Buying a Full Suspension Mountain Bike – How to Buy a Full Suspension Mountain Bike
If you are looking to buy a full suspension mountain bike there are a few things that you need to consider. Firstly, why have you chosen to buy a full-suspension mountain bike instead of a hardtail bike? The reasons for full suspension will govern what you are looking to buy. If you are on a low budget, then maybe the best thing to do is think twice about buying a full suspension bike, as those available at lower pricing will probably be heavier and therefore be outperformed by a good hardtail bike. Nowever, if you are serious about riding the rockiest of trails, then you need a good full suspension bike.
Full suspension mountain bikes are quite simply more fun than any hardtail, they offer superior comfort and more control over rockier terrains particularly downhill at speed, but choose your suspension well if you want a good climber.
Be aware though that the suspension will give additional wieght, and with weight comes less efficiency, however this is a trade-off that full suspension riders are well prepared to accept.
When buying a full-suspension mountain bike the main consideration is always what suspension travel do you need? Well this depends on what you’re looking to use the bike for.
A good cross country mountain bike will have less than 4.5 inches of travel, any more and efficiency will be lost as these bikes rely on pedal power far more. Less suspension travel will mean the suspension unit is lighter, and these bikes need low weight. These bikes are ideal for cross country or uphill racing.
Trail bikes will have up to 6.5 inches of travel allowing for travelling over harsher terrain but they will be heavier so not for racing. for long trail rides over harsh terrain, then these bikes are ideal and can provide an exhilerating and comfortable ride.
If you are looking for free-riding or jumping, then you dont need the speed so weight isnt an issue. 6-8 inches of suspension travel is the right amount for these bikes. These bikes are really built to be abused, jumps, stunts and extreme terain can be taken in your stride.
For downhill bikes, take as much suspension travel aas you can. Up to 10 inches is good for covering any terrain downhill. You will seriously feel the extra weight and loss of efficiency when pedalling uphill, they’re not built for uphill riding, they don’t rely on pedal power, they’re built for control over rough terrain at high speed.
When buying a full-suspension mountain bike, the best advice is to buy the best you can afford. A decent bike for any of the above disciplines will cost over $800 so seriously think hardtail at the lower end.
If you are considering buying a full suspension mountain bike, then you need to know about the different types of full suspension mountain bikes available.
For more advice on full suspension mountain bikes visit
http://www.fullsuspensionmountainbikesforsale.com
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Do You Know About Mountain Bikes?
For a good number of years one kind of bicycle dominated the cycling scene: racing bikes. With their narrow seats, downward curved handle bars, and sleek look, they were the majority biking choice which everybody rode. Now things have changed and mountain bikes in their various designs and permutations are everywhere.
There are good reasons for this growth in popularity, not least the fact that mountain bikes provide a different biking experience for cyclists. To assess how they have come to dominance, lets take a quick snapshot tour of some of their unique design features.
Not long ago the term ATBs or ‘All Terrain Bikes’ were an unknown quantity. Not so anymore with their appeal of a bike that offers go anywhere biking in the form of: dirt trails, rough mountain paths and more. This go anywhere capability is partly made possible by the use of large knobby tires fitted on wider rims. In addition, in recent years the introduction of front and rear suspension designs has extended the appeal of these bikes.
Today suspension designs come in four basic design types.
Fully rigid models are just straight forks with no cushion or shock absorbers.
A hard tail is not fitted with rear suspension.
A soft tail, is different in that it has a suspension shock mounted in the frame which allows for vertical flexing
Dual suspension offers front and rear cushion, along with a rear shock that permits wheel pivot.
Aside from the fully rigid models, other suspension designs have improved how the rider controls the bike on uneven surfaces. And where even the fittest of cyclists experience fatigue, they can extend their riding time and range on a mountain bike thanks to full or partial suspension designs. The Suspension is designed to provide a range of movement, known as suspension travel from 2 – 8 inches and is the prime reason for reducing stress on the joints of the rider.
Wider, knobby tires are another important element. The inner dimensions of a racing bike’s tires may be as small as 18mm (0.8 inches). On Mountain bikes the tires are typically 35-50mm (1.5-2.2 inches) or more. That extra width helps increase control and reduce the abuse on the frame. Both factors combining to provide a smoother ride over rough terrain.
In addition, the handlebar design differs radically from its racing cousin. The wide, flat, straight geometry provides better control of the bike on bumpy, sharply curving roads or paths. Greater control can achieved by fitting riser handlebars.
Higher ground clearance is another major difference between the models. Sprockets and other gear on racing bikes can be positioned low enough to the ground that the pedals clearance is only an inch or two. Mountain bikes are designed with much more ground clearance for both the pedals and the frame. The greater ground clearance allows mountain bikes to be ridden over rocks, uneven ground, vegetation, and is necessary for true off road -all terrain riding. A 33 cm clearance is not uncommon.
In addition, some modern designs have eliminated the chain, which can be more of a problem on mountain bikes than racing models. On both types there is the potential to experience greasy trousers. But on mountain bikes the issue is compounded by exposure to dirt, gravel and plants on rougher terrain which can work their way into chains and sprockets. Thankfully, Chain less models have solved that problem.
Mountain bikes have really developed since their widespread introduction in the 1980s. But they still provide in abundance the one thing that is essential in any bike: a fun ride in terrain away from the crowds, plus the choice of going on or off road.
Mountain Bike Deals will help you learn more about Mountain Bikes with articles and snippets of useful information. Also, you can browse in our Online Store for Mountain Bike Deals available across a variety of models and prices. There’s a bike to fit your budget.
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Mountain Bike News – Lance Armstrong Swaps His Road Bike For a Mountain Bike at the Leadville 100
The 2009 Leadville 100 race in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado witnessed an impressive battle between Lance Armstrong and Dave Wiens. These two biking legends have enjoyed a friendly competition over previous years. In 2008 Wiens beat Armstrong in the same race and set a new course record of 6:45:00 but there would be no repeat of this in 2009.
Armstrong’s fortunes were reversed this year as he won by an impressive gap, twenty five minutes in total, and smashed Wiens’ record by over ten minutes. All this and Lance crossed the line with a flat rear tire. At one point it looked as though Armstrong would not be able to continue as swarms of fans and supporters lined the track and impeded his route.
The Leadville 100 is close to the heart of both riders for different reasons. It was shortly after the 2008 race that Armstrong announced his return to professional cycling. He has since defied his critics with successful performances in the Tour of California, the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. Training for the race seems to have inspired Armstrong with a new passion for mountain biking, with plans to enter some other big competitions in the next couple of years, as well as sticking to his road biking. For Wiens, the race remains one of his favourites even though he retired from a twenty year professional mountain biking career in 2004. During his career, Wiens was a US national champion, world champion and now holds a place in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.
Riding in the Leadville 100 is a physically shattering affair, and riders are given twelve hours to complete the course in order to gain a recorded time. The course itself stretches along the Rocky Mountains, weaving around trees, roots and of course, rocks.
If you like the sound of this challenging sport it is easy to get involved with mountain biking. All you need is a mountain bike and access to a fairly rough terrain. For beginners and enthusiasts it is a good idea to join a biking club as you can find good locations together and socialite with fellow mountain bikers. You may also be entitled to discounts at bike retailers so you can pick up top of the range safety equipment and performance-enhancing gadgets.
There are other options to choose if you think mountain biking may be a little too extreme for you. Road bikes are a great way to stay fit and explore the surrounding countryside, but doing it on a flat surface instead of over dangerous terrain! If you want to share the experience with a loved one you could get a tandem, or a tricycle so your child can join you in biking fun.
Author Mark Woodcock is a Webmaster of a wide variety of online specialty shops including a very popular site selling Mountain Bike products and bikes. Visit http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk today.
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Mountain Bikes – Finding the Right Mountain Bike For You
The first bicycle was made in Germany around 1820. The construction consisted of wood and brass parts and weighed a whopping 48 pounds! Chances are we would not recognize this contraption today, because we have come a long way in design and engineering. There are several styles choices from road bikes to mountain bikes to hybrids, each developed for differing cycling experiences. The mountain bike can have from 18 to 24 gears and front-end suspension. This increases the smoothness of the ride while assisting you in handling the ride in the traditional off-road conditions. For an even better ride, consider getting a rear suspension as well.
How do you find mountain bikes that are right for you? The first consideration may be financial, and there are large ranges of prices to fit every budget from £214 to £5730. Bikes for juniors average around £71, and go up from there. Women’s bikes begin at £107 and have different measurements. When you find the price range that fits, you must match the performance capabilities to your objectives. Do you want the bike for pleasure and leisure, or do you want to experience downhill speed and risk in the rough terrain? Bike shops have personnel that can direct you to the choices available for your needs.
Also, you will need to find the right physical fit for your frame. Mountain bikes come in a variety of sizes. The vertical measurement is critical, even though the saddle adjusts. Also, the top tube measurement will determine how far forward you are leaning. Women should spend some extra time and find bikes especially for them in order to maximize the performance and comfort of the ride. Also, juniors should choose a bike that fits on the day they buy it. They can then trade or re-purchase later as they grow taller. This is important for safety reasons.
You will also need accessories for the mountain bikes, such as helmets, knee and elbow pads. These are part of the package for fun and safe cycling. There are a variety of colors and styles to match your tastes. You may want to customize some options like the seat or handlebars to better meet your needs. It is vital to get used to a new bike before plunging headlong down a mountain trail. Start slowly and carefully on smoother landscapes. Less time spent in hospital leaves more time to ride!
Purchasing a Mountain Bike online could not be easier with secure websites like Go Shop Bikes. Browse the range and see the perfect mountain bikes for you and your family.
Also available to buy securely online is a great selection of mens bikes, womens bikes and childrens bikes.
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