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.
What’s the fuss on cycling clothes?
Tags: Cycling Gear, Cycling helmets, cycling jackets, cycling jerseys, Cycling Wear
Posted in Cycling Apparel, Cycling Gear, Cycling Wear on January 15th, 2010
The articles on the right kind of cycling gear go on and on. It tells you what kind of shirt to buy, what shorts to get and even what socks to put on. From the outside world, it may seem a little over the top but for someone who’s into cycling for real, they will understand that it’s not just aesthetic, it’s a must and it’s a need.
While others would like to laugh at the idea of having the perfect cycling jerseys, shirts and shorts, take a look at some of its benefits:
- Wearing the right cycling clothes gives you comfort above all else. Materials used have undergone thorough research and studies to make sure they don’t make sweat stick to the body. Even the seams are studied and made sure to be invisible to avoid chafing.
- Wearing the right cycling clothes promote health. Dehydration and other illness due to sweat sticking to the body are avoided as well as sores on your crotch.
- The right cycling wear keeps you safe. They have necessary reflective lights so you can be visible at night. They are also made tight and fit to keep from being in the way.
Together with the right cycling clothing come other essential gears that help in cycling:
- Cycling helmets protect your head at all times from bumps or from any falling object.
- Cycling jackets protect you from cold and harsh winds. It keeps you warm despite the freezing climate.
With the above-mentioned benefits, wouldn’t you want to have the perfect cycling apparel as well?
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.