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Mountain Bikes: Basics

Monday, February 21st, 2011

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uncategorized Mountain Bikes: BasicsPolaris Ranger Boy’s 24-Inch Mountain Bike
The Polaris Hawkeye offers high tech off-road performance at an affordable price. It features a 21 speed Shimano drivetr… More >>

Mountain Bikes: Basics


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Home Page > Sports and Fitness > Extreme Sports > Mountain Bikes: Basics

Mountain Bikes: Basics

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Posted: Feb 07, 2011 |Comments: 0
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“Get a bicycle.  You will certainly not regret it, if you live” This quote is related to the famous writer Mark Twain. Although this was said many years ago, it seems that only in the recent two or three decades that biking has become a prominent hobby practiced by many, either for fun, or for keeping shape.

Various kind of biking are commonly used, among which there are the road biking, mountain biking, street biking, dirt biking, and other variation of them. Each of the biking type requires a specific bike to be used. Mountain bikes, for example, differ from road bikes. A mountain bike, in contrast to road bike is targeted for off-road bikes and for terrain biking.

As such, mountain bikes are designed to be more robust than road bikes for example. Mountain biking includes riding in various harsh terrain conditions such as sand, mud, rocks, water, and narrow unpaved side-mountain topography. Mountain bikes must withstand such devastating conditions, avoiding bike damage, and preventing un-necessary injuries to the rider. That is why mountain bikes commonly use wide tires to absorb the massive shocks caused by the bad trek conditions. Specific shock observes are used, both in front wheel and rear wheel. Mountain bikes are also designed so that it would be easier for the rider to use his power for climbing hills.

The vast inventory available bike types make it, specifically for starters, most frustrating to look for the right bike for them. As already implied, there are many types of bikes, and there are many sub-types. Choosing the right mountain bike involves, of course, the budget available, as mountain bikes are not so cheap. Need to see if the design fits the rider position, and find bikes with the right suspension.

Personally I would not go for the “latest and greatest” bike available as the first choice. Rather I would emphasize safety aspects, and purchase the right accessories such as helmet and gloves, knee and elbow protection. Then I would join a group of starters. Only after riding for some time, and verifying that this is the kind of sport I can keep up with, I would upgrade to a better more expensive bike.

For more related information about bikes and biking visit at Diamondback Bikes, GT Bikes, and Trek Bikes.

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The author owns B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering, an M.Sc. degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering, and an MBA degree.

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uncategorized Mountain Bikes: BasicsPolaris Ranger Boy’s 24-Inch Mountain Bike
The Polaris Hawkeye offers high tech off-road performance at an affordable price. It features a 21 speed Shimano drivetr… More >>

This site is a paid affiliate of Amazon.com

The author owns B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering, an M.Sc. degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering, and an MBA degree.

Categories : Best Mountain Bikes
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Mountain Biking Basics

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

mountain bike gear Mountain Biking Basics

mountain bike gear Mountain Biking BasicsUniversity of Nevada at Las Vegas UNLV Rebels Long Sleeve Mountain Bike Jersey (M)
These terrific mountain bike jerseys area officially approved and licensed by your favorite colleges and universities. B… More >>

Mountain biking is a wonderful activity to do on your next vacation. You will be amazed at the places you can go and the things you can see that you never would have seen in a car or truck. It is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, bond with your family and friends and stay in shape while your at it. Keep in mind that mountain biking is strenuous exercise and can be quite dangerous if you don’t take the proper safety precautions before hitting the trails. You will need to have the proper equipment, know what type of roads or trails you will be experiencing and have the necessary skills to handle the different terrains. First things first, you need to know about the different types of mountain bikes. They come in three different styles, cross country, free style and downhill. The types of activities you will be participating in will determine what type of bike you should purchase. For example, if you will be spending most of your time going down the sides of mountains, a heavier, sturdier downhill bike will be better for you. Ask for advice at your local bike shop, there are so many varieties of bicycles out there, some professional guidance will be helpful.

You should know where you are going. Research biking trails in whatever area of the country you would like to visit. Each trail offers a different level of difficulty, a different type of terrain and different hazards that you may come across. Knowing this in advance will help you plan and prepare for your excursion. You may want to look into joining up with a group of more experienced riders. You can find this information on the internet or through local bicycle stores. If you contact the local parks department, you may be able to get more location specific information and they may even be able to provide a map for you to take along.

Build up to your trip. If you are a “weekend warrior”, it may take some time to work yourself into shape. Remember that mountain biking is extremely challenging and is a far cry from riding a bike around town. You will need to condition your body ahead of time so you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of a mountain. Start out biking for an hour or so a day and build up to long periods of time. You may also want to check with a doctor to make sure your body is in the top condition necessary for this sport.

Make sure you are safe. Don’t forget to pack emergency necessities, water, first aid kit, basic repair tools for your bike. You never know when you will encounter a problem out there, being prepared is the only way to go. Even more important is your safety gear. You should always wear a helmet and eye protection is important as well. Make sure you have comfortable clothing and shoes designed for mountain biking.

By following these guidelines, you should have a safe and fulfilling mountain biking trip!

mountain bike gear Mountain Biking BasicsUniversity of Nevada at Las Vegas UNLV Rebels Long Sleeve Mountain Bike Jersey (M)
These terrific mountain bike jerseys area officially approved and licensed by your favorite colleges and universities. B… More >>

This site is a paid affiliate of Amazon.com

Mike Dire is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. He is also a partner in an online bike carrier store.

Categories : Mountain Bike Gear
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The Basics Of Mountain Biking

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

mountain bike accessories The Basics Of Mountain Biking

mountain bike accessories The Basics Of Mountain BikingGiro Hex Mountain Bike Helmet, Matte White/Silver Shards, Medium
The Hex combines a muscular, progressive style with versatility and integrity you want for trail riding. It’s a great ch… More >>

Learning more about mountain biking will help you enjoy the sport more. Knowledge is key to having the right bike and equipment for your ride.

If you want a good way to spend time outside having fun, then you may want to try mountain biking. If you are looking for a fun adrenaline rush, then going very fast down the side of a mountain can be great fun, but it is also dangerous. If you are careful and take precautions, though, it is a sport that the whole family can enjoy.

Mountain Biking Styles
There are three styles of mountain biking. The three different styles include cross-country, free riding, and downhill biking. The styles are somewhat similar to each other, but they each have different skills that are needed. The mountain biking style that you want to do will determine what kind of bike that you need to purchase.

Where to Mountain Bike
Mountain biking is usually done on an unpaved surface. You can find many different areas throughout North America that have specially designed biking trails for you. It is important to check with your local park before you just take off down a trail to make sure that you know the rules and regulations that they have.

There are also groups that you can join to compete against and ride with. It is easy to find a group via the web or in your local paper. You can even ask at your local bike shop if they know of any groups. You can find groups for any experience level – from beginner to more advanced.

Great Biker
To be an accomplished mountain biker, you must first build up your stamina and endurance. If you are racing, then you will want to add a lot of practice and ambition to the mix. Just as with any other sport, mountain biking takes practice to get good at. If you are just beginning, you will have to practice and take those bruises and spills until you get better. There is no way around it.

Mountain Bike Selection
Depending upon what kind of bike riding you will be doing, your bike choice revolves around that fact and your personal desires. You can find bikes in many different price ranges, shapes, and styles, which makes it somewhat overwhelming to find the right one for you.

The internet is a great place to start your bike search. It is easy to compare prices and look at different features of bikes on the internet because there is not stress. You will want to try out the bike before you purchase it, though, so you may have to go to the local bike shop for that. When trying out a bike, you will want to consider the comfort, fit, and how it is made and geared to help you make the best decision for you.

Safety First
Riding a mountain bike can be very dangerous because you are riding on uneven terrain. It is important that you wear a helmet no matter where your riding and elbow and knee pads to help keep yourself safe. If you choose to ride in a wooded area or are going to be following other riders, then you may want to consider adding some goggles to your equipment to help keep your eyes safe. Safety should be your top priority in preparing and riding.

mountain bike accessories The Basics Of Mountain BikingGiro Hex Mountain Bike Helmet, Matte White/Silver Shards, Medium
The Hex combines a muscular, progressive style with versatility and integrity you want for trail riding. It’s a great ch… More >>

This site is a paid affiliate of Amazon.com

Alastair Hamilton is a journalist who writes newsletters on bicycles for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . For additional information on bike buying or mountain bike reviews subjects have a look at his web.

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Maintaining Your Mountain Bike – The Basics

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

mountain bike gear Maintaining Your Mountain Bike   The Basics

mountain bike gear Maintaining Your Mountain Bike   The BasicsFeel good II by Stacy Dynan. Size 8.00 inches width by 8.00 inches height. High Quality Art Poster Print
Feel good II by Stacy Dynan.Total Size : 8.00 inches width by 8.00 inches height.This is the Highest Quality Art Print R… More >>

Riding a mountain bike is great exercise and a lot of fun…and while it’s hard on your legs, it’s hard on the machinery itself. Keeping your bike maintained will keep you safe, and keep the bike in better condition for years to come. There are three basic time frames for maintaining your bike:

- Just before you ride,
- just after you ride,
- long-term storage and repairs.

Just before you ride, bike maintenance is fairly straightforward: Check the tire pressure, fill them up to the level you’re comfortable with and so on. Make sure that the seat is canted at the right angle, make sure that the quick release levers on the wheels are locked tight, and run the pedals with your hands to make sure that the derailleur is working clearly. Your aim is to make sure that if anything is going to need attention, it gets it now, rather than after you’re out on the trail.

After the ride, especially if it’s been damp or muddy, you should set the bike upside down (so it’s balanced on the seat and handlebars), and run a damp cloth over the derailleur, and the other moving parts that shift the chain around for shifting gears. The aim here is to get any mud, twigs, and brambles out before they provide an avenue for moisture to enter. This is also the time to pop the wheels off and clean them before throwing the bike into the car to drive back home.

After you get the bike home, give everything a thorough cleaning. If you use a dry lubricant on the chain, about once a month, break the chain and re-apply it. (We regularly boil our bicycle chains in paraffin, but that’s because we ride in the winter, and it holds up better to snow and salt). It’s also probably time to just take things partially apart, to the limits of your skills, and put them back together; this is great for adjusting shock absorber systems (and getting rid of annoying squeaks), and tightening cables for brakes, inspecting brake pads, and the like.

Mountain bikes in routine use get a fair bit of wear and tear. Always check to make sure that things are setting properly when you’re off the bike and have it at home; again, the aim is to find anything that could break and fix it before you go on the trail rather than have your fun curtailed by equipment failure.

If you are not an all weather cyclist (and not many people are), its worth carrying out some steps to prepare your bike for storage and to take it out again for the road in the spring.

Firstly, when storing your bike, take the wheels off and hang the frame. When the wheels are off, its worth running the inner tubes through a bucket of soapy water to locate any slow leaks and patch them, and its worth tightening and tuning up anything you can reach.

A good book for this process is the Complete Bike Repair Handbook, which we use in our shop for getting bikes ready for sale. It’s also a good time to true your wheels with a spoke wrench. (Some dedicated mountain bikers true their wheels after every ride…)

When you’re putting the bike back into roadworthy condition, the top priority is checking the breaks, followed by running the gear shifts – cable housings can shift when the bike is in storage, which can make things a bit noisier than they should be. (Remember, if it’s making noise, then parts that probably shouldn’t be rubbing, are rubbing.)

With this advice, you should be well set for mountain biking fun!

mountain bike gear Maintaining Your Mountain Bike   The BasicsFeel good II by Stacy Dynan. Size 8.00 inches width by 8.00 inches height. High Quality Art Poster Print
Feel good II by Stacy Dynan.Total Size : 8.00 inches width by 8.00 inches height.This is the Highest Quality Art Print R… More >>

This site is a paid affiliate of Amazon.com

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For Mountain Bike specialists, he recommends Merlin Cycles.

Categories : Mountain Bike Gear
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Learn The Basics Of Mountain Biking

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

mountain bike accessories Learn The Basics Of Mountain Biking

mountain bike accessories Learn The Basics Of Mountain BikingGiro Flak Bike Helmet (Matte Olive , Medium)
Dirt jumpers, freeriders, BMXers, skaters, you name it. If it’s a Summer-X-worthy sport, you’ll spot the Giro Flak Helme… More >>

Mountain biking is now one of the most popular hobbies because it allows you to get outside, enjoy the environment, meet new people and get some exercise at the same time. If you are a beginner and do not have your own bike and are unfamiliar with mountain bikes, you should learn the basics first.


Mountain bikes are available in many shapes and sizes and come with a wide range of price tags. Some bikes have thick tires that soften the impact of high-intensity riding and are excellent to use on rides where you will spend most of your time on rough and uneven terrain. Other mountain bikes have thin tires and are ideal if you plan to ride mostly on a smooth surface such as pavement.


A sturdy and durable helmet is one of the most important things that you will need. Biking helmets are usually lightweight so they won’t feel too heavy or uncomfortable. Most helmets are made partially out of hard Styrofoam with a plastic outside so they can protect your head and not cause any discomfort.


It is easy to fall off mountain bikes especially if you are a beginner so knee and elbow pads will come in handy. Plan ahead to protect any areas that may feel the impact as mountain biking can carry some risks and hazards. Even if you are not riding on rough terrain, you should still protect yourself just in case.


Plan to buy a car rack or truck rack if you live far from any available trails. Doing so will allow you to easily transport your mountain bikes. Roof racks offer the flexibility of having your bike accessible quickly. However, it is difficult for some to live their mountain bikes to place them on their car’s roof. In this case, a trunk rack may be a better choice.


You will need to buy a bottle rack for your mountain bike as it is hard work so you are likely to get very thirsty. You need to have a place on your bike to store water that is immediately accessible that way you can stay hydrated during your ride.


You may want to also pick up some tools to carry with you on rides. You may find the need to adjust the height of your seat or the need to fix a flat tire in the middle of your ride. Buy a small bike pump and an extra inner tube. Your mountain bike can get a flat at any time, so you will want to be prepared.


Mountain bikes are an exciting adventure so plan ahead to make the right decisions to get the most out of it. Purchasing the right kind of mountain bike for your personal needs is the beginning. Stocking up on all of the biking gear you will need ensures both your safety and fun when you ride.

mountain bike accessories Learn The Basics Of Mountain BikingGiro Flak Bike Helmet (Matte Olive , Medium)
Dirt jumpers, freeriders, BMXers, skaters, you name it. If it’s a Summer-X-worthy sport, you’ll spot the Giro Flak Helme… More >>

This site is a paid affiliate of Amazon.com

Leisure Lakes Bikes build bicycles that are built and tested by trained mechanics. mountain bikes offer free after sales advice to guarantee that you are happy with your purchase.
Submitted by search engine consultants at http://www.webrepairservices.co.uk

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Remember when you didn’t think about the gears on your bike? Your bike had a bike sprocket connected to the pedals and a small sprocket connected to the back wheel an that’s all you needed. Then you got a little older and got your first 10-speed. That bike had two sprockets up front and five on the back. In all likelihood, the shifters were a pair of levers connected to your bike frame near the handlebars. As time went on the shifters moved to the handlebars themselves and then became advanced-looking dials right beside the grips. And next thing you knew, instead of a paltry ten speeds on your bike, you were riding a 27-speed mountain climbing machine!

Why all these gears? To make riding faster and easier, of course. Whatever the number of gears your bike has, if it has 2 or more then there’s a basic set-up which almost every bike employs.

First of all you have your front and rear sprockets. These, along with the chain, form the most basic components of the gearing system. To determine your gear ratio you compare the number of teeth on the front sprocket to the number of teeth on the rear sprocket.

If your front sprocket has 52 teeth, and your rear sprocket has 20 teeth, then you’re looking at a ratio of 2.6. The higher the ratio the faster the gear. Typically the gears on the front, starting from the inside, get larger as you move out. On the back wheel, though, the largest gear is typically the farthest inside and they get smaller as you move out.

The next key component for your mountain bikes gears is the derailleur, or derailer. The derailleur is what moves the bicycle chain from gear to gear. A typical shifting system employs both a front and rear derailleur. Without the derailleur you wouldn’t be able to shift gears. The derailleur consists of pulleys and the cage, which is the part which actually comes into contact with the chain. The pulleys are attached to the gear cables. There are separate cables for the front and rear derailleurs. The gear cables connect to the gear shifters.

There are a variety of gear shifters available today and they cover a wide price range. The gear shifter is what allows you to change gears. The first type of shifters were levers known as friction shifters. These worked simply by pulling the cables attached to the derailleurs.

Friction shifters can be troubling because the way they’re designed you can easily get caught between gears and accidentally damage your gears or even wreck. The more advanced variety of shifter is known as the index shifter.

Index shifters have specific stopping points and are calibrated to perfectly shift from gear to gear. They remedy the drawbacks of the older friction shifters. Gear shifters may be placed anywhere from the frame to the handlebar base to the grips to models which seem to be part of the brake levers.

Mountain bikes have multiple gears to make it easier for you to negotiate difficult terrain. Higher gears are there to help you speed downhill or across the flats, and lower gears are there to help you surmount those difficult inclines. Remember, it’s best to shift gears when you’re not putting a lot of stress on your pedals. Shifting when there’s heavy pressure on the pedals can damage your shifting system.

This site is a paid affiliate of Amazon.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as cycling clothing at http://www.cyclinggearplus.com

Categories : Mountain Bike Gear
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