Cool Biking Zone

Mountain Biking Magazines: Essential Reading For The Converted

By: David Faulkner

Even though sports fans are constantly being inundated with commercials for television shows and live events featuring “extreme” versions of their favorite athletic events, and even though these “extreme” versions are becoming more extreme with each passing year, there is still one sport which does not need an extreme version. Mountain biking, even for beginning bikers, brings with it a most satisfactory rush of adrenaline.

While the bicycle has been around for well over a century, and for most of that time has been the main mode of transportation for hundreds of millions of Chinese. China still has the largest number of bicyclists of any country, but no one knows for certain how many Chinese have taken up mountain biking.

The Rising Popularity of Mountain Biking

Even if mountain biking has yet to be discovered in China, however, the remarkable increase in its popularity in other countries may mean that global number of mountain bikers may soon equal, or surpass, that of traditional cyclists in China.
Mountain biking is an equal opportunity sport, appropriate for peoples of all ages, ethnicities, and athletic abilities. There have been no studies done to determine which demographic group has the greatest percentage of mountain bikers, but market researchers have taken note of the sports’ broad-based popularity and, as a result, there are more mountain-biking-related items being commercially produced than ever before.

Mountain Biking Magazines

The audience for mountain biking magazines is now large enough that there are several being published, offering vast amounts of information an anything and everything concerning the sport. Many mountain bikers have come to depend on mountain biking magazines as their primary way of keeping up on the latest news and products which might be of importance to them. Information on biking gear, clothing, bike equipment, the newest bikes, and biking events is the minimum you can expect to find in mountain biking magazines.

But the leader among the mountain biking magazines is, naturally, Mountain Biking Magazine. Mountain Biking Magazine, with articles regularly written by the best professional mountain bikers in the world, offers top quality advice on every aspect of the sport which has taken extremes sports fans by storm. Articles will cover topics like the personal biking experiences of the different bikers, the best places to ride in different parts of the world, and all the latest improvements in biking and biking gear technology.

Its contributors are able to imbue Mountain Biking Magazine with a sense of the exciting adventures which await anyone who decides to join the millions of enthusiasts who have made mountain biking their sport of choice!

–About–

You can also find more information at Freeride Mountain Biking and Mountain Biking Trails.Mountainbikingreviews.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about mountain biking reviews.
Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment June 20th, 2007

How to choose your road bike, different levels of riders

By: Andrew Caxton

How to choose your road bike, different level of riders
How to chose your road bike? Well the first question is how much do you want to spend and how much cycling will you do? The answer to the first question is a difficult one, many people when they are younger they want to ride there bike all day and what to be the next winner of the Tour de France, but they can not afford to spend much on there bike. If they get fit and win some races and get in a good team they will be given a top class bike, but what usually happens is they have to give up and work, have a family etc. When they are older and have more money they can afford the bike of there dreams. As to how much cycling you do, that depends on whether you can justify having the best bike around and only doing a short ride on Sunday morning. Remember you get what you pay for.

Basic Level Bikes.

If you go to the larger sports stores or bike shops they will have complete bikes for sale, probably a alloy frame with Shimano Tiagra or Campagnolo Mirage or a mixture of cheaper components, this bike will be built to a price, will ride fairly well, wont be very light and is a good place to start. To get some thing better, start with a nice alloy frame and if you can afford it, carbon forks, then with what money you have left chose your group-set of either Shimano or Campagnolo and then you can pick your saddle, handlebars, wheel rims and tires, this is all fun, but if you are working to a budget, it can be tricky.

Mid Level, Touring and Possibly Racing.

In this range of bikes you can buy them as a complete cycle, in the cycle shop, sports store or even in the specialist magazines or on the web. It is more fun to choose the components for your frame and how much you want to spend. At this level you would probably be looking at Shimano 105 or Campagnolo Centaur road bike parts and you could possibly buy some built up wheels from Shimano, Campagnolo or Mavic, but first start with the frame, there are many frames out there to choose from, get on the net and look for what you want, it will probably be alloy again, with carbon forks. Alloy seat pin, handle bars and stem and a comfortable saddle.

Top Level Bike For Racing and Pleasure.

Now it gets more difficult, your components would be Campagnolo Chorus or Shimano Ultegra, unless you can afford the top components of both manufacturers. Wheels again would be possibly Mavic, Shimano or Campagnolo, deep carbon rims look Great and have a wonderful ride, but will probably be too expensive, best if you stick to alloy rims for high pressure tires as tubulars, even though they ride wonderfully, will be expensive and a lot of trouble. Handle bars, stem and seat pin could be alloy or carbon, if you have the money. The frame is the heart of your bike and you will want a good one, at this price range alloy is going to be the first choice with carbon forks and possibly a carbon rear triangle. If you look around you might manage to find an all carbon frame at this price, Giant make a very well priced carbon frame in a compact, sloping design, there are others but you will have to spend a lot more money.

The Top of The Shopping List.

When’re looking at a lot of money here if you want to buy a professional road bike. The frame will be all carbon or titanium with carbon forks and maybe a carbon rear triangle or alloy main tubes with carbon front or rear end. The nicest ones on the market at the moment, in my opinion, are Colnago, De Rosa, Pinarello, Battaglin, Time, Scott, Cervelo and many more, all are available in different colours, geometries and sizes, check out there web sites for information and try to make your choice, it’s a difficult job. This is a professional road bike so it will have to have the best components, Shimano Dura.Ace or Campagnolo Record are your only choice at this level. Same with the wheels, Dura-Ace or Campagnolo Bora, these can be for high pressure clincher tires or tubulars, tubulars are more trouble but do ride well, but clincher tires are very nearly as nice and much more practical. Handle bars, stem and seat pin will be carbon and your saddle will have a carbon base with a leather cover and sometimes with gel for a little extra comfort.

The Best Bike You Can Afford.

You do only get what you pay for, so get the best bike you can afford, look around the magazines and the web sites and don’t forget your local bike shop until you get that little jewel, but be careful not to make your partner jealous!

–About–

Caxton is a the Webmaster of www.bike-cycling-reviews.com. A free online magazine that carries articles on bike components, bicycle clothes and reviews on the best heart rate monitors.
Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment June 20th, 2007

Mountain Biking Trips - Vacations Made In Heaven

By: David Faulkner

No matter which part of the globe you call home, you won’t have to look very far to find a large number of mountain biking enthusiasts. And travel agencies, recognizing the enormous popularity of mountain biking the world over, have added the mountain biking trips to their offerings as a way to capitalize on it.

Mountain Biking Trips Down Under

Among the most requested mountain biking trips are those to Australia and New Zealand. Mountain biking trips to the Auckland are very much in demand, because they take mountain bikers over terrain from which all of Auckland is visible; the views along are worth the entire cost of the trip.

You can expect to spend a week to ten days on mountain biking trips to Australia; you’ll be treated to trails passing by, and even beneath, waterfalls, and through rainforests. You’ll recuperate between each stage of mountain biking trip at five-star luxury hotels, in some of the most scenic areas to be found Down Under. Accommodations are included in the price of the mountain biking trips.

Mountain Biking Trips In Alaska and california

For those who prefer the northern climes to those of the Southern Hemisphere, mountain biking trips to Alaska might prove ideal. Haunting blue-white glaciers, serene mountain meadows, forgotten lakes, pure air and icy, crystal-clear streams will be waiting for mountain bikers wherever they turn in Alaska.

The travel agencies can arrange Alaskan mountain biking trips with stopovers to include whale watching and wildlife spotting excursions, or hiking through terrain where mountain bikes are not allowed. There is no better way to experience the Great Outdoors than by participating in mountain biking trips to the great big state of Alaska.

Californians have some of the most sought-after mountain biking trips available right along the northern coast of their own state. Northern California’s flawless climate, spectacular coastline, forests of unspoiled redwoods, pristine waterways, and vineyards are all great reasons to schedule a weekend mountain biking trip there. California weather, even during its “winter months” from January to March, is mild during the day, and California mountain biking trips make terrific family vacations no matter the time of year!

With the enormous increase of mountain biking, there are more mountain biking trips available now than ever. You can probably find one within driving distance of your home, or you can head for a travel agency and make arrangements to see some of the world’s most renowned scenery from the saddle of a mountain bike.

If mountain biking trios cost a little more than you are accustomed to spending on your vacations, just remember that you’ll be getting a far more intimate look at parts of the world than traditional tourists ever see on guided tours with daily itineraries. And best of all, you’ll spend most of your waking hours doing the thing you most love to do: mountain biking!

–About–

You can also find more info on Mountain Biking Gear and Mountain Biking Trails Mountainbikingreviews.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about mountain biking reviews.
Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment June 20th, 2007

Budget Conscious? There’s A Mountain Bike Shoe For You

By Alastair Hamilton

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.

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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.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on this subject for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . You can find more information and resources on mountain bike reviews at his website.

Add comment June 20th, 2007

Don’t Hit the Mountain Bike Trail Without These Accessories

By: Alastair Hamilton

There’s more to mountain biking than just getting a cool bike. Mountain biking can be a dangerous sport - as is any sport where you’re heading downhill at speed.

The younger generation has a tendency to think it is invincible, and so will not bother with the common sense safety gear that could save them from unnecessary bumps, bruises, cuts or breaks. Of course, even with all the safety gear, those bumps, bruises, cuts and breaks can happen, but they’ll more than likely be less severe.

Bike helmet

The helmet is not really an “accessory,” is an essential part of the mountain biker’s gear. Every mountain biker is going to fall off his or her bike at one time or another - and the helmet will very likely come in for a beating - much better than the rider’s head. Helmets these days are comfortable and come in an array of styles. Make sure you purchase one which fits properly.

Eye protection

Second only to the helmet, eye protection such as goggles are a must. Going downhill at speed, it’s easy for your tires to kick up rocks or dirt that, if they get in your eyes, will blind you and cause you to run off the trail and into a tree, as often as not. There’s always the chance that mosquitoes, midges, or other no-see-ems will get into your eyes, which is why goggles are better than glasses or sunglasses - although they will serve.

Once you’ve got the helmet and eye protection out of the way, everything else can safely be classified as “accessories,” which would definitely be nice to have but are not mandatory.

Trail repair kit

Of these types of accessories, perhaps the most important is the trail repair kit. You may be able to ride your entire life on the streets of your city without getting a flat tire, but when you’re going cross country or down mountains, the chance of getting a flat tire rises exponentially. You don’t want to get stuck on the trail - so make sure you have a repair kit underneath your bike seat. And just as important - practice with that repair kit so that you actually know how to use the tools!

Gloves

It is more comfortable to ride any bike with gloves than without them. Mountain bike gloves ar specially designed to withstand the harsh conditions under which they’re used, and not only will they save you stress in just gripping the handlebars, but they’ll also prevent any nasty scrapes should you take a header.

Hydration system

Nothing ruins the ride more than feeling hungry or thirsty while you’re in the middle of it… but thirst probably is more annoying than hunger. Bring a water bottle at the very least. A hydration backpack also fits the bill - all this is is a specially fitted backpack with liquid of your choice in various containers, fitted so that they feel almost weightless.

Shoes

For many types of biking, your average tennis shoe will work just fine. But for mountain biking, shoes made specifically for the sport are pretty nice to have. You want them to be comfortable, durable, and suited to t heir purpose - which is to keep your feet safe and injury free while you ride. They come with stiff soles for better efficiency while pedaling, and you can get them for clip or clipless pedals.

Shorts

Padded shorts are a must for any type of biking! It increases the comfort of the ride no end (along with a gel-filled saddle!)

Alastair Hamilton is the editor and journalist of many information websites like http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com , who has written more articles and newsletters on mountain biking . Find more publications about mountain bike reviews at his website.

Add comment June 20th, 2007

People Come in Different Shapes and Sizes - So Do Mountain Bikes

By: Alastair Hamilton

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.

Alastair Hamilton is the author of many articles on different web publications, with subjects like mountain biking published online for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . Find more publications about mountain bike reviews at his website.

Add comment June 20th, 2007

Explore the World of the Mountain Biker

By: Alastair Hamilton

When most people think of mountain biking, they think of climbing up to the top of a mountain and then riding down it again. However, there are plenty of opportunities for the fat-tire enthusiast, and the disciplines are growing every year as riders find new ways to challenge themselves.

Below is just a brief list of some of the biking disciplines associated with mountain biking. For each discipline, you’ll be able to find bikes especially made for the different challenges they present, and the different skills needed.

1. BMX

BMX stands for bicycle motocross. The cycles used are specially designed to operate on a dirt track: a groomed racecourse made up of various jumps, banked and flat corners, and therefore have small wheel diameters - 20-inches, and fat tires. The sport began in California in the late 1960s, as young boys began emulating their motocross heroes, and is now popular around the world.

2. Cross country

Just as its name implies, fat-tire enthusiasts bike across country - specifically hilly country to test the rider’s endurance.

3. Cyclo cross

A cyclo cross bike is a road bike with powerful brakes, extra mud clearance, and tires that aren’t exactly fat but do have knobs on. These bikes are used for Cyclo cross racing, a sport which began in Europe, as off-season training for road racers. The courses are a mile long, and are partly paved and partly mud-soaked to give the rider all kinds of challenges. Also on the course are a certain number of barricades, forcing the rider to dismount and carry his bike over them. Everyone races flat out.

4. Dirt jumping

The idea with dirt jumping is not so much the jumping but what tricks the rider can do while he is air borne. The idea is not to get around the course as fast as possible but to have the most air time and do the most stunts in the air.

5. Downhill

As the name implies, downhill biking means getting down the hill as fast as possible, much like downhill skiing. It’s a time trial event - bikers don’t ride together but rather start down the course at intervals. This is because the way down is not smooth - there are plenty of obstacles to negotiate along the way.

6. Freeride

Freeriding is a sport that has just recently come into vogue. The courses feature man-made obstacles such as teeter totters and skinny bridges, and can take place in-doors as well as out on specially prepared mountain courses.

7. Single speed

Those who like the uncluttered life will use a bike with only one gear and fewer components. The idea is simplicity. The racers however still go all out - both up and down courses. This sport is popular around the world.

8. Urban

Most cities were not designed for the bicyclist - and people on two wheels are resented by those on four. And then there are the pedestrians… However, people who don’t live near mountains or hills haven’t let that stop t hem from creating challenging, man-made courses - with all the obstacles available in urban areas.

Alastair Hamilton contributes adding long articles on mountain biking for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . You can find more information and resources on mountain bike reviews at his website.
Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment June 20th, 2007

Mountain Biking - Not Just Going Down Mountains

By: Alastair Hamilton

If you’re a bicycle enthusiast, but have only tried cycling on the road, it’s time you gave mountain biking a try. By mountain biking, I mean more than heading down an actual mountain - although that what most people think about when they hear the phrase “Mountain biking.”

However, mountain bikes - light bikes with fat tires and front suspension - make it easy to go cross country riding as well.

So even if you live in an area that has no mountains - get yourself a mountain bike anyway! Those fat tires make for a nice ride - and as long as they’re properly inflated they can go almost as fast as the thinner tires of road bikes, but you don’t need to worry about going up curbs or down curbs.

There are three styles of mountain biking - the one everyone thinks of which is downhill riding, free riding, and cross country. If you’re a professional cyclist or a dedicated amateur you’ll want to buy a bike specifically designed for each style, but if you’re a casual cyclist who’ll want to try one style one weekend and a different style the next, any good mountain bike will do.

Most people will buy a brand new tool whenever they take up a brand new hobby. This is a mistake. Examine yourself. Have you done this in the past - decided on a hobby, bought all the equipment, used it once - then stored it in your garage and never used it again?

So, if possible, rent a bike first - indeed, in so doing you’ll be able to try out quite a few bikes and decide on which one you’d like to buy. Make sure that the people renting you the bikes have taken proper care of them, of course, and that they’re not just “beaters.”

Are you a beginner?
If there’s any mountain biking in your area, chances are there’ll be a club or two, which will cater to beginners. The best thing to do is seek out your local bike shop. Anyone there can tell you what goes on in your area. In addition, most bike shops will have racks featuring the brochures of local clubs, and bike maps of the local trails, for free.

Practice makes perfect
If you’re not in shape - you can get in shape with mountain biking… if you make a concentrated effort to do so. Set yourself goals of miles to ride each day. If you don’t have the time to ride an hour or so everyday, but if you have a steep hill near your home, you can always spend ten minutes or so doing wind sprints up and down that hill. This will increase your stamina and strengthen your leg muscles no end. (Make sure you check with your doctor to make sure you have no health problems that would limit vigorous exercise.)

Don’t get on a bike and then find the toughest trail and through yourself down it. Start with beginning trails and work on your skills for a while.

Staying safe
Riders fall. Face it - it’s going to happen. So the most important piece of equipment you have, after a good bike - is a good helmet. Never buy a used helmet - you don’t know what’s happened to it. Also of use to the mountain biker are goggles or other eye protection, elbow and knee pads, and good shoes. Always carry a few dollars and some change in a pocket so you can call for help if need be, and make sure you have identification on you at all times. (That last bit of advice is good for any type of biking, or jogging, come to that!) Always be prepared for the worst to happen, and then it [probably] never will.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton is the author and editor of many bicycles articles and newsletters published at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . Find more publications about mountain bike reviews at his website.
Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment June 20th, 2007

Advocating Bikers’ Rights - The Mountain Biking Association

By: David Faulkner

One of the realities of being human is that the passions we share with others are the ones which bring us the most happiness and fulfillment. You may have friends who enjoy mountain biking with you every once in a while, but do not understand why you spend your days dreaming of the next time you can mount up and head out to conquer the wilderness. You deserve to find kindred spirits, and you should think about becoming a member of a mountain biking association.

The IMBA

The first place you should look for companionship is the International Mountain Biking Association; they have been around since 1988, and are considered the original mountain biking associations. The International Mountain Biking Association was the brain child of five California clubs who wanted to organize against the threatened closure of the biking terrain throughout their state.

The five charter members of the International Mountain Biking Association were Bicycles Trails Council East Bay; Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers; Concerned Off road Bicyclists Association; the Sacramento Rough Riders; and Bicycle Trails Council Marin.

The International Mountain Biking Association has grown significantly in the two decades since it began, and has continuously campaigned to preserve mountain biking trails and terrain. They are the ultimate advocates keeping biking trails open across the globe.

The IMBA Center

The International Mountain Biking Association has created a center which provides professional services including trail design, and works with the United States government through the Congress, the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service and he National Park Service as an advocate for the interests of off-road cyclists.

The IMBA also lends its support to mountain biking associations on a local level; with assistance from other corporate sponsors, they help with finances, and the building and maintaining of local biking trails.

One of the beneficiaries of help from the IMBA has been the New England Mountain Bike Association , a group of New Englander who promotes biking on the best international trails. The IMBA has helped them by preserving the very trails which they promote, and by educating the entire mountain world in safe and responsible cycling.

The IMBA publishes “Trail Solutions,” a 272-page manual offering mountain cycling clubs advice on state-of-the-art trail design and construction tips with proven fundamentals in a colorful, easy-to-read format.

The manual also explains ways to attract sponsors and volunteers to help get the trail builst. It was written by over twenty mountain biking and trail construction experts.

If you are looking for a mountain biking association with members who share your enthusiasm, start with a local but well-established group. You’ll find them very helpful in introducing you to the wider world of mountain cycling, and perhaps event to some of its superstars!

–About–

You can also find more info on All About Mountain Biking and Freeride Mountain Biking. Mountainbikingreviews.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about mountain biking reviews.
Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment June 20th, 2007

Mountain Biking Parts: Piecing Together The Perfect Ride

By: David Faulkner

The enjoyment you get from mountain biking will depend on a variety of factors. Terrain which is challenging without being impossible, friends who share your enthusiasm for the ride, and a bike designed to suit your abilities are all important. But of these, the most important is your mountain bike, so you’ll want to make sure it has the best available mountain biking parts.

The wheels and tires, brakes, pedals, suspension, and saddle of your bike are all mountain biking parts which can have a great effect on the quality of your mountain biking experience. And of these, the tires are the ones which can end your ride more quickly than any of the others. While there are differing schools of thought on the use of tubeless tires on mountain bikes, most professional bikers avoid them.

The Tire Debate Even though tubeless tires are used on automobiles, they would leak under the rigors of mountain biking, requiring tubes to be inserted. There have even been reports from those who sell mountain biking parts that tubeless tires leak even while on the bikes in their shops.

Furthermore, tubeless tires are not only more expensive than regular ones; they require that you have rims and rim strips especially designed to handle them, and you’ll have to pay for those as well.

Second only to your tires in importance as mountain biking parts are your brakes; you should have your brakes tested periodically. Your bike suspension or suspension fork is also critical to your comfort and safety, as is your saddle; pedals and gloves are not quite as necessary to your safety but can certainly play a big part in pain prevention.

Shopping For Mountain Biking Parts You’ll have a wide variety of mountain biking parts from which to select, and, to find the best quality at the best price, you should do some comparison shopping at the different sporting goods stores and bike shops in your area. If you are comfortable shopping on line, there are dozen of Internet sites where you can learn about and purchase the mountain biking parts you need.

With the surging popularity of mountain biking , mountain biking parts manufacturers are constantly trying to improve on their products technologies, durability, and weight. The price of their research is passed along to you in the high cost of your mountain biking parts.

Even if you wince at the prices you are paying, the satisfaction you’ll get from knowing you have the safest equipment available will take some of the pain out of its pricing. A first-rate mountain biking adventure begins with having first-rate mountain biking parts!

–About–

You can also find more info on Freeride Mountain Biking and Mountain Biking Dirt Jumps. Mountainbikingreviews.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about mountain biking reviews.
Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment June 20th, 2007