Zarnoff Bike Blog
30Oct/090

Learning About Mountain Bikes

At this article you will read what mountain biking is as well as how to get the information on various kinds of mountain bikes.
The most commonly used Mountain Bikes are:
Downhill Bikes:Most prominently used for competition in which one goes down the hill. So with that speed, bikes need to be with tough frames and with heavy-duty brakes such as disc or hydraulic brakes.
XC Bikes: This is another kind of bike which is highly used for competition in which one can go both down and climb hills. So its frame should be light but reasonably tough. Brakes used in this particular bike are v-brakes and light disc brakes.
Hybrid Bikes: This category of bikes is a good option for those who want to ride on both mountains and road.
These bikes either run on front suspension or on full suspension (which is a combination of both front and back suspensions). Various kinds of brakes employed in these bikes are:-
Rim Brakes: They are both light and powerful but their power decreases in muddy terrain where they become slippery.
Disc Brakes: They are light and powerful and are not affected by weather.
Hydraulic Brakes: They are very powerful and don't need much maintenance, but are expensive than other brakes.
Frame Materials: The bikes can be made of aluminum, steel or titanium. These are very important elements of the bike as their composition determines the weight, strength, responsiveness and life of the bike.
Size: Like conventional bikes, mountain bikes come in small, medium and large sizes. But different manufactures use different reference point of measurement therefore sizing is not always consistent.
Latest Trends:
All Mountain Bikes: The "All Mountain Bikes" are characterized by 5-6 inch (125-150 mm) rims to take on very rough conditions.
29er Bike: This uses 700cc-sized rims and is suited for tires of 2 inches (50mm) width or more, so that it is able to roll over the obstacles.
Singlespeed: This is a blend of simplicity with innovation in suspension design.
Some of the other trends includeStable Platform Value Suspension Technology. Here the compressor shim stack has been replaced with a pair of overlapping cups. It also employs VPP suspension designs to balance different forces thereby eliminating unwanted compression without limiting bump absorption.

Alastair Hamilton is the copywriter of http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com .He provides tips and advice about MTB as well as on the disk brakes at mountain bikes
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15Oct/090

Folding Mountain Bikes – your Travel Mates, your Convenience!

Folding mountain bikes are essentially practical bicycles, which are easy to store and transport. These mountain bikes can be folded in seconds and you will not even need any special rack for these bikes. Just put it inside your suitcase and carry it like another piece of luggage inside a car, boat, train or even inside an airplane.

The folding technique of mountain bikes is a patented military design and it was initially used to develop full-sized folding bikes for the US Marines and paratroopers for strategic use.

A folding mountain bike is a bit expensive when compared to a non-folding mountain bike. Despite the price-factor, purchasing a foldable bike will be advantageous in every respect. Actually, the manufacturers of folding mountain bicycles have not compromised with the sturdiness or toughness of the bikes in making them foldable (and hence portable).

As regards choices, these days you simply have plenty of choices with manufacturers like Airnimal, Montague launching a great many models that allow easy, convenient loading and unloading. Select from among the many lightweight yet tough bikes, choosing as per your requirement.

Following beneath are descriptions of some top foldable mountain bikes available in the market:

Hummer

Montague-made Hummer is a high-tech folding mountain bike. The Hummer bicycle, designed after full-sized military bikes, has normal wheels with knobby tires and hence it can be used on any terrain. It takes around 30 seconds to fold a Hummer and the folded bicycle measures just 36" x 28" x 12". The folding is accomplished without the use of tools.

The Hummer is essentially lightweight yet it is perfectly tough and durable. Other plus-points of this bicycle are – Shimano precision index shifters for a quick gear change, 24-speed Shimano drive train and a front suspension with a front disk brake.

Paratrooper Mountain Bike

The market-leaders have launched yet another folding mountain bike, the Paratrooper Mountain Bike. A very tough bike, the Paratrooper folds and unfolds in less than 30 seconds. This superb braking power and excellent engineering behind this Montague bike makes it unparalleled for rugged terrains. Montague also markets important accessories like foldable pedals and carrying cases - both hard and soft cases.

Airnimal Rhino

Airnimal Rhino, Airnimal’s first officially launched ‘off-road’ bike is a folding mountain bike. Its 20” wheels and front and rear suspension make it perfect for all terrains.

Giatex Stretching Bike

The Giatex Stretching Bike is based on a new folding concept. In this case, it is not the frame that folds from the middle, rather the steering column and the rear part that are folded down. The folded bike measures about 37 inches.

Bike Fridays

Bike Fridays made by Green Gear Cycling Inc. are revolutionary finds because they are collapsible bikes rather than foldable. The assembling and disassembling takes time, but the new bikes are, performance wise, excellent.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner ofhttp://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Folding-Bikes.html
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14Oct/090

Folding Mountain Bikes , Your Travel Mates, Your Convenience!

Folding mountain bikes are essentially practical bicycles, which are easy to store and transport. These mountain bikes can be folded in seconds and you will not even need any special rack for these bikes. Just put it inside your suitcase and carry it like another piece of luggage inside a car, boat, train or even inside an airplane.
The folding technique of mountain bikes is a patented military design and it was initially used to develop full-sized folding bikes for the US Marines and paratroopers for strategic use.
A folding mountain bike is a bit expensive when compared to a non-folding mountain bike. Despite the price-factor, purchasing a foldable bike will be advantageous in every respect. Actually, the manufacturers of folding mountain bicycles have not compromised with the sturdiness or toughness of the bikes in making them foldable (and hence portable).
As regards choices, these days you simply have plenty of choices with manufacturers like Airnimal, Montague launching a great many models that allow easy, convenient loading and unloading. Select from among the many lightweight yet tough bikes, choosing as per your requirement.
Following beneath are descriptions of some top foldable mountain bikes available in the market:
Hummer
Montague-made Hummer is a high-tech folding mountain bike. The Hummer bicycle, designed after full-sized military bikes, has normal wheels with knobby tires and hence it can be used on any terrain. It takes around 30 seconds to fold a Hummer and the folded bicycle measures just 36inches x 28inches x 12inches. The folding is accomplished without the use of tools.
The Hummer is essentially lightweight yet it is perfectly tough and durable. Other plus-points of this bicycle are Shimano precision index shifters for a quick gear change, 24 speed Shimano drive train and a front suspension with a front disk brake.
Paratrooper Mountain Bike
The market-leaders have launched yet another folding mountain bike, the Paratrooper Mountain Bike. A very tough bike, the Paratrooper folds and unfolds in less than 30 seconds. This superb braking power and excellent engineering behind this Montague bike makes it unparalleled for rugged terrains. Montague also markets important accessories like foldable pedals and carrying cases , both hard and soft cases.
Airnimal Rhino
Airnimal Rhino, Airnimals first officially launched off-road bike is a folding mountain bike. Its 20inch wheels and front and rear suspension make it perfect for all terrains.
Giatex Stretching Bike
The Giatex Stretching Bike is based on a new folding concept. In this case, it is not the frame that folds from the middle, rather the steering column and the rear part that are folded down. The folded bike measures about 37 inches.
Bike Fridays
Bike Fridays made by Green Gear Cycling Inc. are revolutionary finds because they are collapsible bikes rather than foldable. The assembling and disassembling takes time, but the new bikes are, performance wise, excellent.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Folding-Bikes.html
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21Aug/090

Rocky Mountain Bikes for the Extreme Biking Ecstasy

Want to jive with a bike through the treacherous trails of the mountains? Get on Rocky Mountain bikes and be ready for an electrifying ride! Rocky bikes are exceptional with a zing of difference. But the offerings of Rocky encompass the desires and needs of myriad off road cyclists

The World Of Rocky Mountain Bike

Rocky bikes are embossed with innovation, quality and value with exceptional design, fabrication, CNC-machining, paint and pre-assembly done in-house in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Rocky mountain bike is one of the leaders who realized that future biking is going to rely heavily on full suspension. They are the one who bought out the 3D Link multi-pivot linkage design years ago. There were bikes for huge downhill travel and free ride bikes. The want was of middle one, a lightweight design for more travel.

ETSX Or Energy Transfer System

The quest ended with ETSX. This is a featherweight package weighing 12.9 kilograms for the 19” size and literally you can do ANYTHING with this bike.

This is geared with a double A-arm design, which as per the claim of Rocky Mountain is derived from Formula 1 racecar suspension. The design is beautiful with light and small suspension components. The main pivot point lies above the crank and just in front of the seat tube.

Moreover, there is really no chain stay, which can get in the way of the drive train. Sealed bearings at all of the pivots make the construction superb. By and large the rear wheel stays firmly planted onto the ground and the extra special traction is smooth under all conditions. Now great news! You can flip a quick release and alter the travel from 3.5 to 4.5 inches for a good ride in rough terrains for long travels and for an easy climb to the top of the mountain.

Some Other Specialties Of ETSX

1. The frame is prepared with Easton Bi-Oval RAD tubing

2. The welding is rock solid and big

3. The Fox Float RLC front fork has a very efficient lever on top of the right fork leg to control the spring tension

4. Two bottle mounts, one above and one below the down tube are there

The Part Mix Is Scrumptious. The List Goes Like This

1. Shimano 515 clipless pedals

2. The hubs, cranks, disc brakes, shifters and front derailleur are from Shimano XT

3. Thermo SP headset and Deus stem

4. Handlebar from favorite Easton Carbon Monkey Lite

5. Tires are from marvelous Hutchinson Mosquito

6. Wheelset is Rockies in house built Wheeltech, which includes Mavic X223 Disc rims, and DT spokes

At present, ETSX has three models.

Finding The Right Bike

Size does matter! And the best way to get the perfect size is testing several sizes in person at a Rocky Mountain bike dealer.

Warranty Coverage On Rocky Mountain Bike

Read the owner’s manual carefully. The shop from where you bought the bike will provide with initial information. You can also check out the “Warranty Inquiries” section in the website of Rocky Mountain Bicycles to get detailed info on warranties and guarantees.

Say good-bye to a bland life. Say hello to a daring journey on a sturdy beast, the Rocky mountain bike.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner ofhttp://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/.Specialized-Bike.html
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13Aug/090

Mountain Bike Holidays Are Golden Chances For You To Roll With Rocks

Your treasured mountain bike holidays would be ruined if you were not riding the right bike. Bikes meant for mountain holidays are designed to provide a smooth ride over rough and rugged terrains.
Mountain bikes are equipped with flat knobby tires and a capacity of extra traction and shock absorption. Previously, mountain bikes had flat straight handlebars. Now the trend has changed and the recent bikes are fitted with riser handlebars. This provides more grip to the rider as he whistles away on the bike enjoying every moment of his craggy holiday.
A Ride On A Mountain Bike Is The Best Part Of The Holiday
Mountain bikers always love to walk on the wild side. They enjoy going for mountain holidays on their machines and getting the opportunity to try out trails that are quite uncommon to the usual on road bikers. Moreover, the culture, scenery and adventure, a biker comes across during a tour of the mountain are indeed splendid.
For this and more attractive reasons, several touring companies have come forward to offer tempting mountain bike holiday packages with occasions to lose yourself among the wilderness of nature.
Based on this, numerous mountain bike companies are coming up with attractive tour packages. The companies who have not yet started with the package touring process are hoping soon to be in the line to keep up with the increasing demands of mountain bike tours and holidays.
If you are looking for a mountain bike vacation package, you can also link up with travel agents who offer opportunities lesser than several mountain bike companies. These companies are glad to offer tours both guided and self-guided. Self-guided tours are best for those who find life more adventurous and challenging. On the other hand, guided tours are essential when you are on a mountain tour for the first time or in some hostile land.
In matters of self-guided tours, the company makes all arrangements so that you can well reach the spot where you prefer to take your ride. Thus, you move unguided on the trails. Under such circumstances, you should have the experience and the confidence to combat adverse situations like injuries and breakdowns. You should always carry a map with you and should have some basic knowledge of navigation.
Make sure that you have a proper knowledge of the arrangements before you opt for the tour. If you have prior information about the other people accompanying you on the tour, you can completely prepare yourself from all perspectives.
In some mountain bike tours and holidays, the companies provide excellent bikes for you to choose while others may allow you to carry your own bike for your convenience. Foods may or may not be offered to you in the packages. Whatever the situation may be, it is essential that you be well informed before you are ready to set out on the journey.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Mountain-Bikes.html
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1Aug/090

Kona Mountain Bikes Are Made For Biking At Its Best

Kona mountain bikes are the specially designed mountain bikes manufactured by a bicycle company in the name of Kona Bikes. The company also has other product lines, which includes racing bicycles, frames, parts and accessories
The company has been dubbed as the fun bike company for its unconventional yet crazy bike names.
Whats more, it is believed that Kona is the first principal company to be on board as far as Freeride, or "North Shore" riding was concerned. Moreover, they are also known to produce some odd bikes that became instant hits in the market.
You must know that Kona bikes are more than suitable for UK weather conditions. No wonder, their mountain bikes have a huge market in U.K alone. Speaking of Kona bike range, you will find the Kona Stinky and not to mention the Kona Smoke are some of the best choices for the fanatic bike riders and novice cyclists.
Achievements
Believe it or not, Kona has manufactured a downhill bike that took the title of a Downhill World Champion twice. When it comes to cross country riding and cross-country racing you cannot do without Kona Bicycles. From designing to innovation, you will get it all with these bicycles. Although these kinds of races are really tough, Kona bicycles are equal to the task.
Durability and performance are the things that go hand in hand with Kona bikes and for this reason these bikes score high in dirt jumping. If you are seeking a bike for urban riding, then hit the road with Kona Asphalt. With Kona Asphalt, riding city streets becomes childs play.
Free riding bikes were always on demand and now with things going global, the demand has radically increased and Kona bikes have set the example worldwide especially as far as design is concerned.
The variety
The varied collection of mountain bikes from Kona has taken a considerable share of the market. For example Kona Lana I 2005 Mountain Bike, Kona Fire Mountain 2006 Mountain Bike, Kona Shred 2006 Mountain Bike, Kona Cinder Cone Sole 2007 Mountain Bike, Kona Unit 2007 Mountain Bike, Kona Kikapu-8 2007 Mountain Bike and all that have been instant hits.
If you have any queries about this company and its products, go through the shopping help web page to find answers. Another thing you should know is that Kona accepts sponsorship requests and resumes by email. You may also avail yourself to discounted bikes, so check it out with your local Kona dealers.
If you have already bought a Kona mountain bike then you can seek the customer service department for any queries and enhancements.
Maybe, you want to install a DH fork, or a specific tire or may even want to include more suspension to your bike, the Kona people are always ready with their suggestions. All you need to mention is the type of bike, the date of manufacture and its serial number.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Mountain-Bikes.html
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25Jul/090

Things to Know About your Mountain Bike Parts

You are a biking champ - ruler of the vast mountain trails. But your fame will become dull if you don’t understand the various parts of your mean machine. So to become a complete champ it is necessary to enhance your knowledge about different mountain bike parts.

The Basic Parts Of A Mountain Bike

The Frame

The frame of a mountain bike is smaller than that of a road bike. But the angle is very relaxing for the rider so that he can maneuver the bike with skillful agility over different grounds. Mountain bike manufacturers build bikes, which are gender specific. So while you buy a bike be sure to get the right sizing.

The Handlebars

The handlebars of a mountain bike are flat, usually as wide as the rider’s shoulders. However, depending on the rider’s preference it could be narrower or wider. Riser bars are fast becoming popular as it looks attractive and gives the riders a more upright position. You can add bar ends to the handlebars, which will allow more hand positions and give more comfort to the rider.

Bike Crank And Derailleur

A crank is connected to the bottom bracket of the frame with pedals attached to the tip of each crank. Crank has chainrings attached to it. The gear and chainrings are outfitted with derailleurs. The derailleurs, using the shifters that are placed at the handlebars, derail one gear to the other and the chain from one chainring to the other. The finer the quality of the derailleur the more exact the shifting will be.

Shifters

Shifters activate the front and rear derailleurs setting off the motion of the chain from one gear to the other.

Three basic types of shifters are:

1. Thumb Shifter: These are the most basic shifters that are fastened on top of handlebars and are operated by a push and pull of the thumb and the index finger respectively.

2. Rapid Fire Shifters: Rapid-fire shifters are generally fixed at the bottom of the handlebar and are activated by a two push buttons. For newer models a push and pull lever is used.

3. Grip Shifters: A grip shifter acts like a motorcycle throttle. To shift up to a lighter gear you have to turn the grip shift for the rear derailleur inwards. And to shift down to a heavier gear turn the grip shift outward.

Gear

Mountain bikes are meant to stomp on Steep Mountain trails and are usually equipped with outstanding gear ratios. The most popular one is the 36x34, which the mountain biker christens as “granny” gear. With this gear, you can trudge steep hills at a high tempo.

Brakes

Today’s mountain bikes have passed the stage of coaster brakes. Today the “V” brakes or the linear pull-type brakes are regular in mountain bikes. You can have Disk Brakes for high-end mountain bikes. Disk Brakes are highly proficient, as its feat does not get clogged by water or mud. You must keep your timing intact for a good braking performance.

Pedals

The mountain bike riders use two types of pedals. One is the toe clip, which can be made up of metal or plastic and is compatible with any kind of rubber shoe. The second type is the clipless pedal for which the biker has to wear a special kind of shoe. Clipless pedals raise the transfer of power from the rider to the bike.

Saddle

A saddle is necessary for your comfort while you chomp your way through a rugged ride. Make your seat comfortable with a perfect saddle for you.

Wheels and Tires

There are plenty of wheel sets in the market, which will ensure high performance. Mostly these wheels are durable and light but before buying a wheel keep in mind the safety factor.

Tires are the most important parts of the mountain bike. They should have a good grip for a smooth experience. A bad tire can sour up your whole journey ending it up in some gutter.

Suspension System

Today the suspension system has become essential for a mountain bike and with improved technology, suspensions are now cheaper and simpler to handle. This is evident in fork suspension system of hardtail mountain bikes.

Knowing about the components of a mountain bike will make your bike live long and healthy always ready for a rousing journey.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner ofhttp://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about treating acne at http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Dirt-Bikes.html
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