Mountain Biking Safety Tips

There are numerous ways that you can improve your
mountain bike safety.  Many riders will tell you
that wearing a helmet is the most important step to
staying safe.  The second most important step is
that you should always ride in control of your
mountain bike.

By riding in control you'll not only prevent crashes,
but keep others on the trail safe as well.  When
riding out of control you loose the ability to
adjust to the terrain as you ride over it.  This can
and usually does result in serious injury to yourself
and others.

Follow these helpful guidelines and you'll remain
safe when riding your mountain bike.

Gear
Always make sure that you wear a helmet and other
necessary safety gear for the conditions that you
plan to ride in.

Never ride beyond your control
There is never any shame in walking the areas of
the trail that you don't feel comfortable in riding
and you should never let anyone else tell you that
there is.

Keep your speed under control
Always make sure you keep your speed at a level
where you can quickly adjust to any obstacles or
change in the trail.

Knowing your trail
You should never push the limits on trails that you
aren't familiar with.  You should take trails you
aren't familiar with at slow speeds until you learn
them better.

Slow down around blind corners
If you can't see past a corner you should always
slow down, as you never know who or what is around it.

Start small then go big
Work your way up to stunts or obstacles.  Practice in
less difficult or dangerous situations before you
move up to something more dangerous.

Playing it smart
If you start to question what your doing, you probably
shouldn't be doing.  Always think about what you are
doing and go with your instincts.

Your Friend

Hector Jayat

More Articles at: http://www.sayitwitharticles.com

Mountain Bike Anatomy

A mountain bike is the one thing you need before you go mountain biking.  A mountain bike contains many parts, which will be covered below:

1.  Bottom bracket - This attaches the crankset to the body of a bike.

2.  Brake cable - This is the cable that connects the brake lever to the brake mechanism.

3.  Brake lever - The lever on the handlebar to activate the brakes.  The left side is the front brake and the right side is the rear brake.

4.  Chain - The circular set of links that transfer power from the chain ring to the cogs.

5.  Chain ring - The toothed rings that attach to the crank to hold the chain.

6.  Crank - The lever that extends from the bottom  bracket to the pedal, transferring the power to the thain rings.

7.  Derailleur - The mechanism for moving the chain from one cog to another.

8.  Down tube - The section of frame that extends downward from the stem to the bottom bracket.

9.  Front shock - The shock absorber on the front fork.

10.  Handlebar - The horizontal bar attached to the stem with handgrips on the end.

11.  Headset - The mechanism in front of the frame that connects the front fork to the stem and
handlebars.

12.  Hub - The center part of the wheel that the spokes are attached to.

13.  Idler pulley - The bottom pulley of the rear rerailleur that provides spring tension to keep
the chain tight.

14.  Nipple - A threaded receptacle that holds the end of the spoke to the rim.

15.  Pedal - The platform to pedal on; attaches to the crank.

16.  Rear shock - The shock absorber for the rear tire on dual suspension type bikes.

17.  Rim - The metal ring that holds the spokes on the inside and the tire to the outside.

18.  Saddle - The seat.

19.  Seat post - Offers support for the seat.

20.  Skewer - The metal rod that goes through the hub, attaching the wheel to the dropouts of the frame.

21.  Spindle - The free rotating axle that the crank arms attach to; also a part of the bottom
bracket.

22.  Spokes - The thick wires that join the hub to the rim.

23.  Stem - A piece that attaches the handlebar to the steering tube.

24.  Wheel hub - The center of the wheel that the spokes are attached to.

Your Friend

Hector Jayat

More articles at: http://www.sayitwitharticles.com

Red Bull-mountain 7 Psychosis(downhill)

Source: Youtube.com
Uploaded by savenhkceeeeeees
el 19/02/2009

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.

The History Of Mountain Biking

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.

Introduction To Mountain Biking

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.