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.
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!
D-21 Derailleur Hanger – Fits: Trek, Gary-fisher, Klein, Schwinn
TREK, GARY FISHER, KLEIN:
Fits Most mountain bikes 1998 and newer. 2007 TREK 6000 SLR alpha, Remedy, Navigator, 2002-2005 Fisher MTN all models, 2003-2005 4100 MTN, 8000 MTN, Fuel 90 MTN, Liquid MTN, Y-Glide, 2003 Alpha series, Multitrack series, Navigator series. SCHWINN:
2000- Super Sport, Super Sport GL. Also fits some models of HOT CHILI.
Please compare the picture to the hanger you have on your bike in order to find the right one.
Rushmore Mountain Sports
Author: peckstr
Keywords: Mountain Bike Black Hills Spearfish gary fisher
Added: April 30, 2009