| ADVICE |
| In this section you will find advice on just about anything mountain bike related. This section will of course start out small, but it will grow as you ask qustions in the Gust Book and as I have time to add things. |
| IMBA Rules of The Trail This is advice every mountain biker should follow. They are simple to follow and will make your mountain biking experiance even better. |
| 1.-Ride on open trails only 2.-Leave no trace 3.-Control your bike! 4.-Always yeild trail 5.-Never spook animals 6.-Plan ahead |
| For more information on IMBA's Rules of The Trail visit IMBA's web site. |
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| Accesories |
| I recommend glove for any mountain biker who has grip-shift shifter. I perfer the gloves with 1/3 fingers on the last three fingers, 2/3 finger on the index finger, and full thumb. Like the FOX Mojave. |
| For any mountain biker I would recommend disk brakes for your bike. They are weather resitant and are better than regular brakes. They may be expensive, but they are worth it. |
| Pre-Ride Check Make sure tires are inflated properly. Make sure brakes work properly. Spin wheels they don't wobble or touch the brakes. Make sure your repair kit is with you. Check to see if your tire pump works. Ride around the block to make sure everything works properly and efficantly. Tools Tire repair kit. Spare inner tube or inner tube repair kit. Bike-oriented Swiss Army knife. Chain tool. Tire pump. Lubrication oil. Tips for long Trips Break in saddle. Pack as little as possible. Ride low or meduim gears. Use thorn resistant tubes. Take your time, enjoy, and don't eat too much dirt. Bike Buying Know what type of riding you'll be doing. Get a bike that will fit you. Ask if your not sure. Make and stick to a budget. Go to a bike shop first, find a bike, then go to a variety store (REI) to see if the SAME bike is cheaper there. Be careful when buying used bikes. Look for rust, crack, excesive wear and tear. If it has this, don't buy. Remember Mountain bikes aren't indestructable; what you brake, you'll have to fix. Don't do anything you can't handle. Always check and maintain your bike. Don't buy out of your league. Hydralic disk brakes are great and useful, so consider buying them. |
| I would advize evey mountain biker to get a water botttle that holds AT LEAST 20 oz. of water. Hydrating is the best way to boost your speed and handling abilities. |
| No matter your skill, from novice to proffesional, you will need a helmet. If your a novice then you'll want a helmet that just protects your head. If your intermidiate, then you'll want to think about jaw protection. If your a proffesional, then you know you need a jaw protecting helmet, and maybe teeth protection. You may think you don't need a helmet, but on big rock, and a fall head first into another rock, you'll be singing a different tune, that is, if you still can sing. |
| Advice Advice on mountain biking Message Boards Visit my new message boards. No more pop ups! No need to register! Mountain Bike History A complete guide to the history of mountain bikes. Trails <<1 2 3>> Mountain Biking trails in the LA Area Rantings Life through the eyes of a mountain biker. Repair Advice and tips on repairing your bike Workouts A list of workouts to help your biking skills |