Mountain Bikes – Suspension Choices

Mountain bikes are specialized machines designed to meet specific needs. Early mountain bikes are built with a rigid frame and fork. As the hobby caught, so have the need to augment the design to fit more to the terrain it is already being used. In the early 1900’s the mountain bike was fitted with suspension forks. Early suspension forks had only 2 inches suspension travel. This suspension travel was evolved and today the suspension travel of mountain bikes could exceed 8 inches.

The suspension that you choose for your bike is almost as important as the activity that you will be doing it with. Without the proper suspension in a bike, its maneuverability could be compromised and when traveling at certain types of terrains.

The Dual suspension design

When the popularity of aggressive off road, mountain trail, down hill biking caught on, bikers and manufacturers alike realized that a new set of suspension should be fitted to the bike to make it adopt better to the terrain that it is being used on. Previous suspension designs where only the fork is fitted with suspension is no longer sufficient and so a new set of suspension for the rear tire were also fitted. Fitting new suspensions for the rear tire resulted into smoother ride while enabling the bike to travel upwards or downhill as the rear wheel can now absorb the energy that is generated whenever a bike hits rocks and other obstacles.

The only downside to this design is that it is heavier, more expensive and pedaling is not as efficient as those with the single front fork suspension. This down side though is enormously compensated by the amount of control that a biker has when the bike encounter bumps and when traveling on a rugged down hill descent.

This is so because as the bike hits an obstacle or a hump, the tendency of the bike is to bounce up that could often careen out of control when the bike lands. The advantage of having an added rear suspension is to absorb much of the energy of the bounce. This is so because the forward momentum of the bike that results in upward motion when it hits the obstacle is now absorbed by the rear suspension that results in decreased upward motion allowing for better control as the bike lands. Anther advantage of having a dual suspension is that the bike could travel faster on both downhill and smooth terrain. Having dual suspension on the bike is also easier on the back.

Previous dual suspension designs also dramatically increase the weight of the bike, the latest makes today however resulted to reduced weight. However if the bike will not be really used on hilly terrain a single suspension bike will suffice

The Single suspension Design

Single suspension design means that only the tires are fitted to a suspension. When the bike is to be used for some slopes and dirt jumping, the single suspension design will already suffice. This will lessen the weight of the bike and make it less expensive also. The single suspension design also called a hard tail design provides better pedaling efficiency and easier maintenance.

This design though is getting less popular as the choice has been shifting to the Dual suspension fitted bikes.

March 2, 2009 · Filed Under Mountain Biking

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Stay Away from Danger: An Idiots 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.

March 1, 2009 · Filed Under Mountain Biking

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Mountain Biking: 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.

February 28, 2009 · Filed Under Mountain Biking