| Friday, September 5, 2008 |
| How To Select The Right Mountain Bike Frames |
There are many bicycles on the market today that serve a variety of purposes. Often the construction of these bikes is in accordance with their intended use. For example a simple bike is needed to bicycle in the neighborhood. Generally, these bikes are not elaborate in construction and will serve the bicyclist well for this purpose. However, if the biking enthusiast is planning on high speed racing then a light weight bicycle with thin tires and multiple gears should be purchased.
Additionally, if the biker is wishing to purchase a bike that will be used for mountain riding then a mountain bike should be purchased. One of the specific features to look for when in the market for this type of bike is the proper selection of a mountain bike frame from those available. Selection of a mountain bike frame is important because typically the mountain bike is utilized on rugged terrain. Therefore strength is critical and yet should be light weight enough for maneuverability.
To help facilitate this process it is important to understand the sport of mountain bicycling, the types of mountain bicycle frames that are available and their associated cost.
The Sport of Mountain Bicycling
The sport of mountain bicycling has been popular since its beginnings in the 1970’s. This sport combines the love of bicycling, exercise along with the love of the rugged outdoors. In addition, one can participate in this sport for the simple pleasure of bicycling in remote and rugged areas of the countryside or competition in formal venues that involve other racers on specific mountain bike courses.
Mountain Bicycle Frames Available
Mountain bicycles are uniquely structured so that they can withstand the demands of bicycling on rugged terrain. Often these bikes are equipped with balloon type tires. In addition, they are equipped with lightweight handbrakes that can be easily gripped to insure quick braking. In addition, because of the slopes of the hills, mountain bikes are equipped with numerous gears. These many levels help the bicyclist to scale the highest of terrains as easily as possible.
Another important feature to consider when selecting a bike is the consideration of the mountain bike frame. The frame must be strong and yet light weight to maximize the mountain bike experience. The frames are basically the same in style; however, the material that is used to construct the mountain bike frame differs from bike to bike.
The three basic materials that are used to construct mountain bike frames are steel, carbon fiber and titanium. Steel is the most common material used to construct the mountain bike frame. This is due to the fact that it is the most traditional and readily available.
Titanium and carbon fiber materials, although utilized, are more difficult to work with in the construction of mountain bike frames. Titanium is a metal that is similar to steel and aluminum. The benefits of titanium include its resistance to rust and scratches. Another benefit to titanium is that it is a light weight metal.
Carbon fiber is a composite which is comprised of aluminum and carbon-fiber tubing. This fabric is immersed in glue and molded into tubes to produce the frame.
Cost
When selecting the right mountain bike frame an important consideration is the cost. A steel mountain bike frame is the least expensive and those mountain bike frames that utilize titanium and carbon fiber are the most expensive. |
posted by Cimon @ 9:41 AM  |
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| Mountain Bike Kick Stand Use Spurs Heated Debate |
There are many arguments in regards to using a mountain bike kick stand and there is a fairly hard line between kickstand use on mountain bikes used on the street and for mountain bikes used on the trail. While there will probably never be any compromise on the subject, there are points for both sides of the argument.
With the rough terrain typically bouncing a mountain bike around, keeping the one bolt that holds a mountain bike kick stand in place, can easily become loose. If it should happen to slip into the down position while the rider is zipping down a hill and become lodged in the dirt or on a rock, the rider is going to put new meaning to the term extreme jumping. Others who rail against using a mountain bike kick stand do so simply for the image projected by the mountain bike.
Many of those in favor of the mountain bike kick stand claim they do not want their expensive piece of equipment lying on the ground during breaks, claiming that leaning it against a tree or other object raises the possibility of it slipping to the ground, causing potential damage. They also contend that when riding their bike on pavement, the mountain bike kick stand usually remains secure and they can take it off when they hit the mountain trails.
Personal Opinion Takes Stand On Position
For most riders a mountain bike kick stand is a matter of personal opinion some with a negotiator’s sense will tell others that if they want a kick stand on their bike, it is their choice but they would never have one of theirs. Others with a more forceful opinion express it by claiming those who ride mountain bikes on pavement are not true mountain bikers.
For those who see nothing wrong with using a mountain bike kick stand it is prudent to verify it is securely bolted to frame before heading off road. There are versions that are held securely by two bolts instead of the typical one, and lock washers and lock nuts can be utilized to reduce the chance of them coming loose during a wild ride. If riding the bike on pavement for leisure, the debate about using a mountain bike kick stand becomes a moot point about the level of danger they add.
Whether it leans against the wall or tree, uses a kick stand or laid on the ground when taking a rest, the important thing is the protection of the drive side of the bike. It it becomes damaged using a mountain bike kick stand will not matter when the rider is walking the bike back home. |
| posted by Cimon @ 9:40 AM |
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| Tuesday, April 15, 2008 |
| Mountain Bike Sizing Takes Time And Patience |
One of the most important issues about choosing a new bike is making sure you get the right size for your body. Do not worry about the type of metal used in the frame or a lot of other technical jargon, obtaining the proper mountain bike sizing is probably the single, most important step in buying the right bike. While there are many different schools of thought on mountain bike sizing, they all have common areas in selecting the right size bike.
The first measurement you will need is the inseam, similar to that used when buying a pair of long pants. However, you must consider the seat you will be sitting on and using the trouser inseam may not be accurate. For mountain bike sizing, stand against a wall and using a ruler or another hard object, with your feet about six or eight-inches apart, place the object between you legs. Raise it up slowly until it fits into the crotch similar to the seat and have a helper mark the wall. Measure from the floor to the mark to get your mountain bike sizing inseam.
Selecting frame size can be a little dicey as whether you measure center to top, or center to center, the slight difference can make a difference in fit. The seat tube and handlebar tube are adjustable up and down, but in mountain bike sizing the correct distance between them can make the ride more comfortable.
Adjustments Take Time And Patience
It is easier to achieve mountain bike sizing to fit your body from a still position and using a stand that holds the back wheel off the ground like a stationary bike stand is recommended. The front should also be off the ground to make the top bar of the bike level with the ground. With the pedals in a level position, the knee of the leading leg should be directly over the peddle on which that foot is resting. Most seats allow for a slight adjustment of the seat forwards and back, to make this position achievable.
When in doubt about the proper technique for appropriate mountain bike sizing, visit a shop that specializes in mountain bikes for help. Those who take the extra time to buy a bike that is right for their body will find it feels like an extension of their legs, arms and upper torso and riding even the roughest terrain will seem effortless. Do not listen to the advice about body types and although that may come into play, assuring the right mountain bike sizing will do a lot more towards the ability to ride. |
| posted by Cimon @ 9:46 AM |
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| The Advantages of a Mountain Bike Speedometer |
There are actually quite a few different advantages that can be gained from using a mountain bike speedometer. One in particular is that with a mountain bike speedometer you will be able to keep track of your speed statistics during each ride, and then you can use these to compare against scores in the future in order to keep track of how much you are improving.
This is actually what professional cyclists do, so that they can keep serious and detailed track of how much they are improving, and you can include other instruments in with the mountain bike speedometer as well, if you wish, such as a heart rate monitor for instance, which you can use to record your heart rate before, during and after a ride, and again use these scores to compare to those in the future in order to see how you are improving.
Things to Think About
Before you rush out and buy this or any other type of bike equipment, you really need to do a few things first. One, you need to set out a budget for yourself so that you can make the most of your money and also so that you do not go overboard and spend more than you need to.
As well, you need to do a bit of research. Take some time and learn about mountain bike speedometers, which brands are considered as being of the best quality, and so on and so forth. By doing this, you will be able to separate quality from junk when you see it, and this is very important in order to really get your money’s worth.
Where to Find one
If you are interested in getting a mountain bike speedometer for yourself and are wondering where to go to get one, then again there are a few options in particular you should be aware of. One of the best places that you can go to for a piece of equipment such as a mountain bike speedometer is Global Sources Direct, which is a company that offers incredibly high quality mountain bike products at affordable prices.
Global Sources Direct is a service that is offered by Global Sources Ltd., and Trade Sources Inc., and which lets companies of all sizes buy various products from original manufacturers in China, at very low factory prices. They are thus definitely a company that you want to check out if you are looking for bike equipment of any sort, because you can save such a great deal of money and yet still get that same high quality that is desired. |
| posted by Cimon @ 9:46 AM |
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| Wednesday, November 14, 2007 |
| Learning About Mountain Bike Suspension |
Mountain bikes come with all sorts of different mountain bike suspension options, and so in order for you to be able to choose the best mountain bike for you, you will really need to become well aware and informed on what suspension is and what the different types are for.
What is Suspension?
Many bikes today have both front and rear suspension systems, and basically what the suspension does for the bike is let the wheels move up and down in order to absorb small bumps while at the same time keeping the tires in contact with the ground for better control. Both the front and rear suspension system contains two essential elements, which are: a spring and a damper. As well, sometimes these components are collectively referred to as a shock absorber.
Types of Mountain Bike Suspension
Today, there are basically about four major categories when it comes to mountain bikes and mountain bike suspension travel, and they are: cross country mountain bikes, which have about 4.5 inches of suspension; all mountain and/or trail bikes, which generally have about 4 to 6 inches of suspension travel but are slightly heavier than other bikes; freeride bikes, which usually offer about 6 to 8 inches of suspension travel; and finally, downhill bikes, which have about 7 to 10 inches of suspension travel.
Full Suspension or Hardtail?
Another issue you need to decide on is whether or not you are going to need the full mountain bike suspension or hardtail. Basically, when faced with the full suspension or hardtail, generally full suspension is the answer for everyone. Basically full suspension mountain bikes are much more sturdy, comfortable and enjoyable, and much easier to control, especially when compared to their hardtail counterparts.
However there is the fact that the bikes with full mountain bike suspension tend to be more expensive, and so if you are not able to afford a full suspension with decent and reliable components, then you will most likely just be better off buying a good and reliable hardtail for yourself.
As long as you take all of the previously discussed issues into consideration, then you should have no problems and you should be able to find the perfect mountain bike with just the right amount of suspension for yourself. Remember that all of the time and effort that you put into this process beforehand will be more than worth it in the end of it all, once you find the perfect mountain bike. |
| posted by Cimon @ 7:20 AM |
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| Mountain Bike Reviews: Understanding Which Products Are Better |
As a mountain biker, you will have noticed that the number of products offered for mountain biking have increased with each having its own ultra special points. You may thus find it difficult to differentiate the chaff from the grain and are in need to figure out which features are desirable and which you can safely pass over. However, you can take heart from the fact that there are many useful mountain bike reviews available that can sort out your problems for you.
Try Websites And Specialized Magazines
So, where do you get hold of these mountain bike reviews? There are many websites that offer expert advice and which have staffed many expert mountain bikers who are ready to share their years of experience and expertise with you. There are also a number of specialized magazines that deal with mountain biking in all of its manifestations that can be of help to anyone interested in knowing more about mountain biking.
If you tap into the this vast repository of information about mountain biking and read the many mountain bike reviews they hold, you will find that all the things that you needed to understand will have been explained to you. There are veteran bikers that are able to tap their own vast data banks of information related to bike models, prices and user feedback that will help you judge a product or service after having read the various mountain bike reviews written by them.
Mountain bike reviews are more than information pertaining to basic descriptions of the bikes, and they are also known to contain much in-depth details about the different features of bikes and biking. There are experts that will test out new products and then publish their comments via mountain bike reviews for the benefit of interested consumers. In addition, it is also common to find comparisons being made regarding major criteria with regard to each bike that helps you find out which products are rated higher than others and the reasons for choosing one product over the other.
Another useful source for reading mountain bike reviews is forums where users post their experiences as well as review and file complaints about different biking products. You will gain insights about which the better products are from a consumer’s point of view. Included in the better products reviews are bikes from Mongoose Tech 4 Full Suspension Men’s Mountain Bike, the Iron Horse Warrior Elite Mountain Bike with dual suspension from 2005, and more. |
| posted by Cimon @ 7:20 AM |
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| The Proper Mountain Bike Shoes Can Make Your Ride Better |
A good pair of mountain bike shoes will go a long way in making your mountain biking that much more enjoyable as well as safe, comfortable and efficient. It is quite common to use mountain bike shoes that are designed for use with clipless pedals when riding, though there are also shoes that have toe clips and standard pedals as well. In fact, in the early days of mountain biking there were no such things such as the clipless pedals and thus it was very difficult to get the feet free from their toe-clips when required. This added to the safety problems that could even result in the biker falling down along with the bike in case the bike got into an accident.
Shimano Pedaling Dynamics
Nowadays, it is usual to find clipless pedals, which has made the sport of mountain biking a lot safer. However, in case you do use the mountain bike for fun and the bike does not have clipless pedals, you would be better off using mountain bike shoes that conform to the Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD). Another precaution you should take when considering your mountain bike shoes, is to ensure that the shoes are laceless, which would allow for more room in case the feet swell and which will also add to the comfort levels of your mountain bike shoes.
If you are one of the many mountain bikers that desire having more pedaling power you must opt for mountain bike shoes that have soles that are very stiff. On the other hand, there are mountain bike shoes with more flexible soles that are ideally suited for anyone wishing to do some walking in the mountains. And, if you are unable to make up your mind as to which the best and most suitable mountain bike shoes are for you, it would help to seek the advice from a mountain biking retail outlet salesperson or expert.
In any case, your mountain bike shoes are footwear of a special kind and they can be customized for particular biking plans as also to the model of your bike, as well as the terrain on which you intend going biking. The bottom line is that your mountain bike shoes are hugely dependent on the bike’s pedals. Some of the more desirable aspects that should be present in your mountain bike shoes include having smooth, tough and also inflexible soles, which should be a bit curved at the ball of the foot, and which should be adaptable while biking. In addition, the shoes may also feature Velcro straps or more complex ones as substitutes for laces, and the shoes should unhook without any effort. |
| posted by Cimon @ 7:19 AM |
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