Mountain Biking–King Of Biking Sports In Texas
Any place where the terrain is rough and the sky is blue in Dallas, Houston or elsewhere in Texas is a place you’ll probably find mountain bikers. The sport of mountain biking usually refers to riding bicycles, which possess particular design characteristics, off-road, although sometimes the term simply refers to riding a mountain bike.
It’s a tough, demanding sport that requires endurance, good bike handling skills and a lot of self-reliance. It’s an individual sport that can be performed almost anywhere. There are certain aspects of mountain biking that are similar to trail running, more so than regular bicycling. And, because riders are often far from civilization, there is a strong ethic of self-reliance. Seasoned riders have learned to repair their broken bikes or flat tires to avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere. This reliance on survival skills accounts for the group dynamics of the sport. Club rides and other forms of group rides are common, especially on longer treks.
Mountain biking can be roughly broken down into five categories: cross country, downhill, freeride, dirt jump and trials/street riding. And, even though there are five very different terrains to ride upon, most mountain bikes have a similar look: knobby tires, large round- frame tubing, and some sort of suspension or shock absorbers. Mountain biking can be done anywhere from a backyard to a gravel road, but the majority of mountain bikers prefer to ride trails which they call singletrack — narrow trails that wind through forests, fields, deserts or mountainsides.
The bicycle has really been no stranger to off-roading since its invention toward the end of 1800’s. The modern sport of mountain biking originated in the 1970’s with several groups of riders in Texas and other areas of the U.S. making valid claims to playing a part in the sport’s birth.
Riders in Crested Butte, Colorado, and Cupertino, California, tinkered with their bikes and adapted them to the rigors of off-road riding. Other riders around the country copied their friends who rode motorcycles off-road, and then began riding their bikes in a similar fashion.
However, a group in Marin County, California — recognized by the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame — played a central role in the birth of the sport. They began racing down Mount Tamalpais on old 1930’s and ’40s Schwinn bicycles, retrofitted with better brakes and fatter tires. This group included Joe Breeze, Otis Guy, Gary Fisher and Keith Bontrager among others. It was Joe Breeze who built the first new, purpose-made mountain bike in 1977.
Tom Ritchey built the first regularly-available mountain bike frame, which was accessorized by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly and sold by their company called MountainBikes. The first two mass produced mountain bikes, the Specialized Stumpjumper and Univega Alpina Pro, were sold in 1982.
Mountain bikes differ from road racing bicycles in several ways. They have a smaller and stronger frame, knobby, as well as wider and higher-profile tires, which are mounted on a rim that is stronger and more durable than a standard bicycle rim. They also include a larger range of gears, to facilitate climbing up steep hills and over obstacles; a wider flat or upwardly rising handlebar that allows a more upright riding position; and, often, some form of suspension system for either the front wheel or both wheels.
The inherent comfort and flexibility of the modern mountain bike has led to an estimated 80% market share of bike sales in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries. While it is estimated that only between 10 and 20% of mountain bikes are actually ridden off-road, the sport of mountain biking has seen an explosion in popularity and diversification.
There are environmental concerns regarding a number of outdoor extreme sports, but properly-built mountain bike trails have little negative environmental impact. Studies reported in the IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) Trail Solutions manual have shown that a mountain bike’s impact is comparable to that of a hiker, and substantially less than that of an equestrian.
But irresponsible use, such as using a trail when it is too wet, can be damaging, whether the individual is on foot, bike, or horseback. It’s clear that other activities, such as horseback riding and ATV or motorcycle use, are far more damaging. Improper routing or trail construction techniques may result in a trail that does not hold up well to any kind of use. Riding in rainy conditions can create ruts and holes in the trail, making it less usable.
Physically demanding sports such as mountain biking can be a great way to exercise to maintain good health.
Pat Carpenter writes for Precedent Insurance Company. Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at http://www.precedent.com
Mountain Biking Is The King Of Biking Sports In Texas
Texas is a large wide-open state with a lot of exciting and beautiful spaces and places. There are a variety of terrains available, providing individuals who enjoy mountain biking numerous trails and roads to travel on for hundreds of miles. This variety also caters to the sport’s five different categories: cross country, downhill, freeride, dirt jump and trials/street riding
Cross-Country (XC) is the most common form of mountain biking. Participants ride point- to-point or in a loop that includes climbs and descents on a variety of terrains. However, there is a difference between common XC and XC racing, which is much more physically demanding than leisure riding. Racers train for years to be able to compete at a national level.
A typical XC bike weighs 22-28lbs, and has 0-4 inches of suspension travel front and rear.
Freeride/Big Hit Freeride is a “do anything” discipline which encompasses everything from downhill racing without the clock, to jumping, riding “North Shore” style (elevated trails made of interconnecting bridges and logs), and generally riding trails and/or stunts that require more skill and aggressive riding than XC.
Freeride bikes are generally heavier and have beefier suspensions than XC, but usually retain much of their climbing ability. The Freeride rider builds his or her bike to lean more toward a preferred level of aggressiveness. “Slopestyle” type riding is an increasingly popular style that combines big-air, stunt-ridden freeride with BMX style tricks. Slopestyle courses are usually constructed at already-established mountain bike parks, and include jumps, large drops, quarter-pipes, and other wooden obstacles.
Downhill biking is simple — riding mountain bikes downhill. While XC riding has a downhill component, downhill (or DH for short) usually refers to racing-oriented downhill riding. Downhill racing bikes are equipped with a front and rear suspension, large brakes, and use heavier frame tubing than other mountain bikes. Downhill bikes aren’t meant to be pedaled uphill, so downhill riders and racers frequently employ trucks or ski lifts to be shuttled to the top of the hill.
Downhill courses are the most physically demanding and dangerous venues for mountain biking. They include large jumps (up to and including 40 feet), drops of 10+ feet, and are generally rough and steep, top to bottom. To negotiate these obstacles at race speed, racers must possess a unique combination of total body strength, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, and mental control. Minimum body protection in a true downhill setting includes kneepads and a full-face helmet with goggles, although riders and racers commonly sport full-body suits to protect themselves.
Dirt jumping is the practice of riding bikes over shaped mounds of dirt or soil. The idea is that, after riding over the “take off,” the rider will become momentarily airborne, and aim to land on the “landing.” A mountain bike built for dirt jumping tends to have a smaller frame than one used for other disciplines. Running single speed is very common, as is using only a rear brake.
“Trials riding” consists of hopping and jumping bikes over obstacles. It can be performed either off-road or in an urban environment, and requires an excellent sense of balance. As with Dirt Jumping and BMX-style riding, emphasis is placed on style, originality and technique. There are many stylistic similarities to skateboarding. Trials bikes look almost nothing like mountain bikes. They use either 20″, 24″ or 26″ wheels and have very small, low frames, some types without a saddle.
Inherent to the sport of mountain biking is the risk of injury. There are dozens of companies that manufacture protective gear, often referred to as “armor,” to protect against injury from crashes, and mostly aimed at downhill, freeride and dirt jump riders. Armor ranges from simple knee and elbow pads to full-body padding. Some companies market full-body armor suits or jackets, that allow the rider to remove some of the padding and/or plastic plates that protect the rider’s arms. Most upper body protectors also include a spine protector that is comprised of plastic plates joined together, with foam padding underneath. Full-face helmets, often resembling motocross helmets (but usually considerably lighter and with more ventilation), are required by some bike parks, although advanced riders often wear these helmets by choice, in order to better protect their heads.
Unusual and physically demanding sports such as mountain biking can be a great way to exercise to maintain good health.
Pat Carpenter writes for Precedent Insurance Company. Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at http://www.precedent.com
Mountain Bike Shoes ,Tread The Toughest Terrain
Mountain bike shoes are specialized footwear. They are customized for the kind of cycling you plan to do, the model of your cycle, the terrain you are going to cover and finally your personalized needs.
However, the basic criterion that makes a cycling shoe is determined by the pedal of the bike.
Originally, biking shoes were made of hard leather soles made firmer with a metal or plastic shoe plate or cleat nailed to it. The cleat had a slot that fitted into the pedal of the cycle, while the toe clip and strap worked to keep the bikers grip on the pedals.
When the clipless pedal became the norm, the features of the cycling shoes had to be modernized accordingly. Hence, the shoes featured cavities or clefts to smoothly accommodate cleats for clipless pedal machines for instance in Shimano’s SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) and LOOK.
Special features of modern cycling shoes.
Mountain cycling shoes have features that make it safe and ideal for this fun filled yet highly challenging activity. They are:
1. Sole is very smooth, tough and inflexible
2. Sole is slightly curved at the ball of the foot that works to transfer force and pressure to the toe while cycling
3. Adaptable while in use
4. Features either velcro straps or even more complex straps instead of laces
5. Unhooks easily
Types of cycling shoes soles
The stuff the sole is made of and degree of tread it ensures determines the weight of the shoe, which is vital to this special footwear. There are generally three kinds of soles available:
1. Economical brands feature an injection-molded plastic sole. However, they are heavier and prone to flexing.
2. Moderately priced brands have a combination sole, either made of plastic and carbon fibre, plastic and fibreglass, or completely carbon fibre.
3. Premium brands manufactured post-2002 use carbon fibre soles.
How do the cleats of mountain cycling shoes differ from others?
The kind of pedals your cycle features determines the cleat. A clipless type pedals requires some specific cleats.
Mountain biking shoes generally come with a sunken cleat and studs lining the sole. This helps negotiate the tough terrains. These mountain specific cleats are smaller than those designed for road shoes (that generally have protruding cleats and are attached with three bolts) and are fixed to the shoe with two bolts.
Quality of the shoe
For knowing the quality of the shoe you plan to buy, check the following:
1. The firmness and grip of the sole: A stiff sole ensures better pedaling
2. What is it made of?: Premium brands come with carbon soles
3. Breathability: It should ensure good air circulation and coolness
4. The total weight of the shoe: The lighter the better
5. Durability: It is a must to endure the tough terrain
6. Comfort: Your feet must be at ease while you ride
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
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Big Pocket Bikes , Enjoy Racing On Tracks
Big pocket bikes are designed to be used for street use as well as racing. Therefore they are bigger in size compared to the original pocket bikes.
The original pocket bike
Original pocket bikes are known as mini motos. They are small sized motorcycles of about 47 inches long and 18 inches tall. They are usually run on gas.
Pocket bikes are speedy bikes. The smaller varieties reach the speed of 35 kilometers per hour. The racing models can reach speed up to 45 miles per hour whereas the higher end ones can be as fast as 50 miles per hour.
These bikes have many similarities with ordinary bikes like the disc brakes, tires, fairings, light perimeter frames and swing arms. The smaller versions are portable and can be easily carried under your arms.
The bigger version of the pocket bikes
Whereas the original pocket bike is small and sleek, and has a 50cc engine, the bigger bikes have a 100cc 4 stroke engine. They also have bigger structures and are bulkier. They are also known as midi motors or midi bikes.
You are not meant to use the small bikes on the streets as they are only meant for racing. So due to popular demand, the bigger version has come into being for use on the roads as well.
These larger bikes are double the size of the authentic pocket bikes. And can reach the speed of 65 miles per hour. However, large they may be, they are still smaller compared to mopeds but sleeker to look at.
Points to remember while using a pocket bike
1. It is obligatory to have a motorcycle license to be able to ride on your bike on the street in some states. Enquire in your states licensing office for the legal age.
2. Bigger pocket bikes are not as easy to ride on, as they require greater balancing skills, so be sure to practice on the bike prior to hitting the road.
3. Be sure to have proper lights and rear view mirrors on your bikes
4. You have to follow all the safety rules and be very cautious while riding on these bigger bikes.
The rules vary from state to state so what applies in one state will be not applicable in the other. If you find that bigger pocket bikes are not allowed by law to be ridden on your streets, please follow the instructions. If you waive the law then you stand a chance to be fined and even jailed. The authorities have good reasons to frame laws in order to prevent accidents and injuries. So, have all this in mind and thoroughly enjoy a good ride.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
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Birdy Folding Bike , Your True Compact Travel Companion
Launched in the year 1995 by the award winning German design firm Riese and Muller, the Birdy bikes are lauded in the international market because of their innovative design and performance. The revolutionary dual suspension design of a Birdy folding bike introduces that smoothness to each ride that is otherwise characteristic of expensive full-sized bicycles only.
The first fully suspended folding bicycles, the Birdie bikes make use of one-piece solid yet lightweight aluminum frames. The suspension pivots take care of the folding mechanism in the absence of the mainframe hinges. This clever designing together with the use of 18 inch wheels make the bikes very stable and sporty.
The Birdy bicycles fold in less than 30 seconds without the use of any tools. With the folded size of a Birdy bicycle being some 30″ x 23″ x 11″, it is quite easy to store them in small places and carrying cases. The lightweight frames (mostly weighing around 24 lbs) make the Birdy bikes very portable.
The different gearing options, firm framing and dual suspension design of Birdy folding bikes render them suitable for being used for many purposes other than commuting. Use them for pleasure rides and touring as well as for sporting use.
Famous Birdie Models
Some of the most popular Folding Birdy Bikes are:
Birdy Red Foldable Bicycle
1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 24 lbs) with Hydro Forming
2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension
3. Derailleur Shimano, RD-MC20-S
4. Brakes Shimano, BR-M420-S
5. Shifter Micro shift, D60-8R, index, 8-speed
6. Chainwheel Sunrace, PR-06, 56T chainring 170mm crank length
7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18″ FV 24 H anodized ground side walls
8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8″
Birdy Silver Foldable Bicycle
1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 23.1 lbs) with Hydro Forming
2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension
3. Derailleur Shimano, RD-F700SGS
4. Brakes Shimano, BR-M420-S
5. Shifter Shimano, SL-F700, 9 speed
6. Chainwheel Sunrace, PR-06, 56T chainring 170mm crank length
7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18″ FV 24 H anodized ground side walls
8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8″
Birdy Ice Blue Foldable Bicycle
1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 26 lbs) with Hydro Forming
2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension
3. Derailleur SRAM, Dual Drive 8 speed
4. Brakes Tektro, 834AL, V-brake w/90 degree pipe
5. Shifter SRAM, Dual Drive, 24-speed w/clickbox
6. Chainwheel Dotek, PRO6-210, 56T chainring 170 mm length
7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18″ FV 24 H anodized ground side walls
8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8″
Birdy-BionX Foldable Electric Bike
The Birdy-BionX combo makes use of a BionX electric conversion kit, which works in tandem with the folding bike from Birdy. Be it to ride up steep hills and mountains or ride (rather glide) beyond your pedaling capacity, the Birdy-BionX bikes are just unmatched.
Distributors
The ultimate in comfort when it comes to riding on any terrain and that in spite of its compact folded size, the Birdie bikes are a great favorite among bike-enthusiasts across all continents. Sale of Birdy bicycles is not limited to Europe (distributed by Riese und Muller), instead they are distributed by different dealers in various parts of the world:
1. In Australia by PED Bicycles Pty Ltd.,
2. In Japan by Mizutani Bikes,
3. In Singapore by Two Wheel Action Pte Ltd,
4. In the USA by C.M. Wasson Company, David Black and NYCeWheels (they ship all over the place).
If you are looking for a lightweight-folding bike that is stable and gives you a controlled ride at an attractive, if not cheap price, place your order with your nearest Birdy Bike distributor.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
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Things To Know About Your Mountain Bike Parts
You are a biking champ - ruler of the vast mountain trails. But your fame will become dull if you do not understand the various parts of your mean machine. So to become a complete champ it is necessary to enhance your knowledge about different mountain bike parts.
The Basic Parts Of A Mountain Bike
The Frame
The frame of a mountain bike is smaller than that of a road bike. But the angle is very relaxing for the rider so that he can maneuver the bike with skillful agility over different grounds. Mountain bike manufacturers build bikes, which are gender specific. So while you buy a bike be sure to get the right sizing.
The Handlebars
The handlebars of a mountain bike are flat, usually as wide as the riders shoulders. However, depending on the riders preference it could be narrower or wider. Riser bars are fast becoming popular as it looks attractive and gives the riders a more upright position. You can add bar ends to the handlebars, which will allow more hand positions and give more comfort to the rider.
Bike Crank And Derailleur
A crank is connected to the bottom bracket of the frame with pedals attached to the tip of each crank. Crank has chainrings attached to it. The gear and chainrings are outfitted with derailleurs. The derailleurs, using the shifters that are placed at the handlebars, derail one gear to the other and the chain from one chainring to the other. The finer the quality of the derailleur the more exact the shifting will be.
Shifters
Shifters activate the front and rear derailleurs setting off the motion of the chain from one gear to the other.
Three basic types of shifters are:
1. Thumb Shifter: These are the most basic shifters that are fastened on top of handlebars and are operated by a push and pull of the thumb and the index finger respectively.
2. Rapid Fire Shifters: Rapid-fire shifters are generally fixed at the bottom of the handlebar and are activated by a two push buttons. For newer models a push and pull lever is used.
3. Grip Shifters: A grip shifter acts like a motorcycle throttle. To shift up to a lighter gear you have to turn the grip shift for the rear derailleur inwards. And to shift down to a heavier gear turn the grip shift outward.
Gear
Mountain bikes are meant to stomp on Steep Mountain trails and are usually equipped with outstanding gear ratios. The most popular one is the 36×34, which the mountain biker christens as granny gear. With this gear, you can trudge steep hills at a high tempo.
Brakes
Todays mountain bikes have passed the stage of coaster brakes. Today the V brakes or the linear pull type brakes are regular in mountain bikes. You can have Disk Brakes for high-end mountain bikes. Disk Brakes are highly proficient, as its feat does not get clogged by water or mud. You must keep your timing intact for a good braking performance.
Pedals
The mountain bike riders use two types of pedals. One is the toe clip, which can be made up of metal or plastic and is compatible with any kind of rubber shoe. The second type is the clipless pedal for which the biker has to wear a special kind of shoe. Clipless pedals raise the transfer of power from the rider to the bike.
Saddle
A saddle is necessary for your comfort while you chomp your way through a rugged ride. Make your seat comfortable with a perfect saddle for you.
Wheels and Tires
There are plenty of wheel sets in the market, which will ensure high performance. Mostly these wheels are durable and light but before buying a wheel keep in mind the safety factor.
Tires are the most important parts of the mountain bike. They should have a good grip for a smooth experience. A bad tire can sour up your whole journey ending it up in some gutter.
Suspension System
Today the suspension system has become essential for a mountain bike and with improved technology, suspensions are now cheaper and simpler to handle. This is evident in fork suspension system of hardtail mountain bikes.
Knowing about the components of a mountain bike will make your bike live long and healthy always ready for a rousing journey.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
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The 50cc Pocket Bike , Ride Along And Enjoy Yourself
The 50cc pocket bike is actually designed to look like a mini motorcycle. They are usually made of steel or aluminum and are sleek and small. These bikes do not have much speed but are a lot of fun in riding over the hills.
Pocket bikes are very popular nowadays as they give you the same kind of sensation as when you ride a motorcycle but only they are little slower. You should buy a pocket bike according to your size and weight. Different varieties are available with a host of dealers and you should be able to find a bike, which suits your style.
The different types of Pocket bikes
Pocket bikes may be run either on gas or electricity. Pocket bikes that are run on gasoline will be cost effective as they use up very little gas and also will be faster than on the ones run on electricity.
The bikes that run on battery are cheaper than the gas powered ones but they are just as exciting to ride on. Moreover, they are better for children as they do not pickup high levels of speed.
Pocket bikes may be purchased in the department stores or motorcycle shops. But before buying, decide what you are going to use it for. With this in mind gather more information from the dealers. This helps you in choosing the safest and the ideal pocket bike for yourself to have fun with.
What to buy?
If you are planning to use your pocket bike just for fun, you will have to spend around US$400 upwards whereas if you are intent on racing you will need to spend much more to get that perfect bike. The ones manufactured in Italy are considered of the best quality and hence costlier. These are recommended if you intend to race. The Chinese variety is much cheaper and ideal for recreation. So spend your money wisely.
For your own safety
As the 50cc pocket bikes are quite small, they are not very comfortable. When you go for a test ride be sure that your body parts are not touching anything that they should not. After all this is looked into, you can easily control the turns in your bike. Be sure to buy accessories like a helmet, gloves, leather jacket, and chaps as they will protect you in case of an accident.
Moreover, be sure to make enquiries about spare parts availability. These 50 cc variety of pocket bikes include:
1. Engine of 50 cc with loading of 100 kilograms
2. Start and brake
3. Suspension
4. Front line and rear line
5. Drive
6. Battery
With all this in hand, be ready now to buy yourself the perfect pocket bike.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
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Mountain Biking , For The Adventure Loving Lot
Mountain biking, as the name suggests, is a biking sport in which bicycle-riders ride along mountain trails. Biking through a mountain terrain is pure fun, but it also has its share of adventure and excitement. The best-known locations for biking in mountainous surroundings have unpaved surfaces and so you need to be an expert biker to truly experience the thrill.
History
Since their invention, bicycles have been used on all terrains, including rugged mountainous territories. However, it was not until 1970s that biking in the mountains became an organized sport.
Groups of bicycle-riders from different parts of the United States played a pivotal role in the evolution of this thrilling biking-sport , experimenting with bikes of different makes and modifying them so that they could take the rigors of riding in the uneven, craggy mountainous lands.
The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, however, bestows the honor to a group of bikers in Marin County, California. The group (consisting of famous names in this field like Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Keith Bontrager and Otis Guy among others) undertook bike-ride down Mount Tamalpais (Mt Tam) on old 1930s and 40s Schwinn bicycles retrofitted with advanced brakes and fat tires.
The first proper mountain bike was built by Joe Breeze in 1977. The present-day mountain bikes are based on the bicycle first marketed by the MountainBikes Company. The frame of this particular bike was built by Tom Ritchey and it was accessorized by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly.
Types
Bikers usually engage in four different kinds of cycling tours in the mountains:
1. Cross-Country (or XC) biking is the most familiar type mountain riding sport and naturally has the maximum number of followers. The sport involves riding between points or in loops. It includes ascents and descents on different terrains. (Cross-Country racing competitions are different from cross-country biking). A typical XC bike weighs some 22-28 lbs and it has 0-4 inches of suspension travel front and rear.
2. Freeride is the other popular type of biking in mountain trails. It restricts the biker with no specific rules rather allows the rider to do anything and everything downhill rides (without clock), jumps, stunts , that require skill and are hence meant for professionals. Freeride biking requires the rider to assemble the bike as per convenience and style, but these bikes are a bit heavier (weighing between 30 and 40 lbs) and are amply suspended (generally has 6 inches of suspension front and rear).
3. Downhill, as the name suggests, involves riding mountain bikes downhill. It is generally associated with racing-oriented downhill riding. Downhill biking does not require the rider to pedal up the hill. The bikers along with their bikes are transported up the hill with the help of a truck or ski-lift. The downhill climb is indeed challenging including jumps and drops as well as physical hindrances. Tough mentality, physical strength, swiftness and mounted heavy bikes weighing some 40-50 lbs make you eligible for these races.
4. Trials riding, which is quite similar to skateboarding, involves hopping and jumping over obstacles with your bike. It demands great sense of balance and control. The riders make use of special bikes that make use of 20″, 24″ or 26″ wheels fitted to small, low frames.
The following tips will prove helpful if you are planning a bicycle-trip in the rocky, hilly terrains for the first time:
1. You must have stamina and endurance to bike down a mountain.
2. Selection of a superior quality bike, especially one that perfectly meets your type of mountain riding is also very crucial.
3. You cannot avoid minor cuts and bruises but you can certainly prevent major mishaps by resorting to precautionary measures, buying yourself some protection in the form of helmets, knee-caps and elbow-caps. A good pair of goggles will also prove handy.
4. Special competitions are organized by various mountain bikers groups and you can join in with them. If you choose to go on your own, you will need to collect all relevant information , routes, rules, et al.
5. Whether you go with a bikers group or go biking all by yourself, you must remember to carry your equipment kit so that you can take care of all your bicycle-repairs.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
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Performance Bicycles: What Is Performance?
In order to talk about performance bicycles, we should start by defining the term. We all know what bicycle signifies, but what about performance? I think that many people tend to define the word performance as the ability to offer top operation, meaning top speeds, top maneuverability, and clockwork smooth mechanical functioning.
While all of those minor definitions certainly relate to an overall concept of performance, I would like to offer another perspective of performance as related to bicycles. Though we all want to be the next Lance Armstrong, our own best personal performance does not have to reflect world’s records for speed or distance.
In my opinion, for the non-professional bicycle rider, even the more serious bicycle rider, performance should really be an issue of finding the bike that best fits your lifestyle. This is going to include things other than top, high speed racing performance.
The best bicycle for the more common user has many non-race related factors to take under consideration. How much can I spend on a bike? I have to carry my bike upstairs, will the bike be heavy to lift? There are many practical concerns that may end up making more of a difference than trimming a couple seconds of your mile.
One thing to consider is where you will be storing your bicycle, and where it will be kept when you ride it to various destinations. You may not want to have a flashy top of the line bike in particular parts of town anyway.
And if you want to get into the topic of non-flashy bicycles, boy, could I talk your ear off. There are so many amazing things about recycling old bikes [recycled bicycles] into fabulously functional and affordable new bikes!
I remember when I was young, after a short period of ownership, dismantling and customizing my very fancy red and chromed Columbia touring bicycle that I had received one Christmas. The first items removed were the fancy chromed fenders and tail extension and of course the chrome chain guard.
I was not the only one of my friends who did this, risking the wrath of parents wondering why we took such expensive and fancy looking bikes and tore them down. I remember the Wynn brothers. They made chopper bicycles by mounting the front wheel fork and tube upside down in the bicycle frame giving the bike that motorcycle chopper look. This was our definition of a performance bicycle.
The Wynn brothers had a collection of used bicycles and bicycle parts that amazed me. What they did with those parts was even more amazing.
Sustain ability is the way to go. Every time we’re able to use what already exists we’re giving someone a new bike that may not be able to afford one otherwise. Or perhaps we’re merely saving a spot in a landfill where stuff he haven’t figured out how to recycle can go.
Consider all your concerns and interests surrounding the type of bike that will best fit into your lifestyle and your community. You may learn something about yourself and the other people like you living just next door.
Bill Wallmuller aka Mr. Merokee is the founder of Merokee Enterprises and has developed helpful Web site guides with resources in various topical areas such as: http://www.merokee-bicycle-guide.com
Freestyle BMX , Drive Yourself To The Limits
Freestyle BMX otherwise also known as Bike Stunt is actually the trick of maneuvering bicycles. Well, these bicycles are not your ordinary ones and they come with 20inch wheelbase that are originally meant for races.
Started in the late 70s and the early 80s, bike stunt reached the pinnacle of its popularity in the 80s decade but was soon robbed of it in the 90s. However, this temporary decline in popularity brought to the market rider-owned bicycle companies, which gave a fresh lease of life to the bicycles.
The Bike Stunt is divided into five major genres, namely Street, Skateparks, Vert, Trails and Flatland riding.
Street riding is exactly what it sounds like, the players use anything on the street to show their skills. Be it walls, banks, rails, gaps or anything that forms an obstacle, the best thing about being a street freestyler is that there are no limits and no stopping. However, those who try BMX Street have a different bike than the other types like Park or Dirt.
Firstly, they are the heaviest and strongest types of bikes for these tricks, and secondly, they have two or four stunt pegs for grinding. In fact, these features make it hard to do Park or Dirt with the same bike.
Skateparks is the name derived from the parks that are meant for skateboarders, but due to scarcity of space, the BMX bikers are forced to practice there. Hence, much of the Saktepark tricks are influenced by the tricks that skateboarders do.
In Vert riding, two players ride on a Vert ramp that consists of two quarter pipes that face each other. It is around 10 to 13 feet high and both faces of the ramp have an extended vertical transition.
Trails consist of a series of jumps built from dirt that is usually compact mud. The trick usually consists of taking a steep jump and landing at a slightly plainer ground.
Flatland is almost a lost form of art which has seen no popularity in recent years but has a loyal fan following. Flatland is usually performed on smooth ground and the tricks are usually spinning and balancing.
Different types of tricks
The basics of the freestyling tricks have always been the same and whatever new tricks that are found are usually based on these ones.
1. Air seems to be the most common and most preferred one. It basically consists of jumping in the air and landing with both legs on the pedal.
2. Bunny hop- making the bike jump off the ground without actually performing a jump.
3. Manual, where freestylers ride with the front wheel in the air, without pedaling.
4. Fakie, It simply consists of riding backwards
5. Grind, Slithering down any object without using the wheels.
6. Endo, where the bike is stopped with the front wheel and raining the back wheel in the air.
7. Wallride, riding along a vertical wall or anything similar to it.
There are sub divisions to these tricks, but these remain to be the foundation of all freestyling BMX tricks.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
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