Category Archives for Tips & Tricks

Long before the cars were the most convenient mode of transportation, there were cycles. These manually moved two-wheelers were really popular in 1890’s in the U.S.A. Though there are countable bikes seen on U.S. roads these days but back then, people use this as their personal vehicle to go to every possible place. From 1817 till date, the humble bike has gone through various milestones and renovations. This is the only possible reason that bikes haven't lost their charm even after 2 centuries. The evolution of cycling in the U.S.A. has been very interesting. From being a popular transport to a sports bike, exercise machine, pollution free transport and much more, cycles have come a long way.

There are many countries which encourage biking for a pollution free environment and health benefits. In the USA, there are protected bike lanes just like sidewalks for the safety of the bikers. To encourage biking even more in the U.S., The U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) has a close network of signed and numbered bicycle routes close to 12,000 miles in 25 states. The more interesting fact is that the USBRS is expanding it to 50,000 miles. This will open up opportunities for cross country travel and regional touring on a bicycle.

A sneak peak to the past

Though bikes have gone through a lot since its invention, there is more than just its physical appearance. With time and requirements, bikes have been blessed with more aesthetics, comfort, and technology. This evolution of cycling in the USA had brought a bigger evolution in the lives of the people.

Commuting

As mentioned earlier, bikes were the most popular mode of computation in 1890’s. There were not many modes to travel and with a low maintenance vehicle like this, people found it a one-time investment for all their commutation needs. Until 1920's, cycling was in a rage when cars entered into the US markets. But still, people were loyal considering the fitness, low cost, environment and enjoyment factors.

Bike Racing

The bike racing in the US was one of the most popular sports of all times. On 31st May 1868, the first cycle race was organized in the US with different events. The first bicycle racing club was established in the year 1870 under the name of St. Louis Cycling Club and has sponsored various races and events since then.

Relaxation and Fun

Racing brought the lost charm of the cycles back and made it even more popular than ever. Soon after the racing started in the USA, people began using bikes for relaxation purpose. Later on, Women also started riding bikes and that brought another revolution but this time in the fashion industry. With more women on bikes, the women’s cycling attires were changed from more conventional to trendy and comfortable.

Surely, bikes have been through a long way with this evolution in cycling in the USA, There are many options available now when it comes to the model part. It is very easy to get confused while buying a bike. Here are few factors which you should keep in mind while making your purchase.

Decide the Category

You should be sure about the purpose of your purchase. There are various types of bike, like - city, hybrid, mountain, sports and road bikes available in the market. The bikes may vary in terms of styling, structure, equipment, and technology. These differences allow you to cycle in the terrains they are meant for.

Budget

The budget of the bike you want to purchase should be very practical. The budget depends on the category and technology, you want to go for. It would be better if you invest 70-80% on the purchase of the cycle and rest on necessary accessories like helmet, bottles cage, water bottle, knee pads and air pump.

A test drive

Yes, usually people take test drive only while purchasing motor vehicles but why to consider cycle less. It is important to check the comfort on a bike also and so taking a short test ride on the model you intend to purchase won’t hurt. You should compulsorily check the most important features. The handlebar should be comfortable and right in size, the height of the seat should be adequate and allow good posture. Also, check if the paddles should be easy and light to move.

Price

After searching for a perfect bike within your budget, you can save some extra bucks. That would add more joy to your bike ride for sure. You can do a little market research to know the price for the shortlisted models before actually purchasing one. Also, you can check for deals online to grab a good one fitting your budget.

Authorized dealers

You might not get the best deals or big bargains from the authorized dealers but there are other benefits which you can fetch from them. You will have an assurance that you have bought a genuine product and not a copy of the branded bicycle if you go for an authorized dealer. You will get authentic guarantee or warranty on the purchased bike offered by the manufacturer. You can also book for maintenance services at really affordable or discounted cost.

Buying a cycle may initially not sound really a big decision but you might regret later for not giving it a good thought. So, it would be better to consider the aforementioned points, especially checking out all the features and comfort through a test ride. Other than adding fun and health to your life, bikes can also save you from financial difficulties. Many people take public transports and cycles to cut the fuel cost and maintenance. Needless to mention how much you can make your contribution in saving the environment by using a bike more often than gas/ fuel running vehicles. Also, there would be fewer chances of getting stuck in a traffic jam and creating congestion and raising the noise level.

Cycling can be taken as a fun or professional activity, depending on the interest you have it in. There are various bike clubs in cities which promote these activities and spread the word for a better environment and stress-free lifestyle. Take the best benefits of this evolution and have gift yourself a better lifestyle and health which you and your family totally deserve.

When you purchase a mountain bike online, the retailer usually offers some options for assembly, too. For example, for some selected models, the bike is shipped to a partner shop or bike service in your area, where it is assembled for free or in exchange for a preordained fee. Other times, it is shipped to your house, where a mechanic comes to put it all together. Eventually, if the retailer offers no options for assembly or you want to save some extra money, you can take the matter into your own hands. You may appeal to a local bike service or even assemble it yourself. This last option it’s not that demanding as you might think. It could also be a great chance to put that handiness of you at work. Anyway, here are a few tips on how to assemble a mountain bike.

What do you need?

If you are on your own, the first step is to ensure that you have everything you need for the job. Basically, you have to check for three main things: some tools, a little patience and of course, all the bicycle parts. The good news is that the bike is already partially assembled, as to fit in a middle- sized box. Therefore the hard work is already done.

Is anything missing?

Before starting, take a little time to inspect both the owner’s manual and the parts of the bike. Open the box carefully, avoiding any scratches or breakages. Check if there are all the parts of the bike, as they appear in the user’s manual. If there is no user’s manual then check the producer’s website. Also, verify every piece for a potential damage during shipping. There is a low chance that something had broken on the road but it’s worth checking twice.

The amount of time needed to complete the work might vary. Some companies assemble every bike for testing and afterward only minimally disassemble it for shipping. But if the bike is shipped to you directly from the factory, it might require a finer work and more time to complete.

Check your toolbox

The user’s manual should also give information on the needed tools. You might need keys, a screwdriver, a cable cutter or torch wrench. The use of a torque wrench might be particularly important to tighten the screws and is explicitly required by some manufacturers in order to ensure a proper functioning.

How to solve it?

Take it step by step

The process might seem complicated at first glance because there are a lot of parts to put together. Still, it all makes sense if you break it into some small, distinct steps. One needs a little patience to go through all the instructions in a users manual. Every little rule has its own importance for the proper functioning of the bike, though. There might be some specific instructions, distinct from one model another. Nevertheless, the manufacturers usually recommend the same sequence of steps, starting with attaching the seat and ending with checking the accessories.

The seat

Therefore, the preparatory step would be to detach and to unpack each part of the bike, paying attention to do no damage. Afterwards, the first big step is to attach the seat. You have to insert the seat-post into the seat tube. There should be a mark on the post, showing the so-called point of minimum insertion. You have to insert the post into the seat tube at least to the level of this mark in order to be safe. After properly adjusting and centering the saddle, use an Allen key to secure the seat.

The handlebar

The next step is the handlebar. There are two main types of handlebars, the quill stem type, and the A-head type. You can check the owner’s manual. If you have an A-head type, remove the stem cap using a 4mm Allen, and put the handlebar in its place and use a 4mm Allen key again to turn the screws. If you have a quill stem handlebar, fixed all its parts before attaching it to the bike. Afterwards, insert the stem of the handle into the tube situated on the front side of the bike. Pay attention again to the insertion mark. Also, if there are any cable attached to the handlebar, check for any knots of entanglements.

The front wheel

The third step the front wheel. First, you have to inspect the wheels to verify if the tires are in their place on the rims. Also, you have to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. When the tires are inflated and placed correctly on the rims, attach the front wheel. Place the wheel in the correct position. The wheel should be center wheel should be centered evenly in the middle of the fork. Also, there should be signs telling which one is the right and which one the left side of the wheel. As usual, you have to tighten well the bolts.

The details

The fourth step comprises everything left. A fine work is adjusting the brakes. You have to place the rear brake cable into the cable holder situated on the frame and pull it. Also, the front brake cable is placed into the brake caliper holder and pulled. You attach the pedals (they are marked with L and R, for the left and the right side respectively). Afterwards, you check the details- the chain, the breaks, the lever, the reflectors.

Other things to consider

What’s more to say? My main purpose was to show you that assembling a mountain bike can be dived into some clear, well-defined steps. I hope this makes it look easier and gives you confidence that you can assemble your bike if you want to. Nevertheless, each model has its own features and I didn’t get into the finest details. For example, I didn’t insist too much on fixing the brakes; also, I didn’t mention that some parts should be lubricated to reduce the damage due to friction or corrosion.

Some tips for the future

What I strongly recommend is that you take the need patience to read carefully the assembly instructions and also to follow the tutorials posted to the manufacturer's websites. Sometimes your safety is in the details. Moreover, especially if it’s your first bike, take the time to read about how it works and about maintenance. Purchase in advance everything you need for fixing the minor problems that you might encounter- like putting the chain back into its place.

One more word…

As in many circumstances, in assembling the bike, the good work might be a matter of patience and moderation. Don’t tighten too little nor too much the bolts, neither inflate to little or too much the tires. And don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Finding a mountain bike (MTB) that fits the rider is a very crucial part of starting on the hobby. To promote a rider’s safety and comfort at all times, you must know how to find the MTB that is suitable for you. You can do it if you know how to choose the right bike size. The secret lies in the frame as it is the basis of the sizing. Even if you are about to buy one or sell one on the internet, you must know how to measure a mountain bike frame.

What Will You Need To Measure A Mountain Bike Frame

A Tape Measure/Measuring Tape

To do the measuring job, you need the aid of a tape measure. The good thing about tape measure is that it is very flexible. Flexible in the sense that you can fold it and tilt it in any angle or position. You can find one in your house. Look over to your mother’s sewing kit and you will have one. If you cannot find any, you can buy it in department stores and bookstores. They come at very affordable prices.

Help From A Friend

This one is optional. You may need a help from a friend if you are about to measure your size. If you are going to buy a new mountain bike, you will need your body measurement. You can do it to find the MTB suitable for you. You cannot stand and at the same time, measure your standing height. It could be your biking partner, your girlfriend, your father, your wife or anyone else in the house that can give you this little favor.

How To Go About It

Measuring the mountain bikes frame promotes safety and comfort for the rider. It can also help you to market your bike with ease especially online. It is one of the most important specifications needed in choosing an MTB. You don’t need to be a professional to perform this simple steps. Make sure that you will get accurate measurements from your measuring tape. That would not be too difficult to do.

Getting the C-C Measurement

There are types of bike measurements that are acceptable in the MTB industry, the C-C type, and the C-T type. To get the C-C type, you must get the distance of the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the top tube. The bottom bracket is worn the chain set or the crankset is located. In simple words, it contains the gear-like mechanism where the pedals are attached. Locate the center of the bottom bracket and extend the tape measure to the center of the top tube.

Getting the C-T Measurement

The C-T measurement is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube. Mountain bike frames are commonly based on this kind of measurements. Most of the times, smaller mountain bikes come in C-C type measurements. It is also sometimes called the length of the seat tube because this tube is where we connect the seat post. Extend the measuring tape from the top of the top tube to the center of the crank hole.

Measuring Your Standing Height

If you are about to buy a bike, you must consider measuring your body sizes not only the bicycle frame size. The essential body measurements are your standing height, length of the inseam, the length of your torso and arm length. After asking a friend to help you with the measurement, stand to measure your standing height. Kindly stand against the wall, measure the distance from your head to your feet. Stand straight and your feet distant from each other (5-8 inches).

Measuring Your Inseam Length

Inseam is the distance between your legs. This measurement is important to know whether the big is too high or too low for you. It will also affect your pedaling comfort as you ride on your mountain bike. To measure it, stand straight with your feet still 5-8 inches distant from each other. Ask your friend to measure the distance from your inseam to your feet. You can also be the one to hold the tape end near your inseam if you feel awkward.

Measuring Your Torso Length

Torso length is a little essential for men if measuring it for the bike frame. Most men’s heights are proportional their torso length as well as their arm length. But that is not the case with ladies. Some ladies have shorter torso but with long legs which affect their height. But even if you are a man and you want to have a precise measurement, you can still measure your torso. Ask your friend to get the distance of your inseam up to the middle of your collar bones.

Measuring Your Arm Length

Like the torso length, the arm length is essential for the women. Yet, it is also applicable for the gentlemen. They should consider it to ensure the comfort while riding their MTB. The first step to measure it is to raise one of your arms side wards. Be sure that it forms an almost perfect right angle to promote accuracy on measurement. Ask your partner to measure the distance of your collar bone to your palm using the measuring tape.

Some Tips and Tricks

You should do the measuring using both English and Metric or SI unit. You should use inches for the English system and centimeters for the Metric system. But it can be a hassle to measure the frame in inches and centimeters at the same time. In that case, you may only choose one unit and convert it later. The conversion factor for inches to centimeter is 2.54. So, for every centimeter, there are 0.39370 inches. Remember to list down your measurements immediately so you won’t forget anything.

Things to consider to do it

Make sure that your measuring tape shows precise and accurate measurements. Some cheap measuring tapes may show wrong figures at times. When you get a little confused on the graduation of the measuring tape, you can round-off to the nearest half inch or half centimeters. But if you can make it precise at all times, you must make do it. Or when you have a dilemma on choosing between two sizes of MTB, always choose the bigger one. This could happen sometimes if your body size lies between two mountain bikes sizes.

Final Words

There are a lot of other ways to measure your mountain bikes. But the above stated are the often used yet the most basic. After you found your perfect bike, you must still update it at times. There may be circumstances that will change your preferences. It is the time where you should make extra adjustments. remember, your comfort and safety are the most important things to consider. As it will allow you to enjoy the adventures brought by Mountain Biking.

If you are going to cycle either on or off the road, you need to wear a helmet. No matter what! In 2014, 720 bicyclists died on US roads. About 60% of them were not wearing helmets. When a statistic is that high, it is not a coincidence. In fact, New York reported a much higher incidence of fatalities that were not wearing helmets, 97%. There are a few things to consider when you need to know how to pick a bicycle helmet.

So, helmets are important, and choosing the right helmet is just as important. Amazon has 13,674 cycling helmets. So, how do you choose the right one? So before narrowing down your choices, consider the information below.

Which Tools Do You Need to Do It : The Basics

First, let me address a few things that everyone should keep in mind when buying a helmet. Your helmet needs to be certified, and it needs to fit. It also needs to be safe. Also, the price is important, but your safety is even more important.

Feature 1: The Certification

If it is sold in the US, the helmet should comply with US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). That means each helmet should be just as safe as the next. If you do not see the CPSC certification on a helmet you buy from Amazon, you should return it. However, almost every helmet sold on Amazon will be certified by some governing body. You may find an import from the UK, Australia, or somewhere else. And they will have a similar certification standard to the CPSC.

Feature 2: The Fit

It is important that the helmet fits you properly. Everyone has a differently shaped head. Find one that is likely to fit your head in particular. There should be no more than a finger between your eyebrows and the front tip of your helmet. Get a measuring tape and measure your head to find the right sized helmet on Amazon. Look for a retention system in the product photos. That is the dial at the back. That way, the key to getting the perfect fit is just a quick turn.

Feature 3: The Price

The certification on a sticker on the helmet tells you that every helmet should be equally safe. So, it does not matter how much you pay as far as safety is concerned. However, the higher price can often be a result of more than just fashion or brand name. Lighter helmets, especially with more ventilation, will be more expensive. Also, many companies will give you a discount on a replacement if you have an impact on your old one. This is a good thing to consider when buying your first helmet.

How to Solve It : The Considerations

As I said, lighter helmets are more expensive. The manufacturer needs to make less of a helmet that is just as safe as any other certified helmet. So buying the right helmet depends on your personal reasons for cycling and how you cycle. So, here are five considerations before deciding on the right bicycle helmet.

Feature 1: Consider Your Riding Style

Do you cycle for fun? Buy a commuter or multi-sport helmet. The skaters love these, but they are really just solid, economical helmets perfect for any use. Are you a mountain biker? Look for one specifically for mountain biking. These should ventilate well at low speeds, extended head coverage, and an extra secure fit for riding those rough trails. Do you cycle on the street? You want a light helmet with plenty of air flow and sweat management. Avoid holes if you have a need for speed. They reduce aerodynamics.

Feature 2: Consider the Weather

If you live in a cold climate area, you probably want to buy a solid helmet especially if it often rains. Otherwise, you will want to get as much ventilation as you can. If it is sunny where you live, buy one with a visor. Actually, some visors are handy when it rains, too. Ultimately, you will want to buy more than one helmet unless you are only a sunny day cyclist. Buy one for rain and cold and another for sun and heat.

Feature 3: Consider Your Comfort

Sweat management is very important. The helmet should fit just above your eyebrows. So, it should be easy to keep sweat out of your eyes. However, cheaper helmets may not be as effective as some other, more expensive helmets. I’ve already spoken about getting the right fit, but be sure you try on the helmet when it arrives. If you don’t like the feel of it, return it to Amazon. Therefore, you need to think about the seller and the return policy on any helmet you buy. Also, buy one you think looks cool so you’ll wear it.

Feature 4: Consider the Needs of Others

The visibility of your helmet is just as important to your safety as anything else. Dark helmets are not easily seen by drivers or even other cyclists. You should buy a helmet that is easily visible and eye catching. Sure you want to buy your favorite color, but again, your safety is more important than your color preferences. Some bike helmets have a tail light on the helmet. This will help to identify you from behind, but it may not help with head on traffic. Be seen!

Feature 5: Consider the Helmet’s Needs

How are you going to take care of the helmet? This is important to point out even before you buy one. If you take care of the helmet, the helmet will take care of you. You can use a soft cloth or sponge with water and mild soap. You can remove and wash the padding. Avoid storing the helmet anywhere hot such as an attic, garage, etc. Also, do not loan your helmet to anyone else. You need to know how it is cared for. Also, if your helmet gets damaged or is hit during a crash, replace it even if it looks fine. Internal damage can prevent the helmet from properly protecting your head.

Some short tips and tricks

The straps can be a little tricky. The rear straps need to be longer than the front straps. That way the helmet can remain situated on your head in the perfect position. You may need to spend some time getting the perfect fit, but it will pay off in the end. Your helmet should feel snug but comfortable. And, it should remain in place if you turn your head upside down.

Final Words

Getting the perfect helmet is a little difficult especially with so many to choose from. However, you are now armed with all the information you need to consider when picking the right bicycle helmet. And just to drive home the point that you need a helmet, remember that Evel Knievel wore a helmet.

Riding a road bike is one of the best ways to exercise to keep fit. You probably spend countless hours in the saddle speeding just to keep fit but there are things you need to be very familiar with when riding a road bike. The bike comes in different styles, colors, and even the gears are of different type. One of the most important things every biker should know is how to shift gears. For beginners gears can really look intimidating, knowing which gear you need to use and the perfect time to use them is sometimes times a deep mystery.

What will you need

The application of bike gears is not hard in the ways that many people assume and it is easy to change. There are basically five main tools that you will find on a standard bike that helps you to comfortably shift gears and change the way you want to pedal your bike and they are:

Rear Cassette

Rear cassette is attached to the rear hub of your bike. Each of these cassettes has multiple sprockets, which changes with different gears. The cassette has been designed to allow for an easy switch of gears among different gear radios. There are different brands of a cassette and not all brands are compatible. The size of a cassette is dependent on the gearing, which means that once the gear changes the cassette changes between sprockets.

Shifters

The shifter is the gear levers, which practically controls the gear mechanism by selecting the required gear ratio. The shifter actually operates either by Hub gear mechanism or derailleurs. The control of shifter is basically through a cable that connects both the shifter and the gear mechanism. The shifter plays an important role in a road bike by controlling the speed limit.

Chain

The chain also plays a very vital role in gear shifting on road bike. It connects the front ring the rear cassette allowing not just the change of gears but also the perfect riding pace. It is the chain that actually helps you rides the bike.

Front Chain or Crankset

Road bikes usually have between one to three front chainrings, which is often called crankset. It connects the chain from the back to the front making it easy to glide through. Road bikes that are found to have two cranksets are called a double while that with three is called triple.

Derailleurs

This is another very important tool in a road bike, it allows and moves the chain between the front and the back cogs. There is a cable that runs right from the shifter to the derailleurs. Many modern bikes road bikes have both front and back derailleur.

How to go about it

The gears on a bike are designed to make life easy for you. You can decide to be at a high speed or actually shift down when the hill ramp up.

For many amateurs, the major challenge that they face is to know when to switch gears. Here are the steps on how to shift gears. When you are riding your bike and you notice it is becoming harder to pedal, that is a sign it is time to change gears and if you don’t, you might just risk the chain skipping and falling off. Remember the major function of gears is to allow easy pedaling.

Step one

To learn how to shift gears, you will need to know the number of gears that are at the base of the pedal of your road bike and it is pretty simple. Just count the number of gears at the front and the back gears. Multiply them together and that is the number of gears your bike has.

Step two

It is with your hand that you use to do the shifting when you use your left hand to control it, you will see the derailleur shift the chain to a different gear. The right hand is used to shift the rear gear. Remember that the rear gear has its own derailleur, so using the right-hand gear will move the rear derailleur.

Step three

Your bike is at a standstill and a low gear. Once you start riding, you will gradually build up speed. To build up speed, you will need to change the gears from the front gear. For instance, if you are changing gears and your bike is an18 gear, know that second gear is okay for a nice cruise.

Step four

When you are going up a hill, you should know that a low speed is best for climbing the hill. This means you need to shift gears down in other to climb the hill more. You can’t climb the hill on a high speed, to shift down use the front gear to shift into a smaller gear.

There are some tricks you need to consider when trying to slow down your speed, and one of them is to stop pedaling your bike and allow it slowly glide down by itself. You if you feel you are losing balance at a low speed you can place your foot on the floor to allow you regain balance.

When shifting gears there are things you need to consider and here are they:

Conclusion

Changing gears is one of the most beautiful things that make road bikes enjoyable. It reduces the complexity of pedaling hard and makes life easier for you. For a beginner, who finds gears intimidating, it might look a little confusing at first but the moment you get on a bike and hit the road, you will gradually find your hands on the shifter and work with them. It was an experience every beginner once had but with consistent practice, you will get used to it.

Mountain bikes are heavy-duty bikes. They are more effective than the regular bikes in off-road cycling. They have more powerful brakes compared to other conventional bikes. Their tires are more durable and knobby. This way, these bikes are suitable for cycling in rocky terrains. There are so many mountain bike designs that learning how to ride each one of them is a daunting task. It is also safe to say that it never gets to a point where you have known cycling perfectly. Facts are facts. Here are a few guidelines on how to ride a mountain bike properly. The guidelines are good for both beginners and professionals.

How To Get Started To Ride A Mountain Bike Properly

Even before you get to the riding itself, you need to have all the requisite tools. Some tools are basic requirements for riding a mountain bike. Others add luxury and comfort to the riding experience. The weather and the terrain also dictate the accessories to buy. Here is a summary of the things that you need. You can add more to the list depending on your preferences.

Proper cycling equipment

Before you can think of riding a mountain bike, have your cycling equipment ready. For instance, get a good bike cell phone holder. You may also need an extra bike seat if the one that comes with your bike is not comfortable enough. You should not forget biking sunglasses and rechargeable mountain bike light sets. Depending on your bike, you may also need comfortable handlebars.

Proper cycling gear

On top of having the right biking tools and equipment, you also need proper cycling gear. Get a proper biking helmet, gloves and shorts. In fact, you should buy a full mountain riding gear complete with safety tools and first aid kits. If you are a woman, you may need to buy padded cycling pantsuits for comfortable cycling. There are several designs of cycling gear and getting the best one for you should not be a problem.

A good mountain bike for you

You have all the tools and clothing that you need to start mountain biking. Now it is time to get a good mountain bike so that cycling can begin. Choosing the best bike for you leads to a lot of head scratching. This is because there are several factors to consider. There are also several types and designs to choose from. In the following few paragraphs, I will be lifting the lid on this issue.

How to choose the best mountain bike for your mountain riding needs

The number of mountain bikes available in the market today is overwhelmingly big. Indeed, you will be spoilt for choices. They come in various styles, designs, and sizes. There are also mountain bikes specifically for men, and others for women. There are a few that are good for both men and women. If you are looking for a good mountain bike, consider the following factors.

Choose the best mountain bike size

Mountain bikes come in various sizes. The size of a particular bike is normally dictated by its wheel size. Here, you need to consider your favorite cycling height. For instance, if you can comfortably ride a bike whose wheel size is 20 inches, got for such a bike. There are bikes of wheel sizes 24, 26, 27 and 29 inches, to name but a few.

Consider the mountain bike weight

The weight of the bike matters too. You are going to be riding on a rocky terrain and a heavy bike may not be good for you. You need a bike that is light enough to traverse all sorts of terrain comfortably. Yet, lightweight is not always a plus when it comes to mountain bikes. That’s why you will find that mountain bikes made for men are generally heavier than those made for women. This is because, depending on the way you look at it,heavier bikes may be more stable than a lighters ones.

Check the mountain bike frame material

Mountain bike frames are either made of aluminum, steel or carbon. The material of the bike frame has a direct bearing on the bike's durability and performance. It also determines the overall bike weight. Thus, as you consider the material of the frame, you should have these factors at the back of your mind.

Consider the suspension type

There are rigid mountain bikes that have neither rear or front suspension. There are others with only the front suspension. Others have full suspension. Obviously, bikes with dual or full suspension are the best. They may, however, be more expensive than the rigid and front suspension bikes. If you have a flexible budget, go for a full suspension mountain bike.

Consider the number of gears

You should examine the overall internal structure of the bike. Here, consider the number of gears and the bike brake type. There are various gear configurations to choose from. In particular, you can choose from 1 speed, 2-9 speed, 10-19 speed, 20-24 speed, and 25-30 speed. On the other hand, the brake type can be the disc type, linear pull type, caliper or cantilever types. Consider these features carefully so that you understand gear shifting and braking.

Choose a reputable brand

Once you inspect the specific features of the bike, now look at the brand quality. There are various mountain bike manufacturers and each one of them has a strong side and a flip side. Overall, choose a brand that has passed the test of time. Your brand of choice should be an all-time favorite for many mountain cyclists. You may find it necessary to read reviews of experts and real users of a certain mountain bikes. These reviews will help you make an informed decision.

Consider the price

Consider the price of the mountain bike last. It is true that you should get the mountain bike of your taste and preference. This should happen without breaking your wallet. It is also true that cheap is expensive some times. For this reason, adopt a free-spirited approach when considering the price.

Tips and tricks for riding a mountain bike properly

Once you have bought the bike that fits your description of an ideal mountain bike, riding it is easy. A sweet piece of cake indeed. You just need to adjust your seat appropriately, get on the bike and go. Observe trail etiquette on the way and know how to dodge the obstacles on your way. Learn the things that you didn't learn in the cycling class if you ever attended one. For instance, be ready to carry the bike with you and walk for a long distance if it gets damaged. Be ready for falls as well.

Things to consider when riding a mountain bike

Eyesight is the most important factor to consider when riding a mountain bike. Set your eyes on the path, and adjust your body for climbing or descending, depending on the terrain. Learn proper gear shifting habits and avoid cross-chaining. Learn also the best braking techniques. If you have any fears about cycling in rocky mountain terrain, embrace these fears. Let yourself feel them, do not deny them. This is the simplest way to solve the problem. And it works. Prepare to fall off your bike anytime. You may not like it but it is very likely to happen. Hoping that you don’t get hurt, soldier on until you reach your destination.

Final words

In summary, if you want to be a good mountain cyclist, get your tools and equipment ready. Put on the right cycling gear. Make sure that your mountain bike is in perfect cycling conditions. Now get on the bike, position your body on the chair and let your eyes do their job. Know when to speed up and when to brake. Be ready for anything. This way, you will become a different mountain bike cyclist. Better.

Introduction Of Make A Mountain Bike Faster On The Road

Many people around the world enjoy cycling. Some do it on the road while others prefer off-road trails. To get the best cycling experience off the beaten track, you should use a mountain bike. This is a bike which is designed to ride in rugged conditions. Its frame is more upright and stouter. Secondly, it gives you more clearance from the ground to let you climb over rocks, gorges, and ruts. Mountain bikes are designed to sustain stressful riding conditions and still deliver comfort to the rider. Did you know that you can make your mountain bike faster on the road? By making a few modifications, you can make it quicker. Here is how to make a mountain bike faster on the road.

Tools to make your mountain bike faster

There are two main ways to make your mountain bike faster. They include cleaning it and maintaining its parts. To do this, you need the right cleaning and mechanical tools. To clean it effectively, you need to have some dish-washing liquid, an apron, clamps and a chain cleaner. You also need a geared brush, a soft bristle brush, degreaser fluid and a wash cloth. For modification, you will need screwdrivers, some lube, a set of Allen wrenches, Torx wrench set and a tire pressure gauge. You will also require cable cutters, needle-nose pliers, chain pin remover, dental pick and some chain pliers too. Applying these tools in the right ways can help you increase the speed of your mountain bike. Here is how to do it.

Get the perfect tire pressure

The tire pressure of your mountain bike has a great impact on its riding experience. If it is too low, your bike will squirm in hard corners. If the tire pressure is too high, then you will lose traction. Both of these negative effects slow you down. By eliminating them, you effectively make your bike faster. If you are running on tubeless tires, begin by inflating the front tire to 1.8 Bar (26 psi). Proceed to inflate the rear tire to 2.0 Bar (29 psi). Use your tire pressure gauge to ensure that you have inflated them accurately. Ride with these pressure settings and notice that your bike will feel faster. If you still feel that it needs adjusting, inflate or deflate the tires by 2 psi until you reach the sweet spot.

Adjust the height of your stem

The height of your front wheels is an important factor in determining riding speed. If you want to ride faster, you can reduce the stem height. This is done by removing the spacers below this part of your bike. Use your screwdrivers and Torx wrench set to perform this modification. When your front end is riding low, you put more of your weight on the front wheel. This improves your control over the power you deliver to the bike. In doing so, you effectively increase your speed. Use a measuring tape to reach an ideal stem height for you. Some experimentation will be required to accomplish this.

Eliminate the brake rub

With your mountain bike upside down and resting on a clamp, spin the wheels. They should spin in a smooth way. If they do not, then you have a case of brake rub. This is where the brake calipers rub against the wheel disks even when you have not engaged them. This causes you to burn energy and reduces your speed unnecessarily. If you encounter this problem, use your screw drivers to adjust the tension of your brake calipers. Align them properly such that their pads are not dragging on the disks. Proper alignment should dramatically increase the speed of your mountain bike.

Clean your bike

Did you know that regular, thorough cleaning can increase the speed of your bike? Firstly, you enjoy riding a clean bike more than a dirty one. Secondly, if dirt or grime gets into your drivetrain, it can reduce your speed significantly. Therefore, make sure that you clean your bike as often as possible. Use the tools indicated above to accomplish this. Moreover, make sure that you wipe the chain and gear system until they are dry before oiling them.

Lube up your chain

The chain is a very important part of your bike. It is instrumental in determining how fast your mountain bike can go. To get the best out of it, you should lube up your chain. A chain that is well-lubed improves the efficiency of your drivetrain by reducing mechanical inefficiency. Therefore, pick up some top quality lube and slowly apply it to your chain's inner surface while rotating its cranks. Ensure that you do not apply too much. Also, wipe off any excess lube when you are done. Doing this will help you ride faster.

Adjust the height of your saddle

Riding with your saddle too high or too low can cause you to ride slower than you should. It reduces the efficiency of your pedal strokes and prevents you from delivering full power to the pedals. How can you identify the perfect saddle height for you? Simply begin by measuring your inseam. This is the inner length of your legs from your crotch to your ankles. After getting this measurement, subtract 10 centimeters from it. This should result in your ideal saddle height. While doing so, ensure that you accommodate your pedal system. For example, if you have fitted some Speedplay pedals that have a little stack on your mountain bike, you can reduce your saddle height just a bit further. This delivers a riding height that maximizes your road speed.

Modify the tension of your pedals

Pedals are a very important part of your bike. You can have some toe clips on your pedals or none at all. Clipless pedals are most-ideal for mountain bikes. To get the best out of them, you should ensure that they have perfect tension levels. The spring tension determines how smoothly they rotate as you pedal. By using a screwdriver set, adjust the tension of your pedals until they are running smoothly. Remember to retain some float on them so as to prevent injuries. Having some smooth running pedals increases the speed of your mountain bike.

Conclusion

Mountain biking is fun and can be performed as a hobby, fitness activity or a sport. In all these cases, it is best to have a fast bike. Applying the tips above can help you to make your mountain bike go faster. They are guaranteed methods to improve your speed on the road.