Bike The Bump

A mountain bike is a lot of fun although it does require some maintenance. You should always lube your bike 15 hours or so before riding, as quick jobs right before you take off normally doesn’t get everything lubed. Some lube jobs will last for more rides, although if things get loud or shifting gets sticky, it’s time to lube.

This is the way you lube your bike:

1. The chain

Apply a generous amount of mountain bike lube to your chain as you move the pedals around backwards. It also helps to find a spot to steady your hand such as the frame while you move the pedals around and around. Make sure you watch out for the cranks and chain rings as they move around.2. Front Deraileur
On the front defaileur, lube the pivots. Use a spot of lube everywhere you can see movement when you move the shift lever.

3. Rear deraileur

Just like the front deraileur, lube the pivots.

4. Pedals
There are some types of clipless pedals that will need to have the release mechanism lubed. You should only lube this mechanism if you have this type of pedal.

5. Everything into motion
Pedal around, shift your gears, and bounce your bike around. If you hear anything squeak, there’s a moving part there are it should be lubed immediately.

6. Wipe it all clean
Once you’ve lubed everything and wiped it all around, simply wipe it all back off. Use a rag to wipe away all the lube you used, including all the lube off the chain. Wiping it away will leave the lube in between the parts but clean it away from everywhere it isn’t needed. This will keep your bike from collecting dirt while you ride.

Basically there are five types of materials used in the making of the frame of the bike. These five materials are High tensile steel, Chrome steel, Aluminum, Titanium, and Carbon. The cost of the frame is proportionate to its material and the treatment of the material also increases the cost of the frame.

1)High tensile steel: The most durable alloy that is used for cheaper frame. It consists of high carbon and it is flexible so more materials are needed to make it stiff enough for bicycle frames, which will in turn make it that much heavier. This is the most inexpensive material and is used in trail bikes, city bikes and beginner’s mountain bikes. The combination is made of Chrome seat tube and the rest of the body with tensile steel.

2) Chrome Steel: It is also known as steel alloy. Its major addictives are chromium and molybdenum. This is the most refined of frame and it is long lasting. They offer durability to the bike and character to it. As far as the cost is concerned it can be available from $400 to $1500. It all depends on the heat treatment and the butting of the material.

3) Aluminum: The aluminum has been used for framing in the last 15 years. They have developed from various alloys which are heat treated, oversized and butted. The dual suspension bike the framing is generally made for the aluminum as it is the stiff material and cost effective. Aluminum is stiffer that chrome and therefore has a tendency to crack before chrome. The advantages of aluminum are that the frame is very light and very stiff through over sizing or butting.

4) Titanium: The price for titanium has come down over the last few years. The titanium is an exotic material and it is the most expensive material mainly because it takes longer to weld. Titanium is considered an alloy, normally mixed with small amounts of vanadium and aluminum to weld better and ride characteristics. More compliant than chrome, it offers better fatigue and corrosion properties.

The material you choose for your bike, all depends on where you ride and what style you use. Almost all materials will last you for years, as long as you take care of your bike and treat the frame with some respect.

If you are mountain bike enthusiast, you would probably know the safety aspects of mountain biking. But still you can improve the safety while biking. The best way to keep your safe is wearing a helmet. The second step would be to always keep your bike in control.

If you have the control over your mountain bike, you not only avoid crashes and also help in keeping other fellow trailers safe. If you are not in control of your bike you will not be able to control the terrain which needs to adjust when you ride a rough terrain.
To keep you and other fellow bikers safe you will need to take heed to the following guidelines.
Gear
As already mentioned this is the main important safety point so make sure that you wear a helmet and other safety gear for the conditions that you plan to ride in.
Never ride beyond your control
You should be able to feel comfortable to ride the bike if you are not sure about the terrain. You should walk that much portion and you should not feel any shame in this. You should not pay heed to people who tell you otherwise.
Keep your speed under control
Keep the speed under control, you should be able to judge what speed you feel safe and if the speed is in control you would be able to adjust to any obstacles and change in the trail.
Knowing your trail
If you are not aware of the trail do not push yourself and dare it. Take trails which you are not familiar with a slow speed till the time you get familiar with.
Slow down around blind corners
If you are the corners and cannot see beyond that slow down as you would not know what is coming from the front and what is around.
Start small then go big

Before you start with obstacles try clearing the smaller ones first and if you are trying any stunts practice them with a less dangerous ones first and them reach your goal.
Playing it smart
When on the trail if you start questioning yourself, it is probable you are doing something wrong. Always think about what you are doing and go with your instincts.

The down hill biking is more difficult than climbing. While going up you need only your strength but when going downwards you need to relax your upper body and a tight grip on your handle. You are advised to slow down and apply brake when approaching the rock or any other obstruction.

If the brakes are not applied on time the rock will stop the wheels and it is not a good idea as the rock can throw you off the bike and make you slow.

If you are relaxed you will not slow down much but you will need to give both extra momentum and no front braking to keep the wheel away from the rock and continue your journey down.
If the pace is slow then you can release the brakes when coming closer to the rock. On hills going slow will always make things difficult.

The only exception being a turn where you will need to slow down to allow the radius of turning wheel and it needs lots of practice. This will improve your balance while going downhill. The down hill biking is the most dangerous kind of mountain bike and it can be very thrilling and need lots of practice.

With a lot of practice and learning the right techniques, you will find that down hill biking is much more fun and it gives you enjoyment and excitement for those who like a little bit of adventure.

To have proper control of your bike you will need a proper tire pressure. People who ride bikes are aware of the importance of the tire pressure.

If you have high pressure in your tire the bike will jump higher and you will have less contact with the ground and the bike would be uncontrollable. And if the pressure is too low then you can be in the danger of getting flats on the tire and the tire can be uncontrollable and unpredictable.

The proper pressure will differ from person to person and the set up of tire. The trail or the terrain you are riding also depends on the tire pressure.

The method of tire pressure will be all trial and error method and you will need to check the set up in normal conditions and you will need to get the best reliable pressure gauge or pump.

The starting point can be higher pressure of around 40-50 psi. If you own a tire which is without tubes then you can start lower at 30-40 psi. If your weight and of the bike is heavier then you should start with the high pressure. Try these and find out how it fares and then slowly lower the pressure. And compare the two pressures and get the right one for your bike. If you still feel the bike is not proper you can drop pressure by another 00.05psi

The checking can go as far as the tire does not go flat. But with the tubeless tire the pressure can run very low and there is no worry about the flat tires.

Once you know which setting is comfortable you will learn your comfortable pressure for the tires and you can be on your way to a comfortable biking.

The 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.

If 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.

Mountain biking in any weather is challenging but more so in the winters. The problem during the winters is that you can be cold, warm and then break out in a sweat and will be wet. And in this if you are riding down hill the wind chills can be very bad when you are wet.

The best way to ward of the cold during riding you will need the below mentioned clothes.

1) Booties : The feet are the most vulnerable and if you feet get wet or are cold you can have the risk of catching a cold. The pedaling will become difficult and the circulation of blood may stop to your toes. This may increase the risk of frostbite. The Neoprene booties are a must for the mountain bikers in the winter season. They can be fitted over the shoes.

2) Gloves : The Lobster Gloves which are the hybrid gloves that separate your finger and thumb from the rest of your hand are a must for the winter biking. They are warmer then the regular gloves and are especially made for biking which allow you the freedom to shift and brake levers. The glove liners can come in handy in case you need to remove your gloves for some repairs.

3) Glasses : They provide the maximum protection from the wind and dust. They are the best to be worn in winters which will protect your eyes from the cold and dust.

4) Socks: Heavy socks are a must as they can keep your feet warm. But do not take extra heavy ones as they can make your shoes tight and cut off the circulation in the legs. You can try lightweight socks which will keep you feet warm without the heaviness. If an extra layer is required you can try silk ski socks they are warm and are light in weight.

5) Underwear: Polypropylene can be used for underwear as they are known to be light weight and good protection from the cold.

6) Wind Protection: While moving the air hits directly into our body to protect from that you will need to use the pants and jackets which will protect you from the chilly winds and can also give you breathing space and protecting from your sweat.

7) Helmets and Liners: Since the head is an important part of the body you will need to think of protection for the same. Also 50% of our heat is lost through your head. A helmet is a must for the head which can help you keep cool in summer but they do not protect you from the cold so a liner inside the helmet can keep your head and ears well protected from the wind.

If you are biking enthusiast and love to explore you can easily take your mountain bike and explore America. Several travel agents have the tours specially made for biking and the same takes you along the scenic routes and also help you in arranging for boarding and lodging on the route. It is a great way for the couples or groups to relax themselves and also get the exercise they require.

Mostly all the states in America has very good trails for mountain bikes. There are not only mountains but the areas are covered with hills, scenic routes and other trails for the bikers. The best areas for the bikers are the Pacific, Southwest, Northwest and southeast states.

The southeast is becoming popular now for these biking trails and Southwest is not far behind. In these area the mountain biking sports is also catching up. More and more people are joining the mountain biking sports.
Most of the trails are long and range upto twenty miles long. But the Pinery Canyon in Arizona is the longest with a trail of fifty miles. The bikers do not need to go the full length but can do the half length or as much as they can complete.
If you are planning to take a vacation biking the place to head is Pacific Northwest as they have three best trails and they are Surveyor’s Ridge, Mount Tamalpais and Methow Trail Systems which are based in Oregon, California and Washington respectively.
The perfect vacation for the enthusiast will be biking vacation where they can explore as well have the fun of riding the bike and visiting new places. The mountain biker trails vacation is not very expensive but still it gives you the thrill and the enjoyment and thrill.

There are four types of Bikes and they can be categorized according to their suspensions:

1) Fully Rigid Bikes: the types of bikes have no suspension, use the rigid fork, and have fixed rear.

2) Hard Tail Bikes: These types have no rear suspension are mostly used with the front suspension.

3) Soft Tail Bikes: They have a frame with small amount of rear suspension, but are activated by flex of the frame instead of pivots.

4) Dual or full suspension: This type of bikes have front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and are linked to make the rear wheel move on pivots.
Mountain biking always provides thrill and enjoyment to the rider. The proper bike, which suits your style and way of riding, will be an ideal bike for you.

If you are, the beginner with the mountain bike you have lot to learn from you experiences and it will be more enjoyable and thrilling as you are gaining experience in the field of mountain biking. You also will need to check the different bikes available in the market and the best suited to you.

The different design and the technical aspects of each and every bike is varied and by finding the right bike for yourself can give you immense pleasure and you will enjoy the sport and can accept the challenges in the sport.