Mountain Bike Tune Up Tips

Mountain Bike Tune Up Tips - MTB News & Reviews

If you don’t ride in the winter, you’ve probably spent the winter months on the couch eating chips and watching television. Before you know it, spring will be here and a new season of mountain biking will begin. Even though your body may not be in shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.

Before you take your bike out, check for wear and tear on your components and adjust them if its necessary. Start off with your chain. If you haven’t replaced it in a year or more, it’s time to do so. 

Over time, the individual parts in the chain will get worn out, increasing its effective length.

As this happens, the chain is no longer able to conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring, so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of the chain. If you can replace the chain before it stretches too much you’ll save yourself from having to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these should turn without a problem with no play in the system. Before checking the bottom bracket, make sure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.

Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel for any free play or binding. If you feel play or binding, you need to make an adjustment. To check the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted wheels back on the bike.

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the handle bars back and forth. There shouldn’t be any play. If you lift the front end off the ground, the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels rough, it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.

While your looking, check the condition of your cables and housing. The cables should be rust free and the housing shouldn’t be cracked or kinked. If you see any of this you should replace the offending device, as if you don’t your shifting and braking will be sluggish.

Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you know when they need to be replaced. Brake pads that are worn out will compromise both safety and braking efficiency.

Once you’ve got the tune ups out of the way, it’s time to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!

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How To Put A Bike On a Bike Rack

How To Put A Bike On a Bike Rack - MTB News & Reviews

Two Exclusive Tips On How To Put A Bike On A Bike Rack

When you travel extensively, you may want to secure your bike for carrying and locking it beside the busy streets. Well, in both cases the use of a bike rack comes in handy. You can use the bike rack to quickly attach the bike to the car or securely lock your bike in the parking lot. 

However, if you don’t know how to put a bike on a bike rack properly, things can get incredibly tricky. First off, you may damage the bike or hurt the car paint, both of which aren't desirable. Hence, today we will discuss the two most practical ways to attach the bike on a bike rack. 

So, let’s get in to this!!. 

How to Put a Bike on a Bike Rack 

You can use the bike rack to connect the bike to the back of your car and securely lock it within the parking lot. We will discuss both methods here. 

Method One: Use a bike rack to connect the back of your car and bike 

When you want to carry your bike for cycling in a distant place, taking it at the back of your car is a convenient way. You will need a bike rack for the purpose. The steps include:

Step 1: Opening the bike rack 

Various bike racks are specially designed to suit different make and models of automotive vehicles. For instance, a Prius bike rack will be supportive to the Toyota Prius plus several Toyota built cars. 

However, most standard bike rack will open up with a pleasing arc shape. The exact opening varies according to automobile designs. 

• SUVs and Hatchbacks models will feature a bike rack that mounts one end underneath the trunk and one end towards the rear window. 
• The rack will mount between the top and bottom of the trunk in sedans and coupes. 

When you attach the bike rack with the car trunk, make sure that the clamps of the rack face upwards. It will make the entire rack mounting process easy and straightforward. 

Step 2: Attaching the clips with the car trunk 

At first, find the clips attached with the bike rack. Then find the space right where the car will separate from the trunk. Once you find the right connecting point, you may start clipping the points with the car trunk. 

The clipping is made easy with the markings on each clipping point. You will see top, bottom and side marking written on the clips to inform you which clip will attach wherein the car trunk. 

Step 3: Tightening the straps 

Next, comes the tightening straps of the bike rack with the car trunk firmly. The tightening of the clips using the belt is essential. You should never miss the strap fastening because, with a loose strapping, the bike may fall from the rack. It will cause significant damage to the bike. 

So, when you tighten the clips and straps, make sure every point is adequately tightened. If you find any clips and straps damaged, either repair them or buy a new rack. It is essential because driving your car with a loose bike rack and bike on it poses a massive risk of accidents. 

Step 4: Testing the rack strength 

Once you have clipped the racks with the car trunk and fastened the rack straps too, you might want to put the bike on the shelf immediately. However, we discourage such temptations and recommend you to check the rack strength first. 

For this, shake the bike rack frequently from side to side with your full force. Check whether you find that the car and the attached frame moving sideways at the same time and both feel like a similar entity. If it happens, it is a confirmation that the rack has been connected properly. So, the rack will be able to hold the bike weight with ease. 

Step 5: Pulling and locking the arms 

Next, you need to pull the locking arms towards the bike rack. Note that we are talking about actual arms which will hold the bike firmly on its place on the shelf. There are various models of these arms, each of which works with the specific bike model. 

There would be clicking points which will automatically connect in when the arms fall in the right position. Alternatively, some locking arms are tightened using screws. 

Step 6: Place the bike on the locking arms 

Now, you will have to put the bike on the bike rack. For this, at first, place the bike properly on the locking arms. You need to put the uppermost part of the bike frame on the arm locked with the rack. You must be extremely careful not to hurt the car, bike and the rack whiling positioning the bike on the arms. 

Note: The frame runs directly from the front wheel to the saddle section and is entirely made flat. 

Step 7: Clamping the bike with the locking arms

Find the right clamps to lock the bike frame with the arms securely. It will hold down the bike firmly and secure it while you drive through the road with your car. 

That’s it- you have now successfully put the bike on the bike rack of your car and is all set to pass down the roads. 

Method Two: Locking the bike with a bike rack

This method is for securing your bike in a populated area in a nearby parking lot. Luckily, the technique is quite simple and easy to follow. 

1. At first purchase a good-quality U-lock system. The U-lock will be made of hardened steel for durability. 
2. When you ride through your bike and want to park it, find a well-populated location with the bike parking lot. There’re you will see the bike racks. 
3. Find an empty rack and push the bike front. The front wheel of the bike should go all through the way of the rack’s frontal section. 
4. Insert the U-lock through the bike frame and rack stand. Ideally, you should secure both wheels with the rack stand using the U-lock. However, if the U-lock is short, use an accessory tool for securing the front wheel. 
5. Now, insert the bolt through the U-lock. If you hear a click sound, it confirms the locking for the frame and rack stand. 

Conclusion

Knowing how to put a bike on a bike rack is crucial if you want to transport the bike from one location to another. Also, it helps you secure the bike in busy streets from theft. Luckily, the methods to lock a bike on a car bike rack aren’t tough. 

We sincerely hope, the methods of locking the bike in the bike rack will benefit you to transport and secure the bike. 

Many people ask how to put a bike on a bike rack. The rack is used to carry the bike on a car or park the bike.

Best Bivvy Bag for Bivouac Adventures

 

Buying A Mountain Bike

It can be a bit frustrating as well as time consuming when you buy a mountain bike. Below, you’ll find some tips and things to be aware of before you lay down the cash and buy a mountain bike.

Determining your price

There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out what your price range is and how much your willing to pay for a new bike. When you buy, you shouldn’t buy from mass merchant stores such as Walmart. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.

Finding your style

All mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. You’ll need to figure out what type of riding you will be doing the most. Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you select fits your personal style and not that of the sale’s staff.

Full suspension or hard tail

If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail, without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full suspensions offer more comfort and overall better control. You’ll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on the most.

Finding your favorites

Comparing mountain bikes component to component is nearly impossible, as there are far too many combinations available. The best way to go about doing this is finding a few components that are the most important to you and making sure the rest or the minimums fall within your price range. You can start with the fork then look at the wheels and rear derailleur.

Sales and seasons

During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars. Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them.

Finding a good dealer

Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than selling you a high priced one. A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and give you the impression that you can really trust them.

Test ride

You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You’ll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won’t. The more bikes you can test drive, you better you’ll understand what works and what doesn’t.

Doing the research

Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a mountain bikes reliability and overall performance. You should always look at what other owners and reviews think about a bike before you make that final purchase.

How to put a ladies bike on a bike rack

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.

 

Mountain Biking Accessories

When you first start out with mountain biking, it can be a bit overwhelming when you walk into a bike store to buy your first mountain bike and see all of the available accessories you’ll need when you first start riding.

There are several mountain biking accessories and related products that you can purchase. Although the sales staff will try to sell you anything they can, the real question for those on a budget isn’t what’s cool, but what accessories you need to make your rides more safe and enjoyable.

By starting with these accessories, you’ll be just fine when you hit the trails

Bike helmet

The bike helmet is the most important mountain biking accessory that you can buy. No one should ever be on a bike without a helmet. There have been many people who have experienced serious head injury, when it could have prevented by wearing a helmet. All mountain bike helmets are comfortable and stylish and everyone who rides on the trails wears one.

Mountain bike gloves

No matter what season you ride in, your hands can take a beating. Beginners will normally keep a death grip on the handle bars, which can be very brutal for their hands. When you crash, your hands will be the first thing to hit the ground – and everyone crashes at some point. Mountain bike gloves are a must have accessory, as they will take the beating for you.

Mountain bike shorts

After the first few mountain bike rides you take, you’ll notice that your rear end will be quite uncomfortable. Even though your body will adjust, bike shorts are great to have as they will help keep it at a bare minimum. You can get shorts that are very comfortable, making them a great addition to your mountain bike ride.

Mountain bike shoes

Depending on the type of pedals you have and the type of riding you do, you’ll want to pick your mountain bike shoes accordingly. If your bike has clip-less type pedals, you’ll want to get shoes to accept the special cleat for your pedals. Good mountain bike shoes are durable, comfortable, and also a stiff sole for better efficiency when pedaling. Also, you should make sure to get the right shoe for the terrain you’ll be riding in as well.

Eye protection

If you get something in your eye, you can run off the trail in a matter of seconds. Sunglasses or clear lense glasses can help keep your eyes safe from debris, as well as protect them from the wind. When you buy your glasses, make sure they are non-breakable.

Hydration system

Bringing a water bottle or hydration backpack with you is always a great idea. It’s very easy to get dehydrated so you should always bring water with you and drink it on the trail to ensure that your body stays properly hydrated at all times.

Trail repair kit

It’s easy to get stuck in the woods or on the trail if you don’t bring the proper repair kit for your bike. To be on the safe side, bring a multi-tool designed for bike repair, tire levers, and a patch kit for fixing flat tires.

Bike Rack / Bike Carrier

Lets not forget how important having a bike rack is, if you want to go further afield with your bike!  A bike Rack is a great accessories for any bike enthusiast that loves to travel further out than normal to take in more of the views the Uk as to offer.  We have found a great resource with all the information you will need.  Best Car Bike Rack is a website that only caters for bike racks with excellent reviews and buyers guides. Check out some of the posts below:-

• The best rear mounted bike rack
• How to put a ladies bike on a bike rack
• How to install a bike rack on car
• Best rear mounted bike rack
• How to use a car bike rack
• How to install bicycle rack on car
• How to install a bike rack on car
• How to fit a bike carrier to a car
• Car Specific bike rack guides

 

 

Mountain Biking Safety Tips

Welcome to our ' Mountain Biking Safety Tips ' article, where we try to cover the main Mountain Bike 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.

MTB 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.

 

Different Types of Mountain Bikes

Welcome to our ' Different Types of Mountain Bikes ' article, where we try to cover the main types of Mountain Bikes.

With mountain biking being a very popular sport, there are many bikes to choose from. Depending on what type of riding you prefer, the style of bikes you can choose from will vary.

1. Cross Country Bikes

Almost all mountain bikes will fit into this category. Cross country mountain bikes are light weight, making them easy to ride over most terrains, even up and down hills.

2. Downhill Bikes

This is the most common mountain bike and it can be used with ease for riding on the path or even commuting.

These types of bikes are for serious bikers who crave the ultimate adventure. Downhill bikes have front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc brakes. Rarely available off the shelf, most riders like to custom build their own.

3. Trails Bikes

Trails mountain biking involves a great degree of skill and is classified as the precision riding of the sport. Similar to downhill bikes, trial riders will often build their own bikes rather than purchase one off a shelf.

Generally very light and very strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline.

4. Jump and Slalom Bikes

Slalom and jump bikes are very strong and designed for jumping, street racing, and slalom.

They offer a front suspension and use very strong components dedicated to what they do. These bikes are very popular with the sport of mountain biking.

Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport can be a lot of fun. There are several bikes to choose from, all of which depend on your style. If you are still looking for the best style for you, all you have to do is try out several bikes and see which one suites you the best.

Summary

A Mountain Bike is an excellent piece of kit not only to keep fit but to also see the great outdoors.

Choosing the right mountain bike for you is essential in ensuring that you get the right fit for your needs, as many mountain bikes are made for a specific purpose.

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