Zarnoff Bike Blog
12Nov/090

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.

Provillus
4Jun/09Off

Schwinn Mesa GS Adult Mountain Bike

Outfitted with a Schwinn N-Litened Gold Label TIG welded aluminum frame with off-road, ride-tuned geometry, the Schwinn Mesa GS adult mountain bike is versatile enough for both dirt and street riding. The bike is set up with such features as an Answer/Manitou six-coil sprung travel fork with mini boots, a TruVative X-Flow 42/32/22 chain rings crankset, eight-speed Shimano EZ-Fire shifters, an SR/Suntour XCC-202 front derailleur and a Shimano Deore rear derailleur, Shimano EF-29 brake levers with Tektro linear pull brakes, and a Schwinn WTB Speed V sport saddle. The components combine to deliver a smooth, responsive riding experience and sure stopping power in a pinch. Schwinn also added a pair of water bottle mounts to keep you hydrated.pstrongSpecifications:/strongulliSize(s): S (15") M (17") L (19") XL (21") liFrame: NLitened Gold Label Custom Drawn Aluminum alloy Off-Road Ride-Tuned geometry, Zero Stack head tube, 3x gussets, sloping top tube, wishbone Epicenter seat stays, replaceable der. hanger, disc brake mount, rack and WB fittings. liFork: Rockshox J1, Aluminum lowers, Coil / MCU spring, pre-load adjust, and mini-boots, 100mm travel liCrankset: TruVativ X-Flow alloy arms, 42-32-22 Cr-Mo rings liBottom Bracket: TruVativ sealed cartridge square taper 68 x 113 w/ chainline stabilizer liPedals: ATB Resin body, Boron steel axle, Steel cage. Toe-clip adaptable. liFront Derailleur: SRAM 3.0 31.8 top pull liRear Derailleur: SRAM SX-5 liShifters: SRAM SX-4 dual trigger control liFreewheel: SRAM Power Glide 8-speed cassette 11-32 liChain: Shimano CN-IG51 liRims: Jalco double wall alloy w/ CNC "SSD" sidewalls to improve wet braking, 32H liTires: WTB 26" x 2.1" Velociraptor Front and Rear specific tread pattern. liFront Hub: JY Alloy Weather Sealed w/ alloy QR liRear Hub: JY Alloy Weather Sealed Cassette 8-speed QR, 32H liSpokes: Stainless steel 14 gauge liFront Brake: Tektro Linear Pull w/ 64mm MC pads and linear springs liRear Brake: Tektro Linear Pull w/ 64mm MC pads and linear springs liBrake Levers: Tektro all-alloy w/ forged lever and reach adjustment liHandlebar: Schwinn 6061 T6. 32 mm Rise, 5 degree bend, 620 mm wide liStem: Schwinn Ride Tuned alloy threadless,10 degree rise with forged 4-bolt front load cap. liGrips: Schwinn double density Kraton / Gel liHeadset: FPD Threadless semi-integrated Aheadset 1 1/8" liSaddle: WTB Speed V Sport w/ Comfort Zone liSeat Post: Forged Alloy Ride Tuned, micro adjust 26.8 x 350 liSeat Clamp: Alloy Low-Profile QR w/ forged clamp /ulpstrongAbout Schwinn/strongbr Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.pstrongAssembly of the Bike:/strongbr This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.pstrongfont color=CC6600BIGAmazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide/BIG/font/strongbrbrstrongFinding the Right Bike/strongbr To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:pstrongThe Right Ride/strongbr In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:ullistrongRoad and Racing Bikes/strong--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain. listrongMountain Bikes/strong--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine. listrongComfort/Cruiser Bikes/strong--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family. /ulpstrongThe Right Price/strongbr A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.ullistrongEntry-level/strong--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use. listrongMid-range/strong--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension. listrongHigh-end/strong--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action./ulpstrongThe Right Size/strongbr Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:ullistrongStand-over Height/strong--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height. listrongTop Tube Length/strong--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit. listrongBikes for Women/strong--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance. /ulpstrongThe Right Accessories/strongbr When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:ulliHelmet (this is a must!) liSeat pack liLock liHydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage liSpare tubes liPortable bike pump liGloves /ulp

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4Jun/09Off

Mongoose Arc Boy’s Freestyle Bike

Mongoose Arc 20" Boy's BMX Bicycle is a true Mongoose Freestyle bike. It is the perfect bike for a child over 7 years old who wants to learn to do tricks or just have lots of fun. The Arc has an Aluminum Frame that is lightweight for easier maneuvering. The Aluminum 5 Spoke Mag Wheels are the ultimate in cool. This bike has all the parts to be completely legit freestyle bike - 4 axle pegs, ORYG rotor, full wrap freestyle tires, 4 piece handlebar, 3 piece crank, Promax Alloy brake levers, an alloy ahead stem and an alloy chainring. The Front Caliper and Rear Alloy U Brakes provide the braking power needed for safe dependable stopping when learning new tricks. Finally, the heavy duty padded saddle and dual density grips provide the rider with all the comfort they could ask for. Ride Mongoose and Ride Like the Pros. BMX Bicycles are used for tricks, racing and stunts on hilly dirt tracks.

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4Jun/09Off

Schwinn Men’s Solution GSD All-Terrain Bike (26 -Inch Wheels)

Answer the call of the singletrack with the Schwinn® Solution GSD 26-in men's mountain bike. This all-mountain machine features an N'Litened aluminum frame with trail-tuned geometry, a replaceable derailleur hanger, and a front shock by CS Forks®. Shimano® shifters, derailleurs, and brake levers provide excellent control, while the Suntour® crank and Bengal® mechanical disc brakes power through obstacles and down hills.

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27May/09Off

Schwinn Sportiva Men’s Road Bike

The Schwinn Sportiva Men's Road Bike offers Schwinn quality at an affordable price. Built for speedy and serious road riding, the N'litened aluminum frame is lightweight yet strong, with an efficient bio-tuned geometry ideal for touring. The Epicenter seat stay and forged dropouts with replaceable hanger form the reliable base components of this bike.p On the Sportive, the 24-speed Shimano Equipped drivetrain and SR Suntour crankset handle the inclines with smooth precision. The Promax linear pull brakes and brake levers offer sure stopping power. Double-wall aluminum rim and cassette rear hub are built to last for miles of riding.pstrongSpecifications:/strongulliSchwinn N'litened aluminum frame liSchwinn bio-tuned geometry liEpicenter seat stay liForged dropouts liReplaceable hanger liDouble-wall aluminum rim liCassette rear hub li24-speed Shimano equipped drive train liPromax linear pull brakes and brake levers liSR Suntour NEX-200, 48, 38, 28 /ulp

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