Trail Bikers Blog

Robert Sheehan asked:


Mountain bikes are specially meant for rough and rugged terrains. These extra traction and shock absorbing mountain bicycles are provided with fat knobby tires. However, a full front and rear suspension is becoming quite a common factor nowadays with bikes meant for mountain rides. Some bikes of this particular variety are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with recent trends the use of handlebars and extensions are becoming less and less popular.

Mountain bicycles have both 26 and 29 inches wheels. The larger wheels of this bike type have better rolling capacities over rocks and boulders. Moreover, wheels, which are larger in diameter, also bring about an enhancement in rotational weight giving way to stable acceleration.

Mountain Bicycles – Kings On Rugged Roads

Based on suspension, mountain bicycles are broadly graded into four different kinds:

Bikes with dual or full suspension – These bikes have front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that is ready to make the rear wheels move on pivots

Hardtail bikes – These bikes have frames with no rear suspension and they are often supplied with front suspension forks

Soft Tail Bikes – These bikes have frames with small amount of rear suspension. The bikes are activated by flex of the frame rather than the pivots

Fully rigid bikes – These bikes have a sub-type of hardtail along with rigid fork system

The Different Types Of Mountain Bicycles

The Cross-Country Mountain Bike

This bike variety has small amount of suspension on the front or on the rear. These bicycles are comparatively light because they are constructed with lightweight materials both in frame construction and in components. Some XC bike varieties of this particular type are without any suspension. They make use of rigid front fork that helps in saving weight. Here, the skill of the rider to pass through rough terrains is more important.

Freeride Mountain Bike

These are very similar to enduro bikes and emphasize more on weight and enhanced suspension. These bikes have ample suspension and they are mostly constructed with heavier materials. Freeride bikes are absolutely versatile and they are fantastic for uphill travel. The frame angles of such bikes are usually steeper in comparison to downhill bikes. Most freeride bikes are 30 to 45 pounds in weight.

Trials Mountain Bike

These are trial specific bikes. Most of these bikes are without any suspension. The contemporary trial bikes come without seats as most of the time the rider is out of the saddle. This bike is particularly lighter than other mountain bicycles and it weighs between 15 to 25 pounds. The lightweight makes it easier for the biker to maneuver the bike.

Single-Speed Mountain Bike

This is a kind of mountain bike with one set gear ratio. The ratio of the gear depends on the kind of terrain the bike crosses, the skill and strength of the bike rider and the size of the bike too. A single-speed bike is completely rigid having tough steel frames. If you want to ride a single-speed bicycle on mild to moderate cross-country terrains you have to be strong and active.

North Shore Mountain Bike

North shore mountain bike is genuinely constructed for rough and rugged land surfaces. A rider of this particular bike type has to exhibit lots of skill and balance while riding the bike. This bike is a wonderful combination of freeride and downhill bikes.

The other mountain bike varieties include Enduro Mountain Bike, Downhill Mountain Bike and Dirt Jumping Bike.

Most modern bikes meant for mountains have lighter and stronger frames with innovative design and form. The geometry of these bikes encourages vigorous riding over several obstacles like logs, rocks, wooden bridges and manually fabricated ramps. In the front, the bikes have three gears and it has 7, 8, 9, or 10 gears at the rear wheel position.

Some notable companies who have introduced the latest models of mountain bicycles include Fox, Manitou and Rock Shox along with other significant bike manufacturers. It is quite likely for you to make mistakes while riding a mountain bike. The mishaps generally take place due to equipment failure or misjudgment on the part of the rider. Thus, several companies have come forward with protective gears referred to as armors to provide full protection from injuries. Some essential upper body protectors for riders include spine protector, full-face helmets and backpack hydration system.

It is quite an established fact that mountain bicycles are aptly designed following the present trend and demand. They are in fact the dream of every spirited and efficient mountain biker.

tishaplanet asked:


looking for mountains trails for beginners preferably in the mountains.

Robert Sheehan asked:


Mountain bikes are specially meant for rough and rugged terrains. These extra traction and shock absorbing mountain bicycles are provided with fat knobby tires.

However, a full front and rear suspension is becoming quite a common factor nowadays with bikes meant for mountain rides. Some bikes of this particular variety are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with recent trends the use of handlebars and extensions are becoming less and less popular.

Mountain bicycles have both 26 and 29 inches wheels. The larger wheels of this bike type have better rolling capacities over rocks and boulders. Moreover, wheels, which are larger in diameter, also bring about an enhancement in rotational weight giving way to stable acceleration.

Mountain Bicycles Kings On Rugged Roads

Based on suspension, mountain bicycles are broadly graded into four different kinds:

Bikes with dual or full suspension, These bikes have front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that is ready to make the rear wheels move on pivots

Hardtail bikes, These bikes have frames with no rear suspension and they are often supplied with front suspension forks

Soft Tail Bikes, These bikes have frames with small amount of rear suspension. The bikes are activated by flex of the frame rather than the pivots

Fully rigid bikes, These bikes have a sub-type of hardtail along with rigid fork system

The Different Types Of Mountain Bicycles

The Cross-Country Mountain Bike

This bike variety has small amount of suspension on the front or on the rear. These bicycles are comparatively light because they are constructed with lightweight materials both in frame construction and in components.

Some XC bike varieties of this particular type are without any suspension. They make use of rigid front fork that helps in saving weight. Here, the skill of the rider to pass through rough terrains is more important.

Freeride Mountain Bike

These are very similar to enduro bikes and emphasize more on weight and enhanced suspension. These bikes have ample suspension and they are mostly constructed with heavier materials. Freeride bikes are absolutely versatile and they are fantastic for uphill travel. The frame angles of such bikes are usually steeper in comparison to downhill bikes. Most freeride bikes are 30 to 45 pounds in weight.

Trials Mountain Bike

These are trial specific bikes. Most of these bikes are without any suspension. The contemporary trial bikes come without seats as most of the time the rider is out of the saddle. This bike is particularly lighter than other mountain bicycles and it weighs between 15 to 25 pounds. The lightweight makes it easier for the biker to maneuver the bike.

Single-Speed Mountain Bike

This is a kind of mountain bike with one set gear ratio. The ratio of the gear depends on the kind of terrain the bike crosses, the skill and strength of the bike rider and the size of the bike too. A single-speed bike is completely rigid having tough steel frames. If you want to ride a single-speed bicycle on mild to moderate cross-country terrains you have to be strong and active.

North Shore Mountain Bike

North shore mountain bike is genuinely constructed for rough and rugged land surfaces. A rider of this particular bike type has to exhibit lots of skill and balance while riding the bike. This bike is a wonderful combination of freeride and downhill bikes.

The other mountain bike varieties include Enduro Mountain Bike, Downhill Mountain Bike and Dirt Jumping Bike.

Most modern bikes meant for mountains have lighter and stronger frames with innovative design and form. The geometry of these bikes encourages vigorous riding over several obstacles like logs, rocks, wooden bridges and manually fabricated ramps. In the front, the bikes have three gears and it has 7, 8, 9, or 10 gears at the rear wheel position.

Some notable companies who have introduced the latest models of mountain bicycles include Fox, Manitou and Rock Shox along with other significant bike manufacturers. It is quite likely for you to make mistakes while riding a mountain bike. The mishaps generally take place due to equipment failure or misjudgment on the part of the rider.

Thus, several companies have come forward with protective gears referred to as armors to provide full protection from injuries. Some essential upper body protectors for riders include spine protector, full-face helmets and backpack hydration system.

It is quite an established fact that mountain bicycles are aptly designed following the present trend and demand. They are in fact the dream of every spirited and efficient mountain biker.

… asked:


I’m 15 years old, (5′10, 120 pounds…if that helps). My mile time is usually 6 min or less. And I’ve been running 3 miles around the track every other day. I’m new to cross country so I don’t know what I should be doing everyday to start off. Here are some questions I have:
1. How many miles should I run each day? (different amounts?)
2. Where should I run if there aren’t any hills or mountains or anything? (just streets and a park)
3. How fast should I be running? (minutes/mile)
4. Are there any other things I can do do improve my time? (biking, swimming, other exercise, etc). If so, how much?
I’d really appreciate it if you could give some specifics for all of these things. Please answer only if you give me an answer that has produced results from you or others. Thank you.

Also if you feel comfortable giving your e-mail to me, that might help me out too.
One more question: Should I run every day or every other day?

dan asked:


I have looked around and I am tryng to find a free website that gives information about mountain bike trails in southern cali. anyone know of one?

Im in mission viejo, CA.
its in southern orange county.

jay asked:


Stay in east London so that area preferably but anywhere close will do…thanks

griffms asked:


are there any good trails close to the city of atlanta or surround suburbs??

Andrew Manifield asked:


Mountain biking is a great way to explore the outdoors, stay in shape, or just have fun. Racing down the side of a mountain is a lot of fun indeed, although it can also be quite dangerous. Even though it’s dangerous, if you ride with caution, it can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Styles of mountain biking Mountain biking can best be characterized into three different styles - downhill, free riding, and cross country. Even though the different styles are similar in some ways, they still require different skills. The style that you pick will determine the type of bike you get.

Locations for mountain biking The sport can best be thought of as biking on an unpaved surface. Many areas throughout North America have specific locations designed for mountain biking. Before you decide to go down a trail, you should always check with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and any rules that they may have.

You can also find groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions. You can look on the internet or even in a local paper and see exactly what’s available in your area. You may be able to find groups for the more advanced riders as well as beginners.

Becoming a great biker Endurance and stamina are a must for a great mountain biker. It will also take ambition and practice to succeed as well as conquer the course. Like all other sports, it takes time and practice. Those just beginning will have to get past the bumps and bruises from falling off the bike.

Selecting your mountain bike The bike you select is more of a personal choice, and a big determining factor on the type of riding you will be doing. Bikes come in all styles, shapes, and prices, which will make selecting one for yourself very difficult indeed.

You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike, even do some price comparisons online as well before you make a purchase. Before you buy a bike, always ask to try it out first. A great mountain biker will become one with his or her own bike. When buying, make sure you check for comfort, how it fits, even how it is geared.

Staying safe when riding Mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be very dangerous, as mentioned earlier. Anytime you are riding, you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads. If you are following a group or riding in the woods you should strongly consider a pair of goggles as well. Safety should be your top priority and never taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.

Lost In Space asked:


I looking to upgrade my forks on my bike. It’s a Raleigh M80…yea yea I know but I like the frame and I’m content on keeping it. My current forks are Manitou six and I like them but I’m looking at other Manitous, Marzocchi, Rock Shox (Tora, Recon) and trying to find what the main differences is. Is having adjustable travel a big deal? I definitly want lock out and want to stay under $350. What is a good fork for under that price that will lock out for the road and will keep up with the moderate trails I hit up?

Alastair Hamilton asked:


Moab, Utah is an excellent place to go mountain biking. This area offers you a great variety of trails for every level of mountain biker.

One of the most fun and challenging biking experiences that you can do is Moab Mountain biking. In Moab, there is a great variety of mountain biking trails that will allow any level of biker to have fun. You can find challenging rides or scenic rides, depending upon what you want to do. Moab mountain bike riding will give a ride of any experience level a way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fun trails.

What is Moab mountain bike riding?

This kind of mountain biking is one that is very challenging and technical, which is why it is so popular. There are many trails that you can choose from that offer you a great ride and a great view. You will not be able to find another place like Moab to ride your bikes. If you are offered the chance to do some biking in Moab, then you need to try it, because it will offer you a great challenge and a lot of fun.

Preparation

You need to do a few things to prepare to make sure that your Moab mountain biking trip is as fun as possible. The first thing that you want to do is to make sure your bike is in tip-top condition. You also want to check out the trails to see which ones that you are interested in. Make sure that the trail that you choose is not too difficult for your experience level and that it offers what you want in your ride.

Essential Equipment and Accessories

You need to ensure that you have the right equipment before you go on your ride. A helmet is an essential piece of equipment because it keeps you safe. You may also want to consider getting some elbow or knee pads to protect those areas. Water and high-energy snacks can help to give your energy a boost. A map can be a lifesaver if you are driving on a new trail to help you to keep from getting lost.

Variety of Trails

You can choose from a big variety of trails in Moab. There are trails for every level of experience and each trail will offer you a different view and ride. You will want to look at the different trails so that you can determine the right one for you and your desires. You can start on the trails for beginner riders and then move up to more challenging trails if you want to make sure that the trail is not too difficult for you.

Group Riding

Riding with a group is one of the best ways to enjoy Moab. It can be a lot of fun to ride with your friends on the trails at Moab. You can laugh, ride, and take pictures together while enjoying the scenery and sights. You can even race is you so choose. Group riding is a fun way to go in Moab.

Fun Riding

Mountain bike riding offers the rider a great deal of fun and excitement. There is nothing else like enjoying being outside and having fun exercising. It will help you to enjoy the wilderness when you are taking a ride through the trails in Moab. You can also enjoy it with the entire family. What fun!