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Free Little Known Info About Mountain Bike Spring Tune Up

Posted by Art on May 6, 2009 in Biking

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If you do not bike during the winter months, you have likely spent the winter months upon the couch eating potato chips and viewing TV.  Before you know it, springtime will arrive and a new time of mountain biking will start.  Even though you may not be in the best of shape, these hints will ensure that the bicycle is.

Before you take the bike on the road, inspect the wear and tear on your parts and adjust them if needed.  Start out with your chain since if you have not changed it for over a year, it’s time to do that.  Eventually, each part in the chain will become worn out, decreasing its length.  As that occurs, the chain cannot conform to the cog as well as the teeth of the chain ring, so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of your chain.  If you can restore your chain before it stretches too much you’ll save yourself from having to fix expensive cogs and chain rings.

Now, inspect your bearing surfaces which include your bottom bracket, hubs, and lastly the headset.  Each of those must rotate without a problem with no play in the workings but, prior to checking the bottom most bracket, make certain each cranking arm is snugged tightly.  Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and move it back and forth.  If you notice any clicking or if your crank arm stops, the bottom most bracket needs to be adjusted – now carry out the exact same operation with the hubs.  Remove the wheels from your bicycle, rotate the hub axles, then feel for any play or stoppage, and if there is any play, you must make an adjustment.  To inspect the bike’s headset, start off by putting the freshly altered wheels back on the bike.

Following that, grab the front brake and rock the handlebars to and fro because there shouldn’t be any play.  If you lift the front end up, the fork must turn very effortlessly but if it seems rigid, it must be either fixed or exchanged.  When your inspecting, check the condition of the cables and housing as these should be devoid of rust, and their hose mustn’t be fractured or even kinked.  If you see anything like that you ought to replace the offending device, because if you don’t, your shifting and even braking will become slow.

Finally, you ought to inspect your brakes as many will have ridges or index markings which will let you know if these need to be replaced.  Pads which are worn out will can be detrimental to the safety and braking efficiency.  Once you’ve gotten the minor maintenance out of the way, it is about time to head out for a ride, and with the mountain bike in better condition than ever, all you have to work on now is having some enjoyment!

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

Posted by Art on Apr 13, 2009 in Biking

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.

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