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Mountain Bike: We sale a variety of Mountain Bikes, Full Suspension Mountain Bikes, Beach Cruiser, Mountain Bike Sale items, and provide Mountain Bike Review on request. Don't forget to check out our Beach Cruiser Section!
Mountain Bike Mountain Bicycle - A Buyers Guide
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Mountain Bike buying can be a challenge. To help you in your selection of the hundreds of Mountain Bikes we have on our site we have put together this little dialogue of information.
Does a Woman really need a Woman’s Mountain Bike?
Depends. Most Women Specific Mountain Bikes are built around a smaller frame size. If you are a smaller framed woman these features may be important to you. However, if you are 5 foot 8 inch these features are probably not going to be as critical. The major determining factor in deciding if you need a Woman’s Mountain Bike is your own individual comfort. For that reason try riding both a Man’s Mountain Bike and a Woman’s Mountain Bike before making your selection.
Where will you be riding your Mountain Bike
Terrain, Terrain, Terrain should be the deciding factor in what Mountain Bike features you are looking for. Mountain Bikes come with probably more options than any other category of bicycles. Decide where you will be riding your bike such as cross-country racing, mountain trails or just cruising the neighborhood. Will you be riding with other experienced bicyclist at high speeds or will you be riding with novice bicyclist or alone. Your Mountain Bike riding will, in part, determine the features which your Mountain Bike must have.
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What features are most important and how much are you willing to spend for those features.
Buying a Mountain Bike on the Internet can get you the same bike for substantially lower rates. Before you begin your shopping process determine what features of a Mountain bike are most important to you. Stay with those features and compare bikes only with those features. Don’t be swayed from your originally selected features as you visit Bicycle Shops or compare prices. Stay within your budget.
Mountain Bike Components
There are to many component combinations to do any type of bike comparison. Make a list of your necessary components and use that list when shopping. A common tactic in any sales field is to confuse the customer with added features and differing components. Only compare bicycles with the same components. Only compare bicycles that fall within your price range. Keeping true to your game plan will result in a bike that you will be glad you purchased.
That being said here are my thoughts on a few basic components.
Disc Brakes or Rim Brakes?
Probably the question we are asked more than any other question.
For me the answer is simple. Disc Brakes Rule. The reason for this is that the Disc Brake (although more expensive and weighing more) will give consistent brake performance in all conditions. It is that simple.
However, if you are riding on long open terrain and the issue is weight and not stopping ability you will probably want the lighter weight rim brake. (Also referred to as a V-Brake).
Keep in mind that for V or Rim brakes to work properly it is dependent on a undamaged rim. In addition, the Rim brake is not going to perform well if you have been bicycling in wet or muddy conditions and finally the rim brake grabs the rim of the bicycle for the bicycle to stop. Eventually this will lead to rim failure.
Adversely, Disc brakes, which have been around for 10 years, are cable actuated or hydraulic and require less force to apply and aren’t effect by the condition of the rim. But Disc brakes come with a price and will add some extra weight to the bike. Disc brakes are going to cost more than Rim Brakes. However, Mechanical or cable actuated disc brakes are a closer match, price wise, to Rim Brakes but even those are going to cost slightly more. Hydraulic disc brake systems can cost significantly more. To switch from one system to the other you will in most cases not only have to buy the new set of brakes but you will have to buy a new wheelset as well. Disc rims usually cannot be used with rim brakes and the standard hubs that are used with rim brake wheels usually cannot be used with discs.
All that having been said I still prefer the Disc Brake.
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Full Suspension Mountain Bike or Hardtail? – PANCAKES OR WAFFLES?
This is a very personal decision. Not only are Full Suspension bicycles more expensive they offer a comfortable ride and better control than the Hardtail Mountain Bike. Hardtails do pedal more efficiently especially when the terrain is smooth. Hardtail mountain bikes are also a bit lighter than full suspension designs and require less maintenance. A good number of cross-country racers still use hardtails for these reasons, but most endurance and other types of racers have switched over to full suspension. However, that being said many riders are still riding the Hardtail Mountain Bicycles. You will need to make your own selection based on price, riding style, terrain and personal preference. In the end the difference in the Hardtail Mountain Bike and the Full Suspension Mountain Bike is allot like comparing pancakes and waffles. It really is a personal preference choice.
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Standard and Tubeless Tires
You will incur extra cost in the form of installation and maintenance by using the tubeless tires. However, that having been said the tubeless tire will help those high speed riders that run at higher pressure. Also, tires with thicker sidewalls will provide protection from cuts and tears that occur in sidewalls.
Keep in mind that tubeless tires can still go flat. Carry a pump and an inner tube in case you have to do roadside flat repair. Use an internal sealant because, in most cases, tubeless tires are more difficult to fix than the standard tire.
The real benefits are better performance with lower tire pressures and fewer flats.
Getting the best bargain.
Here is the lowdown. Bikes shops make most of their sales from March – September. Purchase during that time and you will pay more than you needed to. Same goes for purchasing bicycles on the Internet. Even though Internet bicycle shops will run lower overhead 365 days of the year they also are susceptible to a bicycle season. When possible purchase in the months of November, January or February to get your best price. Don’t be shy about asking for special pricing during those months. Keep in mind that Bicycle Shops have overhead to pay for 365 days.
Also, ask for last years model. Internet dealers particularly have access to manufactures last year models. They can offer these bikes at substantially lower prices by having the manufacture ship old models or scratch and dents directly to you.
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Bicycle Assembly
It has been my experience that when it comes to a single speed bicycle they are relatively easy to assemble. However, on multi speed bicycles such as Mountain Bikes rarely can a novice customer assemble the bicycle without problems. This is not to say that it can’t be done but rather that if you have never assembled a multi speed bicycle before please don’t start with a complex Mountain Bike.
Bicycle Shops will assemble bicycles for anywhere from $25.00 - $60.00 depending on your area. They understand that you will be purchasing other items from them and are more than happy to help you with the assembly.
Test Ride, and then Test Ride Some More
Go to several different Mountain Bike Shops and test ride, test ride, test ride. Never purchase your Mountain Bike because you are told the sale ends today. Give yourself the chance to think about the Mountain Bikes you have ridden and what features you liked. Shop the Internet and see if you can get the same bike features at a discounted price. Keep in mind that when you purchase a bike from a local bike shop you are helping pay for his lights, building, building maintenance, advertising, hired help and other expenses tied to a brick and mortar complex. Get the best deal for you. Remember to identify the features you want, set a budget, test ride several bicycles, search the Internet and make the purchase.
Bike Seat Height.
Setting your Bike Seat Height is probably the most over looked feature on a bicycle. Since a bike seat can adjust 6-8 inches I have never quite understood why this is so and particularly considering standard frames only vary 2 inches. Does it make any since that someone that will spend days finding a frame that only gives them 2 inches in difference will totally ignore proper seat height.
Setting proper seat height is important if you are going to enjoy your bicycle riding. Joints are effected, ability to effectively turn the pedal, how fast you become tired and the comfort of the ride are all effected by the seat height.
To find the right seat height position you need to sit on your bike with your feet on the pedals. Position one pedal at the very bottom of it's stroke. Your seat height should be adjusted so that in this position your knee is bent at around a 25 to 30 degree angle. It's that simple. It is important to note that this applies to pedaling situations only.
If you are involved in riding that requires great control of the bike you may want to lower the seat. I always use a seat post quick release so I can adjust my seat height according to the riding conditions. So I’m not having to guess where the seat should be adjusted for me I have marked it with a small file marking on the seat post itself.
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Here are some excellent Mountain Bikes you will find on our site.
Jeep Mountain Bikes, Firmstrong Mountain Bikes, Kawasaki Mountain Bikes, Cherokee Mountain Bikes. We also have listed some Micargi Mountain Bikes.
How much mountain bike suspension travel do I need?
Mountain bikes come in a assortment of suspension travel. What you may require will depend upon where you will be riding and the type of terrain you will be riding your Mountain Bike on.
Here are some broad category assessments.
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Cross country mountain bikes usually have less than about 4.5 inches of suspension travel. These bikes are built for efficiency, low weight, and self propelled speed. While they can handle most trails, they do not suck up the rough stuff as well as longer travel bikes.
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All Mountain and/or Trail Bikes usually have about 4 to 6 inches of suspension travel. These bikes are built for more aggressive terrain than cross country bikes but are generally slightly heavier.
If you are looking for a basic Mountain Bike that can take you anywhere then these are the bicycles for you.
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Freeride bikes usually have about 6 to 8 inches or more of suspension travel. These bikes are built for the rider than is going to be doing stunts, jumps, drops and other slightly crazy maneuvers. Because of this these bikes are built with extra weight and will not be as comfortable for the every day Mountain Bike rider.
However, if you want to spend most of your time in rough terrain, big drops, jumps, and manmade stunts, and time is not a factor than these bikes are for you.
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Downhill bikes usually have about 7 to 10 inches of travel. These bikes are built for high speed downhill racing. If you are unsure if downhill racing is something that you will want to do but would like to try it then invest in a Freeride bicycle until you are sure downhill racing is something you want to do.
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Be sure to check out our Beach Cruiser Section. Micargi is a manufacture of Beach Cruisers. Our favorite is Firmstrong Urban Beach Cruiser but 3g GGG has some terrific buys also.
Mountain Biking for the Beginner
Mountain biking for the beginner is easy; if you can ride a bike then you can do it. However, to really enjoy it, you can learn some basic skills that will allow you to tackle the obstacles and make your ride much more exciting.
The first important step in beginner mountain biking is to get a helmet and wear it. To make your experience more comfortable, you might also want cycling gloves, a hydration system and special bike shorts and a shirt.
An interest in riding, and not just racing, as well as a positive attitude will always help with beginner mountain biking!
When possible, ride with experienced mountain bikers and listen to their tips. Read biking magazines and check out mountain biking Web sites.
Learn to know your pedals and practise pedalling around. Start taking your foot on and off the pedals while pedalling.
Shifting gears is important in mountain biking for the beginner. Lower gears will help you get up hills but you need to shift gear before you actually get to the hill.
About braking: To stop your bike, use front brake more than the back. Use a series of quick, tiny micro-braking actions called "feathering". If you feel your brakes are getting less effective, one common problem is pad residue on your rims. It is easy to fix this problem by cleaning the rims with steel wool.
Learning the specialized techniques will make mountain biking for the beginner feel like a breeze.
Some good advice to the beginner for perfecting your bunny hopping will help you get over an obstacle and will go a long way to impressing your riding mates!
First, practise lifting the front wheel as you near the obstacle. Timing is important. The faster you go, the farther from the obstacle you can be when you pull on the handlebar.
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Next is to learn to lift the rear wheel. Rock forward slightly to lift the rear wheel by pulling up slightly on the pedals.
Finally, learn to lift both wheels at the same time. Rise from the saddle, crouch slightly as if you're getting ready to jump, weighting both the pedals and the handlebar. Spring up, pulling equally on the bar and the pedals.
To land softly, be sure your knees and elbows are flexed to absorb the shock.
Stay loose and relaxed and you will soon get the hang of it and be riding like a pro!
Rika Susan researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rika_Susan
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Jeep Mountain Bikes
Following on their vehicles' reputation for rugged comfort and performance with visual appeal, there is a range of mountain bikes that is being successfully marketed by Jeep.
The company has created options in all different aspects of mountain biking, from children to adults, full suspension to hardtail, freeride and other models.
The frames are tough and good-looking and have a limited lifetime warranty. Jeep uses components from some of the respected names in mountain biking and have developed a range that will satisfy anyone who appreciates Jeep's tradition but wants to use pedal power as a green option to energy consumption!
There are quite a few different models of the Jeep mountain bike catering for younger riders, as they are specially designed with extras such as super strong training wheels, fenders, etc. They are not only good-looking but safe and reliable as well. One bike in this kiddies range even comes with full suspension.
There is a wide range of bikes for adults also, including Full or Dual Suspension Mountain Bikes.
Some options in the Jeep range include the Jeep Rubicon Classic AWD mountain bike which has harnessed the advanced innovative All Wheel Drive system which can be engaged when you lose traction in the back wheel and add power to the front. This system also works even if you are coasting downhill, alllowing a confident descent with more control.
Another model is the Jeep Wrangler SE Mountain Bike. This is built on Jeep's teardrop aluminium chassis and has a solid Jeep shock fork. It is not a dual suspension bike, but a hardtail Jeep mountain bike with the ability to climb well and cope with light trails or city biking. The grip shifters give and easy gear change and brakes have strong and dependable stopping ability.
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The Jeep Cherokee Sahara Dual Suspension Mountain Bike gives performance and comfort in a high-tech bike. It has a 21 speed drive train, easy-twist gear shifter and an all-aluminum linkage dual suspension, as well as extra frame gussets for strength. It has metal pedals, disc brakes and Kenda knobbly tires for grip.
According to some riders, the jeep mountain bike is a good beginner's bike at a good price. If you are a serious biker, then you are probably not going to buy a Jeep mountain bike, but many people have been quite satisfied with their purchase.
Rika Susan researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rika_Susan
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Mountain Bike Maintenance
Mountain bike maintenance can become an obstacle course, if you don't have some basic skills. Owning a mountain bike - whether you are a serious rider or simply enjoy it as a sport - is an investment in time and money. Protect that investment by learning a few tricks of the trade.
The first important thing in mountain bike maintenance is very simple: keep your bike clean! Wipe off excess dirt once a week, trying not to get the bike too wet. Use a dry cloth or a damp soapy sponge.
Another regular habit you need to get into, is to degrease the chain and drivetrain. How often you do this depends on how often you ride. It should be done once a month at least and up to two or three times per month if you ride on a regular basis.
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Lubrication of the chain is essential. There are many excellent lubricants on the market, so choose one that suits your needs. Remember, new modern lubricants like White Lightning are self-cleaning which minimizes maintenance.
It is best to apply lubricant the night before you ride. Doing it ten minutes before, prevents it from getting into the chain properly.
In mountain bike maintenance, it is vital to maintain the correct air pressure in the tires. Taking care of this small detail will protect the tires. It also prevents frequent tube problems.
Gear cables tend to stretch over time, which makes gear shifting less effective. Gear and brake cables should be checked regularly and replaced more often than most people realize. New ones should be put in every six to nine months, and the cable housing should be replaced at the same time.
Brake pads wear extremely fast, so you need to check the alignment of the brake pads against the rims. They should sit squarely on the rim when the brakes are applied and when relaxed they should be clear of the sidewall of your tire as it turns. Replace the brake pads when they get to the wear line and don't let them go onto the metal casing, as this will damage your rims.
Check all the nuts and bolts in your mountain bike maintenance monthly routine. Invest in an Allen key or spanner and tighten the loose bolts, such as crank bolts, seatpost bolts and headset locknuts.
Lastly, one simple way to look after your bike is to keep it under cover, preferably indoors. Don't expose it to the elements any more than necessary. Be careful when using a bike cover outside. These tend to trap moisture between the cover and the ground and will cause the steel parts on your bike to corrode more rapidly.
Take good care of your bike and it will take good care of you!
Rika Susan researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rika_Susan
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Mountain Bike Riding as a Source to get in shape
If you want to get into a fun sport that will allow you to get plenty of exercise, get into shape, and offer you challenges that you won’t find elsewhere – all while enjoying an abundance of nature - you might want to start thinking about mountain bikes. Mountain biking is a popular sport that has been around for numerous years, but recently, with the new technology that goes into the manufacturing of today’s mountain bikes, there seems to be a new interest in this sport.
If the sport of mountain biking isn’t something that you know a lot about, you may have the wrong idea about the sport. You’ve seen the mountain bikers on the television sports channels jumping obstacles and racing down dirt trails – and racing is one aspect of mountain biking. However, racing is not required. In fact, most mountain bikers don’t race at all.
Mountain biking for most people can be compared to hiking. The point is to get out, get exercise, and experience nature. Yes, there will be obstacles to maneuver around on them more advanced trails, but many people are just out for the pleasure of riding in nature – just like hikers are out to enjoy the walk and the nature. Some mountain bikers are leisurely riders. Some like the challenges that they face out on the trails – but they aren’t in any hurry. Other’s like both the challenges and the racing! The path you choose is up to you.
With this new light on the sport of mountain biking, you may now be interested in getting involved in this sport. Maybe you want to lose weight. Maybe you just want to get more exercise. Then again, maybe you like the thought of enjoying nature, but you aren’t big on walking, and prefer to ride. No matter what your reasons for your interest are, you will definitely need a mountain bike – finding a place to ride it is the easy part.
As a beginner, you really won’t have any idea what you need in the way of a mountain bike. Therefore, it is in your best interest to buy a very basic, yet sturdy, mountain bike that can be upgraded at a later date. Visit your local bike dealer, and talk to them. Let them know that you are just starting out, and that you want a basic bike that you can upgrade later. If they try to sell you something expensive – more than $500 – walk away and visit a different store.
You might also consider purchasing a used bike from a private individual. Used bikes can be found online, through the printed classifieds, and even through bike dealers. Look around your area – and online – to see what is available.
Before making a purchase, it is always a good idea to talk to other mountain bikers. Ask them what bike they started with, and what they would suggest for you. The best information you will find will come from the people who are already deeply into the sport.
Once you’ve made a purchase, you need to find a place to ride. Are there any state parks or national forests in your area? Are there wooded areas that aren’t fenced off? These are ideal places to ride. However, you should never ride on private property without permission. If you can’t think of any place that might have bike trails, do a little research online. Type in ‘bike trails in Alabama’ or ‘mountain bike trails in Georgia’ or whatever state you live in into the search box of any search engine, and you will find quite a bit of information!
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Look for sites that offer reviews of bike trails that you want to visit. These reviews will save you a lot of time, and help you avoid the trails that either aren’t worth your time, or aren’t suited to your skill level. Reading is actually a big part of mountain biking if you are a beginner! You should also consider purchasing a few mountain bikes videos. These videos will help you learn the basics before you set off on a trail!
Mt-bikes.com provides you with information on mountain bike reviews, trek mountain bikes, giant mountain bikes, mountain bike holidays and specialized mountain bikes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Mulholland
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BMX Racing
BMX racing is for the young and young at heart. It is a fun sport catering to mainly the younger generation. Kids generally use 20” bikes for BMX racing and kids under 6 may be using 12” bikes also. The bike used should be suitable to the race track. Bikes having 24 or 26” wheels can also be used. Many tracks allow and disallow certain sizes and types of bikes.
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Irrespective of size and class, all bikes should have certain features to prevent accidents and injures. All bikes should be stripped of any reflectors, kickstands and chain guards. The bike should be padded on the top tube, crossbar and stem. At least one brake in working condition is mandatory. An identification number plate is necessary on the race track.
Care while racing
1. Protect your head – use a helmet. Use the track rules to select a suitable helmet.
2. Protect your body – use protective clothing and cover the body as much fully as you can. Use sturdy and comfortable shoes. Use gloves for better grip.
3. Keep biking tools and sir pump handy.
Ready to race
1. Finding a race track is easy – ask the National Bicycle League (NBL) or American Bicycle Association (ABA) through their websites. These bodies sanction most of the BMX racing circuits. They also provide consultancy and medical insurance (on membership) to guard you against any accidents during the races.
A parent or guardian must always accompany the rider, in order to give permission for the child to participate in the race. Proof of age is required in the form of a birth certificate. All tracks issue racing licenses on an annual basis, costing between $15 and $40. Entry fee is charged for individual races varying between $5 and $10.
Always take a walk around the track, especially if the track is new to you. Remember the jumps. Take a practice ride along with the others. Go slow and make sure you are in your comfort zone.
Races are normally segregated into age groups. The race itself may have 3 to 4 rounds, don’t get worried, if you win you will get to keep the trophy and if you don’t, you will still end up having fun.
BMX racing is a fun sport as said earlier, so there is no reason to get bogged down, try the next time.
BMX racing is a fun sport as said earlier, so there is no reason to get bogged down, try the next time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anil_Kumar_Pammidimukkala
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Fitting a Road Bike Frame to your needs
For most of us, well-intentioned but casual bike riders who secretly believe we might be Lance Armstrong's heir if we only had a few more hours a day to spend on our bicycles, buying a new road bike is tantamount to buying a road bike frame. The frame is what we're thinking of, something new and shiny and colorful, something we suspect even car drivers envy when they see us flash through the snarl of traffic. Truly, a road bike frame is a beautiful thing and part of the reason we love bicycling.
When you have the good fortune to be looking at new bicycles, though, you definitely want to look at a few elements besides the color of a road bike frame. Face it. When you're on your way back home from a long Sunday ride and you're riding your thirty-fifth mile smack into a stiff headwind, the fact that your frame is cobalt blue or even Bianchi green is not going to help you. The length of your seat tube is going to help you and the length of your top tube and even the angle of the three main tubes all put together is going to help (or hinder) you, but color is not.
If you shop at a discount store or even a general purpose sports store, if you get any help at all in choosing a bike that fits you, it will probably consist of a clerk instructing you to stand over the top bar of the frame and see if you can comfortably straddle it with your feet on the floor. This is not really particularly helpful, especially if you happen to have anything unique about your physique, like long legs combined with a short torso. If you have long legs, you can straddle almost any bike, but will your body be able to relax comfortable in the stretch between your saddle and the handlebars? The whole geometry of the road bike frame matters a lot to fit. And fit matters excessively to comfort.
If you're a racer, comfort will not be your only consideration. Indeed, it may be down among the last elements you consider. Speed is not usually built from comfort, and the road bike frame that promotes speed is built of different materials than one used primarily for recreational riding. Frames can be made of titanium, chrome-moly, aluminum or steel, and each metal has different advantages of weight and strength. Frame geometry varies, too, with touring bikes featuring a longer vertical base and top tube than the skittish racing models.
So when you're looking at road bike frames, think beyond the paint. Get a frame that fits both you and your purpose. Whether you do your research online or in a good bike store, you'll be glad you took the time.
Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer who offers a truly unique depth of experience in competitive cycling, he also contributes adding technical articles on road bikes ( http://www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/road-bikes.html ) to some cycling online magazines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alastair_Hamilton
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This article from www.reference.com
Mountain Bike
A mountain bike, mountain bicycle or ATB (All Terrain Bicycle) is a bicycle designed for mountain biking and other off-road riding, either on dirt trails or other unpaved environments; in contrast, road bicycles aren't rugged enough for such terrain.
Mountain bikes have fat, knobby tires for extra traction. In recent years front and/or rear suspension is becoming more popular. Some mountain bikes are also fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with a recent trend in riser handlebars (as opposed to a flat straight handlebar) fewer riders use bar end extensions. The bikes tend to have 26" wheels (around 2002, some models introduced 29" wheels). Most newer Mountain bikes have either 24 or 27 speeds.
In French a mountain bike is called a VTT (v鬯 tout-terrain: "all-terrain bicycle").
Organizations
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a global organization that creates, enhances, and preserves mountain bike trails. The goal of the IMBA is to help maintain sustainable mountain bike trails that work well with the environment. The IMBA also travels around the globe and teaches many smaller mountain bike organization such as MORC (Minnesota Off Road Cyclists) and ERTA (Earthriders Trails Association) how to maintain their own regions trails. Good trail maintenance is essential to the reputation and survival of mountain biking.
Union Cycliste Internationale is responsible for organizing mountain bike races globally. NORBA NORBA (National Off-Road Bicycle Association) is responsible for organizing Mountain Bike races in North America. SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) is responsible for races in southeast North America. Cross-Country mountain bike racing is sport in the Summer Olympic Games. < br>
Designs
Mountain bikes can be classified into three categories based on suspension:
• Rigid - no suspension
• Hardtail - front supension fork, no rear suspension
• Dual or Full suspension - front suspension fork and rear suspension integrated into the frame
Designs vary to reflect the challenges of the different disciplines in mountain biking:
• Cross Country (XC) Mountain Bikes tend to have only a small amount of suspension (usually 80-100mm) on the front and rear, and weigh comparatively little. This is achieved through the use of lightweight materials and suspension is typically provided by metal coil or air shocks. XC bikes can weigh as little as 20 pounds, up to around 30 pounds.
• Enduro ( or "All-Mountain") Bikes are generally heavier than XC bikes (between 30 and 35 pounds), and have more suspension travel, between 100 and 150mm of front and rear travel. They are designed to be able to ascend and descend the mountains, integrating some of the lightweight climbing attributes of cross-country bikes and the strengths of downhill/freeride bikes.
• Freeride Mountain Bikes are a step up again from Enduro bikes. They tend to have the same 8+" of suspension travel of downhill bikes, and are built from stronger, heavier materials. They are designed to be an all-rounder, able to cross distances (although not as quickly or efficiently as an XC bike) and able to take on dangerous and technical downhill trails (though not as quickly or effectively as a specialist downhill bike). Many freeride bikes more closely resemble downhill bikes and weigh as much, though they are usually designed to be easier to pedal than a downhill bike. Freeride bikes range in weight from the low 30 to upper 50 pounds.
• Downhill Mountain Bikes tend to be very heavy (over 40-50 pounds) and have 8" or more suspension travel. They are very strong and (because of typically large, high gears and long, soft travel) are suitable only for riding down dedicated downhill trails and race courses.
• Trials Mountain Bikes that are set up very specifically for the purpose of bicycle trials. They typically have no suspension at all and only one gear, making them functionally more like an oversized BMX bike than a conventional mountain bike. Some trials bikes have no seat at all, or a vestigial pad, as the rider spends all of his time out of the saddle. These bikes are significantly lighter than almost all other mountain bikes, ranging from 15 to 25 pounds. This makes maneuvering the bike much easier.
• Dirt Jumping, Urban and Street Mountain Bikes lie somewhere in between a trials bike, a BMX bike and a freeride bike. They are typically very strong bikes, with 3-5" of front suspension, no rear suspension, and often with just one gear.
History
Mountain biking started to evolve in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At the time, there was no such thing as a mountain bike. The earliest ancestors of modern mountain bikes were based around frames from road cruisers such as those made by Schwinn. Riders used balloon tired beach cruisers and modified them with gears and motocross style handlebars. They would bomb (ride fast) down mountain fireroads causing the hub bearings to burn the grease inside, requiring the riders to repack the bearings. These were called "repack races" and triggered the first innovations in mountain bike technology as well as the initial interest of the public. The sport originated in California http://www.mtnbikehalloffame.com/history.cfm?page=3.
It wasn't until the late 1970s and early 1980s that road bicycle companies started to manufacture mountain bicycles using high-tech lightweight materials. Gary Fisher is normally credited with introducing the first purpose-built mountain bike in 1979. The designs were basically road bicycle frames with a wider frame and fork to allow for a wider tire. The handlebars were also different in that they were a straight, transverse-mounted handlebar, rather than the dropped, curved handlebars that are typically installed on road racing bicycles. Also, some of the parts on early production mountain bicycles were taken from the BMX bicycle. The first mass-produced mountain bikes were produced by Specialized and were configured with 18 gears.
Modern Bikes
Until recently, mountain bicycles had road bicycle style frames and geometry. Mountain biking has become more mainstream with riding styles becoming more aggressive. Newer frames are better-designed, lighter, and stronger, with a geometry that allows for much more spirited riding over obstacles like logs, rocks, wooden bridges, and man-made ramps. Also, many riders are now jumping on mountain bicycles and taking on a more BMX style of riding. Newer mountain bikes have either 24 or 27 speeds, with 3 gears in the front and 8 or 9 gears at the rear wheel.
Many newer mountain bikes have a full suspension design. In the past, mountain bikes had a rigid frame and a rigid fork. In the early 1990s, mountain bikes started to have front suspension forks. This made riding on rough terrain easier on a rider's arms. The first suspension forks had about 1½ to 2 inches (38 to 50 mm) of suspension travel. Soon after, some frame designers came out with a full suspension frame which gave riders a smoother ride throughout the ride.
Newer suspension frame and fork designs have reduced the weight, amount of suspension travel, and feel. Many lock out the rear suspension while the rider is pedaling hard or climbing. Most suspension frames and forks have at least 4 inches (100 mm) of suspension travel. More aggressive suspension frames and forks made for downhill racing and freeriding have as much as 8 or 9 inches (200 or 230 mm) of suspension travel.
Many riders still prefer to ride a hardtail frame (bicycle with front but without rear suspension), and almost all mountain bicycle riders use a suspension fork. Well-known suspension fork manufacturers are, for example, Manitou, Marzocchi, Fox, Rock Shox, and RST.
Full suspension mountain bike technology has made great advances over the last few decades. Early full suspension frames were heavy and bounced up and down while a rider pedaled. This movement was called pedal bob, kickback, or monkey motion. This extra movement took power out of a rider's pedal stoke, especially during climbs up steep hills. Input from hard braking efforts called brake jack also negatively affected early full suspension designs. When a rider hit the brakes, these early designs lost the ability to absorb bumps. This effect rendered the bike virtually a hardtail in situations where the rear suspension was needed most.
The problems of pedal bob and brake jack began to be solved in the early 1990s. One of the first successful full suspension bikes was designed by Mert Lawwill, a former motorcycle champion. His bike, the Gary Fisher RS-1, was released in 1990. It adapted the A-arm suspension design from sports car racing, and was arguably the first four bar linkage in mountain biking. This design solved the twin problems of unwanted braking and pedaling input to the rear wheel, but the design wasn't flawless. Lawwill's design was hindered because it couldn't use traditional cantilever brakes and had to use disc brakes. A lightweight, powerful disc brake wasn't developed until the mid 1990s, and the disc brake used on the RS-1 was its downfall. In 1993, another motorcycle racer named Horst Leitner designed a bike that utilized the four bar linkage design and accepted a normal cantilever brake. This bike was the Specialized FSR. This bike became the standard by which all other full suspension designs were judged for the next decade.
A new trend in mountain bikes is the popularity of dual suspension bikes with 4 or more inches of travel. Technological advances have enabled these machines to be of similar weight and cost of high end hardtails of the mid 1990s. Specialized, long an innovator in the bicycle industry, introduced the Specialized Epic, featuring the Brain(TM) shock. This makes the 5.5-lb frame a hardtail until a bump comes from below. This turns the bike into a fully-active full-suspension bike until the lack of additional bumps resets the frame to rigid mode. The Brain shock, produced by Fox Racing Shocks, has an inertial valve that makes this possible. It was this technology that enabled the Specialized Epic to become the very first full-suspension bike to ever win the World Cup.
The Santa Cruz VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) also claims to have reduced the problem of pedal bob. Soon after the VPP was introduced, the creation of the Manitou SPV Swinger rear shock near the beginning of the Millennium allowed riders to adjust almost any frame, regardless of design, to be pedaled without the dreaded pedal bob that plagued earlier designs. Other companies have followed Manitou's lead and a revolution in suspension design is underway. It must be noted that this new shock only solves the problem of pedal bob, but not that of brake jacking. The future will tell if the tried and true technology of the four bar linkage will be supplanted by designs inspired by the new shock revolution in full suspension mountain bikes.
Tire sizes
Most mountain bikes use 26 in (559 mm) wheels, though some models offer 24 or 29 in (520 or 622 mm) wheels. Inch-sizes for bicycle wheels are not precise measurements - a 29 inch wheel is actually a 700c wheel, which is 622 mm, or 24.48 inches, in diameter. Wheels come in a variety of widths, ranging from standard rims suitable for use with tires in the 26 in x 1.90 in to 2.10 in (559 x 48 to 53 mm) size, to 2.35 and 3.00 in (60 and 76 mm) widths popular with freeride and downhill bicycles. Manufacturers produce a wide variety of tread patterns to suit different needs. Among the styles are: slick street tires, street tires with a center ridge and outer tread, fully knobby, front-specific, rear-specific, and snow studded. Tires and rims are available in either tubed or tubeless designs, with tubeless tires recently (2004) gaining favor among downhill riders for their flat resistance.
Latest trends
Some of the latest trends in mountain bikes include long-travel mountain bikes such as the Santa Cruz V10, and the Specialized Demo 9. On the other end of the travel spectrum, rigid singlespeed mountain bikes have appeared on the market, including the Bianchi SASS, the Kona Unit, and to an extent, the KHS Solo-One. These bikes are a celebration of the simplicity of the original mountain bikes of the 1970s at a time in which new innovations in suspension design and implementation are at the forefront of bicycle technology. Many experienced riders own rigid singlespeed bikes, finding the lack of complexity and the light weight to be attractive qualities.
Mountain Biking - Great Exercise and Fun by David Chandler
Mountain biking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, exercising and having fun. Racing down a mountainside is exhilarating; however, it can also be dangerous. Although it is consider a dangerous sport, if done with utmost caution, mountain biking can be enjoyed by the whole family.
As with any outdoor sport, selecting the right equipment and an understanding of the sport will be the key to a great adventure.
Styles of Mountain Biking
Mountain biking can be categorized into three different styles. There is downhill, free riding, and cross-country. Although the styles are similar in some respect, they all require different skills. The style you select will determine the type of bike.
Mountain Biking Locations
Typically, this sport is known as biking on an unpaved surface. Most regions have areas specifically designed for this grand sport. State and federal parks are a good place to mountain bike. However, you should check with your local parks to get the routes and other regulations or rules they may have. In addition, if you venture off to some state or federal land or any wilderness type area, it is best to know about the surroundings should there be any unexpected accidents.
There are also groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions. You could search the internet or local newspaper to see what is available in your area. There may be groups for the advanced rider as well as the novice.
Criteria to be a Great Mountain Biker
A prerequisite for a great mountain biker is endurance and stamina. In addition, it takes discipline to practice and the ambition to succeed and conquer the course. A novice mountain biker will have to overcome the bumps and bruises from falling of the bike. Like all sports, it takes practice and the constitution to keep trying.
Selecting Your Bike
Selecting your bike is a personal choice and contingent on the type of riding you will do. Bikes come in all different styles, shapes, and prices, therefore selecting the perfect one for you can be difficult. Again, do some internet research or venture out to do some comparison-shopping before you get ready to make a purchase. Ask to try out a bike before you buy. A good mountain biker becomes one with his or her bike. Check for comfort, fit, and how it is geared, all these factors need to be considered.
Staying Safe
As mentioned earlier, mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be hazardous. The typical safety gear is a helmet, knee and elbow pads. You should also consider goggles if riding in a very dense wooded area or if following a group of bikers. Safety should be your top priority and not taken lightly when riding no matter what the terrain.
About the Author
For more information about mountain biking and bikes, visit Mountain Bike
Customizing Your Bicycle Rims by Alastair Hamilton
Barring a serious crash or the most frequent bike accident of all--entering the garage with a bicycle on your car roof rack--your bicycle rims will probably last as long as you can stand riding the same old bike. Usually made of aluminum, rims are lightweight and strong and are hardly ever the source of trouble on a bicycle, even in the most arduous riding conditions.
In fact, most bicycle riders probably never give a single thought to their bicycle rims. The circular band of metal that holds in the bike tire and connects it to the wheel hub via spokes is easily overlooked. Unlike spokes, a bicycle rim hardly ever breaks. Unlike the hub, it hardly ever causes problems. Unlike tires, it never goes flat or explodes. Serious bicycle racers have some pretty fancy rims, full of the same outrageously colorful advertising that covers their clothing usually, but most riders really don't need these. Even the fanciest rims, the flattened out, wide, presumably aerodynamic rims you'll see on the wheels of the pros, are not certainly all that much better. They are, however, flashier, and in the world of bicycling, this apparently does count for something, maybe for intimidation.
Do you need to know anything special about your bicycle rims? Not really. Most bicycles come with rims appropriate to their overall quality. You can spend as much money as you want on a rim--like everything else associated with the sport of bicycling--but what comes standard on a bike is probably sufficient. Customizing your rims will bring you fancier rims, maybe lighter rims, probably stronger rims, but the research on what constitutes the best rim weight, strength and shape is still largely inconclusive, and since this feature causes so few problems to the recreational rider, you can leave this issue to the professional mechanic who services the bicycles of world class racers. When they've resolved the issue, you will know about it!
Meanwhile, if your bicycle rims are aluminum, as most are today (steel rims being heavy, carbon rims being expensive), there is very little you need to do for them. As with all parts of your bicycle, rims should be kept clean of dirt and corrosive oils, wiped after long dusty rides and examined after any crash. Otherwise, do what most riders have always done: forget about your bicycle rims. You may not be able to ride a bike without them, but you really cannot ride a bike better for thinking about this vital but happily innocuous part.
About the Author
Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer offering a truly unique depth of experience in competitive cycling. Reach further articles on bicycle rims at http://www.bike-cycling-reviews.com , the hub of cycling information
Back to Serbia by bicycle and on foot by Alexandra Blagojevic
Back to Serbia by bicycle and on foot
I'm taking another sip of white wine and smiling to Lars who has already drained his glass of blackberry wine. I am thinking of last week and wonderful cycling and walking trips we did. We are in a local cellar in Sicevo village where we taste some wines and brandies together with smoked meet, cheese and local bread. I feel so relaxed and I am asking myself why I did not make this trip earlier?
It has been more then 20 years since the last time I was in Serbia. A few months ago I read in some magazine an article about Serbia and its national parks, cultural heritage and travel opportunities. So, I decided to spend my summer holiday in the country of my ancestors. As a passionate outdoor lover I had an idea to have some active holiday so I started to do some researching. I have bought the Serbia Bradt Travel guide book (http://www.bradtguides.com ) and there I found the local adventure travel company (ACE Cycling and Mountaineering Center http://www.ace-adventurecentre.com ) who offered tailor made trips in Serbia and Montenegro.
Anyhow, I landed on Belgrade's airport on Sunday afternoon with my cousin Tanja and friend Lars where Misa from ACE was already waiting for us. I felt much more comfortable when I saw his smiling face and warm welcome. I knew that this guy would take care of us properly. Shortly we were on the way to Sokobanja spa which is some 250km away from Belgrade. A cheerful host talked about the Serbian people, history and nature and we did not even notice that we were already in front of our pension in Sokobanja. There we met Sasa who runs ACE Center along with his brother Misa. We enjoyed a welcome drink in the pension restaurant when Sasa gave us some hand-made brochures with artistic maps of our daily itineraries. Brochures were made just for our tour and I still keep mine one as a souvenir.
Next morning Sasa and Misa set our bicycles in the pension backyard and we were ready for an adventure. Every bike had a tag with name on it and all bicycles were equipped with bags and map holders where we found maps with highlighted routes for every single tour. After a 15 minute ride Sasa signaled to us and we jumped off our bicycles and parked them against a little hut. A few minutes later we met Golub who waited for us in a water mill. The mill was a couple hundred years old but surprisingly it was still in good shape. We watched how the water moved the wheels below the small house which then transferred the rotation to massive stones that grind corn seeds and turn them into the fine flour. Golub made some herbal bread and herbal juice for us so we enjoyed this short break with all our senses. We continued our ride through the peaceful countryside and villages. When we arrived in Josanica village (another spa) the next surprise was waiting for us. Misa had set a wonderful picnic lunch in the shade of some fir trees. That was just what we needed- something to renew our energy before we hit 5 km long unpaved section on the slopes of Rtanj Mountain. The ride was excellent, especially 8 km downhill at the end. But that was not all. In Sokobanja we took a short stroll through the main pedestrian street and we came to the old Turkish bath. Next moment I sank into the warm water and I felt how my body celebrates this natural gift. I felt like in heaven. Hot mineral water comes from the earth and fills round marble baths laid into the old Turkish style building. There are two pools, one for men and another one for ladies but as we were the only guests that time, lady who works there allowed us to bathe together. It was the perfect end of the first day in a country where my roots are coming from.
The following day we left our bicycles to rest and we did a 6 hour long hike on Ozren Mountain. Our path followed a small river and our first stop was the waterfall Ripaljka. Our goal was a small forest church called St. Archangel. We have walked in a moderate pace and listened to our guides who introduced the regional flora and fauna. We all got lovely paper bags with herbs gathered along our walking path by our guides. On each bag there was a printed portrait of a plant and suggestion for its use. The same night I enjoyed a cup of tea made out of my freshly picked Thyme.
"I will be spoilt after this vacation" said Tanja. We are dining on the terrace of a charming mountain chalet in the middle of Sicevo Gorge. Lars and I have just finished our creamy leek soup when we see Misa approaching with the second course- Vegetable Terrine. Fresh fruits and vegetables are something that you have to try in Serbia. Our hosts do not care abut our weight. We continue with the Beef Stroganoff and hot Svrljig Cheese salad. It is a royal feast. For desert we have Chocolate Cake with strawberries. Sasa and Misa are kings of the cuisine. They make us eat all the food they have served because we already burned enough calories today. And indeed, we had one more marvelous day of cycling. Although we skipped the biggest climb at the begging we did some good 60km from Sokobanja to Nis. The van picked us up on the saddle between Ozren and Device Mountain so we could cycle on flat and downhill road through forests and peaceful meadows of south-east Serbia. If you have time it is worthy to visit the city of Nis. It has the best preserved Turkish citadel in the Balkans and the terrifying Skull Tower from 19th century built by the Turks. There is also a Roman city of Mediana where the Emperor Constantine the Great was born. Mediana includes a huge Emperors palace which served as his summer residence.
Pirot is a small town close to Bulgarian border. We stopped there to visit women weavers of famous Pirotski Kilim. Pirot rugs are completely hand made, exactly the same way as 400 years ago. They are definitely unique, full of symbolism and have Byzantine, Greek, Chinese and Turkish elements modified by Pirot's spinners imaginations and skills. Shortly after Pirot town we jumped on our bicycles again. Narrow asphalt road follows small river Jerma. Canyon of the Jerma river is spectacular but the real pearl is 14th century Orthodox Monastery Poganovo hidden among high rocks and attractive nature. There, in the authentic 14th century settings we had another lovely picnic lunch.
One by one all seven days of our Serbian trip flew off. Every one of them sealed some emotion, picture, smell and taste in my mind. I met wonderful people and the land of my parents. I have so much to tell my family and friends about places I saw and things I experienced. I did not say goodbye to Serbia but see you soon again.
TRAVELER'S GUIDE
LOCATION: Serbia lies in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe.
GETTING THERE: JAT Airways: www.jat.com; British Airways: www.ba.com; Lufthansa: www.lufthansa.com ; Air France: www.airfrance.com
TOURS: For excellent cycling, walking and adventure tours, try ACE Cycling and Mountaineering Center: www.ace-adventurecentre.com
INFORMATION: BradtTravel Guide Serbia www.bradtguides.com;
What to look for in a women's bike
This is meant to be a guide for the sort of things you should look for if you're buying a bike for a woman, whether it's a "women's specific bike" or not. It covers all kinds of bikes, whether for on-road or off-road use.
Frame Size and Design
This is the most important part of buying a bike, as the frame is the heart of the bike. Since it's a big and complicated topic, I've made an article that addresses only this issue, Buying a bike that fits a woman.
Bars and Stems
One of the main concerns for women is getting the bars closer to them. This can be achieved by both getting the bars futher back (via a shorter stem) and higher up. Getting the bars higher can be accomplished by getting a stem that has an upward slope in the extension part (an old-fashioned quill stem consistes of two parts, the quill that goes down into the steerer tube, and the extension that goes forward and grips your bars; if you have a threadless stem, the entire length of the stem is the extension), getting a stem with a longer quill (if you use a quill stem) or getting a longer steerer tube on your fork (if you have a threadless stem). For information on stems and bars that help with this, see Bodge Your Bike to Fit.
You should also consider the width of your handelbars. For both road and mountain bikes, the width of the handelbars should have some relation to the width of your shoulders. Since women generally have narrower shoulders than men, they shouldn't have the same width bars. I'm 5'5" (medium height for a woman) and I get along pretty well with 23" to 24" MTB bars, and this is using bar ends, which moves the grips in a bit. Many MTB magazines will complain if a bike has bars that are "only" 24" wide, and praise bikes with substantially wider bars. Remember that the reviewers are exclusively men (unless they're reviewing a women's specific bike), so take their comments with a grain of salt. Also keep in mind that I like 24" bars for real technical off-road riding, where wide bars are very useful for meneuvering the bike around tricky bits of track. When I use flat bars on the road, I prefer them narrower. My commuter bike (essentially a hybrid) has 21" bars, which I find perfect. However, before you cut your bars this short, make sure you can fit everything you want on your bars. My commuter bike is a fixed gear, so I didn't have to leave space for shifters!
Many MTBers use "riser bars", handlebars which bend upwards and back a bit away from the stem area. They can be useful for raising the grips up if you can't get the hand position up high enough otherwise, but they have a problem for women: they are usually significantly wider than flat bars. This means that you can end up with bars that are far too wide for you, and you really can't cut off the ends of them, because they curve at the wrong place, preventing from moving your shift and brake levers far enough in. One handlebar which offers quite a bit of rise, but is not too wide is the Juliana handlebar, made by Wylder. It also has a narrower grip area, allowing you to use grips that are either much thinner, or much better padded, than standard grips. However, this thinner grip area prevents you from using bars ends or SRAM twist-shift levers, so if you like these things, you'll have to look elsewhere for a solution.
For road bikes, I find that I am comfy with road bike bars that are 40cm wide (center to center). I think this is wider than the bars many women of my size use, perhaps because I do alot of MTBing. I also like bars that have a short reach and shallow drop, like the Morphe bars mentioned in Bodge Your Bike to Fit.
Another drop handlebar that is very useful is the Terry handlebar, which has indentations to put your hands closer to the brake levers when your hands are on the drops. This is especially useful if you want to use Shimano or Campagnolo integrated shifter/brake levers. These levers put the brake lever even further from the bar than the usual drop bar brake lever, making them more difficult to use from the drops with small hands. I do have quite small hands and have difficuly reaching plain brake levers, and even worse problems reaching integrated shift/brake levers from the drops.
Brake Levers
First, see Chris Juden's comments on brake levers. Note that Dia Compe make short-reach brake levers (the BL-24C) for drop bars, but these tends to have more cable friction than brake levers from Campagnolo and Shimano, which compounds the problem that women often have a weaker grip than men. Magura make hydralic rim brakes that with drop bars, which, as Chris points out, help by reducing losses from cable friction and stretching.
Despite the difficulties of reaching the brakes/shifters from the drops, many women still prefer to use Shimano or Campagnolo integrated brake/shift levers because of the convenience of operating them from the brake lever hoods. If you have small hands and want to use these levers, consider getting the Terry handlebars mentioned above. Another thing to consider is that Shimano Sora shift/brake levers have an adjustment screw that brings the levers closer to the bars, which can help. I find that Campagnolo and Shimano shifter/brake lever combination equally easy to use while riding with my hands on the brake lever hoods, and equally difficult to use while riding on the drops. However, the Campag levers are wider when you're riding on the hoods, and some women who have very small hands find the Campag levers pinch nerves in the gap between their thumb and forefinger.
Thanks to Rika Susan in some of the above articles. Her site is: www.best-mountain-biking.comPRICE GUARANTE
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