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
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
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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
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
Read more about bicycles at
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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
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Folding-Bikes.html