Zarnoff Bike Blog
20Nov/090

Tips To Understanding The Basics Of Mountain Bike Gears And How They Work

Remember when you didn't think about the gears on your bike? Your bike had a bike sprocket connected to the pedals and a small sprocket connected to the back wheel an that's all you needed. Then you got a little older and got your first 10-speed. That bike had two sprockets up front and five on the back. In all likelihood, the shifters were a pair of levers connected to your bike frame near the handlebars. As time went on the shifters moved to the handlebars themselves and then became advanced-looking dials right beside the grips. And next thing you knew, instead of a paltry ten speeds on your bike, you were riding a 27-speed mountain climbing machine!

Why all these gears? To make riding faster and easier, of course. Whatever the number of gears your bike has, if it has 2 or more then there's a basic set-up which almost every bike employs.

First of all you have your front and rear sprockets. These, along with the chain, form the most basic components of the gearing system. To determine your gear ratio you compare the number of teeth on the front sprocket to the number of teeth on the rear sprocket.

If your front sprocket has 52 teeth, and your rear sprocket has 20 teeth, then you're looking at a ratio of 2.6. The higher the ratio the faster the gear. Typically the gears on the front, starting from the inside, get larger as you move out. On the back wheel, though, the largest gear is typically the farthest inside and they get smaller as you move out.

The next key component for your mountain bikes gears is the derailleur, or derailer. The derailleur is what moves the bicycle chain from gear to gear. A typical shifting system employs both a front and rear derailleur. Without the derailleur you wouldn't be able to shift gears. The derailleur consists of pulleys and the cage, which is the part which actually comes into contact with the chain. The pulleys are attached to the gear cables. There are separate cables for the front and rear derailleurs. The gear cables connect to the gear shifters.

There are a variety of gear shifters available today and they cover a wide price range. The gear shifter is what allows you to change gears. The first type of shifters were levers known as friction shifters. These worked simply by pulling the cables attached to the derailleurs.

Friction shifters can be troubling because the way they're designed you can easily get caught between gears and accidentally damage your gears or even wreck. The more advanced variety of shifter is known as the index shifter.

Index shifters have specific stopping points and are calibrated to perfectly shift from gear to gear. They remedy the drawbacks of the older friction shifters. Gear shifters may be placed anywhere from the frame to the handlebar base to the grips to models which seem to be part of the brake levers.

Mountain bikes have multiple gears to make it easier for you to negotiate difficult terrain. Higher gears are there to help you speed downhill or across the flats, and lower gears are there to help you surmount those difficult inclines. Remember, it's best to shift gears when you're not putting a lot of stress on your pedals. Shifting when there's heavy pressure on the pedals can damage your shifting system.

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29Sep/090

The Insides Of Your Mountain Bike

The most essential part of going mountain biking is purchasing a mountain bike. This bike has many different parts, however, that you will learn more about below:
1. Bottom Bracket - This bracket helps to secure the body of the bike and the crankset together.
2. Brake Cable - This cable is the connection between the brake mechanism and the brake lever.
3. Brake Lever - This lever is located on the handlebars and it is used to enable the braking mechanism. The left lever is to activate the front brake and the right lever is to activate the rear brake.
4. Chain - This part consists of a set of circular links that help to transfer your power from the chain to the cogs to make the bike move.
5. Chain Ring - The chain ring is the rings with teeth that help to secure the crank to the chain.
6. Crank - This is the lever that goes from the pedal to the bottom bracket. It helps to transfer your power to the chain rings.
7. Derailleur - This is the mechanism that moves the chain from cog to cog.
8. Down Tube - This frame section goes from the bottom bracket to the stem.
9. Front Shock - The front fork's shock absorber.
10. Handlebar - This is the horizontal bar that has handgrips on each end. It is secured to the stem to help you guide where the bike is going.
11. Headset - This is the mechanism on the frame's front that helps to connect the stem and handlebars to the front fork.
12. Hub - This is the wheel's center part where the spokes are attached.
13. Idler Pulley - This keeps the chain tight by adding spring tension to the rear derailleur's bottom pulley.
14. Nipple - This holds the rim to the end of the spoke via a threaded receptacle.
15. Pedal - This is the part that you use to pedal on and it is attached to the crank.
16. Rear Shock - On bikes with dual suspension, this is rear tire's shock absorber.
17. Rim - This is the metallic ring that secures the inside spokes to the outside tire.
18. Saddle - The seat that you sit on.
19. Seat Post - Supports the saddle/seat.
20. Skewer - This is the metallic rod that attaches the wheel to the frame dropouts by going through the hub.
21. Spindle - This is what the crank arms are attached to via a free rotating axle and it is also a component of the bottom bracket.
22. Spokes - These are the thicker wires that secure the wheel hub to the rim of the wheel.
23. Stem - This piece secures the steering tube to the handlebar.
24. Wheel Hub - This is located at the wheel's center and it is where the spokes are attached.

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10Jul/09Off

K2 Easy Street Men’s Cruiser Bike (26-Inch Wheels)

K2 Easy Street Men's Cruiser Bike (26-Inch Wheels)

FRAME - 6061 AL DREAM RIDE DESIGN REAR SHOCK - N/A FORK - COMFORT SUSPENSION, 50MM TRAVEL FRONT DERAILLEUR - SHIMANO C050 REAR DERAILLEUR - SRAM 3.0 SHIFTERS - SRAM 3.0 TWIST, DUAL INDEX FREE WHEEL CASSETTE - 7 SPEED FREEWHEEL, 13-34T CRANKSET - SR SUNTOUR XCC WITH CHAIN GUARD BOTTOM BRACKET - SEALED CARTRIDGE CHAIN - KMC Z51 RIM - ALEX ALLOY TIRES - KENDA KOMFORT, 26 X 2.125" BRAKES - ALLOY LINEAR PULL BRAKE LEVERS - ALLOY COMFORT WITH REACH ADJUST HEADSET - 1 1/8" THREADED STEM - ALUMINUM, HIGH-RISE QUILL HANDLEBAR - DREAM RIDE DESIGN GRIPS - COMFORT DESIGN, DUAL-DENSITY SEAT CLAMP - ALLOY, WITH QR SEAT POST - SR SUNTOUR PARALLELOGRAM SUSPENSION SADDLE - K2 COMFORT, WITH COIL SPRINGS & DUAL MATERIAL COVER PEDALS - COMFORT WI (more...)

3Jul/090

Choosing a Shimano Mountain Bike Component

Mountain bike components are designed to withstand more abuse and extreme riding conditions. These components are heavier, sometime larger and more durable then road bike components. Sometime you are riding on dirt, rock, or in water, etc and the components need to be durable enough so they can withstand abusive treatment.

It just so happened that my rear derailleur broke on my full suspension mountain bike. I was riding a down hill trail and lost control of my bike. The rear of the bike ended up hitting the face of a rock and I was left with a mangled rear derailleur. So I looked at the positive side of the accident and said to myself now is the time to upgrade.

I could find new or near new parts on Bike Servant which is a mountain bike classifieds website and lists mountain bikes for sale, bike parts and race events but I was in the car with my bike so I decided to go to the store.

On the way home from the trail I stopped at my local bike store to buy a new derailleur so I can resume riding as quickly as possible. I told the bike shop guy my situation and she asked me which aftermarket Shimano derailleur I wanted to buy. Not knowing anything about the different categories in the Shimano product line I asked for help and this is what she relayed to me.

Shimano Deore is their entry level category. These products are inexpensive and meant for the occasional or enthusiast rider. These components are stocked on entry level mountain bikes.

Shimano Deore LX is their next level in higher quality. This category level consists of a more durable product. The main difference that I noticed is that Deore LX is lighter then Deore. My derailleur was a Deore LX and it has shown me proven quality and reliability for many years.

Shimano Deore XT was referred to as their heavy duty category. This product category is not considered race quality performance but they are light weight and more durable then the LX category. The price difference between the LX category and the XT category was noticeable.

Shimano XTR is considered their high performance category. Again these parts are lighter then the XT category. As a consumer I took notice to the price increase from XT to XTR. It appeared to me that this category appeals to the racers that demand light weight and high performance.

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of Shimano's product line. It is the list that my bike store carried.

So in my quest to buy a new derailleur I decided to purchase the Shimano Deore XT because of its light weight, durability and price. I had the bike shop install it for me and I was back on the trail in no time.

Experience with full suspension and hardtail mountain bikes, bike parts and organizing race events for mountain biking.bikes for salemountain bike classifieds
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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

2008 Mongoose Kaldi Women’s Commuter Bike Medium

Color(s): Lite Blue Silver

Size(s): M

Frame: Mongoose comfort design heat treated alloy w/ repl der hanger

Fork: Oversize ATB, Hi Ten steel, straight blade

Crankset: SR/Suntour XCC-T208 48/38/28T w/ chain guard

Bottom Bracket: Tange sealed cartridge

Pedals: FPD resin rubber w/ boron axle ,br

Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-C051

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus

Shifters: Shimano Revo 21 speed

Freewheel: Shimano MF-TZ37 14-28t 7sp

Chain: KMC Z-51

Rims: Alex Z1000 alloy ,br

Tires: Continental Sport Contact 26x1.6

Front Hub: Formula alloy sealed mech 36°

Rear Hub: Formula alloy sealed mech 36°

Spokes: Stainless Steel

Nipples: UCP brass

Front Brake: Pro Max TX711 linear pull

Rear Brake: Pro Max TX711 linear pull

Brake Levers: Promax BL-42

Handlebar: Mongoose steel 15° sweep 0 rise

Stem: Mongoose alloy 25* rise 180mm quill

Grips: Ergo comfort dual density

Headset: VP steel threaded

Saddle: Mongoose/Velo comfort design w/ super soft foam D2 dual density base

Seat Post: Alloy w/ micro adjust head

Seat Clamp: Alloy QR

Extras: insultated mug w/alloy handlebar holder, full fenders w/ stainless hardware, alloy kickstand

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3Jun/09Off

2009 Mongoose Fireball 24″ Boy’s Moutain Bike

FRAME: Mongoose Flat Top Tube Technology (F3T) Mongoose 6061 Aluminum Jumping w/ Shaped Toptube Downtube, Rectangular Seatstays Chainstays

FORK: CS-270, 50mm Travel

DRIVETRAIN: 7-Speed w/ Shimano FT30 Rear Derailleur, Shimano Revo Twist Shifter; Forged Alloy Crankset w/ 36t Chainring

BRAKES: ProMax Mechanical Disc, 160mm Rotors

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