Mountain Bike Fun!

Mountain biking is like any other sport, if you are not fully prepared for the exertion that you are about to take part in you could well find yourself getting injured in any number of ways. Whether it is a pulled muscle or a strain to something more serious these are things that you do not want to encounter and they are easily avoided if you take the correct precautions before you set off for your ride and also in the first few miles of your ride. So what are the main things that you should do to ensure you stay injury free before you even set off on your ride?

We all know that stretching is a really important thing that we all need to do before we take part in sport. Making sure that the muscles are stretched properly and warmed up before a ride is important because if you do not do this you risk pulling a muscle or even increasing the likelihood of getting cramp during your ride. Suffering from either of these ailments when riding is not to be recommended. Not only should you stretch your legs, mainly your quads, calf’s and hamstrings but stretching out your lower back is equally important.

Due to the fact that your back is generally in an unnatural position when riding a bike it is common for cyclists to get back ache when riding, for this reason it is important to make sure that you do plenty of really good stretches before you set off on a ride otherwise you could find yourself many miles from home and suffering from a bad back. This is a problem amongst cyclists who take part in all different cycling disciplines but when you factor in the bumps and shocks that you encounter when on a mountain bike ride you can see why it is really important to do your best to minimise this. The tyres that you use on your mountain bike can play a big part in minimising the shock that you may feel through your back. One of the tyres most suited to this that you can ride is the Maxxis Ignitor.

When you do set off on your ride you should be careful to start off at a steady pace to ease your body into the exertion that you are about to take part in. Remember even though you may have stretched all of your important muscles the biggest muscle of all, your heart, still needs to be warmed up to make it ready for exercise.

So in summary the best way to properly warm up and prepare for a mountain bike is stretch all muscle groups, fit the correct tyres if you suffer from a back complaint. The maxxis ignitor is ideal and make sure that you start your ride at a steady pace.



By: Harwood E Woodpecker

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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.



By: Alastair Hamilton

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Ask any serious mountain biker and they will tell you how important mountain bike shoes are. These shoes are designed especially for the rough terrain and to keep the feet on pedals. This prevents the biker from losing the footing and causing the bike to tumble.

Mountain shoes are the Rolls Royce of cycling shoes. If you are riding for more than 10 miles, mountain bikes make a huge difference. As the peddling intensifies, foot comfort becomes vital to relieve pressure from legs.

Benefits of Having a Mountain Bike

Mountain shoes are as important as helmet. They not only protect your feet from discomfort and injury, but also help in long endurance races.

Rather than waste hundreds and thousands of dollars traveling all across the country on a good mountain bike, it is better to spend a few hundred dollars on good mountain shoes.

It makes no sense skimping the cycling shoes just to save few bucks when your feet wishes to do more than just biking.

How to Select

Selecting a good mountain bike shoe isn’t that difficult. All you require is a keen sense of feel and touch. Most mountain shoes are made of sturdy and wear-resistant materials built to last and endure longer.

Wear the mountain shoe and check whether it fits tightly on your legs. Proper fitting ensures a firm foothold while cycling on rough terrain.

Good biking shoes not only offer you firm grip and comfort, but are also made to protect you from nasty falls. Mountain bike racing is a crazy sport and preferred only for the strong hearted. Kids and teenagers love doing them. If you wish to get the best deal, click online.

Biking shoes are a long lasting companion of adventure lovers who love to cycle for long stretches in mountainous terrain.



By: Kathy Mercado

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Before buying a mountain bike, think about what type of riding you are planning to do. Are you into mostly smooth hardpack with little obstacles or bumpy technical singletrack with lots of rocks and logs? Do you want to do drops and jumps with your bicycle? Are you planning to race or use the bike for recreational riding? Once you figure out what type of riding you will be doing, you can narrow your focus to what type of bike you want.

1. Hardtail vs. Full Suspension

Hardtail Mountain Bikes: Hardtails have suspension in the front fork, but not in the rear of the bike. They are good for racing and climbing because they are lighter and more efficient than full suspension mountain bikes. Hardtails perform well on smooth hardpack, but on more bumpy and technical terrain, they do not perform as well or are as comfortable as a full suspension. In general, hardtails are less expensive than full suspension bikes.

Full Suspension Mountain Bikes: Full suspension bikes have suspension in the front fork and in the frame of the bike. They perform better and are more comfortable on technical terrain because they absorb bumps better than hardtail bikes. Full suspension bikes come in a variety of options that range in price, weight, amount of suspension, and components.

2. How much suspension do you need?:

Full suspension bikes come in several different categories:

Cross Country Race: Lightest in weight. Usually around 100 mm of suspension. Best for racing and climbing.

Cross Country Trail/Marathon: A little heavier than cross country race bikes, usually having 120-140 mm of suspension. Better for more epic rides because more comfortable. Increasingly more lightweight options in this category available for more cost, which make them a good bike for longer races.

All Mountain/Enduro: Burlier and heavier than cross country bikes, often having around 140-160 mm of suspension. Harder to climb with them, but great for more gnarly downhill riding.

Freeride Bikes: Burlier and heavier than all mountain, usually equipped with 160-180 mm of suspension. Great for technical stunts, jumps, and drops. Not good for climbing.

Downhill Bikes: The burliest and heaviest type of mountain bike, often having 180-220 mm of suspension. Made for taking up a lift or shuttle and riding downhill fast and furious. Can handle drops of several feet. Not made for climbing.

3. 26 Inch vs 29 Inch Wheels:

Traditionally, mountain bikes have had wheels that are 26 inches in diameter. More recently, 29er mountain bikes have entered the market. 29ers have wheels that are 29 inches in diameter. There are many advantages of this larger wheel size, but it may not be the right choice for everyone.



By: Mary Blomquist

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Mongoose Rockadile is a product of the very big brand Mongoose. When it comes to mountain bikes then there are lots of options available, because today the sport of mountain biking is providing a very large market and large number of companies and brands are jumped into this arena. But as we know that not all the companies or brands are providing required quality and it is difficult to choose the right one.

Today, one of the most respected brands in the business of bike manufacturing is Mongoose. Mongoose is famous for its high reputation and its high quality bikes that have the ability to handle any kind of situation. The company Mongoose was began in early 1974 and the person named Skip Hess is started this company in the form of small business in South California. After some time this company was sold to the investors named Pacific Cycle.

Basically Mongoose offers different types of BMX bikes of different models. The different models of Rockadile bikes have different styles and specifications and cost of these bikes are obliviously depends on the size, style and specifications of the bike. Actually they produce bikes of different calibers for all kind of riders. Normally all the Mongoose bikes are associated with the sports bikes.

Rockadile BMX mountain bike is also a model of Mongoose Company. This model is released in the year of 2009. Let us take a look on the different specifications of Rockadile mountain bike.

Specifications of Mongoose Rockadile:

Rockadile is a very comfortable mountain bike. The frame of this bike is very strong that is made up of pure aluminum. Usually the size of this bike is about 24 inches which is really very comfortable for teenagers and also for senior persons. Rockadile has a seven speed chain that allows its riders to set different levels of speed.

The shape and design of Rockadile is very attractive and it is available in different colors like black, white etc. It also have a front suspension system that provides shock absorption and very smooth or better handling on the trail.

Rockadile mountain bike has Promax Alloy V-brakes that are very soft as compare with other models of the Mongoose bikes but they stop sharply on the dry surface. The overall weight of this bike is very low and it also has a very good pair of tires that provide very firm grip with the surface.

Reliability of Mongoose Rockadile:

It is a very reliable mountain bike. The biggest advantage of this bike is that you have the peace of mind because of the reputation of the company. So, Rockadile bikes are very reliable and some dealers also provide limited warranty for them. It is a quality product and can found in almost every part of the world.

Cost of Mongoose Rockadile:

The Rockadile bike is available is very reasonable prices but the prices of this bike varies from country to country. In some countries Mongoose Rockadile bike is comparatively expensive while in some countries the price of this bike is comparatively low.



By: Hassan Mansoor Siddiqui

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When it comes to choosing a new mountain bike, the beginner can be overwhelmed by the choices available today. They come in a variety of styles designed to excel for certain riding conditions. There are different frame materials to choose from and the component options are many. There are several price ranges as well from around $500 for a low end entry level bike to well over $10,000 for top of the line bikes.

For the beginner choosing a mountain bike pretty much comes down to a couple of factors, what type of riding will they be doing and where do they live. The location can help narrow a decision based on the local geography. If you want to ride down steep mountain trails and all around you is gentle sloping hills a downhill bike is not going to be the best choice.

On the other hand if you do live in an area where a variety of riding styles can be done then it is up to personal preference. Do you want to ride gentle hills, climb big mountains, perform stunts, descend down difficult downhill courses, or just have fun?

Depending on your preference of riding, the bike you choose will most likely come from one of these categories: cross country, all mountain, freeride, or downhill. There will be many options to choose from within these categories, but the basic concept of the bikes within each category remains the same.

An all mountain bike is the category that makes sense for most buyers. These bikes are designed to pretty much do well for a large number of conditions. They can go just about anywhere and are light enough to do it efficiently. If general all around fun is what you are looking for, this is the type of bike to buy.

Cross country bikes may look somewhat similar to an all mountain bike but there are some big differences. They are built for speed so they are very lightweight. To go fast also means that the suspension needs to be stiffer resulting in a less comfortable ride. The cross country bike will have narrow tires to allow for higher speeds on harder surfaces. Designed to excel on hard pack surfaces this type will not be well suited for rough off road trails. For fast rides on and off road a cross country bike cannot be beat.

Freeride bikes are tough and designed to go through some rough off road terrain. Heavier than an all mountain bike it is still light enough to get you up a hill though it is going to be harder. Its tough design is made to take jumps and perform stunts as well as ride some rough off road trails.

Downhill bikes are just what the name implies, built to go downhill. They are the least common of mountain bikes you will see. They are very heavy, so going up the hills they are meant to go down is not likely to be an option. These bikes need different way to get to the top of the mountain but if you are looking for the fastest way down nothing beats a downhiller no matter how rough the trail is.

After giving it some thought, a beginner can easily come to a decision about exactly what type of mountain bike is going to be best suited for them by knowing what type of riding they will be doing.



By: Scott Z Henderson

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As a beginner mountain biking enthusiast, it is easy to become like a child in a candy store. You may become enamored with all the accessories and want to purchase everything you see in the bike shop. Although there are many types of mountain bike accessories being sold in the market today, many of them are unneeded. So save your money for the essentials. Instead of buying everything, spend your money wisely on safety gear and accessories.

Helmets

A mountain bike helmet is one of the most important accessories that you need. Unfortunately, many bikers do not wear helmets when they ride. Perhaps they feel wearing a helmet takes away from the extreme nature of mountain biking. But wearing a helmet is one of the safest things you can do. You can prevent severe head injuries during a fall. To safeguard your head when negotiating difficult mountain bike trails, you need to wear a reliable headgear. A well made helmet is your best protection when you negotiating difficult trails. This one is really a no-brainer.

Gloves

Next to a good mountain bike helmet, mountain bike gloves to protect your hands are the best accessory you can invest in. There are many times you will need to grip the handle of your bike tightly when you negotiate difficult trails. A good set of gloves will help cushion your hands. And if you should take a fall, your hands are usually the first thing that touches the ground. If you are not wearing gloves, you could suffer serious injuries when you try to break your fall and your hands hit the dirt and any sharp objects like rocks.

What type of gloves are the best to purchase? You are better off buying full-fingered gloves. While not quite as comfortable as those that protect only your palm and half the length of your fingers, full fingered gloves will protect you much better if you should take a fall.

Eye Protection

Your set of mountain bike accessories will not be complete without eye protection. It is important to protect your eyes when you go biking. You can run into some deep trouble if something like dust gets into your eyes and blurs your eyesight. Something as small as dust or small insects can easily get into your eyes while you negotiate mountain bike trails.

Shoes

When it comes to accessories, a good pair of mountain bike shoes should also be on your list. Staying comfortable is very important to your overall enjoyment of a ride. If you buy a good pair of shoes designed specifically for mountain biking, your feet will be less sore than if you wear just any shoes.

There are many other accessories available for you to buy. But, if you are just starting out, this is a short list of those mountain bike accessories that you should consider to help you get the most enjoyment from your rides.



By: Rob Pool

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A mountain bike mainly depends up on its design and the design is basically the structure of its frame. The performance of a mountain bike has a large variety of application and for each application some variation in its frame is required. In the preceding paragraphs I will discuss some variations in the frames of mountain bike which has impact on the ride itself.

Metallurgy

The bike frames are available in a variety of materials which affect the weight of the bike directly. The heavier frames are made up of steel while steel alloy frames are a bit lighter in weight comparatively. These frames are used in bikes for local commutation and in bikes meant for pavement or road riding. These frames are much more brittle to take the ruggedness of free riding and quickly bend or break.
The lightest frames are made of aluminum and its alloys. These frames are very light in weight and are usually used in bikes meant for free riding and downhill biking. These frames are more flexible and can sustain a lot of rough handling involved in the roughed mountain biking sports.

Frame Size

The size of the frame has a direct impact on the performance of a bike. A bike with a larger frame will automatically have more weight and will have a center of gravity much higher from the ground. This will make the bike more stable while going down on slopes. But it would make the bike difficult to lift and to balance at a slower speed.

In contrast to that, bikes with smaller frames will be much lighter and easier to handle while maneuvering in through a dirt track or jumping across a ditch. Therefore it is better to get a bike with a smaller frame if free riding is your aim.

Frame Complexity

A frame has to cater for the type of suspension that it is using. A bike with a hard tail will not require a complicated frame where as a bike with a rear suspension will have to have a complex frame to cater for the inclusion of the rear suspension

Frame plays an important role in a mountain bike which will dictate its performance, selecting the right frame for your needs is what you have to keep in mind when you go to get yourself the next bike.



By: Paul Kramer

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Mountain Bike Maintenance and Care

Ok, so you’ve found your dream bike. After taking it for a few rides, especially some rough ones, the bike is going to take some hits. That’s just what happens in an extreme sport like this. But don’t worry: it’s easy to keep your bike in great condition..

Provided here is an extensive list of the various tools and methods that will help keep your equipment in perfect shape at all times, for low cost and hassle.

Tools to Keep in the Garage:

Flat cone wrench Pump Cable cutter Chain-riveting tool Chain whip Tire levers Headset wrenches Spoke wrench Crank puller Screwdrivers (Philips and flat) Pliers
Tools to Bring on the Ride

Hand pump Spare tire tub Pocket knife Multi-tool Patches or spare pieces of rubber Chain-riveting tool Allen wrench Puncture kit
Mountain Bike Cleaning

Warm water and sponge Liquid soap WD-40 or other degreaser A soft cloth to dry

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your bike is a great way to ensure that it stays in the same great condition as when you bought it. The fun part is getting it muddy, but cleaning and repairing it are just as important.

We recommend that before every serious ride you get out your tools and have a good look at your equipment. It may seem like a hassle at times, but the last thing in the world you want is to get to halfway down the mountain and something breaks or comes undone. Don’t become a victim of unpreparedness: take care of your mountain bike and it’ll take care of you.



By: David A Carter

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Mountain biking is popular today for a number of reasons. The first is that it can be an exciting and thrilling sport, but another reason is because it can give you a really good workout.

Many people do not realize that mountain biking can be extremely demanding on the body. Cycling over different types of terrain can be a struggle and if you are travelling long distances that can also really tire you out. So if you are just starting out with the sport of mountain biking then you may want to take part in fitness training before you attempt to cycle too far.

Why Take Part in Mountain Bike Fitness Training?

The main reason why you should take part in mountain bike fitness training is because if you don’t you will not benefit from the sport as much as you could do. Your legs in particular will become tired quickly and that will cause you to become uncomfortable if you try to continue riding. Mountain bike fitness training will enable you to build up the strength in your legs and you will develop what are known as “climbing legs”. Climbing legs are basically long, toned and lean legs. They are strong and they can easily deal with any terrain that you have to cycle over.

Your stamina will also be improved through regular mountain bike fitness training. This will enable you to go on longer bike journeys and you could even take advantage of the many mountain bike tours available around the world.

One benefit which many women in particular will like the sound of is that mountain bike training uses the largest muscles in the body, which in turn helps to burn fat. This therefore helps you to lose weight and you will start to become toned in no time. With mountain biking you tend to be going at slower speeds and that gives you a low intensity workout which is excellent for those who cannot put up with a high intensity workout! You also won’t have to worry about gaining too much muscle because of the fact that it is low intensity.

Overall mountain bike fitness training is definitely needed if you want to make the most of your biking experience. It will enable you to build your strength and your stamina, which will in turn allow you to take part in longer, more exciting bike rides. It can also be an excellent form of exercise and as well as helping you out in mountain biking, it can also help you to enjoy other areas of your life too as you will be more active and physically fitter.



By: Alison Addy

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