Mountain Biking Capital USA Winter Park Colorad

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Mountain Biking Capital USA – Winter Park, Colorado
Author: Shane
With 600 miles of trails, it's no wonder why Winter Park has gained the title of "Mountain Bike Capital USA". At the resort alone you will find 50 miles of single-track trails accessible via chair lifts and marked with signs identifying skill level. Once at the top of the lifts you may want to stop into the Sunspot for a quick bite to eat while enjoying the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. From there you can choose runs like the Upper Arapahoe, the resort's downhill race course, or wind down The Long Trail for a 7-mile novice ride.

In the Fraser Valley you can enjoy the trails of the Rocky Mountain wilderness while cradled by spectacular mountain views all around. The trails follow babbling brooks, glide through wildflower meadows and trek up rugged mountains.

All throughout the summer, there are races that are open to public and are available to many different skill levels. A majority of the races either start or end at Winter Park Resort, including the finale… The King of the Rockies.

Repairs, rentals and shops are easy to find, whether you are at the resort, or downtown Winter Park. You can also find a wide variety of restaurants and bars, with food that is just as good as it is diverse.

Music sounds better with a backdrop like the Continental Divide, and you just may find out for yourself, as there are music festivals and concerts happening almost every weekend during the Summer. Events like the Jazz Festival and the Food, Wine & Beer Festival may require advance planning for stays in Winter Park.

It would be impossible to cover all of the mountain bike trails of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley in one short article. However, once you get to here, there are a number of free mountain bike trail guides that can be found at most establishments.

Stay just a five minute walk from the base of Winter Park Resort. Slope View Bed and Breakfast offers views of the Continental Divide, unique amenities and a knowledgeable staff. 970-531-2386

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Written by Shane, owner and operator of Slope View Bed and Breakfast in Winter Park, Colorado .

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Mountain Biking Great Exercise and Fun

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Mountain Biking – Great Exercise and Fun
Author: smgenie
Mountain biking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, exercising and having fun. Racing down a mountainside is exhilarating; however, it can also be dangerous.
Although it is consider a dangerous sport, if done with utmost caution, mountain biking can be enjoyed by the whole family.

As with any outdoor sport, selecting the right equipment and an understanding of the sport will be the key to a great adventure.

Styles of Mountain Biking

Mountain biking can be categorized into three different styles. There is downhill, free riding, and cross-country. Although the styles are similar in some respect, they all require different skills. The style you select will determine the type of bike.

Mountain Biking Locations

Typically, this sport is known as biking on an unpaved surface. Most regions have areas specifically designed for this grand sport. State and federal parks are a good place to mountain bike. However, you should check with your local parks to get the routes and other regulations or rules they may have. In addition, if you venture off to some state or federal land or any wilderness type area, it is best to know about the surroundings should there be any unexpected accidents.

There are also groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions. You could search the internet or local newspaper to see what is available in your area. There may be groups for the advanced rider as well as the novice.

Criteria to be a Great Mountain Biker

A prerequisite for a great mountain biker is endurance and stamina. In addition, it takes discipline to practice and the ambition to succeed and conquer the course. A novice mountain biker will have to overcome the bumps and bruises from falling of the bike. Like all sports, it takes practice and the constitution to keep trying.

Selecting Your Bike

Selecting your bike is a personal choice and contingent on the type of riding you will do. Bikes come in all different styles, shapes, and prices, therefore selecting the perfect one for you can be difficult. Again, do some internet research or venture out to do some comparison-shopping before you get ready to make a purchase. Ask to try out a bike before you buy. A good mountain biker becomes one with his or her bike. Check for comfort, fit, and how it is geared, all these factors need to be considered.

Staying Safe

As mentioned earlier, mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be hazardous. The typical safety gear is a helmet, knee and elbow pads. You should also consider goggles if riding in a very dense wooded area or if following a group of bikers. Safety should be your top priority and not taken lightly when riding no matter what the terrain.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information about mountain biking and bikes, visit Mountain Bike

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Mountain Bikes A Mainstream Riding Style

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Mountain Bikes – A Mainstream Riding Style
Author: Alastair Hamilton -
Mountain bike riders must have shock system type of bikes that include full suspension and hard tail and even no suspension. The shock system is important as because it helps to absorb the impact over rugged terrain that provide a smoother ride. Full suspension bikes got suspension in both the front and the rear of the bike. Hard tail bikes have solid rear fork and shock system in place of the front fork. Mountain bikes with lower end models do not have a shock system in the front or in the back of the bike.

Types of Mountain Bikes to Enjoy

Mountain bikes for cross-country riders are ideal for small to moderate train and they got both climbing and descending capabilities as well. The travel in the rear suspension system is less than four inches that does not hinder the ability to climb hills. The standard numbers of gears on cross-country bikes are 28 providing a wide range of gears suitable for the traveling over varied terrain.

In mountain bikes, trail bikes are more substantial than cross country bikes as they are intended for use for more technical mountain bike rides. The travel in suspension systems used on these bikes ranges is from 4-7 inches. This increased travel allows for a very smoother ride but makes pedaling uphill more difficult too. Mountain bikers have to weigh the decreased pedal efficiency versus a smoother ride.

The down hill mountain bikes detailed with the front and rear shock that have up to eight inches of travel. These bikes are specifically designed to do downhill racing. The amount of travel in the suspension systems makes it difficult to pedal uphill, for this reason these bikes are used almost exclusively for the downhill races where the shock systems allows smooth possible ride over harsh terrain at high speeds also.

Dirt jump bikes are one more verity in mountain bikes, which have only a front suspension system and used for flying over jumps. They have 16 gears in these bikes which allows the rider to build up the speed they need while making jumps.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer who contributes adding technical articles on road and mountain bikes to bike mags. Ask him a question at his Bicycle FAQ

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Mountain Bike Frames

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Mountain Bike Frames
Author: Alastair Hamilton -
Your very first ride down the steep slopes of a bona fide mountain on a rock strewn trail on an old bike will undoubtedly leave you convinced to the necessity of purchasing a strong and resilient mountain bike frame! It, as your body will attest, is going to absorb a lot of shock. If you invest in a good mountain bike frame, it will do even more: it will actually absorb, into its metal and components, much of the shock that would otherwise move readily into your own components!

Design and construction of mountain bike frames has advanced centuries in the last couple of decades, really. What is available today only remotely resembles the first so-called mountain bikes some of us rode in the early nineteen-eighties. Today, mountain bike frames are available in geometries and materials unimagined two decades ago. What you need is going to be a combination of your own body and your individual intentions. If you like the thrill of high speed downhill rides, you will need a vastly different bike than if you ride on level trails. If your preference is to avoid going over rocks, you will need a different bike than someone whose eyes light up at the sight of a boulder strewn pathway. Think about what you enjoy before you go shopping for a mountain bike.

Mountain bike frames spend a lot of time on roads these days, too. Most of the bikes seen around town seem to be mountain bikes or some hybrid of the mountain bike. Fact is, mountain bikes are made for comfort. What they add to genuine off-road riding (shock absorption, easy gearing, and responsive handling) may be essential but what they add to street riding (shock absorption, easy gearing, and responsive handling) is no less appreciated by the casual rider. You will even find mountain bike riders on most any of the long, multi-day road tours so increasingly popular. You will not, probably, find these riders among the front pack though: a mountain bike frame is not made for efficient road usage, even if it does add comfort.

Getting a mountain bike frame that's right for you is possible either in person at a good bike store or online if you know your size and usage requirements, but the vastly different frame geometries make riding a bike before buying it more important than ever. The traditional triangular structure of a road bike frame is frequently drastically skewed on today's mountain bike frames, rendering the triangle almost unrecognizable. Shopping at a good bike store will put you in touch with bike professionals who will be able to recommend the right geometry for your unique physique and your own unique preferences and strengths as a rider.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton writes regularly technical articles on road and mountain bikes to some online bike magazines. Find interesting reviews on components for road and mountain bikes at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com

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Learn to Ride Faster and Safer With Bike Handling

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Learn to Ride Faster and Safer With Bike Handling Drills
Author: Matt Russ
In my experience most cyclists take handling skills and their bicycles' in general for granted. Most mechanical break downs can be prevented by properly adjusting, maintaining, and inspecting your bicycle. And a lot of crashes can be avoided by being aware of your surroundings and having the skills necessary to react instinctively to emergency situations.

By practicing these skills in a controlled environment you will become a faster and safer cyclist. The first thing you need to do is find an open area where there is no traffic such as a parking lot. You will need some orange cones (water bottles can be substituted), and a partner.

•Braking: Begin circling your course. Have your partner randomly call out "stop." You should immediately bring you bike to a quick, safe controlled stop. Have your partner stop quickly as well and look at the distance between your bicycles. If you have good reflexes and reaction time the distance between your bicycles will be close. Practice braking in a variety of situations such as cornering and braking with your partner in front of you (be careful). If you are a beginner cyclist apply both brakes with even pressure. As you get more experienced apply slightly more pressure to your front brake.
•Cornering: Choose your line through each corner. If you corner correctly you should clip the apex of the turn. Make sure your inside crank arm is in the vertical position so that your pedal does not touch the ground. Practice cornering inside and outside in both directions and try to pick up your speed each time. Start to sprint out of corners. Set up a slalom course and also practice 180 degree turns.
•Looking: When on the road a key element of safety is being able to see what is going on around you and behind you. Beginners have a tough time looking over their shoulder while keeping their bike strait. Have your partner ride several bike lengths behind you. At regular intervals look over your shoulder and call out how many fingers they are holding up. Have your partner give you feedback on if your bike veered or stayed strait.
•Bumping: This needs to be performed on a grassy field using a mountain bike. Have your partner "bump" you slightly and touch shoulders simulating situations that occur in pack racing. You should get used to contact with other riders and not panicking in these situations.
•Riding Position: Practice transitioning smoothly from various riding positions such as sprinting, climbing in and out of the saddle, and descending.
•Drafting: Have your partner vary their speed over the course and try to maintain a constant distance from their rear wheel.

Performing these drills a few times per season will not help you much. You must take what you learn and apply it constantly while you are on the road. Good habits must be practiced thousands of times before they become good form.

Awareness is your greatest asset when riding in traffic situations. Try to anticipate what drivers are going to do. Eye contact is very important, as is visibility. Constantly check what is going on around you and stay focused on what you are doing.

About the Author

Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.

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How useful a Bike Rack can be

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How useful a Bike Rack can be
Author: john
What do you do if you want to take your bikes on holiday? You can't exactly cycle there in most cases, but you'd like to cycle around once you get there. The answer is to simply attach your bikes to your car using a bike rack, and then drive them there. It's a lot easier than taking them on public transport, and cheaper than renting bikes once you get there.

Bike racks sit on top of your car, and can hold a surprising number of bikes – sometimes as many as five on one rack. They are very useful, yet generally inexpensive, and you can buy them at any good garage or DIY store. Don't worry too much about which model you get: as long as it can hold the number of bikes you need it to, it'll generally be just fine.

If you're going to fit a bike rack to your car, however, it is important to realise that it could potentially be a hazard not only to you and your car, but also to the other drivers on the road. For this reason, you need to make sure that the rack is secured to your car exactly as the instructions say and follow all the relevant safety regulations. If your rack seems unstable, you should take it to be fitted by a professional – don't take any risks.

By the same token, you should also realise that bikes that are badly secured to bike racks are very often stolen in car parks, as they are easy to take without people noticing. You should lock the bikes to the rack using a secure bike lock, such as a solid metal D-lock, and never leave them unattended without the lock on. This applies especially if you are taking valuable mountain bikes, as losing five of those at a time could be a real disaster.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

John Gibb is the owner of Bike rack information , For more information on bike racks please check out www.bike-rack-information4u.info

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How To Find The Best Bicycle Frame Looking Beyond

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How To Find The Best Bicycle Frame Looking Beyond Its Paint
Author: Alastair Hamilton -
Whether you're shopping for a bike or just admiring them, the first part you notice is probably the bicycle frame. The frame is the heart of a bicycle, as well as its art. Including the basically triangular core structure that supports both seat and handlebars and the extensions that attach to the wheels, the color and the geometry of the bicycle frame not only affects the beauty of the bike, but its strength and speed as well. The pleasure and success you derive from bicycle riding will be strongly impacted by having the right frame for your physique and your purposes.

The Two Most Important Aspects of Bicycle Frames Are Their Materials and Their Configuration

Naturally, your bicycle frame will take into dramatic account whether you ride primarily on roads or off-road. Not only are so-called mountain bike frames made of noticeably bigger "tubes," they are made of more shock resistant materials, with stronger weldings. Road bike frames have a smaller triangular geometry and the main consideration in their material is its weight. Everything on a road bike is designed to keep the rider's resistance to a minimum in order to promote fluency and speed, while a mountain bike is designed with the primary goal of shock absorption and maneuverability in mind alongside speed-influencing factors.

Even among these two main divisions, you will find major differences in bicycle frames. Road bikes used primarily for touring or recreational riding will have frames with a more relaxed geometry and more total horizontal spread front to back, while racing bikes will tighten that structure for a shorter front to back bike length. A tighter triangle and less distance between the bicycle frame and the tires acts to decrease the resistance of wind and road for a racer, as well as to increase the bike's ability to respond to the quick, minute maneuverings road racing requires.

There are several basic considerations to keep in mind when choosing the correct bicycle frame for your individual physique and your riding purposes. In addition, your unique body shape and weight will also affect what kind of bicycle frame is best for your comfort and accomplishment. Standard frame measurements, made along the seat tube of a frame, take into account the length of your legs, but the relationship of your torso length and arm length to the length of your legs is also extremely important to comfort on a bicycle, and the length of the top tube of the bicycle frame must also be examined. Two riders of identical height may need completely different bicycle frames. The best thing you can do is to shop at a bicycle store where knowledgeable riders earn their living and where you are allowed to try out a bicycle before buying it.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer who offers a truly unique depth of experience in competitive cycling. Further info about bicycle frames at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com , the hub of cycling information

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How To Choose The Proper Bicycle

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How To Choose The Proper Bicycle
Author: Jeff Slokum
There are many different types and styles of bicycles. You will need to decide on the type of biking you will be predominantly doing in order to help you narrow down your choices. Below are just some of the types of bicycles available on the market today.

The first bicycle we will mention here are what are considered by some to be comfort bicycles. These are the type used by most weekend recreational bike riders. They usually have a comfortable shock-absorbing seat and shock absorbing front forks and wide pedals.

Another type of bike which is a bit more rugged than the comfort bike is a trail bike or light duty mountain bike. These bikes can take a bit more rough stuff than the bikes mentioned above but are not meant for serious mountain biking.

Touring bicycles are for those who go long distances and faster than recreational bike riders. These bikes are built for riding on the pavement. They are light weight bikes with more shock absorbency than comfort bikes.

Cruiser bikes are heavier than the comfort bikes with fatter tires. They are good for the road, or riding in the sand.

A true mountain bike has a stronger frame and components than any other bike as they are intended for off road and rugged terrain. The tires on a mountain bike are knobby and wide for more shock support. The seat and handlebars are positioned to allow for the rider to lean over while maneuvering the bike.

Recumbent bicycles are becoming very popular with older riders and those who have some limits in physical ability. The rider reclines while pedaling in a feet forward position. The seat is much more comfortable than on any other bicycle. Recumbent bikes sit low to the ground and have multiple gears.

Talk with family and friends who own bikes to get their opinion on what may be the best investment for you. If you don't think that you'll stick with bike riding long term and if you don't plan to do more than weekend riding you don't need to spend a fortune. Visit several bicycles shops and talk with the pro's before making a decision. You can get many years of enjoyment if you choose the right bike for you.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.bicycle-questions.com

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How To Choose A Mountain Bike

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How To Choose A Mountain Bike
Author: Tim Henry
The first thing to do before purchasing a bicycle for any reason is to know what your primary riding is going to be. Most people initially purchase a dual use bike, something that can be ridden on road and off road. Eventually, when the bug bites big it'll be time to invest in a bike that is all muscle for the mountains.

One of the ways that mountain bikes differ from other bikes is that they have very strong, lightweight frames, multiple gears, powerful breaks and wide tires. A comfort bike, or recreational weekend bike, touring bikes and cruiser bikes are built more for comfort than durability. WIthin the mountain bike category there are several types of bikes available; the cross country bike, the trials bike, the downhill bike and the jump/slalom bike.

Generally the largest percentage of mountain bikes sold are in the cross country, or XC classification. These are good dual purpose bikes. They are lightweight and good for riding over tough terrain, but they are also comfortable for road riding.

Jump/slalom bikes are also good dual purpose bikes. They are very strong and have an excellent front suspension.

Downhill and trial bikes are for serious mountain bikers. The downhill bikes have both front and rear suspension, disc breaks and are very strong. A trial bike is for a very skilled rider. Trail riding itself is a very competitive sport demanding a lot of precision. Most riders of downhill and trail bikes build their bikes from scratch, choosing each component individually.

You will want to do a lot of reading about different types of bikes, and you'll want to visit many bike shops. A cross country mountain bike can cost between $600 and $800 or more. Some bikers say that your first bike should be the best bike you can possibly afford, even if you think that it's too much bike for you. If you buy a low-end bike initially and then find you want to change components later it can get costly. Before choosing a bike you will want to ride it. Most dealers allow for a 15 to 20 minute test ride. If you do a test ride make sure you go "off road" if you can, even if it's over curbs and grass. You want to get a feel for the bike.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.bicycle-shoppers.com

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Getting The Right Bicycle Seat

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Getting The Right Bicycle Seat
Author: Alastair Hamilton -
It takes only one ride on the wrong bicycle seat to demonstrate irrefutably that a good bicycle seat is paramount to regular bicycle riding.Even the shortest, smoothest ride can be painful and joyless if your bicycle has a bad seat on it.

What differentiates a good seat from a bad seat?It will differ between any two people, and it will differ especially between men and women.Our anatomies in the lower torso are made for strikingly different purposes, and it's pretty safe to venture that none of them include bike riding!Truth be told, the perfect bicycle seat has not yet been marketed.There are, however, some seats that are markedly better than others.

The biggest mistake made by occasional riders, particularly the elderly, is to opt for a bicycle seat that is bigger and better cushioned.Stop right there.Bigger seats are the wrong way to go, for anyone.Bigger seats increase friction and contact.All they will do is to broaden the area of your discomfort.Go for a smaller seat.The aim is to decrease the contact area between your derriere and the bicycle seat, not increase it!

As for cushioning, here you have some leeway.There are some very comfortable, stream-lined bicycle seats out there now, especially those made with the bumps of mountain bike riding in mind, or for the hybrid bicycles so popular with urban riders.Here, you can combine a svelte seat with some very nice and unobtrusive cushioning that will be positioned right where you need it: under your right and left buttocks' contact points.There is absolutely no good reason to have cushioning under your entire derriere.

Today, there are a lot of bicycle seat designs intended to account for the anatomical differences in men and women.The most important is that the flare of a woman's seat is just a little bit wider to allow those contact points and their cushioning to hit where a woman's anatomy requires it, but there are also bicycle seats made with various openings in the middle to decrease painful prolonged contact with male or female genitalia.

Whatever you decide might be a good option for you, try out a bicycle seat before committing to purchase.Shop at a good bike shop.Their employees know a lot and most will allow you to return it if you need to take it home to try it on your own bike. You really can't know if it's right unless you try it.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton writes regularly technical articles on road and mountain bikes to some online bike magazines. Find interesting reviews on bicycle seats at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/bike-parts/bicycle-seats-saddles.html and about parts or components at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/bike-parts/bicycle-parts.html

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Getting The Right Bicycle Seat

Mountain Bikes
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Getting The Right Bicycle Seat
Author: Alastair Hamilton -
It takes only one ride on the wrong bicycle seat to demonstrate irrefutably that a good bicycle seat is paramount to regular bicycle riding.Even the shortest, smoothest ride can be painful and joyless if your bicycle has a bad seat on it.

What differentiates a good seat from a bad seat?It will differ between any two people, and it will differ especially between men and women.Our anatomies in the lower torso are made for strikingly different purposes, and it's pretty safe to venture that none of them include bike riding!Truth be told, the perfect bicycle seat has not yet been marketed.There are, however, some seats that are markedly better than others.

The biggest mistake made by occasional riders, particularly the elderly, is to opt for a bicycle seat that is bigger and better cushioned.Stop right there.Bigger seats are the wrong way to go, for anyone.Bigger seats increase friction and contact.All they will do is to broaden the area of your discomfort.Go for a smaller seat.The aim is to decrease the contact area between your derriere and the bicycle seat, not increase it!

As for cushioning, here you have some leeway.There are some very comfortable, stream-lined bicycle seats out there now, especially those made with the bumps of mountain bike riding in mind, or for the hybrid bicycles so popular with urban riders.Here, you can combine a svelte seat with some very nice and unobtrusive cushioning that will be positioned right where you need it: under your right and left buttocks' contact points.There is absolutely no good reason to have cushioning under your entire derriere.

Today, there are a lot of bicycle seat designs intended to account for the anatomical differences in men and women.The most important is that the flare of a woman's seat is just a little bit wider to allow those contact points and their cushioning to hit where a woman's anatomy requires it, but there are also bicycle seats made with various openings in the middle to decrease painful prolonged contact with male or female genitalia.

Whatever you decide might be a good option for you, try out a bicycle seat before committing to purchase.Shop at a good bike shop.Their employees know a lot and most will allow you to return it if you need to take it home to try it on your own bike. You really can't know if it's right unless you try it.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton writes regularly technical articles on road and mountain bikes to some online bike magazines. Find interesting reviews on bicycle seats at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/bike-parts/bicycle-seats-saddles.html and about parts or components at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/bike-parts/bicycle-parts.html

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Getting Started in BMX Racing

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Getting Started in BMX Racing
Author: Jean Feingold
BMX racing is a fun sport for young people. For kids, the basic bike should have 20-inch wheels. Riders under age six can use whatever type of bike they have, even if it's not a true BMX freestyle bike. These little folks might still be riding bikes with wheels as small as 12-inches. Some tracks even have races for Big Wheel bikes.

A cruiser or mountain bike with 24-inch or 26-inch wheels might be okay, too, but check ahead of time with your local track for advice. Many tracks will let you race a mountain bike in the "Cruiser" class.

Whatever bike you use should be equipped this way. Remove all reflectors. Take off the kickstand and chainguard to prevent injury in a wreck.

The bike should have pads on the top tube, stem and crossbar. Most BMX freestyle bikes already have these pads. If your bike doesn't have them, adding this safety feature will cost about $5.

The bike should have at least one working brake. A coaster brake is fine if that's all the bike has. The bike should be in safe working order.

Finally, tie a paper plate to the handlebars. This will be your number plate. When you get to the track, they'll give you a number to put on it. That number will identify you to the judges and fans as you are racing.

Safety is important

For head protection, a helmet is essential. Depending on the track rules, this may need to be a full-face helmet or a helmet with a separate mouthguard. Other tracks will accept any type of inexpensive motocross-style helmet.

Wear protective clothing. Regular long pants or jeans will protect the rider's legs. For arm protection, wear a long-sleeved shirt. Since riders will use their feet, they should wear good sturdy shoes they are comfortable riding in.

Although you can race without gloves, wearing them is a good idea. Be sure they fit well and don't interfere with moving your hands. Finally, bring bike tools and an air pump in case repairs are needed.

Ready to race

To race, a potential rider needs to find a track. Local bike shops may have information on where the nearest track is. Otherwise visit the National Bicycle League (NBL) or American Bicycle Association (ABA) websites. These are the sanctioning bodies of BMX racing. They provide advice and insurance to local tracks. As an NBL or ABA member, you will have some medical insurance if you get hurt on the track during a race and do not have other insurance.

A parent or guardian must accompany the rider to give permission for the child to race. A birth certificate must be shown as proof of age. Most tracks charge between $15 and $35 for a racing license that is licenses good for a year. There is also an entry fee for each race, which is usually between $6 and $10.

For your first visit to a particular track, get there about two hours before the first race starts. Find the registration tent or trailer and sign up.

Then take a walk around the track. Try to remember where the jumps are. Next it's time to practice. Put your helmet and other gear on and follow the others to the starting gate. Watch what everyone else does and where they go. A beginner should put his front wheel against the starting gate, keeping one foot on a pedal and the other one on the ground. Start pedaling when the gate drops. Go slow the first few times until you feel comfortable.

After practice, the races will be posted. The people at the registration tent can tell you where your particular race will be posted and how the race actually works. You will be in a group or "moto" with other riders about your age. Line up with them in the staging area. When your group is called, go up and race! This will probably happen three or four times, depending on the system the track uses, and then it will be over. If you win, you might get a trophy. Even if you don't, you'll have fun.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is the Internet's leading source for print and online catalog shopping - and a growing hub of original content and "how to" information at www.catalogs.com .

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For Pure Fun Relaxation And Excercise I Choose M

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For Pure Fun, Relaxation And Excercise, I Choose Mountain Bike Riding
Author: Holly Dodd -
My family likes to spend a lot of time outdoors. Some of the most memorable and fun times as a family have been spent mountain bike riding. Unlike regular street bikes which are only good on a smooth surface, Mountain bikes are bikes that are designed to go anywhere. There are lots of different types of bikes to choose from but they generally have wider tires with a knobby tread and some type of suspension system.

In order to choose the right bike, you must consider what kind of riding you plan on doing and what kind of budget you intend to spend. Prices range about $150 to many hundreds of dollars. The lower priced ones are generally the type of quality you would expect to get at a chain discount store and are suitable for a beginner. Expect to find lots of colors and models on display as well as professional and beginner quality to choose from.

You may have to do a lot shopping to find the bike that best fits you. There are lots of different models to choose from, make sure you try them out to find the one that feels best to YOU. Many people are drawn to the colors of certain model bikes and that can be a mistake. Unfortunately not all bikes are available in the same colors so the color you love may be the wrong length bike for your body or riding style. Every rider is different and one bike size or style is not intended to fit all riders, so try them out before buying.

If you're thinking, "oh I don't know bike riding doesn't sound like all that much fun"...Mountain biking will change your mind really quick. Unlike the street bike that you had as a kid or your old ten speed locked in your shed, mountain bikes can go just about anywhere. My kids have fun making their own paths when we are out on a bike trail and I have fun trying to keep up!

If get or staying in shape is on your agenda, mountain bike riding is a great choice of exercise. Not only will you be burning up calories, you'll be taking in lots of fresh air and I'll bet you'll even get to enjoy some great sites. Whether you go out for a short ride with the kids or a day long trek, your body will repay you with improved strength and muscle tone.

Going through the daily stresses of life can certainly take its toll out on body and mind. Grabbing your bike and hitting the trails is a wonderful way to get rid of the every day stress. The more you pedal the more you will feel the stress leaving your body. I guess that why bike clubs are becoming so popular. Check your local classifieds to see if there is a group in your area or maybe you can ask co workers if they would like to form a mountain bike group.

So now that you're ready to try mountain biking, where do you go to buy a bike? You can start in department stores but you'll quickly see that the quality is fitting with the prices of these bikes. Sporting goods stores will usually be a grade above department store but for the Mecca of bike shoppers, check out your area bike specialty store. These stores have salespeople that are riders and will do a fantastic job of helping you pick out the right bike for your needs. Wherever you decide to buy one don't let it just sit in your garage. You can't have fun mountain bike riding if you don't get out there and use it!

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Webmaster Holly Dodd loves finding answers to questions. More mountain biking info can be found at: www.outdoor-fun-guide.info and Holly's blog at: www.blog.buckstopper.com

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Faultless Big Wheel Bike Tours in Palm Springs

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Faultless Big Wheel Bike Tours in Palm Springs
Author: Lena Hunt Mabra
Faultless Big Wheel Bike Tours in Palm Springs
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Read this entire feature FREE with photos at
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/bike/bigwheel/bigwheel.html

Aaaah! This is the life. Lazing by the pool, tummy bursting from the gourmet fine dining; entrancing cumulus clouds floating overhead. Not lifting a finger nor burning a single calorie for days upon end……naaaah!

Scratch that!

Let's kick this thing up several notches and check out what else southern California can do for you.

Nope, I don't wanna see Palm Springs by car, taxi guide, or big air-conditioned bus with groups of people. That ain't a-happenin'. Let's see here . . . how to experience this area? Hmm . . .

"We'll have your mountain bikes delivered to your resort in a few minutes," announces Evan Trubee, owner of the six-year-old Big Wheel Bike Tours. He is thrilled that I agree that there's no better way to see the world than by hiking and biking.

Two gleaming high performance mountain bikes are waiting as promised, along with a Palm Springs bike map detailing big, wide stone paths and rugged, crafted-by-nature-only trails. BWBike Tours uses Trek 700 Hybrid bikes available in men's and women's sizes on the smorgasbord of bike routes to choose.

Nice ride, awesome in-town stuff but it's time to crank up the adrenaline and do the real deal! I call Evan and tell him to show me a little bit of everything. "Okay, Box Canyon Express it is!" he exclaims without a moment to waste.

We climb into the SUV and Evan's tour guide, Heidi, who has the accent to match the name. kicks into excitement with full details of her home territory with knowledge and pride. On our drive to the bike and hike expedition trailhead, I get an insider's scoop of the location, making this more than just a tour but something dear to heart.

Palm Springs' original name was Seche; in 1893 the area received twelve days of solid rain and then shriveled up from SEVEN YEARS of drought. You must love the land like Heidi to know this kind of info. She provides a dramatic visual story as we proceed through Palm Springs and the surrounding areas.

My setup is all set up and I have no worries but to strap on the helmet, grab the water bottle provided, and load up on nutritious snacks. Oh yeah, and the several cookies that Heidi baked earlier!

Evan, with his incredible cycling skills, leads the way and Heidi follows in the SUV. This is so awesome—food, drinks, and safety trailing behind me and all I have to do is set a pace that's superb for impromtu exploring of the desert discoveries around me. Hot, dry desert frames snow-capped mountain . . . where else but in California! This is a sensory natural experience on a two-wheel steed and not through the windows of a car. It's also an excellent way to fend off those extra calories from Palm Springs ' fine dining experience.

We make a gradual descend and I'm unaware of the 3000 foot decline until, well, until I start doing the research for this feature. I know Evan is a speed demon and a little more hardcore, belonging to some extreme cycling group, but he adjusts his speed to canter to mine. I know his heart rate isn't elevated, but mine is and the adrenaline is pumping as I grip the handlebars tightly.

The tranquil beauty of the expansive desert is a sharp contrast with the many-hued mountain background that calms my mind, rejuvenating my spirit. The scenery is exhilarating, balancing out the serenity with energy and aliveness.

We stop any time I want to explore and the chlorophyll green of a plant growing in dessicated solid hardpan is amazing. Heidi plucks a leaf here and there and tells me to feel it, smell it, or crush it. She announces the name and medicinal uses for each herb; I picture the Indians who used to live here.
Read this entire feature FREE with photos at:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/bike/bigwheel/bigwheel.html

By Lena Hunt Mabra, Cozumel Correspondent, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

About the Author

Lena Hunt Mabra,Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

...

Faultless Big Wheel Bike Tours in Palm Springs

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Faultless Big Wheel Bike Tours in Palm Springs
Author: Lena Hunt Mabra
Faultless Big Wheel Bike Tours in Palm Springs
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Read this entire feature FREE with photos at
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/bike/bigwheel/bigwheel.html

Aaaah! This is the life. Lazing by the pool, tummy bursting from the gourmet fine dining; entrancing cumulus clouds floating overhead. Not lifting a finger nor burning a single calorie for days upon end……naaaah!

Scratch that!

Let's kick this thing up several notches and check out what else southern California can do for you.

Nope, I don't wanna see Palm Springs by car, taxi guide, or big air-conditioned bus with groups of people. That ain't a-happenin'. Let's see here . . . how to experience this area? Hmm . . .

"We'll have your mountain bikes delivered to your resort in a few minutes," announces Evan Trubee, owner of the six-year-old Big Wheel Bike Tours. He is thrilled that I agree that there's no better way to see the world than by hiking and biking.

Two gleaming high performance mountain bikes are waiting as promised, along with a Palm Springs bike map detailing big, wide stone paths and rugged, crafted-by-nature-only trails. BWBike Tours uses Trek 700 Hybrid bikes available in men's and women's sizes on the smorgasbord of bike routes to choose.

Nice ride, awesome in-town stuff but it's time to crank up the adrenaline and do the real deal! I call Evan and tell him to show me a little bit of everything. "Okay, Box Canyon Express it is!" he exclaims without a moment to waste.

We climb into the SUV and Evan's tour guide, Heidi, who has the accent to match the name. kicks into excitement with full details of her home territory with knowledge and pride. On our drive to the bike and hike expedition trailhead, I get an insider's scoop of the location, making this more than just a tour but something dear to heart.

Palm Springs' original name was Seche; in 1893 the area received twelve days of solid rain and then shriveled up from SEVEN YEARS of drought. You must love the land like Heidi to know this kind of info. She provides a dramatic visual story as we proceed through Palm Springs and the surrounding areas.

My setup is all set up and I have no worries but to strap on the helmet, grab the water bottle provided, and load up on nutritious snacks. Oh yeah, and the several cookies that Heidi baked earlier!

Evan, with his incredible cycling skills, leads the way and Heidi follows in the SUV. This is so awesome—food, drinks, and safety trailing behind me and all I have to do is set a pace that's superb for impromtu exploring of the desert discoveries around me. Hot, dry desert frames snow-capped mountain . . . where else but in California! This is a sensory natural experience on a two-wheel steed and not through the windows of a car. It's also an excellent way to fend off those extra calories from Palm Springs ' fine dining experience.

We make a gradual descend and I'm unaware of the 3000 foot decline until, well, until I start doing the research for this feature. I know Evan is a speed demon and a little more hardcore, belonging to some extreme cycling group, but he adjusts his speed to canter to mine. I know his heart rate isn't elevated, but mine is and the adrenaline is pumping as I grip the handlebars tightly.

The tranquil beauty of the expansive desert is a sharp contrast with the many-hued mountain background that calms my mind, rejuvenating my spirit. The scenery is exhilarating, balancing out the serenity with energy and aliveness.

We stop any time I want to explore and the chlorophyll green of a plant growing in dessicated solid hardpan is amazing. Heidi plucks a leaf here and there and tells me to feel it, smell it, or crush it. She announces the name and medicinal uses for each herb; I picture the Indians who used to live here.
Read this entire feature FREE with photos at:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/bike/bigwheel/bigwheel.html

By Lena Hunt Mabra, Cozumel Correspondent, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

About the Author

Lena Hunt Mabra,Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

...

Cycling in a triathlon You need the right gear

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Cycling in a triathlon? You need the right gear!
Author: Dale Lawrence

Cycling Success depends on finding the right bicycle for you

Depending on the type of Triathlon you're interested in competing in, the amount of time spent on your bike will differ. You'll end up cycling anywhere from 12.4 miles on up to 112 miles in the Ultra.

You can end up spending a lot of money on your specialized bike clothes and accessories. But before you spend any money on your jersey or sunglasses, consider the two pieces that you must have: the helmet and the bike. And of those two, finding the right bike for you is paramount.

Luckily, you have a lot of bikes to choose from

Experts recommend that you either get a bike that is made just for triathlons, a time-trail bike or a road bike. The bike made just for triathlons differs from the other two in that the seat post moves the rider up into a running position and both wheels are smaller, requiring less energy to cycle.

To a new triathlete, a touring or mountain bike might not seem that different than one of the bikes listed above.

It's important, however, to set aside enough of your budget to get a specialized bike when you compete in triathlons.

A Triathlon Guide for triathlete enthusiasts.

Want to read more on Swimming, Running, Cycling or Triathlon training...

http://www.triathlon-guide.com " http://www.triathlon-guide.com

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Cycle hire

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Cycle hire
Author: Krystal L. L.
Jersey is the most cycling-friendly holiday destination in the world. The island is best savored by riding a cycle. There are several agencies for cycle hire in Jersey.

There are quite a few reasons why you should get on to a cycle to go around Jersey. It is a small island with winding country lanes. Local traffic rules mark some roads as 'Green' meaning they have greater priority for cyclists and pedestrians. Most roads have speed limits. Hence, one can pedal around with ease. The weather is usually salubrious except during peak summer. The state tourism department has a special package of environmentally responsible initiatives. These include cycle tours with trained guides. Going around in a cycle affords you the luxury of choosing where to stop and where to pass by. In that sense, your tour is totally personalized.

Whether you take the guided tour or go ahead with your own itinerary, cycle hire in Jersey is the best option. The roads are well laid and one can travel by the beaches and move seamlessly on to rugged cliffs to get stunning views.

Zebrahire is a well-known car and cycle hire agency in Jersey. It provides a range of mountain bikes, tandems and back-pedal-brake bikes. It also provides baby seats on bikes and insists on helmets for children. Cycle hire is easy and emergency breakdown service is excellent. Bookings are available over telephone and most hotels in Jersey would gladly help you in this regard.

There are a couple of precautionary steps to be adopted though. If you suffer from a specific medical condition that could be aggravated by cycling, please obtain adequate medical advice. As Jersey is warmer than mainland UK, keep adequate stocks of sun block products. A pair of sunglasses is essential. If you intend traveling with children, ensure their safety with baby seats and helmets.

Cycle hire can be an enjoyable way of exploring Jersey provided you follow the rules and drive responsibly.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Isabel Rodrigues is the author of this article. For more information about the subject please visit www.zebrahire.com

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Cool Sites Every Cyclist Should Bookmark

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Cool Sites Every Cyclist Should Bookmark
Author: Levi Bloom

Cool sites are out there, but sometimes they are hard to find. Not anymore! This article lists some of the most useful, interesting, or fun websites that every cyclist should bookmark.

So here's the list:

www.mtbreview.com Find reviews of about every mountain bike, part, or accessory available.

www.bloombikeshop.com I may be a little biased towards this site, but hey, it has repair and maintenance information, product reviews, articles, a photo gallery, and a bunch of other cool stuff.

www.bicycling.com The website of BICYCLING magazine.

www.mountainbike.com The website of MOUNTAIN BIKE magazine.

www.nashbar.com An online store that has a good selection of hard-to-find items and always has stuff on sale.

www.roadbikerider.com Cool tips, articles, and books for road bike riders. They also publish a weekly e-zine.

www.velonews.com The best source for road race coverage and news.

That's it for now, but this article will be updated regularly to ensure that all the cool sites are listed. (And that the uncool aren't)

--Levi Bloom is the founder and owner of Bloom Bike Shop. You can find more advice from Levi on his website at http://bloombikeshop.com " http://bloombikeshop.com

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Cant Transport Your BikeThat Excuse Doesnt C

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"Can't Transport Your Bike...That Excuse Doesn't Carry Much Weight Anymore"
Author: James Sanford
Want to ride around the park without having to ride on busy streets to get there? Want to keep the kids out of mischief by bringing their bikes on holidays with you? Haven't got an SUV or station wagon where you can throw your bike in the back? Then you need a bike rack for your car.

Bicycle car racks for the family car are pretty much a necessity if you have a bike and love riding. Whether you take your mountain bike into the hills on the weekends, or if you just want to take your road racer for a quit ride through the park, the safest way to get you and your bike there is with a quality bike car rack. Bicycle car racks come in many designs, so there'll be one to suit your bike and car.

Firstly, the two main types of bicycle car racks are:
1. Roof mounted bike racks, for carrying your bikes on the roof of your car, and
2. Rear mounted bike racks including hitch, bumper and trunk mounted, for carrying your bikes on the rear of your vehicle.

If your car has roof racks, you might consider a roof mounted bike rack. These racks fit onto your existing roof racks allowing you to carry up to three bikes on the roof of your car. With roof mounted bike racks, you have the option of a rack that secures the wheels of your bike in place, or a rack that secures the front forks and rear wheel of your bike.

The advantages of roof mounted bike racks include no loss of visibility. However, you need to load your bike onto the roof so a roof mounted bike rack may not be for everybody, or every car. Also, you may need to factor in the extra wind resistance, especially if you're taking your bikes on long trips.

Rear mounted bike racks can be mounted onto your tow hitch, trunk, rear bumper or your spare wheel depending on your vehicle. Some of these are secured using straps which won't appeal to everybody, while the hitch mounted racks offer a greater level of security. You can generally hold up to three bikes on these rear mounted racks, depending on the type. The advantages of rear mounted racks are that you don't need roof racks, your bikes are easier to load and unload and it can be a cheaper alternative. One disadvantage is that your rear visibility is usually reduced.

When it comes to transporting your bikes, you can find a bike rack to suit your bike, your vehicle and your own needs. Now there's no excuse for not getting out there on your bike. Wherever it is you love to ride.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information, reviews and tips on bikes and bicycles visit James Sanford's website www.bikingheadz.com , the complete online buyers guide on bikes and bicycles .

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Biking For Health And Fitness

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Biking For Health And Fitness
Author: Ryan Larson
There are many different types of bicycles available on the market today, the comfort bicycle, which is used by many recreational bike riders, a trail bike or light duty mountain bike, crusier bikes, recumbent bikes and heavy duty mountain bikes. No matter which type of bike, or biking interests you biking is a great way to increased stamina, improved cardiovascular strength and all around better fitness.

Recumbent bikes have become very popular for the middle aged and older riders. On a recumbent bike you have a very comfortable seat that you can lean back in, quite like sitting in your favorite reclining chair. Your butt is very comfortably cushioned. Your feet are out in front of you, quite like when you're driving your car. Recumbent bikes are the fastest type of bicycle. One reason is that with your legs extended forward and pedaling in front of you, you are able to move much more weight with much less effort than on a conventional bike where your legs are underneath of you. Beginning recumbent riders will tell you it takes a while to develop what are called "recumbent muscles" but once you do you'll never go back to an ordinary bicycle.

Mountain biking is a popular activity that is enjoyed by a wide age range of people. Heavy duty mountain bikes can be quite costly, so it may be best to go to talk to a mountain biking organization about bike rental. You may only decide you need a light duty mountain bike which would also be good for regular riding. Not all mountain biking trails are killers and for experts only - they had to start somewhere too! Mountain biking trails are rated somewhat like ski trails, the easiest is green, an intermediate is blue and difficult trails are pink. Go slowly, mountain biking can be hard on the joints, and you'll need to learn how to handle the bike to minimize chance of injury.

Whichever type of bicycle you choose, just do it! Biking is a great way to achieve an aerobic work out and burn calories at the same time. The best part is that anyone can ride a bike and it's a great family recreation to be enjoyed together.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.bicycle-repairs.com

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Bike Survival Kit

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Bike Survival Kit
Author: Blue Sky Cycling
Ride Safe (The Tools Every Biker Should Have Along for the Ride)

It's actually quite easy to do routine maintenance on your own bike. And having the right tools for the job can mean the difference between enjoying an all-day ride and having to pack your bike up and head back home when something goes awry. So, what tools do you need to take along for the ride? First and foremost, you should have the tools to repair a flat fire. Next, invest in the tools needed to maintain your chain and brakes.

Bike Survival Kit

A basic bike survival kit should include:
Tire patch kit
Pump
Chain tool
Screwdriver
Spare tube
Wrenches in various sizes

A more extensive bike survival kit would include:
Chain cleaners
Solvents specifically designed for bike chains
Lubrication

Things to Check for Before You Hit the Road

Brakes: Ensuring your brakes are working well is vitally important. Make sure you check your pads often to prevent rim damage and to ensure that your bike actually stops when it is supposed to. Adjusting the tension is also important.
Chain: Degrease the chain and re-lube it. Clean rear sprockets with a brush tool.
Gears: Check derailleur gear action and cables. Degrease chain and re-lube. Clean rear sprockets with brush tool.
Pedals: Make sure the axle spins freely. Check bottom bracket axles for looseness.
Steering: Make sure handlebar and stem is tight.
Frame: Check for damage. Make sure the seat is adjusted appropriately for your height.
Wheels: Make sure spokes and nipples are tightened and wheels are trued.
Check tire pressure and condition. If your suspension fork is quick release, make sure they are tightly fastened, and don't forget to check tire pressure.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Blue Sky Cycling is committed to bringing you the hottest mountain bike parts and mountain bike accessories on the market today for the lowest possible prices. We guarantee it! Feel free to email us at: info@blueskycycling.com or give us a call: 1-800-585-4137. This article was written by the expert staff at Blue Sky Cycling. Please retain all links.

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Bike Buying Tips

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Bike Buying Tips
Author: Blue Sky Cycling
The Right Bike for You

Want to buy a bike but don't know where to begin? Maybe a friend of yours recommends getting a certain bike, while another biking buddy insists that his bike is the best choice for you. Who do you listen to? How about neither? What you need to do is sit down, relax and figure out what your priorities and preferences are to determine what bike is going to work best for you. Here are some points you will definitely want to consider before you pick out your new set of wheels.

What's Your Riding Style?

Start by asking yourself why you want to ride to begin with. Is it for exercise? Do you want to fly through the air for the thrill or the sport of it? Where are you going to ride? Through city streets or back road trails? Once you define your style of riding, it will be easier for you to choose the kind of bike you need.

There Are a Variety of Bike Options Available

Although there is a multitude of bike styles, the following are some of the most popular:

Mountain Bikes: These are durable bikes you can take off the road. Mountain bikes have fat tires, comfortably wide handlebars, and low gears for easier navigation of hills.
Road Bikes: If you plan on doing long rides, pavement riding, this is the bike for you. Road bikes are built for speed, have thinner tires and handlebars, and are overall, much lighter in weight.
Hybrid Bikes: This type of bike combines the features of mountain bikes and road bikes. Hybrid bikes are perfect for those who want to experiment with all styles of riding.
Cruisers: These bikes are generally one speed and are constructed for literally just that—cruising.
Comfort Bikes: These are specialty mountain bikes or hybrids that offer more upright riding and softer seats. These bikes are essentially designed for riders who desire more comfort in their ride.

Size Matters

Some bike models offer up to eight different sizes. To determine the right size for you, measure your inseam—this will determine the right size frame, in terms of stand-over-height. Like a pair of jeans, the right fit is important.

Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask advice about what you don't understand, such as quick release, bike maintenance, what kind of equipment you need, etc. Knowing what you need to know is the difference between easy riding and not so easy riding.

Buy a Bike You Like

Take even the smallest details into consideration when buying a bike: how it rides, size, how it looks, color--everything. After all, it's your set of wheels--ride it proudly.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Blue Sky Cycling is committed to bringing you the hottest mountain bike parts and mountain bike accessories on the market today for the lowest possible prices. We guarantee it! Feel free to email us at: info@blueskycycling.com or give us a call: 1-800-585-4137. This article was written by the expert staff at Blue Sky Cycling. Please retain all links.

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Bicycling Gear - Seven of My Favorites

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Bicycling Gear - Seven of My Favorites
Author: Kathryn Mosely

My days of running for pleasure and exercise ended when I moved to the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. I had been living in the relatively flat Willamette River Valley where there were miles of level bark running trails. Now in the Gorge, I encountered rocky, steep trails that were torture to my hips and knees. It was time to find a replacement for running.

The Gorge of the Columbia River is a recreation mecca that's especially attractive to mountain bike riders and windsurfers. Swimming doesn't appeal to me, so I decided to check out mountain biking. In the end, that was among the best decisions I've made, but I began with caution. For one thing, I didn't know if my interest would last. That's why I started by getting a low-end bike (that had some serious weight problems) It was a clunker, looking back on it now. I also held back on investing in some of the biking 'gear'. It's not that I'm cheap - it's just that much of it seemed to be for hip-ness instead of usefulness.

However, after using a few of the items, I understood that while the gear might make you look 'cool', it also really does help you function better. Here are 7 of my favorite pieces that I didn't think I'd care about (back in my post- runner/pre-biker days) and now I wouldn't dream of being without.

1. Padded shorts. If you mountain bike, road bike, or both, make the investment in having these. Purely and simply, your ride will be more comfortable.

2. Well-vented helmet. You've got to buy a helmet anyway, right? If you don't wear one you're crazy. Spend the extra bucks to get one made of the super-strong material that affords lots of vents to help keep you from over- heating. And in the case of helmets, you get what you pay for: the higher-end helmets are easier to adjust for a better fit.

3. Pedals and shoes with cleats (clipless). After a bit of a learning curve on how to release quickly and be able to lock-in going up hill, clipless becomes as automatic as shifting gears. You especially notice the benefits when you're road-biking; you're gaining on the entire stroke instead of only the downward push.

4. Hydration pack (a backpack with a water-bladder - Camelbak brand is an example). My first one was a gift, or I might never have tried one. Now I love having 100 ounces of water easily available, instead of that goofy move where you have to reach down and get the water bottle out of the rack, lift your head to drink - losing sight of the trail, and then fumbling the water bottle back into the rack. No wonder I hardly ever drank enough during rides and ended up slightly dehydrated every time. I also appreciate that the pack holds my keys, cell phone, energy bar, and rain jacket.

A suggestion: You'll still want to keep a full water bottle on your bike. It's good defense against dogs that chase you. Get good at your aim and you can land a squirt without missing a stroke. It's very satisfying, and the dog will run away.

5. Safety goggles - yellow. Of course, you should have protection for your eyes, but I wondered about the necessity of yellow or orange lenses. Seemed like poser- gear when I began to see them around. Then I used a pair. What difference in visibility! The yellow lenses really do brighten up shady trails and they help you a lot during overcast or lower-light times of day.

6. Half-finger gloves. The palms are padded, so that feels nice on long rides. The best part is what they do for you on wipe-outs, which are bound to happen. I've gotten lots of scraped knees, but my hands always come out feeling fine.

7. The Bike. Once I realized that biking was not only a great alternative to running for the sake of my joints, but it was more fun in general, I gave the clunker away. Then I invested in a good bike - lightweight frame and components, with suspension. It's a pure delight to ride on a well-made machine.

Kathryn Mosely has written extensively on subjects related to cycling and fitness. She contributes to http://acerbike.com " News from Acer Bike , the best on-line biking information resource. Be sure to see all of Kathryn's articles at: http://www.acerbike.com/arch/ " http://www.acerbike.com/arch/

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Bicycle Rims And Wheels Your Bike Cant Go Anywher

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Bicycle Rims And Wheels, Your Bike Cant Go Anywhere Without Them
Author:
The first bicycle wheels were from a horse drawn cart, made of wood with a metal band round the bicycle rim, very hard and very uncomfortable to ride. Then a man called Dunlop (Scottish) invented the pneumatic tire, this along with Macadam (another Scot) inventing the tar road surface made cycling a lot more comfortable.

The bicycle rim, like the bicycle frame hasn't changed much in design, its still round and always will be. From the first wooden rims the next were made of steel, then alloy and now if you can afford it, carbon. Of all bicycle parts the bicycle rim can make a big difference to how your bike handles. First the weight of your rim affects your sprinting and climbing as the weight will low you down, for a long, flat effort the weight isn't so important as when you get the wheels rolling the weight can help to keep them going. The shape of the rim can be important also, a flat rim is best for climbing as aerodynamics are not so important on a hill, a deep section, aero, rim will help you cut through the air, but in a cross wind could cause you handling problems.

Bicycle Rims Materials

The different materials used for rims are very important also, steel is heavy and if damaged can be difficult to pull back into shape, but because its so strong it is quite difficult to bend in the first place and steel is cheaper than all the other materials. Alloy is probably the most popular rim, it can be made in any shape and profile, flat or aero, but not too deep as it would then weigh too much, most deep section rims are of a alloy braking section nearest the tire which is then mounted to a carbon deep section for lightness and aerodynamics and a very beautiful looking bicycle rim. As with most things if money is no problem you can go for the best, this would be an all carbon rim, strong and very light, but there are a few problems with these rims, first they don't brake so well in wet conditions and you must use special brake blocks for carbon and they can be expensive, also the rim has to be perfectly round and not have any bulges in the rim wall as this will make braking quite erratic, carbon is a difficult material to work with and must be well looked after.

Types Of Rim To Consider

There are also two types of rim to consider and this depends on which kind of tire you want to use, first there are tubular tires these are glued on to the bicycle rim, cost more and are difficult to repair after a puncture, but for racing they feel and ride wonderfully. Clincher tires have improved a lot recently and are nearly as good as tubulars for performance and are easily repairable and more reasonably priced. Most manufacturers make all styles in both systems.

So which should I buy? Not an easy answer, as there is so much to choose from, years ago you went to your local bike shop, picked out which hubs, spokes and rims you wanted and he would build your wheels, but now most rim makers also manufacture there own wheel sets, Mavic, Shimano and Campagnolo are probably the best known, check out there web-sites for all there new goodies, there are other brands and if you go to your local cycle shop or look in the bike magazines you'll find them. There is a lot to choose form, but they are all round.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton writes regularly technical articles on road and mountain bikes to some online bike magazines. Find interesting reviews on bicycle wheels at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/bike-parts/bicycle-wheels.html and about rims, to move the wheels at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/bike-parts/bicycle-rims.html

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Being Prepared On The Mountain Bike Trail

Mountain Bikes
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Being Prepared On The Mountain Bike Trail
Author: Travel Guy
When you go out mountain biking, there are certain things you should take so that you get home every time. Tools, supplies and food are the essentials. The key is to take what you need but not more - nobody wants to be hauling extra weight, but you can be prepared with just a few things.

Most important is to have a spare bike tube along with the tools required to change it. There is nothing worse than a flat tire, especially if you are well into your trail ride as it can make for a extended walk back. You could run out of daylight if your flat occurs in the late afternoon. Nobody likes getting stuck in the dark, especially when a bit of prevention and planning can avoid this. Bring along a spare inner tube with the proper valve type, either the schraeder or the presta. Make sure you also have 3 tire levers to remove the tire and a bike pump. To really be on the safe side you could also carry a tire patch kit in the event of a second flat tire. Change a tire at home so you don't have to figure it out while you're out on the trail.

Mountain bikes are put together with allen bolts so make sure you carry a folding set of allen wrenches. Extended rides over bumpy trails can tend to make bolts loosen up. You also may want to make adjustments while on the trail to your brake or gear levers. Allen keys sets are quite small and inexpensive. If you know how to use a chain tool it wouldn't hurt to bring one along in case your chain let's go or requires adjusting.

Make sure you bring enough food and water for your mountain bike ride. A great compact snack to bring along are powerbars, as they prevent you from running out of steam. If you ride when you are tired your risk of becoming injured is greater due to lack of attention. A good supply of water is critical to keep yourself properly hydrated. You can carry frame mount water bottles or use a bladder setup like a Camelbak. In addition to carrying your water, a Camelbak has storage space for tools and spare tubes.

Always make sure you are dressed appropriately for your mountain bike ride. Keep in mind you will warm up quickly after starting your ride, so don't wear a heavy jacket that you'll end up removing it after 15 minutes. It's best to dress in a series of light layers. Keep in mind that if it's wet or cold, your feet and hands will feel the cold the most. Wear riding gloves and socks suited to cycling. Your local bike store can assist you in selecting the correct gear for the kind of riding you will be doing so try and establish a good relationship with them.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

For more informative articles on mountain bikes and mountain biking visit www.mountain-bikes-biking.com

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All About Bicycle Parts

Mountain Bikes
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All About Bicycle Parts
Author: Alastair Hamilton -
A bicycle is a simple, machine, but it involves a lot of mechanization. A bicycle is made up of many parts put together. Perfect synchronization in the functioning of all the parts is essential for the efficient working of the bicycle. Modern day bicycles include many new elements, but a standard bicycle has the same main parts. The basic parts of a bicycle comprise; the frame: A bicycle's frame is made up of many tubes welded together.

The front fork holds the front wheel and is movable.

The wheels: wheels include a hub, the spokes, metal rim and rubber tyres. The brakes: they include the actuators on the handlebar, brake cables, brake pads and calipers. The chain and gears: they consist of the front chain wheels, the rear freewheel, the shift levers on the handlebars and the cables. Other bicycle parts include the seat, seat posts, handlebars, handlebar stem, bicycle lights, dynamos, cranks, and pedals.

Gears and ball bearings

Most racing bicycles have gears. Gears basically serve the purpose of reducing the size and diameter of the wheel. Gears adjust the direction of rotation. Multiple gears on a bicycle helps change the distance the bicycle moves forward with each stroke of the pedal. A mountain bike has 24 gears. Chain wheels are the gears at the front. Most bikes have 2-3 chain wheels. The freewheel, at the rear, has 5-9 gears on it. It spins freely in one direction and locks in the other. This enables the bike to coast, when not pedaling. There are front and rear derailleurs to change the gears.

Ball bearings in a bicycle serve to reduce friction. Ball bearings are found in the front and rear hubs for the wheels, the pedals, the fork tube, the bottom bracket and in the freewheel. These bearings need to be periodically cleaned and greased. Expensive bicycles have sealed bearing cartridges that don't need lubrication.

Materials used

Bicycles need to be strong and lightweight. Alloy steel is used for making the frames and fork tubes. The handlebars, seat posts and brake levers are made of aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy frames are affordable. Carbon frames, titanium and advanced steel alloys frames are also available.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer who contributes adding articles on for road and mountain bikes to www.bikecyclingreviews.com .An online magazine where you will find information about clothing, accessories and bicycle parts .

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