Bike Riding

canibefrank asked:

All the race action from the 2004 mountain bike (MTB)Downhill World Cup.

Filmed by the MTB Freeride Club. Membership and daypass info @ www.mtb-freeride.com

sportspublishing asked:

Press conference Multivan Merida Biking Team 2007

livNsurreal asked:

Clips from the last Red Bull Rampage event. These dudes went HUGE!

timsharkey77 asked:

crazy down hill bikers rock out!

Mountain bikes are specially meant for rough and rugged terrains. These extra traction and shock absorbing mountain bicycles are provided with fat knobby tires.

However, a full front and rear suspension is becoming quite a common factor nowadays with bikes meant for mountain rides. Some bikes of this particular variety are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with recent trends the use of handlebars and extensions are becoming less and less popular.

Mountain bicycles have both 26 and 29 inches wheels. The larger wheels of this bike type have better rolling capacities over rocks and boulders. Moreover, wheels, which are larger in diameter, also bring about an enhancement in rotational weight giving way to stable acceleration.

Mountain Bicycles Kings On Rugged Roads

Based on suspension, mountain bicycles are broadly graded into four different kinds:

Bikes with dual or full suspension, These bikes have front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that is ready to make the rear wheels move on pivots

Hardtail bikes, These bikes have frames with no rear suspension and they are often supplied with front suspension forks

Soft Tail Bikes, These bikes have frames with small amount of rear suspension. The bikes are activated by flex of the frame rather than the pivots

Fully rigid bikes, These bikes have a sub-type of hardtail along with rigid fork system

The Different Types Of Mountain Bicycles

The Cross-Country Mountain Bike

This bike variety has small amount of suspension on the front or on the rear. These bicycles are comparatively light because they are constructed with lightweight materials both in frame construction and in components.

Some XC bike varieties of this particular type are without any suspension. They make use of rigid front fork that helps in saving weight. Here, the skill of the rider to pass through rough terrains is more important.

Freeride Mountain Bike

These are very similar to enduro bikes and emphasize more on weight and enhanced suspension. These bikes have ample suspension and they are mostly constructed with heavier materials. Freeride bikes are absolutely versatile and they are fantastic for uphill travel. The frame angles of such bikes are usually steeper in comparison to downhill bikes. Most freeride bikes are 30 to 45 pounds in weight.

Trials Mountain Bike

These are trial specific bikes. Most of these bikes are without any suspension. The contemporary trial bikes come without seats as most of the time the rider is out of the saddle. This bike is particularly lighter than other mountain bicycles and it weighs between 15 to 25 pounds. The lightweight makes it easier for the biker to maneuver the bike.

Single-Speed Mountain Bike

This is a kind of mountain bike with one set gear ratio. The ratio of the gear depends on the kind of terrain the bike crosses, the skill and strength of the bike rider and the size of the bike too. A single-speed bike is completely rigid having tough steel frames. If you want to ride a single-speed bicycle on mild to moderate cross-country terrains you have to be strong and active.

North Shore Mountain Bike

North shore mountain bike is genuinely constructed for rough and rugged land surfaces. A rider of this particular bike type has to exhibit lots of skill and balance while riding the bike. This bike is a wonderful combination of freeride and downhill bikes.

The other mountain bike varieties include Enduro Mountain Bike, Downhill Mountain Bike and Dirt Jumping Bike.

Most modern bikes meant for mountains have lighter and stronger frames with innovative design and form. The geometry of these bikes encourages vigorous riding over several obstacles like logs, rocks, wooden bridges and manually fabricated ramps. In the front, the bikes have three gears and it has 7, 8, 9, or 10 gears at the rear wheel position.

Some notable companies who have introduced the latest models of mountain bicycles include Fox, Manitou and Rock Shox along with other significant bike manufacturers. It is quite likely for you to make mistakes while riding a mountain bike. The mishaps generally take place due to equipment failure or misjudgment on the part of the rider.

Thus, several companies have come forward with protective gears referred to as armors to provide full protection from injuries. Some essential upper body protectors for riders include spine protector, full-face helmets and backpack hydration system.

It is quite an established fact that mountain bicycles are aptly designed following the present trend and demand. They are in fact the dream of every spirited and efficient mountain biker.



By: Robert Sheehan

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expertvillage asked:

Don’t let a flat put an end to your trip. Learn how to fix a flat bike tire quickly on the trail in this free online video on mountain biking basics.

As people grow up they start having wonderful fantasies and these are developed as a result of others showing them. Most of the younger generation would love to own bikes which could be sped with. But while choosing your favorite, there should various things that have to be considered and taken into account.

While shopping for the first bike the most important thing to consider is the price range and your budget. There are wonderful motorcycles which cost a lot for you and look really handsome and stylish. There are premium varieties of bikes such as Ducati and even Harley-Davidsons which could be over expensive. But these are the motorcycles chosen by most of the teenagers due to its fame and popularity. These are those bikes which could be just dreamt by the ordinary people. If you are going to ride it for the first time then these models are not for you. As for experimenting bike riding, it is always advised to start off with the modest models. These are recommended for experts as they have wonderful experience in bike riding.

For those entire debuting bike riders, the best choice would be to choose used bikes which are available easily at affordable prices. This is because it is the best way to become expert and own fascinating models sooner. The used bikes will be having the same power as the new ones and due to this reason it becomes easier and safer to learn in these bikes for the beginners. It is also not much good for the experienced riders to humiliate the new riders on fancy bikes. It is always cooler to ride faster on a slow bike rather than to ride slowly on fast bike.

The most dangerous bike for all those new comers is the sports bikes which could really put the debuts in real trouble even risking their lives. This is because the sports bikes are light weight and even have horsepower and this helps in faster pace even top speeds. Many of the youngsters prefer to own a 1000 cc super bike but it is not recommended for the starters and is highly advised due to its great risks.

The hospitals and cemeteries had got various clients who had tried out the 160 horsepower liter bike. It is highly recommended to undergo a training class before trying any kinds of bike. The perfect choice would be to join classes offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Apart from providing training they also let you to use small motorcycles as part of it.

Whatever be your choice of bike ranging from a fancy bike to touring bike to sport bike to a cruiser to a standard style bike, all that is to be taken care is to get the bike that you feel very comfortable. After taken the right decision the next step is to go out for shopping. While shopping, sit on the bike with the kick start stand down and check whether feet touches the ground and if not then it would be better to choose a lower seat bike. Hence, following these steps in bike shopping would let you choose the perfect one for you.



By: James Brown

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gyrobike asked:

Check out the latest technology in keeping a bicycle stable while riding at slow speeds.

If you are in the market for a new bike - or even for your first bike, you definitely need to check out Trek Mountain Bikes. Trek Mountain Bikes have been around since the beginning of mountain bike time, and they aren’t going anywhere soon - except maybe to the next challenging trail!

First you should note that trek designs and manufactures mountain bikes, as well as street bikes, but the company does much more than that. As for bikes, they produce such high quality rides that even Lance Armstrong rides a Trek! What better endorsement could the company have than that?

Trek has a line of accessories that are highly suited to mountain bikers of all ages and skill levels. Clothing and shoes, under the Trek brand are available through the website. You can also purchase helmets and other safety equipment, lights, locks, saddles, racks, packs, trainers, bike maintenance gear, trailers, team wear, Trek souvenirs, and even computers for your bike! Trek even has their own specially designed water bottles, and they sell nutrition bars and packs as well!

Now that you know that Trek is all about bikes and mountain bikes - and fulfilling the needs and whims of bikers and mountain bikers, visit the site, and start building your Trek mountain bike. That’s right! You can build your very own virtual Trek Bike. You can start with just the frame, or select a complete bike. You can choose the color scheme, and many other features as well - when you have virtually designed the bike of your dreams, you can order it if you want to! If you can’t afford it just yet, however, you can save it, and go back and look at it over and over again.

Once you’ve purchased your Trek mountain bike, you may be interested in a Trek mountain bike tour. Trek also caters to mountain bikers with Trek Travel. Trek Travel puts together mountain biking tours. You can plan your Trek Travel vacation based on where you want to go, the type of trip you want to take, the skill level that you are at, the dates you want to travel, or by selecting a pre-planned event. These are often guided tours, and the guides are well trained not only to make sure that you have the best biking adventure possible, but also that you remain safe during your tour.

If you aren’t quite ready to buy the Trek mountain bike, you can still go on one of the many Trek mountain bike tours - and the bike will be provided for you! You get to choose between the OCLV Carbon Fiber Trek 5.2 Madone road bike and the full-suspension Trek Fuel EX9 mountain bike - and the bike is included in the price of your tour. If you’ve already purchased a Trek bike - or any other brand of bike - and you prefer to bring your own bike on your tour, bring it along! Trek simply requires that you pack it in a bike carrying case. You will, however, be expected to reimburse Trek for any spare parts you may use during the trip, and you will be responsible for the care and maintenance, as well as the assembly and disassembly, of your own bike.

If you aren’t in the best of shape, don’t let this keep you from the fun and adventure of a Trek mountain bikes tour! There are easy tours available, where you will average thirty miles per day, or less. The terrain will be flat, and you can ride at your own pace, and riding is optional each day. If you prefer something a bit more adventurous, there are moderate trips available as well.

With a moderate trip, you will ride 30 - 45 miles per day. There will be occasional challenges and climbs, and again, riding is optional. Avid tours cover 45 to 70 or more miles per day and are extremely challenging. Choose the package that is right for your abilities, as well as a tour that fits in with the other things you want to do on your Trek mountain bikes vacation!



By: Trevor Mulholland

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At the start of summer this year, the Ajuntament (Council) of Barcelona launched the first phase of a new public transport initiative that was designed to provide a cheap, convenient and environmentally friendly solution to an increasingly crowded metro and bus system in the city of Barcelona.

It seemed an innovative and progressive solution. Residents would register online and for a modest fee of 24 euros per year, order a 12 month membership smart card that would allow them to borrow a bike for up to 2 hours from one of 100 strategically located bike stations, outside metro and bus stops and heavy traffic areas in the main arterial zones of the city.

All users would have to do is swipe their card at their nearest bike station to unlock a bike from the rack. With a free half hour to return the bike to any station in the city, and a modest 30 euro cent fee for additional half hour increments, the idea seems affordable and clever.

But affordable and clever also seem to be the characteristics that have led to problems with the system. Encouraged by the offer of a half price registration fee until July 6th, 80,000 users had signed up within the first three months. Great to have a strong public response, but not so great when the system currently only supports 1,500 bikes.

Another major hurdle is an apparent underestimation of demand for return space in popular areas such as La Rambla and beach areas around Barceloneta. Users are reporting frustration when trying to return bikes at racks already full with no available return space, and little choice but to ride on and hope that there will be room for their bike at the next station.

Damaged bikes are also proving to be a hassle. Designed to be lightweight and easy to ride, many bikes are quickly rendered useless by slipping gears, faulty brakes and broken bells and lights.

‘Its not uncommon to roll up to a rack with several bikes, only be told by the screen that none of them are available because they’re broken’ says Gemma, who I meet at the bike rack at the bottom of Rambla de Raval.

‘Its also not uncommon to take a bike from the rack and have to return it because the gears are slipping or the seat wobbles. Several times this has happened to me and I’ve returned it only to find it was the only available bike.’

Whilst the Bicing website has a real-time count of how many bikes are available at each station, the stations themselves don’t. Gemmas options are then to walk on to the next station and hope that there are available bikes, or wait at the station in the hope that someone will return their bike shortly. ‘Not exactly convenient if you have somewhere to be’ she says.

Gemma doesn’t appear to be the only one with frustrations. On a hot Sunday afternoon I watch as a que of three Bicing hopefulls sigh as another rider passes their rack without returning their bike. The next three bike racks I pass, none of which are empty, also have people waiting.

Lucas, second in line tells me he’s only been waiting 20 minutes. Then adds that in that 20 minutes, he could have arrived at his destination if he had caught the metro.

Although support trucks can be seen circulating the city, to check and maintain the bikes and to re-shuffle distribution if one stand becomes full and others are left empty, but they don’t appear to be working fast enough to cope with the demand.

Another user, Daniel tells me that he doesn’t use the bikes when he is going to work, a meeting or anything important. ‘They’re too un-reliable, so I only use them on the weekend when I have time to spare’ he says. ‘It’s a good idea. A nice way to travel around the city but I don’t think the original purpose of Bicing was meant to be for recreational use.’

Daniels speculation is supported by the words of the Spanish Minster for the Environment, Cristina Narbona when during a publicity event in May she visited the Bicing rack in Plaza Catalunya: ‘it is a good measure for combating climate change and making a contribution towards sustainability in the major cities’, she said.

She added that combining use of public transport systems already in place, Bicing would help to reduce emissions caused by the citys residents. A valid motivation perhaps, but if the reality of the system is inefficiency and unreliability, is it really possible that Bicing is going to last long enough to be able to make a difference?

Early trials in Amsterdam and Cambridge in the UK were abandoned when theft of the bikes and poor management saw the system collapse before it could catch up in enough popularity to make further investment in the idea a possibility.

In an article published by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, a spokesman for the Barcelona de Servicios Municipales says ‘I dont believe that there is a serious imbalance between supply and demand. In any case, the service is still not 100% up and running.’

That may be so, but this in itself raises the question of why the release of Bicing was not better planned to cope with the response from the public? Originally, stage one and two of the plan was to see the release of only 750 bikes. Ahead of schedule, Bicing had completed more new stations and released more bikes than the expected dates.

It seems at the very least, the Adjuntament seriously underestimated the demand for the niche of the public transport system the bikes were designed to fill.

Barcelona isn’t the first European city to launch a public bike sharing system. Models such as the one in Paris, due to be released on July 15th, will be launched with an initial release of 10,600 bikes and 750 stations, set to be doubled by the start of 2008.

Unlike Bicing in Barcelona, the system in Paris is a prepaid scheme. Users must not only register their credit card details, but they also pay an upfront security deposit, and upfront ‘credit’ for bike rental, which be topped up when the user runs out, before they can rent again. The bikes are also fitted with a lock and alarm system, which are activated if the bike is not returned on time, to deter theft and damage of the bikes.

The system is also more expensive in Paris, with half hour increments after the first one for free being charged out at 1 euro. Organisers of Velib, which means ‘free bike’ in French, developed the Paris model from a previously launched trial which was first successful in Lyons.

Advertising company JC Decaux, operator of both systems reported high start up and development costs in Lyons, but after a couple of glitches, the system is now running successfully, leading to the development of the model in Paris.

One of the biggest problems in Lyons was the theft of almost half of the original fleet of 2,000 bikes, but this led to the establishment of the upfront security deposit which Paris will be enforcing from day one of its operation. If a bike is not returned within 24 hours, the deposit will be forfeited and the users card de-activated.

It seems that by placing more responsibility of the users of the system,the company has managed to induce a reduction of damage and theft of the fleet. Today the system in Lyons is running with double the fleet size it started with, and less loss of profit due to misuse and theft.

The Paris branch is being funded largely by prepaid advertising space, allowing the company to launch the project with a much larger fleet and relatively short turn around time for increasing its size by next year. Clearly, the organisers have learnt some valuable lessons and are preparing for a smoother launch this month in Paris.

Whilst it would be unfair to expect the Barcelona city council to have the resources and experience of JC Decaux, we can only hope that the Ajuntament is learning from its mistakes, and that public interest in Bicing will remain long enough for the council to catch up with supply and demand. With plans to extend operations to include bike rental to tourists in coming months, Bicing has its work cut out to sort out these initial problems.

Before leaving with her bike, Gemma says to me ‘I hope it works out, because this city is really made to be experienced on a bike. Its so nice to be riding around in the sun with the fresh sea air.’

The public’s response really shows that people want to use the service. Lets hope the Ajuntament of Barcelona can lose the training wheels and allow Bicing to ride smoothly on into the future.



By: Gaizka Pujana

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