Cool Biking Zone

Cruise Ship Jobs Frequently Asked Questions

By: Ryan Puusaari

If you have always dreamed of traveling to exotic locations but just do not have the budget to allow you to travel to all the places you desire than a career in the cruise ship business may be the right choice for you.

If you have ever wanted to travel to places such as Alaska or Hawaii, Mexico or the Bahamas, working aboard a cruise ship will allow you to meet new people and experience new cultures. In the past traveling to Europe was limited to those who could afford the luxury. Today, if you have a position aboard a cruise ship, no destination is beyond your reach. Perhaps the best aspect is that you get paid very well for achieving your dream. Another perk to a cruise ship position is that you get your room and board plus all of your food at no cost.

How Much Money Can I Make?

Depending on a couple of different factors, you have the potential of making a substantial paycheck working aboard a cruise ship. If you present yourself in the best light you possibly can and highlight your qualifications you may find yourself with an excellent income opportunity. The average salary is between $2000 to $5000 dollars per month. When you take into consideration that you do not have any living expenses, than all of the paychecks that you receive can be concentrated on exotic boutiques and shops around the world.

What Type Of Experience do I Need?

It is not necessary to have cruise ship experience to obtain a position on a cruise ship. The majority of jobs do not require experience. The longer you work on the ship, the more experience you gain, and the further you can climb the cruise ship employment ladder.

How Many Positions Are Available?

Cruise ships have up to 900 different positions per ship, making a position that is right for you possible. The top eight jobs the people seek aboard a cruise ship are bartenders, food servers, cooks, tour guides, gym instructor’s, casino dealers, entertainment, and medical personnel However, there are many other lower tier positions available on a cruise ship.

How Can I Get A Cruise Ship Job?

It is not difficult to get a position aboard a cruise ship. The most difficult part is finding the information and where to submit an application. You will need to have an eye-catching resume; there will be a lot of people competing for your job. It is important that you research the cruise line company you are applying to, and know who to contact and who to submit your application to. It is not a difficult process if you do the proper research.

–About–

Ryan Puusaari is a writer, an educator but more importantly a full-time father. To read more Cruise Ship Job articles by Ryan then please visit => www.enjoythecruise.com/cruise_ship_jobs.htm
Source: ArticleFeeder.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

Excitement Awaits You At The Various Ports Of Call On Your Dream Cruise Adventure!

By: Karen McNichols

Everyone knows that the best part of taking a cruise is getting to see numerous exotic locations in a short period of time without ever having to unpack. As part of your cruise package, you will undoubtedly be dropped on the very doorstep of hot travel destinations found along the course of your ship’s passage.

Once your cruise ship docks, you will have the choice of venturing off on your own or taking part in one of several guided tours offered at each stop. Since guided tours and activities fill up quickly, it is recommended that you book these ahead of time to ensure that you get a spot. But even if you don’t get to take part in a guided tour or activity, you will not be bored once your ship makes port no matter the location.

The popular ports of the world are used to welcoming travelers and make it a priority to offer plenty of things to see and do when a visitor comes to call. Some of the activities that you may want to take part of are purely touristy in nature such as visiting ancient ruins and photographing famous buildings and architecture. You can shop at numerous quaint boutiques owned by natives in exotic villages or you can step out into the wilderness and explore the country side. At most cruise destinations you can hike, horseback ride, bicycle, or take a driven tour to see natural attractions. You can spend an afternoon golfing. You can snorkel in tropical waters or dance the night away at a hot night spot. You picnic alongside breathtaking waterfalls or stand in awe at the base of a great pyramid. You can sail, scuba dive or just spend the day taste testing native cuisine. There are virtually no limits to the things that you can do while in port.

One of the most famous cruise destinations, Alaska, offers unique port opportunities that can not be found anywhere else in the world. At one of Alaska’s non-crowded ports you can fish for salmon, fly over glaciers, pan for gold, visit Native Americans, listen to talks given by naturalists, and even go dog sledding.

Juneau, Alaska has been recognized as one of the top five ports of call in the world and is a very popular port of call for cruise passengers. Here guests are engaged in a variety of activities including whale watching, sport fishing and glacier viewing. Another famous attraction of this city is the Mount Roberts Tram which sweeps guests up the mountainside to rest at an elevation of 2,000 feet. From this vantage point, a breathtaking view of the city and harbor can be seen below.

If Alaska is a bit too slow and laid back for you, perhaps a Caribbean vacation would be just the thing. Imagine snorkeling in turquoise waters or horseback riding around the base of a volcano. There are also numerous top golf destinations to be found in the Caribbean along with abundant wildlife and a diverse ecosystem.

Ever wanted to go to Jamaica? Known for its beaches by day and music by night, Jamaica is a place that never sleeps. Enjoy your days lazing away on a pristine, breathtaking beach and swimming in crystal clear waters. At night, you can dance your cares away at one of the many beach parties, gatherings or nightclubs that can be found everywhere in Jamaica. In addition to all of this, Jamaica is home to a lively, open, and friendly culture that is one of the most generous and hospitable cultures of the world.

A Mediterranean cruise will allow you to visit some of the earliest artifacts of human culture and civilization. Here you can visit numerous countries on your cruise vacation including Spain, France, and Italy and take part of the activities and culture to be found in each. In fact, a cruise vacation is probably the best way to see as much of Europe as you can in a short time frame and without the hassles of renting a car, mapping out a course, and setting out on your own in a foreign country.

Perhaps the real beauty of taking a cruise vacation is the amount of things that you can see and do at various ports of call. On a typical land-based vacation, you will likely only be able to afford to go to one destination and camp out for an entire week. The first few days would no doubt be exciting, but by the end of the week, you will be hard-pressed as to what to do with your remaining vacation time. With a cruise, there is never any question of getting bored. Short stops in exotic ports of call give you enough time to see the highlights of the world’s top attractions but not too much time that you get bored with the location.

This ever-changing, rapid pace of a cruise vacation is what makes it appealing to many singles, couples, and families. With a cruise it is possible to see more of the world than you would during several vacations all within the time span of a single trip. A cruise vacation only costs a fraction of what it would take to visit several top destinations. And you never have to unpack.

–About–

Stop by http://www.cruiselinestips.com for all sorts of detailed information on taking a cruise, maybe one on Princess Cruise Lines.
Source: ArticleFeeder.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

Cool Sites Every Cyclist Should Bookmark

By: Levi Bloom

Cool sites are out there, but sometimes they are hard to find. Not anymore! This article lists some of the most useful, interesting, or fun websites that every cyclist should bookmark.

So here’s the list:

www.mtbreview.com Find reviews of about every mountain bike, part, or accessory available.

www.bloombikeshop.com I may be a little biased towards this site, but hey, it has repair and maintenance information, product reviews, articles, a photo gallery, and a bunch of other cool stuff.

www.bicycling.com The website of BICYCLING magazine.

www.mountainbike.com The website of MOUNTAIN BIKE magazine.

www.nashbar.com An online store that has a good selection of hard-to-find items and always has stuff on sale.

www.roadbikerider.com Cool tips, articles, and books for road bike riders. They also publish a weekly e-zine.

www.velonews.com The best source for road race coverage and news.

That’s it for now, but this article will be updated regularly to ensure that all the cool sites are listed. (And that the uncool aren’t)

–About–

–Levi Bloom is the founder and owner of Bloom Bike Shop. You can find more advice from Levi on his website at bloombikeshop.com
Source: ArticleFeeder.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

Dirt Cheap Recumbent

By: Alan W. Jarrettq

A dirt cheap Recumbent Bike! Am I crazy? Does that sound crazy to you? Just because you’ve looked in some stores, and some online sites, do you think dirt-cheap is too cheap? How about impossible, is there a vote for that? Sure! All you doubters stand and be counted. Let me tell you how you can have a recumbent bike for $299…or less!

You saw them on sale for $1200, $1700, $2500 and more. Where are they on sale for $299 or less? You can’t find one on sale for that price…at least in one piece. Who is going to give away a recumbent dirt-cheap?

OK! OK! I know it sounds hard to believe, and for some it will be hard to achieve. Here’s the deal. As soon as some of you read the next few lines you’ll be gone. Why? Because you’re going to have to sweat and work for this.
Notice it does not say, “free” anywhere. Some will be more than up to the test, so for those ready for the challenge of having one of these incredible machines for your own riding pleasure…read on.

Just for the asking! It sounds a little overconfident doesn’t it? Well, I can tell you it worked for me so it can work for just about anyone who’s not afraid of the “asking” part. Is someone going to give you a recumbent for $299 just by asking? Nope! So what’s the catch?

Would you believe you can make a recumbent bike from a Road Bike frame, and about the only things you will need to buy are a front wheel, tire and tube, about 8′ of galvanized electrical conduit, gear and brake cables for a tandem bike (available at almost any LBS), and maybe a seat.

Now assuming that you have some simple tools, like a hacksaw, tape measure, files, and a way to sand the frame and galvanized conduit, you’re just about ready to go. The only thing missing so far is a Road Bike frame.

Some plans call for two Road Bike frames. I have successfully made two homemade LWB recumbents using just one Road Bike frame each time. Check out the latest http://www.recumbent-bikes-truth-for-you.com/homebuilt-uss-recumbent.html USS Homebuilt Recumbent.

About the only benefit of using two Road Bike frames may be not having to splice in a piece of top tube from another source. That was the only piece I used from a trash bike, just that piece of top tube and nothing else. There wasn’t much else usable. A plain old piece of any steel tube of the right size would work just as well.

As long as the frame has not been wrecked, one will do. The key is finding a good frame with components that are in reasonably good condition. So where do you find this frame?

Well, here comes the asking part.

I just happen to spot two old Raleigh Road frames someone had put out for trash. When I asked the owners if I could have them, they said, “sure!” Normally you wouldn’t pay any attention to something like that. It’s amazing how they suddenly “pop up” when you start looking.

But let’s say you can’t find any like I did. Many bike shops will take old bikes on a trade for a new one. They don’t give much of a discount, and they usually don’t fix them up to resell. They wait for someone like you who’s looking for an old bike for parts.

Parts! Keyword there. If they think you want to repair it then they’re much more interested in selling you something new. I picked up a perfectly good frame from a LBS for $25, and I was able to use most of the major components to make a recumbent.

Garage sales are great for bargains. I had a neighbor who had this really nice, perfect condition girl’s road bike that I picked up for $10! The daughter had a car now and the bike was just taking up space. That scenario gets repeated every weekend in someone’s garage.

You have to know just a little bit about frames to make sure you’re getting a good one, and not just a cheap department store variety. The easiest way to know a good frame is to look at the cranks! Click here to go to Nashbar.com
to see a variety of cranks. Cranks are what the pedals are attached to. If you were going to buy them new, the Shimano Sora Triple gives you a great range of gears.

If they are connected to the chain ring with bolts, it generally indicates a frame with decent components. If the crank is one solid piece you don’t want the frame, at any price. You also want a road bike frame, and not a www.performancebike.com mountain bike frame.

A www.performancebike.com road bike frame will have a top tube that goes straight back from the head tube to the seat tube (the Mountain Bike tube has more of a downward slant). It is the only tube that is horizontal with the ground, or the topside of a triangle. Just because the bike may be in very good shape, doesn’t mean you can’t get it for a steal!

People put these out when they are tired of looking at them in their garage. They will all but give it away just to get rid of it. Now and then you may find a real bike rider who knows the value of what they have, and you may as well just go on. As for the others, when you convince them you don’t need it for anything but parts and no one else is buying, you’ll get the deal.

Road Bikes have a decreasing appeal. After riding one for five miles or so, the seat starts to hurt real good. After that, every time the bike comes into view the memory of the pain comes flooding back. As a result, in time the pain becomes greater than the value of the bike, and then it’s time for the bike to go. So you can wheel and deal at the garage sales.

Now you have the bike frame with decent components. What next? Well, you probably want to ask for some plans on how to cut up the frame in the right places. Are you wondering where to get plans like that? Well, it just so happens you can get them right off the Internet… ! Bookmark sections 1 through 4. You can print them out later if you want.

All you need is Adobe Acrobat to download it, and you can even get that free if you don’t have it. Just go to www.Adobe.com to download the free version.

OK. I’m going to believe that you have the frame(or two frames if you go exactly by the plans) and the plans. You’re going to need the galvanized electrical conduit, or if you want to spend the extra money, you can buy Cromalloy tubing. You can get a 20″ wheel for around $58 new. Some have found used BMX wheels to save money.

Tire and tube will cost another $14. If you paid as much as $25 for the frame you’re at $97 so far. Cables will cost no more than $7 for brakes and $26 for grip shifters for the gears. Three lengths of chain will run around $30.

All that’s really left is the galvanized conduit and the seat. The whole 10′ stick of conduit runs about $8. The seat, which is the heart of the recumbent, will run around $140. Of course, you can always look for used equipment or make your own if you’re handy with tools and save that money.

The handlebar is another item of interest. You will need what’s called a Quill to fit in the head tube. On to this “Quill,” you will fit a curved tube, which will attach to your handlebars. You can buy a steerer tube for $60 made by Rans Recumbent, but you will still need an extender to make it long enough for a LWB.

You can make your own by buying a piece of Cromalloy and bending it. You’ll need to buy or borrow a tube bender to do that. I found a 7/8″ tube of Aluminum from Loews, that I was able to bend for mine. Creativity and ingenuity are King when building your own.

You’ll find that once the frame is together and you start adding the brake and gear cables, a good supply of plastic Zipties will be a huge help. As most plans do not include the “braze on” cable stops and cable guides, the Zipties will be necessary to hold cables in place.

Now, once you have made you frame, if you can’t weld it, then get a professional to do it for you. Set the frame up on what’s called a “jig.” A “jig” is explained in the plans. That way the welder will know how it’s supposed to look.

Don’t just take a bunch of tubes that need to be welded together, and tell him to “go get it!” He won’t get it, but you will! He might charge $60 or so. Be sure to ask first so there won’t be any surprises.

Now, it’s possible these components can be found for less money. I tried mixing old chain from several different bikes and found that doesn’t work to well. Usually the components from the “donor” bike can be used in making the new one. I used all the components from my 5 month old, $425 Giant Hybrid, 24-speed bike.

Here’s a list of what you might buy and the approximate cost.

Frame$25.00
Front Wheel$58.00
Tandem Brake Cables $ 7.50
Grip Shift Gears$26.00
3 chain sets$30.00
8′ conduit$ 8.00
Zipties$15.00 M
Tire$10.00
Tube$ 3.50
Seat $140.00 (optional)Welding $ 60.00
Total $383.00

Making your own seat keeps the price well under the $299, even if you have someone weld the frame for you. If you buy the seat but do your own welding, or find a friend like I did to do it for free, you’re still under $299.00. You may find some of these other items for less. New prices were used to give you an idea of the actual cost.

Finding your frame for free saves you money. Being able to weld the frame will reduce the cost even more. I’m glad I didn’t try this on the first one. Watching the process taught me a great deal, and after practicing on a second frame, I discovered how NOT to do it!

A very comfortable seat can be made from plywood and foam, or a used one may be for sale. One was given to me that had basically been trashed as my riding buddy upgraded his homebuilt and had the extra seat.

The point is, whether all new components are purchased or you put something together like many others using whatever is at hand, just build it! The first try may be a tremendous success. After 13,000 miles I feel confident in saying mine is.
If changes are needed (if you ask any bent rider changes are ALWAYS needed) to improve the ride, no big deal. This is still a ride you put together, and it didn’t cost the “big bucks” of a new one, or even a used one.

More important, you know how this thing is made, so you’ll also know the effect of any minor or major changes and the immediate result. You may also decide to buy a factory made bent in the future, and this is the huge advantage you have. Now you know what you want, and if it’s worth the money.

I found the first frame I made completely to be easy enough, that I was encouraged to make another of my own design. Not everyone is going to do this. I still haven’t finished my experimental frame, so it’s difficult to tell how it will work out.
To do this I had to invest $225 in a portable Oxy-Acetylene welding kit, because it was too much of a demand on my friend’s time to ask him to do it. It also cost too much to use the little kits available at Home Depot.

In welding my first frame, I discovered the little Oxygen tanks only last about 8 minutes. That’s not nearly long enough to do serious welding, and you can’t control the flame. Before I had finished, I used 12 tanks at a cost of $8 each. It would have cost me less to take it to a welding shop…I think!

The one point that shines through in building your own recumbent is this. You did it! If you can get on it and enjoy a relaxing, comfortable ride, does anything else matter? It may not shine as much, the welds may not be as pretty, and it may not be as fancy as those from the factory. But you can enjoy every single mile, every hour on your bent knowing it was fashioned by your hands.

Accept with humble thanks when others are amazed that you made it! Let your chest swell with pride when you hear the kids shout, “Cool bike!” Feel the rush of riding along with those “expensive factory built bents” that don’t go any faster than yours. Soak in the admiration of fellow bent riders who had to buy one because they can’t turn a wrench.

Mention that you only have $299 invested in your bike, and watch the faces of those who paid six, seven, and in some instances 10 times as much for theirs. Are you starting to get the picture?

When you pay $2000 for a bent, you are reluctant to do any customizing, especially if you aren’t mechanically inclined. When you made it to begin with, no such resistance exists, because you have the confidence of your building experience.
Making changes, finding a way to improve it, modifying part of the design are almost guaranteed, because you know you can. So it might be a good question as to who gets more pleasure out of a bent.

You CAN have a “Dirt-Cheap” bent all your own. Maybe you can even improve on what others have done, and do it for less. That would be worth writing about, and you might be surprised how many would be interested. Comfort you never dreamed of, at a price you never imagined! Just do it!

–About–

After building his first recumbent bike in 1998, Alan was smitten by the “homebuilder” bug. Having ridden over 13,000 miles since then and adding another homebuilt frame to his experience, he eagerly shares his experience with those who think they can”t, when they really can! Recumbent-bikes-truth-for-you.com is a website developed with the idea in mind to provide as much information as possible about these incredible machines.
Source: ArticleFeeder.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

Road Bike Selection and Purchase 101

By: Matt Russ

Road bikes will range in price from $500 to over $5000, and vary greatly in design, materials, and performance. The first decision you need to make is road bike or tri set up. What type of riding are you going to be doing? Are you purchasing the bike for multi-sport competition or strictly for road riding, training, and / or racing? A tri bike is used in triathlons and other multi sport events, has aero bars and a more forward (less comfortable) position, can be slightly heavier than a road bike, and is generally less comfortable. The position puts your body more forward over the front wheel and has your torso almost parallel to the ground. The more forward position makes the bike less stable and harder to handle. On some tri handlebars your hands are far from the brakes, and the handling is quick and less controllable. I do not recommend this type of bike for beginner riders. You may sacrifice a bit of weight for aerodynamics, but unless you are moving pretty quickly, the aerodynamics will not pay off much… About 80% of your resistance while cycling comes from the air around you, but you must be moving above 20 mph to gain the full advantage. If you are a slower beginning cyclist the more aerodynamic position is not as much of a factor. I would start off with a road bike.

Second decision; recreation or competition? This is really more about your budget and how competitive you are. A $500 road bike can actually be pretty reliable, but is heavier, requires more maintenance, is not as ergonomic, and the parts wear out faster. There is a trickle down in technology from top of the line road bikes, and an entry level bike can be of surprisingly good quality. Furthermore some entry level bikes can be easily upgraded to make them perform better. An example of an upgrade would be switching to a better wheel set, which perhaps will have the biggest effect on increased speed. Competition level bikes usually start at around $1000. Competition level bikes usually start with a Shimano 105 component group or better. Shimano 105 has all the features of the more expensive groups (Ultegra and Durace), is fully race able and durable, but is a little heavier. Campagnolo also makes excellent bicycle components, but they are usually found on more expensive European models. I have had 105 bikes and full race Durace bikes. The differences are definitely there, but will not be significant to the newer rider. If you are just getting into the sport, an entry level bike may be good enough for you. But if you think you are going to stick with it, and want to be competitive, you should spend the extra money.

Third decision; frame type and material. I believe your best value is aluminum. Aluminum is extremely light, stiff, and relatively inexpensive compared with titanium and carbon fiber. Some complain that aluminum transmits road vibration more than other materials, but manufacturers have gotten much better with this. Carbon fiber is more expensive, but will dampen road vibration over long rides. Titanium is even more expensive, and is no longer the lightest most exotic material. If you buy a ti frame you are buying a long term investment. I prefer the latest technology (I buy a bike every 2 years). Aluminum is going to give you the most bang for the buck. Manufacturers are starting to use a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber in their frame sets. Another consideration is geometry- compact or traditional. The industry has moved towards (sometimes) lighter compact frames. These frames have a sloping top tube and look smaller. There advantage is quicker more precise handling, but you do not want to take your hands off the bars. The disadvantage can be that they often do not come in as many sizes, and can be more challenging to fit. My preference is a compact, but I am a smaller rider and I find a good fit with these bikes.

New or used? Buying a new bike is like buying a new car. As soon as you drive it off the showroom you are out considerable money, but there is nothing like that new bike feel. If you are not handy, it is going to need regular maintenance (I recommend you learn the basics). Some shops offer a free lifetime maintenance policy. This is a good deal; a full adjustment can run $40+ a pop. If you buy a used bike off of Ebay or from an individual, you may get a lot more bike for the money or you may get a piece of junk. If you want to pair the price down, go used, but don’t go cheap. If you are not sure if you are going to stick with cycling this may be the way to go. Either way I highly recommend you get professionally sized, and that does not necessarily mean the sales guy at the shop. An expert will spend a good hour with you examining every aspect of the bikes fit (as many as ten different aspects).

I believe you get your best value with large manufacturers such as Giant, Trek, and Cannondale to name a few. The bikes are mass produced, but are generally very high quality and offer the highest component level for the price. Think of them as the Hondas’. The European models generally have more “panache” with custom colors and even custom fitting. The Porshes’ can run up to $8000 but are beautifully hand crafted works of art. A personal recommendation of mine; the Giant TCR2 which I think is one of the best bike values. I believe they are going for around $1300. This puts a world class, extremely light bike in your hands for not a lot of money considering the weight and features. The fall is a great time to buy a bicycle because shops are clearing out the old models to make room for the next years and the Christmas rush. You are also going to need shoes, helmet, water bottle cages, computer, a good pump, flat kit, padded shorts, perhaps a rack, and tool kit. Be prepared, this is not a cheap sport even for the beginner, and there is an initial investment. You can find good prices online for accessories at Nashbar.com, Performancebike.com, or Sportsbasement.com.

–About–

Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmicheal Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.
Source: ArticleFeeder.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

How To Choose A Mountain Bike

By: Andrew Caxton

How to choose a mountain bike depends on what you are going to do with it, if all you want your new mountain bike for is going for a nice leisurely ride on the canal path or a ride in the woods with the dog, well you wont need a full suspension downhill machine with 4 inch travel on the forks and a fully articulated rear end with damping and rebound control.

Where to Start From.

If you do want to go for an easy ride in the park you don’t need to spend too much, if you think you will do any off-road riding then big tread tires maybe all you need, but if you think you might try some rough stuff then you will need suspension. Gears will probably be Shimano, brakes must be V-brakes, but could be made by a few different manufacturers, all the rest of the MTB components will depend on how much you can spend. If you go to your local bike shop or big sports store and see what they’ve got to offer, then buy it or have look on the Internet and maybe you’ll find the same thing at a better price.

The Next Step Up.

So maybe you want to be a bit more adventurous, more off-road, more forest tracks and dry boulder river beds, then you’ll need something a little lighter, with suspension forks. All this will cost you more money, but will be worth it for the extra enjoyment and adventure. With a better mountain bike it will have a sportier handling and because it is lighter, it will be easier to struggle up the hills before you come flying down the other side. The components will again be Shimano and the quality will depend on how much money you can spend. V-brakes and Rapid-fire gear shifters, along with Shimano chain set, bottom bracket and headset. Handle bars, stem and seat pin should be alloy and along with a comfortable saddle you’ll be set to take to the hills.

More Money, More Bike.

The next rung up on the mountain bike ladder would be good enough to race on. There are many to choose from, get on the net and surf the bike manufacturers sites and all the shop sites along with the magazines for juicy photos of the bikes. The top manufacturers in this price range, I would say are: - Trek, Giant, Specialized and Cannondale, these companies make the nicest frames with the best mountain bike parts available at the price, gears will be either Shimano or SRAM, brakes could be V-brakes or cable disc brakes, both are very good and light, most of the other MTB parts, of course will be Shimano and as usual get the best you can afford. There are many combinations of hubs and rims to make up your wheels; hubs from Shimano and rims form Mavic are the usual mix. Then you have to choose which suspension forks to put on you bike, you may not get a choice, depending on which bike you buy, the main ones are Suntour, Marzocchi, Manitou, Fox, RockShox and RST, buy any of these and you wont go far wrong.

Top Bikes, Top Money.

If you want what the professionals ride you will have to pay a lot of money a professional MTB. As with road bike at the top of the range, you can specify what you want to build up your dream bike. Top bikes frames to spend your money on could be Klien, Scott, Rocky Mountain, Gary Fisher, Santa Cruz and K2; these are some of the most sought after bike frames in the world and would be the envy of your friends. Probably the best forks to put on your frame would be RockShox SID’s these are light and do all the things you need with control of all functions, there are many other to also to consider, look at how much travel they have and the rebound and damping systems. Gears again will be either SRAM or Shimano Rapid fire, XT or XTR, more money could be spent on carbon or very light alloy cranks, the brakes should be hydraulic discs from Hayes, Pace or Magura or stick to the trusted V-bakes. Wheels from Shimano or Mavic or some fancy carbon wheels, but remember they will have to take a lot of punishment, so maybe better to go for reliability over light weight expense. Carbon handle bars, stem and seat pin and a light weight race saddle and Time or Shimano SPD clipless pedals, then your choice of tires will depend on what terrain and ground conditions you are going to ride on.

And Downhilling?

Downhill bikes are very different, more like a cross country motor bike, but without the engine, low center of gravity and a lot of travel on the suspension on the forks and the rear end, disc brakes, wide rims and fat tires, gears are only at the back as usually a single chain set is used. Unless your going to do a lot of downhill racing then there isn’t much point in buying one as you have to get up the hill first before you can come down and as light weight is not an issue with downhill bikes, they are very heavy to get up hill with out the use of a tow rope or a ski lift.
www.bike-cycling-reviews.com

–About–

Andrew Caxton is a the Webmaster and publisher of www.bike-cycling-reviews.com. A free online magazine that focuses completely on cycling reviews about road bikes, mountain bikes and cycle clothing.
Source: ArticleFeeder.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

Mountain Biking – Great Exercise and Fun

By: David Chandler

Mountain biking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, exercising and having fun. Racing down a mountainside is exhilarating; however, it can also be dangerous.

Although it is consider a dangerous sport, if done with utmost caution, mountain biking can be enjoyed by the whole family.

As with any outdoor sport, selecting the right equipment and an understanding of the sport will be the key to a great adventure.

Styles of Mountain Biking

Mountain biking can be categorized into three different styles. There is downhill, free riding, and cross-country. Although the styles are similar in some respect, they all require different skills. The style you select will determine the type of bike.

Mountain Biking Locations

Typically, this sport is known as biking on an unpaved surface. Most regions have areas specifically designed for this grand sport. State and federal parks are a good place to mountain bike. However, you should check with your local parks to get the routes and other regulations or rules they may have. In addition, if you venture off to some state or federal land or any wilderness type area, it is best to know about the surroundings should there be any unexpected accidents.

There are also groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions. You could search the internet or local newspaper to see what is available in your area. There may be groups for the advanced rider as well as the novice.

Criteria to be a Great Mountain Biker

A prerequisite for a great mountain biker is endurance and stamina. In addition, it takes discipline to practice and the ambition to succeed and conquer the course. A novice mountain biker will have to overcome the bumps and bruises from falling of the bike. Like all sports, it takes practice and the constitution to keep trying.

Selecting Your Bike

Selecting your bike is a personal choice and contingent on the type of riding you will do. Bikes come in all different styles, shapes, and prices, therefore selecting the perfect one for you can be difficult. Again, do some internet research or venture out to do some comparison-shopping before you get ready to make a purchase. Ask to try out a bike before you buy. A good mountain biker becomes one with his or her bike. Check for comfort, fit, and how it is geared, all these factors need to be considered.

Staying Safe

As mentioned earlier, mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be hazardous. The typical safety gear is a helmet, knee and elbow pads. You should also consider goggles if riding in a very dense wooded area or if following a group of bikers. Safety should be your top priority and not taken lightly when riding no matter what the terrain.

–About–

David Chandler
For more information about mountain biking and bikes, visit Mountain Bike
Source: ArticleFeeder.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

Necessary Mountain Biking Equipment

By: Jake Aubin

Being prepared while out on the mountain bike trail is an absolute must and a great rule of thumb is to always pack more mountain biking equipment the farther away from help you plan to be. There are a few important considerations you should also make regardless of the skill level of mountain biking that you plan to partake in.

The first consideration, for anyone planning on being active outdoors regardless of mountain biking or not, should be to have a well stocked first aid kit. You can purchase biker specific first aid kits, that are purposefully designed to fit nicely in a small pack, under the seat or even in saddlebags. A well stocked first aid kit will contain antiseptic, pain reliever, tensor bandages, band-aids, moleskin, and tweezers.

The second necessity is to have a mountain bike specific tool kit and there many options available as to the type of bike you have and the tools you want it to contain. The very basic tool kit should have the required tools needed to repair a flat tire and will fit nicely under your seat or in a saddlebag. Other tools to look for are an Allan key or small wrench, a chain breaker, a tire gauge, a Swiss army knife, and some strong tape.

Another highly recommended piece of mountain biking equipment to include is a spare mountain bike chain. Any experienced bikers know all to well how easy it is to bust a chain on the trail and the headache it can cause. Often a broken chain can be repaired but do not take the risk of being left without one.

Last but definitely not least is a portable air pump. These pumps come in numerous shapes and sizes and can be purchased specifically to fit your bike. Most can fit under the seat or in saddlebags, and often the repair kit includes one.

All these pieces of equipment are designed to be light weight and easily stored on your bike. Never risk traveling far from help without then because being prepared with the right mountain biking equipment can save you many hours of frustration.

About The Author…

Mountain Biking Accessories, Mountain Biking Equipment and Gear at www.SportsAndOutdoorStore.com
Source: ArticleFeeder.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

It Doesn’t Get Better Than A Bahamas Vacation

by Jon Arnold

Next time you are planning a truly relaxing vacation trip, you should put some serious consideration into the Bahamas. The capital city is Nassau, which is located on the island New Providence, though Andros Island is the largest in the group. The Bahamas main industry is tourism, with the island being a massive tourist spot for most western countries. The 700 Islands of the Bahamas form a 500 mile archipelago, and every one of them is a reason to take the family to this island paradise.

The Bahamas are only a short distance from South Florida, and offer many affordable opportunities for an island adventure. There were Eleutheran Adventurers, persecuted by their local church and they gave Eleuthera island its name. The largest island is Andros Island.

It’s believed that Christopher Columbus first landed on the island of San Salvador in the southeastern Bahamas and exchanged gifts with the Amerindians, (Taino, also known as Lucayan).

For vacationers, the Bahamas offers crystal clear turquoise waters, endless white sand beaches, perfect temperate weather — a vacation in the Bahamas is heavenly. So whether you’re making an investment or buying a vacation home, the Bahamas will welcome you with open arms. Because of its colonial heritage, you will find that the official language of the islands is still English and because it is widely spoken throughout the islands still it has been a key factor in helping the country to flourish and so become a favorite with the many people who travel to it.

If you prefer a vacation that is offering comfort then it is suggested that you take your vacation on one of the bigger islands in the Bahamas and if you want something with a bit more adventure then try one of the smaller ones.

If you are going on a trip to the Bahamas, then you will obviously need and want to know where the best places are for you to stay; one of the best places without a doubt is the Atlantis Hotel in Bahamas. The Atlantis Hotel in Bahamas is located on Paradise Island, near Nassau in the formerly British Bahamas and just a hop from Florida. Located on New Providence Island, the word “resort” barely does it justice; Atlantis is a combination of amusement park, water park, casino, spa, beach all rolled into one sparkling and gigantic package.

In 1940, clairvoyant (a person with abnormal power of seeing in the mind what is happening or what exists a distance) Edgar Cayce predicted that the lost continent of Atlantis would start to rise again in the vicinity of The Bahamas in 1968 or 1969.

Despite the fact that water-related activities are the most apparent enticements, these tranquil and welcoming islands also offer an assortment of rainy-day options, above all in Nassau and on neighboring Paradise Island. The Bahamian Islands cover 100,000-square-miles of tropical paradise that comprises over 650 islands and 2400 cays and located a mere 50 miles off the Florida coast. The endless stretch of spectacular sand and sea, the Bahamas is a beach lover’s paradise that should not be missed.

You can meet up with dolphins in shallow waters on the Blue Lagoon Island, just 20 minutes from Paradise Island, Nassau. It’s impossible to get past that first impression of Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas and you’ll be reminded of it everywhere you go in the resort.

These shark dives are available in both Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. The warm sunshine, attractive beaches and laid-back lifestyle attract large numbers of tourists to Nassau and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. There is very little industry apart from an oil refinery at Freeport and a rum distillery on New Providence.

One is at the Port Lucaya area located on the south shore of island and the other is near downtown Freeport which is more inland. I have traveled to Freeport twice and stayed in the Port Lucaya area both times.

Every travel agency has its own selection of Bahamas honeymoon packages, so it is worthwhile to shop around and find the one that reaches your highest expectations. A passport and visa may be required, so verify with your travel agent exactly what paperwork you should bring to stay out of trouble. If you don’t already have one, note that it can take 6-8 weeks or more these days to get a passport. While the beaches of the Bahamas are the premier tourist attraction, there are many more things to do if you travel inland.

The Bahamas is also a popular stop on many cruise ships, that spend anywhere from 1 day to 3 days in port so their cruise ship passengers can experience the Bahamas.

Consider a Bhamas vacation for one of the most relaxing vacations you have ever taken in a location that is just south of paradise.

–About–
Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about a Bahamas cruise and a Bahamas vacation at his web site at http://www.about-bahamas.com/
Source: ArticleTrader.com

Add comment January 31st, 2007

How To Find The Best Bicycle Frame Looking Beyond Its Paint

by: Alastair Hamilton

Whether you’re shopping for a bike or just admiring them, the first part you notice is probably the bicycle frame. The frame is the heart of a bicycle, as well as its art. Including the basically triangular core structure that supports both seat and handlebars and the extensions that attach to the wheels, the color and the geometry of the bicycle frame not only affects the beauty of the bike, but its strength and speed as well. The pleasure and success you derive from bicycle riding will be strongly impacted by having the right frame for your physique and your purposes.

The Two Most Important Aspects of Bicycle Frames Are Their Materials and Their Configuration

Naturally, your bicycle frame will take into dramatic account whether you ride primarily on roads or off-road. Not only are so-called mountain bike frames made of noticeably bigger “tubes,” they are made of more shock resistant materials, with stronger weldings. Road bike frames have a smaller triangular geometry and the main consideration in their material is its weight. Everything on a road bike is designed to keep the rider’s resistance to a minimum in order to promote fluency and speed, while a mountain bike is designed with the primary goal of shock absorption and maneuverability in mind alongside speed-influencing factors.

Even among these two main divisions, you will find major differences in bicycle frames. Road bikes used primarily for touring or recreational riding will have frames with a more relaxed geometry and more total horizontal spread front to back, while racing bikes will tighten that structure for a shorter front to back bike length. A tighter triangle and less distance between the bicycle frame and the tires acts to decrease the resistance of wind and road for a racer, as well as to increase the bike’s ability to respond to the quick, minute maneuverings road racing requires.

There are several basic considerations to keep in mind when choosing the correct bicycle frame for your individual physique and your riding purposes. In addition, your unique body shape and weight will also affect what kind of bicycle frame is best for your comfort and accomplishment. Standard frame measurements, made along the seat tube of a frame, take into account the length of your legs, but the relationship of your torso length and arm length to the length of your legs is also extremely important to comfort on a bicycle, and the length of the top tube of the bicycle frame must also be examined. Two riders of identical height may need completely different bicycle frames. The best thing you can do is to shop at a bicycle store where knowledgeable riders earn their living and where you are allowed to try out a bicycle before buying it.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer who offers a truly unique depth of experience in competitive cycling, he also contributes adding technical articles on mountain bikes http://www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/mtb/mountain-bike-reviews.html to some cycling magazines. Find more reviews about Alastair on http://www.bike-cycling-reviews.com.
Source: ArticleCity.com

Add comment January 30th, 2007