Posts Tagged ‘biking’
Biking Tune Up Tips For Spring Season
May 29, 2011
If you don’t ride in the winter, you’ve probably spent the winter months on the couch eating chips and watching television. But soon, spring will be here and it’s a new mountain biking season. Even though your body may not be in shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.
Before taking your bike out, the wear and tear on your components should first be checked and if it’s necessary, adjust them. Your chain is where you should start. It’s time to replace the chain if your haven’t replaced it in a year or 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. To save yourself from having to replace high priced cogs and chain rings, replace the chain before it stretches too much.
Then the bearing surfaces should be checked. These include your bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. With no play in the system, each of these should turn without a problem. Each cranking arm should be tightly snug before checking the bottom bracket. Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it back and forth. If the crank arm binds or if you hear any clicking, then you need to adjust the bottom bracket.
The exact same thing should be done with your hubs. You can do any free play or binding once you’ve taken the wheels off the bike and spun the hub axles. You need to make an adjustment if you feel play or bind. Put the newly adjusted wheels back on the bike to check the headset.
Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the handle bars back and forth. Make sure there’s no 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 housing shouldn’t be cracked or kinked and the cables are rust free. If this device has any of those things then you need to replace them otherwise your braking and shifting will be sluggish.
Last, you should inspect your brake pads. To check if they need to be replaced, most pads have ridges or indicator marks. Compromising both safety and braking efficiency are brake pads that are worn out.
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 And Its 9 Categories
May 27, 2011
There are 9 different categories of mountain biking. When it comes to these categories, they’re very versed in what they offer. Included are:
BMX. In BMX style, the bikes offer 20 inch wheels. Commonly used at skate parks or dirt jumps are these bikes. Tricks and stunts are easier to perform with BMX bikes because they have smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases.
What is cross country? With this type of mountain biking, you’ll be 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.
Facts about cyclo cross. This type is a cross between road and mountain biking. Racing on and off course, going over obstacles, and crossing through rivers is what these riders would do.
Dirt jumping. Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in the air. Riders can go over six or more jumps in one run since these jumps are normally close together and they gain a flow in order to give them more speed for bigger jumps.
What is downhill riding? Racing downhill as fast as possible is what downhill mountain biking is. This is a very extreme and intense type of riding and offers riders ultimate thrills and excitement.
What is free ride? Free riding riders uses all of the terrain to express themselves and finds the perfect line down the mountain. These are popular competitions because riders can express themselves the way they stay fit.
What is single speed? This form of cross country biking is done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components and it shouldn’t be confused with fixed gears. 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.
Facts about street and urban. With this type of riding, riding in urban areas, ledges, and other man made obstacles are involved. Tricks such as grinds and stalls are what riders of street and urban biking will do.
Facts about trails. Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. Wheels that are 20-26 inches are used and they also have frames that are low and small. Trail riders require extreme amount of balance and concentration since they’ll be hopping and jumping their bikes over obstacles.
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Dutch Bikes Palo Alto For Your Heart
May 21, 2011
People have been bicycling to work and for fun for more than 100 years. Children cannot wait to receive their very first bicycle. You no doubt remember yours. For all your needs in bicycles go to dutch bikes Palo Alto.
Many cities and villages have been working very hard to make bicycle riding safe and convenient for us. This is a wonderful idea, especially when you consider how expensive it is becoming to drive. This should be extra incentive for us to dust of the bicycle in the back yard. If you can, you should start riding to work and to shopping.
We all know the world spins round pretty fast. It has been a long time since your last bicycle ride through the countryside. The weather has been so nice. Go outside right now and uncover that bicycle. Take a good look at it.
Maybe you have not seen sunrise by bicycle. You should try that. It is a beautiful experience and also very refreshing. Perhaps you do not have a working bicycle. That is no good excuse. Then you need to head right over to Dutch Bicycles Palo Alto and pick one out. Get out and ride.
Go out into your backyard and uncover the old bike. You have been meaning to. It looks a little bad, you think. Take it to the folks at dutch bikes Palo Alto to see if it can be tuned up. If not, they can sell you a really nice model meant just for you.
To bicycle is to get great exercise. A person who weigh 150 pounds will lose 272 calories riding one hour at ten miles per hour. That is a great start on the road to good health. There is much to be gained physically and mentally when you ride a bike.
Something very interesting has been happening in the nation of China. Up until 20 years ago most people in cities would ride a bicycle to work. In the past two decades many have turned to the gas-powered scooter or automobile to get to work. The overall effect is likely to lead to an increase in health problems from the net loss of exercise.
The Netherlands on the other hand have been actively working during the past 60 years to make it very convenient for people to ride bicycles everywhere in their country. They encourage riding to work and the paths do not compete for space with cars.
That brings us back to the topic at hand. Bicycling is good for you and for your Mother Earth. Go on. Get on a bike today. If you do not have a bicycle, head on over to dutch bikes Palo Alto. Your heart will thank you.
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Alien Abduction Report – Specialized Low-cost BMX Bike Stolen
May 16, 2011
I’ll tell you somewhat tale about me once i was a lad! I was abducted by aliens in my house town of Newcastle! Think me this was essentially the most crazy days of my life. It occurred in 1942 inside a small suburb of Newcastle. It started one particular sunny day, me and my best buddy Tommy were sitting on a wall watching the soldiers march. The soldiers had been marching for hours so me and Tommy got a little chilly and hungry so we decided we really need to go residence and grab some dripping and bread.
We grabbed our inexpensive specialized bmx bikes from the local bike shop and began to ride down southwall street. This can be going to sound weird but we passed by means of some sort of barrier. You understand if you search by way of fire and it looks wavy, that’s what this barrier resembled. When we passed through the barrier what I saw can only be described as many different “horrible creatures”.
Their had been 3 to 4 unique types of creatures, a single was incredibly hair and looked like major foot,one was a tall grey humanoid and one particular was a massive fat bulbous creature with two tentacles obtruding from his head. The 4th type was quite shocking. He appeared to be a very handsome man with stunning features,blonde hair with blue eyes. It was wearing a red robe with gold trimming. He mentioned to each me and tommy that he need to come with us or threat or will both might be exterminated.
We duly followed, to where this blonde alien proceeded to take blood from the back of my neck. He warned me if I moved, I would die immediately. He carried out many different other tests and then he left me to wait in a totally white room using a blue light within the middle. The bulbous alien appeared following about ten minutes and escorted me out from the ship. Tommy was outside waiting for me.
The ship lifted off and was gone within seconds. Each me and Tommy agreed that we would not tell anyone regarding the incident. It also seems that the aliens stole my bike as we could not uncover it on inspection. So their you might have it,an incredible tale. I have never told anyone to this day, so take my story and pass it on. Thank you for reading.
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Learning More About Mountain Biking
May 13, 2011
With mountain biking, you can stay in shape, have fun, or explore the outdoors. Racing down the side of a mountain is both fun and dangerous. The entire family can enjoy it as long as you ride with caution.
Styles of mountain biking Mountain biking can best be characterized into three different styles – downhill, free riding, and cross country. Even though the different styles are similar in some ways, they still require different skills. The style that you pick will determine the type of bike you get.
Locations for mountain biking Biking on an unpaved surface is best for this sport. Throughout North America, there are locations specifically designed for mountain biking. Before you decide to go down a trail, you should always check with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and any rules that they may have.
Groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions are what you may also find. To see what’s available in your area, you can look at your local newspaper or on the Internet. There are groups for the more advanced riders or even beginners.
How to become a great biker You need endurance and stamina if you want to be a great mountain biker. If you want to succeed, you need ambition, practice, and conquer the course. Like all other sports, it takes time and practice. Getting past the bumps and bruises from falling off the bike what beginners need to overcome.
Selecting your mountain bike Selecting a bike is a personal choice and a determining factor on what type of riding you’ll be doing. There are different bike sizes, styles, shapes, and prices which means it’s hard to select one for yourself.
You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike, even do some price comparisons online as well before you make a purchase. Try out the bike first before you buy it. To be a great mountain biker, you need to become one with your bike. When you buy a bike, you need to check for comfort, how it’s geared, and how it fits.
Safety riding tips It’s dangerous to ride on unpaved surfaces. Anytime you are riding, you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads. Goggles should be worn when you’re following a group or riding in the woods. Safety should be your top priority and never taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.
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Clueless With Chain Tools? Here Are Some Tips To Keep In Mind
May 5, 2011
Immediately replace your mountain bike chain with a new one when it’s damaged. Still, repairing a broken chain using a chain tool is possible. 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. As the chain moves around the cogs, these pins allow the rollers to freely turn.
If your chain breaks, then a spare link should replace the broken link once it’s been removed. Until you can get it replaced, reattach the two ends of the broken chain and ride on a shorter chain.
Place the broken link of chain in the chain tool in order to remove it. The tool should be turned counter clockwise until the chain tool’s rivet pin touches the chain rivet. Continue to turn the tool until the pin pushes out of the roller. You have to stop turning when the pin is at the edge of the roller or else it will move through the outer side plate so you need to be careful.
When you’ve turned the tool in the other direction, you can back it out of the roller. The tool should be set to the side then gently work the chain from side to side and extract the side plates and roller.
Next thing you need to do is re-route the chain through the bike. Ask someone to hold the chain in the right spot or have a chain retaining tool when 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 two ends should be aligned in order for the links with the inner side plates to fit inside the link with the pin and outer side plates. To push the pin inward, use the chain tool until it’s positioned evenly between the side plates.
Have someone show you how to do this because that’s still the easiest way to learn, after which you can actually practice with a chain and a chain tool. Making a temporary repair in a mountain bike chain shouldn’t be any trouble when you see how professionals do it and have practiced yourself a few times.
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Choosing The Right Mountain Bike
May 4, 2011
Mountain biking is a lot of fun and a good way to stay in shape. There are a lot of different types of mountain bikes on the market. How do you choose the right one for you?
Before you decide which mountain bike you want to buy. Here are a few tips on the different types of mountain bikes.
The first type of mountain bike available to you is a cross country one. They are lightweight meaning you will be able to use them on almost any terrain. They are especially good up hills.
The great thing about cross country mountain bikes is that not only can you use them for going up hills and mountains and difficult terrain but you can use them as a daily bike to go to the shops or to work.
Another very popular mountain bike that you may want to consider for downhill mountain biking is a downhill bike. Downhill bikes have excellent suspension on the back and the front. And they also have excellent disc brakes to help with braking.
A good bike for serious mountain bikers is trail bikes. Many trail bike owners actually build their own bike. Trail bikes are for precise mountain biking and this is a sport for more advanced bikers however these bikes are excellent.
Another option if you want to do street biking or stunts and jumps is to get one of these types of bikes. Because you’re using them to do tricks and jumps they are the strongest types of bikes you can get.
The jump and slalom bikes are very popular among biking enthusiasts. The front suspension and strong components make for a very sturdy mountain bike.
The sport of mountain biking is a lot of fun, whether you are just starting out or have been doing it your whole life. Your bike is an investment and you’ll want to find the right one for you.
Getting the right mountain bike is extremely important. So take a bit of time to do your research and look around for the perfect bike. Don’t just rush in and get the first when you see. Take your time and you will enjoy your mountain bike for a long time to come.
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A Cheap Road Bike For Beginners
April 18, 2011
bike riding is an enjoyable outdoor activity that can be enjoyed with family and friends. With all of the designs, makes, and models of different bikes, it can be a tough to decide which is the best bike for you.
A road bike is similar to a racing bike in that they are both designed for speed. Road bikes are light-weight with thinner tires and they have many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
Road bikes are lighter bikes built for speed. They have 700c wheels that are thinner, and they are designed for cyclists who ride long distances.
If riding long distances and racing is something you are interested in, the GMC Denali Road Bike is an excellent choice for a beginner. For under $200, you get a beautiful sporty bike that is easy to assemble if you don’t want to take it to a bike shop.
It has a well-built solid aluminum frame that can withstand some rigorous riding and it is great for exercising on flat paved roads.
The product features of the GMC Denali are:
* 21-speed road bike with a solid light-weight aluminum frame designed for racing and commuting.
* Powerful alloy side-pull caliper brakes to stop at an instant
* High profile aero-wheels with machined braking surface and 700x32c tires designed for a smooth ride and low-rolling resistance
* Comfortable Vitesse seat with road race-style drop handlebars
You get a lot of bang for your buck with the GMC Denali Road Bike but it does have some minor issues. There are no top pull brake levers, so you have to move your hands into the drop bars to access the brakes. You will have to replace the brake pads within a few weeks and the pedals could be a lot wider depending on your preference.
You will look forward to your morning commute with this road bike. It is excellent for college students and beginning cyclist on a tight budget. It is easy to assemble if you know what you are doing. It is light-weight and small with quick response and the gears change pretty well.
The GMC Denali is a pretty good bike with an inexpensive price tag that performs the way it’s suppose to. It doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles but what you would normally spend in gas driving to work everyday, it will pay for itself. You will enjoy hours of pleasure riding with this road bike.
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Folding Mountain Bicycles That Really Perform Well
April 14, 2011
Before it would have been virtually laughable: A folding mountain bike? Nice idea, you most likely thought, but it would not really work. At present however, partly as a result of daily commuters on the lookout for ingenious and sustainable new methods of traveling in the city, folding mountain bikes aren’t only accessible, they’re actually popular!
The general concept of a foldable bike is simple: Take a quality bicycle frame, complete with all of the comforts and innovations of modern day mountain bikes, and design it in such a way that it can be compacted quickly and easily when not in use. Most foldable mountain bikes in today’s market operate with locking mechanisms, allowing the frame and all additional components to be sturdy and reliable during use, but facilitating quick folding motions (whereby the front and back wheels fold in towards the frame and re-lock in their new folded positions) that result in about the third of the bulk of a regular sized bicycle.
If you are new to the folding bike concept, you might question the point of a foldable bicycle. For individuals with limited storage space however, the idea is ingenious, since when not in use, the folded version of the bike could be stored in a closet, under a bed, in a car trunk or in some other inconspicuous area of the home. Individuals that combine their commuting methods will also find great use in this new innovation, since hopping on the subway or bus after a ride takes a matter of minutes, and cannot be disallowed by transit authorities concerned about excessive bulk. Finally, if you are concerned about locking your bicycle outdoors during the workday, being able to fold it up and store it under your desk is an ideal solution.
There are several brands and models of the folding mountain bike available. A number of popular bikes, which have garnered positive reviews from consumers on the internet, are the Lock N Roll and the Columba full sized folding mountain bikes. Each have 26-inch frames, with the Columba fabricated from strong metal and weighing in at thirty seven pounds and the Lock N Roll bicycle being made from alloy and weighing in at just thirty five pounds. Both types also have eighteen gears. The Columba brand has added features like double suspension, for especially uneven terrain, and foldable pedals. These additional features make it an excellent bicycle for the slightly more daring city cyclists.
Folding mountain bikes aren’t ideally suited for every rider. In case you are particularly interested in terrain riding, trick riding, or maybe extended bike journeys, then a more typical frame will likely be more appropriate for the conditions you might want to deal with. For lower-impact city riding nevertheless, a folding bike may be just the commuting solution you may have been waiting for.
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A Look At The Materials Used In Mountain Bike Frames
April 1, 2011
The cost of a mountain bike frame is proportionate to its material, as well as the treatment that material has received. Currently, there are five types of material used in mountain bikes – high tensile steel, chromoly steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Oversized diameters, heat treating, and butting are tubing material treatments that will increase the cost of a frame as well.
High tensile steel facts Found in lower priced mountain bikes is this very durable alloy. More materials are needed to make it stiff enough for bicycle frames because it offers high carbon content and it’s less stiff than chromoly steel, and this in turn will make it heavier.
Trail bikes, city bikes, and entry level mountain bikes is where this relatively inexpensive material is used. There are some bikes that come with a chromoly seat tube, while the rest is high tensile steel.
More on chromoly steel Chromium and molybdenum are the major additives of chromoly, which is also short for steel alloy. This framing material is the most refined and can give over 100 years of dependable service.
This material, depending on the type of heat treating and butting, can be found in bikes that costs $400-$1500 and even beyond that. Offering good durability and a compliant ride characteristic is the chromoly steel material.
Aluminum Aluminum has been refined the same way as chromoly for the past 15 years. There have been various alloys developed, as well as heat treatment, oversizing, and butting. With dual suspension bikes, aluminum is the preferred material as it’s the stiffest and most cost effective.
Aluminum will crack before chromoly because it’s not as stiff. Of course, this depends on how you ride and how much abuse you give the frame. The advantages of aluminum is that the frame is very light and very stiff through oversizing or butting.
More on titanium It may be exotic, but over the last few years the prices for this material have come down. It takes longer to weld the tubes to the frames that are made of titanium which is why they remain expensive.
Titanium is an alloy that can have better welding ability and ride characteristics when mixed with small amounts of vanadium and aluminum. Unlike chromoly, it’s more compliant and offers better corrosion and fatigue properties.
Your chosen material for your bike would depend on the style you use and where you ride. As long as you take care of your bike and treat the frame with respect, then almost all materials will last you for years.
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