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