Down Hill Mountain Biking
Extreme sports are getting more and more popular these days. Mountain biking attracts daredevils from all over the world who like to have an "adventure sport experience".
The term mountain biking includes many different styles. The range is from gentle types such as cross country where you ride up and down the hills, and cyclo cross, which is a combination between mountain biking and road biking, to more 'extreme' styles. Downhill biking is one of the more extreme types and it is also one of the most popular forms of mountain biking.
As the name implies, in downhill mountain biking you only ride down the hills. The bike and the biker get transported up to the top by a lift and then begin the thrilling ride down. What you're aiming for is to get to the bottom of the hill as fast as possible, managing to pass all the obstacles. The situations that occur often get pretty extreme. This includes jumps that can be up to twelve meters long, dropping three meters and other kinds of rough conditions that you can find on a mountain slope.
The people that are into downhill mountain biking are those that are looking for a good challenge, that long for the adrenaline pumping experience and don't mind a few bruises. It's for those that like to be on the risky, thrilling side of life.
The downhill bike is heavier than other mountain bikes to be able to fit the conditions. It weighs somewhere between forty and fifty pounds so forget about pedaling uphill once you're out there. Once you've begun your race, there's only one way to go and that's down. The bike has to be able to put up with extreme conditions so it is equipped with front and rear suspension and heavy tubing. For the biker, it's necessary to use full saftety gear with a proper helmet, goggles, a body suit plus knee and hand pads. You can expect to have some close contact with the dirt even if you are a professional downhill biker.
There are many ways to improve you skills, the most important one is of course to practice, and then to practice a bit more and a bit more. There are loads of books, DVDs and internet sites where people can watch stunts being performed by professionals sharing their tricks and ideas. This is also a great way to learn, and something you can bring with you once your actually out on the hillside. The only way to fully master it though, is to learn by the experience.
Even though downhill mountain biking is somewhat a risky sport, it's well worth to go for it, being able to give you an experience out of the ordinary, both fun and exciting.
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Buying A Mountain Bike
It can be a bit frustrating as well as time consuming when you buy a mountain bike. Below, you'll find some tips and things to be aware of before you lay down the cash and buy a mountain bike.
Determining your price
There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out what your price range is and how much your willing to pay for a new bike. When you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass merchant stores such as Wal-Mart. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.
Finding your style.
All mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. You'll need to figure out what type of riding you will be doing the most. Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you select fits your personal style and not that of the sale's staff.
Full suspension or hard tail.
If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail, without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full suspensions offer more comfort and overall better control. You'll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you'll be riding on the most.
Finding your favorites.
Comparing mountain bikes component to component is nearly impossible, as there are far too many combinations available. The best way to go about doing this is finding a few components that are the most important to you and making sure the rest or the minimums fall within your price range. You can start with the fork then look at the wheels and rear derailleur.
Sales and seasons.
During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars. Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them.
Finding a good dealer.
Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than selling you a high priced one. A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and give you the impression that you can really trust them.
Test ride.
You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You'll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. The more bikes you can test drive, you better you'll understand what works and what doesn't.
Doing the research Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a mountain bikes reliability and overall performance. You should always look at what other owners and reviews think about a bike before you make that final purchase.
Get Up and Get Into Mountain Biking- Here’s Some Tips to Get you Started!
So, you want to get fit, experience the joys of the great outdoors and have a few thrills and spills along the way? Sounds like you need to get out there and buy yourself a mountain bike. But with full suspension, hardtail and a myriad of mountain bike models from a huge variety of quality manufacturers, what type of mountain bike is right for you? Here we offer a few simple tips that may just help you decide.
Firstly, is it a mountain bike you are really after? A mountain bike is great if you want to ride off the road and get into the great outdoors. If you will mainly be riding along the road or pathways, then perhaps you need to look elsewhere. But for now, we’ll assume that a mountain bike is what you’re after. So, the first decision you will have to make is whether you want a mountain bike with, or without, suspension.
If you want a bike that will provide a smooth ride when you’re travelling up and down on rugged, rocky trails, then you might consider a full suspension bike. A hardtail bike on the other hand has no rear suspension and may or may not have front suspension forks. Hardtail bikes generally weigh less than full suspension bikes and are usually cheaper. Hardtails are often a better choice for beginners. Another advantage worth pointing out is that you will use less energy when you’re pedalling on a Hardtail. This is because on a full suspension bike, when you push down on the pedal, some of your force is lost when the rear suspension compresses. If you’re not sure which way to go, ask your local bike dealer and test ride both a hardtail and full suspension bike.
You’ve now decided that you want either a hardtail or full suspension bike. Now, how much are you willing to spend? Mountain bikes are available from a wide variety of manufacturers each with many different models that may range in price from a few hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars. If you’re a beginner, you may be better buying a cheaper bike to start with. You can always upgrade later. However, this will depend on your intentions. If you want to get involved with your local club and compete in some races, then you’ll probably want to spend more money. Again, discuss this with the local bike dealer or speak to your local mountain biking club.
If you have friends into mountain bike riding, then naturally, speak to them and ask their opinion. One word of warning: when you buy a bike, try to avoid buying one from one of the larger department stores. If you do you’ll probably be disappointed because they’re usually of dubious quality with cheaper components such as brakes and gears. And one thing you don’t want is a mountain bike that won’t change gears properly. It will quickly turn you off mountain bike riding forever! And we don’t want that now, do we?
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4 Different Mountain Bike Designs Explained
The designs for mountain bikes can be classified in three categories based on suspension:
1. Hardtail - A frame with no rear suspension, often containing a front suspension fork.
2. Fully rigid - This is a sub type of hardtail, with a rigid fork.
3. Dual or full suspension - These bikes offer a front suspension fork and a rear suspension that are integrated into the frame.
4. Soft tail - Offers a frame with a small amount of rear suspension, normally less than a full suspension frame.
The different designs of bikes in mountain biking will offer you what you need for your unique style of riding. You'll want a different bike for different terrain, such as cross country or downhill. As the terrain changes, you'll want to make sure you have the right bike for the job.
Mountain biking is different than any other sport, offering you plenty of excitement and thrills. If you are new to mountain biking, you'll find the different designs to be very enticing yet very challenging at the same time. Each design serves a purpose with mountain biking, even some that excel on the trails.
There are also several other designs which reflect on the manny challenging disciplines in the sport of mountain biking. No matter what type of mountain biking you like to do, there are bikes for that specific discipline.
If you are new to mountain biking, you'll want to check out the many designs and types of biking before you purchase a bike. Mountain biking can be a lot of fun and excitement, although it can also be very dangerous if you don't have the right bike for the terrain. Before you decide to buy a bike and hit the trails, make sure you have the right design of mountain bike for the riding you are planning on doing.
Mountain Biking Safety Tips
There are numerous ways that you can improve your mountain bike safety. Many riders will tell you that wearing a helmet is the most important step to staying safe. The second most important step is that you should always ride in control of your mountain bike.
By riding in control you'll not only prevent crashes, but keep others on the trail safe as well. When riding out of control you loose the ability to adjust to the terrain as you ride over it. This can and usually does result in serious injury to yourself and others.
Follow these helpful guidelines and you'll remain safe when riding your mountain bike.
Gear
Always make sure that you wear a helmet and other necessary safety gear for the conditions that you plan to ride in.
Never ride beyond your control
There is never any shame in walking the areas of the trail that you don't feel comfortable in riding and you should never let anyone else tell you that there is.
Keep your speed under control
Always make sure you keep your speed at a level where you can quickly adjust to any obstacles or change in the trail.
Knowing your trail
You should never push the limits on trails that you aren't familiar with. You should take trails you aren't familiar with at slow speeds until you learn them better.
Slow down around blind corners
If you can't see past a corner you should always slow down, as you never know who or what is around it.
Start small then go big
Work your way up to stunts or obstacles. Practice in less difficult or dangerous situations before you move up to something more dangerous.
Playing it smart
If you start to question what your doing, you probably shouldn't be doing. Always think about what you are doing and go with your instincts.
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A Look At Some Of The More Common Mountain Bike Designs
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding. Whether made for racing or the more leisurely rider, there are four basic frame designs for mountain bikes: rigid, hard-tail, soft-tail, and full suspension.
The rigid (also commonly known as fully rigid) mountain bikes resemble a conventional sort of bike as you would imagine it. A rigid mountain bike has neither a rear suspension nor a front suspension. These used to be the most common kind of mountain bike but they are rapidly being replaced by the more comfortable models which feature some sort of suspension system. Fully rigid bikes tend to be lower-priced than models with a suspension. Many riders still prefer rigid bikes because it's what they're accustomed to, and the feel that the rigid design allows them greater control.
Another common mountain bike design is the hard-tail. Hard-tail mountain bikes are so named because they have a conventional rear end without a suspension. Hard-tails differ from fully rigid bikes in that they have a front suspension. The hard-tail is perhaps the most popular mountain bike design. Many professional riders prefer the feel of a hard-tail and the comfort of a front suspension.
The next kind of mountain bike design is the soft-tail. As you probably guessed, soft-tails employ a rear suspension. Rear suspensions are a more recent innovation than front suspension due to the complexities of the design. Soft-tails are often more expensive than hard-tails, but they also tend to be more forgiving.
Finally there's the full suspension mountain bike. Bikes with this design feature both front and rear suspensions. These bikes are the latest mountain bike design. For a long time riders avoided full suspension bikes because they were heavy and they tended to sag in the middle like an old swayback horse. It took years for engineers and riders to perfect a viable, functional full suspension mountain bike. It was in the 1990's when these bikes finally reached a point where they were marketable.
In addition to the frame and suspension, there are other differences in mountain bike designs. One key area where bikes differ is the brakes. Mountain bikes either have some form of caliper brakes, which are the kind of brakes typically associated with bikes. This kind of brake squeezes the rims to slow and stop the bike. The other type of brake is the drum brake. Drum brakes on bikes are similar to the braking system on automobiles. Drum brakes are more expensive than caliper brakes but they're also easier to maintain. Mountain bike braking systems have even been made which utilize hydraulic power.
Another area where you have some choice in mountain bike design is tire size. Mountain bike tires typically range in size from 24" to 29". Smaller tires are used when greater maneuverability is required as in stunt-riding and jumping. Larger tires are used when speed is the key.
As with any other important purchase, do your homework before buying a new mountain bike. Think about your needs and your budget. Mountain biking is a terrific past-time. It's a fun way to get some fresh air, enjoy the outdoors, and improve your health.
4 Different Types of Mountain Bikes Explained
With mountain biking being a very popular sport, there are many bikes to choose from. Depending on what type of riding you like, the style of bikes you can choose from will vary. Below, you'll find tips on the different types of bikes available.
1. Cross country Almost all mountain bikes will fit into this category. Cross country mountain bikes are light weight, making them easy to ride over most terrains, even up and down hills. This is the most common mountain bike and it can be used with ease for riding on the path or even commuting.
2. Downhill These types of bikes are for serious bikers who crave the ultimate adventure. Downhill bikes have front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc brakes. Rarely available off the shelf, most riders like to custom build their own.
3. Trials Trail mountain biking involves a great degree of skill and is classified as the precision riding of the sport. Similiar to downhill bikes, trial riders will often build their own bikes rather than purchase one off a shelf. Generally very light and very strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline.
4. Jump and slalom Slalom and jump bikes are very strong and designed for jumping, street racing, and slalom. They offer a front suspension and use very strong components dedicated to what they do. These bikes are very popular with the sport of mountain biking.
Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport can be a lot of fun. There are several bikes to choose from, all of which depend on your style. If you are still looking for the best style for you, all you have to do is try out several bikes and see which one suites you the best.
Buying A Mountain Bike:
It can be a bit frustrating as well as time consuming when you buy a mountain bike. Below, you'll find some tips and things to be aware of before you lay down the cash and buy a mountain bike.
Determining your price: There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out what your price range is and how much your willing to pay for a new bike.
When you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass merchant stores such as Wal-Mart. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.
Finding your style:
All mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. You'll need to figure out what type of riding you will be doing the most.
Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you select fits your personal style and not that of the sale's staff.
Full suspension or hard tail:
If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail, without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full suspensions offer more comfort and overall better control.
You'll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you'll be riding on the most. Finding your favorites: Comparing mountain bikes component to component is nearly impossible, as there are far too many combinations available.
The best way to go about doing this is finding a few components that are the most important to you and making sure the rest or the minimums fall within your price range. You can start with the fork then look at the wheels and rear derailleur.
Sales and seasons:
During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars.
Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them. Finding a good dealer: Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than selling you a high priced one. A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and give you the impression that you can really trust them.
Test ride:
You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You'll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. The more bikes you can test drive, you better you'll understand what works and what doesn't.
Doing the research: Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a mountain bikes reliability and overall performance. You should always look at what other owners and reviews think about a bike before you make that final purchase.
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