires based on the type of terrain and trails you plan to ride on and how much off road riding you think you will be doing.

4. Ease off on the brakes. To ride a mountain bike effectively you need to learn how to cruise. It may not feel that way, but in general, the faster you’re going the more stable you are. Let your bike take the strain on long downhill slopes and use that momentum for the next rise.

5. Learn about the local trails. There isn’t much point in buying a mountain bike and not knowing where and how to ride it. Mountain bike clubs are sprouting up all over the world and they can recommend the best trails for you to ride on in your locale.

6. Play it safe. It’s inevitable that you’ll fall sooner or later if you are riding your mountain bike hard. It’s of most importance that sure purchase (and wear) a good helmet. Some mountain bikers like to make use of protective padding such as chest protectors, gloves, elbow and knee pads.

7. Look after your mountain bike. Proper storage and regular cleaning can make your bike last a lot longer and give you better performance. Investing a little effort will save you money on repairs.

8. Build up gradually. You may feel tempted to spend all day riding when you first get a mountain bike. Your muscles can become strained in unexpected ways when riding on the trail. It’s important that you get used to the new experience and pace yourself as such. If you strain a muscle it could sideline you for weeks.

9. Develop a taste for adventure. You can go to places you may never have thought of going before on your mountain bike. You can find advice on the wide range of new riding experiences now open to you from bike shops, clubs and magazines.

10. Have fun! While regular run of the mill bikes may simply be a form of transportation, mountain bikes are all about having a lot of fun.

Sources:-

http://www.dirtworld.com/

By: Jim Johnson