Archive for January, 2010
All about Mountain Bike Helmets
Tags: bike gear, Bike Helmets, Cycling Gear, Cycling helmets, mountain bike helmets
Posted in Bike Helmets, Cycling Gear, Cycling Helmet, Mountain Bike Gear on January 29th, 2010
We all know that cycling helmets are essential when you go on a ride. We all know that it’s an important bike gear meant to keep the riders safe. Nowadays, wide arrays of helmets are showing up with different styles and different forms but still with the same functionality.
In mountain biking, mountain bike helmets are a must. In fact, tournaments for mountain biking requires participants to wear helmets. For downhill mountain bikers, there are full faced helmets designed together with goggles. It provides protection for the jaw and the lower part of the face during accidents or crashes.
You must choose a helmet that fits your head perfectly. You can determine your helmet size by the circumference of your head.
There are straps and pads that you can adjust to get that snug fit. To make sure your helmet fits well, align the front of the helmet above your eyebrows and hold both straps until the fit is just right. Check for gaps. There shouldn’t be unwanted gaps between the helmet lining and your head. The helmets shouldn’t move when you shake your head. Only then can you tell that you have your helmets fastened safely.
Your bike helmets must not weigh too much, otherwise it’ll cause you an uncomfortable ride and will result to neck strains. The vents in a helmet are important too. The more number of vents mean better air circulation.
Mountain biking isn’t just leisure. It’s also a tough sport. You need both physical and mental strength to endure the tracks and trails. But with complete cycling gears and the right kind of helmet, you are ready to face the challenge head on.
Mountain biking on Holidays
Tags: bike gear, Mountain Bike Gear, mountain bike helmets, mountain bike jerseys, mtb gear
Posted in Cycling Apparel, Cycling Gear, Mountain Bike Gear on January 25th, 2010
Biking for leisure is fun. Biking for a sport is challenging. If you go biking on holidays, you get the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy the outdoors while being adventurous. But it’s not all sugar. Mountain bike holidays are tough especially if you’re not equipped with the right bike gear or don’t know anything about trip gradings.
Adventure holiday companies use a grading system that tells you the intensity, difficulty and fitness required for each level. There’s easy, moderate and challenging. It all depends on what you challenge you are up to. But bear in mind that it’s not just about having a complete mountain bike gear and have the sturdiest mountain bike helmets (although they are very helpful). It’s about fitness and skills too.
Before embarking on a mountain bike holiday, do regular exercises several times a week. Try cycling two days in a row to prepare you for long consecutive rides. Try cycling on hills and repeat doing it. The more you get used to it, the easier it gets. Do weight training and stretching exercises to help build up strength and stamina. By keeping your body physically ready for the trip, the easier it gets when you’re already on the actual scenario.
Before leaving, ensure that you have or that you’ve packed mountain bike jerseys. These help you get through cold and chilly nights.
Only if you’re physically, emotionally and mentally ready plus the complete mtb gear should you leave the comforts of your home. It takes a lot of work but it’s also a great and rewarding accomplishment.
Getting to Know Mountain Bike Parts
Tags: bike gear, Cycling Gear, mountain bike clothing, Mountain Bike Gear, mtb gear
Posted in Bike Helmets, Cycling Gear, Mountain Bike Gear on January 22nd, 2010
A good mountain biker does not only know what kind of mountain bike clothing to wear. Even if you’ve conquered a variety of tracks and have come out victorious, it still doesn’t make you good. Not until you know and understand the different parts of your mountain bike.
- Frame: A mountain bike’s frame is generally smaller than that of a road bike. It is created with an angle that’s relaxing for the rider and allows him to move with agility. There are mountain bikes created specifically for women and for men.
- Handlebars: A mountain bike’s handlebars are flat and wide. Riders can customize the width to what they’re comfortable with.
- Shifters: A mountain bike’s shifters activate the front and rear derailleurs. This enables a change from one gear to the other.
- Gears: Mountain bike gears are meant to stomp a lot of different mountain trails. Bike gears give bikes the ability to conquer steep hills at high tempos. The most popular mtb gear nowadays is the 36×34.
- Brakes: A mountain bike’s brakes have passed the stage of coaster brakes. Regular mountain bikes have V brakes or linear pull type brakes. High-end mountain bikes can have disk brakes.
- Pedals: A mountain bike’s pedals have two types: Toe clip and clipless pedal. Toe clips are made up of metal or plastic that is compatible with any kind of rubber shoe. Clipless pedals require a special kind of shoe. It transfers the power from the rider to the bike.
- Saddle: A mountain bike’s saddle is also known as the seat. It should be comfortable for the rider.
- Wheels and Tires: A mountain bike’s wheels are durable and light. Tires should have a good grip for a smoother experience.
- Suspension: A mountain bike’s suspension has become important nowadays. This is useful especially during hardtail mountain bikes.
With knowledge on the parts of your bike and with the right cycling gear, you’re all set in becoming a good mountain biker.
Cycling trip Packing 101
Tags: bike gear, Cycling Helmet, cycling jackets, cycling jerseys, Cycling Wear
Posted in Bike Helmets, Cycling Apparel, Cycling Gear, Cycling Wear on January 19th, 2010
Some people enjoy packing for long trips. They enjoy picking out what to wear and how to arrange things. But packing for a cycling trip is an entirely different thing. Even if you have the right cycling wear and gears but if you do not know just how to arrange and pack them, they’re of no use.
When packing for cycling trips, take into consideration how long the ride is going to be, what the weather is and comfort items that are a necessity. If you’re not using cycling jerseys, pack one. They help protect you from the cold especially during at night. Cycling jackets also help since it provides warmth. It keeps you comfortable and warm while on or off the track.
If your load is only light, you can use a backpack to carry them all in. It won’t be a hassle to riders even if they get off their bikes a lot of times. But if your backpack is too heavy, it can be a problem. It’ll give added weight to the hands, wrists and shoulders resulting in strain. You can use under the seat bags or you can fasten things on the rear deck or rack in the seats near the axel. A nylon trunk bag attached to the rear of the bike will help keep things organized. Other bike gears include glove compartments where you can place maps, sunglasses or anything that you need easy access to.
You must remember that in packing for cycling trips, you must load up the bike and not the rider. With everything in check, the right cycling wear and a strong, sturdy cycling helmet, you are all set for your cycling trip.