A key feature of rim brakes over disc is weight.  While disc brakes provide a better, more consistent overall braking performance, rim brakes are suited to those who can put up with slight variances in performance to take advantage of their light weight.  Rim brakes are also less expensive than disc brakes – with disc brakes, you pay for the increased performance.

If you strike wet or muddy conditions, the poorer performance of rim brakes will be noticeable.  Also, because they wear through to the side of the rim, the lifespan of rim brakes is less than disc brakes – eventually the side of the rim will blow right off.

Disc brakes were introduced –  with a few teething problems – onto bikes in the late 1990s.  Long used on cars, they have continuously improved to the point where today’s hydraulic or cable actuated brakes are very reliable.

As you can probably guess from their use in motor vehicles, disc brakes provide great braking performance in all conditions and terrain.  The lifespan of both the disc brake and the rims are longer than rim brakes, because the disc brakes require less force to apply, and are not reliant on the bike’s rims or wheel condition.

As mentioned before, if you want the improved performance of disc brakes, you’re going to pay for it.  Hydraulic disc brakes are top of the tree, with mechanical or cable actuated brakes less expensive, and not much more than rim brakes.

When you make your final decision, keep your budget in mind, as well as the conditions you’ll usually be riding in.  If you’re going to be riding mainly on dry and flat areas, rim brakes are probably all you need and you’ll keep some extra cash in your pocket.  However, if you have plenty of cash behind you and require excellent brake performance, disc brakes are the cream on your dream mountain bike.

NEW FOX VAN 36 FIT RC2 MTB FORK ( BLACK , 160MM, TAPERED STEERER)    US $677.91

93 Raleigh MTB frame, Single Speed, Fixie, Frame Steel, Disc Brakes    US $50.00

2008 Fuji Outland Pro    US $750.00

Mavic crossmax SLR Lefty 6 bolt disc mountain bike bicycle wheel wheelset 26"    US $789.00

2006 MOPED TOMBERLIN MADASS MOPED BY SACHS    US $565.00

MAVIC XM 317 Rim 26" Pair F+R 32h 32 Mountain Bike NEW    US $19.97

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1.  Cross Country Bikes

The most common mountain bike –  most bikes will fit into this category.  These bikes are light weight, making them suited to all sorts of terrain, especially going uphill.  Cross country bikes have evolved to the point that they are often used for riding on paths and road, and even for commuting.

2.  Downhill Bikes

Serious bikers looking for an extreme downhill adventure will require a special downhill bike.  Usually custom built, these bikes feature strong parts and disc brakes to help them withstand the downhill punishment they receive.  They also come with full suspension – the extreme downhill bikers need all the control and comfort they can get.

3.  Trail Bikes

Much like the downhill bikes, trail bikes are often custom built, and rarely available off the shelf.  Trail mountain biking asks a lot of riders, who in turn ask a lot of their bike, so they are usually very light and very strong.  The precision riding of the sport mean these riders will spare no expense on their bikes to ensure they are getting maximum performance.

4.  Jump And Slalom Bikes

Designed to handle the punishment of jumping and street racing, these bikes are built with very strong components and front suspension.  Their strength, yet weight allowance from foregoing rear suspension, makes them perfectly suited for the jumping rider.

So the first step in looking for the bike that’s right for you is working out what you’re going to be doing on your bike.  These tips should point you in the right direction to working out what bike is going to fulfill your needs.  Happy hunting!

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True cross country riders are without doubt a different breed, and so are their bikes.  Cross country bikes are built for speed – every innovation is designed to making this style of bike as fast as possible.

Cross country bikes have traditionally been hardtail mountain bikes.  The absence of the rear suspension was always a major point in keeping the bikes as light as possible.  Recently however, more cross country bikes are being fitted with full suspension without sacrificing weight, and have become popular as a result.

The major difference in a cross country bike from a free ride bike is their weight.  While free ride bikes generally clock in at around 40 pounds, the majority of cross country bikes weight less than 24 pounds – a huge difference.

If you’re inspired to take up cross country mountain biking, be prepared – it’s not for the faint hearted.  The terrain you’ll cover is hardly suited for beginners – you’ll be taking on steep hills and rough terrain, requiring a great deal of skill and expertise.  If you’re up to it though, you’ll experience quite a thrill.

So if your current mountain biking has become a bit – dare I say it – boring, why not take a look at cross country mountain biking?  You’ll get a great deal of enjoyment as you take your biking to a new level – you can discover a new range of bikes, new riding trails, and a whole new style of riding.  It could be just the ticket to fire up your riding spirit once again!

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3. Clothes For Winter Riding – 7 Items To Keep You Covered

Booties

In order to keep your feet warm in the coldest temperatures, shoes are not all you have to consider.  A great choice can be Neoprene Booties – they simply go over your shoes or boots, and zip up to keep the warmth in.  They are inexpensive and more than worth it if you find your toes going numb, or even worse, suffering from frostbite.

Gloves

Your fingers are also very vulnerable in cold weather, so the right gloves are a must have.  Take a look at a pair of ‘Lobster Gloves’ - a specially designed glove which separates the index finger and thumb from the rest of the fingers.  These gloves provide extra warmth over standard gloves, and free up your index finger to operate your gears and brakes.

A lightweight pair of gloves can also be handy to have, in case you have a problem with your bike that needs attention.  This pair can give you greater use of your hands than your big riding gloves, while still keeping your hands out of the cold.

Glasses

When choosing glasses for your winter riding, your best bet is to get a pair of that wrap around your eyes.  These will provide you with maximum protection from the wind, debris, and the cold temperature.

Socks

You may think a big heavy pair of socks is your best choice in the winter months, but in fact if they are too heavy, they can make your shoes tight, cut off circulation to your feet and possibly even make them cold!  Silk ski socks are a great choice as they are light yet keep your feet warm, and you can even choose to wear another layer of lightweight socks underneath for added warmth and protection.

Underwear

The best material underwear for winter is polypropylene – it’s lightweight, yet will keep you warm.

Outer Clothing

When selecting pants and a jacket for your ride, you have a few different considerations.  Wind protection is a big one, as the biggest reason for losing body temperature is moving air.  The clothing’s ability to breathe – vent your perspiration – is also a prime factor in your decision.  Finally – don’t forget your budget, as the very best clothing for riding in winter can also come with an expensive price tag.

Helmet

Did you know that you lose 50% of your body heat through your head?  Did you also know that helmets are designed to keep your head cool, not warm?  Makes for quite the problem in winter – a problem that can be solved with a fleece liner.  Put one inside your helmet to keep your head and ears warm during your winter riding.

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Set Your Budget

When you start looking at all the different features available to you for your new mountain bike, the costs can start to spiral out of control.  There really is no limit to how much you can spend, but that said, there are plenty of options around for the entry-level buyer.  Make sure you decide how much you are going to spend to begin with, and then look in your price range for the bike that best suits you.

Know What Your Bike Will Need To Do

To know what bike is best for you, you need to decide what you need your bike for.  If you’re going to spend most of your time riding on the road or flat terrain, you’re going to be looking for a different bike than if you intend spending most of your time battling the hills.  Deciding this before you start looking will help you narrow your search and save you a lot of time.

What Suspension Do You Need?

Mountain bikes fall into two suspension categories – full suspension mountain bikes and hard tail mountain bikes.  Hard tail simply means no rear suspension.  If you want a lighter bike that’s more efficient to pedal, then hard tail is probably what you’re after.  However, if control and comfort are more important to you, then you’ll need full suspension.  Obviously, your budget may also affect your choice of suspension.

Choose Your Favorite Components

With so many mountain bikes available, it’s near impossible to compare bikes like for like, due to the great number of different components available in each.  The best way to narrow things down is to pick the components most important to you, and select a group of bikes that matches your requirements.  You can then get picky with the remaining components from a much smaller range of bikes to choose from.

Save At The Sales

Mountain bike prices can fluctuate quite wildly through the year, depending on seasons, retailers and manufacturers.  Generally, spring and summer are popular months to buy bikes, so if you can hold out (or plan ahead!) for the winter months, you can often grab a bike at a discount.  You can also shop around different bike shops and knock up to hundreds off the advertised prices.

Find A Good Bike Dealer

Finding a great local bike dealer can often be worth paying a slightly higher price.  The expertise, advice, and repair service they offer can really assist you to look after your bike well and gain maximum enjoyment from it.

Go For A Test Ride

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a select few bikes, the best way to make a decision is to give them a test ride.  Often, you’ll find one bike really jumps out at you as the most comfortable or fun to ride and your search will nearly be over.

Finally – do your research!

Now you’ve got your mind set on a mountain bike, it doesn’t hurt to do some final research to be sure of your purchase.  You can find reviews of pretty much every bike on the market, from both official publications and websites, to biking forums and message boards, so do a search to see if there are any common problems or faults mentioned.

Now you’re a mountain bike buying expert, get out there and buy your dream bike.  Good luck!

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If riding a bike is one of your favorite things to do, but you’re looking for something new, maybe mountain bike riding is your next step. However, there’s a bit more to riding in the dirt or along the trails, so there are a few basic skills you should be aware of before you get started.

These skills are best practiced if you can find somewhere with a steep hill. Your best chances are a local park or bushland – have a look around your neighborhood and you should be able to find a nice hilly area to starting working on your skills.

Get Familiar With Your Pedals

The best way to get used to working with your pedals is by sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground. Practice moving your foot away from the pedal, and then move onto releasing and replacing your foot whilst pedalling. If you have a toe clip, or a clip less type foot pedal, you’re probably going to need to allow for a bit longer to practice.

Sit Comfortably

When on your mountain bike, you never want to be in a situation where your knees or elbows are locked, so take some time to teach yourself to relax while you sit and pedal. Make sure your seat height is correct – you want your leg to be extended between 70 and 90 per cent when your reach the bottom of your stroke. Also, make sure your arms are slightly bent – this will help you keep better control.

Learn Your Gears

As your terrain will be much rougher when mountain biking, you’re going to need to be more aware of your gears. As a rule – if you’re working up a hill, you’ll want to use a lower gear, which requires less pedaling and will help you up the hill. Some quick advice on hills – be sure to change gears before you hit the hill, rather than while you’re on it. If you want more speed – a higher gear will provide this, but will require more work to pedal.

Coast Around

Make sure you are comfortable with coasting on your bike – stand up on your pedals, off your seat. Be sure to keep your arms bent and your knees unlocked. Also, have a play around with keeping your body weighted over the rear end of your bike.

Get Up And Pedal!

One of the key skills to mountain biking is being able to stand up and pedal. Lift yourself up off your seat, and work on your balance while you work the pedals. Be sure to practice in all situations – flat or hilly ground, high or low gears – this way you’ll be prepared for whatever terrain you face.

Take On The Curbs

Find a curb you can practice on, and work on dropping off it. Start at a slow speed, and practice coasting along, and maintaining control as you drop to the lower level. As you start to master it, you can work up to higher speeds until you feel totally comfortable.

While these skills might be slow going in the beginning, your practice will pay off and soon they will become second nature. With these techniques down pat, you’ll be set to face anything that might come your way when you get out there and hit the trail. Happy mountain biking!

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Trek is a US owned company which caters for all biking enthusiasts, from the entry-level, recreational mountain bikes starting at $300, up to the $3,000+ carbon framed racing mountain bikes. They are an innovative company, and have managed to stay at the top end of the industry thanks to their range of products and performance. Of course, having Lance Armstrong ride their bikes is both a great tribute to their product and a marketing dream along the way!

Trek Bicycle Corporation helped sign Lance Armstrong to their sponsored cycling team in 1997, and when Armstrong won his first Tour de France back in 1999, it was aboard a Trek 5200 bike. Armstrong won an incredible seven straight Tours de France, all aboard Trek bicycles. Armstrong’s exploits highlighted the work of Trek’s recently established Advanced Components Group – a group of technicians and engineers dedicating to technologies development.

At the top end of Trek’s product line is the new 2010 Madone 6 Series. The Madone line is named after the Col de la Madone – a twelve kilometre climb in France that Armstrong used to test his fitness. Using their highest performance carbon fibre, which they call OCLV Red, Trek have produced a new model for 2010 which is lighter, with a stiffer front end and ‘industry leading’ cable management. If your budget is so kind, this could be the bike of your dreams.

Trek also dedicated a portion of their resources to developing a women’s product line, recognizing the unique needs of their female customers. Their Women’s Specific Design range is customized to fit a woman’s anatomy, resulting in less pain, more comfort, less fatigue and more power for their female riders. If you’re a female in the market for a new bike, then this specific product line is well worth investigating.

A 2010 initiative by Trek is their new ‘eco’ friendly range of products. This range includes brand new bikes made out of steel, which is an easier material to obtain and recycle than other popular materials aluminum and carbon. These bikes are economically priced, and a good option if you’re looking for a no frills bike and to do your little bit for the environment at the same time. Trek is also providing bike shops with funds to start recycling old tubes to be made into items such as bags, seat bags and panniers.

How would you like full customization of your new bike? Trek has you covered with their innovative website feature – Project One. With Project One, you can pick your options and paint scheme to build your dream bike and then save, email, or even order your bike with a local dealer. Unfortunately, Project One doesn’t change pricing as you go, which would be an excellent addition but given the high level of customization available it isn’t possible.

Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive entry-level bike, or are looking for top of the range performance, you’re sure to find what you want in a Trek mountain bike. Make sure you do your research to find the right model Trek Mountain Bike that suits your needs, and you won’t go wrong!

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If you’re in the market for a high-end mountain bike, you could be well served to take a look at the range of bikes from Cannondale, one of the leading mountain bike manufacturers on the market.  Cannondale have been producing mountain bikes since 1984, when they introduced aluminium frames into a market that was dominated by steel frames.

Today, Cannondale mountain bikes are still widely regarded as the leading innovator in the bike industry, as they work with their sponsored professional racing athletes to keep their products on the cutting edge.  Mountain bike champions Anne-Caroline Chausson and Missy Giove are just two of a large number of famous riders to have been sponsored by Cannondale, and their teams have captured over a dozen World Championships, World Cup series titles, National Championships and two Olympic medals.

So a Cannondale mountain bike is the choice of many professionals – let’s look at why one might be the right choice for you.

The quality and strength of the frame on a Cannondale bike are difficult to match at their price point.  Cannondale has been long renowned for the quality and design of their aluminium frames, which were lighter than their steel counterparts, as well as being significantly stiffer.  Their frame design has won numerous design awards, such as the “Publisher’s Award for Innovation” from Bicycling magazine and the "Best New Products of the Year Award" from Business Week.

If you require finer tuning for specific strength in your frame, Cannondale provide the option of a carbon frame.  Whilst more expensive, carbon is light-weight yet strong, so if you have really tight requirements and demands from your frame, carbon might prove a better option.  Whichever material you choose, you can have confidence in the strength, durability and design of a Cannondale frame.

Cannondale also provide a wide selection of models at varying prices, designed to ensure you get the bike that is right for you.  They have a full hardtail range of bikes, which are especially popular among the dirt jumping crowd, but if you like the greater efficiency with rear suspension, there are models to suit your needs.

If you’re looking for a truly great suspension fork, then Cannondale has you covered in their high-end models with the ‘Lefty’.  Named as such because it only has a left side or blade, it allows for smoother travel without static friction, and for more mud clearance as opposed to traditional forks.  The lefty is light-weight, yet stiff, strong and durable.  Obviously the main drawback is price – the Lefty forks are only featured on high-end models for this reason - however you will also be all but forced into using Cannondale house brand parts for your stem, headset and front wheel because of the design.

Frames and shocks are not the only thing to think about when selecting a Cannondale mountain bike.  There is a wide range of components available to you – grips, kickstands, pedals and chainslappers just to get you started.

So if it’s a quality mountain bike you’re after, be sure to check out Cannondale’s range of bikes.  Do your research to be clear on the bike you want, and you might just find the bike you’re after right in your price range.

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When it comes to buying a new mountain bike, without doubt the first thing you need to get right is the frame.  With a huge range of mountain bikes on the market now, the first step is working out what you want your bike’s frame to be made of, and what size is going to be best for you.

The benchmark material for mountain bike frames is steel.  The cheaper steel frames found in mass market stores are very strong, but they are also heavy.  Modern steel frames are now comparable to aluminium in weight, and maintain their strong ‘steel feel’.  However, these newer light steel frames are usually expensive.

Aluminium is much lighter than steel, however it is also less strong, so more material has to be used to make the frame.  This means more weight, and a much stiffer ride – but at generally a more expensive price.  The lower strength of aluminium means the frames will eventually fail, however the higher end mountain bikes are engineered well enough to make use of the weight advantages of aluminium while still maintaining a reasonably long life.

Carbon is more expensive again, but a good carbon frame will be much lighter than an aluminium frame.  A cheap carbon frame however, can easily be just as heavy, or heavier than a similar aluminium model.  Carbon frames are well suited to road racing because of their light weight.

Finally, titanium frames have a weight and strength advantage over all other materials and its flexibility makes it very good for absorbing shock.  However, as you may guess, titanium frames are the most expensive of the lot.

To choose the right frame for you, consider your budget and what your primary use for your bike will be.  If you are at the lower end, you might be restricted to a steel frame.  If you have a bit more room in the budget however, and weight is a big priority, a good quality aluminium bike is probably right up your alley.  And if money is no object, well carbon and titanium frames are well worth a look.

Now that you’ve picked your frame, let’s make sure you get the right size!

First, you need to measure your inseam.  Your inseam is the distance from the bottom crotch to the lower ankle – think about the seam that runs the length of the inner pant leg on a pair of pants.

Wondering the best way to do this?  Stand against a wall, put a book between your legs, press it up against the pelvic bone, and put a mark on the wall at the top of the book.  Measure the distance between that mark and the floor, and you’ve got your inseam figure.

Now to find the ideal bike frame size, simply subtract 12 inches from your inseam figure – ie if your inseam length is 27 inches, your ideal bike frame size will be 15 inches.  If your working in centimetres – subtract 30cm from your inseam to get your ideal size.

When standing over your mountain bike, you want to make sure you have enough clearance over the top tube (the crossbar).  As a guide, you should have 2 to 5 inches clearance, but this can change depending how you prefer to ride your bike.  If you like to sit upright, you can choose a slightly larger frame, which still maintains enough top tube clearance.  However for a more athletically ridden mountain bike, you will want maximum top tube clearance, to give you a safe ride in rough conditions.

Now you’ve worked out which frame, and which size, it’s time to go mountain bike frame shopping!

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