Mountain Bikes Online

Mountain Bikes Online: I guess that, with the development of the Internet from a middling bunch of computers on a network to a full-blown phenomenon of millions and millions of PCs and Macs all connected throughout the world, you can find anything you want online with just a smattering of keywords and Google (or Yahoo!, or MSN, or AOL, whichever you prefer.)  I have been a Netizen for almost 6 years now; certainly not as old and experienced as the other veterans of the World Wide Web, maybe, but enough to have observed and experienced several of the significant developments and changes that the cyber world has gone through.

So why was I surprised when I found out that the sport of mountain biking has found a new home on the Internet?  And not just a sport, but an entire, growing community and culture of pedaling enthusiasts that spans the globe.  Going back to my self-imposed question, why was I surprised to see this?  Probably because in my privately-held and biased opinion, I’ve always thought that freewheeling mountain bikers who spend their time going up and down hills riding their two-wheeled pedal machines wouldn’t have the time nor the inclination to build a place on the Web.

How wrong I was.  Mountain biking is certainly getting more and more exposure on the Internet, and well-deserved exposure, I might add.  As I said, I have discovered that there is already a booming population of closely-knit communities of mountain bikers in cyberspace.  You can practically find hundreds of websites, blogs, and forums dedicated to the sport.  A wide array of topics are being discussed and presented at length in these communities, from brake levers to bike trails.  And of course, with the spurt of the e-commerce trend, it cannot be avoided that shops catering to the specialized needs of mountain bikers have sprouted online as well.

But is this a bad thing we’re talking about?  Personally, I think not.  The emergence of e-commerce has brought along with it an unsurpassed convenience and availability of products and services that your local bike shop will be hard-pressed to match.  Unless, of course, your local bike shop has established an online presence as well.  Enthusiasts and shoppers are greatly benefiting from the wide array of products that are readily available from virtually anywhere in the world, via the Internet.  Whether you just want to find the best price for that crankset you need, or you’re looking for the ultimate mountain bike package, going online can be the best way to go.

You don’t have to be a technical wizard to enjoy online shopping for your bike gear.  Most mountain bike websites, or cycling in general, usually feature helpful hints and tips to guide the less-than-expert shoppers make the most out of their website.  Are you looking for a particular product?  Or perhaps you just want to see all available products from your favorite manufacturer?  Online stores usually allow you to search for any item you want using keywords.  You can also find what you need by browsing the organized categories of items.  Everything is arranged and laid out to enable shoppers to find and buy products faster and easier.

Mountain Bikes That Fit

Mountain Bikes That Fit: Most mountain bikes are made to fit a man's proportions, and so it's easy for them to find the right sized bike. Women have more difficulty, as they are typically shorter then men, and with shorter torsos. Care must be taken to find the right-sized bike.

Whenever you buy a new bike, for yourself or for your children, it is important that you get a bike that is the right size. If the bike doesn't fit, it will ruin the enjoyment of biking altogether, and if you or your child continue to ride the bike, can even cause knee or back injuries, as they try to compensate for the poor fit.

A great many people buy bikes for their children from department stores or discount stores like Target and Walmart. However, this is a bad idea, as the bikes there are the bottom of the range, and are put together by people who are not necessarily properly trained in the task. (Have you ever looked at the furniture they put together?) And if you are fortunate enough to even find someone to help you in the "sports section," they still probably won't know anything about how to help you fit the bike properly.

It's best, therefore, to buy a bike from a bike shop - you'll be able to get expert advice, and the bike shop personnel will be able to answer your questions. However, it's also important that you familiarize yourself with the terminology and principles of bike fitting, so that you can appreciate what the bike people tell you. Because there are bikes specially designed for every niche sport, the fit you want differs from bike to bike.

Remember also that the majority of adult bikes are made for adult males, and that adult women are typically shorter then men, and weigh less. They also may have long legs, but shorter torsos. So women have a more difficult time finding bikes that fit. Fortunately in the last several years women-specific bikes have been designed by companies such as Terry (they make only women-specific bikes), and from other major companies with a women's bike division.

When the average person thinks of a "woman's bike" - he or she thinks of those bikes in which the top tube is not horizontal, as in a "men's bike," but sloping. This type of bike is easier to mount if you're wearing a skirt, but in the general scheme of things they are not as sturdy as a "man's bike" and should be avoided.

So, go to a bike shop and look around at their vast array of bikes.

Does the bike fit?

When you stand astride a bike - you'll want plenty of room between yourself and the top tube. (This is called the "standover height.") It is best to have around four to six inches of clearance between the tube and your crotch. If you have to come to a stop suddenly, you'll appreciate that this clearance is important - and you don't ever want to ride on a bike - even for a few minutes - if you're too short for it, because you'll learn your lesson painfully.       

Saddle height
Have someone hold the bike still while you sit on it. Extend one leg down to the pedal at its lowest extension...your leg should not be at full extension, but rather slightly bent. Only when this occurs is the saddle at the correct height. Also, always ensure that the seat is level - tilting it forward or backward for whatever reason will ony lead to discomfort.

If you're planning on mountain biking or going over any kind of uneven terrain, you'll be rising off your bike seat all the time, in reacting to the terrain. You'll probably lower the saddle an inch or so to compensate for all that jouncing around.

Top Tube
If you're a woman, pay careful attention to the length of the top tube, which separates you from the handlebars. You don't want to have to stretch forward uncomfortably while you ride.

Handlebars
If you already own a bike and want to have the handlebars raised or lower by purchasing a new stem through which the handlebars go, that costs money. But when you're being fitted out with a new bike, the store employees can exchange those with no problem.  And again, this is something that a discount store can't do.

When you find a bike you like, take it out for a test ride.  Indeed, don't just settle for test riding one bike. There are many different types of bikes on the market  - frames made of different materials, full suspension or front suspension, etc. that you'll want to get the feel of each one of them.

After you've had the experience of riding various different kinds of bikes, you'll be able to make your own decision in a more informed manner.