This can be a very important decision when you
are buying a mountain bike. There are actually
two answers to the question of disc brakes or
rim brakes.

If you want better, more consistent brake performance
in all conditions, disc brakes are what you should
be choosing. On the other hand, if you want the
lightest set up you can have and you are willing to
accept small variances in brake performance, or you
want the lowest price possible, rim brakes are
what you should be choosing.

Over the years, mountain bikes have gone through
many design changes. They started out with the
original cantilever brakes, then went through the U
Brake years, and are now with V Brakes. In most
conditions, the V Brakes seem to work well.

In wet or muddy conditions, rim brakes will perform
poorly. Over time, they can wear right through the
side of your rim, causing the side of the rim to
blow right off.

Disc brakes on the other hand have been around for
a long time in cars but weren't used on bikes much
until the late 1990's. There were some issues in
the earlier models, although the cable actuated or
hydraulic brakes of today seem to work quite well.

In terms of performance, disc brakes seem to work
better than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy
areas. Disc brakes normally require less force
to apply and aren't effected by the rim or wheel
condition.

Cost is an issue, as disk brake systems tend to be
more expensive than rim brakes. Mechanical or cable
actuated brakes are a closer match, although they
will still cost more. Hydraulic brakes on the other
hand cost a lot more.

When you make that final choice, weight out the above
options then make your decision. Some riders prefer
disc brakes, while others prefer rim brakes - making it
a matter of opinion.

 

 

Beginner Mountain Bike Skills

Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be
enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike.
Compared to the average bike ride, it does present
some danger. Therefore, you should master these
basic skills before you hit the trails or the
dirt.

You can practice these beginning skills at a local
park, school, bike path, or simply around your
house. If you can, try to find a location with
a steep hill.

Get a feel for your pedals

Practice moving your foot away from the pedal,
first while sitting on your bike with one foot on
the ground. Next, move on to releasing and
replacing your foot while pedaling around for a
bit. Those with toe clip and clipless type foot
pedals will want to spend a bit more time
practicing.

Sit and spin for position

Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You
should keep your arms slightly bent. You should
also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to
90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke
on the pedal. Keep your body relaxed, as there
will never be a position where you should have
either your knees or your elbows locked.

Shifting gears

Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The
higher gears are harder to pedal and will go
faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal
and will help you ascend hills. As you get to
steeper hills, its best to shift before you get
to the hill rather than while your on it.

Coasting

You should spend a bit of time coasting while
standing on your pedals, without actually sitting
on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don't lock
your knees. Now, try experimenting with shifting
your body towards the rear end of the bike.

Pedal while standing

You should get as comfortable as you can with
pedaling while standing on your bike. Try lifting
yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals,
then crank them around. You should try this in
higher gears on flat ground then again in lower
gears while on a hill.

Dropping down a curb

Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the
upper portion of it. Practice at a moderate speed,
standing and coasting right off the curb from the
upper level to the lower level. Try this at
different speeds until it becomes second nature.

Once you practice these techniques and get the
hang of them, you'll be able to hit the trails feeling
comfortable on your mountain bike. Even though it
may take some getting used to, it'll become second
nature before you know it.

Things To Take With You

When you decide to go mountain biking on a long days ride, there are several things that you should take with you. Below, you'll find the essentials that you should have with you.

1. Back pack - a camel back or mule is a good idea here.

2. Waterproof - the type that packs down very small isthe best to have.

3. Water - you need at least 2 liters for a long ride.

4. Food - sandwiches and energy bars are the best to have with you to eat.

5. Pump - take a good one with you, as the small minipumps are a waste of time and money.

6. Tire levers if you need them.

7. Two small inner tubes.

8. A piece of medium emery paper about 3 inches long and an inch wide.

9. A cut up tube of Crest for pinch punctures or to use as a tire boot.

10. A carpet needle.

11. A card of linen thread to repair torn tires.

12. A good chain splitter13. At least two black pins. You should tape these to the inside lid of your puncture repair kit.

14. A set of allen wrenches. The penknife style is the best to get.

15. A small screwdriver.

16. A first aid kit that includes an elastic bandage.

17. A Spokey spoke key.

18. A felt tip pen that will show on inner tubes.

19. Some lunch and phone money.

If you take the above with you, you should have no problems with long mountain bike rides. Everything on the above list will serve a purpose, all you have to do is give them a chance. If you've ever been mountain biking and ran into problems in the past, you should know first hand just how important the proper supplies and a little knowhow can actually be.

Introduction To Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a great way to explore the outdoors,
stay in shape, or just have fun. Racing down the side
of a mountain is a lot of fun indeed, although it can
also be quite dangerous. Even though it's dangerous,
if you ride with caution, it can be enjoyed by the
entire family.

Styles of mountain biking

Mountain biking can best be characterized into three
different styles - downhill, free riding, and cross
country. Even though the different styles are similar
in some ways, they still require different skills. The
style that you pick will determine the type of bike you
get.

Locations for mountain biking

The sport can best be thought of as biking on an unpaved
surface. Many areas throughout North America have
specific locations designed for mountain biking. Before
you decide to go down a trail, you should always check
with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and
any rules that they may have.

You can also find groups that have mountain bike rides
and competitions. You can look on the internet or even
in a local paper and see exactly what's available in your
area. You may be able to find groups for the more
advanced riders as well as beginners.

Becoming a great biker

Endurance and stamina are a must for a great mountain
biker. It will also take ambition and practice to succeed
as well as conquer the course. Like all other sports,
it takes time and practice. Those just beginning will
have to get past the bumps and bruises from falling
off the bike.

Selecting your mountain bike

The bike you select is more of a personal choice, and
a big determining factor on the type of riding you will
be doing. Bikes come in all styles, shapes, and prices,
which will make selecting one for yourself very difficult
indeed.

You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike,
even do some price comparisons online as well before you
make a purchase. Before you buy a bike, always ask to
try it out first. A great mountain biker will become
one with his or her own bike. When buying, make sure
you check for comfort, how it fits, even how it is geared.

Staying safe when riding

Mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be very
dangerous, as mentioned earlier. Anytime you are riding,
you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow
pads. If you are following a group or riding in the
woods you should strongly consider a pair of goggles as
well. Safety should be your top priority and never
taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.

Types Of Mountain Biking

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

1. BMX

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

2. Cross country

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

3. Cyclo cross

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

4. Dirt jumping

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

5. Downhill

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

6. Freeride

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

7. Single speed

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

8. Street and urban

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

9. Trails

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