Go Mountain Biking
Remember that first bike ride? You could travel farther and faster by yourself than ever before. Along with the thrill of accomplishment, you discovered a new kind of freedom.
So now you know how to ride a bicycle. You've always liked to go fast and see how far over you can lean in a turn, but there's something new. Now you like to ride over rocks or roots and in between trees, and you're not happy unless you're covered with dirt and have to scrape the bugs off your teeth. You've caught a fever, and it's called mountain biking.
But don't leave home without the following
- Helmet: Should fit snugly on your head.
- Gloves: For protection and comfort.
- Eyeshields: Ever get a bug in your eye at 40km/h?
- Water bottle: Avoid sunstroke! You can sweat a halve a liter of water an hour during a challenging ride.
- First-aid kit: Should contain sterile pads, surgical tape, antibiotic ointments, and an antiseptic cleanser.
- Tire patch kit: So you don have to walk home.
- Air pump: A patch kit is useless without a air-pump.
- Tool Kit: A good one should include a chain breaker, various wrenches, Allen keys, and a Phillips screwdriver.
Mountain Bike Gear
Three styles of mountain bikes and biking have evolved.
- Cross Country: These light bikes are designed for longer rides, better climbs, and faster sprints. The most common design is the 'hardtail' with a front fork and 50 to 100mm of suspension travel.
- Freeride: Generally heavier and with a stronger frame freeride bikes can handle steeper, more treacherous descents at the cost of climbing ability. 130Mm of rear suspension travel and 100 to 120mm up front are normal, enabling the freerider to 'bomb' obstacles and drop-offs while maintaining speed.
- Downhill: These heavy monster bikes have the most suspension front and rear, and are geared for high-peed descents. Special chain guards keep the chain from jumping off the front chainring and possibly causing an accident. Flat pedals let riders use their feet to 'dab' the ground during a turn. Because of extra risks involved, downhillers wear more protective gear: full face helmets, abrasion-resistant clothes, plastic body armor, and shin guards.
Give your Mountain Bike the proper respect
The more attention you give your mountain bike, the longer it will last and the better it'll ride. Periodically, clean and lubricate the chain and exposed cables, especially after a muddy ride, and clean out any gunk you find between the chainrings. Check for bent or broken spokes in the wheels. They can cause the wheel rim to go out of true and rub against the brake pad. If you crash during a ride, thoroughly check the bike before you ride it again. Make sure the tires haven't been punctures, the brakes are operating properly, gears shift smoothly, the handlebar is on tightly, and the frame is free of dents or cracks.
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