Even though biking itself is considered to be a form of recreation that has a low impact on the knees, extreme mountain biking and knee problems often seem to go hand-in-hand. Of course, while rock-hopping, root dodging and stream fording are many times the causes of knee injuries while mountain biking, other factors, whose source is not as obvious, may play a role in knee injuries or knee pain. While it may be necessary to consult a physician if knee pain persists or worsens, there may be some quick and easy fixes that may help alleviate nagging knee pains and problems.

Some of the factors related to mountain biking and knee problems include: the biking routine, the bike itself and the physical makeup of the rider. Knee pain is generally based on a combination of these three factors. Listed below are some ways that each of the factors relate to knee problems:

o The Bike Routine – riding habits; change in distance, duration and intensity of conditioning
o The Bike – saddle height and setback; crank length; foot positioning; use of new equipment
o The Rider – asymmetrical leg length; inelastic, weak or tight muscles; previous injuries

One of the major issues involved with mountain biking and knee problems is that the bike is not fitted to the rider. Many times a rider will try to adjust to the frame of the mountain bike. In fact, the mountain bike frame should fit the frame of the rider. Adjusting the position of the seat, the height of the saddle and the crank length may help relieve some of the issues related to knee pain. As with anything else, if the fit is not right then problems will inevitably result. Many times after the bike is adjusted to better fit the rider, the rider will feel relief from the pain immediately.

Listening to the body is key in any recreational activity. Since pain is the body’s way of alerting the individual that something is wrong, it is important to heed these warnings. Often there are simple ways to deal with knee problems related to mountain biking. Perhaps a decrease in intensity or distance of the ride may be necessary or simply ensuring that proper stretching occurs before and after the ride. However, there are times when the issues related to knee problems cannot be fixed by adjusting the bike or proper stretching. It is possible that damaged or torn ligaments, cartilage or tendons may be the culprit. A physician can prescribe the best method to remedy these situations.

Prevention of knee problems is always easier than the treatment of knee problems. Experience and conditioning are important in any recreational activity and mountain biking is no exception. Be aware of the difficulty of the trail and the physical ability and agility required by the trial, have properly fitted riding equipment, and do not forget the knee pads. This will lead to a more enjoyable ride with less pain both during and after the ride.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Mountain-Biking-and-Knee-Problems—Health-Advise-For-Mountain-Bikers&id=1648841

Various games are popular among the sports and adventure enthusiasts around the world. Any game that tries your physical power, specific skills, and stamina is worthy of being called a challenging pursuit. Extreme mountain biking certainly fits the bill as a skill and endurance testing game.

Mountain biking means riding a bicycle on a rough terrain. Usually the mountain bikes are specially made bikes or hybrid road bicycles. A typical mountain bike has wide and knobby tires, big, round tubing frame, extra suspension features such as front fork or shock absorbers, etc.

There are a large number of magazines dedicated to certain hobbies, sports, or activities. Such magazines provide all the important information on the specific subjects. Various articles regarding the different aspects of that subject are published in these magazines. The details of useful gear and equipment required for that activity are also published from time to time. Thus, such magazines prove extremely useful for the enthusiasts and professionals of the particular sport.

A number of magazines are available that deal exclusively with mountain biking. Mountain bikers around the world get useful information, tips, and latest news about mountain biking from them. Such magazines cover all the topics related to mountain biking. The safety guidelines regarding the tracks, terrain or the bikes themselves are published from time to time. Different mountain biking tracks with maps and information about accommodation, medical aid and commercial places along the route are published in different issues which helps the biking enthusiasts in the area to plan their biking programs.

There are another aspects also that need your attention while planning a long trip. Additional points such as geographical details regarding the hazards of the route, climatic conditions, socio-political issues, if relevant, are also discussed. Interviews of famous bikers are published in these magazines. Readers get to know about the successful and safe methods to employ in mountain biking, tips on biking on different tracks, weather, equipment, etc. Sometimes some unexpected trouble or accidents occur in a biking expedition. The details of how the bikers dealt with them before prove helpful to bikers in getting an idea how to face such unanticipated disasters.

Almost all the magazines run features on the latest bikes and biking gear. The technical details along with the prices are discussed over utility, safety, service life, etc. Sometimes, merits or demerits of certain mountain biking practices are also debated on their medical or physiological aspects. Mountain bikers get to know about different exciting mountain biking tracks in different parts of the world, along with all the necessary information about them.

Different groups organize mountain biking tours. The details are published in such magazines. Therefore, you can keep in touch with the latest news and what is happening in the world of mountain biking through these magazines. In addition, most of these magazines are available online as well – everything you want to know about mountain biking is only a click away.

Surely, mountain bikers around the world are benefited by mountain biking magazines. For them, it serves a forum to come together, discuss the issues related to the sport, seek advice and tips, and get new ideas, and form a bond with fellow enthusiasts from the fraternity of mountain bikers the world over.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about magazines and comics. When looking for magazines and comics, we recommend you shop only at the best magazine and comic stores for mountain biking magazines, used mountain biking magazines, and comics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Mountain-Biking-Magazines-For-The-Avid-Biker&id=1017058

You might be very excited when you get started with extreme mountain biking. Then you are surely looking for adventure in the woods with trails, right? Sure, that is the number one reason for getting a mountain bike at the first place. Going up or down a hill is truly an adrenaline pumping experience.

But you have to know that you are not alone in the woods and mountains. One known dangerous animal is the bear. What kinds of bears are they? They are the black and grizzly bears. By nature, bears are solitary creatures that would not interfere with human beings.

In fact, they will often take a step back when they see humans. But what can be so dangerous about bears anyway? The problem starts if you purposely or accidentally shock them. This usually happens when you invade their personal space unintentionally.

Therefore, how to let the bears know that you are in the woods? You have to show your presence. Bring a bell along or talk to your friends loudly at all times. Let them know that you are around. You could also sing loudly. This is better than stumbling upon a bear that can turn into a human-attacking animal.

But some of us will inevitably encounter a bear. What do you do in this case? You have to stop right where you are. Thinking of outrunning the bear with your bike? It is nearly impossible, given the unfamiliar trails and obstacles in the woods and the bear’s running speed (30 miles per hour). At this point, you should not make any noise. Unlike when you were cycling before you met the bear, making loud noises if you are close to the bear will provoke it.

Do not look into its eyes. They will think you are trying to be aggressive with them.

However, if the bears do come running after you, stand firmly on your spot. This is because bears will often test you by charging in a false manner. They are known to charge several times before attacking, too.

In the worst case scenario, you might encounter the larger grizzly brown bear. You should then play dead and withstand its attacks. This is provided that you have no weapon whatsoever. Still, it is better to be injured lightly or critically than being dead!

As for the case of black bears, they do not fall for your playing dead trick! You must fight for your dear life. Use any weapons that are around you, be it rock, knife or your very own bike. The chain ring of your bicycle can be useful in this case.

Other people have found much luck with using pepper spray. But pepper sprays have two versions, one is for normal usage, and another is specially made to counter bears.

The best solution is to avoid altogether riding in trails or woods that have bears living in them. It can be a life threatening event as it has been for some. There are always other trails to look out and be excited for.

Now that you know how bear attacks, take the time to read about men’s cycling shorts and find out about assos chamois cream if you dare go into the woods to cycle!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Survive-Bear-Attacks-When-Mountain-Biking&id=4710023

Those who are seriously involved in extreme mountain biking are by necessity in top physical condition. There is a major difference between hopping on a bike to ride up and down a few hills and racing down a steep rock covered mountain side at breakneck speed. These people love their sport and at the same time realize that in able to continue to enjoy it they must remain free of injury. This means getting into and staying in the best physical condition possible. Just as their mountain bikes use specialized equipment to maintain top performance the riders themselves can take advantage of space age technology to arrive at and remain in the best physical condition possible.

One of the best devices used to monitor the physical activity and enable the athletic to judge and record his or her improvement is a specialized heart rate monitor and fitness trainer watch. Keeping track of time to monitor the length of workouts is very important but is also just a small part of what these watches offer. A short list of some of the features offered by these watches is:

* Heart Rate Monitor
* Displays current heart rate, average heart rate, and maximum heart rate
* Tracks workout time and effort
* Includes dual-time, date, and alarm functions
* Includes a log memory
* Fully Water resistant
* Tracks calories burned
* Watch includes time and calendar
* Alarms time and heart rate
* Lighted dial face

This is but a partial list of the features offered by the manufacturers of these amazing watches. Whether you are training to compete in a national downhill mountain bike event or are just dedicated to getting yourself in top physical condition so you can enjoy any sport to the fullest, an investment in one of these specialized watches will make all your workouts more productive. As with any piece of technical gear these watches are available in many styles and offer a variety of features. To make sure you purchase a model that covers all the features you need spend a little time on the internet to research what is available and which models fit your budget.

While doing your research you may wish to investigate a few attachments which will make your watch even more helpful. One such attachment is a bicycle cadence pod. One style of this device attaches to your bikes front fork with a second attachment placed on the spokes of the front wheel. Other models attach directly to the bikes frame. These devices enable you to accurately record distance and speed to help you get the best from your workouts.

Purchasing a luxury or sport watch demands some research for value and price. Grab some tips and super bargains here:
http://gshockwatch.net.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Extreme mountain biking for a woman does present some gender-specific issues. These range from the practical pain-in-the-butt riding, to the broader concerns of women in the sport.

One of the first questions that is asked, is whether a women-specific bike is necessary in mountain biking for a woman.

The answer will depend entirely on your build, your preferences, and your riding style. Finding the right bike for you, involves test-riding as many types as possible. This will give you the best indication of your body’s fit on a non-gender specific bike, compared to a women-specific bike.

Looking at mountain biking for a woman, a regular bike is fine, but your hip structure may necessitate choosing a more suitable saddle. If you are narrow-hipped, you probably won’t have a problem. If this is not the case, you will be more comfortable on the wider structure of a women-specific saddle.

As for the bike itself, unless you are quite small, with a short upper body and short arms, there is a good chance that you won’t need a women-specific bike. In most cases a normal frame type with the straight bar, holds up better for mountain bikes, and is commonly used in mountain biking for a woman.

This type of frame encourages a position where the weight of your body is more evenly distributed between the two wheels. On the typical “woman’s” bike with a sloping top tube, the weight is placed back on the saddle. This position is not very effective in mountain biking for a woman.

Also keep in mind that, in mountain biking for a woman, an elastomer fork may be your most comfortable choice. Lighter riders perform better with these.

Find a specialized bike shop with a reputation for good mechanics and service, as well as knowledgeable salespeople. If you are a novice, you will need some guidance at first. It is important to make sure that they have experience in mountain biking for a woman.

Mountain biking for a woman involves more of a distinction when it comes to clothing. The main difference is in the shorts, so to speak!

You will need a good pair of cycling shorts, with a chamois, specifically made for use in mountain biking for a woman. You don’t want the chafing center seam present in men’s shorts – riding isn’t supposed to be torture! The secure-fitting Triple S Short by Shebeest is an example. The aerodynamic cut, with eliminated inseams and flatlock center seam, is a dream to wear. DriStyle fabric ensures superb wicking.

Padded baggie shorts are gaining in popularity. Look for names such as Sugoi and Pearl Izumo.

In warmer weather, your top can be a cap sleeve base in Silkweight Micro Polyester with Spandex, by Shebeest. This offers the lightness you need in mountain biking for a woman. In cold weather, you can add the Full Zip Velocity Jersey in DriStyle. The zippered pockets come in handy, and the full zip front gives a variety of cooling options.

Fox Racing protective gear has a great range aimed at mountain biking for a woman. Their elbow/arm pads and knee/shin guards in size small seem to fit most small women well.

Mountain biking for a woman, is no longer limited to the sidelines. Many strong-voiced advocates are emerging to promote the sport among women. Finding ways of making entry-level racing more open to women, are often on the agenda at conferences.

Bike shops, clinics, and clubs also play an important role in opening up the sport. Bike shops are no longer seen as intimidating and over-technical. They are constantly trying to come up with ways to make the store inviting enough to support mountain biking for woman.

Many articles and books have been written about mountain biking for a woman. These offer how-to advice, bike buying tips, basic riding know-how, and trail advice. One of these is ‘Mountain Biking For Women’ by Robin Stuart and Cathy Jensen. It is clear from their writing that they are experienced riders.

Watching the ‘Wildflower Mountain Biking for Women’ video, is a great way to start mountain biking for a woman. It features topics such as bike selection, bike maintenance, finding riding companions, practice drills, and more.

It will be difficult to find a more entertaining, mind-and-body building sport than mountain biking for a woman.

For more information visit Best-Mountain-Biking.com

Article Source: Ezine Articles

If you’re a bicycle enthusiast, but have only tried cycling on the road, it’s time you gave extreme mountain biking a try. By mountain biking, I mean more than heading down an actual mountain – although that what most people think about when they hear the phrase “Mountain biking.”

However, mountain bikes – light bikes with fat tires and front suspension – make it easy to go cross country riding as well.

So even if you live in an area that has no mountains – get yourself a mountain bike anyway! Those fat tires make for a nice ride – and as long as they’re properly inflated they can go almost as fast as the thinner tires of road bikes, but you don’t need to worry about going up curbs or down curbs.

There are three styles of mountain biking – the one everyone thinks of which is downhill riding, free riding, and cross country. If you’re a professional cyclist or a dedicated amateur you’ll want to buy a bike specifically designed for each style, but if you’re a casual cyclist who’ll want to try one style one weekend and a different style the next, any good mountain bike will do.

Most people will buy a brand new tool whenever they take up a brand new hobby. This is a mistake. Examine yourself. Have you done this in the past – decided on a hobby, bought all the equipment, used it once – then stored it in your garage and never used it again?

So, if possible, rent a bike first – indeed, in so doing you’ll be able to try out quite a few bikes and decide on which one you’d like to buy. Make sure that the people renting you the bikes have taken proper care of them, of course, and that they’re not just “beaters.”

Are you a beginner?

If there’s any mountain biking in your area, chances are there’ll be a club or two, which will cater to beginners. The best thing to do is seek out your local bike shop. Anyone there can tell you what goes on in your area. In addition, most bike shops will have racks featuring the brochures of local clubs, and bike maps of the local trails, for free.

Practice makes perfect

If you’re not in shape – you can get in shape with mountain biking… if you make a concentrated effort to do so. Set yourself goals of miles to ride each day. If you don’t have the time to ride an hour or so everyday, but if you have a steep hill near your home, you can always spend ten minutes or so doing wind sprints up and down that hill. This will increase your stamina and strengthen your leg muscles no end. (Make sure you check with your doctor to make sure you have no health problems that would limit vigorous exercise.)

Don’t get on a bike and then find the toughest trail and through yourself down it. Start with beginning trails and work on your skills for a while.

Staying safe

Riders fall. Face it – it’s going to happen. So the most important piece of equipment you have, after a good bike – is a good helmet. Never buy a used helmet – you don’t know what’s happened to it. Also of use to the mountain biker are goggles or other eye protection, elbow and knee pads, and good shoes. Always carry a few dollars and some change in a pocket so you can call for help if need be, and make sure you have identification on you at all times. (That last bit of advice is good for any type of biking, or jogging, come to that!) Always be prepared for the worst to happen, and then it [probably] never will.

Alastair Hamilton is the author and editor of many bicycles articles and newsletters published at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . Find more publications about mountain bike reviews at his website.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

If you are into extreme mountain biking, you have most likely heard of tubeless tires, which require no inner tubes and seal directly onto the bicycle wheel rim. The tire itself is filled with air like a car tire. Many mountain bikers are now running these tubeless tire systems, which have advantages and disadvantages. Will going tubeless make you a better rider? It depends…

Time to toss out your tubes?

If you are frustrated with the amount of pinch flats you are getting and want an option that will allow you to run low tire pressure without the risk of pinch flats, tubeless may be the way to go. However, even though tubeless tires do not get pinch flats, they are still susceptible to puncture flats.

The major advantage of running tubeless tires is that they can be run on less air pressure than tubed tires without the risk of getting a pinch flat. Being able to run less air pressure in your tires allows a larger area of the tire to have contact with the ground, which means better traction and control, especially on loose or wet trail conditions and sidehills.

Tubeless tires are not lighter than tubed tires, in spite of some manufacturer’s claims. The reason for this is because the sidewalls need to be thicker and heavier than their tubed counterparts since there is no tube to support the tire.

Installing Tubeless Tires

Tubeless tires are more difficult to install than traditional tubed tires because an air compressor is needed to seal the tire to the rim. Because of this, you still have to bring a tube and pump on the trail for an emergency fix in case of a flat.

In order to install tubeless tires, the surface of the rim and tire must be clean. Manufacturers do not recommend using tire levers with tubeless tires. Instead, you are supposed to rub soapy water over the bead and manipulate the tire onto the rim. Then, overinflate the tire with a compressor to ensure a good seal is formed. Once it is sealed, let out air to the desired pressure.

Universal Standard for Tubeless (UST)

UST (Universal Standard for Tubeless) refers to certain standards that companies follow when they manufacture tubeless wheels, rims, and tires. For example, UST tires have thicker sidewalls and beefier beads than tubed tires. Since the tires are heavier, going tubeless does not necessarily mean going lighter.

UST rims are different from regular rims because they do not have holes for the air to leak out and they have a sealed valve stem. They also have deeper ridges to allow the more sturdy bead of a UST tire to have an airtight seal.

Converting your Tubed System to Tubeless

A less expensive option than using a UST system is to convert an existing tubed system to tubeless by using a standard tire, a rim strip, and a latex sealant such as Stan’s No Tubes. The rim strip seals off the spoke bed and has a valve that sticks out through the valve hole.

Standard tires are generally lighter than UST tires, but they can be damaged more easily because they do not have the reinforced sidewalls that come standard with UST tires. If converting a tubed tire to tubeless, make sure to use one with a thicker sidewall to prevent cuts and tears and provide enough support.

Mary Blomquist is a mountain biking enthusiast who lives in Colorado and is the founder of http://www.mountain-bike-buzz.com/, a site that is full of information and tips for mountain bikers.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

The first thing to do is make sure that none of your
spokes are loose.  To check, grab each spoke in turn
and try to shake it back and forth.  If the spoke
wobbles, or makes pinging and grating noises, it’s
loose.  If it’s loose, add tension to the spoke by
turning the spokey anti-clockwise with your finger
and thumb pressure.

Keep turning and shaking until the noise is gone
and the spoke doesn’t wobble or move.  Move on to
the next spoke until you’ve gone all the way around
the wheel and checked them all.

Now, it’s time to see just how true the wheel actually
is.  Turn your bike upside down then spin the wheel
to see where it comes closest to rubbing on the
brake.

You may need to rotate the wheel backwards then
forwards to locate the middle of the bulge on the
wheel.  Tighten the spokes which run on to the
other side of the rim.  If those spokes are already
tight, you’ll need to loosen a few of the spokes
which run to the bulge side of the hub.

Truing a wheel is easier than you may think, although
it can be a little tough with some wheels.  If
you need to loosen spokes, be very careful that
you don’t break them.  They can be very tough
to loosen on older mountain bikes.

1.  BMX
BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels.
These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or
with dirt jumps.  Because of their smaller wheels
and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier
to perform tricks and stunts with.

2.  Cross country
This type of mountain biking involves riding your
bike up and down hills.  Although it’s the least
extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country
riders are very fit and go on long rides.

3.  Cyclo cross
This is a cross between road and mountain biking.
These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through
rivers, and race on and off the course.

4.  Dirt jumping
Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large
man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they
are in the air.  These jumps are normally close
together so riders can go over six or more jumps
in one run, gaining a flow to give them more
speed for bigger jumps.

5.  Downhill
Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill
as fast as possible.  This type of riding is very
intense and extreme, offering riders the chance
for ultimate thrills and excitement.

6.  Freeride
Free riding involves finding the perfect line down
the mountain using all of the terrain to express
yourself.  These competitions are very popular,
as riders can express themselves any way they see
fit.

7.  Single speed
No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form
of cross country biking that’s done using a bike
with only one gear and fewer components.  The idea
with single speed is simplicity.  The straight
chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and
the lack of components mean less mechanical
problems and a lighter bike.

8.  Street and urban
This type of riding involves riding in urban areas,
ledges, and other types of man made obstacles.
Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks
as well, such as stalls and grinds.

9.  Trails
Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking,
although the bikes used look nothing like mountain
bikes.  They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport
small, low frames.  Trail riders will hop and
jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires
an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

1.  Back pack – a camelback or mule is a good idea here.
2.  Waterproof – the type that packs down very small is
the best to have.
3.  Water – you need at least 2 liters for a long ride.
4.  Food – sandwiches and energy bars are the best to
have with you to eat.
5.  Pump – take a good one with you, as the small mini
pumps are a waste of time and money.
6.  Tire levers if you need them.
7.  Two small inner tubes.
8.  A piece of medium emery paper about 3 inches long
and an inch wide.
9.  A cut up tube of Crest for pinch punctures or to use
as a tire boot.
10.  A carpet needle.
11.  A card of linen thread to repair torn tires.
12.  A good chain splitter
13.  At least two black pins.  You should tape these
to the inside lid of your puncture repair kit.
14.  A set of allen wrenches.  The penknife style is
the best to get.
15.  A small screwdriver.
16.  A first aid kit that includes an elastic bandage.
17.  A Spokey spoke key.
18.  A felt tip pen that will show on inner tubes.
19.  Some lunch and phone money.

If you take the above with you, you should have no
problems with long mountain bike rides.  Everything on
the above list will serve a purpose, all you have to do
is give them a chance.  If you’ve ever been mountain
biking and ran into problems in the past, you should
know first hand just how important the proper supplies
can actually be.