Repair Work Made Easier With a Mountain Bike Stand

One of the toughest parts of mountain biking is not necessarily the trail on which it is ridden or the style the rider chooses. Keeping the bike in superior condition and repair is essential to the success of any style of mountain biking. Kick-stands are out of the question for repair work and finding the right mountain bike stand with which to hold the bike for work, should be something every cyclist needs to do.

Finding the right mountain bike stand may take some time, but there a few things to look for when considering a purchase. Obviously, price will be a major concern, but spending hundreds, and possibly thousands of dollars on a quality mountain bike, anything left over in the budget should be applied to a quality stand. A mountain bike stand should be freestanding, meaning it can stand on its own, under the weight of the bike when attached, without fear it will fall over, regardless of the terrain on which it is used.

Many riders carry a foldable mountain bike stand with them for competition and when needed it can be quickly set up beside the car and used to effect repairs. The stands with a tripod stand are the most useful at remaining upright on tough ground.

Make Sure the Stand Has a Quick Release

Look for a mountain bike stand that has a single lever quick release mechanism to hold the bike upright. Gone are the days when a bike was turned upside down to make repairs. With the grip working similar to vice grip pliers they should be easily adjustable to the size of the crossbar and be able to support the weight of the bike. The grip should also have a single, quick release mechanism to make removing the bike easy, no matter how much it weighs.

Ideally, the mountain bike stand will be adjustable up and down to make working on the bike more convenient and comfortable. The adjustment should be easy with a single release on a telescoping pole to make moving the bike up and down easy for one person to accomplish. The rider should not have to struggle or ask for help to get the bike to a level at which work can be performed.

While many mountain bike stand prices are under $100, a quality stand can cost over $300 and depending on the amount of work a person will do on their bike, the higher priced, better quality mountain bike stand may be a better bargain in the long run.

Mountain Biking the San Francisco Bay Area: A Guide to the Bay Area's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides (Regional Mountain Biking Series)

This handy guide offers more than 80 rides from the birthplace of the mountain bike revolution; from the top of Mount Tamalpais to the redwoods of Big Basin. Ride legendary Repack, Annadel State Park, Mount Diablo, Wilder Ranch, Henry Coe State Park, and El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Mountain biker, triathlete, and author Lorene Jackson offers tidbits on local history, wildlife, and points of interest to make this more than just a trail guide to the best mountain bike rides in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, including rides in the North Bay, South Bay, East Bay, and San Francisco Peninsula.

Click here to purchase

Performing Mountain Bike Jumps is a Valuable Riding Skill

Mountain biking is an exciting and fun sport that has evolved into one of the most popular sports around. Many people want to participate in the sport, but would like to be able go right out back and have their own mountain bike course available. Creating mountain bike jumps can be accomplished and bring the sport right into your home.

Learning how to make proper jumps can help mountain bikers ride trails safer and with more enjoyment. Practicing techniques when making jumps can also assist in the biker being able to stay in control and keep their speed up while riding the trails. Making mountain bike jumps to practice with can fun and a great learning opportunity.

Some things to consider when deciding to create mountain bike jumps can include how much space is actually available for the jump. There must be enough space in front of the jump and behind it in order to have room to pick up speed over the jump. Also, keep in mind that a jump placed next to a large object has the potential risk for injury.

You can create mountain bike jumps for practice in your backyard. You will need shovels and rakes. Mountain bike jumps can be any size. Even small ones are a good way to begin to learn the proper technique of jumping. It may be best to start small and then build bigger.

Mountain bike jumps can be created by digging a hole and taking the dirt and piling it up. The hole can be made to slope so that it can also be used as a landing spot. The shape of the jump will be determined by how the dirt is placed. Any shape can be made when creating a home mountain bike jump. Make sure that the landings on either side of the jump are packed down well so that jumping is smoother.

Dirt can also be brought in and mountain bike jumps can be made from the dirt. Again, it is important to pack the dirt so that the jump is solid. If there is not enough space for a large jump, several small jumps can be made and these are a good way to learn about jumping over several obstructions.

Mountain bike jumps are really very easy to create and maintain. Not only can these be a great way to learn the ins and outs of mountain biking, they are also fun and bring a much loved sport right into your own backyard.


Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking

Whether you're hiking, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, or taking a mountain bike ride in the backcountry, a GPS receiver can help you reach your destination and return safely--but only if you know how to use it! Outdoor Navigation with GPS, the most complete, easy-to-use GPS book available, is your guide to getting the most out of a receiver, from basic consumer advice to advanced techniques. Starting with essential definitions such as UTM coordinate systems, position formats, and map datums, and moving on to creating "waypoints," and using your GPS with a computer, long-time GPS instructor Stephen W. Hinch breaks down the jargon and teaches you what you really need to know.

• An emphasis on practical applications over technical theory.
• Examples include illustrative screenshots from the newest receivers--from top companies like Garmin, Magellan, and DeLorme.
• Lists up-to-date Web resources for the rapidly changing technology of GPS and its uses.

Click here to purchase

Everyone Loves to Watch Mountain Bike Crashes

There is no shortage of videos of mountain bike crashes from around the world, with many riders with appropriate safety equipment escaping serious injury, while others were not that fortunate. However, some of the most spectacular mountain bike crashes have been staged for television shows and movies, using stunt riders.

In real life mountain bike crashes can be exceptionally dangerous, causing serious injury to the riders as well as any spectators who happen to be in the way. Riders have been impaled on handlebars and pedals as well as having severe leg injuries from riders behind them not being able to stop before running over them. While all the different disciplines of mountain biking has their dangers, downhill, trials and dirt jump invite the most potential for mountain bike crashes.

With the number of riders on trails today along with the proliferation of extreme sport riding, it is no longer a matter of if a rider will be involved in mountain bike crashes, rather it is a matter of when. Regardless of the experience or expertise of the rider, a crash can be caused by another careless or inexperienced rider. Due to the potential consequences of inevitable mountain bike crashes, riders are advised to take advantage of the many safety accessories available.

One of the first body parts to hit ground in mountain bike crashes are the hands, with fingers and wrists often suffering the most from even the slightest accidents. Mountain bikes gloves, available in full-finger or half-finger designs can ease the pain on the hands from a death-grip on the handlebars. However, full-finger gloves can help keep the skin where it belongs in event of an accident.

The primary piece of safety equipment is a helmet and in many mountain bike crashes where riders were using this protection, other bones may have been broken but their heads stayed in one piece. A good quality helmet can do more in preventing serious, often life-threatening injuries than any other piece of safety equipment. Serious head injuries can be prevented with a helmet and today’s styles and designs make them more comfortable to wear.

Anti-skid clothing can also help a fallen rider maintain their skin, or at least reduce the burn marks often associated with mountain bike crashes. Comfortably padded shorts and shirts absorb a lot of the skid burns from falling at higher speeds. Eye protection is also important as debris as well as the wind can cause the eyes to tear, blurring the vision that can lead to mountain bike crashes when the rider fails to negotiate a curve or other obstruction.


Mountain Biking Utah (rev)

In this new edition, you can enjoy 100 rides that cover the entire state of Utah.

Click here to purchase

Mountain Bike Wheels Have Varied Uses Depending On Trail Use

Mountain biking is a very popular sport that continues to grow every year. More and more people are discovering this fast paced sport and are looking into joining the sport by purchasing their own mountain bikes. It can be confusing when beginning to research the different types of bikes available for mountain biking. The difference in mountain bike wheels is one variation in the types of bikes available.

The Different Types of Mountain Bike Wheels

Mountain bikes can come in many different styles. For many it is a matter of what type of bike is most comfortable for them. This is also a choice in the type of pedals selected for the mountain bike. Stores that carry mountain bikes can be a great resource when investigating the type of bike needed for the rider. Mountain bike wheels, too come in several sizes, and can make a difference in what the rider is looking for.

Mountain bike wheels come in two sizes, the 29 inch and the 26 inch wheel size. The 29 inch is becoming a far more common mountain bike wheels size, and many more bikes are made with this size wheel.

Mountain bike wheels that are 29 inch can be a good choice for riders. This size means that the overall bike is taller working well for riders that need a bigger bike. This size of mountain bike wheels can also be good for better traction and ability to go over disturbances in the terrain. This size wheel can take on larger bumps and lumps in the road. For many bikers this size of mountain bike wheels is a good choice.

The 26 inch mountain bike wheels is what the industry began producing mountain bikes with. This has been the common size for many years. Because the wheel is smaller, this can be a good selection for riders that aren’t as tall. This size wheel is also good because as it is smaller, the entire bike is lighter. For many who have been mountain biking for years, this is what they are use to using.

In some cases, the difference in mountain bike wheels boils down to what will work best for the rider. It may benefit a novice mountain biker to try out both styles of wheels to determine which will work best for them. Mountain bikes will continue to evolve as the sport grows, and mountain bike wheels will also change as the industry determines what consumers are looking for in a mountain bike.

Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking

Whether you're hiking, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, or taking a mountain bike ride in the backcountry, a GPS receiver can help you reach your destination and return safely--but only if you know how to use it! Outdoor Navigation with GPS, the most complete, easy-to-use GPS book available, is your guide to getting the most out of a receiver, from basic consumer advice to advanced techniques. Starting with essential definitions such as UTM coordinate systems, position formats, and map datums, and moving on to creating "waypoints," and using your GPS with a computer, long-time GPS instructor Stephen W. Hinch breaks down the jargon and teaches you what you really need to know.

• An emphasis on practical applications over technical theory.
• Examples include illustrative screenshots from the newest receivers--from top companies like Garmin, Magellan, and DeLorme.
• Lists up-to-date Web resources for the rapidly changing technology of GPS and its uses.

Click here to purchase

Which Mountain Bike Accessories Do You Really Need?

As a beginner mountain biker, it is quite natural for you to get a bit overwhelmed with all the mountain bike accessories that you see in a bike store or shop. Although there are many types of mountain bike accessories being sold in the market today, you do not really need all of them so don’t waste your money on the things that you will not really have much use when you go biking. Instead of buying those fancy mountain bike accessories, invest on safety gears and accessories.

You Have to Have a Mountain Bike Helmet

The helmet is one of the most important mountain bike accessories that you need. Unfortunately, a lot of bikers often do not wear helmets when they go out that they end up suffering from severe head injuries during a fall. To safeguard your head when negotiating difficult mountain bike trails, you need to wear a reliable headgear. A good helmet is your best friend when you are out there negotiating some difficult mountain bike trails so make sure that you get one.

You Will Want Mountain Bike Gloves

Aside from buying mountain bike helmet, you will need gloves to protect your hands. In many cases, you need to grip the handle of your bike tightly when you negotiate difficult trails so you need gloves to cushion your hands. Furthermore, is case of a fall, you hands are the first things that usually touch the ground. If you are not wearing gloves, you could suffer from serious injuries when you hit your hands on some sharp objects like rocks when you try to break a fall.

What type of gloves should you get? Full-fingered gloves are a lot safer than those that only protect your palm and half the length of your fingers. Although gloves that do not cover up to the fingers tips are more comfortable than the full-fingered type, you are still at risk of hurting your fingers during a fall.

Get Some Glasses with Interchangeable Lenses

Your mountain bike accessories will not be complete without the eyes protection. You need to protect your eyes when you go out biking. You can run into some deep trouble if something gets into your eyes and blur your eyesight. Always remember that small particles and some insects can easily get into your eyes while you negotiate mountain bike trails.

Mountain Bike Shoes Makes Peddling Easier

When it comes to mountain bike accessories, the mountain bike shoes should be on your list. You need to buy mountain bike shoes to keep your feet comfortable while biking. Note that your feet could feel a bit.

Mountain Biking Moab Pocket Guide 2nd edition: 42 of the Area's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides

A handy pocket-sized guide to mountain biking in Moab, Utah. Detailed ride descriptions make it easy to find the trailheads and follow the routes, helping mountain bikers stay on track with accurate distances keyed to easy-to-read maps and ratings for physical and technical difficulty.

Click here to purchase

Mountain Bike Ratings Help With Choosing the Right Bike

If you are looking to buy a mountain bike, then one thing you will want to be aware of is the most recent mountain bike ratings, as you will be able to use these mountain bike ratings to help with your final decision. These ratings inform you of the most recent models to hit the market, and as well give you detailed reviews on the various bikes that you have to choose from.

Magazines from the newsstand offer the best bet for reading mountian bike review. Also there are a couple of websites that may be of help. By reading the opinions of others in these mountain bike ratings, you are able to get a really intelligent and informed decision on which models are worth your time and money and which are not. This type of information is especially important when buying something such as a mountain bike, because when you go mountain biking you are putting yourself in enough danger already, and so the last thing that you need is a faulty bike to be riding on.

Basically new mountain bike ratings come out every year or so, and so it is important to make sure that you keep up to date with them. If you are interested in finding ratings that you can look at yourself, there are a few great options that you have.

One in particular is Consumer Search, which is fantastic website that was established in 1991, and which has since grown to become one of the largest and most well established companies of its kind in the world. For each different product category they offer their ranking and description along with full links, their complete analysis of whom the experts are and what they have to say, their listings of the top-rated products and various prices and links to retailers that offer the recommended products.

Another great option for these sorts of ratings is to talk to your family and friends and get their opinions. Especially if you know a lot of people that are avid mountain bikers, getting firsthand opinions on this sort of thing is really going to end up being your best bet of all. Ask them which bikes they have purchased before and what they thought of them, and if they still have them perhaps ask if you can try them out for a day or to so you can get a feel for them and determine whether or not you would actually want one for yourself.

The actual purchasing process of a mountain bike can end up being rather lengthy, however remember that all the time and effort you put in beforehand is going to be more than worth it in the end when you find that perfect bike for a great value.


Mountain Biking Northern California's Best 100 Trails

Click here to purchase

See the World With Mountain Bike Tours

Mountain biking can be a great way to spend a vacation. Mountain bike tours are offered in many locations and can be geared from the novice to the experienced. A mountain bike tour can be the destination of a vacation or even an addition to other excursions during a vacation. Families can even enjoy taking a mountain bike tour, as many tours are geared towards the entire family.

What Mountain Bike Tours Should I Choose?

It is very easy to locate a company that provides mountain bike tours. There are books that have been written giving advice on places to do mountain bike tours and there are also numerous companies that can be located on line that provide mountain bike tours.

The family style mountain bike tours are geared towards the kids. Many of these tours are located in national parks and areas that families want to go into the back country and explore. Family mountain bike tours are designed to teach and be fun. The companies will usually bring along games, coloring books and entertainment for the kids during the evening hours. Camping with the tours is also an option. Kids can ride their own bikes, ride a trail-along or be pulled in a Burley trailer. The day includes a ride for the entire family and then the kids can be taken to the camp site for scavenger hunts, games and other kid oriented activities. The parents can take additional biking tours or can go back to camp with the kids. This type of mountain bike tours is family centered and a great way to incorporate an outdoor adventure for both the kids and the parents.

There are also mountain bike tours that are for the more adventurous people. These tours are offered in many areas and journey into off road experiences. They can also be set up with camping or even include additional adventures such as white water rafting. The entire package can be put together to represent a vacationers interests and result in a unique and amazing experience. For those that truly enjoy the sport of mountain biking, these can be a memorable experience as a vacation.

Mountain bike tours are a booming business, and can be located almost anywhere. Many places even rent bikes for the day and help select routes that will interest the mountain bikers. Mountain bike tours are definitely a fun alternative to the everyday vacation and can bring a whole new perspective to a family trip.

Mountain Bike Magazine's Complete Guide To Mountain Biking Skills: Expert Tips On Conquering Curves, Corners, Dips, Descents, Hills, Water Hazards, And Other All-Terrain Challenges

Expert tips on conquering curves, corners, dips, descents, hills, water hazards and other all-terrain challenges.

Hit the dirt!

From breaking to bunny hopping, speed jumping to switchbacks-- here are the skills you need to catch big air and experience the best of off-road riding.

* Selecting the right rig for you and your budget.
* Step-by-step drills for clearing obstacles, popping wheelies and more.
* How to hammer it and ride faster than you ever thought possible.
* Seven ways to stay alive by avoiding face plants, biffs and other crash landings.
* All-weather strategies for plowing through mud, rain and snow.
* Pro advice on entering your first off-road race.
* Riding responsibly to save the trails.
* Planning the perfect tour and enjoying a fat-tire vacation.
* Tons more practical info for aspiring and die-hard dirtheads.

You also get skill-building techniques and strategies from world-class mountain bikers, including

* Ned Overend, six-time NORBA national champion
* John Tomac, 1994 NORBA downhill champion
* Juli Furtado, 1995 World Cup champion
* Missy Giove, 1994 world downhill champion
* Tinker Juarez, 1994 NORBA national champion
* Mike King, 1993 world downhill champion

Click here to purchase

Mountain Bike Suspension Makes Riding More Enjoyable

You can buy bikes with or without suspension and both will get you from A to B quite happily, so why opt for one that has suspension when it will likely cost you more money?

If you’re already a mountain biker you will know why mountain bike suspension is so important. It helps to absorb the shocks you will feel as you go over rough ground and will give you a smoother ride as a result. Try riding a bike that comes equipped with suspension and then go back to a bike that doesn’t. You’ll soon see the benefits!

Front Suspension or Dual Suspension?

Mountain bikes fall into several categories. At the cheapest end of the market you’ll find the heavy framed bikes that have no suspension. Then you’ve got the bikes which have suspension on the front only, or a full suspension system which is designed to absorb shocks through both the front and rear wheels.

But if you look at a professional high end model mountain bike, you’ll see that it normally has only front end mountain bike suspension. This may seem strange at first. After all, if you have mountain bike suspension on the front and rear wheels, surely you will get a smoother ride?

In truth you will, but the difference in the ride isn’t as noticeable as the difference in energy you will use up riding it.

Mountain bike suspension on the front wheel will absorb most of the jolts and bumps you’ll feel when flying down a steep dusty hill filled with potholes and cracks. When you are cycling on the flat however, and relying on pedal power to get yourself further along your route, you’ll perform much better and go much faster without rear suspension to hinder you.

This is because a lot of the energy you are putting into pedaling is absorbed by the rear suspension. In essence you have to pedal faster and use up more energy to cover the same distance you would on a bike which just has front suspension.

Look for a good mountain bike suspension system when you are buying a new bike. Instead of spending money on a so called dual suspension bike, pour that same cash into a bike which has a better front suspension system.

Mountain biking is a much loved, fast and frenetic sport which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But you’ll enjoy it even more if your energy isn’t wasted on riding a bike that isn’t up to scratch.

Mountain Biking the San Francisco Bay Area: A Guide to the Bay Area's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides (Regional Mountain Biking Series)

This handy guide offers more than 80 rides from the birthplace of the mountain bike revolution; from the top of Mount Tamalpais to the redwoods of Big Basin. Ride legendary Repack, Annadel State Park, Mount Diablo, Wilder Ranch, Henry Coe State Park, and El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Mountain biker, triathlete, and author Lorene Jackson offers tidbits on local history, wildlife, and points of interest to make this more than just a trail guide to the best mountain bike rides in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, including rides in the North Bay, South Bay, East Bay, and San Francisco Peninsula.

Click here to purchase

Extreme Mountain Biking is Simply Exciting

Extreme mountain biking is a physically taxing sport and is not suitable for those people who have chronic ailments like asthma, hypertension and other types of diseases that can hinder the physical endurance of a person. If you are one of those people who are suffering from any type of ailments that affect your stamina and overall physical condition, it would be better for you to forget about extreme mountain biking and switch to a type of sport that is less taxing. On the other hand, if you are one of those people who are at the peak of their health and think that they can conquer severe physical challenges, extreme mountain biking is something that you can enjoy doing.

To make sure that you are physically fit to handle to extreme mountain biking challenges, you need to physically and mentally prepare yourself to tackle all these challenges. Build your strength before you go out there and try to conquer a difficult mountain trail. To help build your strength and your resistance, you can enroll in one of those strength training classes. You may also practice doing long distance biking to build your stamina.

The Three Different Styles Of Extreme Mountain Biking

There are at least three basic styles of extreme mountain biking. First, you have the downhill or the free ride where the biking where the biker gets to do anything from jumping, downhill racing and others. According to experts, this type of extreme mountain biking is one of the most dangerous types of sports and will require a great deal of skills on the part of the biker. A little slip in the wheels while going downhill at top speed could cause severe injuries on the riders and may even result to fatalities. If you want to try this type of extreme mountain biking, make sure that you are in top shape. Never try this type of extreme mountain biking if you have doubts when it comes to controlling your bike or keeping your balance. You need to be physically and mentally tough to engage in an extreme downhill ride.

The second type of extreme mountain biking is the mountain climbing or uphill ride. Although this type of extreme activity is not as dangerous as the downhill ride, this can be very physically and emotionally taxing. The third type of extreme mountain biking is the cross country racing. Of the three types of extreme mountain biking, the cross country racing is considered as safer.


Mountain Bike Magazine's Complete Guide To Mountain Biking Skills: Expert Tips On Conquering Curves, Corners, Dips, Descents, Hills, Water Hazards, And Other All-Terrain Challenges

Expert tips on conquering curves, corners, dips, descents, hills, water hazards and other all-terrain challenges.

Hit the dirt!

From breaking to bunny hopping, speed jumping to switchbacks-- here are the skills you need to catch big air and experience the best of off-road riding.

* Selecting the right rig for you and your budget.
* Step-by-step drills for clearing obstacles, popping wheelies and more.
* How to hammer it and ride faster than you ever thought possible.
* Seven ways to stay alive by avoiding face plants, biffs and other crash landings.
* All-weather strategies for plowing through mud, rain and snow.
* Pro advice on entering your first off-road race.
* Riding responsibly to save the trails.
* Planning the perfect tour and enjoying a fat-tire vacation.
* Tons more practical info for aspiring and die-hard dirtheads.

You also get skill-building techniques and strategies from world-class mountain bikers, including

* Ned Overend, six-time NORBA national champion
* John Tomac, 1994 NORBA downhill champion
* Juli Furtado, 1995 World Cup champion
* Missy Giove, 1994 world downhill champion
* Tinker Juarez, 1994 NORBA national champion
* Mike King, 1993 world downhill champion

Click here to purchase

Which Mountain Bike Trails Should You Ride?

Choosing the right mountain bike trails can be quite a challenge especially if you are still a beginner. Note mountain biking is a physically demanding sport and you need to have the right amount of strength and stamina to conquer specific types of mountain bike trails. If you are still a beginner, do not overestimate your capacity to negotiate mountain bike trails. There is really no point risking some serious injuries when negotiating a mountain bike trail, so be very careful in choosing one.

Mountain Bike Trails For Beginners

There are plenty of mountain bike trails that are suitable for beginners. Forget about those difficult trails that end up at the top of the mountain. You can tackle those types of trails later when you have gained enough experience in the field. To stay on the safe side, choose a trail that loops back to your starting point. Now, don’t think that these types of trails are too easy or not challenging enough for you. There are plenty of looping trails that pose great challenges to mountain bikers.

To choose the right type of mountain bike trail, study the routes carefully. Evaluate your skills and capabilities handling the trails. You will need to match your skills and energies with the difficulty of the trails so be honest to yourself when making an assessment. If you think that you cannot negotiate a trail that is full of rocks and uphill climbs, then by all means don’t take that trail. There is no point of punishing yourself by taking these types of trails.

Aside from selecting a looping mountain bike trail, you need to determine the distance that you need to ravel. If the trail is too long for you to negotiate all the way, you can arrange for someone to pick you up at a certain point of the trail. Now, just because you did not finish the entire loop doesn’t mean that you are not good at what you do. Always remember that as a beginner, you need to go through a period of adjustment. You cannot really expect yourself to do long distance biking early on so be patient. You will have plenty of time to do long distance biking once you are well-adjusted to your routine.

As a beginner, it would be a good idea for you to negotiate the trail with a companion. Going through a mountain bike trail with a friend is not only safer; it is also a lot more fun to negotiate these trails with someone else.


Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking

Whether you're hiking, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, or taking a mountain bike ride in the backcountry, a GPS receiver can help you reach your destination and return safely--but only if you know how to use it! Outdoor Navigation with GPS, the most complete, easy-to-use GPS book available, is your guide to getting the most out of a receiver, from basic consumer advice to advanced techniques. Starting with essential definitions such as UTM coordinate systems, position formats, and map datums, and moving on to creating "waypoints," and using your GPS with a computer, long-time GPS instructor Stephen W. Hinch breaks down the jargon and teaches you what you really need to know.

• An emphasis on practical applications over technical theory.
• Examples include illustrative screenshots from the newest receivers--from top companies like Garmin, Magellan, and DeLorme.
• Lists up-to-date Web resources for the rapidly changing technology of GPS and its uses.

Click here to purchase

The Roadmaster Mountain Bike is a Budget Bike for Beginners

You don’t have to be a bike pro to realize that the Roadmaster mountain bike is cheap and is ideally suited for the biker not wanting a whole lot of features other than its thumb shifters that are present instead of levers or twists. You may also not know much about what Sach’s Power Chains are and whether you should have opted for a mountain bike with Viking Titanium Chain or whether you need to know how good or bad are Campagnolo as compared with SRAM dérailleur. But, once you have begun to ride your Roadmaster mountain bike, you may very well find that you need to learn more than just how comfortable or not the bike is to ride.

Look for Basic Features on the Bike

Before buying your Roadmaster mountain bike, you need to also consider a few basic things that will help you get the best from your purchase. Look for comfort of ride; weight of the bike and of course its price. Once you realize that you are getting good value for money and an affordable mountain bike, you will even forgive your Roadmaster mountain bike for its rather cheap and somewhat painful seat. And, it is also ideally suited for anyone on a tight budget. Other than that, anyone that is in need of a reliable mountain bike that allows him or her to even commute on it, this bike has a few advantages and those that have used the Roadmaster mountain bike have generally stuck with their bike for quite a few years.

The Mountain Fury is one of the Roadmaster mountain bike models that you may find a bit heavy to cart about, and if you need to carry it up a few floors to store it in your apartment high up in a building, you will certainly find it rather unsettling. However, once you get it on the trail, the story is quite different and there is no problem with the ride as changing gears is not a problem and you can even attain speeds of about twelve miles per hour in windless conditions, which means you are getting good value for your money.

The trouble with this Roadmaster mountain bike is that riding it can be painful to your backside and so you may need to spend a few more dollars and get a cushion to get a more comfortable ride. Another worry for you about the Roadmaster mountain bike is that the tires may not last too long, though, for a fifty dollar bike you should not expect more.

So, if you don’t mind the weight and like the cheap price, the Mountain Fury Roadmaster mountain bike may be quite a good option.

Mountain Biking Moab Pocket Guide 2nd edition: 42 of the Area's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides

A handy pocket-sized guide to mountain biking in Moab, Utah. Detailed ride descriptions make it easy to find the trailheads and follow the routes, helping mountain bikers stay on track with accurate distances keyed to easy-to-read maps and ratings for physical and technical difficulty.

Click here to purchase

Mountain Bike Clothing is Essential to Riding Safety and Enjoyment

Mountain biking is great fun but it is also physically demanding, and if you take a tumble you’ll want to know you are protected from injury as much as possible. That’s why mountain bike clothing is designed specifically to meet the demands of this sport.

If you’re a beginner or just an occasional mountain biker then a pair of comfortable tracksuit bottoms, a long sleeved t-shirt and the obligatory helmet will suffice. You might also want to put some gloves on to protect your hands.

If you’re a regular mountain biker however, it might be worth investing in some proper cycling gear. Comfort, protection and strong breathable fabrics are the watch words to look out for.
These are perhaps the most familiar pieces of mountain bike clothing for most people. When you are buying this kind of mountain bike clothing you’ll find that they’re mostly made from microfleece or quick dry fabrics. Cycle shorts are usually double layered around the seat area for comfort. You’ll be glad of this feature during those bumpy cross country mountain bike rides.

Cycling gloves can often be an overlooked area of mountain bike clothing, but they are essential to help avoid blisters and protect your hands in the event of a fall. They also protect against tree limbs slapping into your knuckles as you cruise the trail. You’ll often find the backs of the best cycling gloves are aerated for comfort, while the palms will be double layered leather for better protection.

There’s nothing quite like splashing through muddy puddles during a downhill run on your mountain bike, but you’ll enjoy it more if your mountain bike clothing keeps at least some of the elements off you.

You might think a standard set of waterproofs would be fine for cycling, but you’ll be a lot more comfortable wearing mountain bike clothing that is specific for the job. Cycling waterproofs will be much lighter and more breathable than standard ones, and will still allow for complete freedom of movement.

The best waterproof mountain bike clothing folds and rolls down into a small light bag that can be stowed away in a backpack in case it’s needed. You’ll want to travel light when you’re mountain biking, and proper mountain bike clothing makes life a lot easier in this respect.

Finally, if you are likely to be out biking along dirt roads during the evening, you might want to invest in some reflective gear as well. Making sure you’ll be seen is an integral part of all good mountain bike clothing.

Mountain Biking Colorado, 2nd: An Atlas of Colorado's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides

Where else can mountain bikers complement a day's bike ride with a dizzying glissade down a mid-August snowfield? Where else can they descend nearly 40 miles through five biogeographical zones? Where else can they catch a major league game and be ripping along rocky singletrack 30 minutes later? Colorado, that's where. Snow in August, lighting above timberline, and 100 degree desert temperatures are all to be expected in the sport of Colorado mountain biking. As the country's highest state, Colorado offers its mountain bikers a unique perspective into the sport and raises the bar for all who ride. Under the expert guidance of local cyclist Stephen Hlawaty, come admire the beauty and revere the majesty that is Colorado.

From this newly revised book, cyclists can expect exhaustive and comprehensive trail descriptions of more than 50 of the state's greatest mountain bike adventures, from beginner to advanced. Included are GPS-quality, digitally designed relief maps, and accurate route profiles showing the ups and downs of each ride. In addition, detailed directions get cyclists to the ride without getting them lost. Detailed mile-by-mile directional cues are also provided with difficulty ratings, elevation gain, trail contacts, and much more. More than 60 photographs round out this book's presentation. It's not just a mountain bike guide to Colorado. It's a guide to Colorado by mountain bike.

Click here to purchase

Is a Folding Mountain Bike For Real?

There are many different kinds and styles of mountain bikes that you have to choose from, one of the most popular being the folding mountain bike. The folding mountain bike is extremely popular for a number of different reasons, namely that it is so incredibly mobile. After all typically when you go mountain biking you go to desolate and remote areas, and so you do not have a great means of transportation for your bike.

This means that if you need to get it over an especially rough area of terrain or over water for instance, that you will have to physically carry it, and this can be incredibly difficult, which is why the folding mountain bike is so ideal.

Any folding mountain bike typically looks just like any other mountain bike, only they are patented to be able to fold into a compact and easy to carry size within 30 seconds, and without the use of tools. When you buy a folding mountain bike for yourself you are joining the growing number of riders who openly enjoy taking their folding bike wherever their spirit of adventure takes them, and it also allows riders who are not necessarily that strong, for instance many women and children, to be able to keep up with the other riders.

If you are interested in purchasing a folding bike for yourself, then there are several great companies you should take note of. One in particular is Montague, which is a company that is known as being the world’s leading manufacturer of folding bikes. They are continually expanding their product line and partnerships and are definitely one of the most affordable options here as well.

Another great company offering these folding mountain bikes is Evans Cycles, a company that is known for being the largest independent bicycle dealer in the UK, and as well one of the largest mail order departments. Their range of bikes covers mountain bikes from leading brands such as Specialized, Trek, Kona and Saracen, just to name a few.

The folding mountain bikes are definitely worthwhile, and definitely worth the price that you will pay for them, especially when you consider the comfort and convenience that they are going to bring you. Just make sure that you take your time when deciding on a company to buy your folding bike from, so that you can get the best quality and value possible.

Mountain Biking Skills

Expert tips on conquering curves, corners, dips, descents, hills, water hazards and other all-terrain challenges.

Hit the dirt!

From breaking to bunny hopping, speed jumping to switchbacks-- here are the skills you need to catch big air and experience the best of off-road riding.

* Selecting the right rig for you and your budget.
* Step-by-step drills for clearing obstacles, popping wheelies and more.
* How to hammer it and ride faster than you ever thought possible.
* Seven ways to stay alive by avoiding face plants, biffs and other crash landings.
* All-weather strategies for plowing through mud, rain and snow.
* Pro advice on entering your first off-road race.
* Riding responsibly to save the trails.
* Planning the perfect tour and enjoying a fat-tire vacation.
* Tons more practical info for aspiring and die-hard dirtheads.

You also get skill-building techniques and strategies from world-class mountain bikers, including

* Ned Overend, six-time NORBA national champion
* John Tomac, 1994 NORBA downhill champion
* Juli Furtado, 1995 World Cup champion
* Missy Giove, 1994 world downhill champion
* Tinker Juarez, 1994 NORBA national champion
* Mike King, 1993 world downhill champion

Click here to purchase

Understanding the Different Types of Mountain Bike Choices

A mountain bike is a bicycle that is designed specifically for mountain biking, either on dirt trails or on other unpaved environments. Mountain bikes are different from regular bikes in a number of ways. For one they have wide and knobby tires for extra traction and shock absorption. most mountain bikes are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, however with the increase in the popularity of riser handlebars, fewer riders now tend to use bar end extensions.

There are basically four different classifications of mountain bikes, which are: fully rigid, which is when the frame has a rigid fork and fixed rear with no suspension; hard tail, which is a frame with no rear suspension, and these bikes are usually used with front suspension; soft tail, which is a frame with a small amount of rear suspension, but activated by the flex of the frame instead of by the pivots; dual or full suspension, which is a front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that makes the rear wheel move on pivots.

There are many key components on the typical mountain bike, with the newest being the mountain bike disk brakes. Mountain bike disk brakes are featured on most new mountain bike models, and they offer much improved stopping power over the previously used rim brakes.

Mountain bike disk brakes also work much better under adverse conditions, because they are located at the center of the wheel, unlike rim brakes, and therefore they remain drier and cleaner than other rims. Although there are many advantages to mountain bike disk brakes, there are some disadvantages as well, such as the fact that they weigh more and are often more expensive as well.

Maintenance on these particular brakes also tends to be more difficult and costly, and this is particularly so with hydraulic disk brakes, which work by moving brake fluid through a hose or line to squeeze the pads together.

You always need to make sure that your brakes are in as proper working condition as possible, and so this means that you need to take your bike itself in to get a full inspection monthly, if not more. This will not only ensure that your brakes and the rest of the parts on your bike last as long as they possibly can, but more importantly that you can feel safe riding on a bike that you know is safe and secure and which will be able to properly handle those rugged and steep hills.

Mountain Biking Colorado

Where else can mountain bikers complement a day's bike ride with a dizzying glissade down a mid-August snowfield? Where else can they descend nearly 40 miles through five biogeographical zones? Where else can they catch a major league game and be ripping along rocky singletrack 30 minutes later? Colorado, that's where. Snow in August, lighting above timberline, and 100 degree desert temperatures are all to be expected in the sport of Colorado mountain biking. As the country's highest state, Colorado offers its mountain bikers a unique perspective into the sport and raises the bar for all who ride. Under the expert guidance of local cyclist Stephen Hlawaty, come admire the beauty and revere the majesty that is Colorado.

From this newly revised book, cyclists can expect exhaustive and comprehensive trail descriptions of more than 50 of the state's greatest mountain bike adventures, from beginner to advanced. Included are GPS-quality, digitally designed relief maps, and accurate route profiles showing the ups and downs of each ride. In addition, detailed directions get cyclists to the ride without getting them lost. Detailed mile-by-mile directional cues are also provided with difficulty ratings, elevation gain, trail contacts, and much more. More than 60 photographs round out this book's presentation. It's not just a mountain bike guide to Colorado. It's a guide to Colorado by mountain bike.

Click here to purchase