Mountain Bike Fun!

Mountain biking is truly an adrenaline fuelled sport and there’s nothing better than speeding down an off-road dirt track on a Saturday afternoon. Hitting a nice jump and landing it perfectly. Covering the distance and having fun are just a couple of reasons why people get out and enjoy this awesome sport.

However there a few who take things a little more seriously than others and feel the need to want to go further, jump higher and go faster and then do even more the next time.

These people want to know exact information on their own performance so they can track their own progression and get better at mountain biking.

You can install a bike computer to your bike however these can be a little fiddly to fit and can be a little inaccurate when tracking what has been done. This is because typically they rely on an attachment that needs to be fitted to the forks of the bike and to the spokes of the front wheel.

These can be inaccurate mainly because the owner of the bike has installed them incorrectly. The other reason is that they don’t secure them properly and the first knock the bike takes can cause the bike computer and its components to fall off the bike. If this happens they can easily be lost and this can be extremely frustrating.

The last thing you want to have to do is to back track across miles of terrain looking for something that is smaller than a penny. There is, however, an alternative which is growing in popularity and is the next best thing after the standard bike computer.

You can try using a GPS watch for tracking your performance on your bike. These devices use satellites to track what you do and don’t rely on some calculation based on your bikes wheel circumference. They are easy to get up and running and can be used for other sports and activities too.

They do cost a little more however the functionality in comparison, plus the fact that most of these devices can be worn as a normal everyday watch make it a good thing for most active mountain bikers.

There are many GPS watches available on the market however as a start off watch I would strongly urge you to look at something like the Garmin 305 GPS Receiver and the Garmin 305 Speed/ Cadence Bike Sensor which will give you up to the minute data during your ride.



By: Joey Gardo


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expertvillage asked:

Learn how to check your mountain bike wheels to stay safe and ensure they’re properly pumped up in thisfree video series that covers the basics of how to become a knowledgeable off-road bike racer. Expert: Mickey Denoncourt Contact: www.spookybikes.com Bio: Mickey Denoncourt owns Spooky Bikes, at www.spookybikes.com. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Deciding what size of mountain bike will be the perfect one considering your body size is perhaps the hardest thing to decide when buying a bike. Stop fretting about the kind of metal with which the frame is made or other technical descriptions; the single most important issue in getting the right mountain bike is perhaps the sizing. Although there are quite a number of differing opinions about right sizing of a bike, they come together on a few points about bike sizing. And those are the points we are going to discuss here in this article, so you can have an easy time buying a mountain bike for you.

The first measurement needed is the inseam, similar to what you do when buying long pants. But, you should think about the seat and using the trouser inseam may not be proper. To know mountain mike sizing, stand against a wall, extend your feet about six inches apart, then place a ruler or another object between your legs. Slowly raise it until it fits into the crotch similar to the seat and have someone mark the place. To know your inseam, measure from the floor to the mark on the wall. This is the right way to take the measurement.

Choosing frame size can be dubious depending on whether you measure from centre to top, or centre to centre. The handlebar tube and seat tube can be modified down and up. However, so far as sizing a mountain bike is concerned the right length separating them very well can make or mar the ride.

It is less difficult to get mountain bike sizing to fit your body from a stationary posture, using a stand that holds the back wheel above the ground like an immobile bike. The front portion should also be above ground to make the top bar of the bike equal with the ground. Keeping the pedals in the level position, the knee of the leading leg should be directly over the peddle where the foot is resting. The majority of seats permit a slight adjustment of the seat forwards and backwards, to achieve this position.

When uncertain about the right system for correct mountain bike sizing, go to a shop that has specialty in mountain bikes for guidance. Those who are dedicated enough to purchase a bike that fits their body will feel it to be an extension of their upper torso, arms and legs, and going over the toughest surface will seem like a walk in the clouds.



By: Adam Peters

About the Author:

AMGKev asked:

I realized after watching this that my front wheel lock was loose – I’m surprised it stayed on after climbing that tree at about 2:30 into the video. Taken on Nov 1, 2009.

evanscycles asked:

Tightening the right spokes can make a big difference – this video shows you how to fix a buckled wheel.

MTBmcom asked:

MTBmaintenance.com. If your wheel isn’t spinning freely on the trail or after correctly mounting your wheel or installing new caliper or rotor or just slightly of after a rough ride, try this quick caliper adjustment. More Videos Coming Soon.

russg22 asked:

from the website www.howto.tv Firstly, make sure that it’s not your valve that’s leaking. The best way to test this is to immerse the valve in water. If you can see bubbles, that’s the problem. Repairing a puncture is easier at home than on the road, and you’ll need the following tools and materials – tyre levers, a spanner, a puncture repair kit, a bike pump, a spare inner tube, and a bucket or bowl full of water. Locate the puncture by rotating the wheel and checking for sharp objects, which must be removed. To repair the puncture, first remove the wheel by loosening the wheel nuts with a spanner, and if you have a modern bike, operate the quick release bolts or mechanisms on your brakes. Take the wheel off. Check that the inner tube is deflated, push the side wall of the tyre away from the rim – this must be done on the opposite side to the value. Insert the flat end of a tyre lever into the gap, and push the lever down to hook over a spoke. Insert a second tyre lever next to the first and repeat the process. Place a third lever carefully under the tyre wall, and run it all the way round the tyre wall. One side of the tyre is now free, so you can reach in and pull out the inner tube a section at a time. Unscrew the valve and push it out carefully. Give the inner tube two or three bursts of air with your bike pump. Place the tube in a bucket or bowl of water, and look for bubbles. Mark your puncture with a crayon. Take the sandpaper from the puncture repair kit, and b…/b

When you are planning to buy a superior mountain bike, there are certain factors to consider, like whether the bike has single or dual suspension, selecting a carbon fiber, titanium, or steel frame, and disc or rim brakes.

Another essential feature is the selection of mountain bike wheels that the many models contain. Some of the wheel features include the traction of the tire, the rims, and with or without tube.

Rims:

The rim is one of the primary considerations because it is where the mountain bike wheels will be mounted upon.

When buying a rim it is always true that the more you pay for the better quality product you get. And it goes without saying that it is always better not to compromise on quality. Steel and aluminum are the two mostly used substances utilized to build rims of mountain bike wheels.

Besides this, there are lesser spokes, hidden ******* and trick spoke lacing in the better quality rims of mountain bike wheels. Rim ******* are the raised parts that are fixed to the rim of the wheel, connecting the spokes to the rim.

Traction:

One more crucial feature to take note of is the traction that the tires will supply. The traction of the mountain bike wheel is essential because it lets the wheel to hold the surface the mountain biker will ride on. Hence, the traction of the wheel should be suited to the kind of terrain the rider prefers to explore.

The treads of tires also differ in the depth of the tread pattern. For instance, it may not look like to have a pattern at all, and seem nearly bald. Some treads may be prominent and detailed. The idea is that more the prominence of the tread, greater the traction and grip, and less prominence would mean less resistance of the mountain bike.

Tubeless:

If the biker wishes to remain tubeless then a tubeless mountain bike tire will lay to rest the usual puncture of tires with tubes. That can be a big relief if you come to think of it, actually!

This common puncture is called a pinch flat, caused when the tire



By: Adam Peters

About the Author:

BikesOnSnow asked:

Andy and Brooke ride the latest Fellowship of the Wheel trail network in Jericho, Vermont after doing six hours of trail work. Build what you ride! www.fotwheel.org

scheelsadmin asked:

Scheels Bike Expert Joe Hommerding shows how to true a wheel. (Part 2)