9 Different Categories Of Mountain Biking

Cross country: This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it’s the least extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.

Cyclo cross: This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.

Dirt jumping: Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.

Freeride: Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express yourself.

BMX: BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels. These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.

Trails: Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

Single speed: No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that’s done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical problems and a lighter bike.

Street and urban: This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles. Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.

Downhill: Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.

America Mountain Biking Vacation

Posted on 21st June 2009 by admin in Mountain Biking - Tags:

A mountain biking vacation is perfect for athletic people who have the desire to explore regions at their own pace. There are several companies that offer mountain biking tours that go through scenic routes, and they often arrange any accommodations for travelers as well. For athletic couples, these types of vacations offer the perfect way to relax and enjoy some exercise together.

Each and every region in the United States has some truly awesome mountain biking trails. It’s not just the major mountain ranges that offer these trails, as any hilly, scenic, rough trail can provide riders with the adventure they seek. Some of the best areas to mountain bike ride in the United States are the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast states such as North Carolina. In the Southwest, some of the best trails include Pinery Canyon Road in Arizona, South Boundary Trail in New Mexico, and Flume Trail in Nevada. Each and every trail deserves it’s reputation as a tough ride. Each one of these trails is over 20 miles in length, with Pinery Canyon being the longest, at over 50 miles. The Pacific Northwest is also a great place for a mountain biking vacation. The three best trails in the entire region are Surveyor’s Ridge in Oregon, Mount Tamalpais in California, and the Methow Trial System in Washington.

Winter Riding Clothes Must Have

Posted on 15th June 2009 by admin in General - Tags:

Below, you’ll find a list of the cold weather clothing that will make winter riding less of a bone chilling experience.

Helmet and liners
Your head is very important, as you lose 50% of your body heat through your head. A fleece liner inside your helmet will keep your head and ears warm during winter riding. A helmet is designed to keep you cool in the summer, not warm in the winter.

Booties
In cold temperatures, your feet are the most vulnerable part of your anatomy. Pressure from pedaling will tend to cut off the circulation to your toes, which can put you at a risk of frostbite. In cold conditions, neoprene booties are a must have.

Gloves
There are several manufacturers that make “lobster gloves”, a hybrid glove that separates your index finger and thumb from the rest of your hand. These gloves are warmer than regular gloves, and the distinct index finger will allow you to operate your shifting and brake levers. In case your hands get cold, you should carry a pair of lightweight glove liners will you as well. If you have to stop to take care of a problem, the liners will protect your hands from the cold.

Wind protection
Moving air is the biggest cause for losing body heat. By having good wind protection you’ll be able to vent perspiration while also protecting yourself from windchill.

Glasses
Glasses that wraparound and provide maximum protection from the wind are best to wear in the winter. You can protect yourself from debris, as well as the cold.

Socks
You should wear heavy socks although not to heavy. A sock that is overly heavy will make your shoes tight, cut off circulation, even make your feet cold. You should try lightweight socks, as they will keep your feet warm without bulk. If you need an extra layer, try silk ski socks as they are very warm and also extra lightweight.

Underwear
Polypropylene is the best material here, as it is lightweight and best for colder temperatures.

Buying a Mountain Bike Tips

Posted on 10th June 2009 by admin in Mountain Biking - Tags:

Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a mountain bikes reliability and overall performance. There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out what your price range is and how much your willing to pay for a new bike. When you buy, you shouldn’t buy from mass merchant stores such as Wal-Mart. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.

All mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you select fits your personal style and not that of the sale’s staff.

Comparing mountain bikes component to component is nearly impossible, as there are far too many combinations available. During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars. Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them.

You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You’ll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won’t. The more bikes you can test drive, you better you’ll understand what works and what doesn’t.

If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail, without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full suspensions offer more comfort and overall better control. You’ll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on the most.

Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than selling you a high priced one.

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