Variations in a Mountain Bike Frame - What You Should Know About It

A mountain bike mainly depends up on its design and the design is basically the structure of its frame. The performance of a mountain bike has a large variety of application and for each application some variation in its frame is required. In the preceding paragraphs I will discuss some variations in the frames of mountain bike which has impact on the ride itself.

Metallurgy

The bike frames are available in a variety of materials which affect the weight of the bike directly. The heavier frames are made up of steel while steel alloy frames are a bit lighter in weight comparatively. These frames are used in bikes for local commutation and in bikes meant for pavement or road riding. These frames are much more brittle to take the ruggedness of free riding and quickly bend or break.

The lightest frames are made of aluminum and its alloys. These frames are very light in weight and are usually used in bikes meant for free riding and downhill biking. These frames are more flexible and can sustain a lot of rough handling involved in the roughed mountain biking sports.

Frame Size

The size of the frame has a direct impact on the performance of a bike. A bike with a larger frame will automatically have more weight and will have a center of gravity much higher from the ground. This will make the bike more stable while going down on slopes. But it would make the bike difficult to lift and to balance at a slower speed.

In contrast to that, bikes with smaller frames will be much lighter and easier to handle while maneuvering in through a dirt track or jumping across a ditch. Therefore it is better to get a bike with a smaller frame if free riding is your aim.

Frame Complexity

A frame has to cater for the type of suspension that it is using. A bike with a hard tail will not require a complicated frame where as a bike with a rear suspension will have to have a complex frame to cater for the inclusion of the rear suspension

Frame plays an important role in a mountain bike which will dictate its performance, selecting the right frame for your needs is what you have to keep in mind when you go to get yourself the next bike.

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Paul Kramer

Stay Away from Danger: An Idiot Guide to Mountain Biking

The basic skill needed to ride a road bike maybe the same with mountain bike. The main difference however is the terrain. While it is easier to manage on smooth paved road, off-road is entirely a different story. Mountain biking requires better skill and more conscious riding. Here are some of the things you should do to stay safe while riding:

Wear proper gears - Keeping your butt on the seat, your feet on the pedals, and your hands on the handlebar is not always possible. You may crash and may suffer minor cuts and bruises along the way. To minimize injury, you have to wear the proper gears. Wear the right helmet whenever you go for a ride. Not because it is prohibited to ride without a helmet, but because it can save your head from possible injury if you crash. Wear gloves (full or cut offs, it is your choice to make) as it protect your hand from falls, cuts and blisters.

Ride within your abilities – Admit it, there are better riders than you and there is no shame in walking and carrying your bike on some sections of the trail if you don't feel comfortable riding. You don't have to prove anything. It is better to be safe than risking your life and limb on a trail that you know you can't ride. It is also equally important to know your physical fitness. Pushing yourself beyond your physical capacity may get your into trouble. Do not ride on a long and steep trail of you don't have the physical capability.

Use the right bike – Not all mountain bikes are the same. Some are better for certain terrain and weather conditions than others. Make sure that your bike is designed for that particular trail.

Take extra caution when riding downhill and on blind curves – Mountain biking is almost similar with driving a car. The only thing that sets them apart is that when you ride your bike you will likely get a wipe out if you lose control when riding downhill and on blind curves – you will likely get a facial encounter with the rock, sand and mud which can be nasty. Be careful. Slow down. Always be in control.

Always have a crash plan – Any trail can be a venue for disaster so aside from keeping control with your bike, you need to plan your crash. Have a mental simulation on the possible scenario and the things you should do to protect yourself if in case you lose control. Never underestimate any type of trail. Sometimes, what looks so easy to ride is actually deadly to crash.

Know the trail – Any mountain biker will agree that knowledge of the trail is better than years of experience. Do not push your limits on an unfamiliar trail. Get to know it first. And even then, you have to take the outmost care.

Keep your speed in check – The faster you get, the least time you have to react on unforeseen changes in the trail's condition. Sharp bends, a ditch or muddy holes are venues for crashes and can only be dealt properly with the right speed.

Finally, keep your attitude in check – Having a good bike and wearing a complete gear do not equate to total safety. Do not be too proud of yourself. Do not be overconfident. Stay focus at all times.

Safety Tips when Mountain Biking in Cold Weather

Mountain biking in cold weather brings a whole new challenge and lots of fun. But just like any other outdoor activities, extra safety precautions are important:

Clothing
Weather can be very unpredictable on high altitude especially during cold season. Be sure that you wear the right types of clothes. Wear extra layers of clothing to keep you warm. Wear waterproof outer shell to keep you dry. In case of rescue, a brightly-colored jacket can be a lifesaver.

Gears
Never ride without a helmet.

Wear thick gloves to protects your finger from possible frostbite but make sure that the gloves you wear do not reduce handling and control of the bike.

Wear extra pair of socks to keep your feet warm. Take note that if the body experiences extreme cold, blood circulation on lower and upper extremities is reduced, which results to frostbite. Wear cycling shoes or boots a couple of size larger to accommodate the extra pair of socks you need to wear.

Freezing winds can cause your eyes to dry making it harder to see and navigate through the road. Wearing sunglasses is a must.

Tools
Never leave without your tool kits and tire repair kit. Breakdowns can happen at anytime, and more likely during extreme weather conditions. Pack a spare inner tube, portable pump, patches, glue, chain kit, and wrenches for nuts and bolts.

Lubrication
Riding in cold weather can cause the suspension to freeze, make it brittle and not work properly. Before setting out for a ride, check if the parts are properly lubricated. Check the overall condition of your bike as well. Do not leave if you see any irregularities on your bike (be it small). It may become a major problem while on the trail. Never attempt to go out if your bike is not designed for cold weather.

Hydration and Food
Cold weather consumes a lot of energy from the body as the body tries to keep up and regulate its temperature. Cold weather also suppresses thirst even if your body requires replenishment. Make sure that you keep hydrated by sipping small amounts of liquid regularly. If you are worried that your water will freeze, use insulation cover for water bottle or just use water hydration pack with bladder. Do not bring cold water. Instead, bring hot drink. It will keep you hydrated and warm. Eat before and while on the trail. Bring extra food in case of emergency.

Ride safely
Trails during winter season can be trickier than ever. There may be some unexpected bends, curves, mud, and dips that can throw you off the bike. Keep your speed in check. Stay on the trail at all times. If you are going to ride alone, make sure that you bring a map, a cellular phone or a satellite phone, a compass, an altimeter or a GPS, and let your friend or a relative know where you are going, although I strongly advice that you should not go out there by yourself.

These are just some advices that may save your life. The amount of preparation depends on how far is the trail from your base, how long will you stay on the trail, and how well do you know the trail. Always use your common sense.

Shopping for Mountain Bike for the First Time

When buying a mountain bike, decide first the riding style that you really want to do most. Buying a mountain bike after only looking at the first few ones you inspected is very tempting. This often happens because mountain bikes, at a glance look basically the same. It is 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 that 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 buying a mountain bike 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, mountain 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 with a mountain bike takes a back seat.

Frame – if you have money to spend on a mountain bike, 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 the mountain bike is 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 mountain bike, choose a good dealer. Your mountain bike is often just as good as the dealer that sold it to you. Mass retailed mountain bikes 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 mountain bike handle bars are flat and straight but this should also allow the rider to sit comfortably straight.

Riding position – Mountain bikes 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 on the mountain bike.

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 bikes that you can continually upgrade later.

If you must skimp, skimp last on the frame.