Extreme Mountain Biking for the Extreme Adrenalin Rush

Extreme Mountain Biking is a sport where bikers ride their beasts in extreme situations enjoying every bit of adrenalin rush. Trial riding and street riding are urban games and are examples of such mountain biking. Extreme biking is an exclusive sport, which demands a lot of courage, patience and self- reliance.

During the past few years, nobody has heard so much about the mountain bikes. But presently, mountain biking is in vogue. Mountain bikes can be enjoyed on different terrains, with equal ease. Mountain bike riders use their bikes for various competitions and programs.

Extreme biking can be divided into five categories: Cross Country, Downhill, Free riding, Dirt Jumping, and Street Riding. The most popular terrains for mountain biking are rocky roads, gravel road and inhospitable tracks. But most of the mountain bike riders prefer to ride ‘single tracks’, that are narrow pathways, carved through fields or forests.

Downhill Races

Downhill races have typical staggered start to lower the chances of crashing. The bikers ride down the hill with a matchless speed. Many Downhill races are organized in ski slopes during the summer. Downhill races demand the ultimate skill from the riders, who can maneuver their bikes extremely well. Bikes meant for downhill races are well fitted with front and rear suspension, large brakes and heavier frame tubing. These bikes should never be dragged up the hill. For this reason racers and riders of downhill make frequent use of trucks and ski hills to be transported at the top of the mountain. This extreme form of mountain race biking demands a great physiological challenge.

Dirt jumping mountain biking

Dirt jumping is more common with BMX experts. Dirt biking experts compete to exhibit the biggest, the amazing and the most astounding jumps in the air while they spin with their bikes doing flips and other stunts. You will gaze while the biker is busy taking the stunts in the air.

Bike trails

Another most extreme mountain bike riding is bike trails. This is a course of cycling action where you are made to navigate through unimaginable rough terrains without even letting your feet have the slightest ground contact. The riders performing bike trails should know how to balance their bikes on rails, boulders, posts, tree stumps and a variety of other dangerous obstacles.

Cross country races

This form of race usually covers 30 miles and it can be performed on several rough and rugged land surfaces. The cross-country racers start off together just as the participants of marathons do.

The other extreme varieties of mountain biking include park biking, urban biking and freeride biking.

Once you develop a passion for biking competitions you should at once start making arrangements with practice and get into the perfect shape. Remember, extreme mountain bike rides are not meant for beginners.

When you are prepared to take on with such rides, you should always stay alert while performing the stunts. You must also be careful about wearing helmets and pads because an inch of carelessness can make you suffer for the rest of your life.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner ofhttp://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/.Specialized-Bike.html
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December 8th, 2009 Comment (0) General

A Helmet on that Noggin’

Even during the ancient times, man already knew the importance of protecting one’s head with helmets. He could afford damage to any part of his body. But if he was to receive a blow to the head, that could prove to be fatal. Helmets, therefore, were developed to keep their heads from any sharp blows and damage.

During those days, warlike tribes roamed the earth looking for territory to occupy. Fierce battles were not uncommon. And these early armies quickly learned that those who came to battle fully prepared usually walked away from them in one piece.

To earn a decided advantage in these conflicts, they decided to develop weapons to increase the damage they dealt, and armor to decrease the damage they received.

These people learned that the head was most vulnerable to sharp swings of bladed weapons, punctures from arrows, and the dull thwack of blunt instruments. To protect against such, these people used rudimentary helmets.

The Sumerians, a warlike tribe that thrived in 3000 B.C., where the first to use helmets to war. Their tight-fitting helmets were made of beaten copper to protect against sudden blow to the head.

The Assyrians, on the other hand, had helmets that were cone-shaped. These helmets also had small earflap to protect against undue damage to the soft ear tissue.

The ancient Greeks went a step further by developing bronze helmets that covered the entire head. These helmets would only have a Y-shaped slit to allow the soldier to see and to breathe. The Romans used a looser helmet that was made of either bronze or iron and had movable cheek pieces.

As the weaponry of the ages improved, so did the armor used to protect against them. Armor during this period tended to be heavy and cumbersome. Some armor made moving around a tremendous task. In fact, the knight’s medieval armor was so thick that the person inside the armor was at risk from fainting due to heat.

The helmets of those days were sturdy and heavy. The faces of their users were complete hidden by a movable visor. Because their faces were hidden it became custom for knights to carry identifying marks on their shields and banners. This led to the development of heraldry.

The Persians used a type of helmet that had a camail, or curtail-like attachment that protected the sides of the face and the neck.

With the advent of guns in the battlefield, plate armor became obsolete. The only part of the armor to survive this revolution was the cuirass (breastplate) and helmet.

As guns replaced swords, men started to rely on foxholes and sandbags to protect them against bullets. Personal armor lost favor in standing armies. However, helmets were still needed to protect the soldier from shrapnel and ricochet. These helmets were now made of steel to provide better protection and mobility.

Nowadays, helmets are still used as standard battle gear. They are may be made out of steel or other material that protects against high-velocity projectiles and shrapnel.

The most practical use of helmets today is in construction work and other industries that employ the use of a hard hat. These hats are made of tough plastic that protects construction workers and miners from debris.

Also, skateboard, bicycle and motorcycle riders turn to helmets to protect them against crashes.

November 29th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Safety Helmets: Important Facts

Why do you think one needs a helmet while riding a bicycle or skating or horse riding or even playing?Well,some say that helmets are unnecessary as they cannot save a persons life or prevent accidents.True,safety helmets cannot prevent or stop accidents but they can in some measure safe a person?s life when met with an accident.According to the statistics calculated recently in U.S, about one fourth of the people brought in emergency rooms have head injuries and one out of every eight of them are reported to have brain injuries. This may not have happened had they been wearing a safety helmet. So at least brain injury would have been prevented which would eventually cause death. A single head injury can also make a person handicapped for life. Even while at work especially where there are a lot of construction work, a safety helmet is a must. It should be the responsibility of the employer to provide these helmets to his employees as many to prevent any such head injuries. Choosing the right helmet: There are different kinds of safety helmet available as different sports require different helmets. But the key here is to wear the right fitting. A loose helmet cannot protect the head as much as fitted ones. A helmet should always fit the persons head. It should touch the head all the way around and should be stable enough that even in jerks it should not move. When it comes to buying for kids many a times we tend to feel that we should get a bigger one as they would grow anyways but that is wrong. The brand is also important. One should never compromise on price when it comes to safety. Comfort is another thing that you should keep in mind as if it is not comfortable then you are very unlikely to wear it also. All parents, coaches, trainers and organizers should be made aware of this safety precaution. A lot of injuries also occur during horse riding and the statistics of accidents is very alarming. Even though other factors may also be involved from falling off a horse like slipping and back riding but the height from which the person falls is what jeopardizes the injury. If he falls from a height of 2 feet he is likely to have brain damage but if he falls from a greater height as the horse tends to elevate him up to 8 feet from the ground then his skull would be shattered. So, one should never ride a horse without wearing a safety helmet. Bicycle helmets are made from foam polystyrene, and this polystyrene though is rigid it can be molded into virtually any shape. This can be easily damaged by crushing as it has a quite a high number of tiny air pockets. This process of crushing absorbs energy thus making it ideal for the construction of bicycle helmets. This helmets tend to get a bit warm during hot days but nowadays there are more expensive ones that are available and these helmets have more air vents to keep you cool but this can reduce the amount of energy absorbed as the amount of polystyrene is reduced. Whether wearing a helmet is necessary or not depends on the individual. But you should never underestimate the use of it because there are benefits of using a safety helmet. It is always better to take precautions then suffer the consequences. You should take responsibity of young ones in your family and educate them about safety helmets after all it is always better to have knowledge about things then be careless about it. Always wear helmets and be safe.

November 29th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Mountain Biking 101: What You Need To Fall In Love With This Sport

Summer’s just around the corner and that means all kinds of outdoor fun! This season, why not commit to trying something new? Mountain and trail biking! A great form of exercise for all levels, mountain and trail biking is a terrific way to get out and enjoy all that nature offers.
If you think you’re ready to give it a try, here are some things you’ll need:
A bike. Known as MTB or ATB (Mountain or All-Terrain) bikes, they range in price from $300 to well over $2,000. As a novice, start by renting a bike (much more affordable at around $40 a day) to see if you like the sport, and the bike model.
A bike rack. Unless you live on the mountain, you’re going to have to drive to your biking destination. Bike racks come in all different styles, from roof-mounted racks from manufacturers like Swangman and Thule, to hitch-mounted carriers like the one available for Isuzu SUVs.
A helmet. While comfy clothes suited to the weather is always recommended (stay away from loose pants that can get caught in the bike’s gears), a helmet is a must. They can be rented or bought, but they are invaluable in the event of an accident, especially in areas where emergency medical help isn’t just a hop, skip, and jump away.
A rehydration system. This could be anything from water bottles strapped on the bike, to back-mounted rehydration systems. It’s not about how you rehydrate, it’s that you do it often.
A cell phone. Just in case of and emergency, bring a cell phone.
Trail maps. Many can be downloaded from the internet or bought at the local ski resort. As a novice, stick to clear, well-marked trails. Keep the map handy in case of an emergency, or in the event you get lost.
Most importantly, have fun. Take as many breaks as you’d like to stop and explore the idyllic setting or to catch your breath. Bike at your own pace and enjoy the well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

November 20th, 2009 Comment (0) General

All You Need For Your Bike

Dirt biking is a fun, challenging outdoor sport that appeals to many enthusiasts young and old. Dirt bike accessories can be found in just about every form imaginable. Some provide a boost in your bike’s performance, while others help with added safety for dirt bikers. As with any sport, there are several accessories available that endorse popular name brands of dirt bikes, parts and dirt bike accessories.

Kits that control emissions help to keep dirt bikes in certain areas like California operating within legal standards. Endurance computer kits are also available to be mounted on dirt bikes, offering a chance to see speed, trip mileage, time and a reminder when maintenance is due on your bike. Since dirt bikes cover rough terrain, steering stabilizers can be installed to keep the terrain from affecting a rider’s control of the bike. Stabilizers are also useful dirt bike accessories, increasing performance by improving overall handling of the bike.

There is also equipment that helps keep riders safe while riding through competitions and practice. Helmets come in various forms and styles to not only offer a sleek look but also to protect riders form injuries. Injuries to the head can be devastating, and are very possible in dirt biking. Special eyewear is also made for dirt bikers. Dirt and debris from a ride can easily make its way into a rider’s eyes causing irritation, blurred vision and possibly accidents. Any retailer who offers dirt bike accessories should be able to offer a number of options for protecting the eyes, as well as a special cleaner that prevents eyewear fogging up. Other important dirt bike accessories protect hands. Hand guards are not gloves but they come up over the top of the hand, a hard shield to help bikers stay safe and keep riding with minimal injuries.

Companies who make dirt bikes and dirt bike accessories never hesitate to create a marketing tool out of their products. While products range from stickers to padded jackets and barpads that are attached between a bike’s handlebars, these accessories carry a brand name of some sort. Even when bikers are not riding, they can wear accessories like t-shirts and hats that show everyone what their favorite band of bike, equipment and engine materials are.

Whenever you spot a colorful gear bag, helmet or see a label running across the handlebars of a bike pay close attention, you may see a brand name or logo across the dirt bike accessories. If you familiarize yourself with the different brands available and what they offer, you might find you too have a favorite brand that you might like to wear.

November 20th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Mountain Biking , for the Adventure Loving Lot

Mountain biking, as the name suggests, is a biking sport in which bicycle-riders ride along mountain trails. Biking through a mountain terrain is pure fun, but it also has its share of adventure and excitement. The best-known locations for biking in mountainous surroundings have unpaved surfaces and so you need to be an expert biker to truly experience the thrill.

History

Since their invention, bicycles have been used on all terrains, including rugged mountainous territories. However, it was not until 1970s that biking in the mountains became an organized sport. Groups of bicycle-riders from different parts of the United States played a pivotal role in the evolution of this thrilling biking-sport – experimenting with bikes of different makes and modifying them so that they could take the rigors of riding in the uneven, craggy mountainous lands.

The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, however, bestows the honor to a group of bikers in Marin County, California. The group (consisting of famous names in this field like Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Keith Bontrager and Otis Guy among others) undertook bike-ride down Mount Tamalpais (Mt Tam) on old 1930s and 40s Schwinn bicycles retrofitted with advanced brakes and fat tires.

The first ‘proper’ mountain bike was built by Joe Breeze in 1977. The present-day mountain bikes are based on the bicycle first marketed by the MountainBikes Company. The frame of this particular bike was built by Tom Ritchey and it was accessorized by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly.

Types

Bikers usually engage in four different kinds of cycling tours in the mountains:

1. Cross-Country (or XC) biking is the most familiar type mountain riding sport and naturally has the maximum number of followers. The sport involves riding between points or in loops. It includes ascents and descents on different terrains. (Cross-Country racing competitions are different from cross-country biking). A typical XC bike weighs some 22-28 lbs and it has 0-4 inches of suspension travel front and rear.

2. Freeride is the other popular type of biking in mountain trails. It restricts the biker with no specific rules rather allows the rider to do ‘anything and everything’ – downhill rides (without clock), jumps, stunts – that require skill and are hence meant for professionals. Freeride biking requires the rider to assemble the bike as per convenience and style, but these bikes are a bit heavier (weighing between 30 and 40 lbs) and are amply suspended (generally has 6 inches of suspension front and rear).

3. Downhill, as the name suggests, involves riding mountain bikes downhill. It is generally associated with racing-oriented downhill riding. Downhill biking does not require the rider to pedal up the hill. The bikers along with their bikes are transported up the hill with the help of a truck or ski-lift. The downhill climb is indeed challenging including jumps and drops as well as physical hindrances. Tough mentality, physical strength, swiftness and mounted heavy bikes weighing some 40-50 lbs make you eligible for these races.

4. Trials riding, which is quite similar to skateboarding, involves hopping and jumping over obstacles with your bike. It demands great sense of balance and control. The riders make use of special bikes that make use of 20″, 24″ or 26″ wheels fitted to small, low frames.

The following tips will prove helpful if you are planning a bicycle-trip in the rocky, hilly terrains for the first time:

1. You must have stamina and endurance to bike down a mountain.

2. Selection of a superior quality bike, especially one that perfectly meets your type of mountain riding is also very crucial.

3. You cannot avoid minor cuts and bruises but you can certainly prevent major mishaps by resorting to precautionary measures, buying yourself some protection in the form of helmets, knee-caps and elbow-caps. A good pair of goggles will also prove handy.

4. Special competitions are organized by various mountain bikers’ groups and you can join in with them. If you choose to go on your own, you will need to collect all relevant information – routes, rules, et al.

5. Whether you go with a bikers’ group or go biking all by yourself, you must remember to carry your equipment kit so that you can take care of all your bicycle-repairs.

November 17th, 2009 Comment (0) General

BMX Bikes Are For Those Who Like To Live On The Edge

BMX Bikes are specially designed bicycles for racing on sandy and hilly tracks. Apart from racing on hilly terrains, bikers also perform tricks on flat grounds, wooden ramps and trails.
Earlier, bikes were manufactured with an assembled frame and fork, with two wheels and a seat. BMX bicycles originated in the state of California in the late 60s, but it was not until the beginning of 1961 that the bikes achieved great popularity. The manufacturers then began to produce these bicycles frequently.
BMX tricks and stunts are now very popular among the teenagers. There are numerous clubs and organizations where people can come to try their hands out on the BMX bicycles and practice the skills and tricks. With these early practices, the young bikers get acquainted with the common problems that may occur during the ramp performances.
Bike tricks are not easy for bikers. The stunts are quite tough to perform and you should undergo tough rehearsals in order to get fully ready. Some of the difficult tricks are like standing on the front pegs, and spinning the rest of the bike around. The skillful bikers can even summersault in the air. It may take lots of practice to master these tricks.
While riding the bicycles you should have ample protection. You must protect your elbows, knees and most importantly your head with the helmet. If you are interested in a look at the toughest BMX competitions, the X games on various sports channels can help you out.
The Designs Of BMX Bicycles
The main features of the bike:
1. Straight tubes
2. Gusseted frames
3. Reinforced handlebars
4. Powerful mag wheels
5. Long crankarms
6. Steel rims
7. Coaster brakes
The bike producers manufacture bikes with light body. The body of this bike is made of aluminum or chromium and molybdenum for frames and steel for the rims. Aluminum is also used for rims, freewheels and caliper brakes. The 24-inch versions of BMX bicycles are called Cruisers.
The frames of these bicycles are made to be very light and maneuvered accordingly, so that it can weather the blows while racing and jumping. Moreover, a light bike can save you precious minutes in a close race.
The tires of BMX bicycles are quite different from the road bikes. They are knobby with excellent traction and power. Another aspect that distinguishes the BMX tires from the others is in the construction of their wheels. Generally the rims are of 20 inches, but there can be different sizes too.
Sometimes the BMX bicycles fall hard and that is why the manufacturers have introduced Cro Moly tube sets to the BMX bicycles. A BMX bike with smaller gear set-ups reduce the weight of the bikes by using chain rings, smaller rear drivers, and shorter chain length.
Sales of these bicycles are much higher than the other ones. Bikes can be seen with every fashionable bike rider, on sidewalks and in their natural habitat. Instead of competing with anyone, a simple ride would be much more comfortable. While riding you have to be very conscious, and should not make too much experiments with your tricks. Do not forget to wear a helmet whenever you are riding.
Thus, the BMX bicycles are both, fashionable and powerful, providing you the ultimate passion for fashionable biking.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/BMX-Bikes.html
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November 13th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Avenir Ranger Youth Bike Helmet

Avenir Ranger Youth Bike Helmet

Avenir by Raleigh is the premier bicycle accessory line from legendary Raleigh Bicycles.

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November 11th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Giro Atlas II Sport Oversized Bike Helmet

Giro Atlas II Sport Oversized Bike Helmet

With a rugged, classic design the Giro Atlas II Sport Bike Helmet is built for riders who want a comfortable, secure fit in a larger-than-average size. This sport-bike helmet is constructed with in-mold technology that fuses a tough outer microshell to the helmet’s EPS foam liner. The fusion process reinforces areas around vents and ribs, making the helmet lighter, cooler and tougher. The Atlas II utilizes Giro’s Acu Dial system, which combines single-handed adjustment with a full-fit band for a quick, sure fit. This Giro helmet features a snap-fit visor, and 18 vents that allow cool, fresh air in and stale, warm air out. The Atlas II sport helmet comes in Giro’s Universal Fit XL UL size (57-64cm), carefully sculpted and size-specific to simplify the fitting process. Giro’s Atlas II helmet is a lightweight 330 grams, and complies with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s safety standards for bicycle helmets. Helmet Tips–You Should Always…Wear a helmet when you ri (more…)

November 7th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Giro Rift Bike Helmet

Giro Rift Bike Helmet

Amazon.com
The Giro Rift bike helmet is an ideal choice for riders who want cool comfort and rugged good looks without breaking the bank. The helmet is made using Giro’s in-mold construction, which fuses the helmet’s outer shell with an impact-absorbing EPS liner. Not only does this reinforce both layers, but the “exoskeleton” also allows Giro to engineer helmets that are lighter, more durable, and better ventilated. The helmet also employs Giro’s patented Acu Dial fit system, which hugs the back of your head and reduces the tendency of your helmet to shift forwards or backwards. Unlike most system, the Acu Dial’s design provides adjustable tension independent of the helmet straps. This means you don’t have to overtighten the straps to enjoy a snug, comfortable fit. The bike’s premium features conclude with a whopping 24 cooling events, keeping you well ventilated on both short and long rides. About Giro Working late nights in his garage, designer/bike racer Jim Gentes c (more…)

November 5th, 2009 Comment (0) General
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