October 2007


608602_bike_trip_1.jpgThe Cross Country Mountain Biking is the best a mountain biker can do and enjoy. The cross country bikers get to the top of the mountain by the ride. The popular is free riding but the life line of the biker is cross country biking.

All the bikers cannot do the cross country mountain biking same way their bikes are also class apart. The main thrill of cross country mountain biker is the speed. This makes the bikers increase their speed and go faster and faster.

The bikes used in the cross country mountain biking can be a frame which is fully rigid or full suspension frames. Even though, over the years the full suspensions frames have proved to be more popular.

The cross country bikes weigh far less than their counterparts, free ride bikes. The cross country mountain bikes weigh not more than 24 lbs. where as the free ride bikes weigh up to 40 lbs.

The cross country ride is always good as they get to see different views and different trails are available in the rough mountains. The beginners will not want to go these mountains as they are very difficult to ride. The rides get quite a rush while on such terrains.

For mountain bikers the ultimate goal is the cross country mountain biking. If you have done all the possible free rides try the mountain cross country biking it will be ultimate experience.

854503_bikes_1.jpgIf you do not ride your bike in winter and spent your entire winter eating chips and watching television. You will be surprised how fast the spring is arrived and the mountain biking season will start. Even if you are not in shape make sure your bike is in shape.

n the time comes to take the bike out of its hibernation check all the moving parts and the whole bike to see all are functioning properly. Start with the chain, If you have not replaced in a year replace it immediately. The parts of the chin also may need repairs do so.

Then you can check the bearings and the hubs, headset and brackets all them should be able to turn without any play. Before you check the bottom bracket make sure each cranking arm is tight. Next hold on to the crank arm tight and try and wobble it. If any noise is heard that means the bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.

Try and check the hubs. Take the wheels of the bike spin the axles and feel for any play or binding. Here if any play or binding is felt you need to adjust the same. To check the headset start putting the adjusted wheels on the bike.

The front brake needs to pull and push the handle bars front and back. Here also there should not be any play. The wheel should be able to turn smoothly or else need adjusting.

Check the condition of the cables and housing. The cable should be free of rust and the housing should not be cracked or kinked. The devise should be immediately replaced if not in a proper shape.

Finally, check the brake pads; usually they have indicators which will instruct when to change them. The brake pads are the main important part of the bike as if they are not in proper shape they will be a threat for the safety of the bike.
Once all this is done and your bike is ready you can start your ride. After a long hiatus your biking will be fun.