Posted by Art on Apr 13, 2009 in
Biking
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
Posted by Art on Apr 13, 2009 in
Biking
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