Archive for the ‘Mountain Bike Gear’ Category

Kinds of Mountain Bikes

A bicycle is a human-powered contraption that consists of two wheels and is driven by the pedals attached to its frame. A mountain bike (also known as MTB) is a bicycle designed and created for off-road terrains and other uneven trails. Armed with the proper mountain bike helmet, these bikes were built to withstand the unpredictable structure and layout of nature. There are also different types of mountain bikes that perform best under various riding paths. With the right mountain bike clothing and the right bike, the riding experience is sure to be a good one. Here are some of the types of mountain bikes:

Cross country – This is probably the most famous and widely-used mountain bike there is. They were produced for all types of terrain. This is made possible by a full range of mtb gears and the fact that it’s the lightest bike available.

Downhill – These bikes are created with huge drops and hits on a downhill slope. They offer a full suspension but a limited number of gears. They perform best going down and are not the best choice for uphill slopes for any length of time. This type of bike is the heaviest bike available but is durable and sturdy nonetheless. This type of bike is also the most expensive amongst all.

Free-ride – This bike is a combination of the two bikes mentioned above. It has the advantages of a cross-country bike but has a somewhat sturdier and heavier frame. It has a full suspension and full mountain bike gears as well.

Dirt-jumping – This bike is exactly what its name says. These bikes are designed exclusively for jumps. They only have a number of gears but have front suspensions that help with the jumps. Because of this, these bikes will not do well with any other mountain biking styles.

Trial – These bikes are a revision of the cross country mountain bike but have softer suspensions for more difficult obstacles. Because of the suspension feature, pedaling requires a little more effort.

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When mountain bikes go flat

There’s more to mountain biking than just mountain bike helmets and mountain bike clothing. Together with the exercise that it gives and the scenic views one gets upon reaching the peak comes the responsibility of looking out for oneself and the bike itself.

Mountain biking is a tad more dangerous than road cycling in the fact that the terrains are uneven, unpredictable and rough. Mountain bike tires are more susceptible to damage than most bike tires are. This is why a mountain bike gear is not complete without the basic tools and skills in repair and fixes necessary – an example of which would be a flat tire.

If you encounter a flat tire, remove the wheel with the flat tire from the bike. Check for any object that may have caused the deflation and remove it. You have to remove the tire from the rim by using tire levers to make things easier. Take out the tube and find the hole. You can either feel the air leak by hand, by ear as it hisses and the most popular way of dipping the tube in the water and looking out for bubbles. This is where your kit from your mtb gear comes in handy. Apply a thin piece of adhesive to that particular area and let dry by adding pressure for a couple of minutes. After making sure that the holes have already been sealed shut, place the tube back into the rim and re-seat the tire. Add air to your tire by the use of a pump and your tires are as good as new.

No matter how complete your bike gear is, if you don’t know how to fix your tires, you’ll still end up getting stuck.

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Mountain Biking made safe

Mountain biking is cycling taken to a higher level. Instead of the standard and simple terrain, mountain biking is done off-roads and in rough terrains. This is why mountain bikes have higher durability factors. They also have higher risks of accidents. Hence, you must follow these safety tips to be sure you come back safely:

•    Before going on a trip, you must familiarize yourself with the trail. You must know every curve, bend, condition of the terrain and any other necessary information. This will help you anticipate and prevent any danger possible.
•    Let your family or friends know where you are going. Tell them your plans: the what, the where, the when, everything.
•    Make sure your mountain bike gear is in top shape. Inspect and check all parts of your bike. You cannot afford any small damages once you’re in the middle of your trip. Check the brakes, suspensions, gears, chains and nuts and bolts.
•    Bring the necessary equipments for the trip. You should have multi-tools, tire repair kits, sleeping bags, flashlights, cellular phones and of course, first aid kits. These will aid you in emergency cases.
•    Always wear the right clothes. Mountain biking has required mountain bike clothing as well. They are made comfortable and functional so you can have a good riding experience. For cold conditions, wear mountain bike jerseys.
•    Wear mountain bike helmets.
•    Be in shape. Make sure you are physically fit and have trained before going on this trip. You will need strength and endurance to be able to make it through.

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Choosing the Right Cycling Gear

The difference between cycling equipment and cycling gear is the cyclist’s level of experience. The word “equipment” is a term used for basic types of items that cyclists need while the word “gear” reflects a personalized approach to the necessary things a rider wants around. Cycling gear will reflect some personal preferences and there will always be standard items that every cyclist deems useful.

The cycling gear that a cyclist chooses should benefit them without holding them back. If you’re a cyclist, you might find yourself changing the type of cycling gear you need as your experience level increases. But whether a person is a beginner or not, there are certain types that should make up his bike gear.

There are important things to consider when selecting the right type of bike. Certain features on bikes and mountain bike gear are chosen by manufacturers to put to reflect the skill of their rides. Matching the right bike to your level of cycling experience is an important decision and asking the assistance of an expert in selecting one is advised.

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