Category: mountain biking

Mountain Biking Vacation

Taking a mountain biking vacation is an excellent
way to unwind and explore America. There are several
companies that offer mountain biking tours that go
through scenic routes, and they often arrange any
accomodations for travelers as well. For athletic
couples, these types of vacations offer the perfect
way to relax and enjoy some exercise together.

Each and every region in the United States has some
truly awesome mountain biking trails. It’s not just
the major mountain ranges that offer these trails, as
any hilly, scenic, rough trail can provide riders with
the adventure they seek. Some of the best areas to
mountain bike ride in the United States are the Pacific
Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast states such as
North Carolina.

Even though the entire American West area is great for a
mountain biking vacation, the Southwest area is rapidly
becoming a popular area for the sport as well. In the
Southwest, some of the best trails include Pinery
Canyon Road in Arizona, South Boundary Trail in New
Mexico, and Flume Trail in Nevada.

Each and every trail deserves it’s reputation as a
tough ride. Each one of these trails is over 20 miles
in length, with Pinery Canyon being the longest, at
over 50 miles! Keep in mind though, just because you
go to a trail it doesn’t mean you have to ride the entire
length.

The Pacific Northwest is also a great place for a
mountain biking vacation. The three best trails in
the entire region are Surveyor’s Ridge in Oregon, Mount
Tamalpais in California, and the Methow Trial System in
Washington.

A mountain biking vacation is perfect for athletic people
who have the desire to explore regions at their own
pace. These trips are much less expensive than other
trips, yet they can easily be the adventure of a
lifetime.

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Setting Your Tire Pressure

Riding your mountain bike with the appropriate
amount of tire pressure can make a huge difference
in how much control you have over your bike.

Setting your tire pressure too high will make for
poor contact with the ground and also make your
bike less controllable. Setting your tire pressure
too low will make your tires unpredictable and also
make them susceptible to pinch flats.

The appropriate amount of tire pressure in a
mountain bike will vary between rider to rider and
tire setup to tire setup. The conditions of your
trail and the type of terrain your riding will also
greatly impact what tire pressure you should be using
in your tires.

The trick here is to find out exactly what mountain
bike tire pressure works for you and your setup during
normal conditions. After doing this, you can learn
to adjust your pressure for different trails and types
of terrain as needed.

You should start by finding a reliable pressure gauge
or a pump with a pressure gauge. Then, use this same
gauge or pump anytime you are making adjustments. A
gauge can be very inaccurate, so if you switch around
it you can make things much more difficult.

You should start with a higher pressure of around 40 –
50 psi. If you have a tubeless system, you should
start lower, 30 – 40 psi. The more you weigh, the
higher pressure you should start with. Try this
pressure for a while and get a feel for how the tires
take corners and loose dirt.

Drop the pressure by 5 psi in each tire and get a feel
for how this new setup rides and how it compares to your
previous setting. You should notice some improvement
in stability, and if you don’t, drop the pressure by
another 5 psi.

You want to find the lowest pressure you can ride with
without sacrificing pinch flat resistance. A pinch flat
occurs when your tire rolls over an object then compresses
to the point where the tire and the tube get pinched
between the object and the rim on the wheel.

With tubeless tire systems, you can run much lower air
pressure, as you don’t have to worry about getting pinch
flats. If you start to dent your rims, burp air out
along the bead, or feel the tire roll under the rim
during hard cornering, you’ve taken the pressure much
too low.

Once you’ve found a comfortable setting for your tire
pressure, learn what your tire feels like when you
squeeze it with your hands. Once you know what your
tires feel like you can always get the right air
pressure – with any pump.

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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.

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Spring Tune Up Tips

If you don’t ride in the winter, you’ve probably
spent the winter months on the couch eating chips
and watching television. Before you know it, spring
will be here and a new season of mountain biking
will begin. Even though your body may not be in
shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.

Before you take your bike out, check the wear and
tear on your components and adjust them if its
necessary. Start off with your chain. If you
haven’t replaced it in a year or more, it’s time
to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the
chain will get worn out, increasing its effective
length.

As this happens, the chain is no longer able to
conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring,
so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of
the chain. If you can replace the chain before it
stretches too much you’ll save yourself from having
to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your
bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these
should turn without a problem with no play in the
system. Before checking the bottom bracket, make
sure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold
on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it
back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the
crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be
adjusted.

Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the
wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel
for any free play or binding. If you feel play or
binding, you need to make an adjustment. To check
the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted
wheels back on the bike.

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the
handle bars back and forth. There shouldn’t be any
play. If you lift the front end off the ground,
the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels rough,
it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.

While your looking, check the condition of your cables
and housing. The cables should be rust free and the
housing shouldn’t be cracked or kinked. If you see any
of this you should replace the offending device, as if
you don’t your shifting and braking will be sluggish.

Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads
will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you
know when they need to be replaced. Brake pads that
are worn out will comprimise both safety and braking
efficiency.

Once you’ve got the tune ups out of the way, it’s time
to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running
better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!

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Mountain Biking Accessories

When you first start out with mountain biking, it
can be a bit overwhelming when you walk into a bike
store to buy your first mountain bike and see all
of the available accessories you’ll need when you
first start riding.

There are several mountain biking accessories and
related products that you can purchase. Although
the sales staff will try to sell you anything they
can, the real question for those on a budget isn’t
what’s cool, but what accessories you need to make
your rides more safe and enjoyable. By starting
with these accessories, you’ll be just fine when you
hit the trails.

Bike helmet
The bike helmet is the most important mountain biking
accessory that you can buy. No one should ever be
on a bike without a helmet. There have been many
people who have experienced serious head injury, when
it could have prevented by wearing a helmet. All
mountain bike helmets are comfortable and stylish and
everyone who rides on the trails wears one.

Mountain bike gloves
No matter what season you ride in, your hands can
take a beating. Beginners will normally keep a death
grip on the handle bars, which can be very brutal for
their hands. When you crash, your hands will be the
first thing to hit the ground – and everyone crashes
at some point. Mountain bike gloves are a must have
accessory, as they will take the beating for you.

Mountain bike shorts
After the first few mountain bike rides you take, you’ll
notice that your rear end will be quite uncomfortable.
Even though your body will adjust, bike shorts are
great to have as they will help keep it at a bare
minimum. You can get shorts that are very comfortable,
making them a great addition to your mountain bike
ride.

Mountain bike shoes
Depending on the type of pedals you have and the type
of riding you do, you’ll want to pick your mountain bike
shoes accordingly. If your bike has clipless type
pedals, you’ll want to get shoes to accept the special
cleat for your pedals. Good mountain bike shoes are
durable, comfortable, and also a stiff sole for better
efficiency when pedaling. Also, you should make sure
to get the right shoe for the terrain you’ll be riding
in as well.

Eye protection
If you get something in your eye, you can run off the
trail in a matter of seconds. Sunglasses or clear lensed
glasses can help keep your eyes safe from debris, as well
as protect them from the wind. When you buy your glasses,
make sure they are non-breakable.

Hydration system
Bringing a water bottle or hydration backpack with you is
always a great idea. It’s very easy to get dehydrated so
you should always bring water with you and drink it on
the trail to ensure that your body stays properly hydrated
at all times.

Trail repair kit
It’s easy to get stuck in the woods or on the trail if you
don’t bring the proper repair kit for your bike. To be
on the safe side, bring a multi-tool designed for bike
repair, tire levers, and a patch kit for fixing flat
tires.

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How To Use A Chain Tool

Once your mountain bike chain becomes damaged, you
should immediately replace it with a new one. It
is possible however, to repair a broken chain using
a chain tool. For this very reason, most mountain
bikers travel with a chain tool.

Your chain has three basic components – the metal
side plates, the rollers between the side plates,
and the rivets, or pins which go through the rollers
and help to hold the plates together. These pins
allow the rollers to freely turn as the chain
moves around the cogs.

If your chain happens to break, you’ll need to remove
the broken link and replace it with a spare link.
To do this, simply reattach the two ends of the
broken chain and ride on a shorter chain until you
can get it replaced.

To remove a broken link of chain, place it in the
chain tool. Now, turn the tool counter clockwise
until the rivet pin of the chain tool touches
the chain rivet. Continue to turn the tool until
the pin pushes out of the roller. Be very careful,
as you want to stop turning when the pin is right
at the edge of the roller, before it moves through
the outer side plate.

Now, turn the tool in the other direction, and back
it out of the roller. Set the tool to the side,
then work the chain very gently from side to side
and extract the inner side plates and roller.

Now is the time to re-route the chain through the
bike. You may want to have a chain retaining tool
or some to help you hold the chain in the right
spot as you route and repair it.

Now that the broken link has been removed and
you’ve re-routed the chain, you’re ready to insert
a new link or simply connect the links that were
beside the broken one. The process here is the
same – align the two ends so that the link with
the inner side plates will fit inside the link
with the pin and outer side plates. Now, use the
chain tool to push the pin inward until it’s
positioned evenly between the side plates.

The easiest way to learn how to do this or feel
comfortable doing it is to have someone show you,
then actually practice with a chain and a chain
tool. You’ll have no trouble at all making a
temporary repair in a mountain bike chain once
you’ve seen it done by a professional and practiced
it yourself a few times.

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Types Of Mountain Biking

As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split
into 9 different categories. These categories are
very versed in what they offer. They are:

1. BMX
BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels.
These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or
with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels
and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier
to perform tricks and stunts with.

2. Cross country
This type of mountain biking involves riding your
bike up and down hills. Although it’s the least
extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country
riders are very fit and go on long rides.

3. Cyclo cross
This is a cross between road and mountain biking.
These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through
rivers, and race on and off the course.

4. Dirt jumping
Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large
man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they
are in the air. These jumps are normally close
together so riders can go over six or more jumps
in one run, gaining a flow to give them more
speed for bigger jumps.

5. Downhill
Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill
as fast as possible. This type of riding is very
intense and extreme, offering riders the chance
for ultimate thrills and excitement.

6. Freeride
Free riding involves finding the perfect line down
the mountain using all of the terrain to express
yourself. These competitions are very popular,
as riders can express themselves any way they see
fit.

7. Single speed
No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form
of cross country biking that’s done using a bike
with only one gear and fewer components. The idea
with single speed is simplicity. The straight
chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and
the lack of components mean less mechanical
problems and a lighter bike.

8. Street and urban
This type of riding involves riding in urban areas,
ledges, and other types of man made obstacles.
Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks
as well, such as stalls and grinds.

9. Trails
Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking,
although the bikes used look nothing like mountain
bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport
small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and
jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires
an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

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The Bunny Hop

In mountain biking and even BMX riding, the bunny hop
is a bike trick that involved the rider lifting the
bike up and over an obstacle while remaining in
motion on the bike. Experienced bikers can lift
their bikes in excess of a meter or one and a half
feet. The world record for the bunny hop stands at
4 feet.

The bunny hop is executed by approaching an obstacle
with speed, lifting the front of the bike then
leveling the pedals. If the bike has full or front
suspension, pre-load the shocks by pressing down
on the bike just before you reach the obstacle.

Once the shocks have been pre-loaded, the rider
will spring upwards, pulling up with the hands and
feet at the same time. Toe straps or clipless
pedals help with this, although if plain platform
pedals are used, it’s still possible. As the biker
lifts, the hands will roll through twisting the
throttle. After the object is cleared, push down
on the bike then absorb the impact with the arms
and the legs.

It’s often times a misconception that a bunny hop
without toe clips is achieved by rotating forward
on the handlebars. Lifting up on a mountain bike
while standing next to it is quite difficult to
hold on to the handle bars.

The bunny hop is very popular with mountain biking,
as experienced riders can make it look a lot easier
than it actually is. New mountain bikers should
practice a lot before they actually attempt the
hop, as doing it on a bigger obstacle can easily
be quite dangerous.

With proper practice, the bunny hop can be achieved,
even for beginners. All you have to do is give it
some time and effort, and you’ll be pulling off the
bunny hop just like the pro’s do it.

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Different Types of Mountain Bikes

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.

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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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