Get help, advice and information on all your Automotive issues. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/mountain.htm Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:35:15 GMT en Many times people participating in specific disciplines of cycling will buy a specialized mountain bike, designed for the discipline. While cross-country, enduro and freerider are the most common disciplines for mountain biking, over the years variations have arisen given greater need for a more specialized mountain bike to meet the demands of the cyclist. To help meet the specialized needs, various suspensions are used to help the rider maintain control throughout the course on which they are riding. Typically, mountain bikes have wider tires with typical 26-inch wheels. Although on some of the more specialized mountain bikes, a 29-inch tire is used to help achieve better speed. Suspension from fully rigid, on which no suspension is used, to hardtail suspension which may of some give in on the front form, but nothing in the back and softtail which uses no additional suspension methods except for additional flex in the frame. There are also bikes with full suspension, which have a softer ride with suspension in the front and back, along with flexibility built into the frame. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59496_Finding_Specialized_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:11 GMT You dont have to be a bike pro to realize that the Roadmaster mountain bike is cheap and is ideally suited for the biker not wanting a whole lot of features other than its thumb shifters that are present instead of levers or twists. You may also not know much about what Sachs Power Chains are and whether you should have opted for a mountain bike with Viking Titanium Chain or whether you need to know how good or bad are Campagnolo as compared with SRAM derailleur. But, once you have begun to ride your Roadmaster mountain bike, you may very well find that you need to learn more than just how comfortable or not the bike is to ride. Before buying your Roadmaster mountain bike, you need to also consider a few basic things that will help you get the best from your purchase. Look for comfort of ride; weight of the bike and of course its price. Once you realize that you are getting good value for money and an affordable mountain bike, you will even forgive your Roadmaster mountain bike for its rather cheap and somewhat painful seat. And, it is also ideally suited for anyone on a tight budget. Other than that, anyone that is in need of a reliable mountain bike that allows him or her to even commute on it, this bike has a few advantages and those that have used the Roadmaster mountain bike have generally stuck with their bike for quite a few years. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59493_Features_Of_Roadmaster_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:12 GMT Mountain biking is a very popular sport that continues to grow every year. More and more people are discovering this fast paced sport and are looking into joining the sport by purchasing their own mountain bikes. It can be confusing when beginning to research the different types of bikes available for mountain biking. The difference in mountain bike wheels is one variation in the types of bikes available. Mountain bikes can come in many different styles. For many it is a matter of what type of bike is most comfortable for them. This is also a choice in the type of pedals selected for the mountain bike. Stores that carry mountain bikes can be a great resource when investigating the type of bike needed for the rider. Mountain bike wheels, too come in several sizes, and can make a difference in what the rider is looking for. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59485_Mountain_Bike_Wheels.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:13 GMT Mountain biking is an ever increasing popular sport that can be found around the world. As with any sport, mountain biking can cause injuries, these can range from minor to severe. Learning what causes mountain biking injuries and how to prevent them can help participants safely maneuver through this highly energetic sport. Like other sports, it is important to have the correct equipment when mountain biking. If you are a novice, learning about what equipment can be used is an important first step in getting involved in the sport of mountain biking. The most important piece of equipment needed to prevent mountain biking injuries is a helmet. Selecting the perfect head gear is not always about finding the coolest looking helmet. Visit biking shops to discover what type of helmet will work best for you. Head injuries can be prevented when wearing the proper helmet. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59373_Preventing_Mountain_Biking_Injuries.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:14 GMT There is no shortage of mountain bike tricks that can be performed with each having its own level of difficulty and among the more well known ones is dirt jumping, cross country and a lot more. For example, when a mountain biker tries out cyclo cross, which is something between mountain riding and road biking, riders race on as well as off the course, goes over obstacles and even need to traverse rivers. The most popular mountain bike trick would be downhill biking which is very fast and is something that most downhill mountain bikers love to do, and this is all about extremes as well as intense riding that is loaded with thrills and spills. And, when bikers take to dirt jumping they will be performing mountain bike tricks that involve jumping high above dirt hills that have been especially created for them and whilst the biker is airborne there is scope for performing amazing tricks with his or her bike. Essentially, mountain bike tricks involves performing loops and jumps as also twirls in the air and when these are done to perfection, there is a great deal of artistic content which makes each mountain bike trick very beautiful to view. Learning mountain bike tricks is not all that easy and it can take bikers years to perfect them, especially if they wish to perform at competition levels. The backbone of mountain bike tricks is sure to be bike jumps even though they may not be exactly the ones that mountain biking is most well known for. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59372_Performing_Mountain_Bike_Tricks.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:15 GMT Choosing the right mountain bike trails can be quite a challenge especially if you are still a beginner. Note mountain biking is a physically demanding sport and you need to have the right amount of strength and stamina to conquer specific types of mountain bike trails. If you are still a beginner, do not overestimate your capacity to negotiate mountain bike trails. There is really no point risking some serious injuries when negotiating a mountain bike trail, so be very careful in choosing one. There are plenty of mountain bike trails that are suitable for beginners. Forget about those difficult trails that end up at the top of the mountain. You can tackle those types of trails later when you have gained enough experience in the field. To stay on the safe side, choose a trail that loops back to your starting point. Now, dont think that these types of trails are too easy or not challenging enough for you. There are plenty of looping trails that pose great challenges to mountain bikers. To choose the right type of mountain bike trail, study the routes carefully. Evaluate your skills and capabilities handling the trails. You will need to match your skills and energies with the difficulty of the trails so be honest to yourself when making an assessment. If you think that you cannot negotiate a trail that is full of rocks and uphill climbs, then by all means dont take that trail. There is no pint of punishing yourself by taking these types of trails. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59371_Mountain_Bike_Trails.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:16 GMT Mountain biking can be a great way to spend a vacation. Mountain bike tours are offered in many locations and can be geared from the novice to the experienced. A mountain bike tour can be the destination of a vacation or even an addition to other excursions during a vacation. Families can even enjoy taking a mountain bike tour, as many tours are geared towards the entire family. It is very easy to locate a company that provides mountain bike tours. There are books that have been written giving advice on places to do mountain bike tours and there are also numerous companies that can be located on line that provide mountain bike tours. The family style mountain bike tours are geared towards the kids. Many of these tours are located in national parks and areas that families want to go into the back country and explore. Family mountain bike tours are designed to teach and be fun. The companies will usually bring along games, coloring books and entertainment for the kids during the evening hours. Camping with the tours is also an option. Kids can ride their own bikes, ride a trail-along or be pulled in a Burley trailer. The day includes a ride for the entire family and then the kids can be taken to the camp site for scavenger hunts, games and other kid oriented activities. The parents can take additional biking tours or can go back to camp with the kids. This type of mountain bike tours is family centered and a great way to incorporate an outdoor adventure for both the kids and the parents. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59370_Mountain_Bike_Tours.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:17 GMT If you are one of those people who are fond of mountain biking, it would be best for you to learn how to change your mountain bike tires. Changing mountain bike tires is not really that difficult as long as you have the right tools and knowledge of the different parts of your bike. To help you change your mountain bike tires, here are some tips for you. Before you can change your mountain bike tires, you need to you need to remove the old tires first. If you are using a newer model of mountain bike, find the quick-release lever on each axle of the bike. Loosen the mountain bike tire by flipping open the release lever. Once the mountain bike tire is loose, you can already pull it free from the bike. On the other hand, if you are using an older model of mountain bikes, changing its wheels may take more than just loosing the release lever. Older models of mountain bikes use axle nuts to hold the wheel in place. To loosen the axle nut, you need to use an adjustable wrench. Work your way through the nut carefully. Once the nuts are loose, you can now pull the mountain bike tire free. After freeing the tire from the bike, completely deflate the tire so that you can easily remove the tube inside the tire. To remove the tube from the tire, you will need to use some mountain bike tire tools. Pry the tire away from the rim to remove it from the rim. Take care no http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59369_Mountain_Bike_Tyers.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:17 GMT You can buy bikes with or without suspension and both will get you from A to B quite happily, so why opt for one that has suspension when it will likely cost you more money? If youre already a mountain biker you will know why mountain bike suspension is so important. It helps to absorb the shocks you will feel as you go over rough ground and will give you a smoother ride as a result. Try riding a bike that comes equipped with suspension and then go back to a bike that doesnt. Youll soon see the benefits! Mountain bikes fall into several categories. At the cheapest end of the market youll find the heavy framed bikes that have no suspension. Then youve got the bikes which have suspension on the front only, or a full suspension system which is designed to absorb shocks through both the front and rear wheels. But if you look at a professional high end model mountain bike, youll see that it normally has only front end mountain bike suspension. This may seem strange at first. After all, if you have mountain bike suspension on the front and rear wheels, surely you will get a smoother ride? http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59367_Suspension_For_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:18 GMT Mountain biking is a very enjoyable sport. You get to exercise and see the countryside at the same time. If you enjoy going outdoors and wish to get a form of exercise, too, you should get a bike and go mountain biking. A mountain bike is technically different from a road bike and a BMX. Mountain biking tires are usually fat tires with knobbies which makes it easier for them to go up mountains and traverse rough roads. The knobbies virtually grip the loose rock and rough roads to go faster compared to a road bikes smooth tires. A road bikes tires are specifically designed to run faster on a smooth road. The frame or body of the mountain bike is also larger and sometimes heavier than a road bike. This is due mainly to all the pressure it gets from the rider who exerts effort to go faster on a rough road. Mountain biking parts are not as light weight as the road bike parts although some frames and components have gotten lighter over the years. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59366_Know_Mountain_Biking.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:19 GMT One of the toughest parts of mountain biking is not necessarily the trail on which it is ridden or the style the rider chooses. Keeping the bike in superior condition and repair is essential to the success of any style of mountain biking. Kick-stands are out of the question for repair work and finding the right mountain bike stand with which to hold the bike for work, should be something every cyclist needs to do. Finding the right mountain bike stand may take some time, but there a few things to look for when considering a purchase. Obviously, price will be a major concern, but spending hundreds, and possibly thousands of dollars on a quality mountain bike, anything left over in the budget should be applied to a quality stand. A mountain bike stand should be freestanding, meaning it can stand on its own, under the weight of the bike when attached, without fear it will fall over, regardless of the terrain on which it is used. Many riders carry a foldable mountain bike stand with them for competition and when needed it can be quickly set up beside the car and used to effect repairs. The stands with a tripod stand are the most useful at remaining upright on tough ground. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59362_Mountain_Bike_Stand.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:20 GMT Mountain bikes are extremely popular worldwide, and it is important if you have a mountain bike to understand how your bike works and what each part is used for, not only so that you are more informed and knowledgeable in general, but also in case your bike happens to break down at some point, as with this knowledge you will be aware of what the problem is and how to fix it. Especially since when you go mountain biking you tend to go out into the middle of nowhere, out to desolate and rural areas where there is usually no one else around, and so you really need to have the proper knowledge in case something unfortunate like this does happen on your trip. One of the most important aspects of all of any mountain bike is the mountain bike shocks. Mountain bike shocks are part of the overall suspension, and they work by performing two basic functions. For one, they dampen spring oscillation, and secondly, they aid in ride control overall. Mountain bike shocks aid in ride control by keeping the bike manageable during regular driving, and they do this by keeping the tires down on the ground and not allowing them to bounce after hitting a bump. This allows for greater ease of both cornering and handling. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59357_Mountain_Bike_Shocks.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:21 GMT Even mountain bikes have not been spared from the many new changes that have taken place in their construction, and the times when one did not need to worry about changing gears when using mountain bikes have long since gone, and today one is used to the many different speed bikes that also have a mountain bike shifter. From the earlier versions when the mountain bike shifter could have been nothing more than a couple of levers that were a part of the bikes frame close to the handlebars, things have changed and today the mountain bike shifter have since undergone many a change. Today, the mountain bike shifter has been moved to the handlebar and newer version even has dials that are very nifty to look at, and which are placed close to the grip. So, even the ten speed mountain bikes are now dated as the newer bikes have as many as twenty-seven speeds, which makes one wonder what the need for so many gears really is. The main aim in having so many gears is that the ride is not only faster but also quite simpler as well. So, today there are many different mountain bike shifters available that are also priced differently, and this essential piece of equipment is what helps riders shift gears. In the beginning, the mountain bike shifter was no more than what was then known as friction shifters and were levers which were worked by pulling cables that were connected to derailleur. The friction shifter was a bit troublesome since its design made it possible for the rider to get stuck between gears which could cause damage to the gears, which meant that a new type of shifter became necessary, and the one that was then found to be more effective was the index shifter. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59352_Shifter_For_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:22 GMT Depending on the discipline of mountain biking undertaken, the type of mountain bike rims on the bike will either help or harm the rider. For cross-country, freerider and jumping, sturdier, heavier mountain bike rims will help keep the bike in service. However, for some forms of trail riding where less weight and better maneuverability is desired, lighter rims may be a better choice. In most cases the front and back mountain bike rims are matched, not only for appearance but also for stability. A heavier wheel on one end or the other can throw off the balance of the entire bike and cause major problems when performing jumps or tricks on the bike. Choosing mountain bike rims based on the type of riding to be done, is more than a personal choice. It is also necessary to accomplish the ride. Some mountain cross riders, as well as dirt jumpers may use different types of tires. If they are going to go from one type of riding to another frequently, they will usually have the different tires mounted on different mountain bike rims for quick changes to the second style.One of the aspects of mountain biking is the riders being hard on their bikes. Especially downhill runners who frequently confront jumps and falls, the mountain bike rims are going to take a beating more severe than simply casual riding down the city sidewalks. If the rim cannot withstand the abuse, it will bend in one or more spots making the bike impossible to ride. It can also cause adverse effects to the tire, brake pads and the chain. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59345_Mountain_Bike_Rims.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:22 GMT Mountain bikes are very technical and interesting forms of transportation that just need your power to bring you anywhere you want. The recent popularity of mountain bikes has prompted the production of several magazines and ezines. These publications have reviews of different mountain bike after market parts and mountain bike reviews as well. Although these publications and ezines do not focus entirely on mountain bike reviews they feature many how to articles and also cite the best places to go mountain biking in many parts of the world. They also review some mountain bike trails and mountain bike accessories like helmets and bike racks. Almost every season, manufacturers of mountain bike release a new design or set up of mountain bikes and their parts. Magazines and ezines will then feature mountain bike reviews to let the general biker public know what they think of the bikes and bike parts that will be or have been released. These bikes and parts are usually tested to the limit by the reviewers themselves. The usual basis of mountain bike reviews are the efficiency of the bicycles and the bicycle parts that are to be featured. They usually state whether they function as desired or if they need tweaking. It is their functionality that is usually the first factor that mountain bike reviews dissect. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59342_Reviews_On_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:23 GMT It would seem that bikes that can cost upwards of two or three thousand dollars would include more information about mountain bike repair than a few pages in booklet form. Regardless of this lack of information, every rider needs to become familiar with a few of the basic needs of mountain bike repair simply to maintain their bike in good working order. After all, a wheel falling off during a downhill run can have devastating effects on the rider as well as the bike. One of the first things everyone needs to know about mountain bikes is how to keep them clean. This involves not only the tires and handlebar grips, but also the wheels to prevent erosion and the chain to help detect potential breaks. To minimize the need for mountain bike repair, preventive maintenance can save time and money along the trail, and knowing how to perform a few simple repair procedures can get you back on the trail in a hurry. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59336_Repairing_Mountain_Bikes.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:24 GMT Mountain biking is an exciting and fun sport that has evolved into one of the most popular sports around. Many people want to participate in the sport, but would like to be able go right out back and have their own mountain bike course available. Creating mountain bike jumps can be accomplished and bring the sport right into your home. Learning how to make proper jumps can help mountain bikers be safe out on the road. Practicing techniques when making jumps can also assist in the biker being able to stay in control and keep their speed up while riding the trails. Making mountain bike jumps to practice with can fun and a great learning opportunity. Some things to consider when deciding to create mountain bike jumps can include how much space is actually available for the jump. There must be enough space in front of the jump and behind it in order to have room to pick up speed over the jump. Also, keep in mind that a jump placed next to a large object has the potential risk for injury. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59256_Mountain_Bike_Jumps.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:24 GMT When it comes to the subject of mountain bike maintenance, there are quite a few things that you need to take into consideration. Although the specific mountain bike maintenance that you will have to conduct will vary, depending on the particular type of bike that you have, there are a few basics which you will have to remember regardless. There are a few things that you should always remember to do in order to keep your mountain bike running smoothly, for instance maintaining your bike chain. Because your bike chain is constantly exposed to dirt and stress, it is one of the parts of your bike that gets the most wear. You want to give it a checkup at the start of every season so that you can ensure it is clean and working smoothly. The tools you will need are a pair of needle nose pliers, shallow pan, small stiff brush and chalk. You will also need kerosene, motor oil, rags, and replacement master link bicycle chain. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59255_Maintenance_Of_Mountain_Bikes.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:25 GMT In todays world the make of the mountain bike is almost as important as the features that are included because when the brand is well known you can be sure that the mountain bike manufacturer has put in the necessary features that are also proven in real life situations which are why they catch the attention of the paying public. With a brand name, you are assured that performance will live up to the claims made by manufacturers, and the riding experience will be better, especially when you choose a mountain bike manufacturer such as Trek, Giant as also Specialized mountain bikes. With these better known mountain bike manufacturers you can be sure that their bikes are virtuous and you will find that speed, simplicity of use as well as design and more are well interwoven into the product. Take the instance of Specialized mountain bikes that are very good to maneuver and this mountain bike manufacturer was the one to make Stumpjumper that was very agile as well as easy to handle, and it is constantly improving with each passing year. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59254_Manufacturers_Of_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:26 GMT Mountain biking is a fun sport. It promotes good exercise and appreciation of the great outdoors. A mountain bike is a specifically designed bicycle to maneuver over rough terrain and off road areas. It also has several specific parts that are usually used for mountain bikes only. The frame or body is the most important of the mountain bike parts because this is the biggest and this is your basis for all your other mountain bike parts. It is here that you will attach all the other parts that you will need to be able to use your mountain bike. Frames come in many sizes and shapes and even have different materials depending in the riders preference. Bike frames come in steel alloys, very heavy and used in the first generation mountain bikes. The aluminum alloy frames are lighter and more rigid. They are also more affordable and easier to make in to the desired shapes because they are more pliable. Titanium frames are the most expensive among the lightest frames in the industry but they are also the most durable and less likely to corrode or break due to high pressure and stress. Other materials are carbon fiber and Kevlar. These frames are also light but they are prone to corrosion and are irreparable once dented or broken, http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59253_Basic_Parts_For_Mountain_Bikes.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:27 GMT If you are looking for mountain bike racks then a name that should catch your attention as well as imagination is that of Yakima, which is a trend setting company operating out of Beaverton, Oregon. The company already enjoys a good reputation and it is constantly evolving its mountain bike racks to ensure that they set the standards for the present and also for the future. Yakima has an all new line of mountain bike racks that are not only sexy to look at, but have some radical design changes which sees the elimination of standard aluminum trays that were the norm for bike racks for previous decades, and which have now been replaced with sleek one piece designed mountain bike racks that will enhance the looks of any automobile. If you are looking for a artistic piece of equipment, then you would do worse than check out the Yakima SprocketRocket which is a cutting edge fork mount rooftop mountain bike rack that will set you back a little less than one hundred fifty dollars and with looks that belie its price you will get features that are pretty unique. This new version has been built such that it can easily handle every different type of mountain bike including BMX and mountain bikes that use disc brakes, and it also has wheel trays that you can slide front and to the rear so that you can also carry bikes of different lengths. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59252_Mountain_Bike_Racks.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:27 GMT Mountain bike racing is a demanding sport, as anyone who has attempted it will know. If youre thinking of trying it for the first time its important to make sure you are prepared for the demands it will put on you physically. This will ensure you are able to enjoy the race without running the risk of injury. If its been years since you have even ridden a bike, you will need to get some practice in before you even think about going mountain bike racing. If you dont, getting saddle sore on race day will be the least of your problems. To begin with, a regular program of cycling will build up your fitness levels and strengthen your leg muscles. This is vital if you are going to stand the pace when mountain bike racing. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59248_Mountain_Bike_Racing.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:28 GMT If you are looking to buy a mountain bike, then one thing you will want to be aware of is the most recent mountain bike ratings, as you will be able to use these mountain bike ratings to help with your final decision. These ratings inform you of the most recent models to hit the market, and as well give you detailed reviews on the various bikes that you have to choose from. By reading the opinions of others in these mountain bike ratings, you are able to get a really intelligent and informed decision on which models are worth your time and money and which are not. This type of information is especially important when buying something such as a mountain bike, because when you go mountain biking you are putting yourself in enough danger already, and so the last thing that you need is a faulty bike to be riding on. Basically new mountain bike ratings come out every year or so, and so it is important to make sure that you keep up to date with them. If you are interested in finding ratings that you can look at yourself, there are a few great options that you have. One in particular is Consumer Search, which is fantastic website that was established in 1991, and which has since grown to become one of the largest and most well established companies of its kind in the world. For each different product category they offer their ranking and description along with full links, their complete analysis of whom the experts are and what they have to say, their listings of the top-rated products and various prices and links to retailers that offer the recommended products. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59245_Ratings_For_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:28 GMT A newcomer to mountain bikes would be forgiven for thinking they are all pretty much the same. If you know your stuff, however, you will know that there are lots of mountain bike brands which vary in both quality and price. Although mountain bike brands originate in many different parts of the world, the best ones are known worldwide. Take Claud Butler for example. This is a brand originating in the UK, but its top quality and lightweight frames are well known and respected in the mountain bike community. If youre setting out to buy a new mountain bike youll soon notice the sometimes enormous difference between prices for different mountain bike brands. While at first you might think you are simply paying more for the famous name of a certain brand, there is a lot more at stake than this. When you are out mountain biking, youll sometimes come across an area of terrain which requires you to hop off your bike and carry it on your shoulder for a short distance. If you have a more expensive bike at the top end of the market, youll be able to pick it up in one hand and jog with it for the required distance if you want to. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59197_Mountain_Bike_Brands.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:29 GMT Mountain biking is great fun but it is also physically demanding, and if you take a tumble youll want to know you are protected from injury as much as possible. Thats why mountain bike clothing is designed specifically to meet the demands of this sport. If youre a beginner or just an occasional mountain biker then a pair of comfortable tracksuit bottoms, a long sleeved t-shirt and the obligatory helmet will suffice. You might also want to put some gloves on to protect your hands. If youre a regular mountain biker however, it might be worth investing in some proper cycling gear. Comfort, protection and strong breathable fabrics are the watch words to look out for. These are perhaps the most familiar pieces of mountain bike clothing for most people. When you are buying this kind of mountain bike clothing youll find that theyre mostly made from microfleece or quick dry fabrics. Cycle shorts are usually double layered around the seat area for comfort. Youll be glad of this feature during those bumpy cross country mountain bike rides. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59196_Clothing_For_Mountain_Biking.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:30 GMT There is no shortage of videos of mountain bike crashes from around the world, with many riders with appropriate safety equipment escaping serious injury, while others were not that fortunate. However, some of the most spectacular mountain bike crashes have been staged for television shows and movies, using stunt riders. In real life mountain bike crashes can be exceptionally dangerous, causing serious injury to the riders as well as any spectators who happen to be in the way. Riders have been impaled on handlebars and pedals as well as having severe leg injuries from riders behind them not being able to stop before running over them. While all the different disciplines of mountain biking has their dangers, downhill, trials and dirt jump invite the most potential for mountain bike crashes. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59195_Avoid_Mountain_Bike_Crash.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:30 GMT A mountain bike is considered as being a bicycle that is designed specifically for mountain biking, either on dirt trails or on other unpaved environments. Mountain bikes are different from regular bikes in a number of ways. For one they have wide and knobby tires for extra traction and shock absorption. As well, most mountain bikes are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, however with the increase in the popularity of riser handlebars, fewer riders now tend to use bar end extensions. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59194_Disk_Brakes_For_Mountain_Bikes.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:31 GMT Mountain bikers who are not very careful about choosing their mountain bike helmets often suffer more injuries compared to those bikers who are very religious when it comes to choosing the right kind of helmets. According to experts, bikers who do not wear the right kind of mountain bike helmets are more likely to suffer from severe head injuries and trauma during accidents compared to those bikers who are wearing the right type of protective gear. To minimize head injuries when riding your bike into the mountains, you need to choose the right type of helmets. There are plenty of bike helmets that you can choose from so make sure that you choose well. Do not scrimp on your budget when it comes to buying mountain bike helmets. There is really no point of compromising your safety just because you want to save a few dollars. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59193_Helmets_For_Mountain_Biking.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:31 GMT As a beginner mountain biker, it is quite natural for you to get a bit overwhelmed with all the mountain bike accessories that you see in a bike store or shop. Although there are many types of mountain bike accessories being sold in the market today, you do not really need all of them so dont waste your money on the things that you will not really have much use when you go biking. Instead of buying those fancy mountain bike accessories, invest on safety gears and accessories. The helmet is one of the most important mountain bike accessories that you need. Unfortunately, a lot of bikers often do not wear helmets when they go out that they end up suffering from severe head injuries during a fall. To safeguard your head when negotiating difficult mountain bike trails, you need to wear a reliable headgear. A good helmet is your best friend when you are out there negotiating some difficult mountain bike trails so make sure that you get one. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59188_Accessories_For_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:32 GMT Mountain biking has developed into several different categories depending on the preference of the rider. Some prefer cross country while other prefer the downhill. Downhill mountain biking is such fun to do that many have specialized in racing downhill. Downhill mountain biking is a very adrenaline pumping sport. The speed that bikers reach while participating in downhill mountain biking races are really fast. The possibility of an accident happening is great because the downhill bikers pedal their bikes even as they go down at great speeds. The reason why they still pedal is to achieve more speed and go faster than their opponents. Downhill mountain biking races usually have two categories. You either race against an actual opponent or you race against the time. Racing against opponents are what is called dual slaloms. In these races, both the downhill bikers are released simultaneously and they race to the bottom in a bid to reach the finish line first. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59081_Downhill_Mountain_Biking.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:33 GMT Extreme mountain biking is a physically taxing sport and is not suitable for those people who have chronic ailments like asthma, hypertension and other types of diseases that can hinder the physical endurance of a person. If you are one of those people who are suffering from any type of ailments that affect your stamina and overall physical condition, it would be better for you to forget about extreme mountain biking and switch to a type of sport that is less taxing. On the other hand, if you are one of those people who are at the peak of their health and think that they can conquer severe physical challenges, extreme mountain biking is something that you can enjoy doing. To make sure that you are physically fit to handle to extreme mountain biking challenges, you need to physically and mentally prepare yourself to tackle all these challenges. Build your strength before you go out there and try to conquer a difficult mountain trail. To help build your strength and your resistance, you can enroll in one of those strength training classes. You may also practice doing long distance biking to build your stamina. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59077_Extreme_Mountain_Biking.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:33 GMT People use bicycles for many different reasons. They are a great means of transport for getting to and from work, you can fit your shopping into the baskets available to attach to the front, and they provide a wonderful way to travel when on holiday and exploring different areas. People have always ridden off road as well as on it, but the history of mountain biking really begins more than thirty years ago, in the 1970s. Modern bike designs have made the sport more accessible to more people, and the history of mountain biking certainly shows it is now even more popular than ever. But although mountain biking is now enjoyed all over the world, it began life in California, America. A group of cycle enthusiasts decided to try out some downhill runs on bikes that would now seem antiquated to many of us. The dirt tracks were much the same as many mountain bike race courses today, but the bikes have changed considerably over the intervening years. Those races became famous, and before long similar races were taking place along tracks at locations in many different countries. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59073_Mountain_Biking_-_History.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:34 GMT When looking into mountain bikes, there are many on the market. The sport of mountain biking provides a large market, and many companies have jumped into the arena of producing mountain bikes. One of the most respected and well known names in the bike manufacturing business is Mongoose. The Mongoose mountain bike has a reputation as a well made bike that can handle anything. The basic Mongoose Company really began when in 1974; Skip Hess started his own business in his garage in Southern California. This home based business has grown to be one of the top manufacturers of bikes in the world. The original idea was to compete in the BMX biking market. The company was sold to investors and has since been acquired by Pacific Cycle. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59071_Mongoose_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:35 GMT There are many different kinds and styles of mountain bikes that you have to choose from, one of the most popular being the folding mountain bike. The folding mountain bike is extremely popular for a number of different reasons, namely that it is so incredibly mobile. After all typically when you go mountain biking you go to desolate and remote areas, and so you do not have a great means of transportation for your bike. This means that if you need to get it over an especially rough area of terrain or over water for instance, that you will have to physically carry it, and this can be incredibly difficult, which is why the folding mountain bike is so ideal. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/59068_Folding_Mountain_Bike.html Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:09:35 GMT A mountain bike is a bicycle specifically designed to withstand the toughness and roughness of a cross country ride. Compared to road bikes and BMX bikes, these mountain bikes usually have broader frames and tires to accommodate the rough road and terrain. These bikes usually have either front or rear suspension, depending on the preference of the rider. In some cases, both ends have suspensions. These are for the comfort of the rider while he is jostled as he traverses the rough road. The broader and more knobby tires of the mountain bike are called knobbies because of the bumps and protrusions on them. These bumps or knobs are very efficient in gripping the rough terrain and maintaining their hold on the rough road. The smoother tires of road bikes cannot go up a rough road since these will just skid on it. http://advice-and.info/Automotive/58986_Mountain_Bikes.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:22:14 GMT