| You are a biking champ - ruler of the vast mountain | | | | to shift down to a heavier gear turn the grip shift |
| trails. But your fame will become dull if you don’t | | | | outward. |
| understand the various parts of your mean machine. | | | | Gear |
| So to become a complete champ it is necessary to | | | | Mountain bikes are meant to stomp on Steep |
| enhance your knowledge about different mountain | | | | Mountain trails and are usually equipped with |
| bike parts. | | | | outstanding gear ratios. The most popular one is the |
| The Basic Parts Of A Mountain Bike | | | | 36x34, which the mountain biker christens as |
| The Frame | | | | “granny” gear. With this gear, you can trudge |
| The frame of a mountain bike is smaller than that of | | | | steep hills at a high tempo. |
| a road bike. But the angle is very relaxing for the | | | | Brakes |
| rider so that he can maneuver the bike with skillful | | | | Today’s mountain bikes have passed the stage |
| agility over different grounds. Mountain bike | | | | of coaster brakes. Today the “V” brakes or |
| manufacturers build bikes, which are gender specific. | | | | the linear pull-type brakes are regular in mountain |
| So while you buy a bike be sure to get the right | | | | bikes. You can have Disk Brakes for high-end |
| sizing. | | | | mountain bikes. Disk Brakes are highly proficient, as |
| The Handlebars | | | | its feat does not get clogged by water or mud. You |
| The handlebars of a mountain bike are flat, usually as | | | | must keep your timing intact for a good braking |
| wide as the rider’s shoulders. However, | | | | performance. |
| depending on the rider’s preference it could be | | | | Pedals |
| narrower or wider. Riser bars are fast becoming | | | | The mountain bike riders use two types of pedals. |
| popular as it looks attractive and gives the riders a | | | | One is the toe clip, which can be made up of metal |
| more upright position. You can add bar ends to the | | | | or plastic and is compatible with any kind of rubber |
| handlebars, which will allow more hand positions and | | | | shoe. The second type is the clipless pedal for which |
| give more comfort to the rider. | | | | the biker has to wear a special kind of shoe. Clipless |
| Bike Crank And Derailleur | | | | pedals raise the transfer of power from the rider to |
| A crank is connected to the bottom bracket of the | | | | the bike. |
| frame with pedals attached to the tip of each crank. | | | | Saddle |
| Crank has chainrings attached to it. The gear and | | | | A saddle is necessary for your comfort while you |
| chainrings are outfitted with derailleurs. The derailleurs, | | | | chomp your way through a rugged ride. Make your |
| using the shifters that are placed at the handlebars, | | | | seat comfortable with a perfect saddle for you. |
| derail one gear to the other and the chain from one | | | | Wheels and Tires |
| chainring to the other. The finer the quality of the | | | | There are plenty of wheel sets in the market, which |
| derailleur the more exact the shifting will be. | | | | will ensure high performance. Mostly these wheels are |
| Shifters | | | | durable and light but before buying a wheel keep in |
| Shifters activate the front and rear derailleurs setting | | | | mind the safety factor. |
| off the motion of the chain from one gear to the | | | | Tires are the most important parts of the mountain |
| other. | | | | bike. They should have a good grip for a smooth |
| Three basic types of shifters are: | | | | experience. A bad tire can sour up your whole |
| 1. Thumb Shifter: These are the most basic shifters | | | | journey ending it up in some gutter. |
| that are fastened on top of handlebars and are | | | | Suspension System |
| operated by a push and pull of the thumb and the | | | | Today the suspension system has become essential |
| index finger respectively. | | | | for a mountain bike and with improved technology, |
| 2. Rapid Fire Shifters: Rapid-fire shifters are generally | | | | suspensions are now cheaper and simpler to handle. |
| fixed at the bottom of the handlebar and are | | | | This is evident in fork suspension system of hardtail |
| activated by a two push buttons. For newer models | | | | mountain bikes. |
| a push and pull lever is used. | | | | Knowing about the components of a mountain bike |
| 3. Grip Shifters: A grip shifter acts like a motorcycle | | | | will make your bike live long and healthy always |
| throttle. To shift up to a lighter gear you have to | | | | ready for a rousing journey. |
| turn the grip shift for the rear derailleur inwards. And | | | | |