Archive for the ‘Mountain Bike Gear’ Category
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.
On the hunt for Cycling Clothes
Tags: Cycling Apparel, Cycling Gear, cycling shirts, cycling t shirts, Cycling Wear
Posted in Cycling Apparel, Cycling Wear, Mountain Bike Gear on January 3rd, 2010
Cycling is fun. It’s an adventure, it’s a challenge, and it is fitness made fun. When you go out cycling, you have to make sure you’re clad in the right cycling apparel. This is where it gets tricky because finding the right cycling gear isn’t easy. There are a number of things you must take into consideration and there are just so many items that make up a cycling gear!
For example, cycling wear should be made from specific materials that benefit the rider. The fabric used to create cycling shirts and jerseys should have the ability to take away humidity or water from the body. They should be flexible enough to match the weather conditions be it hot or cold. Long-sleeved cycling t shirts can give good protection against cold weather or it can also be worn under other protective layers. Long-sleeved shirts an also be used on warm weather conditions and still offer protection – from the harsh rays of the sun.
Tights are made from lycra which makes it stick close to the skin. Trousers, on the other hand, are loose and are the choice of the majority. When it gets too cold, you can wear them with other protective layers too.
Gloves that are waterproof are essential too. They provide warmth to your hands since they are the ones who are primarily exposed.
When you’re in the hung for cycling clothes, always get to know the materials being used. A material says a great deal about that thing’s performance and value.
Women in the world of cycling
Tags: bike gears, Cycling helmets, cycling jerseys, cycling shirts, Cycling Wear
Posted in Cycling Gear, Mountain Bike Gear on October 14th, 2009
Women have begun to take part in the cycling world. A whole new line of cycling wear was even created to suit women’s needs. Women’s cycling shirts are designed to fit the contours of women while still giving them the comforts and dry-fit feature. Cycling jerseys and cycling helmets designed for women have also been produced for them.
Women are said to take on cycling for reducing stress and relaxation. Some do it because they want to learn new skills and independence. Some even do it to increase self-confidence and boost one’s morale.
However, the number of women cyclists is small compared to that of the men. This is because women lack self-confidence, fitness and skills in terms of cycling. Women also tend to panic in intersections or places where they share the road with other vehicles and they lack aggressiveness to take the situation head on. Women are also very particular when it comes to the proper cycling apparel and who they look on them.
Studies have showed that with a couple of changes, women will be attracted to cycling as much as men are. Some of these changes are clear and concise signage that protects and warns cyclists of the possible dangers ahead. Paths, whether on-road or off-road, should be well-connected and in good condition. Safe paths that are completely separate from motor vehicles should also be established. Lastly, secure bike storage should be developed for the convenience of cyclists. With this, women will surely spend on bike gears without the fear of losing them.
Cadence and Cycling
Tags: bike gears, Cycling apparels, Cycling Wear, Mountain Bike Gear, mtb gear
Posted in Cycling Gear, Mountain Bike Gear on October 3rd, 2009
Cycling apparels are not the only important factor to be considered in cycling. Yes, wearing the proper cycling wear gives you that comfortable ride but there’s another thing that contributes a great deal to your performance: bike gears.
With the proper bike or mountain bike gear, your cycling experience is heightened and optimized. Proper bike or mtb gear selection varies on different types of terrain and on different types of persons too. Gears also help maintain the preferred cadence of the rider.
Cadence is the number of pedal revolutions per minute and is commonly known as rpm. Your cadence depends on what you are comfortable with and leg burns should also be minimized.
Leg burns happen when the muscle works hard and a lot of tension and strain are already applied to it. This is when lactic acids are created and will eventually accumulate. The lactic acid then flows to your muscles thus creating a burning sensation. Being able to feel this is a big discomfort and no-no. The right cadence reduces the accumulation of lactic acids and it also washes out the lactic acids that are already in your system so you can endure and stand longer rides.
One way of knowing what your cadence is by counting accurately the number of times you pedal over a watch set to one minute. It may vary every time you ride out and you can’t afford to always check on it but you can set your cadence, ride out, observe and then assess. By the end of a week, you can get the average range of your cadence and most likely, you will no longer feel any discomfort at all.