How Mountain Bike Gears Work
That gears in mountain cycles simply maintain getting a lot more
and a lot more complex. The bikes of today get as numerous
as 27 equipment ratios. A mountain bike will use a
mix of three several sized sprockets in
front and nine in that back to produce items ratios.
This idea behind all those gears is to enable the
rider to crank that pedals at a constant pace no
matter what type of slope the bike may be on. You can
understand the following improved by picturing a bike having
only a single gear. Each time you rotate this pedals
1 turn, the rear wheel would move 1 turn
as well (1:1 equipment ratio).
Should that rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then
along with 1:1 gearing, a single full twist on that pedals
would result in this wheel covering 81.6 inches of
floor. Whether you are pedaling at a velocity of 50 RPM,
that means that this bike can cover over 340 feet of
ground per minute. The following may be just 3.8 MPH, which
is that equivalence of walking speed. The may be ideal
meant for climbing a steep hill, even though bad to get soil
or going downhill.
To go more quickly you'll need a different ratio. To
journey downhill at 25 MPH along with a 50 RPM cadence at this
pedals, you'll require a 5.6:1 equipment ratio. A bike
along with a lot of gears may provide you a large number
of increments between a 1:1 supplies ratio and a 6.5:1
gear ratio so that you could continually pedal at 50 RPM,
no matter how fast you are essentially going.
Over a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the items
ratios are so close to each different that you can't
notice any difference between them.
With actual make use of, bike riders tend to choose a front
sprocket suitable for this slope people are driving on
and stick with it, although any front sprocket could
be difficult to shift under heavy load. It's much
simpler to shit between any gears on that rear.
When you are cranking up a hill, it's right to choose
this smallest sprocket on that front then shift
between this nine gears available on this rear. That
more speeds you need on any back sprocket, any
bigger advantage you'll get.
Most in all, gears are very vital to mountain
bikes as people dictate the in general speed. Without having
gears you wouldn't be able to build speed nor would
you be capable to pound pedals. The gears would move
the pedals and help you build up speed.
There are all kinds of gears for sale in mountain
bikes, all of which will help build up a lot
of energy if you use them the right method.
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Beginner Mountain Bike Skills
Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be
enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike.
Compared to the average bike ride, it does present
some danger. Therefore, you should master these
basic skills before you hit the trails or the
dirt.
You can practice these beginning skills at a local
park, school, bike path, or simply around your
house. If you can, try to find a location with
a steep hill.
Get a feel for your pedals
Practice moving your foot away from the pedal,
first while sitting on your bike with one foot on
the ground. Next, move on to releasing and
replacing your foot while pedaling around for a
bit. Those with toe clip and clipless type foot
pedals will want to spend a bit more time
practicing.
Sit and spin for position
Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You
should keep your arms slightly bent. You should
also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to
90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke
on the pedal. Keep your body relaxed, as there
will never be a position where you should have
either your knees or your elbows locked.
Shifting gears
Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The
higher gears are harder to pedal and will go
faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal
and will help you ascend hills. As you get to
steeper hills, its best to shift before you get
to the hill rather than while your on it.
Coasting
You should spend a bit of time coasting while
standing on your pedals, without actually sitting
on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don't lock
your knees. Now, try experimenting with shifting
your body towards the rear end of the bike.
Pedal while standing
You should get as comfortable as you can with
pedaling while standing on your bike. Try lifting
yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals,
then crank them around. You should try this in
higher gears on flat ground then again in lower
gears while on a hill.
Dropping down a curb
Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the
upper portion of it. Practice at a moderate speed,
standing and coasting right off the curb from the
upper level to the lower level. Try this at
different speeds until it becomes second nature.
Once you practice these techniques and get the
hang of them, you'll be able to hit the trails feeling
comfortable on your mountain bike. Even though it
may take some getting used to, it'll become second
nature before you know it.
in your ezines
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How Mountain Bike Gears Work
The gears in mountain bikes just keep getting more and more intricate. The bikes of today have as many as 27 gear ratios. A mountain bike will use a combination of three different sized sprockets in front and nine in the back to produce gear ratios.
The idea behind all these gears is to allow the rider to crank the pedals at a constant pace no matter what kind of slope the bike is on. You can understand this better by picturing a bike with just a single gear. Each time you rotate the pedals one turn, the rear wheel would rotate one turn as well (1:1 gear ratio).
If the rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then with 1:1 gearing, one full twist on the pedals would result in the wheel covering 81.6 inches of ground. If you are pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM, this means that the bike can cover over 340 feet of ground per minute. This is only 3.8 MPH, which is the equivalence of walking speed. This is ideal for climbing a steep hill, although bad for ground or going downhill.
To go faster you'll need a different ratio. To ride downhill at 25 MPH with a 50 RPM cadence at the pedals, you'll need a 5.6:1 gear ratio. A bike with a lot of gears will give you a large number of increments between a 1:1 gear ratio and a 6.5:1 gear ratio so that you can always pedal at 50 RPM, no matter how fast you are actually going.
On a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the gear ratios are so close to each other that you can't notice any difference between them.
With actual use, bike riders tend to choose a front sprocket suitable for the slope they are riding on and stick with it, although the front sprocket can be difficult to shift under heavy load. It's much easier to shit between the gears on the rear.
If you are cranking up a hill, it's best to choose the smallest sprocket on the front then shift between the nine gears available on the rear. The more speeds you have on the back sprocket, the bigger advantage you'll have.
All in all, gears are very important to mountain bikes as they dictate your overall speed. Without gears you wouldn't be able to build speed nor would you be able to pound pedals. The gears will move the pedals and help you build up speed.
There are all types of gears available in mountain bikes, all of which will help you build up a lot of momentum if you use them the right way.
Essential Skills For Mountain Biking
With some practice, you can become a wonderful mountain biker. Practice the techniques described in this article and you will be on your way to becoming a better biker.
Anyone who enjoys riding a bike will also enjoy the sport of mountain biking. It is a little more dangerous and adrenaline inducing, but it is quite a bit of fun and a challenge to ride the dirt trails.
If you want to practice mountain biking, then you can hone your skills around your home, school, bike paths, or even park. You may want to find a place with a steep hill so that you can practice on an incline.
Feeling Your Pedals
You want to get a feel for your pedals before you take off down a mountain. You first want to be able to move your foot away from the pedal and then replace it back on the pedal. This will take some practice to get good at, but once you master this, then you will be on your way to feeling your pedals and having more control.
Position Yourself By Learning To Sit and Spin
Sit on your bike and simply pedal around. Keep your arms a little bent and adjust the height of your seat to make sure that your legs are at least 70% extended when you pedal at the bottom stroke. Relax your body, so that your knees and elbows are never locked. This will enable to you feel the right position so that you will know if you are not riding correctly.
Gear Shifting
You need to learn how to shift the gears on your bike. By learning what each gear feels like, then you will learn how you should shift them to make your riding more competitive and fun. A higher gear will make it more difficult to pedal, but will allow you to go quicker, while a lower gear makes it easy to pedal and is helpful when you are climbing hills. Practicing shifting your gears will help you to learn when to shift to get maximum efficiency.
Coasting
Coasting is great fun. You need to practice coasting while standing up on your pedals. Keep your knees unlocked and your arms bent. Learn how to move your weight toward to back of your bike and get a feel for it.
Standing and Pedaling
It is important that you get comfortable with standing and pedaling on your bicycle. If you can lift yourself from the seat, then you should try cranking the pedals around a few times. Do this in both high and low gear until you become comfortable.
Dropping Down
Locate a curb that you can easily get to the top of. At a moderate speed, stand and coast from the top to the bottom of the curb. Do this using several different curb levels until you are comfortable doing this.
After you get these things where they are second nature, then you will be able to ride the mountain trails with almost no problem. With dedicated practice, you will get to where you love mountain biking and it is comfortable to you.
Mountain Bike Skills You Need Before You Attempt Mountain Biking
Anyone who knows how to ride a bicycle can enjoy mountain biking. There are some dangers to mountain biking, when it is compared to the standard bike ride. It is for this reason that mastering the following beginner mountain bike skills is a necessity prior to taking off for your mountain bike excursion.
These skills can all be practiced by heading to any school, local park, around your house, or on a bike path. The key to the right location is if it has a steep hill for you to practice on.
The pedals are an important part of a mountain bike. You can practice getting a feel for the pedals by doing the following:
Sit on your bike
Place one foot on the ground
Release and Replace your foot while pedaling around
Note: If you have clipless foot pedals or toe clips, you will want to practice this quite a bit.
Sit and Spin for position with the following:
Adjust the seat height so that the leg is a minimum of 70% extended at the bottom of each pedal cycle
Bend arms slightly
Keep the body as relaxed as possible; a position should never occur that requires you to lock your elbows or knees.
Sit on the Mountain bike and pedal
Practice shifting gears with the following:
Make sure you know the differences in gears on your bike
Try a high gear-It is hard to pedal, but rides at a faster speed
Try a low gear-Easier to pedal, particularly useful while on hills
Try shifting prior to reaching the hill-This is important because it is easy to overcome a shift before the hill than it is while on the hill.
Practice coasting with the following:
Practice this while standing on the pedals, not sitting on the bike seat
Do not lock your knees
Keep arms slightly bent
Attempt coasting while shifting the body towards the rear of the mountain bike
Practice pedaling while standing with the following:
This is important in mountain biking
Try pedaling standing up in two different ways, once you have become comfortable with standing on the pedals.
First, pedal while standing in a high gear on flatter grounds.
Then, pedal while standing in a low gear on hills.
Practice dropping down a curb with the following:
Locate a curb in the area; it should be easily accessible in regards to the upper portion
Using a moderate speed, practice coasting and standing off the curb to the lower level from the upper level.
Continue this at different speeds until you are comfortable with it and it is like second nature
The above practicing techniques are important because they will give you the feel of the mountain bike trail, without having to be on one while you are training.
Realm Cycles Province 1.0 Men’s Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels, Brown)
The Realm Cycles Province 1.0 Men's Mountain Bike offers the high-performance mountain bike features you need to tear up the track and trail with made-for-comfort riser handlebars, a padded saddle, and platform pedals for great all-around riding. The bike features a front suspension fork that offers optimum control while smoothing the bumps and a super-sturdy hardtail steel frame. The 21-speed drive train offers great speed control whether you need to power your way up a steep hill, or control your speed down a steep or bumpy incline. The gears are easy to operate with SRAM MRX twist-grip shifters located right on the handlebars and the knobby wheels are designed for traction on the trail and are stable and solid. Front and rear V-brakes offer super strong stopping power and the light but strong aluminum-alloy rims have a great braking surface that will not rust.p Additional features that add to the comfort and performance of the Realm Cycles Province bike include a quick-release seat post that makes it easy adjust the seat height without tools, a quick-release front wheel for easy repairs, a free wheel hub so that you can pedal backwards without the brakes engaging, and a kick stand.pstrongSpecifications:/strongulli26-inch wheels liFits men from 62 inches tall and up liSteel frame liHardtail frame design liFront suspension fork li21-speed drive train liSRAM MRX shifter liFront and rear hand-operated V-brakes liAluminum alloy rims liRiser handlebars liQuick release seat post liKnobby tires liPadded saddle liPlatform pedals liFree wheel hub liFront quick-release wheel liKick stand /ulpstrongfont 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
Realm Cycles Plateau 1.0 Men’s Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels, Bronze)
The Realm Cycles Plateau 1.0 Men's Bike offers the high-performance features of a mountain bike, with a made for comfort sensibility for a bike you won't tire of riding. The bike features a strong steel frame with raised cruiser bar handlebars that offer a more comfortable position for your neck and shoulders, as well as great control and a super soft comfort saddle. The platform pedals work with any footwear and are also easy to operate. Yet, while these features conjure images of mellow around town riding, the Plateau is equipped to hit the trail too!p With a front suspension fork, the bike will ride over rough terrain with optimum control, while the suspension seat post smoothes the bumps. The knobby wheels are designed for traction on the trail and are stable and solid. A 21-speed drivetrain offers great speed control whether you need to power your way up a steep hill, or control your speed down a steep or bumpy incline. The gears are operated with easy to use SRAM MRX twist shifters on the handlebars. Front and rear V-brakes offer super strong stopping power and the light but strong aluminum-alloy rims have a great braking surface that will not rust.p Additional features that add to the comfort and performance of the Realm Cycles Plateau bike include a quick-release seat post that makes it easy adjust the seat height without tools, a quick-release front wheel for easy repairs, a free wheel hub so that you can pedal backwards without the brakes engaging, and a kick stand.pstrongSpecifications:/strongulliBike wheel size: 26 inches liSteel frame liAluminum-alloy rims li21-speed drive train liSuspension fork liSuspension seat post liSRAM MRX shifter liFront and rear V-Brakes liCruiser bar handle bars liComfort saddle liFree wheel hub liKnobby tires liPlatform pedals liFront quick-release wheel liQuick release seat post liKick stand /ulpstrongfont 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