Mountain Biking

What Is Chain Suck on a Mountain Bike?

Experiencing chain suck during mountain biking can make the difference between a successful ride and a frustrating one. Chain suck occurs when the chain becomes wedged between the chain rings and the chain stay on the frame. There is no easy fix for this while you are riding; you must get off the bike and wriggle the chain free. Learning why chain suck occurs and how to prevent it can be key to managing your drive train.

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All About Mountain Biking

What Do the Numbers Mean on a Mountain Bike Shock?

It includes free riding, downhill riding and dirt jumping. This kind of hard riding places significant pressure on a mountain bike's shock absorbers. When buying a rear-coil shock, you need to understand what the numbers on t

What Does the "F" Mean on Mountain Bike Gears?

Mountain bikes are designed for off-road conditions rather than for paved streets. Your mountain bike has additional parts and accessories: For instance, the mountain bike offers gears, which allow the biker to maintain a const...

The Difference in Mountain Bike Types

Although all mountain bikes are designed for off-road biking, these bikes are anything but one-size-fits-all. The cost, weight, suspension system, type of brakes and other factors vary. Some specialized bikes are built for a sp...

Mountain Bike Instructor Training

Training to become a certified mountain bike instructor takes a bit of work. You need to research a reputable program and obtain a certification that will land you a job as a mountain bike instructor. The position of mountain b...

Sag Importance in Mountain Bike Suspension

The advent of mountain bike suspension brought about changes in the way people ride. Rigid suspension taxes your arms and legs when you ride for extended periods of time, requiring repeated adjustments in your riding style. Sus...

How to Get Speed on a Mountain Bike With Clipless Shoes

While some mountain bikers prefer leisurely rides on paved paths, others opt for aggressive maneuvers on backwoods trails. Extreme mountain bikers often wear clipless shoes to keep their feet stabilized during high-impact jumps...

The Technique for Cycling Up Hills on a Mountain Bike

Hills can be challenging for all cyclists. In addition to working against gravity, cycling uphill on a mountain bike often presents an additional set of challenges. Riders must contend with trail conditions, which often means c...

Dual Suspension vs. Rigid Mountain Bikes for Beginners

Mountain biking is rough at times because of wilderness terrain and various obstacles, and mountain bike companies offer different types of suspension systems to help alleviate the wear on both the bike and rider from harsh rid...

Six Rules of the Road for Mountain Biking

While some mountain bikers prefer leisurely rides through lush wooded areas, others prefer high-speed treks along technical trails and downhill courses. Regardless of the discipline of mountain biking in which you participate, ...

How to Shift a 7-Speed Mountain Bike

When attempting to ride up a steep hill on a single-speed bike, you'll soon realize the importance of multiple gear combinations. A typical mountain bike is equipped with a multi-speed drive train which allows you to adapt to a...

How Are Alloy Wheels on Mountain Bikes?

The advent of alloy wheels prompted many mountain-bike riders to replace traditional steel wheels to experience the advantages of lighter weight on the trail. The development of modern alloy wheels coincided with frame-and-susp...

How to Adjust the Handlebars on a Cannondale F5

Cannondale produces the F5 mountain bike in men and women's styles. The bikes are fitted with a C3 handlebar stem that allows you to adjust the height and pitch of the bars to suit your reach and riding style. Adjusting the han...

How to Size Mountain Bikes to Riders

Finding the right size mountain bike for your body is crucial for safety and and a more comfortable ride. The best way to size a mountain bike is to have a store employee measure you and take the bike for a test run. If you cho...

How to Shift a Double Mountain Crankset

In many cases, shifting gears at the front crankset provides immediate results because the sprockets are bigger than the rear sprockets. A double crankset has two chain rings, as opposed to three found on bikes with more gear s...

How to Control the Speed Gears on a Mountain Bike

The gears on a mountain bike are very important to your riding performance. Although they don't directly change the speed of your bike, they do influence how quickly and easily you can turn over the wheels. They also affect the...

Tips for Mountain Biking Uphill

Mountain biking can be an invigorating and fun activity, but biking uphill over rocks and other objects can be both dangerous and physically challenging. Knowing when and how to change gears, as well as how to sit or stand and ...

How to Degrease and Lube a Mountain Bike

Because of the terrain they usually cover, mountain bikes are extra susceptible to dirt and grime buildups on their moving parts, especially the chain and gear boxes. Ignoring these buildups and allowing them to go on unchecked...

Disadvantages of Low Pivot Point With Mountain Bikes

From the time fork suspension was introduced into mountain bike designs, manufacturers have scrambled to outdo the competition. At one point, designers considered using a swing-arm rear suspension that was proving effective on ...

Tips for Mountain Bikes

While recreational bikers prefer leisurely rides through community parks, mountain bikers opt for a more adventurous approach. Over the years, mountain biking has broken into a multitude of riding disciplines including downhill...

How to Use Mountain Bike Lever Extenders

Lever extenders generate more force than typical brake levers on mountain bikes. Used correctly, you can add another dimension to the bike's steering and suspension. In tight turns, the rear brake lever and brake can be used to...

How to Adjust the Chain Tension on a Mountain Bike

A slackened chain will decrease your ability to transfer energy to the pedals of your mountain bike. Your shoes can easily get caught in a loosened chain during hairpin turns, resulting in painful slide outs on the trail. All m...

How to Clean a Mountain Bike Headset

The headset is an essential component of the mountain bike as it connects the front wheel fork to the bicycle frame. The headset houses a multitude of bearings that allow you to turn the fork during mountain bike maneuvers. Ove...

Workout Plans for the Mountain Bike

A mountain bike is a bicycle specifically designed for off-road cycling. This type of cycling allows you to attack trails on hilly and rough terrain in a variety of environments, yielding a muscle-strengthening, conditioning ae...

How to Take a Crank Off a Mountain Bike

The crank on your mountain bike is attached to the spindle, and when you pedal your bike, you turn the chain ring, propelling the bike forward. Removing the crank from your mountain bike is necessary when damage occurs to the s...

Single-Speed Mountain Bike Sites

Anyone searching the internet for information on single-speed mountain bikes might have found the search results overwhelming. Search pages are often inundated with websites that have one or more of the keywords in unrelated co...

How to Pick a Mountain Bike

Choosing the right mountain bike can be a confusing experience. If you're a beginner who only does weekend trail riding, you probably don't need more than a basic model, such as a mountain bike with a an aluminum full-suspensio...

How to Fit a Mountain Bike Rigid Fork

Fitting rigid forks begins with selecting a set that matches the frame design and steering headset diameter of the mountain bike. In addition, the new forks must have the appropriate mount for disc brakes or side-pull brakes. R...

How to Change a Mountain Bike Saddle

One of the first things that many new mountain bike owners swap out is the saddle. Just as people prefer the fit of one pair of shoes over another, the definition of the perfect saddle varies greatly between riders. Some saddle...

How to Backflip a Mountain Bike

While recreational mountain bikers prefer to keep their tires on the ground, freeride mountain bikers take a more adventurous approach. Freeride mountain biking is an extreme discipline that involves aerial stunts. The backflip...

How to Clean a Mountain Bike Shock

The shocks are an essential component of the mountain bike suspension system. The shocks are fastened under the top tube of the frame, and often appear as external coils wrapped around a cylinder. When riding on a dampened trai...

How to Adjust an 18-Speed Murray Mountain Bike

In 2003, Dahon California Inc. announced a partnership with legendary mountain bike champion Joe Murray. As a result, Dahon produced a number of multi-speed bikes, including the 18-speed Murray mountain bike. Murray designed th...

What Is the Most Common Size Mountain Bike?

The most common size mountain bike is a 17.5-inch frame with 26-inch rims. But because many retailers use a generic, or universal, frame, many riders are not getting the custom fit they need for the best possible riding experie...

How Do I Tell If My Mountain Bike Gears Are Worn?

Even with approved riding practices and routine maintenance, the gears of the mountain bike will slowly deteriorate due to chain shifting. If your chain begins to slip, the teeth of your rear cassette sprockets may be worn or d...

Can You Jump With a Mountain Bike?

Over the years, mountain biking has split into numerous genres, including dirt jumping, freeride, downhill and cross-country. Although certain mountain bikes are designed for narrow single-track trails, others are designed to e...

The Advantages of a Fully Rigid Classic Mountain Bike

Fully rigid mountain bikes have no suspension system in the front or rear of the bike, which can make for a bumpy ride. However, fans of these bikes enjoy a lower price tag and better handling. Since you need to keep on your to...

Why Do Mountain Bikes Have a Low Top Tube?

Compared to recreational bikes, the MTB frame features a unique design. The top tube is a major component of the mountain bike frame, which extends between the seat clamp and headset. Mountain bike manufacturers offer the top t...

Should You Have a Water Cage on a Mountain Bike?

It's important to hydrate while mountain biking, but what's the best method for carrying water? You have a number of choices, and what's best comes down to personal preference. Possibilities include a standard plastic water bot...

Tools to Adjust the Suspension on a Mountain Bike

Top-rated mountain bikes feature an adjustable suspension that allows you to tailor your bike to a specific riding terrain. While certain mountain bikes feature a hardtail design, others are equipped with both a rear and front ...

How to Fix Slipping Gears on a Mountain Bike

One of the most important things to maintain on a mountain bike, or any bike, is the drivetrain. This includes the shifters, chain, front and rear derailleur, the cassette and crankset. All of these parts work together to form ...

The Shifters on My Mountain Bike Are Not Working

A variety of factors can cause mountain bike shifters not to work and most are relatively easy to fix. If you can't assess the problem right away, avoid using muscle power. Forcing the shifters can compound typical problems and...

How to Fix a Slipping Chain on a Mountain Bike

Nothing can ruin a mountain bike ride quicker than an equipment malfunction. A slipping or skipping mountain-bike chain will hinder your ability to shift gears. The chain may be slipping due to an increased buildup of dirt or g...

Types of Bottom Brackets for Mountain Bikes

The bottom bracket resides in a circular shell at the base of the frame tubes on your mountain bike. The right and left crank arms attach to each end of a spindle that rotates in the bracket as you pedal. Pedal cranks are speci...

The Differences Between a Mountain Bike & a Street Bike

Riding a bicycle brings the unique joy of the wind in your hair and an endorphin release from physical activity. The type of bicycle you ride depends on your needs. Mountain bikes and street bikes look similar but are very diff...

How to Install Gear Adjusters on a Mountain Bike

Mountain bike gear adjusters come in two types: barrel adjusters and top-drop adjusters. The majority of production mountain bikes have a hand-operated barrel adjuster at the rear derailleur. Top-drop adjusters attach at the to...

How to Measure Travel on a Mountain Bike Fork

Travel refers to the amount mountain bike forks compress and extend. Forks are designed to compress, or sag, under the down force of your upper body weight as you encounter bumps. The forks extend when you lift the front end or...

How to Cut Down Mountain Bike Handlebars

At some point you might determine shorter handlebars will give you more control of your mountain bike. You can save the time and cost of installing custom accessory bars by cutting down the existing bars. Anyone with the aptitu...

How to Put Front Shocks on a Mountain Bike

Like most work you might do on a mountain bike, installing front shocks is a matter of correct procedure. The few bolts and nuts involved are secured using typical bike tools. Front shocks are specific to a particular size of b...

How to Measure Mountain Bike Stem Length

The stem length on your mountain bike determines how far you must bend at your waist, and how far you must reach to grasp the handlebars. The Colorado Cyclist says when you have the proper stem length you can breathe easier, yo...

How to Remove Bar End Plugs on a Mountain Bike

Bar end plugs protect the bare ends of your handlebars and seal the bars against dirt and moisture. Plugs are removed when installing new grips or replacing damaged plugs and grips. A degree of diligence is needed when you plan...

How to Store a Mountain Bike in a Garage

The method for storing mountain bikes in a garage depends on the available space and the length of time you plan to store the bike. Freestanding racks provide easy access for short-term storage. Wall racks and bicycle hooks all...

What Are Good Mountain Bikes for Beginners?

If you're thinking about buying your first mountain bike, the number of options can be confusing. Mountain bikes differ in their suspension, method of braking, and, of course, cost. You will want to consider all of the options ...

How to Install Mountain Bike Gears

Mountain bikes require a multitude of gears because you are likely to encounter everything from a rocky climb to a swift trail descent when you are riding off road. Most mountain bikes have a rear gear cassette that houses all ...

How to Change the Shock Spacers on a Mountain Bike

Shock spacers are changed when tuning the suspension on a mountain bike. Shorter spacers reduce stiffness, or dampening, of a shock. Longer spacers increase the dampening. Shock spacers are specific to front shocks and rear mon...

Guided Mountain Bike Trips

Heading out for an afternoon ride on your mountain bike can be a fun recreational activity that improves your health, but joining a guided trip allows you to witness some of the best views and sights around the world. With the ...

How to Convert a 10-Speed to a Mountain Bike

Typical 10-speed bikes designed for riding on paved roads can be converted for use as a mountain bike. Rigid frames used on road bikes are strong enough for off-road conditions, but other components have to be converted to hand...

What to Look for in an Entry Level Mountain Bike

Finding an entry-level mountain bike is as easy as selecting a bike that is priced right and performs to your liking. Mountain bikes range in cost from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000. Do not overtax your budget in pu...

Wrist Pain & Mountain Bike Handlebars

Cycling on your mountain bike represents a great way to get in shape and have some fun, but it quickly becomes less fun if you have wrist pain related to your riding activities. Several problems, including improper posture and ...

What Are the Gears & Parts of a Mountain Bike?

A mountain bike is designed for off-road excursions. It is made up of gears and parts that must withstand rough wear and tear, sand, dirt and/or rocky terrain as well as other rugged conditions. Each gear and part provides a p...

What Is a Mountain Bike Endurance Race?

On the orienteering website Attack Point, one user defines it as "an event that starts off fun, but then at some point in the middle you find yourself saying 'I hate this sport, why do I do this?' but then about 10 minutes afte...

How to Pick the Right Mountain Bike

If you are planning on riding on rough terrain and mountain trails, you will want to choose the right mountain bike. Most mountain bikes out on the market are made with similar materials, but where they differ is in the type of...

How to Set Up Your Mountain Bike for Long Trips

When preparing for a long-distance mountain biking trek, follow a simple bike safety checklist to guarantee the components of your bike function properly. Equip your mountain bike with a few pieces of essential riding gear, inc...

How to Adjust Mountain Bike Derailleurs

A derailleur is the component on your mountain bike that pushes or pulls the chain from sprocket to sprocket as you change gears while riding. There is a derailleur on the front for the chainrings and one on the back for the ge...

Mountain Bike Gear-Shifting Techniques

Becoming familiar with the various ways to shift your mountain bike allows you to get the most out of your riding experience. Your mountain bike has shift levers on the handlebars that were positioned by the factory or bike sho...

Colors of a Specialized Safire Expert Mountain Bike

The Specialized cycling company offers the Safire Expert as one of its signature models of cross-country mountain bikes. The Safire Expert is designed to accommodate the unique physical dimensions of the female body. According ...

Can I Use a Cyclocross for Mountain Biking?

Before you purchase a new bicycle, it's important to think about what you will use the bike for and where you will ride it. Each style of bike is designed to handle different terrains, riding styles and comfort needs. Some bike...

Tips on Mountain Biking Workouts

Mountain biking is a full-body sport that demands aerobic strength, endurance and coordination. Optimize your mountain bike experience by doing workouts on and off your mountain bike that target your upper body, lower body and ...

Mountain Bike Maintenance for Women

Besides taking your mountain bike to a shop for regular tune-ups every year or two, there is maintenance you can perform yourself. Routine mountain bike maintenance for women doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. You onl...

What Are High-Rise Mountain Bike Handlebars?

The rider had to reach up to hold on, hence the nickname for the bars. You see similar high-rise bars on BMX bikes, but they are lower in comparison. When it comes to mountain bikes, high-rise handlebars have a much different l...

The Gear is Slipping on My Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes often contain anywhere between 21 and 27 different speeds. These speeds are adjusted through various combinations of the rear sprockets and front chain rings, sometimes referred to as gears. If the chain of your ...

Top Women's Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes were originally poorly modified road bikes meant to handle gravel and dirt surfaces. On top of that, women had to ride bikes that were more suitable for their male counterparts. However, this has all changed, and...

The Best Folding Mountain Bike

Although most folding bikes are made for commuting, there are folding bikes built for trail riding. Others are multi-purpose; they can be taken on mountain biking trails, provided you purchase the right tires.

Comparison of the Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur

The rear derailleur is an essential component of the multispeed bicycle. Unlike single-speed BMX bikes, the mountain bike requires a rear derailleur to shift or "derail" the chain between the sprockets of the free wheel. Accord...

GT Timberline Mountain Bike Comparisons

Founded in 1973 by Gary Turner, GT bikes have been designed for speed using a carbon fiber frame. As of 2011, GT has expanded to producing a selection of mountain, road and BMX bikes. One of those mountain bike models is the Ti...

How Is the Stem Measured on Mountain Bikes?

The stem is a metal rod inside your mountain bike forks that you adjust vertically to change the height of your handlebars. It also attaches to the steerer above the wheel so your front wheel turns when you move the handlebars....

Neck Pain With Mountain Biking

Mountain biking allows you to take in breathtaking views as you exercise. With cycling being a low-impact exercise, you are able to reap the rewards of a cardiovascular workout while placing minimal stress on your lower extremi...

Mountain Bike Fender Specifications

Some cyclists aren't even clear about the purpose of fenders, says Bike Fenders. You and your bike can benefit from fenders, but you likely don't need them unless you ride often and live in a rainy region, according to the Adve...

About Mountain Biking in Wet Sand

Soft sand will increase the rolling resistance of your tires making even the simplest of maneuvers difficult. San Francisco Mountain Biking states that wet, sandy trails are often hard packed and easier to ride. Always clean yo...

The Strongest Mountain Bike Rear Wheel

Mountain biking can be a rough ride, particularly if you spend most of your time on steep and rocky trails. Ensuring that your bike has the strongest rear wheel possible will reduce your chances of damaging the tire, rim, spoke...

What Size Mountain Bike for a Six Foot Man?

Before buying a new off-road mountain bike, use a tape measure to perform a few basic body measurements. Your inseam, stature and arm length will determine the frame size that you require. If you have a height of 6 feet, mounta...

Mountain Bike Gear Problems

Mountain bikes are designed as off-road bicycles that can ride over rocks, dirt trails, logging roads and other unpaved surfaces. To handle these various riding conditions, mountain bikes have various specialized components, in...

The Best Mountain Biking Shoes

The best mountain bike shoes provide a comfortable fit, regardless of how far you ride and the steepness of the trail. Top-rated models of mountain biking shoes offer adequate ankle and heel support for high impact maneuvers an...

The Best Cannondale Mountain Bike

Cannondale specializes in mountain bikes for trail riding, dirt jumping and cross-country treks. Cannondale also offers mountain biking gear, including hydration packs and breathable clothing. The best Cannondale model remains ...

The Best Mountain Bike Gear

Unlike conventional bicyclists, mountain bikers utilize specialized gear to increase their performance capabilities. The best mountain biking gear has been designed to withstand various types of off-road trails. Protective gear...

The Best Specialized Mountain Bike

The Specialized company offers mountain bikes, bike components as well as riding gear and apparel. To increase the performance of your entry level mountain bike, replace the stock components with the custom parts from Specializ...

The Best Mountain Bike Shoes

A good pair of mountain bike shoes can protect your feet from the hard plastic or metallic pedals featured on off-road bikes. The best mountain bike shoes allow your feet to remain positioned over the pedals during high-speed m...

Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Mountain Bike

Buying a used mountain bike is often cheaper than buying one new as long as the buyer makes a smart purchase. Being assertive and asking the right questions of the seller can help you make an informed decision and save time and...

Which Mountain Bike is Best: Steel or Alloy?

While recreational bikers often stick to the roads, mountain bikers prefer to navigate scenic trails and backwoods courses. The mountain bike has been equipped with a shock absorbent suspension for off-road riding. Consider you...

Specialized Rockhopper vs. Cannondale F5

Specialized and Cannondale each have their own offerings in the realm of entry-level mountain bikes. The Specialized Rockhopper has been a mainstay of its mountain biking line since 1986. Cannondale first offered the F-series i...

The History of the GT Mountain Bike

Named after owner and founder Gary Turner, the company remains predominantly known for its BMX bikes. However, GT has a thriving team of mountain bike designers and professional riders. The history of the GT mountain bike dates...

The Best Mountain Bike Grips

After you buy your mountain bike, you can switch out the traditional handlebar grips for grips from a third-party manufacturer. Grips don't just help you stay balanced on your bike -- they also help improve your bike handling a...

Single Speed Mountain Bike Gear Ratio

Hop on a single speed bike and you'll notice it takes some pedal power to get it rolling. This is due to a mid-range gear ratio that works well for cruising on bike paths and streets. Single-speed mountain bikes have one ratio,...

Riding Tips for Road Uphill Climbing

Riding on flat land is one thing; you can gain speed and create an effective rhythm and cadence for yourself. But once you hit a steep hill, your previous rhythm may not be realistic anymore. Since most race courses will have a...

How to Adjust a Rear Derailleur on a Mountain Bike

The rear derailleur refers to the component of the mountain bike that shifts or derails the chain between the various size sprockets. According to Web Mountain Bike, the right shifter controls the rear derailleur. When riding u...

History of Scott Mountain Bikes

By 2008, when Scott Sports celebrated its 50-year anniversary, the company was producing gear and equipment for bikes, winter sports, motosports and running. Despite starting as a winter sports company producing aluminum ski po...

Shimano M300 Components

The Shimano M300 is produced in the Deore XT line of components and accessories for road and mountain bikes. The M300 consists of a dual headlamp for night riding and a cycle computer that provides information regarding speed, ...

Titanium Vs. Carbon Fiber Mountain Bikes

When you're buying a new bike, the frame material is an important consideration. Often, much of the cost of the bike as a whole is determined by the material used in its construction, and while you want the lightest bike you ca...

Kona Single Speed Mountain Bike

Despite the lack of shock absorption and the harder rise, single-speed bikes have grown in popularity among mountain bikers. The fixed gear means that as long as the wheels are moving, your feet must be pedaling -- which transl...

The Best MTB Shimano Gear Sets

Shimano produces mountain bike, or MTB, gear sets in the Dura-Ace and Deore XT lines that provide up to 27 gear ratios. Many consider Deore XT gear sets to be the more superior in terms of durability and performance. Critical c...

The Best Cheap Mountain Bikes

Cheap is a relative word but in this case: assume it means the least expensive bike that is the highest quality within those price limits. A cheap mountain bike bought brand new ranges in price from $112 to $500 as of 2011. It...

Mountain Bike Skills for Kids

Mountain biking can be a family activity. You can contact national, state and county parks to find trails and programs that will appeal to the entire family. Some parks offer introductory mountain bike rides for families and s...

The Best Mountain Bike Saddles

Bicycling on a trail or through mountains appeals to weekend cyclists and daredevils. The environment and the rough terrain can make for interesting and challenging rides. But all cyclists benefit from having the right saddle, ...

Top Rated Mountain Bike Shoes

The top-rated shoes for mountain biking typically feature a secure fit and provide comfort over long rides in rugged terrain; these features include the stiffness of the sole and the readiness of the sole to accept a variety of...

Tandem Mountain Bike Components

Tandem mountain bikes are built for two people to ride. They have two seats, sets of pedals and handlebars. They make great racing bikes because you have four legs instead of two powering the bike. Tandem riding off-road tests ...

Mountain Bike Instructor Certification

Like other extreme sports, though, it's still in a developmental phase, as of 2011, especially when it comes to professional training. Mountain biking techniques continue to evolve, and riders still learn skills on the fly. Loc...

The Best Mountain Bike Handlebar Grips

Mountain bike handlebar grips are designed so your hands are safe and comfortable while riding. They are generally made from foam or rubber. They come standard on bikes from the factory, but if you want to customize, there are ...

Murray Mountain Bike Instructions

Murray mountain bikes were designed in partnership with legendary mountain rider Joe Murray. The bike features a rugged tube steel frame with 29-inch wheels, side-pull caliper brakes and 12-speed gears with a front and rear der...

Great Mountain Bike Games

Mountain bikes are specially designed to handle off-road conditions and courses. But you don’t have to be content with just taking bike rides on them. There are a variety of entertaining games that can be played on a moun...

Shimano M341 Vs. M361

Shimano produces an extensive line of bicycle cranksets for use in on-road and off-road cycling. The M341 and M361 cranksets are found on a number of production mountain bikes and trail bikes. Each has triple chain rings that w...

The Best Wheels for a Mountain Bike

Mountain biking can be an exhilarating sport that is challenging for you and your bike. As the only point where your bicycle comes in contact with the ground, your wheels are a crucial element in how well you perform on the tra...

Winter X Games History

At the time, extreme sports included daredevil versions of mountain biking, bungee jumping and skateboarding. The X Games were modeled after the Olympics with the top competitors awarded gold, silver or bronze medals. ESPN was ...

The Best GT Mountain Bikes

Over the years, GT kept up with industry trends, adding various styles of mountain and road bikes to their fleet. The company's innovation resulted in the International Cycling Union banning most of the features of GT's 1996 bi...

Different Parts of a Mountain Bike

Instead of the smooth asphalt terrain of recreational bicycling, mountain bikers prefer dirt trails and mountain slopes. The mountain bike enables you to remain stabilized while rolling over roots and rocks in the riding path. ...

Biking in Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the most stunning scenery of any within the National Park system. With 78 towering peaks exceeding 12,000 feet in elevation and a road that crosses the Continental Divide, rea...

Mountain Biking Vacations in Hawaii

Mountain biking in Hawaii offers an opportunity to explore the exotic atmosphere of the islands while enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Miles of scenic trails are available on the different islands to give the novice or experien...

Men's Vs. Women's Mountain Bikes

As mountain biking has become more widepread, with female racing stars bringing attention to the sport, manufacturers have realized "there's money to be made in women-specific bikes and componentry," writes veteran cycling jour...

Diadora Vs. Sidi Mountain Bike Shoes

Both Diadora and Sidi are well-known companies with similar visions that produce high quality products. Their top mountain biking shoes have some congruencies and differences, from fit to price range.

The Best Rated 18 Inch Mountain Bikes for Women

According to Bodybuilding.com, women have stronger leg muscles than men in relation to other muscles in their bodies. Although bicycles have often been geared towards men, most companies are beginning to make mountain bike mode...

Avalanche Vs. Mongoose Mountain Bikes

The Avalanche refers to a specific series of mountain bikes produced by the GT bicycle company. The different models of the GT Avalanche series allow you to ride on beginner to expert mountain biking terrain. Another manufactur...

Mountain Biking in East Texas

East Texas features lots of piney woods and lush green growth. It offers many opportunities for mountain biking. In 2010, Texas State Parks were the largest source for bike trails in east Texas. Explore the national forests of ...

How to Install Cleats on Mountain Bike Shoes

In mountain biking, many cyclists prefer to use clipless pedals. A special cleat in the bottom of the mountain bike shoes snaps in place on the pedals. This allows the cyclist to push and pull the pedals for greater power. The ...

Mountain Biking in the West Midlands

The West-Midland area covers Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Hereford and Shropshire. And like the rest of England, mountain biking trails offer something for everyone, from the family bike route to race routes fo...

The Best Shorts for a Mountain Bike

Bike shorts are designed to protect your bottom side from wear and tear, as well as your legs from plants and poison ivy when you are on the trail. Mountain bikers crave different styles from road bikers; typically choosing bag...

How to Take Apart Mountain Bike Front Forks

Whether for maintenance, repair or custom modifications, mountain bike owners who choose to do these things themselves will have to learn how to remove the front fork on their bikes. The front fork of the bike is the section th...

How to Build a Mountain Bike Ramp

A mountain bike ramp makes for a useful training tool, whether you're training for route running or just playing around to get air. According to information posted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, building y...

How to Raise the Handle Bar on a Diamondback Mountain Bike

Handlebar height requirements vary depending on the type of cycling you are doing. Racing cyclists prefer low handlebars to improve aerodynamics, but mountain bike riders prefer higher handlebars to improve riding form and comf...

How to Fill Calipers on a Mountain Bike

Many mountain bikes use disc brakes, rather than traditional caliper brakes. Traditional brakes mount at the top of the frame and grasp the rim of the wheel. Disc brakes, however, mount close to the wheel axle and grip a smalle...

How To Raise the Handlebars on a Diamondback Mountain Bike

Your Diamondback mountain bike may have a threaded or threadless headset. A headsets is the set of washers, bearings, bolts and nuts that holds the handlebar stem at a particular height and connects the stem to the bicycle fram...

How to Buy Mountain Bike Shoes

Mountain bike shoes feature cleats bolted to sole that must match your mountain bike's pedals, thus working as a system. Your shoes and pedals likely feature a two-hole cleat pattern, called the SPD-2 two-bolt drilling pattern ...

How to Measure a Mountain Bike

Having a bike that fits you properly will ensure that you have hours of fun on a comfortable bike. What's more, it only takes a few minutes to measure a bike. Before measuring the bike, however, determine what frame size you ne...

Mountain Bike & Wrist Pain

Wrist injuries are common occurrences among all cyclists but especially mountain bikers. According to Jim Bledsoe of the Sports Injury Bulletin, "In cycling, there are about twice as many upper-limb injuries, compared with lowe...

Mountain Bikes for Kids

There are many styles of mountain bikes for kids. Choosing the right one depends on the type of riding your child will be doing, such as wide fire trail riding, steep single trail riding or casual cruising. Technology for child...

26 Inch Wheels Vs. 29 Inch Wheels in Mountain Biking

You need to take your height, weight and bike size into consideration before purchasing a tire. Before deciding what size tire you want for your mountain bike, you must first understand the basics of tire sizing.

Mountain Bike Triathlon Training

Your approach to mountain bike triathlon training will depend on what type of triathlon you are entering, sprint, Olympic, long course, ultra distance or ironman. The Olympic training method is 40 kilometers and is a common tri...

Mountain Bike Safety

Mountain biking is more than just hopping on a bike and going for a ride. Rough terrain, twists-and-turns and unknown territory can make even the most experienced biker feel uncomfortable. Mountain bike safety is essential for ...

Difference Between BMX & Mountain Bikes

The primary differences between BMX bikes and mountain, or MTB, bikes are in their design. A BMX bike is designed for a sprint around a short man-made track, with a smooth surface linking large jumps, while a MTB is designed to...

How to Install Mountain Bike Forks

Mountain bike maintenance can often leave even the most experienced riders heading straight for a professional repair shop. But this shouldn't always be the case. Fitting a new set of forks is a prime example of a task that can...

How to Change Forks on a Mountain Bike

Replacing the forks on a mountain bike with a new set might seem like a difficult and complicated task best left to professional bicycle mechanics. However, with some concentration, patience and a little preparation time, it is...

How to Build Mountain Bike Lights

When riding a mountain bike at night, safety is a concern because you might not be able to see where you are going. It also could be unsafe if animals or other riders cannot see you. Knowing how to build a mountain bike light t...

How a Mountain Bike Gear Lever Works

Mountain bike gear levers control the position of your front and rear derailleurs, which in turn control the gear in which you are pedaling. The controlling link between your handlebar gear lever and your derailleur is the shif...

How to Use Mountain Bike Gears

Mountain biking is more challenging than road riding when using gears. The reason why shifting gears on a mountain bike is more difficult is because the terrain usually changes more abruptly. Properly shifting for the climbs is...

The Best Women's Mountain Bikes

The best women's mountain bikes maximize comfort while riding over bumpy roads and down rock-strewn trails. They typically feature components not associated with road bikes, including fatter, knobby tires (ideal for gripping lo...

The Best Mountain Bike Lights

Mountain bike lights are available for every need, from simply increasing the awareness of other commuters and drivers around cyclists to illuminating nighttime rides on the way home or on the trail. Many lighting systems have ...

What Is a Hardtail Mountain Bike?

A hardtail mountain bike is the original frame design that was used during the development of off-road bicycling. In the age of full suspension, when suspension shocks are often installed at the front and rear wheels of bicycle...

Road Shoes Vs. Mountain Bike Shoes

Cycling shoes add comfort, safety and efficiency to the riding experience. Two main types of cycling shoes are available, depending on the style of cycling you prefer: road-cycling shoes and mountain-biking shoes.

How to Ride a Fixed Gear Mountain Bike

Riding a fixed gear (single-speed) mountain bike is a challenging but rewarding way to enjoy off-road riding. It is considered by many to be the purest from of mountain biking because of the simplicity of a single gear, lack of...

Specialized Mountain Bike Information

Specialized Bicycle Components is one of the most recognized names in the bicycle industry. Beginning in 1974 near San Jose, Calif., as a small bicycle parts importer/distributor, founder Mike Sinyard would lay a foundation for...

How to Compare Mountain Biking Shoes

Biking shoes are as important for the biker as running shoes are for a runner. Mountain bike shoes are specialized pieces of footwear that have features that enhance the enjoyment of riding a mountain bike. Good mountain bike s...

Types of Mountain Bikes

There are many types of mountain bikes designed for varying off-road activities. Mountain bikes are built to handle trail and off-road conditions while racing, everyday use or trail riding. Finding the type that fits your needs...

Mountain Biking and Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common complaint of mountain bikers, because the sport is so physically demanding. Knee pain can develop for a variety of reasons. Most pain can be alleviated by making minor adjustments in the bike's setup or yo...

The Advantages of Using Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes

Clipless mountain bike shoes are designed for use with clipless pedals. These pedals require shoes with cleats that snap in, securing your feet to the pedals. A few significant advantages are associated with these shoes and ped...

5 Things You Need to Know About Mountain Bike Training

Big-name professional mountain bike racers can train year-round. They have resources that can give them a good cross training routine as well as the ability to move to the right locations to be able to ride year round. You sho...

5 Things You Need to Know About Trials Mountain Biking

Trials mountain biking is the most extreme of all the cycling sports. Riders take their bikes over, around and on things that most same people would never consider. Trials competitors spend enormous amounts of time training an...

5 Things You Need to Know About Mountain Bike Equipment

Besides a bike, there is other mountain biking gear that might make your ride a little more enjoyable. Cycling gloves with padding reduce impact and jarring, and help you keep your grip when you're sweating or it's wet outside...

5 Things You Need to Know About Freeride Mountain Biking

The culture of mountain biking never leaves its participants standing still or sticking with tradition. It is a sport that attracts the extreme athletes always on the look out for the next big challenge. Freeride mountain biki...

5 Things You Need to Know About Mountain Bikes

If you're an avid mountain biker, you may want to spend more on a bike that can withstand the wear and tear of rougher and longer rides. Also, some mountain bikes are more lightweight than others, which can be beneficial on hig...

5 Things You Need to Know About Mountain Biking

It is a sport that requires a certain amount of risk and is most enjoyed by daredevils and athletes looking to challenge nature. Mountain biking takes place off-road, where the paths are often uncharted. Most mountain bikers en...

Facts on Mountain Biking

Select the right bike before you hit the trails. The bike needs to have wheels that can take the rough off-road conditions without causing your teeth to feel every bump. Buy a bike with front suspension, which is sometimes cal...