Trail Bikers Blog

Alastair Hamilton asked:


Learning more about mountain biking will help you enjoy the sport more. Knowledge is key to having the right bike and equipment for your ride.

If you want a good way to spend time outside having fun, then you may want to try mountain biking. If you are looking for a fun adrenaline rush, then going very fast down the side of a mountain can be great fun, but it is also dangerous. If you are careful and take precautions, though, it is a sport that the whole family can enjoy.

Mountain Biking Styles

There are three styles of mountain biking. The three different styles include cross-country, free riding, and downhill biking. The styles are somewhat similar to each other, but they each have different skills that are needed. The mountain biking style that you want to do will determine what kind of bike that you need to purchase.

Where to Mountain Bike

Mountain biking is usually done on an unpaved surface. You can find many different areas throughout North America that have specially designed biking trails for you. It is important to check with your local park before you just take off down a trail to make sure that you know the rules and regulations that they have.

There are also groups that you can join to compete against and ride with. It is easy to find a group via the web or in your local paper. You can even ask at your local bike shop if they know of any groups. You can find groups for any experience level - from beginner to more advanced.

Great Biker

To be an accomplished mountain biker, you must first build up your stamina and endurance. If you are racing, then you will want to add a lot of practice and ambition to the mix. Just as with any other sport, mountain biking takes practice to get good at. If you are just beginning, you will have to practice and take those bruises and spills until you get better. There is no way around it.

Mountain Bike Selection

Depending upon what kind of bike riding you will be doing, your bike choice revolves around that fact and your personal desires. You can find bikes in many different price ranges, shapes, and styles, which makes it somewhat overwhelming to find the right one for you.

The internet is a great place to start your bike search. It is easy to compare prices and look at different features of bikes on the internet because there is not stress. You will want to try out the bike before you purchase it, though, so you may have to go to the local bike shop for that. When trying out a bike, you will want to consider the comfort, fit, and how it is made and geared to help you make the best decision for you.

Safety First

Riding a mountain bike can be very dangerous because you are riding on uneven terrain. It is important that you wear a helmet no matter where your riding and elbow and knee pads to help keep yourself safe. If you choose to ride in a wooded area or are going to be following other riders, then you may want to consider adding some goggles to your equipment to help keep your eyes safe. Safety should be your top priority in preparing and riding.

Thomas Caulfield asked:


Buying a new mountain bike can be confusing. There are several different brands of mountain bikes, and several different types of each brand. Always buy a bike for what you are going to use it for. We all know downhill and freeride bikes look awesome, but if you’re going to be riding cross country, buy a cross country bike. Now there are two types of cross country bikes hard tail and full suspension. Neither one is better than the other. The deciding factor is how they feel to you personally. Full suspension is better for long rides because your **** wont hurt as bad, and hard tail gives you a feeling a being better connected to the ground and they feel a little more responsive. But once again, it is all your personal preference.

One thing that many people do not know, is that most bikes in the same price range usually have the same components. The main brands are shimano and sram, both of which are great companies. Since all of the components are about the same, the most important thing is the frame. The frame needs to be strong, somewhat light, but most of all it needs to feel good to you. The most important thing to do is TEST RIDE! Try out as many different bikes as you can, then once you find one you really like, try a few more. If you do this I promise you will not be disappointed with your purchase. Many bike shops will let you rent the bikes they have and go try them out on the trails. I would definitely take advantage of this.

Gregg Hall asked:


Buying a mountain bike can be time consuming and frustrating. This article is full of tips that will help making buying a mountain bike, easier and less stressful for you. After all the benefits of owning a mountain bike, should far outweigh the stress of buying one.

The tip we have for you is in regards to determining the price of a mountain bike. To be honest with you, there is no limit to the spending that can occur on a mountain bike. Therefore, prior to buying one, you create a budget for the bike and stick to it. Another thing you should consider is where you buy the mountain bike. It is suggested you purchase one from a specialty bike store and not mass merchants like Wal-Mart.

Because mountain bikes come in a variety of terrain types and riding styles, it is important that you choose one that works well with what you be doing on the bike the most. Some different riding styles include cross country racing, smooth riding, lift access downhill, and mountain cruising. The mountain mike you purchase should file well with your own likes and personality, not that of the sale’s staff the in the store you purchase it from.

When it comes to hard tail or full suspension, full suspension is the best bet if you have the money to spend. Each have their differences, for example, a hard tail, pedals easier and weighs less. However, full suspension mountain bikes offer better control and more overall comfort to the rider. This decision should be made after contemplation of the type of terrain you will be on most, your riding style, and the money you are willing to spend.

There are so many different combinations available when it comes to mountain bikes, it would be virtually impossible to make side by side comparisons. The best way for you to choose the mountain bike you like, is to determine which aspects of the mountain bike is most important to your situation. The most important thing is to ensure that the bare minimums fall into your budget before looking at the amenities.

Deals can be found on mountain bikes, if you know when and where to look. Prices are always fluctuating so it is important that you know when the best times to buy are. For example, the spring months and the summer months are the most popular seasons for buying mountain bikes. These are times you should avoid because the prices will be higher than usual. Fall months and winter months are prime times for buying a mountain bike.

Simba asked:


I just tried mountain biking for the first time today. Idon’t have an actual mountain bike yet (it’s a cruiser). But the trails I’m trying are easy mountain biking trails. I want to make sure I enjoy it before investing in another bike. Do you have any tips on mountain biking? Tips on riding rather than equipment are especially useful at this point. Thanks

Ed S asked:


I need to get new mountain biking tires and I am looking to spend under $60 per tire, if possible. I mainly mountain bike in Allegheny county in Western PA. I ride a hard tail and most of my biking is technical. Any suggestions?

Alastair Hamilton asked:


Every mountain biker worth his or her salt will want to try the Slick Rock Trail, located in Moab, Utah - one of the most challenging mountain biking trails in the world.

Every sport has its “ultimate” challenge. Golf has the Augusta National - host of the Masters tournament, Tennis has the grass courts of Wimbledon, car racing has the Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500.

Mountain Biking has the Slickrock Bike Trail in Moab, Utah.

The Slickrock Bike Trail is a 9.6 mile trail which most experts consider to be “the ultimate mountain biking experience.” There’s plenty of “easy and scenic” bike trails as well, but for the ultimate ride, Slickrock is it.

Moab is located in eastern Utah, about 230 miles east of Salt Lake City, or 350 miles west of Denver, Colorado. The origin of the name of Moab for this once small town (incorporated in 1902) are unclear, but now the name is iconic for great mountain biking.

Moab isn’t a big city - only about 5,000 people live there, but they get plenty of tourist traffic - so much so that you’ll find over thirty hotels and motels, ten bed and breakfasts, two resorts, 26 guest houses, and fifteen privately owned campgrounds. There are also over a dozen public campgrounds in the national parks nearby.

Tourists don’t just come for the mountain biking, of course. There’s off-road jeep trails, hiking, camping, and motorcycling…there’s even the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, on which you can walk and see traces of dinosaur bones of a variety of species.

The first thing any visitor to Moab should do is visit their Visitor’s Center, which will have brochures for every activity under the sun, trail maps and more. If you’re new to Moab you do not want to go anywhere without a selection of trailmaps, and you should never go anywhere without letting someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. Better still, always hike or bike with a buddy who can help you out in case of trouble.

If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of tour operators - mountain biking, white river rafting, skydiving - who can take you to the right places and ensure you have a good time.

As you ride along on your bike you may see others littering or misbehaving, and wonder why you are supposed to have the “least possible impact” on their environment…but that’s just the way things are. Be responsible for your own personal “footprint”, even if you can’t control what other people do.

Moab biking trails consist of what’s called “Slick Rock.” I’ll get to that in a little bit. For now, here’s the list of good practices.

1) Ride only on open roads and trails

2) Learn to recognize and preserve cryptobiotic soil crusts. Okay - that’s going to be tough. Wait until you get to Moab and then have someone point them out to you.

3) Avoid skidding your tires

4) When it’s wet, avoid clay- like surfaces. Stay on the rocky, slickrock or sandy areas

5) Don’t ride along the sides of streams

6) Don’t pollute the water resources

Mountain Bike Trails

1) Over 100,000 people a year ride on the Slick Rock Trail - so named because its a trail of “naked” sandstone - stone that can hold onto your bike’s tires at “gravity defying angles.” The trail is rated a “Class 4″ - 4 being the hardest class.

The trail is twelve miles long, and if you weren’t concentrating on the ground in front of you you’d see that it crosses an elevated platform of sandstone surrounded by cliffs – cut by the Colorado River over millions of years. You’ll be able to view canyons, see Arches National Park across the river, and the La Sal Mountains on the eastern skyline.

The trail is a 12-mile long loop (if you don’t take any side trips) and will take at least four hours. Make sure you bring a lot of extra water with you. You can bike on the trail from mid-February through November, but of course is most popular through spring and fall.

The trail is in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, and there is a small fee enter. The fee pays for the maintenance of the entire area.

2) The Porcupine Rim Trail, also located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, is also rated a Category 4. This is a one way trail and takes about half-a-day to ride.

However, if your family is full of both skilled mountain bikers and beginners, don’t despair. There’s plenty of other easy mountain biking trails in this beautiful area.- such as the Bar M Loop.

John Pawlett asked:


There is a lot of history and information out there in regards to the history and origins of mountain biking, with some being recognized and some that depends on who has the best firm of public relations.

Some say that mountain biking began with the Buffalo Soldiers, which was a turn of the century infantry who customized bikes to carry gear over the rough and tough terrain. They began in August of 1896, over the course of 800 miles. Their mission was simple - to test bikes for military use in the toughest of terrain.

Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France that started mountain biking. The club was comprised of 20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that resembles present day mountain biking.

It could have also been John Finley Scott, who was the first mountain biker in the U.S. In 1953 he constructed what he called a ‘Woodsie Bike’, using a diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars, and cantilever brakes. He was more than 20 years ahead of his time. Even though he remained an off road enthusiast, there were many at that time who didn’t share that same passion.

Today, we believe that the history of the mountain bike is most apparent in Northern California. There are a few areas that claim to be the first community for mountain biking, although each and every history book will tell you Marin County.

The sport of mountain biking has taken many twists and turns over the last several hundred years. Even though there are many that say different things about the history and the beginning, we know one thing for sure - one thing has led to another and the sport of mountain biking was born.

Types Of Mountain Biking

As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split into 9 different categories. These categories are very versed in what they offer. They are:

1.BMX

BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels.

These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.

2.Cross country

This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it’s the least extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.

3.Cyclo cross

This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.

4.Dirt jumping

Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.

5.Downhill

Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.

6.Freeride

Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express yourself. These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see fit.

7.Single speed

No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that’s done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical problems and a lighter bike.

8.Street and urban

This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles. Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.

9.Trails

Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

curiousgeorge asked:


I want to start mountain biking and don’t know too much about it. Should I buy and expensive bike from a bike shop or go to a retail store and buy what looks okay to ride?

Swert asked:


Basically what it says up there. What do you think of Ventana mountain bikes. I’m saving up to buy a new mountain bike, and Ventana is one of the contenders. I’m particularly eying the El Chiquillo. This bike will be used for cross country riding and racing. The other bike I have my eye on is the Giant XTC Advanced, but I’m just not so sure about carbon fiber (in more than one way), plus I think I could probably get more for my money with an aluminum frame.

NovaScotiaGuy asked:


I don’t want to do jumps, ramps or craziness, but longish rides (20+ km) on trails and single-track.

I don’t want to spend a lot of $$$.

The big debate is full suspension vs. hard-tail for me.
As to danisaacs point, I’m looking to spent about $1500 CDN ($1250 US). I spent about $1000 CDN fully loaded for my road bike, but it seems the mountain bikes are higher priced for quality (or demand).

danisaacs: Can I really get a good bike in the $500 range without having to go to a department store/bulk sports shop?