Bike Guide

Car Receiver Bike Racks For Suvs And Trucks

2009-12-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

Trucks and SUVs need specially designed car bike racks. A receiver car bike rack can give you the ability to carry your bikes around with no trouble or damage to your vehicle or your bike.

Truck and SUV drivers may not know that they have an option for a car bike rack for their vehicle, too. A receiver car bike rack is what they need, rather than letting their bikes ride in the back of the truck or SUV. This car bike rack will fit their vehicle perfectly and it will keep your bicycle safe.

Without a car bike rack, you may find that your bicycle is susceptible to damage. Your bicycle is not going to be stable in the back of your truck or SUV, which will mean that it moves around. This can cause dents, dings, and scratches to your bicycle and your vehicle, which is bad news. In a SUV, it is irritating to have to fold down the seats every time that you want to load up your bike, which is why you will want to check into a receiver car bike rack for your truck or SUV.

You can put a receiver car bike rack on the receiver hitch on your truck or SUV. This will help keep your bicycle safe and will keep your vehicle from being damaged as well. You will like the ease of installation and use that a receiver car bike rack can give you.

If you are tired of having to put down or remove seats in your SUV to get your bicycle to fit, then you will enjoy the receiver car bike rack. This will give you more room for your family and you will not have to concern yourself with how to get everything and everyone to the location that you want to go biking.

Convenience abounds with a receiver hitch car bike rack. You will find that you will go bicycling more, simply because it is easy to load and install. It doesn’t make it more difficult to drive, either, as a roof car bike rack would, so you have the best of both worlds.

If you want to keep the money that you spend on your bicycle safe, then you will want to be sure that you use a car bike rack. This will help you to keep it from bouncing around and damaging your bicycle or your vehicle. It will fit tightly to your receiver hitch and keep your bike sturdy.

The good news is that with a receiver car bike car you can carry your entire family’s bicycles. You are even able to haul your recumbent bicycle. Everyone’s bicycle can be loaded onto your receiver car bike rack. The ease of use will cause you to go bicycling even more.

If you enjoy bicycling, then you know how fun and exciting it can be. By having a receiver car bike rack, you will be able to take you and your family’s bicycles anywhere that you want. You can find a car bike rack for any vehicle that you can imagine. Just do your research.

Saris Car Bike Racks

2009-10-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

A Saris car bike rack can be a great addition to any biker's repertoire. By evaluating your needs and desires, you can find the right car bike rack for you.

The Saris car bike rack is very popular due the fact that they manufacture high quality bicycles. Car bike racks should be high quality, too, which is why some people prefer buying them with a reputable manufacture backing it. The car bike rack is what keeps your bike safe, so it is important to make that decision carefully.

Finding the right car bike rack is essential. There are some things that you will want to consider when choosing a car bike rack. You need to consider the car that you are going to be using it on, because this can make a big difference in the type of car bike rack that you need. You also need to think about the number of bikes that you are going to be hauling around, as well as the type of bike. All of these factors can make a determination in which car bike rack that you need for your particular use.

You have lots of choices in car bike racks, even if you determine that you want the Saris brand rack. You want to find the car bike rack that suits your particular uses, so that you will get maximum use from it. Car bike rack reviews can be a very helpful tool for you to determine the car bike rack for you and your particular needs.

After you decide which car bike racks that you are interested in, you need to evaluate and compare the different warranties that are offered. Comparing prices can help you to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. By putting in this time and effort, you will help to increase your satisfaction level with your purchase. Then you will only have to install it and be on your way!

Purchasing a Saris Bicycle Rack
If you have decided upon a Saris car bike rack, then you need to know that you have made an excellent choice. Saris manufactures high quality bicycles and bicycling equipment, so you know that it will hold up well to use. A car bike rack is an important thing to have, so you will want to consider a few things before you make your purchase.

What are your needs? Do you ride by yourself or with your family or friends? You need to try to determine how many bikes that you will be carrying so that you can purchase the right car bike rack for your needs.

There are several places that you can purchase a car bike rack. You will want to make sure that you are getting the maximum value for your money. Watch the sales and look at many different stores to get the best price possible.

Security is something that you will want to keep in mind when choosing a car bike rack as well. A bicycle can be quite an investment and you will want to be sure that your bike stays secure and safe. You will want to make sure that the car bike rack that you choose has some kind of anti-theft device to help keep your bike and investment safe.

Be Prepared With A Car Bike Rack

2009-08-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

You're a bicyclist. You're going on a road trip. Do you leave your bike behind or do you take it with you?

Obviously, you take it with you!

I don't need to tell you of the joys of biking. It's good exercise, you get places a lot faster than if you were jogging, and you can see all the beautiful scenery across this great country.

So what's stopping you from bringing your bike with you?

Space considerations? If you've got all your luggage in your trunk there's no room for your bike.

The hassle? Even if there is room in your trunk for your bike, you might have to take the wheel off to get it to fit, and be worried about scratching the car to boot.

The solution is the car bike rack. There's two main kinds - one that fits on the roof of the car and one that is rear mounted. You'll have to decide which type would best suit your needs.

Don't want to invest in the cost of a bike rack? Well, think about it. Maintaining your health on the road is an important consideration - there's hidden health costs factored in right there! You'll probably be able to rent a bike at your destination but there's the cost of the rental - and frankly the bike itself will not be of the highest quality.

There's such a thing as serendipity. You may be visiting a place that you're unfamiliar with, so you won't think to bring your bike. You arrive and find out that there is some great scenery to be seen - a park, a trail, or something! - and you without your bicycle. So make a habit of taking your bike with you everywhere, and because you have a bike carrier, it couldn't be easier.

Family Fun With a Bicycle

If you have young children, the time to get them interested in biking is now.

Children in this country simply do not get enough exercise. They spend too much time sitting around watching television or playing video games. (On the other hand, if they're reading books - don't bother them - let them read!) If they're outside, they're putzing around practicing skateboard tricks with their friends, and not getting any exercise at all.

A great many children also don't get to spend enough time with their parents. "They grow up so fast," is a constant refrain. Instill in your kids a love of exercise early – and a good relationship with you. Spend time together by biking - you'll be getting exercise, you'll be sharing experiences, you'll have memories to last you for the rest of your life, and so will your children.

And that brings us back to the bike carrier. Each child has to have their own bike, and mom and dad have to have their own bike, and they all need to be brought along on your trips. So pick up that bike carrier, and get out and start having fun.

Exercise Bikes Are Not What They Used To Be

2009-08-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the days when exercise bikes were just bikes held up off of the ground? When exercise bikes were no more complicated than your regular everyday outdoor bike? It seems like a million years ago but in fact it was just yesterday. In an amazingly short amount of time exercise bikes have changed the way we exercise and they way that we stay in tip top shape.

Gone are the exercise bikes that are like outdoor bikes, not we have spinning machines and exercise bikes with TVs on them. We have exercise bikes that will take us up hills and down them to add some spice to our workouts and exercise bikes that will monitor your heart rate and your breathing. It is truly amazing just how much these amazing fitness machines have changed over the last few years. And the best part is that all of these changes to the exercise bikes of today mean that you get a better, more personalized workout each and every tie that you get onto on.

What makes exercise bikes so great and so popular is that they offer so much variety but you never have to leave the house. Many people do not like going to a public gym to exercise in front of all kinds of people. It makes you uncomfortable, who wants others to see them sweating? I know I don’t. And when you have home exercise bikes you never have to take this kind of thing into consideration, you can do all of your exercising in the privacy of your own home.

That is not the only plus to exercise bikes though, there is more. If you had a regular bike, what would you do when it snowed or it was raining really hard? It is not safe to ride a bike outdoors in that kind of weather. Not only could you slip and fall off, but others driving could have a hard time seeing you. This can lead to all kinds of dangerous situations but when you have your own exercise bikes indoors, you can exercise at any time of the day r night, in any weather with perfect safety. Safety should always come first and with these kinds of exercise bikes it always does.

When it comes to choosing the exercise bikes that are right for you, it will take some serious shopping around. You need to take into consideration why you are looking for indoor exercise bikes. Is it to burn fat? To promote good heart health? Better circulation? These types of considerations will affect the kind of exercise bikes that you should be looking at. Since there are so many add ons and extras that you can get these days you need to make sure that you are looking at the exercise bikes that have what you need.

For example, if you want to work on your heart health then you need to look at the exercise bikes that will have heart monitors and perhaps some more of those kinds of add ons.

Exercise Bikes – How Far They Have Come

2009-08-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

The exercise bike has long been the type of exercising that people just love to do. Why? It is relatively easy to do and it allows people to exercise at virtually any time, in a number of different ways. It is through these bikes that people can tone muscle or lose weight. They can find an excellent amount of help through these bikes as well. If you are one of the many that love to work hard and want an exercise bike that will work for you, then this may just be the right option to think about. But, wait; did we mention the various types of exercise bikes on the market?

Just Look At The Options!

The exercise bike has really come a long way from the days of a stationary bike that you can ride. They used to be quite similar to those bikes that are rode out of doors, but now they have become complex machines. Now, although you can choose any of the exercise bike options that you find, it is important to realize that the true benefit to the bike comes only from getting on it and getting in that workout. In other words, you need to invest the time in the bike to gain anything from those features.

Some of the features that you will find on exercise bikes are those that will enhance your performance. One of the major problems or differences between the stationary bike and those that are real bikes is that you don’t get the up and down of hills that help to intensify a workout. But, this is possible and does happen when you use an exercise bike that you can tighten and release the tension off of. Also, some exercise bikes can be inclined at different levels to simulate the effects of bike riding.

Exercise bikes can also monitor your performance better. Yes, they can tell you how well you are doing. Many exercise bikes are equipped with mileage counters. Some have calorie burner counters as well. Still others will track your speed. On top of these elements, you will find heart rate monitor bikes that will actually track and monitor your heart’s beat throughout the course. Want to analyze this data? Some exercise bikes will allow you to download the information to your computer or will allow you to track and use it right on the bike.

Just remember, as much as you want to have these excellent features, you have to commit to the exercise as well. That means that you have to get on the bike and get the workout done, regularly because if you don’t nothing is gained. Take some time to find just the right features and priced exercise bike for you and get to working out! If you use your exercise bike fully and regularly, then you will reap the rewards of increased health and wellness that loss of weight and increased muscle tone can do for you.

California Wine Tours For Bikes: A Quick Guide

2009-07-29T21:28:00.001-07:00

California is one of the must-visit places at the moment for so many reasons. You can experience so much from just one place that it is impossible to get bored. However, you will not have experienced California properly until you go on a wine tour. Certain areas of the American state are all about the wine and this is most definitely the case in Napa Valley. Those looking for something different may still want to go on a wine tour, but something like the California wine tours for bikes. You can easily ride from winery to winery in Napa Valley because there are over three hundred within a relatively small area. You can visit several within a short space of time. California wine tours for bikes may therefore be worth a go!

California wine tours for bikes have a distinct beauty about them. Not only are you riding through the most beautiful countryside in the United States and will be blown away by the stunning landscape, you will also be able to access some of the best wineries in the world. There are some huge vineyards that would take all day to walk around but there are several other little treasures dotted all over the place that you can quite easily visit within the space of a day. Small family businesses often provide some of the best wines and you can truly experience the wine culture in California. Discovering these little gems would be a result of the California wine tours for bikes!

The weather in California is perfect for California wine tours for bikes. The blue skies are present for most of the year and make the bike ride an absolute joy. As an extra bonus for those going on California wine tours for bikes, there are lanes on public highways especially for bikes so you can get from winery to winery without risking your life! You can arrange your own California wine tours for bikes or go with one of many companies that actually provide them as par for the course. There are many of these, but they are matched in number by bike hire places in the Napa Valley. You can hire a bike for the day or book onto California wine tours for bikes that last for a specific amount of hours with likeminded people.

California wine tours for bikes may also be offered as a vacation package with meals and accommodation thrown in. These are fantastic because you spend all week or weekend going around wineries experiencing the win and the atmosphere with people that may become friends! California wine tours for bikes should be a part of your vacation there.

The California wine tour is a must for anyone interested in wine and visiting California. There are many wineries open to the public so it may be worth just taking a few days to explore as many of them as you can. I guarantee that you will not be bored when you get there!

Essentials Of The Bicycle Wheels

2009-06-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

The article refers to the different contents of the bicycle wheels. It tries to explain the role that these important parts play in the smooth running of the wheels.

There is no better way to spend a weekend than to go on a leisurely ride on a bicycle on a quiet track in the woods. Bicycles have an old world charm about them and even in this fast-paced world has its own prominent place. Of all the parts of the bicycle, it is the bicycle wheels which are the most important ones. Bicycle wheels are the ones which carry the entire burden on them and thus need to be very carefully observed.

Types of Tires

Almost 99% of the bicycles have the clincher kind of tires. The clincher tires consist of an outer tire with a cross section which has a typical U – shape while there is another inner tube within the tire. Apart from these parts there are three key parts which create the tire. The first part is the Bead which is basically the rim of the tire. Normally, the beads contain hoops which are made up of steel wires which are very strong. The second very important part is the fabric. Tire manufacturers weave this cloth fabric between two beads to make the basic framework of the tire. The third major portion is the rubber. Rubber is used as an outer layer to the fabric. Rubber is used only after the basic framework is complete.

Apart from the clinchers, the bicycles also have wheels which are known as tubular tires. Unlike the clinchers, the tubular tires do not have any beads. In the tubular tires, the two rims of the tires are actually stitched together around the inner tube.

Other Tire Aspects

Bicycle tires have a part called traction. This traction is basically the resistance capacity of the tires which avoid skidding or slipping. Another very important aspect of bicycle wheels is the width and pressure of the bicycle wheels. The width and pressure of the wheels are inversely proportional. This implies that if the width of the wheel is greater then it has a low pressure and if the width is not very wide then it has a high pressure. Also generally, the wheels are made up of two basic types of rubber, namely natural latex rubber and butyl.

There are several other points apart form the features mentioned above. However, these are the most important features which make up the basic framework of the wheels of the bicycle and without which the wheels cannot work.

Know Your Bike Frame

2009-06-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

The bicycle is over 200 years old. It's evolution proceeded quickly when it was first invented, and the changes continue to this day.

The bicycle can trace its history back to Germany in the year 1817, when inventor Karl Drais developed a push bike - one without pedals.

Like any other invention there were actually quite a few contributors to the changing design over the years. Other inventors who contributed to the evolution of the bicycle are Scottish blacksmith Kirkpatrick MacMillan, Frenchmen Ernest Michaux and Pierre Lallement, and Englishman James Starley - whose bicycle design, with the extremely large front wheel and the extremely tiny rear wheel was called the "penny farthing." The "safety bicycle", with both wheels the same height in a "diamond frame" that is still in use today, came into use in 1885, and in 1888 rides became much more comfortable with the invention of the "pneumatic" tire by Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop.

Over One Hundred Years Later, Improvement Continues

Just over a hundred years later, the basic design of the bicycle has not changed, but improvements are nevertheless being made all the time. The "new age" materials now in use - aluminum, titanium and carbon fire - have enabled bicycles to be made just as sturdy as can be desired, but with the light weight which most people these days desire.

The diamond bicycle frame consists of a series of tubes: the main triangle which consists of the head tube, top tube, down tube and seat tube. The rear triangle consists of the seat tube, paired chain stays and seat stays.

What are bicycle frames made of? The metal they're made of is important, because a lot of factors have to be taken into account: the density of the metal will determine how heavy the bike is, the stiffness will affect the ride comfort and the control efficiency. There is always the danger of crashes so yield strength is important - how much force will permanently "deform" the metal? Also a consideration for crash-worthiness is the elongation capability of the metal. And then there's the fatigue limit and the endurance limit.

A great many bike frames are made from steel. It's got all the best qualities needed for a frame, but its major drawback is that it is very heavy.

Aluminum is very popular for use in bike frames, because of its very low weight. But the problem with aluminum is that it is very easy to bend it - and thus break it.

Titanium is rapidly becoming a popular material for bike frames. It's strong, and its light...and its very expensive. Only high-end bicycles are made with titanium.

Carbon fiber is a non-metallic material for making bicycle frames. It is light weight, resists corrosion, and can be formed into practically any shape desired. However, carbon fiber does have low impact resistance, so it's not so good for the mountain biker. And of course it's expensive also

Bicycle manufacturers are always experimenting with new materials, of course. Currently, the use of thermoplastics is being tested, as is that of magnesium.

There's great days ahead for the evolution of bicycling, so keep your helmet on and go full speed ahead!

Types Of Bikes

2009-06-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

There is something about buying a new bike that makes you feel like a kid again. On a shiny brand new bike, the wind feels a little wilder in your hair and you feel like your five years old. There's no question that buying a new bike is a rush. The question is, what kind of bike to buy?

Bicycles come in styles and prices to suit every need and virtually every budget. Choosing from the many types of bikes on the market is a personal decision that's basically determined by the type of riding you want to do.

If you are a serious off-road cyclist, you'll need a sturdy mountain bike. Distance riders will want a lightweight model that offers speed and comfort. Cross-country travelers should opt for touring bikes. Even companion bikes have their place with urban riders needing to share the ride with children or spouses.

The choice of types of bikes is yours and yours alone. Specialized bikes are available to suit those with very particular needs. If you have a bumpy commute, for example, you'll probably want a mountain bike. Although usually heavy with a higher rolling resistance, mountain bikes run smoothly along single tracks, over rocks and along steep mountain trails.

If you shop at the market, run an urban delivery service or just have a heavy load to bear, you should consider choosing a touring bike. These are generally sturdy, comfortable and stable. An added feature of the touring bike is the many forks and eyelets that can be used to attach racks and cranks as storage for all of your non-cycling gear.

Whatever kind of riding you do, never overlook the importance of a really comfortable seat. Some types of bikes feature ultra-comfortable recumbent seats. Others have more business-like economy seats. The former will provide you with more comfort while riding, and may even protect you from saddle sores. The latter will make your bike look more streamlined and professional, but can be a pain.

Another consideration is to buy a sports bike with a road racing frame and provision for triple cranks. If you are heavy-set or suffer from knee problems, cranks can be very beneficial in preventing pressure from falling on the knees when you are cycling on a stiff slope.

Buying a tandem bike is another possibility, particularly if you tend to ride with a companion. They are made for two riders and are more expensive than other bikes. There are a number of pros, and cons, that should be carefully considered before making the investment in tandem. If you do decide to purchase a bicycle built for two, make sure you get a model that has 700c wheels.

Hybrid bikes are great choices for those traveling short distances, going along well-laid cycle paths, or who just enjoy a relaxing cruise. Hybrids feature upright seats and handlebars, so they offer optimal comfort and really are a pleasure to ride.

Finally, if you want to really stand out, invest in a groovy cruiser bike. These can be fitted with a number of fancy accessories and components, and make for a relaxing ride if you tend to take short journeys. As the name suggests, these bikes are built for 'cruising'.

Buying a new bike is a personal decision that needs some careful thought. When you take the time to choose the right type of bike for your needs, you'll soon have a new set of wheels that will make you feel carefree and unstoppable. You'll feel just like a kid again.

Learning More About Lowrider Bikes

2009-05-26T19:42:00.001-07:00

Article that tells about the main attraction of Lowrider bikes, with the new trends in low riders, also related to Cruiser or Beach Cruiser style bikes.

A low rider bike is also known as chopper bicycle and is a highly customized bike. It is a very popular bike and its styling is inspired by both low rider cars and chopper motorcycles (that’s how the name comes). Bikers take it as a pride to ride a low rider bike. They have long, curved banana seat with a sissy bar and long upward-swept handlebars known as apehangers.

Who Ride These Bikes:

Low rider bike is not just a bike; it represents an urban culture of those people who want to be a part of it. These bikes are preferred for the fact that people ride them to relax themselves after a long day work. As a result, you will see a large number of such bikes over the weekends or public holidays, when a lot of people take them out for enjoyment and refreshment. These bikes are made in such a way so that it keeps a low profile.

It’s not just the boys who like to ride low riders; ladies also love to take a ride on low riders. Girls are often attracted towards these beautiful low riders and form a substantial percentage of total riders riding low riding bikes.

Main Attraction of Low Rider Bikes:

It can be personalized in any imaginable way for instance the frames can be twisted, wheels, spokes, peddlers can be painted etc.

The suspension fitted can be either Air Bag suspension or Hydraulic suspension, which allows the rider to alter the ride hide at will.

The most interesting aspect of low rider is its capability to fit sound system, boom boxes, I-pod, mobile phone and even the neon lights.

Latest Information about Low Rider Bikes:

The best selling bikes are: 20-inch original w/logo Low rider Bike w/Bent Fork and 20-inch classic Low rider Bike. The stock bicycles are mostly popular among makers of low riders and the most popular of these are:

American produced- Schwinn Stingray.

British produced- Raleigh Chopper.

The new trends in low rider bikes are also related to Cruiser or Beach Cruiser style bikes.

The World Naked Bike Ride Experience

2009-01-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

I had not heard of the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) until a couple of weeks before this year's events in June when I accidently came across the websites while doing research with Google for my article writing for SexTingles.

I have been a naturist for many years. The one thing about us British that niggles me is the ambivalent nature we have generally about sex. It means that, despite the modern day openness in the media, people are still usually very reserved about their own sex lives. This is mixed with an apparently insatiable desire to hear about other people's sex lives; particularly those of celebrities. There is a continual hypocritical outcry about the sexual behaviour of celebrities and politicians plastered across the news media and tut-tutted at by all and sundry although most of those doing the tut-tutting are 'carrying on' in much the same way.

So what has all this to do with the WNBR? Well first of all British Naturists are some of the nicest people there are, but they are also some of the most sexually confused/scared/hypocritical. Society being what it is has always been very wary of the idea and practice of naturism - because the mere state of being naked with other human beings has sexual connotations. Naturists have responded by denying any sexual aspect in their social nakedness. It is of course true that for most people sexy clothing can be even more of a turn-on than full nakedness and if you are habitually naked among other people you become used to the sight of naked bodies and peoples' genitals. However, in my opinion, if one naturist is attracted to another, their nakedness can and should be a 'turn-on'.

This sets the stage for the WNBR. Non-naturists braving public nakedness for the 'cause'; naturists many in denial about the possible sexual nature of nakedness and the non-naturist public titilated by the thought and sight of nakedness and driven by a hypocritical convention to love and condemn, at the same time, public nakedness and sexuality.

Against this background the WNBR is first and foremost a light-hearted event to present a serious protest against the dependency on fossil fuels, the dangers of overuse of cars both to the environment and to cyclists, and the benefit of cycling to people and the environment. Rides are run throughout the world over the same few days in June. The rides are billed as naked (though there is no insistence on participants being fully naked) to draw attention to the vulnerability of the human body to pollution and cars - and of course to attract the attention of the public.

As usual with these events the Brighton Group discussed arrangements with the local police who were helpful and did not see any problem with riders being naked. However, just days before the event the Assistant Chief Constable intervened and pronounced that riders would be arrested if they, in his words, "exposed their 'rude bits'". Apart from the dubious legality of this directive (perhaps the subject of another article) does this (panic?) act not show the confusion society has about morality, sexuality and nakedness! Was it his own opinion that he was imposing, was it the result of pressure from some very influential person or people, did he really believe that the general public would really be significantly offended and up in arms over the nakedness? The organisers advised partipants to use imaginative ideas to cover up - exactly what was not clear. Would bare buttocks and breasts be OK?

When the day arrived my nervousness intensified. Not because I would be (nearly) naked but because I was anxious about the public's reaction, especially as I had a panel on the bike declaring being sponsored by SexTingles and supporting both WNBR and the Outsiders Club. Would they be offended; would they laugh at us or would they be supportive? Would the other riders be uncomfortable with my sponsorship (with its sexual connections)?

When I arrived at the Level, preparations were already underway with people doing body painting promoting the WNBR messages. I was pleased to see there was an even number of men and women (also one or two children with their parents and a dog in a bike trailer!). One or two people (men) were fully naked there were a lot of naked buttocks and breasts. More and more people arrived; the press arrived and quite few people gave interviews including myself. Then suddenly the police arrived in cars and a police van ... how were they going to react?

In the event, the police were friendly. They chatted to people and slowly and quietly talked to those who were obviously intending to go on the ride fully naked, telling them they should cover up their genitals. Mine were covered with an amusing 'elephant' thong!

At last the ride got underway and around 160 riders left the park area and with the help of the police who directed at traffic lights and junctions we travelled down the Steine to the the Brighton Palace Pier and then along the seafront to Hove. The public reaction seemed mixed with amusement and bemusement. Quite a few cheered us on our way. At the Statue of Peace we waited for the stragglers to catch up. Then we turned north into the shopping areas and cycled along Western Road and past Churchill Square. It was in this area that we past the most people. Again most were supportive. A few older people ignored us or turned away and looked uncomfortable, but no-one showed any signs of being really upset.

The ride then took us east through Kemptown and then finally back down to the sea at the Brighton Naturist Beach. There people gathered to take a rest and have some lunch. A few of the riders then went back into Brighton to catch a train up to London to take part in the London ride - which actually did have fully naked riders!

There were only two instances of note. At one point the police held up traffic to let us through but at the head of the queue was a bus. The bus driver was so annoyed at being held up he moved forward and used the bus to push the policeman out of the way - he got a good talking to! One of the riders arrived at the finish in the police van; but he had not been arrested, in fact he had had a puncture and the police gave him a lift!

Since the event I have read a few responses from the public, some of whom maintain it must have been an illegal act as it "destroyed the Queen's Peace" others applauding it and yet others arguing the case for cycling and cars and the use of the roads. Hopefully the ride did get people thinking about the issues, although to my mind the problems and cures are not as simple as such a protest tends to suggest.

So, an event that I had been anxious about turned out to be great fun and all the people taking part were very friendly. I took part to help save the World and would not have missed it for the World!

On Your Bike – The Route To Success

2009-01-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest reasons that I love my job is that it gives me so much time to develop myself personally. Each and every day I set about learning new skills and challenging old limiting beliefs about what I can and can’t do! Many of my clients think that because of the job that I do, that I am 100% and that I have reached my potential. Well I must say that the success that I have created for myself so far in life is certainly fun and exciting and it allows me to do things that others only dream about, however I always feel that I can develop and improve more as while I continue to grow older and wiser my wants and needs in life are changing and ‘success’ now has a different meaning to me than it did… say ten years ago.

So what is success to you?

Is it earning enough money each and every month to pay your taxes and your bank for any credit cards you have? Is it raising a happy family and living happily ever after in your home sweet home? Maybe it is being the CEO of a major international companying. Whatever success is to you, one thing should be well understood – you can achieve and reach your success with a little planning.

As a child I remember taking my bike out of the back garden and deciding that I wanted to go on a bike ride. I peddled around for hours wondering which route to take out of town. Before I knew what was happening the sun was setting and it was time to get myself off home for my dinner. Later that year I decided on another bike ride, however this time I decided to do a little research and go to the local filling station and get a map of the local area and all the towns around my home town of Bicester. A few days before the week end I studied the map and decided to visit Banbury which was some 17 miles away. I decided the route and what I needed to take for lunch and that weekend I was off!

Success – I had achieved a bike ride that will stay in my memories as a true achievement for the rest of my life. Not bad for an 11 year old boy is it?

Just imagine what you could achieve if only you set your mind to it and did a little bit of planning!

When In Doubt Bike For Better Health

2009-01-20T21:55:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons people chose to ride a bicycle, but one growing reason is to improve their health. Not only can bicycling help tone leg muscles and burn calories, but there are several other health benefits associated with riding a bike. The following paragraphs will discuss some of these health benefits, as well as provide tips on getting started.

There are several health benefits for those who take out time to bike. In addition to toning and building leg muscles, regular bicycling provides various other health benefits to aid in keeping fit and healthy. Some of these benefits include, but are not limited to boosting aerobic capacity, reduce risk of colon cancer, reduce cholesterol and will help reduce blood pressure.

Boosting your aerobic capacity can be one of the greatest help benefits associated with bicycling. When someone first starts riding a bike regularly, they can sometimes see up to a 20% increase during the first four months of their bicycling. In other words, their heart will be able to deliver oxygen to the body's muscles with more ease, making tasks like climbing the stairs or walking long distances less difficult. Reducing the chances of cancer and reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels are also great health benefits associated with riding a bike regularly.

Beginning Bicycling Techniques

Many people consider bicycling for better health, yet they do not know how to get started. Getting started in regular bicycling does not have to be hard. The following paragraphs will provide some useful tips to help you get started in bicycling for better health.

Always begin by planning short routes. Bike routes for those just getting started in regular bicycling for good health should be a maximum of 10 -15 miles or around an hour ride time, and rough riding conditions should be avoided. Parks are a good place to ride your bike regularly. By riding in a park, it is easier to think of your regular bike rides as sight seeing adventures, and less like a workout for better health. You should try to ride your regular route at least three times a week. Riding your bike to the store, or to run similar regular errand can also be a good choice of bike route.

The many health benefits of riding a bike regularly should be more than enough to make you consider bicycling for better health. Getting started is easy, and the results are well worth the time and effort.

Bike: For Fun And Fitness

2009-01-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Aerobic fitness has many benefits

Excellent health is based on aerobic strength, flexibility and fitness. All of these are significant. For healthy heart, any type of aerobic exercise is good. Normally, this needs movement that is continued over a period of time and that uses the power of your arms and legs. This kind of work out makes your heart work harder. Aerobics causes your body to burn fat for energy and use oxygen. Cycling is a good example of aerobic activity.

Cycling is a excellent exercise for people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Research shows that cycling is actually better for reducing blood pressure than more intense activities like jogging.

Eventually, it strengthens and conditions your heart.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine recommends cycling, for healthy individuals and low-risk cardiac patients.

Cycling has following benefits:

ทincrease your endurance
ทflexibility is increased
ทstimulates sexual desire
ทmuscles that supports joints are strengthened
ทimprove your remembrance and attentiveness
ทkeeps you in shape
ทreduces stiffness and ache
ทability to perform daily tasks is enhanced
ทmakes you feel good
ทreduces sleep disorders and improve your sleep
ทincrease your confidence
ทhelp you feel more confident
ทreduce nervousness

This century is certainly of fear and doubt, but this is a century of uproar, hatred, clash, insanity, exploitation, brutality, corruption, this century is of terrorism, this century of instant profit, so humans are depressed and hurt.

How about biking when you are depressed?

How about going out there biking and seeing beautiful world GOD made just for you? How about feeling that cold breeze? How about your body realizing all those happy hormones while cycling which are natural pain killers? How about taming all those mountains? How about chasing sun by biking towards sun?

Man, it feels great, trust me.

Do you remember how many sports and games you played as kid? Do you remember how many times you fell while biking? Don’t give up on it, it felt great, no? Let’s pedal back to the time of cheery delight. Bicycle is the best way to have fun while staying healthy and fit. And age is no barrier to biking. Who knows? Who you might meet along the way!

Treadmills vs. Exercise Bike

2009-01-10T21:53:00.000-08:00

Many people in this day and age know that the key to a long life is to eat healthy and perform regular exercise. This fact has made gym memberships and home health equipment surge in the last decade. Many people choose the latter due to the fact of ease of use in their own home and not having to deal with gym rats.

There are hundreds of types of exercise equipment on the market, but the most popular are treadmills and exercise bikes. The major problem most people find with at home exercise equipment is overcoming boredom. The only thing that seems to work on boredom on a treadmill is a TV or watching an exercise program.

The same is true on an exercise bike, but some bikes allow you to plug into a TV or video game so that you may visually pedal thru a course. Recumbent bikes allow your hands to be free so that you may use the phone, magazine or book.

Safety on a Treadmill or Bike

If safety is a major concern due to age or injury, obviously the exercise bike is the safest for either. Not only while on a treadmill do you have to worry about a misstep, but also if you have children they can endanger the user or themselves. If a ball or any other item is placed under the deck and belt the treadmill can abruptly stop, or little fingers and hands can be hurt by putting them in places they don’t belong.

With treadmills you also have to remember that you are putting much more stress on your joints. With an upright exercise bike users may stress your back while trying to reach handle bars. Recumbent bikes are said to sometimes improve existing back pain by forcing proper posture and giving you support while exercising. Exercising on a bike compared to a treadmill will reduce joint stress and injury.

Calorie Burn

On average a treadmill will burn more calories per hour than an exercise bike. NordicTrack conducted a study using different types of exercise equipment and they found that all at the same intensity the treadmill and ski machine burned more calories per hour than any other piece of equipment.

If you are interested in losing weight, a treadmill is the way to go! If you are a healthy individual with no joint problems or health problems you can expect to lose about 750 calories per hour on a treadmill compared to 550 calories on a bike. The key to losing weight is thru vigorous activity which a treadmill can allow.

Conclusion

Both exercise bikes and treadmills are wonderful options for anyone interested in losing weight or improving health. The major decision is what you are truly interested in achieving, and if you feel that you will be able to stick with your program long term. Long term success is determined by long term usage, so pick wisely, or even better choose both if your wallet can afford the investment.

Sizing Mountain bikes

2009-01-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

Along with giving you a better selection and expert
advice, bike shop personnel can you help you get
fitted to the right size bike. You can get the bike
either too big or too small, which will cause your
enjoyment to suffer. Follow the tips below, and
you'll have the perfect fit for your mountain 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!

Buying A Mountain Bike

2009-01-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

It can be a bit frustrating as well as time consuming
when you buy a mountain bike. Below, you'll find
some tips and things to be aware of before you lay
down the cash and buy a mountain bike.

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.

Mountain Bike Gears: What Are They Good For?

2008-12-29T19:32:00.003-08:00

The joy of the mountain bike is that they come with so many gears that, if you shift into the lowest one, you can ride up a mountain with no problem. It may take you all day, but you can do it.

It's been a long time since the "10-speed" bike was the ne plus ultra of biking sophistication when it came to gears. These days, especially in mountain bikes, you can get anything up to 27 speeds.

What are all these gears in aid of? Quite simply, they allow you to pedal at the same cadence - regardless of whether you're going uphill, downhill, or cross country.

However, the main reason why mountain bikes have so many gears is to assist you in climbing up those mountains!

The main thing to remember when shifting is that you must always shift while pedaling, otherwise you'll strip the gears.

Front Derailleur
The gears are divided into two parts. There are three chain rings in the front, which are controlled by the left hand gear shifter. That's why there are 3 numbers to choose from on that gear shifter - to choose which of three front rings your chain will rest on. The "derailleur" attached to the gear shifter moves the chain from one ring to another.

When the chain is on the smallest of these three chain rings (1), pedaling will be very easy. This is called the granny gear. The second chain ring is for level, off road riding (2), and the third, or largest chain ring, is good for riding on pavement.

So if you want to use just those three gears, you can certainly do so. But, using the right hand shifter, you can take advantage of the increments of gears available to you.

Rear Derailleur
The back chain ring is a cog set featuring seven, eight or nine cogs, depending on how many "speeds" you have (21, 24 or 27). Each cog is of a different size, and again, the smaller size cogs will enable you to pedal very, very easily - but not go very fast, while the larger size cogs will allow you to go further with each downward stroke of the pedal.

The best thing to do is to practice, practice, practice. Take your bike to a parking lot or somewhere where you don't have to worry about people, and shift from one gear to another, getting used to each one and how easy or difficult it is to pedal while in that gear.

People new to biking might be rather wary of shifting gears. Shifting always was a bit problematic during the "old days" - when one only had a pair of center mounted levels to work with, but now gear shifters - the twist type - are so easy to use that there is no reason to be afraid of shifting. Again, as long as you're pedaling while you shift, you won't hurt the gears.

Criteria For Selecting The Right Mountain Bike

2008-12-29T19:32:00.001-08:00

The purchase of a mountain bike can be a tedious and time consuming process. However keeping basic criteria in mind for example, primary criteria like bike sizing and secondary criteria like body type, frame size etc. can go a long way in helping you select the right mountain bike for a smooth and comfortable ride always.

When out to make a new purchase we tend to keep a lot of factors in mind to ensure that our purchase matches our set criteria. Though such factors may be relevant while buying a new bike, the most important criteria is that the size of the bike should match the size of your body. The metal type, the technical aspects and other factors should never be given priority over the bike’s size while selecting the right bike. Different people have different thoughts to evaluate the selection of the right bike size but the most common evaluation factors are as given.

For the selection of the right bike, the inseam measurement is one of the factors to be considered. The inseam must be measured keeping the seating of the bike in mind therefore the inseam of your trouser may not be the correct measurement. To accurately get the sizing of your mountain bike, you can do the following – supporting yourself against a wall, place a ruler or a hard object like a stick between your legs while keeping your feet apart at around 6 to 8 inches. Raise the object until it fits into the crotch just like a seat would and mark this distance on the wall with someone’s help. Your mountain bike inseam should be equal to the measure between the floor and the wall marking.

Another factor is the judgment of the frame size. You could take the measurement from center to the top or from center to center. This can be a bit uncertain since a little variation can cause inaccurate fitting. The mountain bike’s have adjustable seat tube as well as adjustable handlebar tube. However inaccurate measurement can result in an uncomfortable ride.

Time and Patience – the Key to achieve the right adjustment

The still position is the best way to judge your mountain bike sizing. Just ensure that the back wheel is kept off the ground with the help of a stand. The top bar of the bike should level with the ground and for this the front of the bike also should be kept off the ground. Keep a leg on the pedal and see that the knee is in line with the pedal simultaneously keeping the pedal in the same level. In most mountain bikes this position can be achieved by slightly adjusting the seat forward and backward.

There are shops specializing in mountain bikes and can provide information and assistance in assessing the right mountain bike sizing. The efforts put in to select the right mountain bike sizing may prove to be time consuming and demanding but the result will be a mountain bike which feels like a part of your body and gives extremely effortless and smooth riding even in uncomfortable and rough terrains. Thus as already pointed out, selecting your mountain bike based on the right sizing is the most important criteria and any other advice about body type etc. should be treated as secondary.

Thumpstar Pit Bikes: Why I Love My Thumpstar Pit Bike

2008-12-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

When my son turned 5 I got him a minibike. I have always had a passion for motorcycles, so naturally he wanted one too. It was really fun to watch him learn and teach him how to ride. The greatest thing about his new bike was the fun I had when I started riding it around. This thing was really fun to ride. After stepping off of my CR250 it was great to clown around with this little motorcycle. Well when he was around 8 he outgrew his little 50cc dirtbike and he wanted something bigger. He kept telling me he wanted a Thumpstar pit bike. Well I had to buy two of them because I had so much fun riding his motorcycle and he “wanted it back”. Let me tell you why I love the Thumpstar pit bike.

Pit bikes have become more and more popular over the last few years. The main reason why is because they are so fun to ride. After all, now that I’m in my thirties I don’t like trying huge 60 foot triple jumps anymore. When I was younger it didn’t hurt so much when I crashed, but now I’m afraid I’ll break a hip or something. When I ride my Thumpstar pit bike I don’t need to worry about this. I can shred as hard as I want on this thing without the fear of a trip to the hospital. When I fall off at speed I’m going at a slower speed and not jumping as high as when riding my full size CR250. The Thumpstar pit bike is also much lighter and easier to flick around the corners making me feel like a pro AMA racer.

My Thumpstar pit bike is really fast for how small it looks and it handles like a dream. In the spec sheet for the motorcycle the top speed is 55 miles per hour. Not bad for such a small 125cc motorcycle. It is quite a shaky ride down the trails on the 10’ tires, but that is half the fun. I also ride around the yard where I have a small double jump that is a blast to jump on this bike. The Thumpstar pit bike is so light I can do x-ups and no footers no problem off my little jump and it is a blast. My friends have all bought pit bikes as well and we have a blast going riding together. My son also enjoys coming with us now. The small size of these bikes has proven to be a great equalizer, as now my son is out jumping me and most of my friends at times.

I used to think Chinese made motorcycles were all junk. I had a hard time buying a Thumpstar pit bike for my son because I was so worried about reliability. When I started looking at prices though, I realized that if I bought a Honda it would cost me more money without half of the bells and whistles that this motorcycle had. So I took a shot and bought one for him. Well I was quite impressed with the durability of this bike. Both of these bikes have taken a lot of abuse and nothing has broken in 8 months. I have had to replace a brake lever on my son’s and a clutch lever on mine. Some bolts have rattled loose, but overall the quality and durability have been outstanding. It is also easy to find replacement and aftermarket parts for these bikes which was another one of my worries.

I’m not ready to sell my full size CR250 yet, but lately I am spending less and less time on it. Weather you buy a Thumpstar pit bike or some other brand, you will love riding pit bikes. They are less dangerous and easier to ride than the larger dirtbikes. If you have children or just like to go riding with friends, try out a pit bike. You won’t believe how much fun you can have on these little motorcycles.

Yakima Car Bike Racks

2008-12-29T19:30:00.001-08:00

Yakima car bike racks will make an excellent gift for any bicycler. They are not that expensive and can be very functional for any bicycler.

If you are looking for a gift for that biker in your life, then you may want to consider a Yakima car bike rack. This car bike rack can help keep their bike safe and secure and it will be functional for them so that they can take their bike anywhere that they choose.

A car bike rack will make a wonderful gift for any friend or family member. For some people, purchasing a car bike rack is not something that they will do because they think that they are expensive, but they are actually priced quite reasonably. They can also save you money because they will save wear on your bike.

If you don’t have a car bike rack, but still carry around your bike, you may find that your bike will bang against your car, which is not good for your bike or for your car. A car bike rack can help you’re your bike securely fastened so that it does not move around. This can save both the finish on your car and your bike from unnecessary damage.

A Yakima car bike rack can also keep the bike from bumping against the rack itself. The bike is help securely in the car bike rack, which will help keep your investment safe.

If longer bike racks are your thing, then you will most definitely want a car bike rack. This can help you get your bike to any forest trail that you choose, even if it is very far away. This can be quite convenient for you.

To get a bike ride that you will be satisfied with, it may take time and effort to find the right trails. You may have to do some driving around to find a place that will meet your bike riding specifications. If you have a car bike rack, then you can take your bike along with you, to save time, energy, and fuel.

You do not want to wait until the day that you want to go biking. You will want to make this car bike rack purchase before it starts getting pretty outside, so that you can enjoy the good weather when it comes. You will be glad that you did.

You will find that Yakima bike racks are simple to use. They will keep your bike secure and stable to help keep it from getting damaged. A Yakima car bike rack may be just what you need to help make your biking experience more fun and enjoyable. Have a good time!

Why Mountain Bike Shoes?

2008-12-29T19:29:00.002-08:00

To increase your enjoyment of mountain biking, the right shoe is essential. A shoe designed specifically for the mountain biker is the way to go.

Mountain bike shoes come in a variety of prices, from the inexpensive $70 range, up to over $400. The amount of money you pay depends entirely on whether or not you are a casual, once-a-month rider, a serious hobbyist, or someone who competes in races - either amateur or professional.

What is it about mountain bike shoes that make them a) important to have and b) so expensive?

Shoes designed specifically for cycling have stiff soles, which helps the cyclist in transferring the power from his legs and feet to the pedals and thence to the chain for greater speed. Since the road cyclist is expected to be on his or her bike at all times without having to do a great deal of walking, they normally have a protruding cleat which slots into the recess on their pedals.

A protruding cleat would be of no use to the mountain biker, who quite frequently has to get off the bike and wheel or carry it around obstacles. So mountain bike shoes have recessed cleats, that won't interfere with walking, and aren't made with a totally rigid sole, but one that will give just a little bit.

There are dozens of mountain biking shoes on the market. Men will find a wider variety of designs then women, nevertheless there are quite a few styles designed specifically for the smaller foot of the average woman.

What makes the mountain bike shoe so important?
The occasional biker usually doesn't bother with toe clips or clipless pedals....they just hop on their bike and they're away. However, the serious cyclist wants to get all the power he or she can out of a pedaling, and with the shoe firmly attached to the pedal - either with a toeclip or by a cleat, the cyclist can pull upward on the pedal as well as simultaneously pushing downward on the other pedal, which increases the speed of the bike.

What makes the mountain bike shoe so expensive?
Well, as with any shoe, the price comes down to what the shoe is made of. The lighter the shoe is, the better for the racer. But, lightness comes expensive. Carbon fiber soles are the lightest soles on the market - carbon fiber is more expensive to produce than injection-molded plastic, or plastic and fiberglass.

However, the average rider should be able to get a pair of mountain biking shoes for less than a hundred dollars.

Who Needs A Custom Built Road Bike

2008-12-29T19:29:00.001-08:00

Biking is such a popular sport and there are many wide varieties of bikes on the market, in a varied pricing range. But for those serious athletes, the custom-built bike might be the way to go.

Ever heard of Randonneuring? Sounds French, doesn't it? Well, the sport originated in France, but is becoming more and more popular in the United States.

Randonneuring is "long-distance unsupported endurance cycling." You may have heard of it as "Ultra Long Distance Cycling."

The joy of this sport is that it is non-competitive. Riders indulge in friendly camraderie, not trying to drive each other into the ground. And because the rides are "unsupported" - the idea is to be self sufficient.

There are many events held for Randonneur riding, but the names of winners are not posted. Rather, the names of the riders who have finished the course are posted in alphabetical order. It's not about beating anyone, it's about challenging yourself.

These events consist of rides of 200, 300, 400, 600, and 1000 KM for individual riders. Each of these distances is called a "brevet." There are probably events being held in your area, even if you've never heard of them before. Search the web under "randoneuring" or "ultra long distance cycling" and you'll find any local clubs.

Now, it's when road riders want to participate in racers and ultra long distance cycling that they'll want a custom-built road bike rather than one purchased just off the rack.

It's not that bikes purchased just off the rack aren't perfectly serviceable for most riders, but serious athletes - professionals, and those just below the professoinal level - will certainly want a custom-built bike - one that is precisely fitted to their body. (Customized bikes, and custom-built bikes, are two different things. Customized bikes swap out various pieces for better fitting pieces, whereas custom-built bikes are built to certain specifications from the ground up.)

Triathletes are another group of people who need custom-built bikes. In a triathlon, the participants have to swim, cycle and then run for certain distances. It's an incredibly grueling sport and so the cycle has to be the lightest, the most sturdiest, and the best fitted piece of equipment they have.

Many bike companies offer customized road bikes, and while they are expensive, they're not as expensive as they used to be because with new technology always comes lower prices. It's possible to purchase your customized bike from a local dealer, but for a custom-built bike, most likely you'll have to go online.

Companies that offer custom-builds include Guru, Waterford, and Titus. Do a search on the web to find them, and they'll tell you all the information you need to know to get a custom-built bike.

Pocket Bikes - Great Things Come In Small Packages!

2008-12-29T19:28:00.002-08:00

We have all heard of miniature models of different things. Bonsais, dogs, buildings, horses, and dollhouses are some examples of these models that people have shrunk down to reach a new level of creation. Motorcycles are no different. Pocket bikes are miniature motorcycles that stand within 1 to 2 feet tall. They are easy to maneuver, store and maintain. With its maximum limit load being around 300 pounds, mini pocket bikes can be used by many different riders similar to a motorcycle and still reach speeds of about 40 mph. They can either be gas or electric powered and is equipped with a 49cc engine.

The Demand for Pocket Bikes

Having a pocket bike means days full of razzlin’ dazzling fun! It can be driven around the neighborhood, used for cruising around and more popularly for racing. Pocket bike racing is a very widespread sport that started it the late 50’s and is still practiced today. Competitors enter these races to test the capabilities of their toys and to show off their driving abilities as they swerve around the race courses. Others simply just want to seek thrill and have fun. Because of this, Pocket bikes, sometimes referred to as pocket rocket bikes or super pocket bikes, have been demanded by many riders of different demographics. Its high demand has created a buzz in the industry in which pocket bikes producers are currently capitalizing on. A new market is now in place!

Replacement Parts for the Mini Pocket Bikes

What many consumers found difficult in the past revolved around pocket bike parts. In its beginning stages in the earlier days, it was hard to find replacement parts for the motorized vehicle. However, all that is left in the past! Scarcity in parts is not the case anymore as all that has come to an end! Because more and more businesses and customers are now caught in the mini pocket bike frenzy, pocket bike parts can be bought in many motorbike stores. Body panels, engines, disk breaks, accelerators, tires, rims, exhausts, recoils, etc. that are fitting for a pocket rocket bike are now stocked in motorbike stores.

Fun and Safety comes Hand in Hand

When using this vehicle during pocket bike racing, neighborhood cruising or showing it off to friends, it is important to remember safety at all times. Headgears, pads and other protective equipments must be worn always to ensure the rider’s safety. As what many would say, Fun and Safety must always come hand in hand.

Now with all these pocket bike talks, you are probably now wondering where you can go and grab yourself one. Pocket rocket bikes are available in bike stores near you. Their prices vary from 400-1000 dollars depending on the quality and features of the bike. A cheap pocket bike can also be bought at 200 dollars and just like any other pocket rocket bike, they too provide loads of entertainment. Super pocket bikes on the other hand lie on the other side of the scale. With its top quality parts and higher capabilities, these super vehicles can cost up to around 700-1000 dollars.

Mountain Bike Suspension – Information And Tips

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When it comes to mountain bicycling, people are generally not aware that a good suspension plays a very important role in making the ride a very comfortable one. And making the right choice is not a tough job, considering the range of bikes and the types of suspension’s that come attached to them.

When it comes to mountain bicycling, people are generally not aware that a good suspension plays a very important role in making the ride a very comfortable one. And making the right choice is not a tough job, considering the range of bikes and the types of suspension’s that come attached to them.

Learning About Mountain Bike Suspension

To be able to choose the best mountain bikes you need to have considerable knowledge of what a suspension is and how it works. This knowledge will definitely prove to be very useful while selecting the best bike for your self, as the options available in the market is outstanding.

What is Suspension?

Now a days one can find bikes fitted with front and rear suspension. The suspension, more commonly known as ‘shock absorbers’, is basically a combination of a spring and a damper and its main function is to absorb the shocks generated by the bumps and at the same time maintain the contact between the tyres and the ground. The shock absorbers play a major role in make the ride a smother one.

Different types of suspensions

Modern day Mountain bikes are divided in four different categories, basically depending on the type of suspensions they are fitted with. A) Cross country bikes, which have about 4.5 inches of suspension. B) All trail bikes are fitted with 4 to 6 inches of suspension, as they are a bit heavier than other bikes. C) 6 to 8 inches of suspension are fitted in free ride bikes, and finally downhill bikes which are fitted with 7 to 10 inches suspension.

Full Suspension or Hard tail?

Another important decision that you have to take while purchasing a mountain bike is whether you need a full suspension bike or a hard tail bike. Basically, a full suspension bike should be preferred as they are much more sturdy, comfortable and enjoyable, and much easier to control compared to the hard tail bikes.

Owing to its original and reliable components, a full suspension mountain bike is the ultimate choice for all bikers. But generally these full suspension bikes are way too expensive and hence unaffordable and the next best option is the hard tail suspension bikes.

Consider these previously discussed issues regarding the bike suspension seriously, and you are sure to find the most suitable mountain bike for your self. And once you have found the ultimate mountain bike for your self, you will never regret the time and effort you put together in research before finalizing your choice.

Mountain Biking Has The Slickrock Bike Trail In Moab

2008-12-29T19:24:00.002-08:00

Every mountain biker worth his or her salt will want to try the Slick Rock Trail, located in Moab, Utah - one of the most challenging mountain biking trails in the world.

Every sport has its "ultimate" challenge. Golf has the Augusta National - host of the Masters tournament, Tennis has the grass courts of Wimbledon, car racing has the Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500.

Mountain Biking has the Slickrock Bike Trail in Moab, Utah.

The Slickrock Bike Trail is a 9.6 mile trail which most experts consider to be "the ultimate mountain biking experience." There's plenty of "easy and scenic" bike trails as well, but for the ultimate ride, Slickrock is it.

Moab is located in eastern Utah, about 230 miles east of Salt Lake City, or 350 miles west of Denver, Colorado. The origin of the name of Moab for this once small town (incorporated in 1902) are unclear, but now the name is iconic for great mountain biking.

Moab isn't a big city - only about 5,000 people live there, but they get plenty of tourist traffic - so much so that you'll find over thirty hotels and motels, ten bed and breakfasts, two resorts, 26 guest houses, and fifteen privately owned campgrounds. There are also over a dozen public campgrounds in the national parks nearby.

Tourists don't just come for the mountain biking, of course. There's off-road jeep trails, hiking, camping, and motorcycling...there's even the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, on which you can walk and see traces of dinosaur bones of a variety of species.

The first thing any visitor to Moab should do is visit their Visitor's Center, which will have brochures for every activity under the sun, trail maps and more. If you're new to Moab you do not want to go anywhere without a selection of trailmaps, and you should never go anywhere without letting someone know where you're going and when you plan to be back. Better still, always hike or bike with a buddy who can help you out in case of trouble.

If you're a beginner, there are plenty of tour operators - mountain biking, white river rafting, skydiving - who can take you to the right places and ensure you have a good time.

As you ride along on your bike you may see others littering or misbehaving, and wonder why you are supposed to have the "least possible impact" on their environment...but that's just the way things are. Be responsible for your own personal "footprint", even if you can't control what other people do.

Moab biking trails consist of what's called "Slick Rock." I'll get to that in a little bit. For now, here's the list of good practices.

1) Ride only on open roads and trails
2) Learn to recognize and preserve cryptobiotic soil crusts. Okay - that's going to be tough. Wait until you get to Moab and then have someone point them out to you.
3) Avoid skidding your tires
4) When it's wet, avoid clay- like surfaces. Stay on the rocky, slickrock or sandy areas
5) Don't ride along the sides of streams
6) Don't pollute the water resources

Mountain Bike Trails
1) Over 100,000 people a year ride on the Slick Rock Trail - so named because its a trail of "naked" sandstone - stone that can hold onto your bike's tires at "gravity defying angles." The trail is rated a "Class 4" - 4 being the hardest class.

The trail is twelve miles long, and if you weren't concentrating on the ground in front of you you'd see that it crosses an elevated platform of sandstone surrounded by cliffs – cut by the Colorado River over millions of years. You'll be able to view canyons, see Arches National Park across the river, and the La Sal Mountains on the eastern skyline.

The trail is a 12-mile long loop (if you don't take any side trips) and will take at least four hours. Make sure you bring a lot of extra water with you. You can bike on the trail from mid-February through November, but of course is most popular through spring and fall.

The trail is in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, and there is a small fee enter. The fee pays for the maintenance of the entire area.

2) The Porcupine Rim Trail, also located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, is also rated a Category 4. This is a one way trail and takes about half-a-day to ride.

However, if your family is full of both skilled mountain bikers and beginners, don't despair. There's plenty of other easy mountain biking trails in this beautiful area.- such as the Bar M Loop.

How To Buy A Mountain Bike

2008-12-29T19:24:00.001-08:00

In a perfect world you could buy any bike you wanted at a price you could afford, but in the real world mountain biking prices vary wildly. We provide some tips on what to look for.

Buying a house is just about the most important investment you can make in your life. Various means of transportation come second - from yachts or boats and cars to motorcycles. Acquiring a bicycle is not quite as expensive as that - but there are so many brands available, at so many different price ranges, that it behooves you to do a bit of research before you go out and spend any money.

Bikes can vary from used beaters to the top-of-the line road or mountain bikes. This article discusses how to go about buying a mountain bike.

How Much Will You Pay?
Are you already a biker, or are you just taking up the sport? Do you intend to ride daily, or only on weekends? Do you have a safe place to store your bike when you're not using it?

All of these are questions you musts ask yourself before you purchase your first bike. If you've only just become interested in the hobby of mountain biking, you don't want to buy a top-of-the-line thousand dollar bike until you're sure you'll get the use out of it. Of course there's a catch-22 there. Top-of-the-line bikes are so light and soooo nice that you'll probably fall in one, whereas if you get a poor bike to begin with it might sour you on the sport forever.

The best thing to do is test-ride as many bikes as you can in the various price ranges. Your local bike store won't let you test ride their bikes down a mountain - but you can rent bikes at the trailheads and give them a try.

Where Will You Buy
Any book or article you read will advise you not to buy a bike from a mass merchant store such as Wal-mart or Target. Why? Because they buy bottom of the range bikes which they can sell cheaply, and the bikes are not necessarily put together well. Whereas if you buy even the most inexpensive child's bike from a bike store, it'll be lighter than the mass market version, and the store people will ensure that it fits your child.

So, you can either support your local bike store or buy online. It's usually best to buy from your bike store to begin with, as they can help you fit the bike and give you advice. If you've ridden for years and years and know what you need, buying online does make sense.

What Will You Buy?
You'll ask yourself this question in conjunction with "how much will you pay." Again, it all comes down to how often you expect to use the bike. If you're planning on doing mostly road biking with the occasional cross country trip, and only once in a while going down an actual mountain... then you won't need the same kind of bike as someone who is strictly a downhiller.

Mountain bikes come in two different kinds - hard tail and full suspension. The hard tail has suspension in the front but not in the back - hence the term "hard tail." Full suspension bikes are more comfortable... but correspondingly more expensive.

When Will You Buy?
Just as car dealers sell models off at a discount at the end of their selling season, so will bike stores. If you live in an area with a "winter season," you're bound to see some winter season sales.

So don't be impatient... but don't deprive yourself of a summer of fun, either!

Equipment For Mountain Bikes

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The categories of equipment for mountain bikes include a great number of subcategories. These subcategories include the bikes, frames, accessories, biking apparel, and even the separate components that make up the bikes. There are a number of items that you can get for mountain biking, so it is imperative that you know what you want. You first need to determine what kind of biking that you do. Do you mountain bike for fun or are you into it for racing? If you have just started your mountain biking adventure, then your first purchase will need to be a bike that will meet your needs and wants.

Clothing that is specially made for mountain biking is much looser than the other clothing made for cycling. The difference between mountain biking apparel and other biking apparel is very noticeable and easy to see. All kinds of cycling have one thing in common, however, and that is helmets. Helmets should be worn anytime you are on your bike. This will help to protect your head from the many hazards that may be on the trail.

There are accessories that can help make your biking safer for you, too. One of these accessories is mountain bike lights. If you are going to be riding at night, then you will need some kind of lighting on your bike, whether it is LED lights or other lights. Lights enable mountain bikers to enjoy the trail at any time of the day or night.

You can find your mountain bike supplies at your local bike shop or online at many different bicycling retailers. You can find everything that you need-from knee guards to full body guards to helmets to other apparel and accessories. The shops will be able to assist you to find mountain biking gear for any level of rider, from the casual to the more extreme enthusiast.

Protective gear is essential in mountain biking, especially. It will help you to withstand the rigors of mountain and downhill racing. Many different body armor pieces help to protect different parts of the body to make sure that you will be protected if you have an accident. This gear is specially made to protect you without taking away from the experience and fun of mountain biking.

The most important thing that you need to purchase to help keep yourself safe is a biking helmet. A helmet can keep you alive in this sometimes dangerous sport. No matter how small the race, biking helmets are required to help keep you safe. To keep your hands free from burns or blisters, you may want to choose some gloves. They serve a functional use as well, because they help to give you a much stronger grip on the handlebars for maximum control.

Mountain biking demands comfortable clothing. Most races occur during the summer, so shorts and t-shirts are the most commonly seen clothing, but during the winter months, you may see pants and sweatshirts. You are sure to find the perfect clothing to ride in no matter what time of the year to help you be comfortable and to look cool.

Thinking About Buying A Mountain Bike?

2008-12-29T19:22:00.002-08:00

Are you a biking enthusiast? If you are, then you probably know how problematic buying the perfect mountain bike can be. If you are a newbie and wish to buy your very first mountain bike, you have to be prepared for a tough hunt. You should never settle for anything less than satisfactory. If it is anything to go by, you should settle for the best there is in the market. Quality and price do come hand in hand, however, and it is a reality that we all have a specific budget range. But that is of little consequence. There are so many quality mountain bikes that you can afford. It's a matter of looking for the best deals.

First thing to consider when buying a mountain bike is your budget. Do some research on the different price levels of available mountain bikes. You need not go inside every sporting goods store to compare prices. The internet will do just fine, maybe even better, as there are countless of online stores and biking websites from which you may get the information you need. When you have an estimate of how much a mountain bike costs, you can set out and begin looking for the bike that you want. Here's a little tip - try buying from a local community sporting goods or bike shop. The prices are considerably lower than those from mass merchant stores like Wal-Mart.

What is your style? Mountain bikes are manufactured differently from one another. The reason for this is that there are different specifications and requirements on mountain bikes depending on your riding style and the terrain types that you will be conquering. Among the different styles of biking are - smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill. You need to know which of these styles you will be embarking on. This is very important in finding out the right mountain bike for you. Here's another tip - salespeople are in it for the commission. Don't listen to their tiny voices which say you need to buy this or that bike because they are top of the line. Buy according to your needs and style.

There is another very important point that you need to consider when buying a mountain bike. Full suspension or hard tail? To be honest, a full suspension mountain bike is the best choice. That is, if you can afford it. However you can still choose a hard tail. If you opt for the hard tail, which means the bike has no rear suspension, the bike will be much lighter and pedal more efficiently. Full suspensions are of course the most comfortable. However, since there is a satisfactory alternative in the presence of the hard tail, this decision will be based on what you really want and what your budget is.

Don't forget to take the bike for a test ride. Try testing out several different bikes, so you will be sure which one works best for you and with you. Also, try checking out seasonal sales and promos. This way, you will be able to save some money and afford the best possible mountain bike within your price range.

I hope that this little guide was able to help you. With the tips given, I am sure that you and your new bike will work together for that ultimate mountain biking adventure.

Tasks To Undertake Before Embarking On A Mountain Bike Trip

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Just like we work with dedication towards any challenges we take up in life, similarly mountain biking races require effort and dedication. A lot of preparation is required to ensure that your biking adventure concludes safely and successfully.

Participating in a mountain bike race is a tough and demanding commitment and requires advance preparation. Since these races can be extremely competitive and dangerous, it’s important that you put enough time and effort to get yourself ready for the competition.

An individual aspiring to participate in the mountain bike race should ensure that his actual preparations involve becoming part of mountain bike club, taking steps like checking on the biking equipment, researching the track and getting information to help him face the possibilities during such events.

Membership of a Mountain Bike Club

This is an essential step towards your goal of participating in a mountain biking race. Joining a Mountain Biking Club can prove beneficial to you.

A few benefits are that you get to interact and learn from other biking enthusiasts. You will also benefit from their training methods which will include a trainer or companion who will ride with you on actual trails thus providing the necessary practice and experience that you may require before participating in the race.

If you join a Mountain biking club then you become accountable to the other members. Being accountable to other members will encourage you to give your best each time, to focus on your goal and will always keep you high spirited and eager for your training sessions. Thus the accountability aspect can be advantageous to you in the long run as a mountain bike racer.

Another significant advantage is that you will be able to share the experience, advice and information of the other members of your club. You will thus not only learn more about mountain bike racing but also about various races and the locations where they are held.

Preparing yourself for the race

As mentioned before, preparation of your equipment should be an important part of you pre-race preparations. Basic equipment like shoes, money, extra clothes for a change and towels should be packed and kept ready. Also to be considered is the possibility of changes in weather that you may to experience during the race and equipments to match probable weather changes should also be packed.

Practical Tips to be adhered on the Day of the Race

It is not only important to have your equipments ready for the day of the race but it is equally important to get physically prepared as well. For instance, you should hydrate your body by drinking adequate water before the race and also have a breakfast high in carbohydrates. Breads like bagels, waffles, pancakes etc. are high in carbohydrates and are ideal to be eaten for breakfast before participating in a strenuous sport like mountain bike racing.

Once the necessary physical and equipment preparations are done, the next task should be of mapping the track to safeguard yourself from eventualities. Mapping helps you to be aware of the type of track you may have to ride on and help you get ready to face tracks with loose gravel, water, pot holes etc. The final step should be doing a few warm up exercise which will help your blood circulation, muscle loosening and toning of your body to avoid serious physical injuries.

Shopping For A Mountain Bike

2008-12-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

When you were a kid, the anticipation of showing off on your shiny new bike was almost too much to bear. Then, on shopping day, you were on top of the world as you sped down the sidewalk in a blur of red enamel, chrome and handlebar tassels. Can buying a new bike be that exciting now that you're all grown up? It can be, if you know what to look for.

Shopping for a mountain bike can be time consuming, and a bit frustrating. But if you follow a few guidelines and make sensible choices, you'll make it the exciting experience it should be.

Set Your Price
There is a vast price range for mountain bikes. You can spend under $100 for a bargain bike at a department store, or lay down thousands for a professional model. Set your budget and try to stick with it. There are good bikes available at reasonable prices, and there are some overpriced stinkers. Know how much you can afford, and keep your spending under control. Remember that in addition to the bike, you're also paying for quality and service. With this in mind, you should consider buying from a local bike shop, rather than a mass merchant store that can't provide follow up service or repairs.

Sales and seasons
Like any product, prices will fluctuate based on the market demand. The price will naturally be higher during prime riding seasons in spring and summer. If you can wait until winter, you'll likely cash in with a lower tag price or even find a few good off-season sales. Waiting until the market quiets down can save you hundreds of dollars. To save more money, check to see if your bike shop offers discounts on additional parts and accessories purchased with your bike.

Find Your Style
Mountain bikes are built to accommodate different riding styles and terrains. Before you can shop for a mountain bike, you need to know what type of riding you will be doing. Mountain cruising, cross-country racing, smooth riding or lift access downhill are all riding styles available to you. Decide how and where you want to ride, then choose a mountain bike that fits your personal style, rather than that of the sales staff.

Hard Tail or Suspension
If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is definitely worth the price. Lightweight hard tail bikes without rear suspension may pedal more efficiently, but full suspension models provide better control and more comfort. Your riding style, price range and choice of terrain will help you decide between suspension and hard tail bikes.

Pick a Few Favorites
If you were to compare mountain component to component, you'd spend the entire biking season going over notes instead of taking on the trails. There are far too many combinations available. The best way to narrow down your options is to determine the components that are most important to you, such as the forks, rear derailleur and wheels. When you've created your wish list, find a few models that meet your needs and fall within your price range. Now do your comparison-shopping based on five or six available bikes.

Find a Good Dealer
More often than not, dealing with a reliable bike shop is more important than saving a few bikes. Try to find a dealer that cares about helping you find the right bike for you, rather than just trying to sell you an expensive bike. Great bike dealers have friendly salespeople and a clean, organized repair shop. Sooner or later you will need a tune-up or repairs, so be sure to deal with someone you trust to provide dependable follow-up service.

Try it before you buy it
Test-ride as many different bikes as possible to find your comfort zone. Even if you're not crazy about the way one model looks, it might be a dream to ride. If a bike is in your price range, take it for a spin. The more bikes you test, the better you'll understand what works and what doesn't. Again, choose a reputable dealer that will allow you to try the bikes before you buy. Mega department and hardware stores will not give you this option.

Do your Research
There are many great resources to help you compare and choose a mountain bike. Read product reviews and cycling magazines, research online, and ask for advice at your local bike shop. Find out as much as you can about the reliability and performance of each model. Look at what other riders appreciate about their bikes. Know your options and understand the differences before you make your final purchase.

Take the time to think before you shop for a mountain bike. Making the right choice may take longer, but will pay off when you have a bike that suits your perfectly and will perform season after season. You'll be on top of the world as you speed down a mountainside in a blur of red enamel, chrome and toe clips.

The Importance Of Tire Pressure In Mountain Bikes

2008-12-29T19:19:00.002-08:00

Tire pressure is a very important facet of riding any kind of bike, including mountain bikes. By learning how to set the tire pressure, you can give yourself more control and help to make the ride down the mountain smoother. If the tire pressure is too low, then you will find that it is much harder to cycle and it can increase the chance of a flat, too. Tire pressure that is too high can make your ride very bumpy and out of control, as well.

Tire pressure can vary from person to person, because it is dependent upon the personal preference of the bicycler, the tire’s condition, and the terrain that you will be riding on. The tire pressure can be easily modified simply by using a high quality pump on the tires. A tire pressure gauge is also an essential part of keeping your tires at the optimum pressure.

The manufacturer of the tire will have a recommended tire pressure for your particular tires and this is where you can start. You can then adjust the tire pressure as needed from there. It is best to use the same tire pressure gauge and pump when you check your tires, because you may get different readings depending upon the tire pressure gauge that you choose.

A good rule of thumb is to start with a higher tire pressure for your bike. This means that you want to be around 40-50 psi (3-3.5 bar), and then lower the tire pressure a little at a time to find which tire pressure is best for your particular bike, terrain, and yourself. If you are a little heavier, then you will want to use a higher tire pressure for sure.

Taking a test bike ride is the best way to check the tire pressure. You will want to notice how the tire behaves, how it rides on the terrain, how it slides down the mountain, and how it hooks in the corners. If you have too much tire pressure, then drop it in increments of 5 psi in both tires. If the bike gains grip and is more stable at this tire pressure, then you will want to keep it at this standard pressure. If not, then you will continue dropping the tire pressure in small increments and redoing the test until your bike rides the way you want and need it to.

If you want to determine the lowest possible tire pressure, then gradually decrease the tire pressure until you see how it feels when you ride on almost flat tires. This will help you to learn how it feels so that you can keep your tubes from getting damaged.

If your mountain bike tires are tubeless, then you will want to stay with a lower tire pressure. The advised tire pressure for tubeless tires is between 30 and 40 psi. This is because tubeless tires experience fewer pinch flats and even rim contact occasionally is okay. This is why you can ride on tires with a much lower tire pressure than normal. If the tire pressure is too low, you will find that if you are cornering hard that the tire will roll under the rim.

Another thing that you need to be on the lookout for is rolling resistance. The increased rolling resistance will take more effort, but it will offer you greater control and better traction to allow you to climb easier. For racers who race cross-country, they would rather have a more efficient bike versus greater control, so you have to take into consideration what kind of biking that you will be doing.

Using your hand to squeeze the tire will help you determine what the right tire pressure feels like so that you do not have to rely so much on the tire pressure gauge.

Chopped Bikes: Cool And Confident

2008-12-29T19:19:00.001-08:00

The latest rage is not a mountain bike with a new set of gears, or a road bike made of lighter material, but rather lowrider bikes - low seats, high handlebars, and lots and lots of chrome.

As the world around us continues to become more and more complicated, even our toys become more complicated - for example our mountain bikes are more complicated than ever with dozens of gears and choices between hard tails and soft tails and having to decide between disc brakes or v-brakes.

In such an atmosphere, it's not surprising that the "retro-look" is back. Well, actually the retro-look never goes out of style, it just lies dormant for a decade or so before coming back. There really is nothing new under the sun.

Today, lowriders and chopper bicycles are resurging in popularity. They are certainly not for riding cross-country or downhill, but for riding on pavement or across soft beach sand, they are wonderful.

It's more than just the high handlebars, generous seats, and fat tires that provide a comfortable ride, it's the ability to express one's individual tastes by decorating their bikes. These bikes have become fashion statements among the youths of the major urban areas of the country.

Chopper bikes first appeared in California in the early 1960s. They were built by kids, who wanted to copy the then-popular customized motorcycles called choppers. Why chopped? Because the bikes had been "chopped" - put together from several different bikes.

The most distinctive feature of the chopper bike is its handlebars... also called ape hangers, which extend high above the head of the rider. The seat or saddle, meanwhile is situated even lower than normal, and the pedals are pushed far forward.

The design of the chopper doesn't stop there, of course. Enthusiasts pile on all the accessories they can think of, from chrome to gold to fake fur, from special paint jobs to sound systems.

If you're mechanically inclined, you can put together your own chopper bike out of bits and pieces of others, but if you'd just like the look without all that fuss, there are chopper bike shops out there who can provide you with the bike, and all the accessories you need to customize it to your satisfaction.

The frame

Just like beach cruisers, you might think that these choppers with all their accoutrements would weigh you down, but that's not the case as everything is made from space age materials for lightness. However, they typically only come with one gear, so riding up hills can be a bit of a chore.

But that's not what these bikes are for. They're for riding around the neighborhood, impressing friends, and indulging one's creativity.

Using Bike Reviews To Your Advantage

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By reading bike reviews, you can learn more about the cycling world in general. You will find bike reviews on websites and in magazines.

If you want to get the latest information on different bikes, accessories, and other products, then you will want to read the bicycle reviews. You can learn all different kinds of information, including news about cycling all over the world. These reviews are usually written by a mix of different riders, including recreational cyclists, mountain bikers, and road racers. This will help you learn more about the cycling world in general.

You can also find out about national cycling events on websites that offer bicycle reviews. Many of these review sites sponsor and promote these events and will give you information on how to get involved in these cycling events. You will find that the review writers are usually veterans of the sport that can give you a great deal of first-hand information. They will be able to help any level of rider, from the beginner to the seasoned rider to help you find great vacation spots for cycling and other fun things that you can participate in while riding.

If you are a competitive cyclist, then you will find that you can find lots of information about training and riding via bike reviews, too. Some of the helpful hints that you might enjoy include power pedaling, techniques to pedaling, overtraining, resistance training, and much more. All of these topics are written to help you become a more competitive rider and to tweak your riding style to become faster, stronger, and a much more well-rounded rider.

You can find bike reviews in magazines on the newsstand and on different websites. If you are interested in becoming a competitor or are already a competitor, then you will want to read some of these reviews so that you can learn more about the different products that are available. They can help you to become the biker that you only dreamed that you could be.

Your local bicycle shop and online shops can take care of all of your cycling purchasing needs. No matter what you are looking for, they can help you locate it, if they are a bike shop that cares about your business. They will also be able to give you a great deal of helpful information so that you can choose the most important things for your particular riding style and bike.

There is a plethora of different bicycle dealers between the local bike shops and the Internet. Biking is becoming more and more popular and this popularity has increased the options that bikers have. You can find the hottest and newest names in cycling at many of these shops. If budget is a huge issue, then an online shop will usually have the better price, but a local bike shop can offer you the opportunity to see the product in person, which is helpful for some people. Determine your needs so that you can choose the right dealer for you.

The NBDA: National Bicycle Dealers Association

This is a very important organization to the cycling world. This non-profit association of bicycle retailers helps to govern the world of cycling. It also allows product suppliers and other cycling supporters into the organization. The mission of the NBDA is “to aid the growth of cycling by supporting specialty bicycle retailers through research, education, and advocacy.”

This organization also publishes one of the leading magazines completed dedicated to cycling called “The Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.” They also co-produce the Bicycle Business Leadership Conference in conjunction with the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association. They also gave their endorsement to the Interbike International Bicycle Expo. They are trying to bring together all facets of the cycling world. It is a gradual process, but they are gradually achieving this.

See And Be Seen With A Mountain Bike Light

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Do you need a bike light?

If you bike during the evenings - during the dusk or at night, it is imperative that you have a bike light. It's not so much that you need to be able to see where you're going, although that is a consideration, but so that motorists will be able to see you.

Bicyclists are supposed to follow the rules of the road - which means that they bike with the traffic and not against it. Unfortunately, there are some teens who don't follow these rules, so it's a good thing for them to have a light so any on-coming motorists can see them. Also when riding at night, it is important to wear bright or light clothing, again to make it easier for people to see you. Otherwise you are simply an accident waiting to happen.

There are two kinds of lights you can purchase - those that fasten on to your bike and those that fasten on to your helmet. You'll want a light that doesn't weight very much, is easily adjustable, but also provides you with a well-lit path.

You can purchase these lights from online bicycle shops, or from your local bike shot.

You'll usually save money if you order online - and you'll be able to find the widest selection of lights on the internet.

However, it's always a good idea to support your local shop. While their prices may not be quite as good as those on the Internet, you'll have a better idea of what you're purchasing and you'll be able to discuss your needs with a knowledgeable individual.

But you're a mountain biker. Do you need a bike light?

Millions of Americans enjoy riding mountain bikes - and there are those daring folks who like to experience it at night. And if you're going to be zooming down mountains at night, having a bike light is obviously imperative. Indeed, you'll probably want one on the bike and one on your helmet.

As with all accessories, lights will vary in cost depending on the quality you need. Prices for lights can range from as little as $25 to the hundreds of dollars.

You'll need to consider how often you bike at night to decide how much money you want to spend...but just bear in mind that the bike light is an essential safety device, and you can't put a price on your safety.

Maintain The Chain - A Necessary Bike Skill

2008-12-29T19:17:00.001-08:00

The chain is the crucial element of a bicycle - if it breaks, you aren't going anywhere. So proper maintenance is essential.

Of all the components on your bike, the chain is the most important. No chain....no go!

Proper chain maintenance will extend the life of your chain - although any chain should be replaced after you've put 1000 miles on it. Don't use a chain any longer that necessary - if its rusted or stretched, it's time to get a new chain.

A bike chain is put together from hundreds of precision-machined parts, consisting of pins, plates and rollers. If it gets full of gunk it will negatively impact your biking experience, and not do your cogs much good either.

The easiest way to take care of the chain is simply to keep it lubricated. Of course - too much of anything is a bad thing. You want the chain lubricated, but the lubrication itself does attract grit, so you don't want to use too much of it.

If you've ridden your bike through a trail full of mud, you'll want to clean it as soon as you return home.

Cleaning a chain

It's a hassle to take the chain off your bike, but you can certainly do it if you want to. However, in most cases it works just to clean it while its still on the bike. Simply spray degreaser (which you can get at your local bikeshop) onto the chain, the derailleur, the cogs and th echain ring. Let the degreaser do its thing for about 20 minutes - then use a rag or stiff-bristle brush to clean off the gunk. Then, simply hose it down. Then, dry it. Then, lube the chain.

Lubrication

Wipe and lubricate your chain before every ride - it's that simple. Lubrications are made from various ingredients - there are wax-based lubes and there are wet lubes. It's a good idea to keep a notebook in which you record which lube you use and how long your chain lasts. In this way you'll find out which lube works best for your bike and your type of riding.

Chain Suck

Ever experienced this? This happens when the chain doesn't release from the bottom of the chainring and pulls up instead - rather than running straight to the lower rear derailleur. Don't blame this on the front derailleur - it's caused by a worn chain.

Chain wear indicator

The rule of thumb is to replace a chain after you've put a thousand miles on it, but if you don't have an odometer on your bike and don't keep track of how many miles you ride, what can you do? Simple. Purchase a chain wear indicator, and use it on a week-to-week basis. You want to replace the chain as soon as it "goes out of spec" because if you don't, it will wear down the cogs on the drive train and you'll have to replace that as well, as the new chain you eventually do get probably won't fit.

Bicycling Preparedness With A Car Bike Rack

2008-12-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

A car bike rack offers you the flexibility to take your bicycle where you want to. This can save you money and time when you want to go bicycling out of town.

Vacations can be even more adventurous and fun with a car bike rack. Bicycling is an important part of your life and why wouldn’t you want the flexibility of being able to take your bicycle with you wherever you may go? A car bike car can give you that flexibility to bicycle in places that you have never imagined – from the beaches to the forests – it is entirely up to you.

It is possible that you can rent a bike, but there may be some problems with that. For one thing, it is quite expensive. The other problem may be that you will not be able to find a quality bike that you will be entirely comfortable with. By investing in a car bike rack, you will be able to take your bike on every trip that you make.

I am able to take my bicycle anywhere that I want to. My car bike rack makes it easy to load and take to any trails that I choose. I even find some unexpected places to ride on my trips.

If bicycling is one of your favorite things to do and you don’t currently have a car bike rack, then you are really missing out. You can find so much information online about different bike trails and trips that revolve around bicycling. By having a car bike rack, you can take your bicycle anywhere that you want.

Your whole family will enjoy being able to take their bikes on weekend trips. Bicycling together is a great way to bond and have fun. It will also create memories that will last a lifetime, as well as give you a great deal of much needed exercise. No matter what age of your children, they are sure to love bicycling.

A car bike rack will make it more convenient for bicycling. No matter where you want to go, you are sure to find bicycling trails that will be fun and adventurous. Just load the bikes onto your car bike rack and go! No excuses necessary.

Finding things to do with your children is sometimes difficult, but you will have no trouble getting them to go biking with you. Being able to take your bicycles anywhere you choose by using your car bike rack will give you that added convenience and flexibility. Your children will enjoy spending this quality time with you.

A car bike rack can give you the tool to make bicycling more fun and versatile. By allowing your kids to gain a love for bicycling, you will give them memories that they will always treasure.

The Importance Of Mountain Bike Maintenance

2008-12-28T20:55:00.001-08:00

It’s a given fact that maintenance is the key to a bikes better performance and long life, be it in the form of regular tuning of the bike of scheduled complete maintenance. The rider has to understand the importance or else he may be forced to invest in a new bike even before he actually put the bike to the real test.

It’s a given fact that maintenance is the key to a bikes better performance and long life, be it in the form of regular tuning of the bike of scheduled complete maintenance. The rider has to understand the importance or else he may be forced to invest in a new bike even before he actually put the bike to the real test.

The Importance of Mountain Bike Maintenance

The sport of mountain biking requires a lot of stamina and agility owing to the rough nature of the sport. These bikes are subjected to a lot of hardship and thus tend to war out sooner than expected. This rugged nature of the sport makes maintenance a very important concern for the many bike owners.

Owning a Mountain bikes is not restricted only to professional bikers, there are people who prefer to use mountain bikes for day to day use. The importance of maintenance to the mountain bike remains the same for all its users, not depending for what purpose the bike is used. So ignoring the maintenance part may result in unwanted expenditure of purchasing a new bike.

Important First Steps in Mountain Bike Maintenance

Maintenance of mountain bikes is important because they tend to wear out sooner than expected, as they are subjected to all kinds of harsh weather and rough terrains. It’s advisable to keep it in a cool and dry place when not in use. The heat, rains and rough use takes their toll on the tires and rusting of metal parts can affect its performance if not maintained properly.

Performance of the mountain bike depends mainly on the fact that the parts function properly. So it is advised that the bike is given regular and scheduled tune-ups, missing even one secession might affect its performance. Simple check up of all movable parts, nuts and bolts can prove to be great help in maintaining it performance.

Although the seat might be a small part when considering the mountain bike as a whole, but can make the ride very uncomfortable if not kept in good condition, especially during rainy seasons. Adding a seat protection might just be the right thing to do as it will also help in increasing its life of the seat and so avoid unnecessary replacement expenses.

Regular and timely maintenance is all it takes to keep your bike in a good condition, thus avoiding unnecessary expenditure of purchasing a new bike. Temporary check ups might be fine to keep the bike in a running condition, but it’s in no way a substitute to full bike maintenance.

Replacing Mountain Bike Components

2008-12-28T20:54:00.001-08:00

Enthusiasts of mountain biking are always searching for new ways to help make their bike riding better. This may include making their bike more controllable, more comfortable to ride, or faster. Serious mountain bikers are always looking at the newest technologies available to help make their mountain biking more fun. The best way to find the most up-to-date components is to visit one of the many trustworthy bicycle shops online.

Adding a new saddle to your mountain bike can help to make it much more comfortable. This is an easy way to add comfort to your bike and saddles come in many different styles and designs to help you find the one that will make you the most comfortable. They come in styles especially for women and they come in styles that are made especially for men. Another easy way to help make your bike feel better is to adjust the handlebars. If you heighten them by just a few inches, it can allow you to be upright more, which is more comfortable for some riders.

If you have been biking for a while, then you know that you need to base your tire tread choice on the terrain that you are going to be riding. This helps you to have maximum control of your bicycle. For stopping your bike, you want to choose a high quality V-type brake for your bike.

Most mountain bikers would put the suspension system and shocks at the top of their list of most important components. If you have good shocks, then you can withstand the hilly terrain that most trails offer and can enjoy the ride without pain. If you want to make your bike more controllable, then you may want to replace some of the heavier components on your bike with those made of aluminum of titanium. This can also help you to go faster, which makes more riders very happy. You can find all of these components at your local bike shop or online.

If your bike is not riding like it did when you first got it or if you want to make it more fun to ride, then you will find that replacing just a few things can make a big impact. Whether you are trying to make your bicycle more comfortable, easier to control, or faster, you can just change a few components to give you a big bang for your buck. Your local bicycle shop should be able to help you find the parts that you need to make your bike feel like new.

If your goals are to ride faster and to increase control, then you will find that reducing the weight of your bike can make a huge difference. If you replace some of the heavier components with some more high-tech materials, like titanium, carbon fiber, or aluminum, you can make a big difference in the control and quickness of your ride.

Taking Your Car Bike Rack On Vacation

2008-12-28T20:48:00.001-08:00

Car bike racks can make a vacation more fun and interesting. Being able to take your family's bicycles wherever you choose can give you opportunities to have fun and exercise together.

Are you craving a family vacation? Do you enjoy bicycling? If these two things are your top things to do, then you will be happy to find out that you can combine the two. A car roof bike rack can offer you the flexibility to take your bicycles with you so that your entire family can do a bicycling vacation.

Renting bicycles can be quite expensive on a vacation. This expense can be a source of irritation, too, because of the fact that the bicycles may not be in as good shape as yours are. With a car roof bike rack, you can bring along everyone’s favorite bike, which will make everyone happy.

The great thing is that you will have the ability to keep your bicycles with you the entire vacation. You can take a ride on the beach, on a bicycle trail, or anywhere that you choose very easily. Any time of the day is fine, too, because you will have your bikes right there. Exercise can be both fun and enjoyable for your entire family.

You can start a completely new tradition for your family. When you are doing your trip planning, ensure that you are around several different biking trails, so that you can enjoy bicycling with your family. A car bike carrier can give you the flexibility to take your bicycles anywhere and anytime that you choose.

If you need to carry more than one bicycle, then you will enjoy the convenience of a car roof bicycle rack. If biking is just more fun when doing it with others, then you will find that a car roof bike rack can make it easier to do this together. Riding bicycles together with friends or family is a great way to have fun and if biking is just more fun when doing it with others, then you will find that a car roof bike rack can make it easier to do this together. Riding bicycles together with friends or family is a great way to have fun and exercise.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a trunk or not, you can find a car roof bike rack that will work great for your vehicle. They will not obstruct your vision, either, which can be very important.

You need to know that car roof bike carriers are very safe. They do not cause problems driving and they install easily. They will also keep your bike steady while you are driving and this will cut down on noise and other issues.

A car roof bicycle rack can open the opportunities to ride up to you and your family. No matter where you are going, you will be able to take your bicycles. What could be more fun than that?

The Benefits Of A Car Roof Bike Rack

2008-12-28T20:47:00.004-08:00

There are several different kinds of car bike racks. The car roof bike racks are convenient and easy to install to help make your bicycling more fun and enjoyable.

Carrying your family’s bikes can be quite a task without a car bike rack. They make several different versions of a car bike rack, including ones that go onto the vehicle roof. Trips are very common nowadays and having the ability to carry your bikes with you can help you turn those trips into exercise and fun. A bicycle ride can be just what you need to help yourself to relax and have fun to recuperate from your stressful workweek.

Making bicycling a family activity can be a great way to bond with your kids and have fun. A car bike rack will be essential to enable you to haul all of those bikes around with as little effort as possible. Whatever the age of your children, you can have a very good time by bicycling together.

Installing a car bike rack can enable you to bike anywhere that you want to with your entire family. A car bike rack can keep your biking investment safe and keep them securely attached to your car. It will be easy to load your bikes, too. Even your children can help you with loading and unloading the bikes as needed.

If you have been worried about the bicycles damaging your vehicle, then you can stop worrying. A car bike rack will keep your bicycles stable so that your bikes and your car are not damaged. You will find that you go biking much more often, because you have an easy and simple way to get your bikes to your favorite trails.

You may remember that car bike racks when you were younger were very irritating to install and use. They were not sturdy and it seemed to take forever to load the bikes onto the rack. That is not the case, however, with the newer car bike racks.

The car bike racks that you find today are so much more consumer friendly. They are easy to install and easy to use, which makes it easier to take your bike anywhere that you choose-from beach to forest. You will find that even your children can help you quickly load the bikes onto your vehicle to help you get on your way much quicker.

After you are ready to start on your journey, you will have to worry about your bicycles. They will be safe and secure on your car bike rack and you will not have to listen to them moving, because they will be stable. No damage would be done to your bikes or your vehicle.

The investment that you make in your bicycles can be quite large. That is why you will want to choose the right car bike rack for your needs to help keep that investment safe and sound for many years to come.

The Insides Of Your Mountain Bike

2008-12-28T20:47:00.003-08:00

The most essential part of going mountain biking is purchasing a mountain bike. This bike has many different parts, however, that you will learn more about below:

1. Bottom Bracket - This bracket helps to secure the body of the bike and the crankset together.

2. Brake Cable - This cable is the connection between the brake mechanism and the brake lever.

3. Brake Lever – This lever is located on the handlebars and it is used to enable the braking mechanism. The left lever is to activate the front brake and the right lever is to activate the rear brake.

4. Chain – This part consists of a set of circular links that help to transfer your power from the chain to the cogs to make the bike move.

5. Chain Ring – The chain ring is the rings with teeth that help to secure the crank to the chain.

6. Crank – This is the lever that goes from the pedal to the bottom bracket. It helps to transfer your power to the chain rings.

7. Derailleur – This is the mechanism that moves the chain from cog to cog.

8. Down Tube – This frame section goes from the bottom bracket to the stem.

9. Front Shock - The front fork’s shock absorber.

10. Handlebar – This is the horizontal bar that has handgrips on each end. It is secured to the stem to help you guide where the bike is going.

11. Headset – This is the mechanism on the frame’s front that helps to connect the stem and handlebars to the front fork.

12. Hub – This is the wheel’s center part where the spokes are attached.

13. Idler Pulley – This keeps the chain tight by adding spring tension to the rear derailleur’s bottom pulley.

14. Nipple – This holds the rim to the end of the spoke via a threaded receptacle.

15. Pedal – This is the part that you use to pedal on and it is attached to the crank.

16. Rear Shock – On bikes with dual suspension, this is rear tire’s shock absorber.

17. Rim – This is the metallic ring that secures the inside spokes to the outside tire.

18. Saddle - The seat that you sit on.

19. Seat Post – Supports the saddle/seat.

20. Skewer – This is the metallic rod that attaches the wheel to the frame dropouts by going through the hub.

21. Spindle – This is what the crank arms are attached to via a free rotating axle and it is also a component of the bottom bracket.

22. Spokes – These are the thicker wires that secure the wheel hub to the rim of the wheel.

23. Stem – This piece secures the steering tube to the handlebar.

24. Wheel Hub – This is located at the wheel’s center and it is where the spokes are attached.

The Anatomy Of A Mountain Bike

2008-12-28T20:47:00.001-08:00

There's a lot of terminology to learn if you're a mountain biking enthusiast. These enthusiasts have a language all their own, what with "face plants, boing-boing, drillium and wild pig."

However, there is also biking terminology that stays the same, regardless of the age of the user, and that's the terms used for individual parts of the bike. And its important to know these as well.

1. Bottom bracket - A circular hole in the bottom frame of the bike, used to attach the crankset.

2. Brake cable - The cable that connects the brake lever to the brake mechanism.

3. Brake lever - Lever on the handlebar which activates the brakes. The left lever controls the front brake, the right lever controls the rear brake.

4. Chain - The set of circular metal links which transfers power from the chain ring to the cogs. There are two types of bicycle chains: bushing and bushingless.

5. Chainring - Part of the crankset. A sprocket or toothed wheel which attaches to the crank and holds the chain. Bikes can have from two to three chainrings.

6. Crank - Part of the crankset. The lever or "arm" which connects the pedal to the bottom bracket.

7. Derailleur - The device which moves the chain from one chainring to another inorder to shift gears.

8. Down tube - Part of the frame. The tube which runs diagonally from the head tube (supporting the handlebars) to the bottom bracket. Above this is the top tube, which runs from the head tube to the seat.

9. Front shock - A suspension system on the front fork which allows the bike to absorb shocks without transmitting them to the rider.

10. Handlebar - The horizontal bar located at the front of the bike which is used to steer, and which will contain the shifters and break levers and any other items a cyclist wishes to have within easy reach.

11. Headset - The device which houses the bearings that enables the handlebars and front wheel to rotate on the frame of a bike. There are two types of headset, the threaded and the threadless.

12. Hub - The center part of the bicycle wheel, consisting of an axle and ball bearings to allow the wheel to move easily. In addition, the spokes radiate out from the hub to the bicycle rim.

13. Idler pulley- A pulley takes up slack in the chain in order to keep it tight at all times.

14. Nipple - Small threaded cylinders in the bicycle rim which secure a spoke to the rim.

15. Pedal - A short metal bar on which to put your foot, in order to propel the bicyle. The pedal is attached to the crank. Pedals can be simple or come attached with clips in which to put your shoes to increase leverage.

16. Rear shock - On a dual suspension bike, the device that absorbs shocks from the rear tire.

17. Rim - The metal ring to which the bicycle tire is fitted, and to which the breakes apply their force. The interior of the rim holds the spokes which give strength to the tire.

18. Saddle - Also called the seat. Something to sit on!

19. Seat post - The tubular support to which the saddle is connected. This tube is then placed into the seat tube, and can be raised or lowered depending on the rider.

20. Skewer - A metal rod that attaches the wheel to the frame of the bicycle. On one end is a nut to keep the skewer secure, on the other is the release mechanism, which is secured either by a "quick release" toggle, or with bolts.

21. Spindle - Part of the bottom bracket. The free rotating axle to which the crank arms attach.

22. Spokes - The thick wires that join the hub to the rim. The amount of spokes determine how strong the tire will be. Spokes can also be arranged in different patterns, which affect twisting and brake forces.

23. Stem - The metal piece that attaches the handlebar to the steering tube.

24. Wheel hub - See hub.

Special Features Of A Triathlon Bike

2008-12-28T20:46:00.003-08:00

One of the most common question, a triathlon beginner would ask is: “What is the difference between a triathlon bike and a road bike?”

This is a very important question to ask since the two might appear the same. But deeper evaluation would reveal that there is something special about triathlon bike that could not be seen on a regular road bike.

But before enumerating these, you must remember that using triathlon bike is not limited to triathlon events. Even on solo ride, triathlon bike works best.

Triathlon bike provides an easy transition from swim to bike and from bike to run. And this is perhaps the most special thing about triathlon bike. Remember that transition from discipline to another is still part of the race and therefore must be done smoothly. Since bike comes after the swim and before the run, the bike used should be designed in a way that the triathlete can easily mount and dismount.

Among all 3 events, the longest part of the race is bike and therefore, the bike to be used must be designed in a way that it can provide comfort to the rider. Triathlon bike is designed in this way. Also, the triathlon bike design is very efficient in giving the aerodynamics that provides speed. The elbow rest are designed to be low so that the rider maximizes his or her every kick. The Garside Study in 2001 disclosed that triathletes who use triathlon bike run faster that those who use the regular road bike on the same covered distance.

From bike to run, the triathete should have enough energy to finish the race. Since triathlon bike is designed to be efficient and comfortable, the rider saves a lot of energy that is important to finish the race. To be particular, riding a triathlon bike provides less cramp on the lower back muscle due to its geometrical construction. It is important to note that a road bike can cause your muscle to tighten that might effect your transition especially on the first two kilometers of the run. This would give you enough difficulty to keep you from effectively maximizing the time.

To simply put it, the triathlon bike would give you the speed you need not only on the bike but also on the run.

These advantages provide you with the much needed energy and comfort during the race.

Mountain Bikes And Their Parts

2008-12-28T20:46:00.001-08:00

There are many parts that help make a mountain bike. By learning more about these parts, you can become a better rider.

Mountain bikes are an essential bicycle if you are interested in riding down or up some hills or other varied terrain. There are many parts that make mountain bikes able to handle this kind of riding and they are listed below:

1. Crank – This lever goes from the pedal to the bottom bracket. It is what transfers the power from you to the chain rings so that you go, go, go!

2. Chain – This is the circular links that helps to transfer your power to the cogs.

3. Chain ring – This is the rings with teeth that hold the chain in place. They are attached to the crank.

4. Bottom Bracket – This is what is attached from the bike’s body to the crankset.

5. Handlebar – This is the horizontal bar with handgrips that is attached to the stem. This is how you steer the bicycle.

6. Saddle – The seat of the bicycle where you sit.

7. Pedal – This is the platform that you place your feet on to pedal the bicycle. It is attached to the crank.

8. Hub – This is the central part of the wheel that is where the spokes are attached.

9. Nipple – This part holds the rims and spokes together.

10. Brake lever – This is the handlebar lever that controls the brakes. The right lever controls the rear brake and the left lever controls the front brake.

11. Brake cable – This is a cable that connects the mechanism of the brakes with the brake levers.

12. Rim – This metallic ring keeps the spokes and tire separated.

13. Headset – This part connects the handlebars with the stem’s front fork.

14. Down tube – This frame section goes from the bottom bracket to the stem.

15. Front shock – This is the front fork’s shock absorber.

16. Idler pulley – This is the pulley that is on the bottom part of the rear derailleur. It helps to keep the chain as tight as possible by apply spring tension.

17. Rear shock – This is the rear tire’s shock absorber on the dual suspension bicycles.

18. Spokes – These are the thick wires that are attached to the rim and hub of the wheel.

19. Spindle – This is an axle that is freely rotating. It is attached to the crank arms.

20. Skewer – This is the part that attaches the wheel to the frame. It is composed of a metallic rod that runs through the wheel hub.

21. Wheel hub – This is the center of the wheel that is connect to the spokes.

22. Stem – This is the part that attaches the steering tube and the handlebars to enable you to steer the bicycle.

23. Seat post – This part supports the seat/saddle.

Lowrider Bikes: Art On Wheels

2008-12-25T19:33:00.001-08:00

Most bicycles are dull and boring - they come out of a cookie cutter and they all look the same. Not so the lowrider bike. Once their owners get their hands on them, their lowrider becomes a personalized piece of art.

Custom upholstery, rims, special whitewall tires, and sound systems are common on this mode of transport.

Think I'm talking about a car? No, I'm talking about customized lowrider bicycles - the latest craze sweeping the urban areas of the country.

A lowrider bike is not about biking, although they do get ridden up and down neighborhood streets, or perhaps on the beach, to show off the "pimped up" ride, but mostly they are about viewing.

People have put steering wheels on their bikes, neon, handpainted murals, and even hydraulics. What are "hydraulics"? You might be asking yourself. That's a fancy name for brakes powered by liquid. (Hydro means water in Greek.) The imagination is the limit when it comes to designing a lowrider bike.

You can get a plain old lowrider bike of course - simply a bike with a low, comfortable seat, usually a banana seat, the pedals set further forward then normal so it's almost like you're pedaling while sitting down, and high, swept up handlebars called apehangers.

But what's the point of getting a lowrider without accessorising it? (I prefer the term accessorizing to "pimping," personally, although "pimping" is what all the "young studs" call it.)

It's quite easy to get carried away, and more is not necessarily better, although some lowrider artists seem to think so. Two mirrors on each side, two horns, a spare tire mounted on the rear..it can be a bit much (although you can't tell them that!)

So before you start fitting out your lowrider, think for a while about what you want it to look like. Are you a talented artist? Then purchase some paint made specifically for bikes and give it a unique mural. Match the rest of the accessories to the mural. If it's of a series of volcanos, get red upholstery and red rims, for example. If you've got any mechanical talent at all you can "distress" various of the parts to give it a unique look.

Most of all, you've simply got to join a lowrider club in your area, because most of the fun in having these types of bikes is to show them off to your friends. Lots of clubs have competitions and give prizes for the best-looking or most outrageous-looking bikes.

Surf the web for online stores that offer lowrider accessories, so you'll know what all is out there. Then, let your imagination run wild!

Get In Gear For Your Mountain Bike

2008-12-25T19:32:00.001-08:00

Necessary equipment for the casual bike rider consists of a helmet, and a headlight if there's a chance of biking at night, and that's about it. Anything else is gravy.

The same can not be said for the mountain biker. To have a safe and enjoyable ride, the mountain biker needs quite a bit of gear.

Even more so than for the casual biker, a helmet is a must. And take care about choosing a helmet. A poor-fitting helmet is of no use, so make sure it fits your head securely.

A good pair of gloves serve two purposes. You'll get a better grip on the handlebars with your gloves, and of course should you take a spill your hands won't get torn up.

Clothing
What to wear? Most people go mountain biking in the summer, so they wear shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes. If they're the hardy sort, they'll put on sweatshirts and pants for the colder months.

But it's also a good idea to wear padding on knees and elbows. The thing about mountain biking is that it's not a question of if you'll fall, but when. So it's only common sense to wear padding and prevent a serious injury. If you're a dedicated rider you don't want to have to spend any time off the bike recuperating from a broken arm when with a little common sense you could avoid the problem.

Shoes
Don't forget the shoes! These days shoes are designed especially for every sport under the sun, and mountain biking is no different. As a mountain biker you want to make sure your feet stay on the pedals, and you want shoes that are comfortable to well as well.

Accessories
A new trend in mountain biking is riding at night. Well, if you're going to ride at night you've got to have a light! If you're going for long distances you'll want to have a hydropack of some kind, so that you can drink liquids on the go.

It's possible to scour the web for your clothes and accessories, but to be sure of a good fit, it's always best to give as much business as possible to your local bike store.

The Bike
You've got the gear, now you need the bike.

And these are not your granddaddy's bikes. Technology has improved the design of bicycles in every way, and quality bikes are offered at affordable prices - but you've still got to pick the right one for you.

The best thing to do when choosing a bike is talk to owners of various types of bikes - maybe even borrow a ride on them, so you can compare the differences in saddle feel, shock absorbers, handling, and most importantly, weight. Don't just talk to one person, get a good cross-section of opinions.

If you're going to be a competitive mountain biker - taking parts in races - you'll need a more expensive kind of bike, of course, one with a titanium frame and all the bells and whistles. If you're just going to be going out to the trails on the weekends in your version of kicking back and relaxing, you won't need that much bang for your buck

There are two main types of mountain bikes: the Hardtail, which has a frame with no rear suspension and the Softtail, which has a frame with a small amount of rear suspension. The most comfortable bike is perhaps one with full or "dual" suspension - a front suspension fork and a rear shock.

The type of bike you get also depends on the kind of riding you'll want to do: cross-country, enduro, free ride, downhill, etc. Again, you'll want to talk to fellow riders to see which is the best kind of bike for the particular kind of riding you want to do.

Getting The Right Sized Mountain Bike For You

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Getting the proper sized bike for your body and riding style can make a big difference in how much you enjoy riding and how comfortable your bike is. Personnel at your local bike ship can help you to find the correct bike for your riding style and your body. Consider the hints that are below, and your bike will be the perfect size for you.

Standover Height
If you need to determine how the bike fits yourself, then the most important thing that you will need to consider is your inseam clearance. Make sure that there is enough space in the area between the top tube and your own body when you stop the bike. You want there to be clearance of about four to six inches from your inseam top to the top tube top.

Feet and Leg Position
Determining the proper leg position for riding your mountain bike is simple to do. It is important that you find the right position for your legs, because you constantly have to shift your position on the seat, due to terrain changes.

Due to the changes in terrain and the constant shifting, you will want to position the saddle of your bicycle a little lower than you normally would if you were riding a different bike. It is important that you consider this lower position when you determine what size frame that you will need.

Riding Compartment
One thing that you will want to think about and look at is the compartment layout for the rider. This is the distance that is located between the handlebars and the bicycle saddle. After you have determined the proper extension for your legs, you will want to ensure that the handlebars are one or two inches lower than the saddle height. The handlebars should never be at a great height than the height of the seat, unless you have a problem with your upper body.

Dual Suspension Bicycles
You want to make sure that the weight of your body is concentrated more in the center of the bike to make sure that it is distributed equally between the rear and front suspension units, which will help them work more efficiently and in tune with each other.

You can accomplish this quite simply by choosing to use either a shorter or higher step to help raise the height of your hands. This will help to move the height of the upper part of your body up and it will move the weight towards the rear of the bike. This increase should be no greater than two inches, so that the reach difference is no more than two inches.

Take a Test Ride
After you have considered each of these points, then it is time to take a test ride on your bike. It is important to wear your helmet, even while testing. Make sure that your tires are inflated to the right tire pressure and that the bike has been properly adjusted for your body. Then you are ready.

An employee from the bicycle shop should watch you when you are riding to make sure that the position and ride height is correct for you. If not, then you may need some additional adjustments. You should start your riding slowly and then gradually speed up when you get a better feel for the bike.

After you have ridden the bike for a while, then you may find that something seems off about the bike or it is not working right. If this occurs, then you want to have the problem corrected before you decide not to purchase the bike. It may be a simple adjustment that can make it into the bike of your dreams.

The greater number of bikes that you try out, the simpler that you will find it is to determine the similarities and differences in the types. It may take up to several years or just a few weeks for you to gain a greater appreciation for the handling of a particular bike. Talk to other bike riders to get recommendations and hints. This will help you gain more knowledge concerning locating the right mountain bike for your particular body and riding style.

Guidelines To Select The Right Mountain Bike Shoes

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Mountain bike shoes are an integral part of your mountain biking equipments since the right shoes can make your ride comfortable and help you to handle strenuous pedaling and difficult situations like feet swelling etc. during long mountain biking trips. There are a wide variety of mountain bike shoes available nowadays ranging from Clipless pedal shoes to custom-made mountain bike shoes. However there are some basic as well as individual specific factors which can help you decide and select your mountain bike shoes.

Investing in a good pair of mountain bike shoes is essential since they can comfort your feet and prove enjoyable, safe and efficient while you go mountain biking. Nowadays you can easily find shoes designed for use with clipless pedals as well as shoes with toe clips and standard pedals which give bikers the opportunity to pick and choose. However in the past the choices were limited and clipless pedals did not exist. Bikers had to struggle with shoes having toe-clips and this sometimes caused hindrance while riding. For instance, if there was an accident during the race, the biker could not free his feet from the toe-clips thus causing the biker to fall with the bike and hurt himself as well as damage the bike.

Shimano Pedaling Dynamics

The viable option of Clipless pedals available nowadays is preferred by bikers mainly because of the safety factor that they offer. An alternative to Clipless pedals are Mountain Bike shoes with Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD). So if your bike does not have the option of Clipless pedals, you could very well use mountain Bike shoes with SPD. A known fact is that apart from the general discomfort that bikers experience during mountain biking, there is also the trouble of feet swelling during treacherous terrains. It is therefore wise to use laceless mountain biking shoes. These not only provide comfort during general biking but also allow more room for your feet in case they swell.

Mountain Bike shoes are available in many varieties and options. There are mountain bike shoes having stiff soles for mountain bikers who require pedaling power. Then there are the flexible shoes which can be used while biking as well as trekking in the mountains. The choice is yours. However if the selection process seems confusing you could get the opinion and advice of other experienced biking enthusiasts or the salesperson at the mountain bike retail outlet.

Unlike in the past, mountain bike shoes can be custom-made to suit your liking or your specific requirement or the type of terrain you wish to explore during your next mountain biking trip. The basic principle to follow is that your mountain bikes pedals determine the type of shoes you should wear. Though having mountain bike shoes with either Velcro straps or complex straps instead of laces is a good choice since such shoes can be opened or unhooked. Also some more aspects for consideration while buying your mountain bike shoes is that the shoe should be a little curved at the ball of the foot and the soles should be smooth, tough and inflexible. Basically the shoes should be adaptable while you are mountain biking.

Lights For Mountain Bikes

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There are two reasons to ride at night - if you're commuting or if you simply get a kick out of heading downhill with only a cone of light showing your way. This article discusses both kinds of lights.

Biking is one of the most enjoyable hobbies there is. However, biking is not always a hobby, cost-conscious commuters also bike to and from work.

Unfortunately, bicycles are small in comparison to even motorcycles, and we all know how many motorcycle accidents there are. The most common comment from the motorist: "I didn't see him."

With bicycles, the situation is even more acute, as not only can a motorist very easily not see you... but won't hear you either. It is important, therefore, that cyclists where bright clothing - incandescent orange or yellow. This should be done in the daytime as well as at night, but of course it is more important at night. Nothing frightens a motorist more than to pass within a foot of a biker wearing a black jacket, black pants, an underseat bag that obscures the reflector.

Bicyclists often blame motorists for being unkind to them. "They can slow down for a few seconds," is their comment. But bicyclists don't take into account a motorist's problems. The driver of a car has to pay attention to other cars to his left, behind him, and even to the right when he wants to make a turn. Sometimes the roads are very narrow and not in the best of condition...and then they come across a bicyclist who weaves all over the road, or is biking the wrong way down the road. It's usually children that are guilty of that transgression.

Bicyclists who continue with these bad habits at night only exacerbate the problem.

Biking at night is certainly possible, but it is important to take some extra precautions.

1. You Want To Be Seen
2. You Want To See

Being Seen
It is perhaps most important that you be seen, than anything else. To that end, the more lights the better. It's possible to get small orange reflector lights that you can attach to your biceps and even legs, so that it's very easy for motorists to see you - much easier than if you just have reflectors which only light up when a car headlight lands on it.

Seeing
The technology for bike headlights has increased tremendously in the last several years. Again, the main goal is for motorists in front of you to be able to see you, although it would also be nice if the front light was powerful enough so that you can see in front of you as well.

A new hobby for mountain bikers is to actually ride at night. Of course if you're going to do that you want a really powerful light to ride behind.

Lights can be helmet mounted or mounted on your handlebars. The more powerful lights would be placed on your handlebars, of course.

Manufacturers of such powerful lights include Light & Motion, JetLites and NiteRider.

Mountain Bike Peals – Tips And Guidelines

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Mountain bike pedals are an important part of your mountain bike and contribute towards the fun and excitement you experience during your rides. There are three types of mountain bike pedals but your choice should depend on your style and preference of mountain biking.

Bike pedals have a significant importance in a mountain bikes since they can effect the quality of your ride. Adequate information on what to look for in your bike pedals can make your pedals selection process easy. There are 3 types of mountain bike pedals namely clipless, platform and cage.

Bike Pedals – Know your options

One of the most popular type of pedals especially among average and usual bike riders are the clipless bike pedals. Clipless pedals allow the biker to easily get off the bike and even to stop or rest by putting a foot down. The biker using clipless pedals just needs to snap his foot into place on the pedal and do a quick side rotation of the foot to enable the connection to release.

Clipless bike pedals are even preferred by well practiced and professional mountain bike riders. These pedals provide stable connection to mountain bikes and stable connections result in speed, efficiency and good use of the leg muscles to generate a powerful crank and get good power and speed while riding.

Cage style bike pedals are cheaper and believed to be of a lower quality. You will therefore find these pedals fitted in non-branded and cheap bikes. However cage style bike pedals can be very useful for beginners who are just in the learning stages and who do not use their bikes on difficult terrains. These are non-expensive and therefore ideal for learners.

Platform mountain bike pedals are the final type of pedals in this category. Such pedals are not preferred by experienced or professional mountain bike riders since they do not have any attachment between the foot, the shoe and the pedal and though this results in a good grip these pedals can’t be used for mountain bike races or rides on treacherous terrains.

Platform mountain bike pedals, also known as flat style pedals are good for learners since they can easily put their foot down quickly to avoid a fall or to balance themselves often during their ride. These pedals cannot be used if you are planning to ride uphill or steep climbs.

Bike pedals should be chosen wisely since they can make your bike riding experience fun, efficient and exciting. So putting a little effort in choosing this mountain bike part can benefit you in the long run as a mountain biker.

Mountain Bike Tours And You

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If you like mountain biking and traveling, why not combine the two for your next vacation? There are mountain bike tours for every skill level of biker. All you have to do is choose one.

Mountain bike tours are easy to find all over the world. An organized mountain bike tour is wonderful for many different reasons. The first reason is that it will offer you the opportunity to visit places in a way that you never have. It will also offer you a way to exercise, have adventure, and have a lot of fun.

The Basics of a Mountain Bike Tour
On a mountain bike tour, you will be supplied with the necessary things to make your bike riding as enjoyable as possible. You pay for this tour and they want to ensure that you have as good a time as possible. They will give you any information that you need, a bicycle, and a helmet to help make your mountain bike tour into the time of your life.

Take a Look Around
Take the time to look around at the different sights that are offered to you on the mountain bike tour. If you are a beginner, then you will want to choose a mountain bike tour that is designed for your biking experience so that you will get the most out of the tour. These mountain bike tours are a great way to increase the adventure in your life so that you can concentrate on having fun and forget about your problems.

What to Expect
There are a great number of different tours that revolve around mountain biking. From day trips to overnight trips, you can find the right mountain bike tour for you. You can see all different types of scenery as well, from idyllic garden countrysides to forests and wilderness. Your guide will be able to guide you in getting the most from your bike tour.

Start Riding
Once you go on your first mountain bike tour, you will find that you are hooked. You will be looking for the next one to do. After you are more experienced, you will find that you will be planning more and more mountain bike tours.

A Variety of Mountain Bike Tours
Mountain bike tours come in a large variety of different skill levels, time periods, and scenery. You will be able to find mountain bike tours that tour different areas all around the world. You will find that doing your sightseeing on the back of a bike will give you a different perspective than you ever imagined. After you take your first mountain bike tour, you will never be the same.

Mountain Bike Considerations

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There are some things that you need to consider when you buy a mountain bike. You need to learn more about mountain bikes so that you can make the best decision for you.

Purchasing a mountain bike can be very overwhelming and can consume quite a bit of your extra time if you are not prepared. This article contains some hints that will help to make the process of buying a mountain bike less frustrating.

Your Mountain Bike Budget
You can spend thousands of dollars on a mountain bike if you want to, but for most of us, we have to set a budget so that we do not overspend. To do this, you need to determine how much that you can afford to spend and then stick with that budgeted amount. You will get much better service and a better bike if you purchase from a bike shop, rather than a mass-merchandiser like Wal-Mart. If you stick you’re your budget, then you will be much happier with your purchase in the long run.

What Style Of Bike?
Mountain bikes come in several different designs that correspond to the different terrains that you might be riding on and your particular riding style. You first need to determine where you will be riding your mountain bike the most. Are you going to be mountain cruising, smooth riding, cross-country racing, or doing lift accessed downhill riding? Determining this will enable to salesman at the bike shop to help you find the right bike for you and your needs.

Hard Tail or Full Suspension?
If your budget will allow it, you will want to choose a full suspension bike. The hard tail bike that comes without suspension in the rear will weigh less and allow you to get more efficiency from your pedaling, but a full suspension bike will be more comfortable and easier to control. This decision will be determined by your budget, the terrain that you will be riding on, and your particular style of riding.

Your Favorite Things
When you begin trying to compare mountain bikes using components, you will quickly find that it will be overwhelming. Determine what components are the ones that you cannot live without and then compare based on this to find the bike that meets your needs and your budget. In this way, you will not be paying for a lot of components that you do not feel are important.

Watch For Seasonal Sales
You will find that mountain bike prices can go up and down quite a bit over the course of a year. The main time that mountain bikes are purchased is during the spring and summer. If you can wait until it grows colder during the fall and winter, then you can save quite a bit of money. Local bike shops may even offer incentives on other components if you purchase a mountain bike from them, rather than from a mass-merchandiser.

Locating the Right Dealer
Even more important than the cheapest price is finding a trustworthy dealer to buy your bike from. You can always find a good price, but it is hard to find a bike shop that offers you good service and information that is more relating to your bike riding than their sales. If you find one, then you need to support them in your purchasing.

Take a Test Ride
Test ride the bikes the fit your budget and your particular riding style to find the bike that has the right fit for you. You will know when a bike feels right. The more bikes that you test out, the easier it will be to make this decision.

Research, Research, Research
Reading mountain bike reviews and other product reviews will help you to learn more about your choices and the pros and cons of them. Reading mountain bike reviews that are written by other owners will help you to determine the right bike for you and your needs. Researching is the best way to make the most of your mountain bike budget.

Mountain Bikes - What Every Rider Needs

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Mountain bikers need only two things when they go biking - a good bike and a good helmet. But there's dozens of other pieces of equipment which riders should stock up on to increase their enjoyment of the sport.

When you're out on your mountain bike, the only things you really need to have, apart from a bike suited to the terrain over which you're writing, are a helmet and goggles. Everything else can really be considered accessories, although they're the type of accessories that it also important to have.

But let's consider mountain biking equipment from the ground up.

Bike storage
Where do you keep your bike when you're not riding? If you live in an apartment where space is at a premium, it's always best to hang the bike in a hall, either on the wall or suspended from the ceiling. (Anyone remember seeing that bike hanging from the ceiling in the classic Seinfeld television series?)

If you're fortunate to have a garage, there's plenty of places to store a bike, but since chances are you don't have a kick stand on your mountain bike, the best thing to do is have a bike stand in which to place it. Placing bikes in a stand also simply makes the garage look neater.

Bike tools
Do you want to do your own bike repairs? If so, it'll make it a lot easier on you if you not only have the small tools made for the purpose, but also a large tool - to be exact a truing stand, which will help you true your wheels on occasion.

When you're out on the trail you may have a flat, so of course you'll want to bring a bundle of tools with you. But it's not enough for you to have the tools - you also have to know how to use them. So take some time after purchasing those tools to work with them and familiarize yourself with the methods necessary to fix the various things that can go wrong with your bike.

Bike accessories
What kinds of accessories can you get on your bike? There's such a thing as rear view mirrors, although these are more popular among road cyclists than mountain bikers. The same goes for horns or bells to let people know you're behind them. Also available are bike lights, powerful ones for use when you want to tear down the trail at night.

Bike clothes
Road cyclists normally wear tight fitting cycle shorts and a tight fitting jersey, whereas mountain bike riders do have a tendency to look a bit baggy. The more clothes a mountain biker wears the better, actually, as they can serve to cushion falls. Rather than depending on those clothes, however, you can also stock up on knee, shin, leg, arm, and elbow guards. Gloves are also an essential, as they'll protect the hands from road burn, not to mention increasing the grip on the bike.

Bike security
We live in a world where unattended bikes will quite often disappear. That may not be much of a bother if its only a $20 "beater", but when it's a mountain bike worth hundreds of dollars the loss stings a bit more. Sturdy bike locks are a must.

It's possible to put transponders into bikes so that they can be tracked if they're stolen. Police use this with "bait" bikes. However, various companies are working towards making GPS tracking devices to put on real bikes. They'll probably be on the market in a few years.

Mountain Bikes And Accessories

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Choosing the right accessories for your mountain bike is essential to having a fun ride. Be sure that you carefully consider your biking style and needs before choosing your mountain bike accessories.

Mountain bikes and their accessories can be quite overwhelming when you first begin shopping for this fun hobby. The mountain bike itself will be one of the first things that you buy, but there are also some mountain bikes accessories that you will need when you begin this adventure as well.

Mountain bike accessories abound at the bicycle shop. It is important that you learn about the accessories that are truly needed, however, so that you spend your money wisely. You are looking for items that will be useful and that are a necessity, rather than the cool mountain bikes accessories. By just purchasing the more important things, you will be able to stay on budget and will be much happier overall.

Helmet
In mountain bikes accessories, the most important thing that you need is a bike helmet. Bicycling without a helmet should never be done. It is just too dangerous to bicycle without a proper helmet. There have been many visits to the emergency room due to riders not wearing proper bike helmets and this could simply be remedied. They are functional and can be stylish for the bikers.

Gloves
Hands can take quite a beating while riding a bike, no matter what the weather is like outside. If you are a beginner rider, then you may clench the handlebars with your hands, which can be quite damaging to your hands. Crashes may cause you to damage your hands as well, simply because you put your hands out to catch yourself. Some gloves to ride your mountain bikes can be just the thing to help keep your hands from damage.

Shorts
Mountain biking can be quite painful on your bottom. That is why you may want to consider adding mountain biking shorts to your accessories. They are cushioned some in the rear area, which can help to keep your bottom from some of the pain. They are quite comfortable and they are not that expensive, either.

Shoes
The kind of shoes that your purchase for your mountain bike adventures will be dependent upon the mountain bikes pedals and the riding that you are planning on doing. If you have clipless pedals, then you will need the shoes that have special cleats. A good pair of shoes for mountain biking will be comfortable, durable, and the sole will be stiff. Ask for assistance at the local bike shop if you are not sure about the shoes that you should choose.

Protect Your Eyes
It is important to keep your eyes protected while riding. You can use clear lensed glasses or sunglass to help keep dust, debris, and wind out of your eyes, which can be quite dangerous if you are riding. Make sure that you choose unbreakable lenses for maximum safety.

Keep Hydrated
A water bottle or hydration backpack is something that you will want to consider when you go adventuring on your mountain bikes. Bicycling can dehydrate you and having a way to rehydrate your body can make you feel better and have a better time.

Repair Kit
If you don’t have a way to repair your bike, then you may find yourself spending the night in the woods. This is why you will want to be sure to find a repair kit for mountain bikes. A multi-tool, tire patch kit, and tire levers are a few of the things that you will want to consider.

Racing Bikes And The Future Of Racing

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Road bikes or racing bikes are designed to go as fast as possible while making sure of the rider’s safety. They are mostly featured as skeletons of bicycles, but there is a reason why it looks so bare. This is because everything is toned down in order to save weight and improve aerodynamics, which is crucial if you want to go as fast as you can. These two factors will help give more speed. There are many gears for the racing bikes, but they are clustered together so that the biker can choose immediately which gear to use for the occasion. Its riding position is hunched over to offer less wind resistance. Some will favor drop handlebars, which will cost the rider to hunch over more. The tires are very thin and very high pressured, and one mistake on a hole can puncture it.

Types of Racing Bikes

There are several types of racing bikes. The most common is the standard racing bike, which is perfect for road riding. The riding position is hunched over, but still high enough which enables the rider to see where he is going. It is also very fast.

Another would be the time trial bike, which is designed to go as fast as possible around a circuit or an oval on a closed-off road. The riders are very much hunched over. Some would prefer the use of extensions on the handlebars for added comfort, to get a better grip on the handles and to get their hands forward. Others would still attach smaller front wheels to modify the riding position to something even lower than the usual.

Another would be the track racing bike, which is raced indoors on oval circuits. There is a single fixed gear with no brakes. A rider can only stop by slowing down the way he pedals, and the gear makes it impossible to suddenly stop pedaling. This racing bike is stripped down to the absolute minimum with no extras to make it lighter and faster.

Remarks for the Racing Bikes

On the plus side, racing bikes are very fast. The slick tires offer very little drag on the road, and the aerodynamic position keeps the wind drag to a minimum. On the other hand, because the bicycle is very skinny, it is often called as uncomfortable by other riders. The tires do not absorb much of the vibration when it comes to rough surfaces, and the hunched-over position can be very painful to the neck, back, and wrists.

Whatever your speed thrill though, the racing bike will probably outstrip it. Racing bikes are fast, light, and very versatile. They can pass through very narrow places and leave that police car in the dust. If ever things get sticky, racing bike rider will just pull his throttle downward, and the next you will see is the dust in your eyes.

Buying Racing Bikes

If you are interested in buying a racing bike, you can look for websites offering such in the Internet. You can also look at newspaper ads and bicycle magazines. They feature racing bikes for sale that there will so many for you to choose from. You have to remember though that if you are going to buy it online, you should check first if the website is legitimate so as not to waste money.

Selecting The Right Mountain Bike Frame

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A good mountain biker is one who knows has the right knowledge of the sport as well as the bike he is riding. This knowledge helps him throughout his career, right from purchasing the vehicle to being the best in the game. Here we learn about the important factors origin of the sport and the construction process in brief.

How To Select The Right Mountain Bike Frames

A variety of bicycles are available in the market, and they are constructed specifically for different purposes. E.g. ordinary cycles are meant for short travels and leisure rides whereas, racing bicycles are made for competitive racing, they are comparatively lighter and have thin tires and multiple gears for better performance.

The most important factor that distinguishes between bicycles is the frame of the cycle. If a customer wants a bike for mountain biking, he has to specifically purchase a Mountain Bike. The mountain bikes are subjected to a lot of rugged terrain and hence the frame has to be really strong, and at the same time it has to be light for better maneuverable.

To help you understand this process, a through knowledge of the sport of mountain bicycling, the variety of bicycle frames available in the market and the cost is very important.

The sport of Mountain Bicycling

The sport of Mountain bicycling has gained popularity since its origin in the 70’s. It is the ultimate sport for those who love cycling and exploring the rugged outdoors. One can take up mountain bicycling just to enjoy the thrills of riding on a rugged countryside area or participate in formal competitions, or simply enjoy it as a good form of exercise.

Range of Mountain Bicycle Frames available.

Mountain bicycles are manufactured specially to withstand the pounding of the harsh terrain. They are fitted with special accessories for better performance. Often these bicycles are fitted with gears system to facilitates easy ascending and descending on the slopes of the mountains, modified lightweight hand brakes are fitted to ensure better grip and instant braking and the balloon type tires ensure a relatively smoother ride.

The frame of the bike plays a very important when it comes to purchasing a mountain bike, it has to be extremely strong and at the same time it has to be relatively light for easy maneuverability. The basic structure of all frames is same, the only thing that makes them different is the material used to construct them. Generally frames are made either of carbon fiber, titanium or steel, the favorite being steel, as it is light yet very strong and is found in abundance.

Although difficult to work with, Titanium and carbon fiber have also been used for construction of the mountain bike frame. Basically Titanium is similar to steel and aluminum but is comparatively lighter, and is scratch resistant and rust proof.

Carbon fiber is a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber. A mixture of both is dipped in glue and is molded in tubular form and these tubes are used to construct the frames.

Cost

The cost of the bicycle plays a very important role when it comes to purchasing a good mountain bicycle. Basically, the price of the bike depends on the material used for its construction. The most expensive bikes are the once with Titanium and carbon fiber frames, once made of steel are relatively cheaper.

Skills For The Beginning Mountain Biker

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Mountain biking is a fun sport but it is also dangerous. However, participants can lesson their chances of injury by taking a few precautions. First off, of course, they should have the necessary skills before even getting on the mountain.

Practically anyone can get on a bike and ride around their neighborhood, go across flat countryside or ride up and down hills, but when it comes to mountain biking, the rider should have certain skills before giving it a try.

Depending on how long you've ridden your bike, it's quite possible that you do have these skills - so let's just run through them.

1) Feel the pedals

Are you used to keeping your feet on your pedals at all times? Of course you are. But when you're mountain biking (or doing stunts), feet come off the pedals... and have to be able to find them again without hesitation.

So practice taking your feet off the pedals and replacing them...this will instill "muscle memory" so your feet always will know where the pedals should be at any given time.

2) Shift the gears
If you live in a flat area, you probably don't do a lot of gear shifting. This will change when you get on the slopes, so find yourself a hill near your home and practicing shifting as you go both up and down. Also, if you get tired just biking up a regular-sized hill, you'll want to do some wind sprints up that same hill for a couple of weeks before you decide to take on a mountain.

3) Stand up for yourself
Most people sit on their bikes while they ride, but again, on a mountain bike you don't have that luxury. You'll be off your seat more often than not. So practice coasting along while standing, and then pedaling while standing....and don't do it for just a few yards and then stop.

4) Before you go hurtling down
Mountain biking is a dangerous sport, and you should always wear a helmet, and knee and elbow pads. And when you're practicing going over curbs - the same should apply.

You want to practice going up and over curbs to get the feel of doing it on a hill. You know your own bike best - exactly how high can an obstruction be before you can't go over it with your bike? Probably about six inches.

Going off a curb is another thing entirely. As long as you have good balance and strong hands to keep your front tire straight, you can get quite a bit of "air" before hitting the ground again - but you need to know the ground you'll be landing on to ensure that there's no obstructions that will get in your way. So always ride a downhill trail relatively slowly the first time, before you go full out.

But back to practicing. Check out the curbs in your neighborhood, and - while wearing your safety gear and making sure there's no traffic in the area - practice going over them at different speeds. If all the curbs are of the same height, you'll have to increase them using man-made objects such as ramps. However... you learned to crawl before you could walk, and by the same token, become very comfortable on those short curbs before you try to increase the height and air of your jumps, and always wear your safety gear while you do it.

There's no need to be impatient. Work on your skills first, then tackle a beginners mountain biking trail or two to perfect your skills even more. Once you've got the skills, mountain biking will be a breeze!

Ride The Bike Prior To The Triathlon Race

2008-12-25T19:25:00.002-08:00

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to be able to perform your best in a triathlon competition. You might be riding the best equipments and gears in the world but without enough strength, training and willingness to outdo everybody else, your investments may be mere nothing.

Aside from the entry ticket, you are sure to finish the race with a great sense of achievement at a minimal cost and lots of hardwork.

For starters, verging into a triathlon competition is really a task. After all, the same is true for the triathlon warriors. So anything worth starting with will do. You need not punch holes in your pockets for a new bike, it is best to test the waters first. You might spend grand on the latest gears only to find out later that triathlon is not your stuff. Make do with what you have first and later decide if triathlon lifestyle is truly yours to live.

The bike stage takes most of the course in a triathlon race. This is the make it or break it ground. The edge you have earned earlier with the swim stage would mean nothing if you tarry on the second leg of the race. The easiest option you can choose is to play with the crowd and stick with them if you can't get over them.

With this idea in mind, you can rest assured that the best training you may have is group training. There are regular weekend bikers that will help you get better. You may practice on your own but crowded biking is different from solo biking.

What's good with these folks is that they understand the techniques of training and so if you are a beginner, you'll be given the advantage of benefiting from those that will give allowances for trainees like themselves. But beware, training in this manner will cause you to react in two ways- to find your comfort zone or to bring out the best from you by encouraging you to be like the best of them. Nevertheless, they may still pass on some tips that will better your game. Like with swimming, you may get the kicks of the person swimming in front of you but that way, you will be trained.

Triathlon biking may look like plain biking at first sight but when we incorporate the principles of aerodynamics and endurance in it, then that we can say it is a different story.

Road Bike Customization

2008-12-25T19:25:00.001-08:00

There are three kinds of cyclists - the casual cyclist, the dedicated weekend hobbyist, and the fanatic. It's the fanatic who will probably want to get a customized road bike.

There are customized bikes...and then there are custom-built bikes.

What's the difference between the two?

Cusstomized Bikes

Well, anyone who goes to a bike store and has the clerks there help him, or her, fit the bike properly, will usually "customize" their bike by choosing the kind of sad...

Keywords:
Randonneuring,volcanos

Article Body:
There are three kinds of cyclists - the casual cyclist, the dedicated weekend hobbyist, and the fanatic. It's the fanatic who will probably want to get a customized road bike.

There are customized bikes...and then there are custom-built bikes.

What's the difference between the two?

Cusstomized Bikes

Well, anyone who goes to a bike store and has the clerks there help him, or her, fit the bike properly, will usually "customize" their bike by choosing the kind of saddle they like (narrow or wide, gel-filled, etc.), different stem lengths for handlebar height, v-pull or disc brakes, etc.

You can continue to customize your bike with accessories such as bells, compasses, and lights - and you can even give it a paint job if you're good at that sort of thing. (Indeed, I've got a Schwinn Sierra that's about four years old, and I've been thinking of giving it a new coat of blue paint with yellow highlights. Unfortunately, I know I don't have the skill to make it look even halfway decent.)

Road bikes are, obviously, built specifically to ride on roads, and aren't suited for cross-country travel. The tires are very narrow to provide as little resistance as possible to the road, and the handlebars are of the drop-down type which force the rider to lean forward at an acute angle. However, there are various additions to the handlebars one can get so that when resting is more important than speed, it's possible to sit up straight and still control the bike properly.

Lowriders are another type of road bike, though not one used for racing, but rather for cruising around showing off their paint jobs.

Custom Built

What does custom-built mean? A custom-built bike is one that is built for you from the ground up - and hand-crafted more often than not. Your every measurement is taken and the frame is built to those measurements. Cranksets will fit your legs, top tubes will be just the right length, and it'll be built out of the space-age material you prefer.

And in addition to that of course you can choose the types of shifters and breaks you'd like as well.

Custom-built bikes are the most expensive bikes you can get, but they will fit you like a glove and if you are a serious bike rider that is the type of bike you'll want.

Serious road bikers have many different activities in which they can indulge, from"ultra long distance riding" (Randonneuring) to triathlons - where one of the three segments of the race is biking. These type of athletes have to have custom-built bikes.

Mountain Bikes That Fit

2008-12-25T19:22:00.000-08:00

Most mountain bikes are made to fit a man's proportions, and so it's easy for them to find the right sized bike. Women have more difficulty, as they are typically shorter then men, and with shorter torsos. Care must be taken to find the right-sized bike.

Whenever you buy a new bike, for yourself or for your children, it is important that you get a bike that is the right size. If the bike doesn't fit, it will ruin the enjoyment of biking altogether, and if you or your child continue to ride the bike, can even cause knee or back injuries, as they try to compensate for the poor fit.

A great many people buy bikes for their children from department stores or discount stores like Target and Walmart. However, this is a bad idea, as the bikes there are the bottom of the range, and are put together by people who are not necessarily properly trained in the task. (Have you ever looked at the furniture they put together?) And if you are fortunate enough to even find someone to help you in the "sports section," they still probably won't know anything about how to help you fit the bike properly.

It's best, therefore, to buy a bike from a bike shop - you'll be able to get expert advice, and the bike shop personnel will be able to answer your questions. However, it's also important that you familiarize yourself with the terminology and principles of bike fitting, so that you can appreciate what the bike people tell you. Because there are bikes specially designed for every niche sport, the fit you want differs from bike to bike.

Remember also that the majority of adult bikes are made for adult males, and that adult women are typically shorter then men, and weigh less. They also may have long legs, but shorter torsos. So women have a more difficult time finding bikes that fit. Fortunately in the last several years women-specific bikes have been designed by companies such as Terry (they make only women-specific bikes), and from other major companies with a women's bike division.

When the average person thinks of a "woman's bike" - he or she thinks of those bikes in which the top tube is not horizontal, as in a "men's bike," but sloping. This type of bike is easier to mount if you're wearing a skirt, but in the general scheme of things they are not as sturdy as a "man's bike" and should be avoided.

So, go to a bike shop and look around at their vast array of bikes.

Does the bike fit?

When you stand astride a bike - you'll want plenty of room between yourself and the top tube. (This is called the "standover height.") It is best to have around four to six inches of clearance between the tube and your crotch. If you have to come to a stop suddenly, you'll appreciate that this clearance is important - and you don't ever want to ride on a bike - even for a few minutes - if you're too short for it, because you'll learn your lesson painfully.

Saddle height
Have someone hold the bike still while you sit on it. Extend one leg down to the pedal at its lowest extension...your leg should not be at full extension, but rather slightly bent. Only when this occurs is the saddle at the correct height. Also, always ensure that the seat is level - tilting it forward or backward for whatever reason will ony lead to discomfort.

If you're planning on mountain biking or going over any kind of uneven terrain, you'll be rising off your bike seat all the time, in reacting to the terrain. You'll probably lower the saddle an inch or so to compensate for all that jouncing around.

Top Tube
If you're a woman, pay careful attention to the length of the top tube, which separates you from the handlebars. You don't want to have to stretch forward uncomfortably while you ride.

Handlebars
If you already own a bike and want to have the handlebars raised or lower by purchasing a new stem through which the handlebars go, that costs money. But when you're being fitted out with a new bike, the store employees can exchange those with no problem. And again, this is something that a discount store can't do.

When you find a bike you like, take it out for a test ride. Indeed, don't just settle for test riding one bike. There are many different types of bikes on the market - frames made of different materials, full suspension or front suspension, etc. that you'll want to get the feel of each one of them.

After you've had the experience of riding various different kinds of bikes, you'll be able to make your own decision in a more informed manner.

Exercise Bikes

2008-12-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

When you decide to purchase an exercise bike, you
should first find a place in your home where you
can place it. Then, you'll need to think about
whether or not you want an upright exercise bike, a
semi recumbent bike, or a recumbent exercise bike.

Once you have made the decision of which type of
bike you want, check out the reviews that are
available in bike magazines and also on the internet.
You can also take the advice of family and friends
who are currently using the same as well as
personal trainers who have experience. The reviews
on exercise bikes are normally rates in accordance
to their performance, functions that they have, as
well as the type of material that is used for
constructing the exercise bikes.

The exercise bike that you select should be very
comfortable to sit on and the seat should be easy
to adjust, as it otherwise it would be really hard
to cycle on. If the height of the seat is wrong,
it can put a lot of pressure in your lower area,
specifically the groin. To find out more about
these types of features, it is very important
that you read a review as the reviews can give
you valuable information about the features
of exercise bikes.

Reviews have other advantages as well. A lot
of times, websites on the internet will offer
special discounts on the exercise bikes as well,
which is just another benefit to reading the
reviews. After you have read the reviews,
you'll be able to negotiate for a better price
once you talk to the sales person.

No matter how you look at it, you really can't
go wrong with reading a review on exercise bikes.
You can find out anything you want to know, as
well as get opinions from those who already
own the equipment. A majority of the time,
you can find out flaws as well, which can save
you a lot of time and effort.

Going to local gyms is also a great way to
find out about exercise bikes. If you don't
want to buy one or if you don't have the space
to keep one at home, you can always join a local
gym and use one there. There are several
different types available at your local gym,
with everything from standard exercise bikes to
the newer electronic versions.

Whether you choose to buy on for home use or
use one at the gym, an exercise bike can help
you stay in shape. All you need to do is ride
it a few minutes a day, and you'll be amazed
at just how much it helps you. Considered to
be a part of cardio, an exercise bike can help
you lose weight and tone your body down like
never before.

How Mountain Bike Gears Work

2008-12-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

The gears in mountain bikes just keep getting more
and more intricate. The bikes of today have as many
as 27 gear ratios. A mountain bike will use a
combination of three different sized sprockets in
front and nine in the back to produce gear ratios.

The idea behind all these gears is to allow the
rider to crank the pedals at a constant pace no
matter what kind of slope the bike is on. You can
understand this better by picturing a bike with
just a single gear. Each time you rotate the pedals
one turn, the rear wheel would rotate one turn
as well (1:1 gear ratio).

If the rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then
with 1:1 gearing, one full twist on the pedals
would result in the wheel covering 81.6 inches of
ground. If you are pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM,
this means that the bike can cover over 340 feet of
ground per minute. This is only 3.8 MPH, which
is the equivalence of walking speed. This is ideal
for climbing a steep hill, although bad for ground
or going downhill.

To go faster you'll need a different ratio. To
ride downhill at 25 MPH with a 50 RPM cadence at the
pedals, you'll need a 5.6:1 gear ratio. A bike
with a lot of gears will give you a large number
of increments between a 1:1 gear ratio and a 6.5:1
gear ratio so that you can always pedal at 50 RPM,
no matter how fast you are actually going.

On a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the gear
ratios are so close to each other that you can't
notice any difference between them.

With actual use, bike riders tend to choose a front
sprocket suitable for the slope they are riding on
and stick with it, although the front sprocket can
be difficult to shift under heavy load. It's much
easier to shit between the gears on the rear.

If you are cranking up a hill, it's best to choose
the smallest sprocket on the front then shift
between the nine gears available on the rear. The
more speeds you have on the back sprocket, the
bigger advantage you'll have.

All in all, gears are very important to mountain
bikes as they dictate your overall speed. Without
gears you wouldn't be able to build speed nor would
you be able to pound pedals. The gears will move
the pedals and help you build up speed.

There are all types of gears available in mountain
bikes, all of which will help you build up a lot
of momentum if you use them the right way.

Mountain Bike Designs

2008-12-25T19:16:00.001-08:00

The designs for mountain bikes can be classified in
three categories based on suspension:

1. Hardtail - A frame with no rear suspension,
often containing a front suspension fork.
2. Fully rigid - This is a sub type of hardtail,
with a rigid fork.
3. Dual or full suspension - These bikes offer a
front suspension fork and a rear suspension that
are integrated into the frame.
4. Soft tail - Offers a frame with a small amount
of rear suspension, normally less than a full
suspension frame.

The different designs of bikes in mountain biking
will offer you what you need for your unique style
of riding. You'll want a different bike for
different terrain, such as cross country or
downhill. As the terrain changes, you'll want to
make sure you have the right bike for the job.

Mountain biking is different than any other sport,
offering you plenty of excitement and thrills.
If you are new to mountain biking, you'll find the
different designs to be very enticing yet very
challenging at the same time. Each design serves
a purpose with mountain biking, even some that
excel on the trails.

There are also several other designs which reflect
on the manny challenging disciplines in the sport
of mountain biking. No matter what type of
mountain biking you like to do, there are bikes
for that specific discipline.

If you are new to mountain biking, you'll want
to check out the many designs and types of biking
before you purchase a bike. Mountain biking can
be a lot of fun and excitement, although it can
also be very dangerous if you don't have the
right bike for the terrain. Before you decide to
buy a bike and hit the trails, make sure you
have the right design of mountain bike for the
riding you are planning on doing.

How To Lube Your Mountain Bike

2008-12-25T19:13:00.003-08:00

A mountain bike is a lot of fun although it does
require some maintenance. You should always lube
your bike 15 hours or so before riding, as quick
jobs right before you take off normally doesn't
get everything lubed. Some lube jobs will last
for more rides, although if things get loud or
shifting gets sticky, it's time to lube.

Here is how to lube your bike:

1. The chain
Apply a generous amount of mountain bike lube to
your chain as you move the pedals around backwards.
It also helps to find a spot to steady your hand
such as the frame while you move the pedals around
and around. Make sure you watch out for the cranks
and chain rings as they move around.

2. Front Deraileur
On the front defaileur, lube the pivots. Use a
spot of lube everywhere you can see movement when
you move the shift lever.

3. Rear deraileur
Just like the front deraileur, lube the pivots.

4. Pedals
There are some types of clipless pedals that will
need to have the release mechanism lubed. You
should only lube this mechanism if you have this
type of pedal.

5. Everything into motion
Pedal around, shift your gears, and bounce your
bike around. If you hear anything squeak, there's
a moving part there are it should be lubed
immediately.

6. Wipe it all clean
Once you've lubed everything and wiped it all
around, simply wipe it all back off. Use a rag
to wipe away all the lube you used, including all
the lube off the chain. Wiping it away will leave
the lube in between the parts but clean it away
from everywhere it isn't needed. This will keep
your bike from collecting dirt while you ride.

Mountain Bike Anatomy

2008-12-25T19:13:00.001-08:00

A mountain bike is the one thing you need before you
go mountain biking. A mountain bike contains many
parts, which will be covered below:

1. Bottom bracket - This attaches the crankset to
the body of a bike.

2. Brake cable - This is the cable that connects the
brake lever to the brake mechanism.

3. Brake lever - The lever on the handlebar to
activate the brakes. The left side is the front brake
and the right side is the rear brake.

4. Chain - The circular set of links that transfer
power from the chain ring to the cogs.

5. Chain ring - The toothed rings that attach to
the crank to hold the chain.

6. Crank - The lever that extends from the bottom
bracket to the pedal, transferring the power to the
chain rings.

7. Derailleur - The mechanism for moving the chain
from one cog to another.

8. Down tube - The section of frame that extends
downward from the stem to the bottom bracket.

9. Front shock - The shock absorber on the front
fork.

10. Handlebar - The horizontal bar attached to the
stem with handgrips on the end.

11. Headset - The mechanism in front of the frame
that connects the front fork to the stem and
handlebars.

12. Hub - The center part of the wheel that the
spokes are attached to.

13. Idler pulley - The bottom pulley of the rear
derailleur that provides spring tension to keep
the chain tight.

14. Nipple - A threaded receptacle that holds
the end of the spoke to the rim.

15. Pedal - The platform to pedal on; attaches to
the crank.

16. Rear shock - The shock absorber for the rear
tire on dual suspension type bikes.

17. Rim - The metal ring that holds the spokes
on the inside and the tire to the outside.

18. Saddle - The seat.

19. Seat post - Offers support for the seat.

20. Skewer - The metal rod that goes through the
hub, attaching the wheel to the dropouts of the
frame.

21. Spindle - The free rotating axle that the
crank arms attach to; also a part of the bottom
bracket.

22. Spokes - The thick wires that join the hub to
the rim.

23. Stem - A piece that attaches the handlebar
to the steering tube.

24. Wheel hub - The center of the wheel that the
spokes are attached to.

Different Types of Mountain Bikes

2008-12-25T19:12:00.002-08:00

With mountain biking being a very popular sport,
there are many bikes to choose from. Depending
on what type of riding you like, the style of
bikes you can choose from will vary. Below, you'll
find tips on the different types of bikes available.

1. Cross country
Almost all mountain bikes will fit into this category.
Cross country mountain bikes are light weight, making
them easy to ride over most terrains, even up and
down hills. This is the most common mountain bike
and it can be used with ease for riding on the path
or even commuting.

2. Downhill
These types of bikes are for serious bikers who
crave the ultimate adventure. Downhill bikes have
front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc
brakes. Rarely available off the shelf, most riders
like to custom build their own.

3. Trials
Trail mountain biking involves a great degree of
skill and is classified as the precision riding of
the sport. Similiar to downhill bikes, trial riders
will often build their own bikes rather than purchase
one off a shelf. Generally very light and very
strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline.

4. Jump and slalom
Slalom and jump bikes are very strong and designed
for jumping, street racing, and slalom. They offer
a front suspension and use very strong components
dedicated to what they do. These bikes are very
popular with the sport of mountain biking.

Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport can
be a lot of fun. There are several bikes to choose
from, all of which depend on your style. If you are
still looking for the best style for you, all you
have to do is try out several bikes and see which one
suites you the best.

Beginner Mountain Bike Skills

2008-12-25T19:12:00.001-08:00

Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be
enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike.
Compared to the average bike ride, it does present
some danger. Therefore, you should master these
basic skills before you hit the trails or the
dirt.

You can practice these beginning skills at a local
park, school, bike path, or simply around your
house. If you can, try to find a location with
a steep hill.

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 clipless type foot
pedals 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.

Once you practice these techniques and get the
hang of them, you'll be able to hit the trails feeling
comfortable on your mountain bike. Even though it
may take some getting used to, it'll become second
nature before you know it.

The Intricacies Of Mountain Bike Gears

2008-12-23T23:00:00.001-08:00

When you choose mountain bike, it is a good idea to learn more about the gearing systems. This article will explain more about how those systems work.

Mountain bike gears are continually becoming more and more complicated and intricate. Today’s bikes can come with up to 27 gear ratios. It is common for a mountain bike today to use nine gears in the back and three sprockets of different sizes in the front for gear ration production.

Why so many gears? The most common reason is that a large number of gears allow a rider to pedal at the same pace no matter what terrain that he/she is on. This can be understood better if you think about a bike that just has one gear. Every time you turn the pedals one full turn, then the rear wheel also turns one full turn, too (1:1 gear ratio).

For example, your back wheel is measured at 26 inches. If you pedal one full turn, then this would mean that your wheel moved 81.6 inches. If you are riding at 50 RPM, then you will be able to go 340 feet per minute. This means that you were going 3.8MPH, which is equivalent to walking speed. This speed is great for going up a hill that is steep, but it is not a good speed for flat ground or racing downhill.

If you want your bike to go quicker, then you will need a different ratio. If you want to reach a speed of 25 MPH downhill using a 50-RPM cadence, then you will need to have a 5.6:1 gear ration. If you have lots of gears on your bike, then you will be able to get that ratio so that you can continue your pedaling at a consistent pace, no matter what terrain you are on or what your speed is.

A typical mountain bike that has 27 gears will have six gears so incrementally close to the other that you will not be able to determine that there is any difference between the gears when you change them.

Most mountain bike riders decide to choose a gear system with a front socket that is suitable for the slope or terrain that they usually ride on and they stay with this choice, even though it may be more difficult under a heavy load to shift the gears. This is purely a personal decision, but it is simpler to shift between gears when the rear socket, rather than the front one.

When you are pedaling uphill, then you will find that it is much better to choose a sprocket that is smaller on the front and then shift gears with the nine gears that are available on the rear. If you are more speeds on the rear sprocket, then you will find that it is much more efficient to ride.

Mountain biking needs gears so that you can keep an overall speed going. If you didn’t have gears, then you would find it difficult to build up any speed and you would find it nearly impossible to pound your pedals for extra control. Gears help to move the pedals and enable you to gain that speed.

The Importance Of A Good Mountain Bike

2008-12-23T22:59:00.001-08:00

Mountain biking has changed drastically since its origin, so have the bikes. New feature have been added to meet the growing challenges of the sport. Ultra light bikes, hi-tech gears and suspension have become the need of the day to increase efficiency of the bike and the rider.

Mountain biking has changed drastically since its origin, so have the bikes. New feature have been added to meet the growing challenges of the sport. Ultra light bikes, hi-tech gears and suspension have become the need of the day to increase efficiency of the bike and the rider.

Investing in a good mountain bike

Selecting a good quality mountain bike is the most important step in mountain biking. Although it is comparatively more expensive than ordinary bikes, buying a good bike is a must considering the hardships it will be subjected to while venturing out on the hill slopes. These bikes are specially designed to endure a lot of pounding in the process. They are fitted with special tires and suspensions to reduce the stress on the rider and the bike and make the ride comparatively smoother.

Todays Standard Equipment includes front wheel suspension by default.

Now a days more and more bikers are opting for dual suspension bikes, as they are definitely more comfortable than single suspension bike. Similarly bikes with large wheels are also gaining popularity compared to bikes with smaller tires and riser handlebars. Some bikes also have handle bars tha have bar ends for better support.

Basically four categories of Mountain bikes are available in the market. The four categories are A) The fully rigid bike: - these bikes have a fixed rare, no suspensions and have a frame with a fixed fork. B) the Hard tail bike :- it is similar to the fully rigid bike, the only difference is the suspension in the front wheel. C) the Soft tail bike :- it has a frame that offers rear suspension to a certain extent, which is activated by flexing the frame. Pivots are not used here and D) the full or dual suspension bike: - they have suspension fitted on both the front and the rear wheel and pivots are used to move the rear wheel.

Mountain bikes are available in many designs for e.g. cross country (XC), endure/all mountains (AM), free ride (FR), dirt jumping - urban and street, trial, downhill (DH) single speed, and 4-cross racing. The design basically depends on the type of route it’s going to be used on.

Mountain biking is reaching new heights today with competitions becoming more and more aggressive. The modern day bikes have been specially modified to suit the rider’s requirements. Now a days Mountain bikes have aerodynamic frames - these are lighter but yet very strong. They are fitted with three gears on the front wheel while the next few would be on the back wheel and have speeds varying from 21, 24 even up to 27.

Touring Through Spain On A Bike

2008-12-23T22:58:00.001-08:00

Touring bikes are a great tool for taking a Spain bike tour. They will hold your supplies so that you will be able to go anywhere that you choose.

If you want to take a Spain bike tour, then you may want to consider investing in a touring bicycle. This type of bicycle is specially made to carry food, clothes, and other supplies that you will need on your Spain bike tour or other bike tour. There are racks that are on the front and rear of the touring bike for toting around all the extra stuff that you need on a trip. They also feature three water bottle holders, a large wheelbase, and mudguard mounts, and a frame that fits the wider tires perfectly.

Three common touring bikes are available today. These include the tandem, recumbent, and road touring bikes. Every touring bike has its specific benefits and they should be chosen after considering your individual needs and desires.

The classic touring bike has a wheel that is 700c, with a diameter that is the same size of a racing bike, but with more ample clearance for the frame and a wider rim. You will notice that most manufacturers modify a mountain bike tire that is 26”, because it is very strong and gives you better resistance while riding.

Have you seen those cool recumbent touring bikes? These bikes are easy to notice, due to the position of the seat. This touring bike offers the rider a reclined seat that keeps their legs in front of the seat, rather than under the seat. The steering is usually slightly below or above the level of the seat for maximum comfort.

A tandem bicycle is a bicycle built for two and is very popular for couples who are going on a trip of a long distance. This bike would be excellent for you and your husband to take that Spain bike tour or other tour across a country. These bikes will not carry extra weight like supplies, so you may want to hook a trailer to your tandem bike to take a long trip.

The more modern touring bikes have the proper equipment for long distance rides complete with saddles that you can ride comfortable for a long distance, road handlebars, and front and rear luggage racks for all of your gear. This bike has sturdy wheels and rims that withstand riding and are stable and durable. You can find trailers to tow some of your gear and this is a wonderful idea if you have quite a bit of supplies, because it gives you a lower center of gravity.

Touring bikes are made to be very durable and sturdy for the up and down roads. The brakes on a touring bike are different than on other bikes as they are lever-pulled or cantilever brakes. You may even find a touring bike that comes complete with disc brakes simply because they offer additional braking.

Touring bikes are not known for their speed, but they are known for functionality in traveling and durability. This bike is excellent to use on your Spain bike tour or any bike tour that you want to take.

Tips To Buy Your Mountain Bike Wheels

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Before going out on your mission to buy a new mountain bike all you need is to ensure that you have the money to invest in quality parts which have some specific features. This is because quality products result in a good quality mountain bike as well as a comfortable ride. Mountain bike wheels is one such part of a mountain bike which requires attention to detail.

The purchase of mountain bikes does not have to be a difficult mission. Hunting for a quality bike keeping specific features in mind is a good idea. Deciding the features such as the suspension, whether dual or single, the type of steel and the type of frame, whether carbon fiber or titanium, the type of brakes whether disc or rim can help you set your criteria for your dream mountain bike.

Similarly mountain bike wheels are also an important feature. Specific attention is to be paid to the rims of the wheel, the traction of the tire and the choice of whether you want a tubeless or some other kind of tire.

Rims

Taking the right decision regarding the rims is very important and thus must be done with lot of consideration and thought. Your mountain bike wheels are mounted on rims and thus this feature requires your special attention before your invest.

While purchasing wheel rims the concept is the same as any other purchase, quality products mean more expense but result in a good and sensible investment. Therefore the more you invest in your wheel rim the better it will be for your bike. Wheel rims are generally constructed using steel or aluminum.

Rims consist of spokes, and nipples and if you buy a good quality rim it will have fewer spokes, trick spoke lacing as well as hidden nipples. The raised attachments on the rim of the wheel which are used to connect the spokes to the rim are termed as rim nipples.

Traction

Traction is the next important feature to attend to while buying your new mountain bike. Traction helps to generate the grip between the bike and the course surface. Therefore if the biker is used to ride on difficult trails he should ensure that the traction of his bike is adaptable to such type of trails.

Tires also have treads and prominent treads allow better traction and thus result in better grip of the tire with the surface. Treads may have deep patterns or may also be pattern-less and plain. There are also tires with detailed treads which are very prominent and these are very useful for the biker because of the grip they provide.

Tubeless

The type of tire that the biker wants really depends on his choice. The option of tubeless tires available nowadays is preferred since it eliminates the common problem of a puncture.

These common punctures are caused when the hard rim presses against the inner tube and such punctures are aptly termed as pinch flat.

Tubeless tires can be operated on low tire pressure allowing better speed, improved traction and easy and comfortable riding.

There's A Bike For Every Rider In Spain

2008-12-23T22:56:00.002-08:00

Touring bicycles come in three varieties - the road, the recumbent, and the tandem. In this article we help you decided which one is right for you.

The perfect economical vacation - touring by bicycle

There are bicycles on the market for every possible type of cycling. Depending on your needs, you can find an excellent bicycle in your price range for any type of activity.

The touring bicycle is designed for cyclists who want to ride from Point A to Point B on bicycle, and bring camping gear, changes of clothes and food along with them. These bicycles have racks, otherwise known as panniers, mounted on the front and rear of the frame for carrying this extra gear. The bikes are designed with a large wheelbase, mounting points for mudguards, and triple water bottle mounts so there's no danger of the rider going thirsty!

Touring bicycles come in three styles: the road, recumbent and tandem bikes. As with any bike, each of these styles has its own advantages and disadvantages. Know your needs and investigate each style, offered by several different companies, to get the best one for your needs.

When choosing a road touring bike, you want one that is as sturdy as possible, but also as light as possible. A longer wheelbase is necessary, because it will give you a stable and comfortable ride, and of course that essential room for panniers. You must use the type of tires which are suitable for unpaved roads, but will not be as slow on pavement as fat tires, and mounting points for fender and the racks. Don't scorn those fenders, they keep rocks from flying up at you, as well as sprays of water.

Recumbent Bicycles

If you're a fan of recumbent cycling, then you'll probably want to read Recumbent Cycling News, to keep up on what's going on in the recumbent world. Recumbent bikes certainly do look odd, but once people try one they seldom look back.

Recumbents are considered the most comfortable bikes on the road today. They can be faster than you might think, thanks to their aerodynamic design. Of course, because of their design, the recumbent rides differently then you're used to. It steers differently, you have to handle starting and stopping differently, and climbing hills certainly requires a different method!

There are two different ways to steer a recumbent. There's Above seat steering (ASS), which have the handlebars above the seat, usually at about chest height. When the handlebars are above the seat this gives the bike a more aerodynamic configuration because your arms are held in front of you.

Bikes with Under Seat Steering (USS) have the steering assembly under the seat of the rider. The handelbars extend out from under either side of the seat. Because your hands are held out at your sides this configuration is not as aerodynamic as the ASS. Of course, if you're not interested in speed this is not really a consideration.

If you're going touring with your recumbent, you might want to consider a trike - a bike with three wheels rather than two. This gives you more room for packing gear, and trikes can have up to 72 gears which really makes it easy to pedal!

Tandem Bicycles

Tandem bicycles are slowly growing in popularity. When riding a tandem the weight is doubled but the work is cut in half. However, the fact that there's half the luggage space also has to be taken into account.

As with mountain biking, the tandem riders also have a language of their own. The bare minimum you need to know is that the rider in front is called the captain or the pilot and the rider in the rear is known as the stoker.

Tandems are excellent for those people with physical disabilities who still want to get out and ride. Riders who are seeing-impaired, for example, will be able to enjoy the great outdoors as the stoker while the sighted rider steers ahead. But that's not the only reason to ride a tandem, of course. Many couples enjoy it, and with communication headsets it's easy to talk to each other while you ride.

Don't buy a tandem and then set out to tour immediately. Obviously you'll want to try out several different tandems before you even buy one. Then you'll want to practice for a few months before you take the plunge and go on your first touring ride.

After that...you'll be hooked.

So get biking - and get touring.

Using Mountain Bike Lights

2008-12-23T22:56:00.001-08:00

Lights can be a wonderful tool for mountain biking, especially if you enjoy biking in the darker hours. Children find them functional for biking to school as well.

Whether you are a weekend cyclist or a professional mountain biker, you are sure to find that at some time or another, bike lights have come in handy. They help to keep you safe on your ride by alerting motorists to your presence. There are many different mountain bike lights that you can find at your local or online bike shop, so you need to determine your needs before you buy the bike lights for your mounting bike.

What kind of mountain biker are you? Are you just a weekend rider or are you a long distance biker? If you only ride your mountain bike on the weekend every now and then, you may not need bicycle lights, because you may only ride during the daylight hours. If you are a long-distance biker, then you may need bike lights because you may find that you are biking during times where it is dark. You want to choose a bike light for your mountain bike that is lightweight, easy to install, and shines light directly on your path so that you can find your way.

A large selection of mountain bike lights can be found online for you to choose from. This is a great way to compare prices and features to find the right bike lights for you and your needs. In most cases, the prices are about the same and you will get your bike lights within a week or so.

The local bike shop is another great place to look for mountain bike lights. Their prices may be a little higher than online shops, but you will at least get to look closely at the bike lights to help you find the one that you want and need. If you are trying to decide between several different kinds, then this may be the option that you want to choose.

Millions of people get a great deal of enjoyment from riding mountain bikes. There are even some enthusiasts that enjoy riding at nighttime. This means that they need a bike light for essential purposes to keep themselves from harm on the trails or paths. LED bike lights are one of the most common and durable lights that you can choose if you enjoy riding treacherous terrain when it is dark.

The protection and safety of the biker is the main purpose of mountain bike lights, but they may be even more important for children. Children who ride their bikes to school may benefit from the use of a mountain bike light for both their safety and so that motorists can see them.

Americans really enjoy cycling of all different types. It is not that difficult to find accessories for all different kinds of bikes-from mountain bikes to cruisers. There are a great deal of shops both online and offline to help you find exactly what you want and need for your bicycling.

There is a big price range in mountain bike lights. You can spend up to $500 or so for a light if you so choose. Set a budget and evaluate your needs to ensure that you are getting the best price for your budget and riding style.

The Increased Popular Of Chopper Lowrider Bikes

2008-12-23T22:55:00.002-08:00

Lowrider bikes are a great deal of fun to ride and enjoy. You can customize it to express your individuality.

Have you seen the lowrider bikes that have become so popular? They instantly catch your eye because they are uniquely designed and look so cool, don’t they? They are a big statement that people make and some people connect them with the hip urbanites, but they really appeal to almost anyone-no matter what your age. They not only give you the opportunity to express your personality, but they are also a very comfortable, fun ride, too. Their popularity has become so big, that you can easily find clubs that concentrate on the lifestyle of having a chopper bike.

Where did lowrider bikes come from? They were first seen in the 1960’s in California. They were not a mass-produced bike that was being made by the large companies, but they were made by teenagers who were trying to copy the customized motorcycle of the time by combining components from several different bikes. This was to show their individuality. One bicycle manufacturer noticed this new style, however, and began to make their own version of the chopper lowrider bike. This company was Schwinn and in 1963, they introduced the Stingray model, which began the love affair that many people have with this bike.

Now lowrider bikes are even more popularity, due to the increased interest in all things retro. Many people love them simply because they bring back memories of happier and simpler times for them. One of the companies who first made lowrider bikes, Raleigh, has updated the chopper lowrider bike for today and they are very popular. Some chopper enthusiasts are choosing to build their own lowriders and customize them to make them into the bike of their dreams. You can find lowrider bikes with all types of customization, including intricate paint jobs, ornaments, and even upholstery, which has made some of these choppers into an art statement.

If you are new to the chopper lowrider world, you will find that there is a great variety of different bikes available for you to purchase in all different price ranges and styles. You can choose an “off the rack” style that you can customize yourself or you can choose to have one built for you from the ground up to your specifications. A custom built chopper bike may be more expensive, but it will fit your body and will express your personality perfectly, which may be worth the extra money for you. Have fun riding!

Mountain Bike Training – A Guide

2008-12-23T22:55:00.001-08:00

Any kind of adventure sports requires to be undertaken under the careful supervision of a trained professional trainer. With a little hard work, determination and with proper guidance from the trainer you can strive to be one of the best in the sport of mountain biking.

A Guide to Mountain Bike Training

Be it mountain bicycling or any other sport, training is an absolute must. It is always advisable to be well trained before heading out on your own. It is absolutely necessary that you be in good shape, emotionally as well as physically, specially when it comes to adventure sport like mountain biking.

Mountain Bike Training

Selecting a good trainer is the very first step. Finding a qualified trainer is quite easy, but your aim should be to find a trainer who is also good company to be with, as your training would want you spend a lot of your time with your trainer.

Mountain bicycling is a very physically demanding sport, it subjects the biker to a lot of physical stress. The result of this stress, and physical changes can be noticed almost immediately. To excel in this sport one has to be in excellent physical condition, so you have to put in a lot of effort from your side. Once your trained rigorously for four to six weeks you can be ready to venture out on your own.

Once you have the basic knowledge about the sport, the next step is to venture out for small trial ride in the nearby woods. Here it is absolutely necessary that you set a limit and not go beyond that limited stretch, as you are not fully trained. At this stage it is advised that you maintain a record of your speed and heart rate at regular intervals, this will help you monitor your progress in the later stages.

Mountain biking requires a lot of stamina and the best way to improve your stamina is to keep upgrading the level of your workouts. Sticking to the same routine will only show physical changes but will not contribute much to your stamina. Once you start increasing the intensity levels of your workout you will definitely get positive results and will experience the change in your stamina and also observe physical changes.

It’s a general misunderstanding that training is not necessary for mountain biking, but it’s not true, except in the case if you are in extremely good physical condition. Its true that being physically fit helps a lot, but training for longer periods and intensifying your workout levels will definitely help you excel in the sport and become on of the best.

Mountain Bikes Online

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I guess that, with the development of the Internet from a middling bunch of computers on a network to a full-blown phenomenon of millions and millions of PCs and Macs all connected throughout the world, you can find anything you want online with just a smattering of keywords and Google (or Yahoo!, or MSN, or AOL, whichever you prefer.) I have been a Netizen for almost 6 years now; certainly not as old and experienced as the other veterans of the World Wide Web, maybe, but enough to have observed and experienced several of the significant developments and changes that the cyber world has gone through.

So why was I surprised when I found out that the sport of mountain biking has found a new home on the Internet? And not just a sport, but an entire, growing community and culture of pedaling enthusiasts that spans the globe. Going back to my self-imposed question, why was I surprised to see this? Probably because in my privately-held and biased opinion, I’ve always thought that freewheeling mountain bikers who spend their time going up and down hills riding their two-wheeled pedal machines wouldn’t have the time nor the inclination to build a place on the Web.

How wrong I was. Mountain biking is certainly getting more and more exposure on the Internet, and well-deserved exposure, I might add. As I said, I have discovered that there is already a booming population of closely-knit communities of mountain bikers in cyberspace. You can practically find hundreds of websites, blogs, and forums dedicated to the sport. A wide array of topics are being discussed and presented at length in these communities, from brake levers to bike trails. And of course, with the spurt of the e-commerce trend, it cannot be avoided that shops catering to the specialized needs of mountain bikers have sprouted online as well.

But is this a bad thing we’re talking about? Personally, I think not. The emergence of e-commerce has brought along with it an unsurpassed convenience and availability of products and services that your local bike shop will be hard-pressed to match. Unless, of course, your local bike shop has established an online presence as well. Enthusiasts and shoppers are greatly benefiting from the wide array of products that are readily available from virtually anywhere in the world, via the Internet. Whether you just want to find the best price for that crankset you need, or you’re looking for the ultimate mountain bike package, going online can be the best way to go.

You don’t have to be a technical wizard to enjoy online shopping for your bike gear. Most mountain bike websites, or cycling in general, usually feature helpful hints and tips to guide the less-than-expert shoppers make the most out of their website. Are you looking for a particular product? Or perhaps you just want to see all available products from your favorite manufacturer? Online stores usually allow you to search for any item you want using keywords. You can also find what you need by browsing the organized categories of items. Everything is arranged and laid out to enable shoppers to find and buy products faster and easier.

Mountain Bike Accessories That You Need

2008-12-23T22:39:00.001-08:00

For beginning mountain bikers, they may find it very overwhelming to visit a bicycling store to purchase their first bike. Even after reading mountain bike reviews, once you go into the store and check out the many different accessories and bikes that are offered, it can overwhelm you very easily.

You can buy many different mountain bike accessories and products. Salespeople usually work by commission, so they will most likely try to encourage you to buy quite a bit of items that you may not necessarily need. That is why it is important to set a budget so that you are able to determine what is most important to you and what you really need to begin your mountain biking journey. Here are a few things that are essential in mountain biking.

Helmet
This is the thing that is most important to purchase for mountain biking. If you will not wear a helmet, then you do not need to be riding a bike. Many bike riders have received serious head injuries just because they will not wear a helmet. You will find that mountain bike helmets can be quite stylish, comfortable, and you will see that everyone else who is riding the trails is wearing a bike helmet.

Gloves
Your hands can get quite irritated while mountain biking, no matter what time of the year it may be. If you are a beginner, then you may find that you grip the handlebars quite tightly, which can irritate your hands. If you happen to crash, then you will see that your hands are the first thing that will probably come into contact with the ground. By wearing mountain bike gloves, you will be helping to protect your hands.

Shorts
You will find that mountain biking can be very uncomfortable to your bottom. Mountain bike shorts can help to keep your bottom from getting quite as sore. Your body and bottom will get used to the riding, but the mountain bike shorts will help your body until it grows accustomed to the riding.

Shoes
Mountain bike shoes are chosen according to what type of bike pedals you have and what type of bike riding that you do. If your bike uses clipless pedals, then you will need to choose shoes that will work well with your bike pedals. Comfort and durability are the main goals in mountain bike shoes and if you need more power, you will want to have a stiff sole on them for more efficient pedaling.

Protecting Your Eyes
If something gets in your eye, then you cannot see the trail to ride on. By wearing clear-lensed protective glasses or sunglasses, you can help keep the dirt, wind, and debris from your eyes. Make certain that you choose glasses that are non-breakable for maximum use.

Hydrating Yourself
Keeping yourself hydrated is very important. By carrying a water hydration backpack or water bottle, you can help keep yourself from becoming dehydrated. Then you will be able to have more energy and stamina.

Bike Repair Kit
If you do not have the proper kit to repair your bike, then you can become stuck on the trail if you have a problem. For maximum safety, it is important to have a bike-repair multi-tool, a patch kit for flat tires, and tire levers. Being prepared can help to keep you safe.

Learning About Mountain Bikes

2008-12-23T22:38:00.000-08:00

At this article you will read what mountain biking is as well as how to get the information on various kinds of mountain bikes.

The most commonly used Mountain Bikes are:

Downhill Bikes:Most prominently used for competition in which one goes down the hill. So with that speed, bikes need to be with tough frames and with heavy-duty brakes such as disc or hydraulic brakes.

XC Bikes: This is another kind of bike which is highly used for competition in which one can go both down and climb hills. So its frame should be light but reasonably tough. Brakes used in this particular bike are v-brakes and light disc brakes.

Hybrid Bikes: This category of bikes is a good option for those who want to ride on both mountains and road.

These bikes either run on front suspension or on full suspension (which is a combination of both front and back suspensions). Various kinds of brakes employed in these bikes are:-

Rim Brakes: They are both light and powerful but their power decreases in muddy terrain where they become slippery.

Disc Brakes: They are light and powerful and are not affected by weather.

Hydraulic Brakes: They are very powerful and don’t need much maintenance, but are expensive than other brakes.

Frame Materials: The bikes can be made of aluminum, steel or titanium. These are very important elements of the bike as their composition determines the weight, strength, responsiveness and life of the bike.

Size: Like conventional bikes, mountain bikes come in small, medium and large sizes. But different manufactures use different reference point of measurement therefore sizing is not always consistent.

Latest Trends:

All Mountain Bikes: The “All Mountain Bikes” are characterized by 5-6 inch (125-150 mm) rims to take on very rough conditions.

29er Bike: This uses 700cc-sized rims and is suited for tires of 2 inches (50mm) width or more, so that it is able to roll over the obstacles.

Singlespeed: This is a blend of simplicity with innovation in suspension design.

Some of the other trends includeStable Platform Value Suspension Technology. Here the compressor shim stack has been replaced with a pair of overlapping cups. It also employs VPP suspension designs to balance different forces thereby eliminating unwanted compression without limiting bump absorption.

Cooling It With A Beach Cruiser Lowrider Bike

2008-12-23T22:34:00.000-08:00

A lowrider bike is an awesome way to express your creativity and imagination. They are quickly gaining popularity all over the world due to their comfortable ride and stylish look.

Beach lowrider bikes are one of new styles of bicycles that are full of fun and enjoyment. You will see them in all different parts of the U.S., but mostly in urban areas. There are a great deal of groups that revolve around building, embellishing, and showing your friends and others your beach lowrider bikes. In the 1950s, there were hybrids of the traditional bicycles being born, including one of the first forms of the beach lowrider bikes. The thing that was different was that they were made to be very low to the ground and were longer than a traditional bicycle.

Eddie Munster is thought to have helped to make the lowrider bikes popular. This was during the 1960s show ‘The Munsters.’ This first lowrider bike as a Schwinn Stingray and people quickly began to fall in love with this stylish bicycle. This first lowrider bike quickly became very popular and designers all over the world began to create their own version of this bicycle. Lowrider bikes are not made for going fast, but they are made for relaxing, easy rides through the neighborhood showing off your stylish bike.

Riding lowrider bikes is very comfortable because of their design. The fact that riders can sit up straight makes it less painful on the back and the handlebars are at a comfortable height, too. The seat is also very comfortable, because it is wider than a traditional bicycle and more cushioned. The under the seat shock absorber and wider tires help to keep the ride smooth. They are easy to manage and ride, too, due to the fact that most lowrider bikes only have one speed. This is great, unless you want to ride on a great deal of different terrain, and, if so, then you may want to consider purchasing a lowrider that has multiple speeds.

Beach cruiser lowrider bikes can also quickly become a statement of your personality and creativity. There is so much that you can do to your lowrider bike to make it into that personal statement that you want. From handpainting to unusual components to hydraulics and more, you are sure to find some ways to turn your lowrider bikes into the showpiece that you want. Individuality is big in lowrider bike enthusiasts and it is entirely possible that you will not see the same bicycle twice. Whether you choose to have your lowrider bike customized for you or you do it yourself, you are sure to have a lowrider bike that is fun and stylish to ride. What could be better than that?

Custom Made Mountain Bikes

2008-12-23T22:33:00.000-08:00

Practically everybody wants to feel that they are an individual, and to have their own particular needs met, whether they are a road biker or a mountain biker. So whether you want customization or custom-built, there's a bike out there for you.

If you're thinking of getting a custom-made mountain bike, there are several factors you have to take into consideration.

Frankly, the typical weekend biker doesn't really need a custom-made bike. As long as you buy your bike at a bike store where they can get you fitted properly, you'll do just fine.

But for really serious bikers to whom speed is all - the professionals and the dedicated amateurs, the customized bike is something to consider.

Custom- Built vs Customization
The terminology of "customization" can be confusing. People use the words interchangeably, when really they are two different things.

A customized bike is one that takes an off -the-shelf frame, and puts on the seat you want, a stem of the correct height, a crankset with pedals you can reach easily, etc.

A custom-built bike is one in which the frame itself is built exactly to you measurements.

Basically, when one talks about a customized bike - or rather a custom-built bike - one is talking about the frame. You send along your measurements to the manufacturer - length of foot to knee, knee to pelvis, torso, overall height and they construct the frame with those measurements in mind. They then put on all the rest of the stuff - the high-end tires, the brakes and shifters you require, the crank set, and you're good to go.

All t hat costs money.

An Easy Customization - the Paint Job
There's other ways to customize mountain bikes, of course, though I haven't seen many people do it. Why not give them a stylized paint job like you see on lowriders? Of course mountain bikes used for actually going down mountains (as opposed to those used for cross-country or even road riding) take a bit of a beating and can get scratched up, but for most bikers, a hand-painted mural on their bike can be quite attractive. Why let the lowriding crowd have all the fun? The only reason why I haven't painted my own bike in orange and black tiger stripes is because I know I don't have the skill to pull it off - but if you've got any artistic talent at all, why not go for it?

Bike technology is improving all the time, as manufacturers strive to make the strongest frames out of the lightest of materials. So keep an eye on the review sections of your favorite bicycle magazine, as it will keep you up to date on what is happening in the world of cycling.

Customizing Your Road Bike

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Customizing your road bike is a great way to show your personality and imagination. As you customize your road bike, you will find that you are using it as an extension of your personality.

You will find that no other bike is like one that is customized for you. It is the right fit for your body, including the right weight, height, and feel, and it is made with the right parts and components. A customized bike will be more expensive, but it will be well worth the money because it will ride better and be more comfortable.

One of the first things that you need to decide upon is the top tube. If you have a longer torso, then you will want a bicycle with a longer top tube. You can choose to get a handlebar stem that is longer, but if you do this, then you will need to sit so that your weight will be focused on the front wheel. This may affect the control and handling of your bike, so you may not want to do this. Choosing a bike with a longer top tube would be a much better choice for you.

Woman may find that longer top tubes are not very comfortable because it may cause them to have to stretch to reach the handlebar. This may cause them to turn the stem backwards or they can choose to get a seat post that is longer and a bike stem that can be raised higher.

Bicycles come in a few standard heights. The shorter height is approximately 47 cm and the taller height is 63 cm. You may find that some of the bicycle manufacturers make bikes that are 40 cm for women to ride, but the tubing is usually of a standard size, which makes the ride uncomfortable. To determine which height fits you the best, you will need to try out several of the bikes.

The frame is one consideration, but the handlebar can have a big impact upon the bike’s feel as well. The handlebar needs to be at the right depth and width so that it feels right and so that you can control the bike properly. It should be comfortable to ride during races and long distance rides as well. A 73-degree angle is the optimum angle for the head and seat tube for maximum stability.

You will also find that parts like hubs, the headset, bottom bracket, and the seat post are also important facets of your bike. By choosing more lightweight features, you will find that your bike is easier to control and it will go much faster.

Now that you have a bike that fits your body and your needs, you can also add in your personality to aesthetically make it into the bike of your dreams. Adding your own personal touches can be the most fun part of customizing your bike.

It sounds like a dream to have the bike that you have always wanted, but it can cost you quite a bit of money if you are not careful. The fitting costs and special components can cost quite a bit and add in the cost of assembling this custom bike and you could be looking at quite a bill. By making your decisions carefully, you will be able to get the bike that you want and that fits your budget.

Getting A Custom Low Rider Bike

2008-12-23T22:32:00.001-08:00

A low rider bike is a great choice for most people. It is fun to customized, as well.

Among all of the bicycle styles that are available, one is becoming more and more popular. Custom low rider bikes are a wonderful way to make a visual statement and they are comfortable and fun to ride. They have been around for many years. The first low rider was rode during the 1960’s television show, ‘The Munsters’, and they have only gained popularity from their debut. The first low rider that was customized was by George Barris. It is a bike that has been copied many times and it is the one that moved them into the popularity that they have today.

Style is the major consideration of a low rider enthusiast. It is quite normal for a low rider lover to spend more than $4000 customizing their low rider, because it is considered an extension of their personality. There are many different ways that you can customize your low rider, including custom sound systems, rims, whitewall tires, and upholstery to make it into the bike of your dreams. Some of the more fancy bikes quickly become an art statement with the handpainting and technologically advanced features. You will find that they quickly become more than just a way to get around time, they become an extension of your personality.

Many people who ride low rider bikes quickly find that they become a lifestyle for them. They design, create, and ride their custom low rider to ride with their club or to ride by themselves. Low rider clubs are sprouting up all over the country to enable people to share information about low rider bikes and to show them off to each other. This is a great way for you to get ideas for your own bike and to meet people who enjoy them as much as you do.

If you are new to low rider bikes, then you will find that you have many different options for your first bike. You can choose to build one all by yourself if you want. This can cost you around $200. If you add some custom options to the bike, including rims, tires, murals, custom body work, and hydraulics, then your cost could go up to around $1200. There is a great variety of manufacturers who can help you with your custom low rider bike if you need help. They can customize your entire bike for you or they can just build you a basic bike that you can customize yourself. It is entirely up to you.

Custom Road Bikes For You

2008-12-23T22:31:00.002-08:00

Evaluating your needs and wants will help you to determine how best to customize your bike. You can choose to order a custom bike online or you can go to your local bike store.

If you are serious about your bicycling, then you will want to consider a custom bicycle over one that is mass-produced. While mass-produced bicycles are all made in the same way, a custom bicycle is custom fitted to the exact measurement of the person who is going to be doing the riding. This means that it fits the person’s body exactly and it will help to make the cycling more comfortable and efficient. A mass-produced bicycle is more difficult to make to fit, so the rider may find that it is more difficult to compensate for the issues that are caused by a poor fit.

You need to first determine what kind of bicycle riding that you are going to do before you have a bicycle custom-made for you. This will help the designer to make the kind of bike that will best meet your needs and wants. Some questions that you may want to start with include: Are you riding for fun? If you are, then who are you going to ride with? Where are you going to ride and how far are you going to be riding? Answering all of these questions will help you and the designer to customize the perfect bike for your body and your riding, so that you will have the best edge possible in your bicycling.

Another option that you have with getting a custom bicycle is that you determine what it looks like. This can give you a wonderful opportunity to make it into the visual statement that you want. Some bicyclists are more concerned about the performance, but style is become more important for many cyclists. They are excited about being able to customize their bicycle to make it look more interesting and to express their own personality. It is not just mountain and racing bikes that are being customized – choppers, low riders, and beach cruisers are also being customized with fantastic results. The bicycling manufacturers are offering parts and accessories in many different colors and materials to help make it easier for consumers to personalize their bike according to their own desires and personality.

There are a wide number of manufacturers that you can purchase different components from for your cycle. The Internet is a great source for finding information about different components, including the styles and prices, because you can look any time of the night or day with no pushy salesperson. This can help you narrow down your choices so that you can make the best decision for you. If you want to customize a bike for yourself, but you cannot find a shop or cannot take the time to visit a shop, then you will find that there are online stores that give directions on how to take the proper measurements so that they can customize a bike for you. This is a great option if you are unable to find a shop to customize a bike for you.

Cheap Bikes For Sale

2008-12-23T22:31:00.001-08:00

Bikes, as we all know it, are fun. They will always be fun, and that is the reason why they never go out of style. A certain car will lose its appeal to many customers, but that will never happen to a bike. Bikes are always going to be here for us, no matter what. Who knows? With all these oil price hike issues, bikes are all that is going to be left to us as a mode of transportation. So why not cash in on it now, and buy a bike? Not only are you helping the environment, but you are helping yourself as well. Think of all the cardiovascular exercises you will be getting from bike riding.

Different Bikes and Its Cost

There are a lot of bikes that you can choose from - from utility bikes to cruiser bikes and from tandems to folding models. Because of its many varieties, when you are choosing the kind of bike you want, choose it because it is what you need, not because it caught your fancy.

Good bikes cost a lot of money. It might be cheaper than your regular car, but it does not mean that what it will cost you next to nothing. No. Excellent-quality bikes cost money, and it will cost you about a thousand bucks. If you feel this is too much for you, then you can start looking for cheap bikes.

Where to Look for Cheap Bikes?

You can find a lot of these cheap bikes that are for sale in the Internet. When you go to an auction site, like eBay, for example, you can type in cheap bikes, and you will be given a list to choose from. Be careful though when you buy your cheap bikes in the auction sites as there are some fraudulent sites that will only take your money. The best way to check an auction site is to read forums and reviews about it. If you buy online though, you also have to ask your seller about his return policy. What you see in the picture might not always be what you will be getting, so you have to make sure about that.

Secondhand bikes are cheap bikes, and you can also check it out. There are a lot of newspaper ads selling secondhand and cheap bikes. If the owner of the bike is near your area, you can simply visit the seller yourself and check the bike over. You should check for any rusts or corrosions. This is a good way of knowing if the cheap bike is still in good running condition. If the bike is relatively rust-free, then it means that the seller is taking good care of it, which is a good buy.

But if you want to buy a cheap brand-new bike in a store, then you have to know that the cheap bike you are trying to purchase is just that - a cheap bike. A cheap bike has low-quality materials, that is why they are a lot cheaper than quality bikes. Who is to say that it will not fall apart on you when you are riding it or your child when he is playing with it?

So the best way to buy a cheap bike is to look at secondhand yet quality bikes. You are assured of its quality, and you bought it at a cheaper price than it originally was.

Bikes And Your Life

2008-12-23T22:30:00.000-08:00

One look at the modern roads say it all. Inevitable traffic jams, smoke, noise, and air pollution are adamant, not to mention accidents left and right.

Cars take thousands of lives each day worldwide in automobile accidents. Some are results of driving under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages, while some are just too tired to be on the road. Instead of heading off to a place for some rest, the drivers will continue driving, so they are most likely prone to accidents.

Automobiles are also harmful to the environment. Cars leak liquids, and owners drive off without wiping the stain, leaving it for wildlife to taste. How many animals fall prey to these vehicles and become road kills in an instant?

Humanists, environmentalists, and animal lovers alike now have the solution for all the death, pollution, and killings. The answer comes with two wheels - bikes and how they can save your life.

Why You Should Start Using Bikes

No pollution is involved with cycling. It does not emit smoke, leak liquids, and is very quiet. Bikers also contribute to saving a space in a crowded parking lot as more than a dozen bicycles can fit in one slot of a car.

For pet lovers, you can tie your pet’s leash on your handlebar and pedal to an easy pace so that your furry friend can run beside you. It cuts out the work for you.

For your pockets, cycling can help you save more money. No insurance has to be paid annually, and no license is required. No fuel bills either as your bike will run to the speed of your pedaling. The maintenance costs about a quarter of what you spend on cars per annum, and a bicycle, once well taken care of, can last for years, if not decades.

In a crowded mall for instance, your bicycle can be parked anywhere. You don’t have to roam the parking area for agonizing minutes after minutes with the stress building up. You can just park it on one corner, secure it with your lock, and leave it to be ready for you until you’re done shopping.

How Your Health will Benefit from Using Bikes

According to a reliable source, a cyclist’s fitness level is equal to his health ten years ago. It can make you feel younger as you are still well in control of your limbs by the exercise, giving you power and building your stamina.

Irked by the way motorcycles pass by your car in the midst of a traffic jam during the rush hour? It can give you that same sense of power. Now, you can weave in and out of traffic, so you’ll reach your destination faster.

It also reduces the risk of heart disease as your heart is healthy and receives proper exercise. In addition, it builds up your muscle legs to give you more power and strength. If you’re a soccer player, then at least now you’ve got that strong kick you’ve always wanted.

Bike Frames Explained

2008-12-23T22:28:00.000-08:00

Bike frames have not changed very much since their invention. By learning about the different materials available, you will be able to find the right bike frames for you and your riding style.

The year that the first bicycle was built was 1817. This first bicycle was invented by German, Karl von Drais, and was called the “swift walker.” This name was given to this bicycle due to the fact that it did not have any pedals and people “walked” rather than rode on them. The first bicycles were constructed of a wood bike frame that had two wheels to support this frame. The bike frame was covered by leather for comfort. These first bike frames and the materials that they were constructed of have undergone many changes in the years since this first bicycle was invented.

Tubular steel bike frames began to replace the wooden frame during the latter part of the 1800s. These bicycles were very strong, but they were also very heavy, which made them difficult to control and ride. Steel is still a widely used material for bike frames, but there are other materials that are very popular as well, including titanium, carbon fiber, and aluminum. These lighter materials are mainly used in manufacturing the more expensive, high-end bike frames.

Material properties are important to keep in mind when designing your bike. Each material has its own unique properties and knowing their elasticity, ultimate strength, and yield strength is essential in create the perfect bike for you. These properties need to be in the proper ratio for you to have a bike that will withstand the type of riding that you do.

Steel is the strongest material that you can get for bike frames. The strength of steel makes it safer in a crash for a ride. It is also less expensive and easy to find, which is a benefit for many riders. Steel is easy to work with and can be made into a variety of different sized bike frames, including different tube widths to help make the bike lighter or heavier, depending upon your preferences.

A lighter weight option would be aluminum. This material is very light, but it also has a big deficit. Due to the lightness of this material, it is also very easy to bend and this can be very bad. The high yield strength of aluminum is why a larger diameter tube is used to help decrease the chance of the bike frame bending.

The most popular material for bike frames is titanium. Titanium has a natural shine and it will take you very little effort to keep it looking beautiful. It is on the high end of the price range, though, and this is why it is not readily available to everyone. The strength of titanium is amazing and it will keep its frame even after a wreck.

Carbon fiber is one more material that is used for bike frames. This material has been widely used to build boats for a long time and it is a strong material that holds up well to weight. It is even more expensive than titanium, though, which means that it is only purchased by the rich or a professional racer.

Bike frames come in several different designs, but the most popular design is the double triangle or diamond frame. Designers of bike frames have tweaked the design a little since the invention of the 1880s, especially with different materials. This has helped make the bike lighter and more aerodynamic. Changes may have been made to make it more comfortable, but for the most part, it is the same design as the very first bike.

What the Heck is an Electric Bike?

2008-11-25T07:15:00.000-08:00

Most people seem to be a little confused as to what an electric bike is. I mean is it a scooter, or a bike? Can you still pedal on it? Will the motor take you a long way? Is it really worth looking at, or is it just one of these Chinese gimmicky products?

Actually an electric bike is a pretty cool product. It helps you get the exercise you need, and go further distances at the same time. Let's go over the electric bike in itself. The electric bike comes in two different styles. The first looks like a traditional styled bike but the second looks like a motor scooter.

An electric bike can look like a motor scooter. There are no regulations against it, but you must specify that it is an electric bike and doesn't have the power of a scooter. An electric bike has certain specifications and is not allowed to run at speeds higher than 15 mph. So the motor cannot be made to go faster than that.

An electric bike does not require that you have any special licensing requirements. But some countries do have certain requirements for electric bikes. For example, in the US a person under the age of 14 cannot ride an electric bike.

In most countries you don't have to register an electric bike. This also means you don't have to have insurance, or pay taxes on it. In most cases you aren't even required to wear a helmet, although we do suggest that you do.

On the other hand a scooter can go up to 30 mph; and although you don't have to have a special license, you do have to have one.

One of the greatest benefits I have found to the electric bike is that they run on both electric energy and can be manually powered too. That means you can use the electric motor, or the pedals, whichever you feel most comfortable with at the time.

So, if you want to exercise for a while you can use the pedals, and when you get tired you can switch to the electric motor and have the bike impulse itself. You can also use the function of pedal assistance. This allows you to use the pedals and the motor to help you out, which is a great feature for inclines. When you have pedal assist, you feel like you are getting the exercise you need but in an easier and faster way.

The point is that an electric bike can help you get the exercise you need, enjoy long bike rides. They save you money because you don't have to continually go out in the car and spend on expensive gas. They are safe and make an afternoon out truly enjoyable.

Recently, electric bikes have gained a lot more popularity because the battery technology is even better, and they are much better for the environment. This is one gadget you want to try! The electric bike brings hours of fun, and exercise to people of all ages.

Enjoy your family and find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for cheap auto insurance quotes from respected insurance companies.

Racing Dirt Bikes

2008-11-25T07:05:00.000-08:00

So you want to start racing dirt bikes?

Who can blame you; dirt bike racing is an increasingly popular choice for many thrill seekers. It’s true that in the wrong hands racing dirt bikes can be incredibly dangerous but with a little care and attention and some experience there is no reason why you can’t have the adrenalin fuelled excitement while considerably minimising the risks many people associate with the sport.

Racing dirt bikes is a popular pastime with people of all age, many grandfathers and grandchildren take part in regular races and the younger you start the better you will be. Many professional bike racers started with dirt bike racing and they usually started at the age of 4 or 5. While you may consider this to be far too young, there is no reason you can’t get your children into practise when they hit their teenage years and are a good age to be trying out a mini dirt bike.

Things to consider if you want to try racing dirt bikes.

The first thing you need to consider is your safety. When buying your bike and equipment make sure that you make safety of the most paramount importance. If you don’t ride safe you won’t ride long. Even second hand bikes can be purchased in a ready to ride condition and you should make sure that all parts are in very good working order before you start racing. If you have no or little knowledge of racing dirt bikes then you should get a professional to look at your bike for you and make the necessary repairs or replacements.

Now, watch others when they are racing dirt bikes so you get a feel for how it’s done. If you’ve never ridden before this will give you a very good idea of whether you really want to give it a go and whether it is something you think you will be good at.

Will I be getting big air when I start racing dirt bikes.

When you start racing dirt bikes it is highly unlikely you will get more than a foot or two off the ground when you hit a jump, and this is a good thing. Experience is crucial before you even consider escalating 10 feet into the air. If you don’t know what you are doing and you don’t have the experience of this then you will probably land it badly and get yourself hurt. Start small and build big.

Bike and Run Adventure Racing on a Budget

2008-11-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

Gerald Fusil is a man who always puts his ideas into action and others follow. The founder of the Raid Gauloises, The world’s first true expedition race is always on the lookout to expand the sport. The cost of competing in adventure racing has reached a level that few teams can now afford. Organisers and adventure racers are faced with high travel and insurance costs. One way to attract racers is to offer large sums in prize money, and top teams can make a living, but what about the average racer.

Last Year, During the annual Reunion D’Aventures race, Gerard Fusil added a bike and run discipline which required the four person team to share two mountain bikes during a couple of legs of the race. The trial was a success as teams were forced to think of tactics to complete the legs in the fastest possible way. Some teams doubled up on the downhill sections, others stayed, whilst the more successful set up a relay system with the rider going a set distance before leaving the bike at the edge of the track for their team mate, who would get on and then leapfrog them.

Gerard Fusil saw an opportunity to return once again to the basis of Expedition Adventure Racing. Providing teams the chance to explore a country, interface with the local population and race in exotic locations with out the need to transport large amounts of gear. Gerard Fusil announced his ideas at the Reunion D’Aventures prize giving and the world waited with bated breadth.

September 2005 saw Gerard Fusil Launch the Bike and Run Concept to the World with the Oman Adventure. Details were brief, two person teams to share one bike with only one person to be on the bike at one time. The race would be run in a number of stages including a night stage and teams had to be prepared to camp in the wild. Time was short so Gerard Fusil used the course notes from the 1992 Raid Gauloises for parts of the course.

Gerald Fusil made one other departure from the norm by pre-announcing the lengths of each stay and the names of the overnight camps. The race was to take place on the East Coast of Oman, however some of the place names were only known to the locals.

December 2005. A barmy evening camped by the sea saw Gerard Fusil briefing the gathered teams from France, Oman, UK, R้union, Austria, Holland and Australia. Most teams had arrived in the morning so had little time to prepare. Support vehicles were shared by two teams, so competitors spent the night poring over maps and packing gear into the vehicles by torchlight.

The following day at dawn a convoy of vehicles transported the team to the start line in a nearby Wadi. The first day included a section of running only along goat tracks and this proved to be decisive as the Australian and one local Omani team got lost allowing a French team to build an unassailable lead.

Later in the week Gerard Fusil had mapped out the course with a 17k twisting climb from the sea to 1500 metres and also a section of canyoning with a number of swims.

Gerard Fusil had arranged camping or bivouacs in a number of scenic areas, with the stages starting in the early morning most teams would finish around mid-day or early afternoon.

The terrain in Oman is varied from lush oasis to harsh rocky hillsides and of course seas of sandiness where the teams finished the race. Gerard Fusil held the prize giving in Muscat the winners being a husband and wife team Wilsa Sport Helly Hansen from France. Second place went to the Australians and a Local Omani team came in third.

Teams came from many different backgrounds, Adventure racers, tri-athletes, marathon runners, mountain bikers; the final count saw adventure racers however leading the way.

Virtually all teams adopted the general tactic of leap frogging, however there were at least a couple of incidents when teams missed the bike, including one on the long climb for an all female team which required an extra 4k to be covered to collect the bike!

The Inaugural race proved to be a success and now Gerald Fusil has announced the second race of the series which will return to a different area of Oman at the end of November.
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Wheel Truing

2008-11-19T22:15:00.003-08:00

Wheel truing is actually something that is very easy
to do. Even if you have no experience with mountain
biking or truing a wheel, it doesn't take a rocket
scientist to accomplish it.

The first thing to do is make sure that none of your
spokes are loose. To check, grab each spoke in turn
and try to shake it back and forth. If the spoke
wobbles, or makes pinging and grating noises, it's
loose. If it's loose, add tension to the spoke by
turning the spokey anti-clockwise with your finger
and thumb pressure.

Keep turning and shaking until the noise is gone
and the spoke doesn't wobble or move. Move on to
the next spoke until you've gone all the way around
the wheel and checked them all.

Now, it's time to see just how true the wheel actually
is. Turn your bike upside down then spin the wheel
to see where it comes closest to rubbing on the
brake.

You may need to rotate the wheel backwards then
forwards to locate the middle of the bulge on the
wheel. Tighten the spokes which run on to the
other side of the rim. If those spokes are already
tight, you'll need to loosen a few of the spokes
which run to the bulge side of the hub.

Truing a wheel is easier than you may think, although
it can be a little tough with some wheels. If
you need to loosen spokes, be very careful that
you don't break them. They can be very tough
to loosen on older mountain bikes.

Types Of Mountain Biking

2008-11-19T22:15:00.001-08:00

As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split
into 9 different categories. These categories are
very versed in what they offer. They are:

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. Cyclo 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.

Things To Take With You

2008-11-19T22:14:00.006-08:00

When you decide to go mountain biking on a long days
ride, there are several things that you should take
with you. Below, you'll find the essentials that
you should have with you.

1. Back pack - a camelback or mule is a good idea here.
2. Waterproof - the type that packs down very small is
the best to have.
3. Water - you need at least 2 liters for a long ride.
4. Food - sandwiches and energy bars are the best to
have with you to eat.
5. Pump - take a good one with you, as the small mini
pumps are a waste of time and money.
6. Tire levers if you need them.
7. Two small inner tubes.
8. A piece of medium emery paper about 3 inches long
and an inch wide.
9. A cut up tube of Crest for pinch punctures or to use
as a tire boot.
10. A carpet needle.
11. A card of linen thread to repair torn tires.
12. A good chain splitter
13. At least two black pins. You should tape these
to the inside lid of your puncture repair kit.
14. A set of allen wrenches. The penknife style is
the best to get.
15. A small screwdriver.
16. A first aid kit that includes an elastic bandage.
17. A Spokey spoke key.
18. A felt tip pen that will show on inner tubes.
19. Some lunch and phone money.

If you take the above with you, you should have no
problems with long mountain bike rides. Everything on
the above list will serve a purpose, all you have to do
is give them a chance. If you've ever been mountain
biking and ran into problems in the past, you should
know first hand just how important the proper supplies
can actually be.

The History Of Mountain Biking

2008-11-19T22:14:00.005-08:00

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.

Some say that mountain biking began with the Buffalo
Soldiers, which was a turn of the century infantry
who customized bikes to carry gear over the rough and
tough terrain. They began in August of 1896, over
the course of 800 miles. Their mission was simple -
to test bikes for military use in the toughest of
terrain.

Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France
that started mountain biking. The club was comprised
of 20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 and
1956 developed a sport that resembles present day
mountain biking.

It could have also been John Finley Scott, who was
the first mountain biker in the U.S. In 1953 he
constructed what he called a "Woodsie Bike", using
a diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars,
and cantilever brakes. He was more than 20 years
ahead of his time. Even though he remained an off
road enthusiast, there were many at that time who
didn't share that same passion.

Today, we believe that the history of the mountain
bike is most apparent in Northern California. There
are a few areas that claim to be the first community
for mountain biking, although each and every history
book will tell you Marin County.

The sport of mountain biking has taken many twists
and turns over the last several hundred years. Even
though there are many that say different things about
the history and the beginning, we know one thing
for sure - one thing has led to another and the
sport of mountain biking was born.

The Bunny Hop

2008-11-19T22:14:00.003-08:00

In mountain biking and even BMX riding, the bunny hop
is a bike trick that involved the rider lifting the
bike up and over an obstacle while remaining in
motion on the bike. Experienced bikers can lift
their bikes in excess of a meter or one and a half
feet. The world record for the bunny hop stands at
4 feet.

The bunny hop is executed by approaching an obstacle
with speed, lifting the front of the bike then
leveling the pedals. If the bike has full or front
suspension, pre-load the shocks by pressing down
on the bike just before you reach the obstacle.

Once the shocks have been pre-loaded, the rider
will spring upwards, pulling up with the hands and
feet at the same time. Toe straps or clipless
pedals help with this, although if plain platform
pedals are used, it's still possible. As the biker
lifts, the hands will roll through twisting the
throttle. After the object is cleared, push down
on the bike then absorb the impact with the arms
and the legs.

It's often times a misconception that a bunny hop
without toe clips is achieved by rotating forward
on the handlebars. Lifting up on a mountain bike
while standing next to it is quite difficult to
hold on to the handle bars.

The bunny hop is very popular with mountain biking,
as experienced riders can make it look a lot easier
than it actually is. New mountain bikers should
practice a lot before they actually attempt the
hop, as doing it on a bigger obstacle can easily
be quite dangerous.

With proper practice, the bunny hop can be achieved,
even for beginners. All you have to do is give it
some time and effort, and you'll be pulling off the
bunny hop just like the pro's do it.

Technical Down Hill Mountain Biking

2008-11-19T22:14:00.001-08:00

The key to down hilling is relaxing your upper body.
The steeper and rockier the hill is, the more tightly
the rider tends to put a death grip on the handle
bars. Most riders tend to slow down as they approach
obstacles such as rocks, then apply both brakes.

If you don't apply your brakes, the rock will stop
your wheel. This isn't good, as the rock can throw
you off balance and completely kill any type of
momentum you have.

Relaxed riders won't slow down as much. The
combination of extra momentum, no front braking at
crucial moments will allow the wheel to bump over
the rock and continue onward with little effort.

If you are going slow, it's essential to release
your brakes as much as possible when you approach
an obstacle. This may entail going a bit faster,
although the result is much less painful. On
steep hills, going really slow will always make
things much more difficult.

One exception to this is a very tight turn. If a
hop is out of the question, you'll need to slow
down to allow the smallest radius of turning circle.
This kind of thing takes practice, although track
standing isa great way to improve on your balance.

Although down hilling is one of the most extreme
methods of mountain biking, it can also be one of
the most dangerous. If you're new to mountain biking
you shouldn't start out with down hilling, as it
takes a lot of practice.

With a bit of practice and knowing the right
techniques, technical down hilling is something you'll
find fun. It can provide quite a rush and a lot
of excitement for those who seek adventure.

Spring Tune Up Tips

2008-11-19T22:13:00.003-08:00

If you don't ride in the winter, you've probably
spent the winter months on the couch eating chips
and watching television. Before you know it, spring
will be here and a new season of mountain biking
will begin. Even though your body may not be in
shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.

Before you take your bike out, check the wear and
tear on your components and adjust them if its
necessary. Start off with your chain. If you
haven't replaced it in a year or more, it's time
to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the
chain will get worn out, increasing its effective
length.

As this happens, the chain is no longer able to
conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring,
so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of
the chain. If you can replace the chain before it
stretches too much you'll save yourself from having
to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your
bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these
should turn without a problem with no play in the
system. Before checking the bottom bracket, make
sure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold
on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it
back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the
crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be
adjusted.

Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the
wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel
for any free play or binding. If you feel play or
binding, you need to make an adjustment. To check
the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted
wheels back on the bike.

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the
handle bars back and forth. There shouldn't be any
play. If you lift the front end off the ground,
the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels rough,
it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.

While your looking, check the condition of your cables
and housing. The cables should be rust free and the
housing shouldn't be cracked or kinked. If you see any
of this you should replace the offending device, as if
you don't your shifting and braking will be sluggish.

Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads
will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you
know when they need to be replaced. Brake pads that
are worn out will comprimise both safety and braking
efficiency.

Once you've got the tune ups out of the way, it's time
to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running
better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!

Setting Your Tire Pressure

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Riding your mountain bike with the appropriate
amount of tire pressure can make a huge difference
in how much control you have over your bike.

Setting your tire pressure too high will make for
poor contact with the ground and also make your
bike less controllable. Setting your tire pressure
too low will make your tires unpredictable and also
make them susceptible to pinch flats.

The appropriate amount of tire pressure in a
mountain bike will vary between rider to rider and
tire setup to tire setup. The conditions of your
trail and the type of terrain your riding will also
greatly impact what tire pressure you should be using
in your tires.

The trick here is to find out exactly what mountain
bike tire pressure works for you and your setup during
normal conditions. After doing this, you can learn
to adjust your pressure for different trails and types
of terrain as needed.

You should start by finding a reliable pressure gauge
or a pump with a pressure gauge. Then, use this same
gauge or pump anytime you are making adjustments. A
gauge can be very inaccurate, so if you switch around
it you can make things much more difficult.

You should start with a higher pressure of around 40 -
50 psi. If you have a tubeless system, you should
start lower, 30 - 40 psi. The more you weigh, the
higher pressure you should start with. Try this
pressure for a while and get a feel for how the tires
take corners and loose dirt.

Drop the pressure by 5 psi in each tire and get a feel
for how this new setup rides and how it compares to your
previous setting. You should notice some improvement
in stability, and if you don't, drop the pressure by
another 5 psi.

You want to find the lowest pressure you can ride with
without sacrificing pinch flat resistance. A pinch flat
occurs when your tire rolls over an object then compresses
to the point where the tire and the tube get pinched
between the object and the rim on the wheel.

With tubeless tire systems, you can run much lower air
pressure, as you don't have to worry about getting pinch
flats. If you start to dent your rims, burp air out
along the bead, or feel the tire roll under the rim
during hard cornering, you've taken the pressure much
too low.

Once you've found a comfortable setting for your tire
pressure, learn what your tire feels like when you
squeeze it with your hands. Once you know what your
tires feel like you can always get the right air
pressure - with any pump.

Mountain Biking Vacation

2008-11-19T22:12:00.004-08:00

Taking a mountain biking vacation is an excellent
way to unwind and explore America. There are several
companies that offer mountain biking tours that go
through scenic routes, and they often arrange any
accomodations for travelers as well. For athletic
couples, these types of vacations offer the perfect
way to relax and enjoy some exercise together.

Each and every region in the United States has some
truly awesome mountain biking trails. It's not just
the major mountain ranges that offer these trails, as
any hilly, scenic, rough trail can provide riders with
the adventure they seek. Some of the best areas to
mountain bike ride in the United States are the Pacific
Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast states such as
North Carolina.

Even though the entire American West area is great for a
mountain biking vacation, the Southwest area is rapidly
becoming a popular area for the sport as well. In the
Southwest, some of the best trails include Pinery
Canyon Road in Arizona, South Boundary Trail in New
Mexico, and Flume Trail in Nevada.

Each and every trail deserves it's reputation as a
tough ride. Each one of these trails is over 20 miles
in length, with Pinery Canyon being the longest, at
over 50 miles! Keep in mind though, just because you
go to a trail it doesn't mean you have to ride the entire
length.

The Pacific Northwest is also a great place for a
mountain biking vacation. The three best trails in
the entire region are Surveyor's Ridge in Oregon, Mount
Tamalpais in California, and the Methow Trial System in
Washington.

A mountain biking vacation is perfect for athletic people
who have the desire to explore regions at their own
pace. These trips are much less expensive than other
trips, yet they can easily be the adventure of a
lifetime.

Mountain Biking Safety Tips

2008-11-19T22:12:00.003-08:00

There are numerous ways that you can improve your
mountain bike safety. Many riders will tell you
that wearing a helmet is the most important step to
staying safe. The second most important step is
that you should always ride in control of your
mountain bike.

By riding in control you'll not only prevent crashes,
but keep others on the trail safe as well. When
riding out of control you loose the ability to
adjust to the terrain as you ride over it. This can
and usually does result in serious injury to yourself
and others.

Follow these helpful guidelines and you'll remain
safe when riding your mountain bike.

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.