Why Mountain Biking In France Is Popular
One of my favourite past times is to go mountain biking down countryside trails and travel long distances from one town to another. For me this is an enjoyable form of keeping fit and you have the added benefit of appreciating the scenery. Mountain biking does not necessarily have to be enjoyed in your own home territory and one can be involved with mountain biking abroad. Places like France, Italy, Spain, Africa and Australia.
Mountain biking in France is more popular than any other destination because of the smooth and challenging trails that make biking here more fun. The French Alps is famous for holding the popular Tour de France biking event, whereby thousands of spectators come from all over the world and support the contenders. The Alps is also popular with skiing holidays and professional skiing competitions, which has placed the French Alps as one of the top destinations for activity holidays.
The Tour de France has helped to keep the Alps to maintain its reputation for being one of the best experience mountain biking in France as a whole. The first Tour de France event began in 1903 and is structured so it is partaken in stages rather than one long marathon. History will reveal that the Tour de France was largely influenced and inspired by the popular sporting magazine in France, called Le Velo. Like most sporting magazines, this focussed on sporting events but also included politic and current affairs in France.
Le Velo was produced and published to symbolise the innocence of Alfred Dreyfus, who was accused and found guilty of selling secrets to the Germans. There was a large division between the people of France, with one side favouring his innocence and the other believing he was guilty. Some of the advertisers were against what Le Velo stood and were very much against the support of Dreyfus's innocence. Those that withdrew their advertising later published their own rival magazine.
L'Auto was established and to promote it the Tour de France began. This was also a publicity spectacle to rival Le Velo and their event, Paris-Brest et retour organised by editor Pierre Gifford. Originally, the race was discussed to be a five weeklong tour, however with only 15 entrants this was then reduced down to just 19 days. Cycling journalist Geo Lefevre and Editor Henri Desgrange announced the event on January 19th of 1903 - thus born a new trend of mountain biking in France.
The public were caught and drawn in by the event, from the growing number of entrants (who were offered a daily allowance) and the entertainment attractions (some amateur and unemployed entertainers). The tour was split into stages of riding 400km, this saw the riders riding into the night, which captured the spectators attention. After the event, the magazine sales went from 25,000 copies sold to 65,000. By 1933 when the Tour had finished Desgrange had received a record of 854,000.
L'Auto magazine was not a direct predecessor to the now popular magazine L'Equipe, but was a spiritual figure and influence to the current organisers of the Tour. This is not directly organised by L'Equipe but is run by its owners called Societe du Tour de France. To this day this is an event which has grown on a massive scale over the years. This has influenced much of France to see many holidaymakers take part in mountain biking in places like the French Alps, but also open up other events like the Tour such as Giro d'Italia based in Italy and Vuelta a Espana based in Spain.
Meditation For Beginners
What Makes Specialized Mountain Bikes So Special?
Honestly, even if you're new to biking – how do you think you can go wrong with a name like "Specialized"? Mountain bikes under this label have been patronized by discriminating cycling enthusiasts – and not just because the name is catchy, but because this brand has a performance history that's no less than good and solid.
Specialized mountain bikes of the Rockhopper line, for example, have remained at the top of consumer rankings for a long time, contending with equally popular classics like the Trek 4500 and the Gary Fisher Marin. These "hardtail" bikes are lightweight and perfect for use by cyclists with different body types, which makes it a favorite for most kinds of rugged trails.
The average weight of a Specialized bike is 30 pounds. The aluminum frame helps greatly in reducing weight and increasing speed. And because aluminum is tried and tested for its durability, it is also the material of choice by Specialized manufacturers. You can test the worth of a bike of this name by putting it through a trail bike test; see how well it performs and how easily it is to transport during normally arduous uphill climbs.
Mike Sinyard, creator of Specialized Bicycle Components, founded his company in 1974, with the intent to "give everyone the best ride of their life." Since then the professional mountain bikes turned out by the company have made the top picks, and in the past years the company's success in developng its mountain bike lines was driven by the presence of its independent suspension FSR frame.
Specialized is also known for producing quality "budget" bikes – and by this, we mean trail bicycles that are slightly cheaper than industry standard, for their caliber. They're still more expensive than you could expect a regular bike to be – for example, a "cheap" competition-grade Specialized model could still cost a little over $1000. Before you balk at this price, you must remember that Specialized bikes are known to compete with big-name brands like Marin, Trek and Giant, some of which definitely sell their "budget" models at much higher costs! But you could look forward to top of the line service and performance from Specialized mountain bikes. You could save a little more if you buy previous years' models, which almost invariably drop in prices as new and shinier models enter the market. If you're able to take advantage of special offers, you can grab a special deal on a firsthand full suspension, cross-country trail bike.
Why Proper Lubrication Is Crucial In Mountain Bike Maintenance
More and more people are getting into mountain biking. Very few people, though, properly maintain their bikes. One of the most important aspects of mountain bike maintenance is lubrication. Keeping your bike's moving parts well-lubricated will help keep your bike in top shape for a long time. Failing to keep your bike properly lubed will lead to a shortened lifespan for your bike and its parts.
The most basic advice to heed when it comes to keeping your bike lubed, is that if there's a moving part, it needs to be lubricated. There are some parts which are best left to the experts. It's unlikely that you'll want to pull the bearings out of your headset or from inside the front crankshaft or hubs, but there are plenty of parts which are easy to access and which appreciate a regular and thorough lubing.
When purchasing lube for your bike, it's advised to buy a product specifically designed for bikes. They're perfectly formulated for the specific needs of bicycles. These lubricants typically come in drip or spray dispensers.
Now take a look at your mountain bike's derailleurs. If you're having trouble with shifting gears, then there's a good chance your derailleurs need some lubrication. In case you don't know, the derailleur is the part that moves the chain from gear to gear. Wherever there's a movable point on the derailleur, apply lubricant. This includes the little adjustment barrel. Some lube there will keep it from rusting and making it impossible to adjust.
Turn your bike upside down, move the pedals and shift gears. Wherever you see the derailleur moving and exposing sections, add some lubricant. Don't overdo it, though. Wipe up any excess drips.
Another important place to apply lube is the chain. A well-lubricated chain will last a long time and it will shift from gear to gear easier. Either turn the bike upside down or mount it on a rack if you have one, and slowly crank the pedals. As the chain cycles around, apply lubricant by either spraying it or dripping it on. Wipe off any lubricant which accidentally lands on the frame or anywhere else.
The pedals can also use a regular application of lubricant. Of course you don't want to put any on the pedal grips unless you have cartoon capers in mind, but you do want to apply some to where they attach to the cranks.
It may surprise you to hear that the brakes require lubrication. You don't want to get any grease on the brake shoes, though! Keep the lube away from the rims, too. Where you do want to apply lubricant is on the pivot points where the brakes move. Wherever there's a moving joint or metal on metal, you want to apply lubricant. The brake levers themselves can use some lube, too. Again, you'll want to apply it on the pivot points on the levers and not the lever itself.
A well-lubricated mountain bike will last longer than one that's neglected. It'll ride nicer, too. Remember to regularly lubricate the parts you can easily access and talk to your local bike shop about further mountain bike maintenance.
Adding Mountain Bike Lights To Your Bike
Both hobby cyclists and professional cyclists will find that bike lights can be very helpful. They serve a great number of functional purposes, including letting motorists know that you are on the road and showing you where you are going. You will find that there are several different bicycle lights available, so you want to choose the bike light that best fits your needs and your riding style.
You can find quite a large variety of bike lights that are both durable and dependable at online bicycle equipment stores and shops. They can help you find the right bike light that will fit your needs. The prices are comparable to brick and mortar stores and shipping is fast. You will probably get your lights within a week or so after you place your order.
Another place that you may want to look for your safety bike lights is at your local bicycle dealer. Their prices may be a little higher, but if you are not sure what you want, you may prefer seeing the lights in person so that you can make a better informed decision. The salesman at your local bike dealer can help you find the bike lights that are right for your particular bike riding and functional needs.
There are thousands of people that enjoy the thrilling, heart-pounding sport of mountain biking. Some riders enjoy riding down those mountains at night and adding bike lights can help them to make it safer and more enjoyable. One long-lasting and durable type of light that you may want to consider is the LED light. It will last you for many rides to come.
The protection of the bicyclist is the main reason that bike lights were designed. Mountain bikes can be sued for many different purposes, including transportation around time and for other recreational uses. There are some kids who even ride mountain bikes back and forth to school and the lights will help them to be safer while riding. This can keep them safe and help decrease your worry.
Due to the huge popularity in bicycle, it should not be difficult to find accessories, including bike lights, for your bike. You can find a plethora of different online shops that can offer you a varied choice in bicycle lights. This is wonderful is you have some kind of idea concerning what you need and want, but if you don't, then you may want to stick with a local bicycle shop or email the online store so that you get some help.
There is a large price range in lights for your mountain bike. They start at around $25 for bulkier lights and the price increases the lighter and more advanced that they are up to about $500. Your functional needs and riding commitment will have a huge impact on the amount of money that you will want to spend on this accessory. If you only ride your bike casually, then you may want to choose a less expensive light, but if you ride your bike seriously, then you will want to spend a little more.
Tips for Buying a Mountain Bike Online
Buying a mountain bike online is a big step, but it doesn't have to be a mistake as long as you know what you're getting into. However, it's important not to buy the first thing you see that looks appealing. It can be hard to tell what you're really buying over the Internet. What you're looking for is the fight fit. Learning about bikes before you start shopping, and knowing just what you want are the keys to successfully buying a mountain bike online.
First, get a good professional fitting, to tell you what type and size of bike is best for you. These may be free, or they may cost you up to seventy-five dollars. However, in the end, they're worth it. Any good bike shop that you get a fitting from won't pressure you to buy there.
Once you know what your size and ideal frame type is, start looking at mountain bike brands and features you like. These days there are a great deal of options available, and learning about these is essential. Make a decision about the frame material you want (titanium, carbon fiber, aluminum or steel). The latter are the most prevalent, but steel and aluminum cost less.
Ask yourself about suspension – mountain bikes are available with no suspension, front suspension, and a combination of front and back suspensions. More suspension costs a bit more, but it also gives you a gentler ride. Begin collecting brands that you'd like to buy from. Brand name may not be the only consideration, but those with proven reliability such as Cannondale, Trek and Specialized have stood the test of time.
Online you'll find a number of bike retailers, as well as a wide variety of mountain bikes being offered both by retailers and individuals on eBay. Buying bikes on eBay requires a bit of caution. If you choose to go with eBay, be very careful to make certain that the bike you're buying is the one you want. Return policies can be tricky, and individual sellers can misrepresent their bikes, intentionally or not. All that said, you can really save money buying through eBay, but look for good shipping and handling costs and an excellent record of seller feedback.
On the other hand, buying from an online bike retailer may prove to be a little safer. It's always important to check up on the online store and make sure that they're reliable, too. Know your biker retailer's return policies, too, and see if there's a warranty. A warranty, if available, may be a sensible purchase to give you a little extra safety on your mountain bike purchase.
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Second Hand Mountain Bike – a Buyers Guide
Good mountain bikes these days are by no means cheap. However, a knock-on effect of their expense is that they are being built with much stronger and more durable materials, meaning there are literally thousands of great second-hand bikes out there for a fraction of the cost of a new one. You just need to know what to look for.
There are usually many elements to a second-hand mountain bike and each bike tends to vary in its make-up. Outlined here are the key points to look out for on the more common components.
Wheels
Turn the bike upside-down and check the condition of the rims. Look out for dents or fractures in the metal and spin both wheels to see if they run true. Any problems with the rims will hinder performance and might mean you'll need to fork out for a new pair straight away. Check each spoke individually for tightness or damage. Spokes can be tightened or replaced easily but loose spokes can be an indication of a misshaped wheel. When spinning the wheels, pay attention to how the bearings function. The wheels should spin almost silently and with very little resistance. Any noise or resistance to the wheel turning could be a problem with the bearings and may mean they need replacing.
Brakes
There are a number of different types of brake used on modern bikes but they all do the same job, so the best way to test them is to get on the bike and use them to stop. Use both brakes individually in order to highlight any problems and look out for weak braking power, excessive noise, shuddering or having to use a lot of hand force to engage the brakes. Also check the brake cables for any fraying or splitting...any damage to the cables can spell trouble for braking power, especially for hydraulic brake reservoirs, so give them a good inspection. To be honest, most problems can be corrected by making small adjustments but be prepared to pay for new cables, pads, levels and even brake-sets if there is significant wear/damage
Frame
Arguably the most important part of the bike to inspect. Almost every frame is different but there are common elements that should be checked. First examine the welds in the frame. Are the any cracks or clear weak spots? How about the top tube and down tube, are they in good condition? Don't be afraid to apply a reasonable amount of force to each part of the frame, it should be able to hold up to a lot and if you see any weakness or excessive movement then the frame is severely compromised. In some instances the frame can be re-wielded or strengthened but it's unlikely to be worth your time and there are plenty more bikes in the sea. The general condition of the frame should be good. If there are lots of dents or nicks in the frame it may suggest the bike's had a lot of use or has been badly treated.
Saddle
Check the condition of the saddle covering and have a look underneath at the fixings also. Try adjusting the seat up and down. This should be easy to do and the seat post shouldn't snag at any point. If it does then the saddle post or seat tube of the bike could be misshaped.
Suspension
As with other elements of a mountain bike, suspension can come in many forms, so again the best way to test it, is to use it. To test the front forks, repeatedly apply pressure downwards on the handle bars and see how much travel there is in the forks. Look out for restricted movement or too much movement - both of which can suggest damage. Remember however than many types of suspension allow for adjustments to the travel in order to give a firmer or softer ride, so test at both extremes that the forks offer.
Some forms of suspension use oil in the forks. If this is the case then clean both forks, apply some downward pressure on the handle bars and see if there is any oil on the forks when the suspensions expands back out again. If there is oil then there's most likely a problem with the fork seals and they'll need replacing.
To check the rear suspension, place pressure downwards on the saddle. Like with the front forks, there should not be too little or too much movement. However, advances in rear suspension have allowed adjustment to the travel here as well, so take this into account.
Chain
Depending on quality, the price of a new chain can be quite steep so you're going to want to inspect the condition of the current one. A good chain shouldn't have any rust on it, it should be well-fitting and each link should be able to pivot on the ones either side. If two links will not move independently of each other then they can very easily be replaced but beware, one locked link often means there will be others. Tip the bike upside down and give the chain a good few rotations. It should be smooth, quiet and easy to turn.
Gears
The most common type of gears on modern mountain bikes comprises of a front and rear derailleur, a set of rear sprockets (aka cassette) and a set of front chain rings.
Take a good look at the condition of the sprockets and chain rings first. They can sometimes become damaged and the teeth can bend or pick up nicks, both of which will need repairing. Check if they are secure by trying to move them both away from and towards the bike. Any wobble or sliding of the sprockets or chain rings will need looking at.
The front derailleur should guide the chain onto the chain rings smoothly. Check that it hasn't been bent out of place or picked up any serious damage. Impact marks on derailleurs are a key giveaway of bike abuse. The rear derailleur should do a similar job, guiding the chain on the rear sprockets with ease and smoothness. Push the bottom of the derailleur forwards to give slack to the chain and let it move back into its resting position. This line of travel should again be smooth and require little effort to achieve it. Check the cables that run to both derailleurs for fraying or other damage and also check the gear-changing apparatus on the handlebars for ease of use and possible damage.
Whilst a visual inspection of the gearing system is important, the best way to actually get an idea of the condition of the gears is to use them. Ride the bike around a bit and go through every gear ratio possibility there is. The changing between gears should happen quickly, smoothly and without too much noise. When cycling in each gear the action should be the same and there should be no clunking or clicking coming from the derailleurs. Tuning can often fix most problems with gearing but the person selling the bike should have sorted this themselves first, and if they haven't then it can sometimes suggest there might be more terminal damage that couldn't be fixed without new parts
Crankset
When cycling the bike it's likely that you would notice any problem with the crankset if there were any. Things to look out for would be any movement of the bottom bracket, other than the rotation in the single dimension intended. Likewise, any side-to-side or up and down movement should be investigated thoroughly. Feel for resistance when pedalling and listen out for any unusual sounds like scraping or clicking. If there are odd sounds then it may be that the bearings have gone or that there is movement in the bottom bracket shell. It's worth have a visual check of the crankset as well to sight any fracturing or bending of the crank arms (they will need replacing if there is) or any other damage to the bottom bracket or indeed pedals.
Handlebars and Stem
There is often a lot of force put through the handlebars and stem of the bike, especially during a heavy landing. For this reason they are usually well reinforced and built from strong materials. However, bending, splitting and even serious fracturing of the metal is not uncommon and should be looked for. Stickers can sometimes hide damage and you should ask for them to be removed before you buy. Also look out for repair work on the bars or stem (as indeed you should for the whole frame) and be cautious of anything that looks like it has been re-welded or amateurishly repaired.
To reiterate what has been said previously, the best way to test a used mountain bike is to give it a good ride. If everything on the bike is in good condition then the seller shouldn't mind you testing it, and if there are any problems, they will soon become apparent.
The best place to find a Second Hand Mountain Bike in the UK
Mountain Bike Holidays – Adventurous and Exciting
Mountain bikers don't just like ordinary vacations - they want to take mountain bike holidays, where they can get out and try out trails that they don't often get the opportunity to try out. They also enjoy mountain bike holidays because they get to experience cultures, challenges, and scenery that simply isn't common place to their lives. It's no wonder that touring companies have started offering mountain bike holidays in almost every imaginable destination in the world!
Even bike manufacturers are getting in on the action. Trek has Trek Travel, which specializes in - you guessed it - mountain bike vacations and tours. Fisher Bikes has also started offering tour packages - with Gary Fisher as your friendly guide! Other manufacturers are sure to follow in the very near future - because there is a definite market for mountain bike holidays!
Travel agents are another good source for finding mountain bike vacation packages, but they usually don't offer what touring companies - which are not the same as travel agencies - can offer. Touring companies typically offer guided tours, but many offer self-guided tours as well. Depending on where you want to go, and what your level of experience is, a self-guided tour may be more enjoyable than a guided tour. However, if you are inexperienced, or if you are going to a foreign country, you should strongly consider a guided tour.
The tour guides are usually well trained, and they know the places that they will be leading you like the back of their hands. You won't have to worry about getting lost or not finding the most challenging trails for your skill level - the guide has all of that information. These guides typically know what is acceptable, and what is unacceptable, in the areas that they often ride in, in terms of dealing with the locals - especially in foreign countries. These guides are also well equipped to deal with emergencies - whether it is a bike breakdown or an injury.
Self guided tours, on the other hand, are exactly what they sound like - self guided. The touring company makes all of the arrangements for you to get to the destination where you will ride - but no guide accompanies you. You are not guided on the trails in most cases either. This means that you need to have the necessary experience to deal with any situations that may arise, such as injuries or breakdowns, and you need to be able to read a map well. You may also need to do some investigating to determine where you may and may not ride - especially in a foreign country! Beginner mountain bikers typically do not have the necessary experience, and need to stick to guided tours for the time being.
If you have never been on a tour of any type, it is a good idea to know what you are getting into before booking the tour. Some tours consist of only you, your guide, and other members of your party - such as your friends or family members. Other tours consist of you, the guide, and other people who have signed up for the tour - strangers. It is important to know what the arrangement is before booking the tour.
You also need to know what is expected of you on the tour. Most tours provide the bikes, and they are usually top of the line bikes. Some companies will allow you to bring your own bike, but in most cases, you will be responsible for your own bike. Your food may or may not be provided as part of the package. Again, it is vital that you find out all this information before booking the tour.
For your next vacation, you should definitely contact some of the touring companies about mountain bike holidays to see if there is a trip that interests you. Vacations are about more than just sightseeing - adventure is the key to a fabulous vacation that you will never forget!