Finding the Mountain Bike That Matches Your Riding Needs

When it comes to mountain bike designs, it is very important that you choose the one that fits your style as well as your personality. After all, if you plan on biking a whole lot, you want to make sure that you get the right design for you. Maybe you are going to start mountain biking for the first time or perhaps you looking to take your cycling to the next level. Before you go shopping for a bike think about what you want it for, like do you want to take leisurely rides in the mountains or are you going to race your mountain bike.

The first type of mountain bikes that we are going to explore is going to be the rigid mountain bike, this is also known as the fully rigid mountain bike. Considered a conventional bike because there is no suspension on the front or the rear. In the past these were the common bikes and nearly everyone had one.

Today many of the older model bikes have been replaced with bikes that have, either front or rear, suspension that makes them more comfortable for the rider. Usually, the rigid mountain bikes are the lower-priced ones.

Hard-tail is the next type of mountain bike we are going to discuss. This particular bike was named after the type of suspension which does not include the rear. This bike is most likely on of the most liked mountain bikes since it has a front suspension and a lot of people enjoy how comfortable it is. Although they cost slightly more, the difference between these models and the rigid ones clearly makes the extra investment worth it.

Next, there is a soft-tail mountain bike and this is the one that employs a rear suspension. Rear suspensions are actually some of the recent inventions as they are more complicated as a bike. Though on the expensive side as far as prices are concerned, these bikes are worth the money as they are more forgiving to the rider.

Last but not least, there are full suspension mountain bikes and these bikes have back as well as front suspensions! This bike is honestly one of the latest and greatest inventions for the mountain bike and while they are the most expensive mountain bike, they are definitely worth it! During the 1990′s these bike became available and the market has only grown!

Tags: Mountain Bike, mountain bike suspension, Mountain Biking

Choosing a Pro Cycling Jersey

Gear & Repair: Bike Gear & Accessories

There are many people who are just getting into cycling that like to get pro cycling jerseys that match the ones worn by their favorite pro cyclists in races. Pro cycling clothing is popular and there are some companies that specialize in these products. Many of these pro cycling jerseys are made to be ordered by racing teams so that they all have the same jersey and other clothing for their races. There are a variety of different colors and styles so that the pro cycling jerseys can be used for races during any time of the year.

Styles

The most common style in a pro cycling jersey is the short sleeved version. These jerseys are made out of material that will wick the water away from the biker’s skin while they ride to keep them at a more constant temperature during the course of the race. The short sleeved versions can range in length from a capped sleeve to a full short sleeve, depending on what the rider wants. There are some of these pro cycling jerseys that will zip all the way down the front of them making them easier to take on and off without pulling it over the head at all. There are others that will only zip down to the navel area, also for fairly easy access taking it on and off. Finally, there is the style of pro cycling jersey which only zips down to the chest area, allowing enough room to get the jersey off of the head. All of the jerseys have a mock turtleneck neckline so that the body is very wind efficient for the ride.

Another difference in design in pro cycling jerseys is what sorts of pockets are available in the jersey. There are some that have about 3 pockets in the rear of the jersey to allow snacks to be kept there for energy during the ride. There are others that have no pockets at all in them. The pro cycling jerseys for women may have built in bras while others will require that the individual wears a bra in addition to the jersey. These jerseys are made to be worn over the racing bibs that are worn on the bottom, having suspenders that keep the shorts in place. Each of these pieces of clothing are made to stay securely in place during the course of the ride, allowing the rider to stand and sit without the clothing becoming bunched up and uncomfortable.

For more articles see www.cyclegearworld.com

Tags: cycling apparel, pro cycling clothing, Pro cycling jerseys, professional cycling clothing

Type of Bicycle Gear

Although bicycling can be a very low maintenance sport, requiring little more gear than the bike and a pair of biking shorts and helmet to comfortably and safely ride. However, there are many other types of bicycle gear that individuals can buy to help to enhance their rides to make them more comfortable or safe in the course of their ride. For those who race, either in road races or mountain bike races, there are other types of bicycling gear that are needed to meet the racing requirements. Mountain biking especially requires more safety gear such as tough padding in order for the rider not to damage their tail bone during the course of the rough ride down the mountainside.

Choices

Although individuals can get custom cycle gear that is made to specifically fit their bodies, there are so many different brands on the market today with a variety of sizes and styles that a person can usually find one that will fit their body type without having to have a custom fit. In bicycling gear, one of the first choices riders have to make is to find a biking short that works best for them. There are biking shorts that snug the body well and others that are made to look and feel like a normal pair of shorts. In addition, there are long and short pairs of biking shorts, depending on the time of year and the style that feels most comfortable to the individual. There are also some biking shorts that are hooked to the shirt so that they are a body suit which some riders prefer to ride in.

Biking shirts also come in many varieties when looking at bicycle gear. Most of the biking shirts are made to wick the water away from the body. This keeps the rider more comfortable during the ride. Some of the shirts are more loose fitting than others, and the designs that are made for women often have the choice of having the bra built into the shirt for additional support. Some of the shirts are short sleeved, others are long sleeved. There are also some that are without sleeves for those that prefer that style. Many of the shirts will have pockets or holders in the back so that water bottles or snacks can be stored there within easy reach of the individual during the ride. Others will have no pockets in them.

In addition to these basic materials, the individuals can also choose from a variety of water bottles, sun glasses, helmets and other materials in bicycle gear. There are also types of rain gear available for the hard core riders and trainers for those who want to be able to train in adverse weather conditions.

Tags: Biking, cycle gear, type of bicycling gear

Obtaining Custom Bike Gear

Although most individuals who bike as a past time do not require custom cycle gear, there are other individuals that are into racing their bikes or have special health conditions that require custom cycle gear in order to be able to safely and comfortably ride. Pro cycle gear tends to be more custom made since individuals have to conform to the racing rules in regard to their gear. However, for the average rider, there are so many different brands and styles of riding gear on the market today that there is not a need to have gear made for them since they can mix and match styles and brands to make an outfit that works best for them.

Types of Gear

One type of custom cycle gear is the bicycle shoe. There are some individuals that have a foot that does not fit comfortably into the average styles of bicycling shoes on the market. There are also some cyclists that are racing and require a bicycling shoe that will hold to the toe clip more readily for a stronger pedaling capacity, or will require the shoe to release more readily so that they have more versatility during the race. In other cases, the individual might need more support in the riding shoe so that their foot does not get as fatigued during the ride.

Another type of custom cycle gear is the cycling jersey. Although there are many different types on the market today, there may be some professional riders that require that the pockets of the jersey be placed in a specific place so that it is easier for them to reach their snack or water during a race. In other cases they like the sleeve lengths to be just so, or for the fit of the jersey to more closely conform to their body type. This is more common for women riders who have different breast sizes in proportion to their rib cage size, thus requiring a custom made shirt to complete their cycle gear.

Biking shorts are another type of cycle gear that is likely to be custom made. The cycling shorts will fit all individuals differently and the padding within the shorts needs to fit the rider just right for the most comfort to the rider during the trek. Some riders prefer to have a shorter length of biking short, and others will want to have longer shorts, depending on their needs.

Tags: bicycling shoes, custom cycle gear, cycling jersey

What is Needed in Cycle Gear

When a person takes up bicycling as a sport, there is cycle gear that is needed to keep them comfortable and safe during the ride. There are many different companies that specialize in bicycle gear for riders, whether they are professional or casual riders. There is certain cycle gear that is used when riding on the road for fun, for those who race competitively in road races, and also those who ride in mountain mike races. There is specific gear for each of these types of riding styles so that the person can be adequately protected and comfortable during the ride.

Shorts and Shirts

Biking shorts are one of the most important features in cycle gear. Biking shorts can either make the ride much more comfortable or they can make it miserable for the rider. Biking shorts used to only be found in a tight, spandex material which is very revealing for men and women alike. These cycling shorts have panels in them so that they fit the rider close to the body and snug, but also have padding so that the person’s buttocks do not get as tired when riding. Some people would want to be more modest with these cycling shorts and would put the tight shorts underneath a loose, normal pair of shorts, which would be less revealing. This causes problems, however, since the regular shorts will ride up and bunch up, pinching the rider and making him or her uncomfortable during the ride despite the padded shorts underneath. Biking companies have learned to cope with this problem by making cycling shorts that look like normal shorts but have a girdle in them, like a built in pair of underwear, that is padded like the traditional style of riding shorts.

There are also shirts in cycle gear that permit the rider to be as comfortable and aerodynamic as possible when riding. These shirts are also hug the body well, being cut in sleeveless, short sleeved and long sleeved versions for all seasons of the year. The material is made to wick water away from the skin so that the person stays drier and either warmer or cooler, depending on the time of year the cycling gear is used. There are some women’s versions that have a built in bra so that women do not have to wear a sports bra as well as this tight fitting biking shirt. In other versions of cycling gear, the biking shorts and shirts are molded together into a streamlined bodysuit that enables the rider to be the most streamlined for their ride. Check out cycle gear world for more articles.

Tags: biking gear, cycle clothing, cycle gear

Mountain Bike Maintenance – Tips to get you Started

If you own a mountain bike it’s a huge help to perform your own mountain bike maintenance as it will cost you less and improve your enjoyment of riding.

If you know you can repair your bike when you have a breakdown you’ll feel more confident riding further for longer, on more remote trails, but you’ll be less likely to have a breakdwon anyway if you’ve maintained your bike well.

Performing your own mountain bike maintenance rather than paying someone else to do it for you will save you money and your parts will last longer as they need replacing less frequently.

If you’re going to perform your own maintenance one of the most important things to think about first is getting the right basic tools. Over time you’ll probably get more specialist tools as you’ll learn more about your bike and it’s parts.

You should also carry a tool kit with you when you ride and you can get complete basic tool kits to carry with you that are more compact than the regular tools you might use at home. Don’t forget to test all your tools before you take them out on a ride with you.

Before you even think about tools, the most basic and important maintenance you can carry out on your bike is to keep it clean.

Get into the habit of cleaning your bike after every ride, either by wiping it down or washing it with a bucket of hot water and soap. Don’t forget to rinse it down or wipe it afterwards as this will stop dirt getting into parts it shouldn’t and help to maintain them!

The next step in basic mountain bike maintenance includes occasionally lubricating the chain. This is essential to keep it functioning properly and there are lots of good lubricants available, including some self-cleaning ones. Get into the habit of applying any lubricant the night before you ride so that it works into the chain properly.

Another vital but basic factor to check is the air pressure in the tyres, which protects them and offers you a more comfortable ride. An important part of a maintenance routine is to change the tyres now and then, and also make sure you can change a puncture.

The next items to remember in your maintenance routine are the brake and gear cables, which need checking regularly as they stretch over time and become less effective. They should be replaced as well, about every 6 months or so, depending on how frequently you ride.

Another very important maintenance issue to think about is to check your brake pads regularly as they wear out fast and obviously they are imperative for your safety. Check the position of the brake pads against the wheel rims, which should rest squarely on the rim when the brakes are on. When not applied they should be free of the sidewall of the tyre.

Lastly look at all the nuts and bolts on your mountain bike as part of your maintenance routine and use an Allen key or a spanner to tighten any loose ones.

Don’t forget breakdowns often happen, even to the most experienced riders and the best bikes, that’s part of the sport and it’s better to be prepared to deal with breakdowns or prevent them when possible through good maintenance.

Be pro-active in your approach to mountain bike maintenance and look after your bike. Just think maintenance is better than repair and with a little maintenance knowledge you can ride further and harder for longer.

Tags: mountain bike maintenance

Whether Your A Risk Taker Or Not – A Mountain Bike Helmet Is A Must

One of the most crucial parts of bike gear is a mountain bike helmet. You should always have one when you ride. The law demands that any child riding a bike must wear a helmet.

Choosing a mountain bike helmet is as important as choosing a motorcycle helmet. In fact the criteria is quite similar. Here’s an interesting fact: often, mountain bike helmets are made by a company that also makes motorcycle helmets.

The helmet size is the starting point in picking the right one. Before you choose a helmet you should measure your head, then use this size to get the correct helmet. A helmet that is too large will slip around on the head and may even fall off in the event of a wreck. A helmet that is too small will not cover the head properly and will leave some areas vulnerable. It will also be quite uncomfortable.

You should choose your mountain bike helmet according to your own style and level of riding. For dangerous riding, such as downhill or high speed, you will most definitely want a mountain bike “full face” helmet. Believe me, if you have a crash, you will be glad that your face is protected.

A light weight helmet is suitable for longer rides or leisure riding. Particularly if it is blazing hot outside. Sometimes you need to wear a full face helmet, but they can get uncomfortably hot.

And now we come to the topic of ventilation. In your choice of mountain bike helmet, you definitely want to make sure excellent ventilation is available.

Mountain bike helmets are available in many different styles and designs. Be sure that it says “CPSC”. This stands for “consumer product safety commission”, and ensures that the appropriate people have deemed the helmet to be safe. Without this stamp it is not legally considered a bike helmet. Prices vary greatly, although many are very affordable for the casual rider. When considering how much money to spend on a mountain bike helmet, ask yourself the same question motorcycle riders are faced with: ‘How much is my head worth’? Mountain biking is great for exercise and relaxation, and a good way to spend time with your family and friends. How tragic would it be to end such a wonderful day with an injury or worse.

Using the correct protective gear can help save many individual lives. Please remember this when choosing your mountain bike helmets.

Tags: mountain bike gear, mountain bike helmets, Mountain Bikes, Mountain Biking

Corner With Confidence With The Right Mountain Bike Tires

Fitting the right mountain bike tires to your bike is absolutely fundamental to getting the top performance out of the bike. You could have the greatest, hottest bike in the whole world, but if you tires are not up to it, forget it.

Just stop and think a minute. Your tires are the only point of contact you have with good old mother earth. The entire tire does not touch the ground, only a small part of it. This small contact controls how well you can corner, how quickly you go, how quickly you stop, and how well you stay in contact with the surface you’re riding on. Knowing this, your tire “comfort” will therefore also have a bearing on your confidence. You will feel a lot more confident if you know the tires will do the job. Your bike will perform great and you will also.

The technology of mountain bikes is in a constant state of evolution, but the tire technology is changing even faster. In addtion to tires of different sizes, new materials are always being developed. This has resulted in much more variety when choosing mountain bike tires that are right for you.

Even today all tires are made from rubber only, but with a different type and grade. This takes into account the different types of surface, with each new surface now capable of being related to a specific rubber grade. Typical examples would include trail tires, all terrain tires, and XC tires. It is now becoming quite a cult sector and is developing its own unique terminology structure including “brand” names such as: Fast Fatties, Black Chili etc.

The knobs on mountain bike tires are especially made to offer the best function on various surfaces. Dry terrain tires for example would have low “knobs”. The low “knobs” effortlessly break through the loose surface of the soil in order to grab into the hard, steady ground underneath. Muddy terrain calls for high “knobs” on tires. The increased height permits the “knobs” to penetrate through the thick depth of mud and get a grip on the hard surface below.

The profile and spacing of the “knobs” is also very important. First, to prevent mud from packing in, they are spaced sufficiently. Secondly, the “knob” profiles are specifically designed to ensure maximum contact performance when the bike is presented at an angle to the terrain. The profile of all terrain tires are a combination of the best attributes of both wet and dry, put together to offer the best balance. A half way house as it were, but in name only, not in performance.

Tags: mountain bike gear, mountain bike parts, mountain bike tires

What sort of bike should I buy?

Col De Tourmalet Ascent in 5 Mins

Where do you want to go and what do you want to do? Cycling is not simply pushing pedals round as fast or as slow as you want. Many different activities are covered in the topic of cycling and each one has a different equipment need and fitness requirements.

The basics of cycling are simple, get a bike. A bike when you think about it is usually a two wheeled version. Both tricycles and four wheelers have their place too, they are stranger machines though. Bikes ususally have just one seat although there are tandems which are making a comeback for couples who never want to have to look at one another again.

What you want to achieve is of prime importance.We are concentrating on two wheels in this intro for the occasional cyclist.

If you want a fast track bike, increasingly popular as more velodromes appear there are certain companies’ products to look at. There is no point buying a specialized bike for the mountains and then trying to speed round the embankments of a track in a Madison event.

If you want a road bike, most people are now looking for one that weighs virtually nothing so that when you get to the inevitable hills the gear ratios allow you to think only of losing some weight to make the ups easier.

If you are looking for or want a mountain bike, then the rigid tubular structure, well sprung suspension and really thick tyres may help you avoid the nastiest falls and the inevitable broken collarbone (Yes I am bitter about it)

The occasional cyclist may well want a hybrid that allows you to cope with the hills and a bit of off road as well as getting up a head of steam on the flat roads on the way to your destination.

Whatever your decision as regards your need for a bike and the type of cycling that you want to do the benefits that you will find for your health and wellbeing are manifold. Weight loss, lower resting heart rate and a general feeling of wellbeing will only be offset by initial saddle soreness until you become accustomed to the bike. Cycling is an activity that allows you to take advantage of the countryside and beauty but don’t get into it too seriously to start as you will be frustrated by 60 year old fatties passing you at will to start. They are total weirdos and you will never find a decent reason why they move much faster than you do.

Tags: cycling bikes, indoor cycling bikes, mountain bike parts, Road Bikes, specialised bikes, Specialized bikes, specialized cycling, women's road bikes