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So Many Bikes, So Little Time

A hardtail mountain bike.

Image via Wikipedia

Mountain biking has become a favorite way to stay active and fit, so much so that today there hundreds of different bikes to choose from. Trying to decide what is the best bike for your needs doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Consider a few key points and you will soon find yourself hitting the trails on your brand new bike.

First, consider what you will be doing with your bike. If you are in for the full on adventure, you will need a full-suspension bike and all the latest technology. If you are not interested in that much adventure, a hybrid bike is more in keeping with your needs. Hybrid bikes are great bikes because they work just as well on streets as they do trails.

Finally, you must consider what your budget is. Like anything, a mountain bike can cost you a lot of money. Typical bikes will run between $600 and $5,000. You can find a bike to fit your budget.

When you think about it, a mountain bike is not unlike a pair of running shoes. Just as a runner must decide what they need by speaking with an expert, sometimes your best bet is to go into the bike shop and talk to them. They will help find a bike that is the best fit for your needs and your budget.

Remember, if you are new to the sport, it is a good idea to start with a less expensive model. You can always upgrade later.

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Basic Mountain Bike Maintenance

Mountain Bike Wilder Ranch

Image by richardmasoner via Flickr

Mountain biking is all about getting out in the wilderness and having fun. However, there is a boring and tedious part to mountain biking; having to care and maintain your bike.

Bike maintenance is critical to ensure the safety of yourself and others who are riding the bike. A well maintained bike will also run smoother which allows you to focus on the thrills and excitement that comes with mountain biking and not worry about getting injured.

Here’s a look at some of the basic mountain bike maintenance you need to do to your bike on a regular basis.

A Complete Wash

Mountain biking can be a very dirty sport. The dirt and debris that you ride through while biking can collect in the wheels, chains and other parts of the bike which puts your safety at risk. Every once in a while a complete wash of the mountain bike is needed. Everything from the seat, handlebars and wheels needs to washed with soap and water and hosed down.

The Wheel Test

A complete wheel test needs to be performed to make sure your bike is operating properly. Place the bike with the wheels up to perform this test. Take each wheel and make sure it turns properly in the bike and there is no interruption. You will also want to check the air pressure of each wheel and fill any that have low air pressure.

Running through the basic mountain bike maintenance steps once a month will ensure that you are safe and secure while enjoying your favorite extreme sport.

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Have A Heard About Mountain Bikes Or Mountain Bicycle?

A cross country mountain bike race.

Image via Wikipedia

You have surely heard about bikes but have you ever heard about mountain bikes? Bike is a two-wheeler vehicle which people ride on the road. On the other hand, mountain bike or mountain bike are those bikes which are suitable to be ridden in the areas such as mountains, rocky areas, steep areas and the likes. It is difficult or nearly impossible to ride road bikes in such areas since road bicycle/bikes will not be able to endure the obstacles that are there in such areas in the forms of rocks or uneven surface.
If people attempt to ride road bikes in these areas, they would not succeed and their bike/ bicycle may also get out of order. Thus, mountain bikes are designed especially in such a manner so that they can withstand the conditions of such areas easily. Normal wheels are not used in mountain bikes but the wheels with the facility of rims are used in the manufacturing of such bikes. In addition to this, the tires of these wheels are wider than the wheels used in road bikes. It is the width of the tires along with the rims which make it suitable to be ridden on uneven surface.
Earlier, mountain bikes were manufactured so that people could reach their desired destination which is in hilly areas easily using these bikes. However, its popularity has changed the scenario, mountain biking is now taken as a sport as well by a number of people. Now, people ride these bikes in mountain in order to practice for their competition. This competitive spirit in people helps them in taking it up seriously as they do so with an aim to win the game.
The competitions of mountain biking are held in different ways such as cross country biking, free ride biking, endurance biking for a day and so on. Cross country is a well known form of competition and mountain bikers wait for this competition and work really hard to win these games. So, are you planning to buy mountain bike soon?

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Mountain Bike Training Myths

For many, mountain biking is a true passion and they want to do all they can to improve their skill on the trails. There are, however, several myths surrounding how one should go about getting better. There’s more to mountain biking than just practice. The following will debunk some of the more common myths around mountain bike training.

Improving your cardio is one of the primary myths surrounding getting better on the trails. It is certainly important, but being more efficient on the trail is going to help you more. Building up your strength and mobility in the gym will help you be more efficient on the trails, and work on your biking skills while off the trails. You’ll have less wasted energy as your body learns to move and respond better. Perfecting your technical skills should result in better speed and momentum on the trail. In the end you’ll be able to go faster while pedaling less often.

Riding your bike more often in order to improve is another common myth. Certainly you need to ride the trails in order to practice, but at some point you’re going to master the technical skills and max out your fitness level. Strength and conditioning in the gym is going to help you more at this point, than any extra time you spend on your bike. Working in the gym will not only improve your fitness level but will give you the extra strength and endurance needed to push yourself on the trails.

Getting a bike fit is another common myth to help your trail performance. Bike fits are essential for road cycling but less so for trails. The high level of skill required by mountain biking requires that your bike fit the demands of the trails, not your mobility or lack thereof. Again, strength and mobility training are going to do more for your trail work than any bike fit, especially if you want to progress.

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Cyclocross Racing 101

Cyclocross is a specialized form of bicycle racing with events held in the traditional off season for cycling. Held in the winter and fall, cyclocross races involve several laps around a small course comprised of pavement, turf, inclines, wooded trails and obstacles that require the rider to dismount, get over or under or around the barrier with their bike, and then continue on mounted.

Cyclocross may sound like a bizarre combination of rugged terrain hiking, cycling and mountain biking; that’s exactly what it is. This wild and crazy sport has, however, been around since the 1940’s and the first world championship for cyclocross was held in Paris a short ten years later.

More popular in Europe, it is nevertheless, catching on in North America. The bicycles are similar to road racing bikes; they are lightweight with skinny tires. They need to be light in order to be easily carried across obstacles. Riders are often forced to carry their bicycles on their shoulders or back as they struggle up steep, muddy slopes or across barriers.

Unlike other forms of cycle racing, cyclocross riders are allowed to change bikes in mid course. Their crew can clean and fix up one bike while the rider continues on the course with another.

Cyclocross riders may be a certain kind of crazy, but they’re also incredibly fit. Not only must they have top notch riding skills, but they must have the strength and endurance required of both mountain bikers and extreme hikers. These riders are also a rare breed; they’re tough, resilient and leave all excuses behind.

Cyclocross, an extreme form of cycling, is certainly not for everybody. For those who do love the sport, there is little else on their minds but winning and the next race. It separates the men from the boys in the world of cycling, and while few things compare to days long road bike competitions, cyclcocross is a different breed of cycling entirely.

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Winter Mountain Biking

The arrival of fall traditionally signals nearly the end of mountain bike season in many parts of the world. The onset of winter, however, doesn’t mean that you need to put your mountain bike away for the next several months. Mountain biking can be enjoyed during the winter as long as a few sensible precautions are taken. The following are some suggestions to help you enjoy mountain biking even during the winter.

Personal protection while mountain biking is paramount, no less so in the winter. Icy trail conditions can be hazardous and mishaps can be dangerous if you’re not adequately protected. Arm, leg and feet protection is necessary but so is head and face protection. Padding, helmets and guards are all mandatory for the winter mountain biker.

Protection against the cold is also a concern. Perspiration and loss of heat during winter biking can lead to serious issues. Bulky clothing will only hinder your movement so clothing that is breathable to allow perspiration and moisture to dry while still being warm is essential. Gloves should always be worn, not only to protect from the cold but also to ensure a firm grip on the handles. Choose gloves that are thin enough to maintain good control of the bike but that are also warm enough to protect your hands.

Inspecting the bike’s tires is important during regular biking season, but more so during the winter. Tire pressure must be at the appropriate level for your bike, and the treads should be inspected. Replacing tires that are cracked or if the tread is reduced below suggested levels will help ensure your bike is easily controlled.

Winter mountain biking can be a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy the outdoors. Choose trails where the snow is compacted and that aren’t too icy. Then just bundle up and out you go.

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