Beginner Cycling

Showing posts with label beginner mountain biking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beginner mountain biking. Show all posts

Sunday, February 12, 2012

How to Shop for a Mountain Bike

Here at Beginner Cycling we search the web to discover articles that are of interest to people just beginning to get into cycling. We recently found the following article relevant to beginner mountain biking, and we thought that it would be interesting for our readers who are looking to buy the best beginner mountain bike for themselves:

>>Click Here to Buy Discount Mountain Bikes or to Read Reviews of the Best Discount Mountain Bikes<<

Shopping for Mountain Bike for the First Time by Andreja

When buying a mountain bike, decide first the riding style that you really want to do most. Buying it after only looking at the first few ones you inspected is very tempting. This often happens because they, at a glance look basically the same. They are usually loaded with features and stuff, ruggedly built that can stand punishment than most bikes. Too many times, a mountain bike is bought designed to climb steep inclines and loaded with impressive upgrades but never gets off the pavement. This is like buying an impressive four by four SUV that was never used off road. There goes the fun.

But if you really enjoy riding off road, zip through the woods, sand or rocky trails, you deserve a good mountain bike.

Before you buy it determine your riding style and the terrain that you will be using it for.

Wheels - mountain bikes are mounted on knobby tires. The wider threads are designed to give the rider better grip on the road when traveling over rocks, dirt, sand or gravel. The tire pressure is also less so that more rubber is in contact with the road thereby getting more traction. The spokes and rims are designed to be sturdy to handle the riding that mountain biking requires.

Whatever the tire you use, these bikes do not go as fast as road bikes. They are designed to be sturdy with a higher riding position, wider threads, stouter frames, higher ground clearance (so the rider can better negotiate a rugged terrain); features straight handlebars and can generally take the punishment. Speed takes a back seat on this one.

Frame - if you have money to spend, spend it well on frames. Beware of mountain bike set ups with very appealing add-ons like front and rear shocks, multiple gears etc. If it's built from heavy frames, it probably will not last long in rugged off road conditions. You will also be encumbered with the added weight that should be the last thing a mountain biker needs.

Choose your frames well. If you have to buy a good one, choose a good dealer. Your bike is often just as good as the dealer that sold it to you. Mass retailed ones that are sold in department stores serves a purpose but if you want something really good, find a good seller.

Handlebars - choose handlebars that offer the best position for vision and control. All handle bars are flat and straight but this should also allow the rider to sit comfortably straight.

Riding position - they are designed so that the rider is in an upright position. This position may not be as comfortable as the riders' position in a street bike but this position allows the biker to get a better grip and very effective control.

Suspension - the choice is between full suspension and a hard tail. Whenever you can, go for full suspension. It does not only allow you to control your down slopes well it is also easy on the back.



If the budget allows it, resist the temptation of buying cheap. The old adage that tells us that we only get what we pay for will always be true. Mountain bikes are meant to be fun and safe. Much of these are lost when buying cheap. If more expensive choices are not an option for the moment, choose the ones that you can continually upgrade later.

If you must skimp, skimp last on the frame.

Going biking? Here you can find all the accessories that you will need.
Click it and find out!

More information on the interesting mountain bikes pictured above:

We hope you find this article as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.

Other articles on cycling:

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

How to Buy a Mountain Bike

At Beginner Cycling we scour the internet to find articles that are of interest to people just beginning to get into cycling. We recently found the following article relevant to beginner mountain biking, and we thought that it would be interesting for our readers who are looking to buy the best beginner mountain bike for themselves:

How To Purchase A Mountain Bike

By Jake Austin

The popularity of mountain bikes certainly has taken off over the last few decades. They are built to endure punishment while out on the rugged trails due to their tough frame and wide tires. While they are slower than road bikes, they are typically more comfortable and durable.

Buying a mountain bike isn't all that easy even for those who are more experienced. One of the reasons for this is the wide selection of bikes that are available. Asking others for advice can certainly be helpful, but may only cause more confusion. If you asked 10 people what mountain bike you should buy, you might get at least 3-4 different answers. The key is to know what you're looking for.

What first has to be decided is your budget. What is your limit? When it comes down to it, you can spend as much as you really want to. Some bikes cost upwards of $5000, while the entry level models are in the $300 range. It's easy to go to a bike store or shop online and get enamored with the most expensive bikes. If you know your limit, then it will narrow down you selection right away.

>>Click Here to Buy Discount Mountain Bikes or to Read Reviews of the Best Discount Mountain Bikes<<

Also, shop from stores that specialize in bicycles, whether it be online or offline. The reason is because the quality of bike and service is superior at these stores.

Suspension is an important consideration. Some bikes only have front suspension, while others have full suspension. The amount of suspension could be anywhere from 1-4 inches, and some are even adjustable. Full suspension is ideal if you do plan on riding in rough terrain. It won't pedal as efficiently and will be heavier than a hardtail, but you will gain comfort and control.



The size of the mountain bike must be a good fit. A typical road bike is much bigger. If you already own a road bike that fits you well, then look for a mountain bike with a frame about 3-inches smaller. Size impacts comfort and your performance. Be sure you know what size is best before buying, particularly online. Also consider what components matter to you the most. Then, look for the bikes that have what you want.

The prices of mountain bikes varies throughout the course of a year. The best deals usually come in the fall and winter, since the spring and summer is when most choose to buy. Some stores may even throw in a few accessories for free as well.

Indoor Cycling Bike Reviews:

Stamina CPS 9190 Cycle Trainer, Motus USA M-Racing Fusion

More information on the interesting mountain bikes pictured above:

We hope you find this article as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.

Other articles on cycling:

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Guide to Mountain Biking


Here at Beginner Cycling we are always scouring the internet for articles that may be interesting to folks who are just beginning to get into cycling. Recently, we found the following article about beginner mountain biking, and we thought that it would be interesting to our readers:

A General Guide to Mountain Biking - How to Conquer the Trail With a Bicycle

By Tommy Moon

One of the fondest childhood memories is learning how to ride a bicycle. I am sure it is easy for many of us to instantly recollect our riding teachers and the location of our first two wheeled adventures. Riding a bike is a long standing tradition that has been passed down over numerous families and generations.

Really a first taste of freedom and responsibility, the bike is often a right of passage for maturing youth. While most kids are satisfied with just balancing on two wheels safely there will always be those daring minds that want to break traditional molds. In this article we will review the various types of mountain biking and the suitable gear utilized in the experience.

When selecting a suitable bike style for yourself it will be worthwhile to check out such sub-categories as cross country (XC), all mountain (AM), downhill (DH), four-cross/dual slalom (4X), freestyle/big air (BA), dirt jumping (DJ), trials (TL) and mountain bike touring (MBT).

The many faces of this sport all have their own unique equipment, rules and communities. By reading up on each niche we can find the one that best suits our own personal needs and desires.

Sitting on a mountain bike and racing and down a mountain can be the thrill of lifetime for those who decide to take the plunge. If you are a beginner starting with cross country (XC) is the recommended first step. It is the most popular among novice riders and is a mountain biking genre where rider safety and difficulty level is easy to control. Cross country usually consists of guided uphill, downhill and flat terrain paths where skill levels are often conveniently separated by marked trails and maps. For those wanting to partake in this sport, there is a checklist of gear that you should constantly be reviewing and maintaining.

Picking the bike will probably be hardest choice. It is advised to see a trusted specialist when buying a mountain bike. You will not only learn about the latest mountain biking technology but you can also make sure you are getting the best bike fit for your body shape and riding preferences. Once you get past a bike purchase the rest of the mountain bike accessories are much simpler to source. When preparing for a mountain ride the other specialty gear you will need may include gloves, glasses, shoes, clothes, hydration systems, GPS/tracking navigation, tire pumps, repair tools, spare parts and communication devices.

Due to the risky nature of mountain biking additional safety precautions and protections are mandatory. Factors that will impact protective gear necessities are obstacle awareness, environment, climate, guide recommendations, education level, technical skill, physical fitness and risk tolerance. When mountain biking, safety should never be compromised and items like helmets, body armor and first aid kits are a must. Once you stock up on and get acquainted with the equipment mentioned above you should be more than ready to tackle a mountain trail or two.

In the digital age it seems as if we are finding less and less reasons to participate in outdoor activities. Fortunately for us mountain biking gives us one really good excuse to break away from our computers and indulge in some climatic climbing. Mountain biking not only tests us both mentally and physically but it is a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family in a constructive and productive environment.

Sadly the world's natural habitats are depleting at unacceptable rates and if we do decide to enjoy the gifts of the land we should take care of them as well. Mountain biking is so many sensations rolled into one and is one of those life experiences that nobody should pass up.

It may even have you traveling back to those days as child and your first pair of training wheels or trial and error bicycle training crashes. Mountain biking is an adrenaline rush. It is a slice of life that encourages health and happiness. Mountains are awe inspiring and when you add a bike and the human mind great things can happen. In life we are all looking to get to the top of the mountain and a bike is just one more tool we were given to get there. Hope to see you at the summit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_Moon; http://EzineArticles.com/?A-General-Guide-to-Mountain-Biking---How-to-Conquer-the-Trail-With-a-Bicycle&id=6232315

More information on the interesting mountain bikes pictured above:

We hope you find this article as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.

Other articles on cycling:

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