Studded Bicycle Snow Tires

Last Christmas (2007) my parents bought me Studded Snow Tires (Innova Studded Winter Tire - 26 inch X 1.9 inch with 104 studs) for my Mountain Bike. These tires worked great at first. With the extra aggressive tread pattern and the metal studs I felt very confident biking on snow covered trails. Even though the tires worked great for most situations they didn't work if there was ice under the snow. I did crash a couple of times because of this but I didn't get hurt (at least not seriously).

I was happy with the tires until the a couple of months later. Some of the studs fell out. I believe this was my fault for ridding too aggressively. You have to change your riding style when you have studded tires. You cannot stop quickly (unless you need to for safety reasons). And you have to go around corners slower or the studs can be pulled out. You can buy replacement studs for this tire but the missing studs didn't make a big difference so I never bothered.

Now it is the beginning of December 2008 and I am putting these tires back on my bike. But I have noticed that the studs are worn down and do not make a huge difference anymore. Unfortunately, the studs in this tire are hardened steel and not carbide which is much harder and longer lasting. As I mentioned before, you can buy replacement studs for the tire but you can almost buy new tires for the price of the replacement studs.

I would not buy these tires again. I would spend the extra money and get studded tires with carbide studs instead. There is no point in buying tires that only last half of the winter season.

About the author:
Dennis Gertgen is an intermediate bicycle rider. He has been Bicycling seriously since the summer of 2007. He rides both road bikes and Mountain bikes as often as he can. And he is sharing some of his experiences with bike, trails and equipment. You can check out his personal blog here: Personal Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Gertgen

A Good Mountain Bike is a Major Investment

When you plan to hurtle down the mountain biking tracks slopes, the mountain bike is the most vital investment you would make. Mountain bike is a specific and specialized bike and this design would meet the needs of various bikers to use on unpaved surfaces or dirt trails. We generally see knobby and wide tires for a mountain bike that would add for more grip and nice absorption of shock for the kind ride which bike is supposed to do in the process of mountain biking.

Suspension on the front wheel has also become an ideal tool that comes with both front and rear suspension has got wide usage in current day mountain bike. You even get mountain bikes that have bar ends equipped on the mountain bike handle bars, though handle bars that are raised are also very famous too. The wheel's diameter for these bikes is above two feet, although larger wheels are becoming very common these days.

Speaking broadly, we have 4 different types of mountain bikes that includes hardtail, fully rigid and a soft dual and tail or full suspension. Fully rigid bikes come with a frame that has a rigid fork and also an attached rear and also have no suspension. Even the hardtail do not come with a suspension although they come with a front suspension. Soft tail has a frame that has a confined rear suspension and activates using a flex of pivot rather than a frame. The dual bikes or full suspensions come with a front suspension fork and also a rear suspension. It even uses pivots for the rear wheel movement.

The design of your mountain bike would depend on the kind of the terrain that's been used on and it is very common to get bikes which are supposed to be used for Cross country, free ride, all/endure mountains, trial, downhill, dirt jumping - street and urban, 4-cross racing or mountain cross, single speed and north shore usage.

Lately, mountain biking has become one of the mainstream events and the styles of riding have become increasingly very aggressive, that would mean with new frames which are of very good design, lighter and also very strong than the earlier ones and even come with a geometry to assist in overcoming the obstacles. We get current day mountain bikes in 27, 24 and 21 speeds and with three gears one to the front and there would be 9, 8 and 7 gears on the rear wheel. Some of these come loaded with carbon bicycle frames as well.

Adam Peters is a syndicated editor of http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A website with tips on road bike reviews and mountain bikes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters

Difference Between a Road Bike and a Mountain Bike

Bikes are one craze among the boys which they really fall for. Many men are especially fond about the custom built motorbikes. There are many kinds of bikes, and some of the most famous kinds of bikes are road bikes and mountain bikes, they are known for their specialization of their particular task. Road bikes are generally built in such a way so that they enhance the speed, and provide better mileage whereas on the other hand the mountain bikes are built to cater to the stability task. This is the major basis of differentiation between a road bike and a mountain bike. The following four areas will help to identify a better differentiation between a road and a mountain bike.

Design: Road bikes catering to the service of providing higher speed are designed in such a way that the rider's position is present much closer to the top tube. This hunched position enables the rider to get more power from your legs and the negative impact present in this posture is that it causes much strain on the back. There is a difference present in the handle of both the bikes. On one hand mountain bikes possess wide handle bar offering more control to the rider as against the bent handle bars in the road bike. The handles in the road bike are lowered thus designed to offer more energy which in turn offers greater speed.

Mass: Heavy weight as a known fact imposes greater constraint on the speed. To move down through the mountain it is important that you go down slowly, thus it becomes a necessity for mountain bikes to use heavy weight materials so as to reduce the speed of the vehicle. With a view to make the mountain bikes heavy they even have wider tyres and they even possess many suspension systems so that the ride down the mountain becomes more manageable. As far as the road bikes are concerned, good road bikes are designed with a view to reduce the weight of the bike, they utilize materials like titanium and carbon fibre which allows strength as well as they facilitate the function of reducing weight.

Tyres: Mountain bikes have traction. These are wide and they are closed with a covering material like rubber, which increases the surface area. These features permit the rider to get more control as they are riding down the mountain. The tyres of a road bike are thin and smooth. As far as the maintenance of friction in a road bike is concerned this depends on the surface of the rubber and the skill of the rider to maintain the friction between the bike and the road.

Suspension: Road bikes are built with a sole purpose of providing greater speed; they do not possess this feature, although they have certain materials which absorb the shocks of the uneven roads. Whereas in a mountain bike, there are features like front shock absorbers and rear suspensions.

To conclude you can get a cheaper bike at a price of $200 whereas on the other hand if you are looking for custom made bikes, they can cost you more.

Chris Martin is a SEO Copywriter of Chopper bike. He has written many articles on Custom choppers, custom chopper kit, east texas chopper, chopper for sale ...etc. For more information visit: ultimate chopper or email us at chrismartinseo@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_E_Martin

How to Shift Gears on a Mountain Bike

The bike used for mountain biking has undergone tremendous changes. Its strength increased and weight decreased. Its appearance became sleek and trendy. Also, the number of gears increased substantially. Most of the latest models of mountain bikes have as many as 27 gears. So, changing gears has become difficult, especially those who are new to this adventurous sport. One may not be sure whether the gear has actually been changed to the intended gear or not. The question how to shift gears on a mountain bike has become one of the most sought after section in mountain biking tutorials.

It is natural that one might wonder what on earth a mountain bike needs that many gears. Each gear is for riding at optimum speed on a particular type of terrain. It is common for a mountain bike rider to experience various kinds of terrains: hilly, wet, dry, steep slope, rough, stone filled, you name it. One-type-fits-all-kind of gears will not work here since speed is an important factor in the equation for competition victory. So, for getting maximum and optimum speed, one should learn how to shift gears on a mountain bike.

The problem with specialized gears for specific terrain is that if you change to a wrong gear, the result may be embarrassing and sometimes dangerous. Here are some tips to properly change gears on a mountain bikes when you go uphill from a plane. When you start climbing the slope, you do not need to change the gears. You can use the same gear and try to run up the slope with as much speed as possible. Once you find it difficult to pedal, you can shift gears. When you change gears, do not instantly change to the gear that would give you maximum speed when you go up a hill. Instead, change the gear to an easy and slow mode. The emphasis here is not on speed, but spending less energy.

Once you reach a flat surface or a surface with a downward slope, you can change to fast gears again. Again, change to a slower gear when you reach a steep slope. The procedure repeats when your reach the flat surface again. The important lesson in the guide to how to shift gears in a mountain bike is to slow down by applying brake when you enter a different type of terrain. Shift the gear accordingly only after becoming comfortable with riding.

There are different types of gear system used in mountain bikes. How to shift gear on a mountain bike actually depends on the kind of gear system you have got. For riding down the slope, gear system with a front socket is ideal. But for going up the hill, a back socket gear system is generally considered good.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about How to Shift Gears on a Mountain Bike, please visit Biking Recreation for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candis_Reade

What the Expert Knows About Mongoose Mountain Bikes

Mongoose mountain bikes are a brand that signify quality and trust in mountain bikes. The company has an array of products suited for each class of biking enthusiasts, so you are bound to get the one that is just right for you. The brand is also at the forefront of most radical biking events and features its own news updates about the brand and its teams.

Mongoose mountain bikes have two product lines - ups. You can choose from BMX stunt bikes or the pavement and mountain bike categories. The BMX line up features freestyle and team bikes for use in stunt biking. You can also check out their dirt street bike range that features some awesome models. The BMX category features light weight bikes and you will find comprehensive product specification on the company's official website for every model.

The mountain bikes designed by Mongoose are in a class of their own. You can choose from conventional categories like the hard tail and dual suspension bikes. Those who are looking for a little extra can check out their excellent hybrid section as well. Although mountain biking might not really be synonymous with comfort, the Mongoose brand offers you a range by just that name. So you can have a leisurely ride up and down those mountains after all!

The company also has its own team called the mongoose tribe. You will find more information about it and the products on the company's official website. In addition the site also has some cool features like a gallery with photos and videos of the team and the bikes in action. Mobile downloads further increase the cool quotient of the brand. The online store has some really interesting riding gear and memorabilia for fans. The site also helps you locate your nearest dealer, help get your bike registered and gives you a large number of downloadable manuals to keep your mongoose mountain bike in good shape.

Want More Information On Mountain Bikes? All You Have To Do Is Click http://www.LaMountainBikes.com/ Now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Kramer

Electric Bicycle Boom

Ever wonder what makes a good mode of transportation nowadays now that the prices of gasoline and other crudes has gone up to the ridiculously insane level? If you're thinking of bicycles as an alternative but don't want to sweat out during your travel, you may think that if they will add up a motor to it for ease of use and minus the pedaling.

There is some confusion about what is an electric bike. You still have to cycle around yourself? You can bring along your own engine? Why do some of these bikes look and have an appearance of scooters? There are 2 styles available on electric bicycles. One is the traditional alleviate engine and the other is the scooter look where they are used to stand on for the trip. So how can a machine like a real electric scooter be not a motorcycle? Why is it not just called a scooter or a moped? It is about all the details and the law.

Possibly style of electric bikes in the look and style you like, if you want it to be like the scooter, which then think in order for a type scooter must meet the details to be a scooter, if one assumes that it is an electric bicycle, then it must meet the specification of electric bicycles. Has enabled the 15MPH max speed of an electric bicycle. This is the only measure of speed of a motor can run for you. If the bike is above or around the speed limit then obviously it's not an electric bike.

An electric scooter, the other hand, can go up to 30 mph to be classified as a "moped scooter. 'This means that in most countries, can be considered normal for a driver's license to be issued. You do not need a bike test. Any scooter stronger than that and you should get a test for motorcycling. For an electric bike is not necessary to take any test. Although some countries have restrictions. In the UK anyone under the age of fourteen is allowed to travel on an electric bicycle road. With the helmets and safety gears in place

So as not to take a test, the additional benefits of using an electric bicycle. You do not normally require the registration by the authorities, prosecutors, and insurance, or use a helmet. Battery technology, either electric or gas base run is paved way to make the popular electric bicycles. They were very kind to the environment of an automobile or a motorcycle. They are the vehicles of the future and many decade to come.

We have a large database of Electric Bikes for sale. Also we supply Electric Bikes Hub Kits in California

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joan_Jane

Get a Mountain Bike With Good Bicycle Saddles

Mountain bikes are the most rugged type of bicycle. They were made to be cycled on mountains, steep inclines and the roughest of terrains. Very rarely will a mountain bike rider cycle on a paved road. The majority of mountain bike riders love cycling on narrow and unpaved trails resulting in greater wear and tear and forcing the manufacturers to have to design sturdier bicycles.

Mountain bike tyres are therefore fatter, bigger and made of a stronger type of rubber. This is great as it gives the cyclist better traction and allows the bicycle to run freely in both rough and smooth terrains.

Another significant feature that all mountain bikes have is a strong suspension system. It is now common for manufacturers to make bikes with both front and rear suspensions to help the cyclist withstand heavier bumps and thuds.

Depending on what type of suspension the bikes have, they are classified as soft tails, hard tails, fully rigid and dual suspension bicycles. The hard tail types have a front suspension fork while the rigid types have a rigid fork. The soft tail's rear suspension rests on the frame rather than pivots, and dual and full types have a front suspension fork and rear suspension. As well as this they have a rear shock absorber and linkage.

Mountain bikes made for cross country cycling are generally made of more lightweight and resilient components. They can weigh as less as 20 pounds with the heaviest you can buy weighing around 40 pounds. Enduro mountain bikes tend to be heavier than their cross country counterparts weighing on average between 30 and 35 pounds. They have better suspensions that are great for steep inclines or steering over hairpin bends.

Free ride mountain bikes are built of heavier materials. Unlike most other downhill bikes they are designed for easy pedaling. You will find them easy to maneuver around dangerous obstacles and steep turns. The flip side being they are not as efficient as cross country bikes due to them being heavier, weighing between 40 and 50 pounds.

Downhill Mountain bikes, while not as strong as free ride bicycles are most suitable for riding on downhill tracks and for racing. A downhill mountain bike's traction is better than most other types of mountain bike.

Trial bikes are meant for short distances and come without suspension. They do not have proper seat or vestigial pad and weigh less than most other bikes at around 15-20 pounds.

Urban and Street Mountain Bike's features vary in between the mountain bikes and trial bikes. They are very strong and come with between one and nine gears and a chain guide for the front and rear gears.

Alison Addy contributes editing long articles on bicycles for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com

Read additional info on mountain bikes or Shimano XTR

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Addy