Gift Ideas for Mountain Biking Enthusiasts

If you are trouble with what gift to give for a friend, a relative or a love one, the best source of idea is his or her hobby. If he or she loves mountain biking, here are some gift ideas to take note of:

Air-pump
While it is nice to have a floor pump ready in the garage, most flat-outs happen on the trail. In fact, it is the most common problem bikers experience. Portable or mini air-pump is a real life saver. So if you know that he or she doesn't carry a mini pump while on the trail, consider this as your first gift choice. Throw in a pressure gauge too. Or better yet, buy a mini air-pump with built-in pressure gauge.

Spare Inner Tube
At any given point, mountain bikers can experience a flat. Sometimes, tires get ruptured beyond repair and must be replaced while in the trail. It would really help if you buy spare inner tube as a gift to save your biker friend from walking a long way down the mountain carrying his bike in case he hits a nasty bump.

Trail multi-tool
Aside from portable air-pump, every mountain biker should carry a trail multi-tool in case of breakdown while on the trail. There are different kinds of trail-multi tool on the market. I suggest that you buy one that has a built-in chain tool.

Sunglasses
Sunglasses function as protection from dust, insects, and other particles that can enter the eyes while riding. They also serve as filter and light enhancer. Go for functional and stylish sunglasses.

Gloves
Wearing a pair of gloves is a must during riding. It protects the biker's palms and fingers during crash. As a gift, it is something that bikers can't have too many of.

Backpack
A backpack that can house everything a biker needs is another gift option.

Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
A stylish water bottle is another gift idea that you cannot get wrong with as any style, size and color will do. Hydration pack with bladder on the other hand has gained more popularity as it is more convenient to drink from and has enough room for the biker's snack, pump and tools at the same time.

Mountain Bike Apparel
This is easy and probably the safest way to make him or her happy. Bike shirts, jackets and shorts are most appreciated. There are hundreds of types and several brands to choose from. All you need to do is to know his size and his taste.

Upgrades
Figuring out which part of your friend's bike needs to be upgraded is the tricky part. But you can easily get a clue during conversation. If it is the bike that is the topic, you can always casually ask the parts that he or she wants to get replaced. It can be a surprise if you secretly bring it to the bike shop and have something upgraded.

A New Bike
Feeling extremely generous? Why not give him or her a brand new bike? But don't just go a bike dealer and point on one bike on display (or browse online and buy the first bike on the list). You must know what he or she wants and needs. Have a casual talk or go to a bike dealer with him (or her) and observe his (or her) movements.

You will surely get a clue of what type of bike he or she wants.

Five-Point Rule when Riding Downhill

Riding downhill is probably the most exciting part of mountain biking. But this doesn't mean that you have to ride hard like there's no tomorrow. There is a big difference between having fun and wiping out. Take these 5 simple advices to ride down the hill in one piece instead of spending the rest of your day in the hospital.

1. Pre-ride preparation – Even if you are physically ready and capable to ride downhill, never attempt it if you have not checked your bike. Check if you have the right set of brakes and if it works properly. Do not forget to wear your trusted helmet, a pair of gloves, and pads if available.

2. Keep it balanced – As you move downhill, shift your body weight as far back on the saddle as possible to counter the angle of descent. If you feel that the front end of the bike wobbles or you are losing control, you may be too far back. Compensate it by leaning forward until you get the right control. Keep your body properly aligned on with your bike. Bend down and hold your body as close to the bike as possible. Bend your arms and legs. They are best shock absorbers especially if the trail is very rough and rutted. The bike is harder to control with stiff body. Relax your muscles and do not grip the handlebar too tightly.

3. Pick a line and stay on it –Instead of picking a spot that you want to avoid, pick a line where you want to go. Make sure that you align your front tube towards that direction. Scan your path in advance for possible hazards and prepare your next action. Planning is essential. It will keep your feet on the pedal and your hands on the handlebar. When scanning, look 15 to 20 feet ahead. Then align your tire towards or away from that direction. Do this throughout your descent.

Even if you have a good set of suspension, try to choose the smoothest path possible. A less rugged path gives you better control of the bike and less body pain after the ride.

4. Keep your senses intact – Do not get carried away with the adrenaline rush. While you can go wild and get crazy, keep your mind focused on the direction of your bike. Remember, lack of concentration for a brief moment can speed a disaster and can send you rolling down the hill ahead of your bike. Always play it safe but still having fun.

5. Control your speed – Sure, you want to feel the wind brushing your face. That is just part of the thrill. But do not substitute wind with mud or rocks. If you want to let go of the brake during descent, it is entirely up to but make sure that you have a complete control over your bike. If fear starts to replace the thrills, better think of slowing down. Do not hit the brake hard though. Gently squeeze both front and rear brake to get to the desired speed.

Watch out for other bikers or unsuspecting hiker ahead of you. You may be riding down too fast and may hit another person. This doesn't mean that you should not go fast, it only means you have to take control of your speed.

Before Buying a Mountain Bike

This aims to help you make an educated purchase that will lead you on the right mountain bike.

• Know what type of biking you want

This will set the standard of your bike as well as its price. Mountain bikes are not created equal. They are designed for a specific style and terrain. Your task is to determine which type of biking you will be doing most of the time. Are you going to ride on different terrains or smooth surface? Are you going to use your bike for serious off-roading or cross-country expedition? Knowing the answer to these questions will lead you to the bike you really need.

• What to look for...

Good bikes are comfortable, durable and feature-packed. While this may cost a lot, it is important to focus your find within these criteria. Comfort means everything. A bike with an adjustable seat and good suspension is a must. Durability is equally essential. Choose between aluminum and steel frame depending on the type of use. Features can add to the cost of the bike. You may want to choose which features are necessary. Again, "good" is always equated with price, at least for mountain bikes, so if your money doesn't match with the bike that you want, identify what features you can give up.

• Set your Price

Most mountain bikes are expensive. In fact, there is virtually no limit to how much you can spend on your bike. But this should not be the reason to quit your desire to conquer the mountain. With the right knowledge of what you want your bike to be, choosing the right bike is made easier. Just remember that with price comes quality. An $800 bike for example has more components and is more durable than a $500 one. Here, price really matters but if you are a first-time buyer, I suggest that you get a basic bike and upgrade as necessary. This way, you will not waste your money just in case you decide to hang your bike. Conversely, buying a $2000 bike is not bad as long as you can afford it. After all, with price comes functionality and features. The point is, set your price according to your needs and how much you can afford.

• Find a good dealer

Finding a good dealer is as good as finding a good bike. Although you do your research, talking to a dealer's representative can shed light on the things you want to clarify and things you still need to know about mountain bikes. Ask questions about the different types of bikes, its features, maintenance, maintenance cost and servicing. A good dealer is more than willing to assist you on these things.

• Look for a good deal

Nothing could be better than buying a bike that is worth more than its sticker price. If you want to get more than your money's worth, do your homework. Find as much information as you can on different bikes. Read product reviews. This will take time but is worth every minute. Another sure way to get a good deal, or even the best deal, is to buy during fall and winter. Dealers are willing to slash off hundreds of dollars to the bike's original price to dispose the last year's stocks and give way to their new designs in summer.

Instinct (or impulse) may tell you to buy certain bike because it looks good or the price is reasonable but I suggest that you evaluate and decide out everything that what we have discussed.

Mountain Biking: Getting Started

Jump starting mountain biking as a hobby can be a bit scary for many individuals for one reason: they basically do not know where to start. Here, learn the basic things you need to know to get you started.

Bike and Gears
If you are starting off from scratch, you need to think of buying a bike first before anything else. I said "think" because not all bikes are the same.

When buying your first mountain bike, you have to identify the type of riding you will be doing most of the time as bikes are designed for specific style and terrain. To make matters simple, I suggest that you get an all-terrain hard tail mountain bike to start with (but you are free to choose from other types of bike depending on the riding surface you want to ride).

Then, there are gears. It's a no-brainer that you must have a helmet whenever you go out for a ride. Not only because it protects your head from any possible injury you may sustain during a crash, but also because it is prohibited to ride without wearing one.

Consider buying at least 3 pairs of gloves so while you are wearing one pair, the other pair goes to the laundry while the third pair goes to your backpack as a reserve. Mountain biking shoes are great for comfort and good grip on the pedal. Sunglasses regulate and enhance the light and serve as a protection from harmful rays and other elements that can enter your eyes such as dust, small rocks and insects.

Tools
Every biker experiences getting flat and mechanical damage. Get a good set of tire repair kit including mini pump, patches, extra inner tube and glue. A multi-tool that includes wrenches will allow you to repair any mechanical damage of your bike. Broken chains can be a big problem while on the trail. Make sure to include chain tool in your arsenal.

Location. Location. Location.

Common conception is that mountain bikes can only be used on unpaved surfaces. The truth is you can use your mountain bike no matter where you are. So whether you are stuck in the city that offers everything other than nature or you have an access on a local bike or a mountain trail, you are good to ride.

Riding companion
There is nothing wrong with riding alone but you really have to consider joining a group of riders especially if you are planning to ride on remote places where there are no people around. A riding companion will come in handy in case you need medical assistance or simply experience a mechanical breakdown while on the trail. Also, experienced riders are good sources of valuable information on the best places to ride and how to ride safely and properly.

Safety Concerns
While mountain biking is a relatively safe sport, taking proper precautions are necessary. Aside from wearing a helmet and gloves, consider wearing padded shorts, elbow and knee pads. Keep your speed in check. Do not ride beyond your capabilities. Do not ride if you are uncomfortable with the terrain. Keep your physical fitness high. Take it slow; do not spend your energy on the first kilometer of the trail.

And most importantly, keep your energy high by drinking fluids and eating right before and during the ride.

Bike Maintenance

Any seasoned biker would agree that physical preparation is important to keep you going on the trial. But no amount of exercise and training is enough if you do not ensure the condition of your bike. As your body needs to be prepared, your bike has to be fit for the trip as well.

Bike maintenance is divided into 3 basic frames:

Pre-trip check
Just like checking your motorized vehicle before you go for your long trip, checking your bike before you ride is a very critical pre-trip procedure. Your aim is to find and if necessary, repair parts of the bike that need immediate attention so that you minimize the risk of breakdown while on the trail. Check the tire threads and pressure. Make sure that the wheels are aligned and the seat is at the right angle. Check the quick-release levers. Clean the bike. Lube the necessary parts.

Post-trip check
Before throwing your bike into your car and drive home, turn the bike upside-down and remove mud, twigs and other foreign objects using damp cloth. Pop off and clean the wheels. The key is removing everything that can be an avenue for moisture to enter. (Rust starts on moist parts of the bike.)

Long-term repairs and storage
Assuming that your bike performed well while on the trip, do not hang it yet. Clean it thoroughly and check for parts that might be damaged during the trip. This is a good time to take parts of your bike apart to make sure that they are properly cleaned. (Make sure that you remember which part goes where. Do not take your bike apart if you don't know how to put them back.) Check the suspension, inspect the brake pads, tighten the cables, and check the chains and gears. After the whole procedure, dry the entire bike off with a clean cloth.

If you are using your bike regularly (at least 2 times a week) it may get a share of wear and tear. Routinely check your bike before and after your ride to stop problems and fix them if necessary.

If your bike spends most of its time in the garage and only gets a taste of dirt once in a while, make sure that you follow these storage and maintenance procedures to keep it in tip-top shape:

Take the gadgets (GPS, lights, bells, speed meters, etc.) off your handle bar before storage. Designate a box for these gadgets or store it with all your bike tools.

Store your bike in a dry place. Moist can enter your bike and start rust build-up if it is wet in storage.

Hang your bikes with wheels off.

Check the inner tubes of the wheels for leaks. Use patches to seal the tubes.

Clean the chains, gears and brake discs. Make sure that they are dry before storage. Lube the chains at least once a month.

If you are going to use your bike, follow the pre-trip check before riding. You have invested so much on your mountain bike and other upgrades; the last thing you want is a useless, rusty and cranking bike.

A well-maintained bike not only prolongs its service, it also ensures your safety while on the trial. Keep your bike working properly by doing everything that is mentioned above.

Top Reasons Why You should not Quit Mountain Biking

Not because you hit a wall or crashed 20 feet down the cliff, it doesn't mean that you can hang your bike in the garage and watch television all day. Mountain biking, in the first place, should be fun. And some accidents, while often humiliating or painful, are just part of the sport. You probably have several personal reasons to quit. Instead of entertaining these negative thoughts, why not ask yourself, why should I not quit? Here's why…

Because some jerks expect you to quit

Your neighbors or probably even your friend will just roll their eyes if you tell them you have started mountain biking. They might say, "You are just wasting your time because you will quit anyway." If stirring skepticism is all that you create, why not put it in a positive way. Whenever you feel like quitting, remember all these people who do not believe that you can stay on your bike. Prove them wrong.

It makes you feel good about yourself

You might have seen some changes in your body after just weeks of regular mountain biking. What more if you maintain it for several months?

When you ride, you burn lots of calories that should have turned into fat if you did not decide to get moving. Riding helps you keep in shape. And if you are in shape, you start to feel good about yourself, which can be reflected to the way you act, communicate and relate with others.

Also, you are often judged as a person through physical appearance. If you look good, many will think of you as trustworthy and smart. If you are fat, you may be labeled as dumb, lazy and untrustworthy. This is not morally right but it is true; and many studies have testified to it.

It makes you feel better when you bump to an old friend

Isn't it nice to bump to an old friend from high school looking chiseled and fit? Isn't it great to attend a reunion and become the center of talk because you have lost a lot of weight? Losing weight may be the reason why you started mountain biking, looking good is a bonus.

Mountain biking is fun

Fun can be defined in many ways. Being able to improve your endurance, breathe fresh air, challenge yourself, learn new skill, see new places, meet new people and stay in shape are some of those. Mountain biking allows you to enjoy them all at the same time.

The beach season

Can you still remember the last time you have taken your shirt off and put on a swimwear? Or, have you done it? Confidently? If you love the beach or planning to go to the beach this summer, wouldn't it be nice if you can show off how good your body looks? Mountain biking, although it may not be able to give you those big muscles, will certainly keep those fats off and help achieve a trimmed body.

The opposite sex

For some strange reasons, human beings still posses some attitudes of animals even if we claim that we are the superior kind. We still have the idea that if we look good and look strong, we attract the opposite sex. But is it true. Good looking people get more attention; and you have to admit that you want to belong in this small, lucky group.