Posts Tagged ‘Mountain Bike’
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
When is the last time you hopped on a bicycle? For most adults it has been years but riding a bicycle is an excellent physical activity. It not only helps you get in shape but it also lets you view sights you might not otherwise get to see if you confine yourself to vehicles. You can even turn it into a vacation. Cycling has risen in popularity immensely over the last decade. There are marathon events held in practically every city and has even turned into a highly watched sporting event. But before you hop on that bicycle there are some things you need to know. This article will cover the basic questions you may have about riding and even give you some information if you want to turn that casual bike ride around the neighborhood into something more serious.
How can I get in shape for cycling?
Most people take up cycling to get into shape. Just the sheer physical force needed to propel the bicycle is enough to give most people an effective workout. It is why you see stationary bikes in gyms. But if you are interesting in competitive riding in marathons and such you have to do more than just ride your bike. You will definitely need weight training and plenty of cardiovascular exercises that work many muscle groups. You can start off by combining your typical ride with a workout class. The aerobic activity will teach you breathing exercises which will come in very handy during long, or particularly tough, rides.
If I intend to go mountain biking, do I need to take a friend?
Some people do go mountain biking alone but that is extremely dangerous. Granted, depending on the day and weather conditions there are sure to be other people riding the trails. But what if there is not? Some trails are quite a ways from the parking lot or nearest cell tower so if you were to have an accident you could be left alone and in pain until someone comes along. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you do not have any friends that mountain bike then you may want to consider joining a local cycling club. That way you have someone to go riding with and do not have to risk going up and down trails on your own.
I want to go on a long distance cycling trip. What do I need to know first?
The first thing you need to know about long distance cycling trips is the terrain and the local area. If you are travelling to an area you are not familiar with you need to do a bit of research. Some people even Mapquest their entire route if they are taking highways and paved roads. This way they know where it is safe to stop. A second thing you should definitely consider is going with a friend or relative. The friend can drive and keep most of the supplies with him or her. This means that your bike is not burdened down and it also means that if you run into some mechanical trouble you can always have a ride. You need to also consider the weather in the area you are going to be biking. That will help you plan accordingly as to what you should wear. Most cyclists try to wear gear that is lightweight but can protect them from the elements. You also need to decide if you are going to make it a trip where you camp out each night or stay in a motel. It really all depends on what your idea of a long distance biking trip actually is and how long it will take you to reach your destination.
Is it possible to take a cycling vacation in a foreign country?
More and more people are turning to cycling as a way to take a vacation and get to take in the local scenery at a much slower pace. So taking a bike tour of a foreign country is rising in popularity. Twenty years ago the rage was to backpack through a foreign country. Today it is bicycling. You just have to remember that customs and travelling rules may be different there than it is where you live and adjust your ride accordingly. If you are looking to save money and get to see sights that you typically would not see then this is a great idea. If you are interested in taking a bike tour then you may want to join a biking group both at home and in the country you will be visiting. Your fellow bikers can give you loads of tips about where to stay and what you should be on the lookout for while riding your bike.
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Tags: adventure cycling, Aerobic Activity, Basic Questions, Bicycle, bike clothing, bike gear, bike ride, Breathing Exercises, Cardiovascular Exercises, Casual Bike, Cell Tower, cycling routes, Gyms, Last Decade, Marathon Events, Marathons, Mountain Bike, Mountain Biking, Muscle Groups, Physical Activity, Stationary Bikes, Weather Conditions, Weight Training, Workout
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
When is the last time you hopped on a bicycle? For most adults it has been years but riding a bicycle is an excellent physical activity. It not only helps you get in shape but it also lets you view sights you might not otherwise get to see if you confine yourself to vehicles. You can even turn it into a vacation. Cycling has risen in popularity immensely over the last decade. There are marathon events held in practically every city and has even turned into a highly watched sporting event. But before you hop on that bicycle there are some things you need to know. This article will cover the basic questions you may have about riding and even give you some information if you want to turn that casual bike ride around the neighborhood into something more serious.
What is cycling?
Cycling is nothing more than getting on a bicycle and pedaling. That is the short answer. Usually when you hear that particular word it is more often than not associated with serious hobbyist and competitive riders. It is not that the everyday, average Joe or Jane does not like to take a bike ride around town. But sometimes there is confusion. For some a bike ride means travelling on a motorcycle. But the original use of the term was to indicate a physical activity on a bicycle. It really is that simple. You hop on the bike and move the pedals to reach whatever destination you have in mind.
If I intend to go mountain biking, do I need to take a friend?
Some people do go mountain biking alone but that is extremely dangerous. Granted, depending on the day and weather conditions there are sure to be other people riding the trails. But what if there is not? Some trails are quite a ways from the parking lot or nearest cell tower so if you were to have an accident you could be left alone and in pain until someone comes along. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you do not have any friends that mountain bike then you may want to consider joining a local cycling club. That way you have someone to go riding with and do not have to risk going up and down trails on your own.
I want to go on a long distance cycling trip. What do I need to know first?
The first thing you need to know about long distance cycling trips is the terrain and the local area. If you are travelling to an area you are not familiar with you need to do a bit of research. Some people even Mapquest their entire route if they are taking highways and paved roads. This way they know where it is safe to stop. A second thing you should definitely consider is going with a friend or relative. The friend can drive and keep most of the supplies with him or her. This means that your bike is not burdened down and it also means that if you run into some mechanical trouble you can always have a ride. You need to also consider the weather in the area you are going to be biking. That will help you plan accordingly as to what you should wear. Most cyclists try to wear gear that is lightweight but can protect them from the elements. You also need to decide if you are going to make it a trip where you camp out each night or stay in a motel. It really all depends on what your idea of a long distance biking trip actually is and how long it will take you to reach your destination.
Is it possible to take a cycling vacation in a foreign country?
More and more people are turning to cycling as a way to take a vacation and get to take in the local scenery at a much slower pace. So taking a bike tour of a foreign country is rising in popularity. Twenty years ago the rage was to backpack through a foreign country. Today it is bicycling. You just have to remember that customs and travelling rules may be different there than it is where you live and adjust your ride accordingly. If you are looking to save money and get to see sights that you typically would not see then this is a great idea. If you are interested in taking a bike tour then you may want to join a biking group both at home and in the country you will be visiting. Your fellow bikers can give you loads of tips about where to stay and what you should be on the lookout for while riding your bike.
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Tags: adventure cycling, Average Joe, Basic Questions, Bicycle, bike clothing, bike gear, bike ride, Casual Bike, Cell Tower, Confusion, Cycling Club, cycling routes, Hobbyist, Last Decade, Last Time, Marathon Events, Motorcycle, Mountain Bike, Mountain Biking, Parking Lot, Physical Activity, Popularity, Short Answer, Weather Conditions
Posted in Cycling, Mountain Biking, bicycling, biking tour, pedalling | Comments Off
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Just about every motorist has had the experience of being stuck in traffic and seeing a group of cyclists whizzing past them on their fancy bikes and the latest in bike accessories and gear. Just about everywhere you go these days there is plenty of evidence of the fact that road cycling in enjoying a real increase in popularity and that more and more people than ever are getting into cycling.
Sometimes when we observe adventure cycling riders sailing along the side of the road it is easy to think that cycling is just a breeze and that it is so simple and easy that just anyone can do it. The truth of the matter is that those who are serious about their recreational cycling have put in a great deal of work in training in order to make it look easy to the casual observer. These avid cyclists are typically dedicated athletes.
Of course, there are all levels of road cycling and people of just about all ages and ability levels can get involved. Those who are new to the sport and who are not as fit can get bikes built for comfort and can stick to cycling routes that are fairly level and not too physically taxing.
At the same time, cycling can be just about as challenging a sport as anything else that you can imaging. Many professional cycling routes can tax even the very best of athletes because of the steep climbs and frequent changes in inclines along the more demanding routes. These routes should only be considered for those who are in top-notch physical condition.
Cycling can be a wonderful way to spend your free time, but it is important to know what your physical limitations are. It is never a good idea to head out on routes that you are not familiar with since you don’t want to find yourself in a situation that is too physically demanding for your well-being and safety. There are many cycling clubs in every state across the country that have routes all mapped out and rated for the fitness and expertise level to help you know what you are getting into before the ride.
It should be obvious that a crucial element to safe bike travel is the quality of your bike and other gear that you use. If you plan to be far from a populated area on your biking adventure, then you must be sure to have emergency gear and supplies to tide you over in the event of a problem.
Always let people know where you are going whenever you head out to do some road cycling. Most people enjoy going on cycling trips with friends and this is also a better way to go in terms of improved safety and security along the way. If you don’t have friends or family who are interested in joining you, then you can join a cycling association and find cyclists you can team up with for your cycling adventures.
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Tags: Ability Levels, adventure cycling, Bike Accessories, bike clothing, bike gear, Bikes, Casual Observer, Cycling Clubs, cycling routes, Cyclists, Expertise Level, Fitness, Free Time, Frequent Changes, Inclines, Mountain Bike, Mountain Biking, People, Physical Limitations, Popularity, Professional Cycling, Road Cycling, Time Cycling, Truth Of The Matter, Wonderful Way
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Saturday, March 6th, 2010
Those who really enjoy getting outside and hitting the roadways or the many mountain bike trails out there often think of themselves as cycling aficionados. People who are really into the sport also love to stay abreast of the latest in cycling news so that they feel well-informed. For such people, there are a number of options for them to get the most current news about the world of biking and related bike accessories and gear.
There are several periodicals, such as newsletters and magazines, which cover a great deal of the cycling news that is important to most avid cyclists and even to those who are thinking about getting involved in the sport. Some of these publications are geared toward the new and average biker, while other such publications will be of more interest to professional cyclists and bike racing participants. Still other cycling publications will focus on one specific aspect of the sport, such as mountain and road biking, and tours.
Some of these magazines that specialize in delivering cycling news have been around for decades, while others are much newer. In recent years, with the widespread reach of the internet, more and more publications have sprung up online. There are now websites devoted to all aspects of cycling, including news updates, as well as blogs and even online magazines.
Through these various cycling and biking websites, the amount of interesting and informative news that you can access is almost limitless. You can learn about bicycle racing results or find out who is going on the next pro cycling tour. You can also read bike reviews and find out about the latest innovations in bicycles, and related gear and accessories. You can get tips about your next mountain biking adventure, find out about recommended trails, or get maps of good biking routes either near you or at a destination you are planning to visit.
Many of these online cycling websites also host forums where you can go to interact with other cycling enthusiasts. You can simply read about what is on other people’s minds and gather a great deal of helpful information or you also have the opportunity in these forums to ask questions of others if you need to get help for a particular issue or problem you are facing. At the same time, you might find people in your area who might be interested in planning a group cycling adventure.
Another good source of cycling news, especially for your local area, are the local cycling clubs and associations. You can usually find these in the phone book, but these days most of these organizations also have websites, such as www.adventurecycling.org/. This site and others are also a very good source to provide you with local rides that are scheduled as well as listings of reputable businesses that sell, maintain or repair bicycles and biking equipment.
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Tags: adventure cycling, bicycle racing, Bicycles, Bike Accessories, bike clothing, bike gear, Bike Racing, Bike Reviews, Current News, Cycling News, cycling routes, Cycling Tour, Host Forums, Including News, Informative News, Latest Innovations, Mountain Bike, mountain bike trails, Mountain Biking, Online Magazines, Periodicals, Pro Cycling, Professional Cyclists, Road Biking, Roadways
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Thursday, March 4th, 2010
For generations, people have enjoyed being able to jump on their bikes and take a ride in the out-of-doors, enjoying the sights and the fresh air. Sometimes people just take a quick spin around the neighborhood, while others put theirs to use for bike commuting to work. Still others enjoy getting out on long distance tours or getting into the wild on their mountain bikes. Riders who intend to stick to paved roads will find that road bikes will best suit their needs, where for recreation or commuting.
There are many things to think about if you are getting ready to purchase the equipment you need to do some road cycling. One of the most important considerations when choosing a bike is to first understand what your own personal biking plans and needs will be. You should sit down and think about the amount of time you will spend on your new bike and what kind of trips you will make.
It you only intend to take short jaunts to the park, to the market or around the neighborhood, then you might want to consider some of the more economical road bikes that are on the market. These could also be considered entry level bicycles that are also appropriate for those who are just getting into the hobby of cycling.
You can save money by getting one of these basic bikes if you are only planning on occasional and recreational usage. Even if you will be doing longer and more frequent rides, the entry level bikes can be a good place to start if your budget is tight. However, you should plan on spending additional money down the road for a better, more durable bike if your road biking activities continue to be frequent and sustained.
Those who will be engaged in long, daily commutes on their bikes will most likely be best served by a more expensive model of road bike. These kinds of mid-range bikes are built for longer and more regular use and are typically sturdier, have more gears, and will generally hold up better to constant use. They often also come with better warranties and you can expect to get several years of service from these “work horse” models.
For bicycle touring enthusiasts, they will most likely want to invest in a high-end bike that will provide them with all of the bells and whistles that they want. These high-end bikes are also built for long rides and they are very durable as well. Anyone who plans to spend many hours a day, and for days on end on bicycle tours should definitely plan to spend a fair amount of money for a high-end bike that will provide them with both comfort and safety on their excursions.
Road bikes of all types, styles, sizes and costs are never complete without some good bicycle gear and accessories. The accessories and gear that you need will also depend a great deal on the type of rides you expect to do regularly. At the very least, it is a good idea to have a tire pump, a tire repair kit, and good lights and reflectors to ensure your safe return home.
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Tags: adventure cycling, Amount Of Time, Bicycles, bike clothing, bike gear, cycling routes, Doors, Fresh Air, Gears, Generations, Jaunts, Long Distance, Many Things, Mid Range, Money Down, Mountain Bike, mountain bikes, Mountain Biking, Neighborhood, new bike, Paved Roads, Road Bike, road bikes, Road Biking, Road Cycling, Warranties
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Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
There are many kinds of bikes that the bike enthutiast may prefer for their most favorite bicycles. Of course, they have to ensure, what kind of biking activities that they want to do. It’ll determine the kind of bikes they must have for their biking activities. For a few bikers, they prefer to use the mountain bike since they love mountain biking. On their behalf, mountain biking is probably the greatest kind of activities that may give them some chances to have some fun and to have some exercises. Some others like better to do the free style biking. For this second type, usually the choosers are the young bike riders. Since they like the free style, they will need to have a great bike. They’ll need the BMX bicycle. There are numerous options of BMX bicycles but it will be better if they choose the Mongoose BMX bikes.
Why should they prefer the Mongoose BMX bikes? According to a number of free style bike riders, this bicycle product is one of the great BMX bicycle products. These BMX brand bikes have been named as the best bicycles for them. For the free style bikers, using an excellent bicycles will give them an ideal performance. With the ideal BMX bikes, they’ll have some chances to explore their free styling ability. Mostly, they have some kinds of special venue for that free styling actions like the half pipe. They say that if they ride the Mongoose BMX bikes, they may have some excellent action on the half pipe because this BMX type is probably the most controllable bikes. Good bike to do freestyling and jumping high jumps.
With a really perfect bikes, they could explore their best performance. That is why; they prefer to use the Mongoose BMX bikes. Even though there are numerous other brands of bicycles, they prefer to choose the Mongoose BMX bicycles, since this brand has many eminences. At least that will be something that those free style bike riders say regarding the Mongoose bicycle. This bicycle is lightweight, stylish, tough, and versatile. To get more details about the Mongoose bicycle, they need to try to visit the official site of the Mongoose. This site has some excellent options of Mongoose BMX bikes that all internet users are able to choose. They could try to find the perfect one for them. They may also read several reviews about the Mongoose bikes. This really is an ideal bicycle for free stylers.
Tags: Best Performance, Bicycle Products, Bike Riders, Bikers, Bmx Bicycle, Bmx Bicycles, Exercises, Free Style, Free Styling, Fun, Half Pipe, High Jumps, Mongoose Bicycle, Mongoose Bicycles, Mongoose Bikes, mongoose bmx, mongoose bmx bike, mongoose bmx bikes, mongoose mountain, Mountain Bike, Mountain Biking, Ride Bmx, Venue
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Saturday, February 6th, 2010
Anyone can find a bike on the market today whether you want a road bike, a mountain bike, a recumbent bike or a comfort bike. 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.
Road bikes are popular among people who want to speed along flat, smooth surfaces. The wheels on road bikes are much thinner than they are on a mountain bike. The frame is also a lot thinner.
Recumbent bikes have become very popular for the middle aged and older riders. The recumbent bikes are the most comfortable because you can lean back on them in a relaxed position. And there is a softer seat for your bum. The seating position means that your feet are in front of you. You can go quickly on a recumbent bike. One reason is that with your legs extended forward and pedalling 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. Although it can take a while for beginners to develop their ‘recumbent muscles’ once they have it will be hard for them to return to an upright bicycle.
Although one of the toughest forms of cycling, mountain biking is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It can be expensive to buy a hi-tech mountain bike but it can be made cheaper by renting a bike from a store or group. If you want a light-duty mountain bike then you can use it for all types of riding. There are trials around the country for beginners, intermediates and experts. Mountain biking trails are rated somewhat like ski trails, the easiest is green, an intermediate is blue and difficult trails are pink. Mountain biking can make your joints ache so take it easy and learn how to manoeuvre over objects properly so that you don’t hurt yourself.
You should definitely bike no matter which style you choose. Biking is a great way to achieve an aerobic workout and burn calories at the same time. What makes it even better is that anyone can bike and the family can relax together.
Tags: Aerobic Workout, Better Fitness, Cardiovascular Strength, Comfort Bike, Conventional Bike, Cycling, Fitness Bikes, health, Intermediates, Light Duty, Mountain Bike, mountain bikes, Mountain Biking Trails, Pink Mountain, Recumbent Bike, Recumbent Bikes, Road Bike, road bikes, Seating Position, Ski Trails, Smooth Surfaces, Stamina
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Thursday, February 4th, 2010
A little bit different what we may have been used to in the past, getting the right kind of mountain bike for us require more careful thinking when it comes to details.
From some of the most important factors to think about before buying a mountain bike, are the different dimensions of a mountain bike, and also which one that will suit us best.
When choosing Mountain Bike Sizes, we also have to take into consideration several other factors such as the frame, saddle tilt, and saddle height and handlebar position, among many others.
Selecting A Mountain Bike
There are various Mountain Bike Sizes that are just the right proportion to our heights. Generally, the extra small size at 14-15 inches, small at 16-17 inches, the medium size is at eighteen to nineteen inches, large at twenty to twenty-one inches, and extra large at twenty-two to twenty-three inches.
From these sizes, we can pick out the right one that most likely ideal to our own size and body posture.
The saddle height and tilt are another important consideration that comes with Mountain Bike Sizes. Perhaps we are used to tilting the saddle to make it easier for us when we sit but tilting it means that this is not the right saddle for us, you can browse around the internet to find out more about Saddle Sizes.
By getting one that will allow us to sit at a level height, we will be more comfortable in riding the bike especially for long durations.
As for the saddle height, this is often adjustable in mountain bikes so this shouldn’t be a problem.
The handlebar position and how wide it is are also big factors that come with different Mountain Bike Sizes. Having one that is too wide for our arm’s reach will render it uncomfortable once we have been riding it for awhile.
For the handlebar position, getting one that is more forward will allow us to ride with more force.
Shopping for A Mountain Bike On The Internet
To help us get a better idea of what type of Mountain Bike Sizes we can get; we can check the internet for further information.
There are several sites that are designed specifically for mountain bike aficionados which can give us more tips on selecting the right kind of mountain bike and help us determine which one will best fit us.
While riding a mountain bike may be something that we love to do, if we get the wrong one, we might just lose interest and not willing to ride one again. This is why it is of utmost importance that we consider all specifics first that go into each mountain bike before making decision to get one.
more: F1 Circuit Length
Tags: Body Posture, Cycling, dimensions, Important Factors, Important Things, Little Bit, Measurements, Medium Size, Mountain Bike, mountain bikes, Posture, Proportion, Saddle Height, Shopping, Sit, Sports, Tilt
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Saturday, January 30th, 2010
You have an interest in bikes, and own a couple of them. You think it might be an interesting idea to build your own bike, but first want a better understanding of what a bike is made of. Thus, you should familiarize yourself with some basic bicycle components. Click through here for extra info on 24 cruiser .
The key components on your bicycle.
The first, and most noticeable, bicycle components that you should be aware of are the bicycle wheels themselves. Made out of sturdy rubber, they can withstand several years of use. Perhaps you have always wondered why there are little hairlike pieces of rubber sticking out of the outside perimeter of each tire. The reason for this is because they help add to the overall traction of each tire.
Other bicycle components that are very important, though sometimes less noticeable, are the brakes. For example, if you have a mountain bike, the brakes are located on the handlebars. If you own a standard bike, the brakes are located near the pedals. No matter where the breaks are located, make sure that you know how to properly use them for your safety.
Of course, one of the more decorative aspects of the bicycle components is the handlebars. No doubt you have seen bicycles with streamers coming out the ends of the handlebars. Another popular fixture on handlebars is a basket. Nowadays, with technology being as advanced as it is, the handlebars often contain a number of gauges for tire pressure, speed, brake pressure, etc. You can obtain more invaluable info about You can get complimentary valuable info on 24 mountain bike here.
One cannot have bicycle wheels without bicycle spokes. Some people actually go so far as to decorate their bicycle spokes with streamers, especially during festive holidays such as the Fourth of July. However, this should obviously be done with caution for safety reasons. If you happen to break one of your spokes, simply go to your local bike repair shop to get a replacement part.
Of course, the pedals make for other important bicycle components. These too vary with the kind of bike. For example, if you are a competitive cyclist, you will need the pedals to have foot straps, so that you can pedal quickly without having your feet go everywhere as well. However, this can also be problematic if the feet actually get stuck!
For more information on bicycle components, ask friends who are avid cyclists. If you do not know anyone who is an avid cyclist, then be sure to search the internet, as there are many reputable, professional websites devoted to this extensive topic. Ultimately though, the subject of bicycle components is a very broad one.You will get oodles of complementary invaluable info on You can gain oodles of additional valuable info relating to 24 bikes here.
Tags: Bicycle, Bicycle Components, bicycle parts, Bicycle Spokes, Bicycle Wheels, Bicycles, bike, Bike Repair Shop, Brakes, Caution, Component Parts, Festive Holidays, Fourth Of July, Handlebars, Invaluable Info, Mountain Bike, new bike, No Doubt, Perimeter, Safety Reasons, Speed Brake, Streamers, Tire Pressure, Traction
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Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
Roam
Downhill (DH) MTB is a event of mountain biking in which riders either for fun, or in a time trialled event, ride down a course of varying difficulty against other riders. The format of a downhill MTB race follows a similar setup to that of skiing.
History
The 1st ever downhill event held was won by Alan Bonds taking place on the now well known Repack Road named because hub bearings would heat up and degrade the grease during downhill races. That was back in Oct ‘76 and downhill has changed a lot since that date. Downhill Events now commonly take place across the world on a weekly basis particularly in the mountain areas of places like the U.K. or in the summertime at unused ski resorts in countries such as France and Italy. These are by no means the only countries though, and the Downhill World Cup is one of the most popular MTB events each yearly.
Downhill Bikes
In addition to the obvious differences in this discipline of MTB riding, there are a number of big changes in the bikes and equipment utilised by the riders. A downhill MTB Frame will be far more specialised that the normal hardtail mountain bike frame you or I used, and will usually give a much more rugged and durable full suspension mountain bike frame. The reason for this is the more extreme trails that a downhill MTB will encounter. The trade off of having a full suspension bike, which is made to a much better standard than a normal MTB is its weight. While a standard MTB would be under thirty pounds in weight, DH bikes have been known to go over forty pounds. The weight is now however being reduced~coming down~reducing~. Other major differences in the bikes can include the use of full disc brakes, a high travel suspension fork (5-6 in.) and differing frame shape.
Safety Equipment
Extra Protection is definitely required when racing in the DH events…. just watch a few of races and you will soon realise that falls, crashes and injuries are common place and a certain danger this event offers. Body armour, full face mask helmets similar those worn in motocross are needed otherwise you will not be allowed on the course or to compete.
Tags: cycle, Cycling, downhill, Mountain Bike, mtb
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