| 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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