REVIEWS BIKES

In preparing to take on the challenge of a first Ironman, I believe far too many athletes put too much emphasis on the bike they choose to purchase for the event.

Somewhere along the Ironman trail, many athletes have come to believe that the lighter, and more state of the art the bike, the faster they will finish the bike leg of the Ironman.

Nothing could be further from the truth. For example: You could put one athlete on a $10,000 bike and have him train without the aid of a proper diet or without paying attention to proper hydration choices and replacement drinks and the Ironman will spit him out like a cherry pit somewhere around mile 80 on the bike course.

Take another athlete and put him on a $800 reliable, average weight, used bike fitted with proper pedals and aero bars. Then have him pay particular attention all training year to proper diet, hydration, and race-day fueling techniques and somewhere around mile 80 of the same course he will call out “nice bike” as he passes athlete number one who is in for a very long, painful day.

Don’t get all wrapped up in taking out a second mortgage so you can buy that “special” bike that is 6 ounces lighter than anything on the road. After all, you’re going to be loading 5 pounds of water and food and gear on the thing before you even get out of transition. This is not your normal bike race. If you were just racing a bike century and that’s it, then that might be a different story. But that’s not the nature of this beast.

First of all you’ve most likely been bashed around for an hour or so in a wild free-for-all swim and for most of that time your heart-rate has been racing out of control. Plus, you still have a full marathon to consider after you get off the bike.

Your bike is just a small part of the Ironman equation. Don’t get too wrapped up in light and fancy and expensive. I know, I’ve done that.

I had my best bike leg ever and my first thought was to fix up the old bike and keep racing it. However, I let my bike supplier talk me into buying a fancier, newer model that was so much lighter that I would go even faster. I never, never matched that bike ride over the next 10 years. Even on bikes valued 10 times more than my old standby. It was probably the biggest single mistake I made in my 20 year Ironman career. I should have gone with my very first instinct.

For some reason, a bike will just suit you. It suits your style, ability and “fits” you like that favorite pair of runners. When this happens, hang on to that bike. If you have to, save it mainly for races and get a second bike for the bulk of your training. It will last you for years that way.

I’ve raced on more than one high-end bike that I was just never comfortable on, no matter how light and fast they were supposed to be. At first it may seem cool to be the recipient of envious gazes from fellow triathletes when they see you on your bike the week leading up to the race. You are the bike “king”.

Believe me, its not so cool when these same athletes pass you out on the course with those dreaded words left in their wake. “Nice bike.”

Every time you hear that, you will want to sink further and further into your bike seat. You will wish you were on a $250 beater. At least that way you reason, you would have an excuse for getting passed over and over again. There is nowhere to hide out there.

To save yourself a ton of embarrassment and humiliation, be sure that your ability matches the bike you ride.

All my bikes are gone now, except for one. That same old bike is in my living room on a wind-trainer and if I decide to do this amazing race once again, when I turn 60, four years from now–it will be on a very special, 16 year old bike.

My name is Ray and I’ve been an endurance athlete for over 30 years. I’ve competed in over 30 marathons, 2 — 50 mile races, 14 Ironman triathlons and countless shorter races.

I’ve created a website called “Ironstruck.” The main purpose is to provide training and racing tips for the beginner triathlete and novice Ironman. come for a visit…… http://www.ironstruck.ca

I have also written three triathlon books. Two are for those who have an Ironman triathlon in their future. “Ironstruck…The Ironman Triathlon Journey” and “Ironstruck? 500 Ironman Triathlon Questions and Answers” have been well received by the tri community.

My latest book “Triathlete In Transition” is for the very beginner triathlete and is also being well received.

If you enjoy my articles on Ezine, then VISIT My Ironstruck bookstore and have a look at the books that can guide you and inspire you at your begin your own journey.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Mentioning Gary Fisher mountain bikes, without listing a number of Gary Fisher’s achievements would be negligent to say the least! On the other hand, such a list will practically go on for ever…

In fact, he is even credited with coining the term “mountain bike”, as well as other terms such as the “bullmoose handlebar”.

Where did the Gary Fisher mountain bike start? In 1979 Gary and Charlie Kelly started a company called… well, MountainBikes. They manufactured and sold 160 ‘MountainBikes’, in effect unleashing the sport called mountain biking.

As can be expected Gary Fisher mountain bikes is synonymous with the development of many bikes through the years, from the Mt. Tom (1984), the Prometheus (1990), right through to today’s excellent bikes such as the Fisher XC Aluminum.

The Gary Fisher Mountain Bike XC Aluminum has the proven Genesis frame geometry which is claimed to steer, climb, and descend better. The frame is welded by hand in the USA. For suspension it boasts Rock Shox Judy C, and Hydracoil Damping with 80mm travel.

For pure mountain exploration there is a Gary Fisher mountain bike aptly named the ‘Fat Possum XT’. It is an adventure bike with full suspension, to prepare you for your travels into the unknown… This All Mountain model is a terrific climber, is light and gives a feeling of total control.

It sports a ZR9000-Aluminum frame and a through-axle RockShox fork, making it ideal for demanding trails. The Hayes hydraulic discs of this Gary Fisher mountain bike gives you stopping-confidence, no matter what conditions are thrown at you.

If you’re less adventurous, there is a Gary Fisher mountain bike just for you. Have a look at the City/Path bikes which are a perfect blend of mountain bike, and road runner. These bikes are excellent for urban charity runs, or commuting to school or work. You will have a choice of a fork with or without suspension.

Then there is the King Fisher Full Suspension – the perfect Gary Fisher mountain bike for trails, that gives you the tool to conquer any technical section thrown your way.

If you’re not looking for high-performance as such, but rather for a long association with a reliable bike, the Classic Hardtails are made to fit. They will get you where you want to be, and in fact use many of the materials and components of the higher-performance Gary Fisher mountain bikes.

Few kids bikes are probably as well thought through and developed as those from Fisher. In line with Gary Fisher mountain bikes, these are built to last. Their adjustable components are designed to grow with your child. Your main concern will be safety, an aspect Gary Fisher accentuates – even if the child doesn’t appreciate it yet!

Examples of the precision youth Gary Fisher mountain bikes, are the Tyro Girls or Boys 24″ Wheel line, with a Fisher Great Fit Aluminum frame. The tires are reliable Bontrager Cross.

Although you have to check with your local dealer, the warranty offered on a Gary Fisher mountain bike, will usually be quite extensive. The frame or rigid fork is covered for the lifetime of the original owner, the paint and decal for one year, and all the components are covered according to the manufacturer’s warranty.

To make the best use of your warranty, look after your bike, do basic maintenance, and follow proper assembly directions. Remember, if you make modifications, you may be voiding your warranty.

If you are a Gary Fisher mountain bike fan, look out for tours offering the use of the master’s bikes!

One such option is in Hawaii. You meet at a local Maui bike shop, from where a courtesy van takes you up the mountain. Waiting for you, will be a good quality Gary Fisher mountain bike, plus all the accessories such as helmet, gloves, back pack, and rain gear. Provision is even made for Fisher kids!

A day long ride is offered, starting down from the Haleakala volcano at 10,000 feet.

There is no doubt that the bike that is a perfect fit for your needs, your pocket, and your planned trails, can be found among the Gary Fisher mountain bikes!

For more information visit Best-Mountain-Biking.com

Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web.

Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

In many parts of Canada mountain biking has been growing fast in popularity – not least due to the excellent mountain biking terrain!

An example is British Columbia, where in virtually every part of the province you will find bubbly local enthusiasm for Canada mountain biking, a willingness to share knowledge, and a host of premier trails to put to the test.

As with all Canada mountain biking, the scenery of British Columbia is splendid, and there are places in the province where it is possible to do mountain biking 10 months of the year.

In the northern part of the province you can try the Otway Nordic Center Trails, that offer Canada mountain biking fans everything from flat riding to steep down runs, such as the Descent of Doom. In summer, cross country winter ski trails are often used for mountain biking. In the Cariboo they include Lower Lake Ski Trails, and 99 Mile Hill Ski Trails.

In Canada mountain biking routes have been established in many areas that were previously inaccessible. For example, old logging roads in and around the Quesnel area, have been turned into dedicated biking routes.

If you ask around in Williams Lake, you will be advised to try the Fox Loop, a technically difficult trail.

Canada mountain biking becomes really spectacular in the BC Rockies. In the beautiful area that awaits you between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcells, you will find biking opportunities to exceed your wildest expectations.

Cranbrook, the major city in the Rockies has great biking opportunities, from the moderate Forestry Hill Bypass Trail, to the technically and physically challenging Big Hill, and the easy Isidore Canyon Trail.

You may also want to visit Golden, a picturesque mountain town with some excellent mountain biking trails in the alpine terrain. Enjoyable Canada mountain biking includes the moderate to difficult Canyon Creek Loop, the easy West Bench Lower Road, and the Powerline Descent which is for the skilled.

Rossland is considered the mountain bike capital of British Columbia. It receives 300 inches of snowfall per year. When the snow subsides, you will find forested singletrack, and abandoned mining roads perfect for mountain biking. It attracts riders all summer long, and is home to the Rubberhead Classic Mountain Bike Festival each July, an exhilarating Canada mountain biking event!

Then of course, as far as Canada mountain biking goes, you shouldn’t head back home before visiting the Sunshine Coast!

Here you will find many remote logging roads and trails offering breath-taking views! One of many such trails is the 10 mile Lyon Lake Loop for advanced riders.

This trail offers panoramic views of Georgia Strait, Vancouver Island, Texada Island, and the Coast Mountains. You will see some of the oldest forests in Canada mountain biking here.

While Canada mountain biking is on your agenda, Vancouver Island deserves a place on your list. If you enjoy diversity, this region will give it to you. You will get you fill of unbelievable vistas and waterfalls, tempered by tranquil lakes. Advanced bikers will be tested to the limit, but there is also room for novices.

One of the attractions on the island is the Hartland Mountain Bike Park off West Saanich Road in Victoria. Trails are moderate to difficult, becoming expert in wet weather. For an easier ride, the 55km Galloping Goose Trail between Victoria and Sooke, is a spectacular Canada mountain biking option.

If you only have time or stamina for a day trip, you have several choices, all between 11km and 13km one way. Two of these are to follow the Galloping Goose Trail, then Six Mile Road, to Thetis Lake Regional Park. Alternatively use Atkins Avenue on your way to Mill Hill Regional Park.

A Canada mountain biking weekend may follow the Goose, with an overnight stay in the Sooke area, followed by a detour to East Sooke Regional Park, before you return. This is more or less 40km one way. You will experience a taste of every landscape, from rocky slopes, to cool water, and a variety of vegetation.

At the end of any hard mountain biking day, you should find yourself in the vicinity of a variety of comfortable lodgings, with a bed for every budget. There are enough guidebooks, and tourist information available, to help you to make the most of your Canada mountain biking trip.

Just remember that BC is becoming a popular destination. Make sure that you reserve your bike and bed for Canada mountain biking, otherwise you may have to go hiking…

For more information visit Best-Mountain-Biking.com

Rika Susan of http://www.Article-Alert.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web.

Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box – including the link – is left intact.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

If you want to get into a fun sport that will allow you to get plenty of exercise, get into shape, and offer you challenges that you won’t find elsewhere – all while enjoying an abundance of nature – you might want to start thinking about mountain bikes. Mountain biking is a popular sport that has been around for numerous years, but recently, with the new technology that goes into the manufacturing of today’s mountain bikes, there seems to be a new interest in this sport.

If the sport of mountain biking isn’t something that you know a lot about, you may have the wrong idea about the sport. You’ve seen the mountain bikers on the television sports channels jumping obstacles and racing down dirt trails – and racing is one aspect of mountain biking. However, racing is not required. In fact, most mountain bikers don’t race at all.

Mountain biking for most people can be compared to hiking. The point is to get out, get exercise, and experience nature. Yes, there will be obstacles to maneuver around on them more advanced trails, but many people are just out for the pleasure of riding in nature – just like hikers are out to enjoy the walk and the nature. Some mountain bikers are leisurely riders. Some like the challenges that they face out on the trails – but they aren’t in any hurry. Other’s like both the challenges and the racing! The path you choose is up to you.

With this new light on the sport of mountain biking, you may now be interested in getting involved in this sport. Maybe you want to lose weight. Maybe you just want to get more exercise. Then again, maybe you like the thought of enjoying nature, but you aren’t big on walking, and prefer to ride. No matter what your reasons for your interest are, you will definitely need a mountain bike – finding a place to ride it is the easy part.

As a beginner, you really won’t have any idea what you need in the way of a mountain bike. Therefore, it is in your best interest to buy a very basic, yet sturdy, mountain bike that can be upgraded at a later date. Visit your local bike dealer, and talk to them. Let them know that you are just starting out, and that you want a basic bike that you can upgrade later. If they try to sell you something expensive – more than $500 – walk away and visit a different store.

You might also consider purchasing a used bike from a private individual. Used bikes can be found online, through the printed classifieds, and even through bike dealers. Look around your area – and online – to see what is available.

Before making a purchase, it is always a good idea to talk to other mountain bikers. Ask them what bike they started with, and what they would suggest for you. The best information you will find will come from the people who are already deeply into the sport.

Once you’ve made a purchase, you need to find a place to ride. Are there any state parks or national forests in your area? Are there wooded areas that aren’t fenced off? These are ideal places to ride. However, you should never ride on private property without permission. If you can’t think of any place that might have bike trails, do a little research online. Type in ‘bike trails in Alabama’ or ‘mountain bike trails in Georgia’ or whatever state you live in into the search box of any search engine, and you will find quite a bit of information!

Look for sites that offer reviews of bike trails that you want to visit. These reviews will save you a lot of time, and help you avoid the trails that either aren’t worth your time, or aren’t suited to your skill level. Reading is actually a big part of mountain biking if you are a beginner! You should also consider purchasing a few mountain bikes videos. These videos will help you learn the basics before you set off on a trail!

Mt-bikes.com provides you with information on mountain bike reviews, trek mountain bikes, giant mountain bikes, mountain bike holidays and specialized mountain bikes. In short Mt-bikes.com is your #1 mountain bikes resource! http://www.mt-bikes.com/

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The decision whether to buy a road bike or a mountain bike really depends on what you are comfortable with and what you believe you will do the most. When I decided I wanted to get into biking my friends at the office were hardcore mountain bikers and they really made it sound fun. So based on their coaching my first bike was a mountain bike. Today, however, I am an avid roadie and can see myself staying a roadie for a long time.

My experience with my mountain bike was very much like the first time I went skiing with my buddies in college. They all enjoyed it and wanted me to try, with their guidance we were off on my first ski trip. They did their best to explain how to ski and even took me to the bunny slope to practice. Well, that didn’t last long and we were soon on the chair lift riding to the top of the mountain.

It was a beautiful winter day, crisp, clear, cold, with brilliant, blue sky. This was exactly how I pictured skiing would be and then came time to get off the chair. To say it was all downhill from here was an understatement. My other buddy described it as being pulled by a rope behind a car while others threw ice and cold water in your face. Being humiliated by my buddies was not fun, but there were enough good things about skiing that I wanted to come back for more, just not with my buddies.

My mountain biking experiences were not much different then that ski trip. My office friends as I said were hardcore mountain bikers and I am a competitive person so I did my best to keep up. My post ride routine included a liberal application of antiseptic and a lot of bandages. Soon my pre-ride routine included enough pads for a tackle football game not a friendly bike ride. Not that mountain biking was not for me, I was just with a group of riders that were way above my skill level pushing me way past my limits. There were times that I went out by myself and was able to navigate the trail without the post ride bandage routine. But mountain biking was not the same without the camaraderie. They say once you learn to ride a bike you will never forget but I quickly realized as a middle aged man those bike skills of my youth were powerless against most of the single track trails in the foothills of Auburn California.

That winter work moved me to the Bay Area, were my biking took a different direction. As I drove around my new neighborhood and town I noticed a lot of people biking along the road ways. The roadways were wide with clearly marked bike lanes. From my home you could go in any direction and cover forty, fifty, or sixty miles. Riding along side automobiles and crossing intersections somehow seemed scarier than those single tracks I left behind in the foothills. Being aware I watched the riders along the road everywhere I went and as a motorist I always yielded to them.

That gave me the courage to head down to the local bike shop to get fitted for a road bike. When I purchased my mountain bike, I bought too much bike; I took the opposite approach with the road bike. I kept it simple until I found out if it was for me. That was seven years ago and I have upgraded my ride to a Cannondale Super Six a pretty sexy bike if you ask me and it is lightweight and fast. I found the road bike gave me the time to improve my skill level on a bike. Being able to really handle your bike is the best defense against motorist. Oh, yeah the motorist… I can say almost a hundred percent of them were actually mindful of me on my bike and would usually yield the right of way even when they shouldn’t have. Keep in mind I did say almost one hundred percent.

So if you are deciding between a road bike and a mountain bike take the time to find out what suits you the best. Most local bike shops will allow you to demo a bike and take it for a ride. You will need a helmet and bike shorts, but wait on the bike shoes until you buy the bike. It won’t matter what your buddies are doing, if you are not enjoying yourself you won’t go out and ride. Besides, once you find what fits you it will be easy to find buddies who will fit your skill level.

Jeff Panasiti is the author and has been running and riding for 18 years.

Owner of http://www.easyrackbikecarrier.com where hauling your bike is a four letter word, easy.

The reason why we are bike owners is the exhilaration you feel speeding downhill at 45 mph. Biking is excellent exercise and a great way to socialize. So get out and ride and spend less time loading and unloading your bike.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Out of all the different kinds of exercise equipment the exercise bike allows people of all abilities to exercise easily and safely. It is, after all very important to exercise as often as possible.

It’s fair to say that with any fitness equipment, the trick is to keep it interesting to ensure that you keep getting the most from your exercise routine. Selecting the perfect exercise bicycle for your needs will help you stay interested in your fitness goals.

Choosing the wrong one will almost certainly lead to giving up on your fitness routine. There are two types of stationary bike you should be aware of, though there are also several different styles.

The two kinds available to buy are the upright exercise bike and the recumbent exercise bike. Both has different features, but each one will give you a great workout.

Upright stationary bikes are very popular and they come in many different styles. Like a normal bike an upright exercise bike has pedals, handles and a seat. They also come with additional features that a conventional bike doesn’t have. For example a stationary bike often comes with a computer monitor which gives you information about your training session. The bikes give Information on popular metrics such as calories burned and heart rate.

Something you will notice with an upright exercise bike, it will take up a lot less room compared with a recumbent bike. This means it is more portable and ideal for changing the room you work out in.

An upright bike are also perfect if you want to alter resistance levels easily and its possible to use them whilst standing for an intense workout. Upright stationary bikes often use magnetic resistance which makes them less noisy that other exercise bikes.

The other type available is the recumbent bike. These are very popular. The reason for this popularity is due to the fact that recumbent bikes give you fantastic back support, because of the fact that it has a traditional seat instead of a saddle. This seat is said to be more comfortable than an upright exercise bike saddle meaning that a lot of people can use a recumbent bike longer.

Although it might appear that a recumbent bike is more laid back, in comparison with upright exercise bikes you still get a great training session. Recumbent bikes are perfect for more aged users, as well as larger people and people recuperating from injury.

Like the upright bike the features you get with a recumbent bike are great, which help stops you getting bored with working out on it. You can choose many different resistance levels to ensure that your training session is challenging. Recumbent bikes are ideal for people who like to read or watch television whilst exercising.

It’s fair to say that the workout you get from a recumbent bike is not as intense as what you get from an upright bike but it will nevertheless give you a tiring workout.

Regardless of which type of exercise bike you choose, make sure that it matches all of your needs. The best exercise bicycles are the ones you want to keep training on.

Michael Johnson works and advises in the fitness industry as a personal trainer. Michael specifically focuses on types of exercise bike including the folding exercise bike, spin bikes and recumbent bikes.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Bikes have been a passion of men and women for many decades. Road bikes are designed for fast riding on paved streets. They have slim tyres that compliment the light weight body of the bike. The bikes are designed in a manner that requires you bend your upper part of the body giving pressure over the handle bars. Such a design is suitable for riding bikes over a long distance at higher speed and this in a way prevents you from getting tired. These bikes have a relaxed geometry that gives the riders a comfortable ride.

Choosing the right kind of road bike is definitely not as serious as choosing the right life partner for yourself, but yes you do need to put in some thoughts before you go on to decide what is best for you. There are several kinds of road bikes available in the market. You simply need to pick the one that best suits your needs. With all the types available, none of them are brawny in appearance; as a result these road bikes will not survive on harsh uneven roads for longer periods. These road bikes are best suited on smooth even roads and would give an unmatched performance when compared to any other ordinary bike.

The various types available include mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, etc. Let us try to understand what needs to be looked into while we go on to purchase the right kind of bike. There are 3 things that need to be taken into consideration; the material, the components and the geometry of the frame.

Road bikes are available in four types of materials, namely steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber. Each material lends a different kind of look and feel to the bike. Many a times, the manufacturers use a combination of all these four materials in order to give the bike certain special features. Amongst these materials manufacturers are more inclined towards carbon fiber for road bikes.

The frame geometry feature of the bike is an important aspect that needs to be considered before you go for buying your bike. As the name suggests, frame geometry includes the length of the frame tubes of the bike. It also includes the angle at which these are assembled as that too affects the performance of the bike to a great extent.

The third aspect of the bikes are the components that comprises of wheels, brakes, derailleur, etc. The best kinds of bikes are the ones that have components made from superior quality materials, have finer finishing and have long lasting tolerance power.

In addition to these aspects, you also need to consider what size of bike will be the best for you. Choose the bike size that would make you comfortable for long distance rides. In order to help you out, there are certain sites available on the internet to assist you in selecting the right one for you. If you click on the desired link it calculates the right size of bike for you. When taking all these important aspects into consideration when choosing your bike, it will ensure that your bike lasts the distance and serve you for many years.

For reviews on the latest Road Bikes such as the GMC Denali Road Bike visit Road Bike Reviews

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Have you ever been to a city where one of the main types of transportation was via bike? Many people of all ages around the globe use a bike as their primary source of transportation because it’s cheaper, environmentally-friendly, healthy and easy. When using a road bike it can also be speedier option in many cases.

We’ve compiled a list of cities around the world that have a high bike usage per capita and have a great system in place for urban bikers. These bike-friendly cities strive to keep their biker residents happy and safe.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark


Copenhagen and its people are a group truly devoted to the bicycle. With a culture that has a third of the population commuting on bike combined with a local government that offers free rentals and dedicated lanes, Copenhagen is our #1 choice as bike-friendly cities.


2. Amsterdam, Netherlands


If the Dutch know how to do one thing, it’s bike. Amsterdam is known world-wide as the ultimate bike capital of the planet. The city features a massive population of bikers of all ages and professions on the road at any time. The Amsterdam city government also promotes bike use with bike rentals, cyclist-only lanes and bike traffic signals.


3. Basel, Switzerland


Residents of Basel love biking and who can blame them! With countryside of fruit trees and grapevines complimented by elegant shops and buildings along with a health-focused population, it comes as no surprise that around 25% of Basel’s residents travel on 2 wheels. The city promotes bike use with bike lanes, traffic signals and rentals.


4. Florence, Italy


As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is no wonder that Florence embraces biking culture. Adding to their bike culture is the huge population of college students that regularly commute to and around campus by bicycle. Florence has separate bike lanes which are bi-directional and colored for ease of use.


5. Minneapolis, Minnesota


Minneapolis, Minnesota is a town committed to biking. Even in the winter frigidness, a large population of this city commutes by bike. There are a number of facilities for bikers such as indoor storage, city bike lanes, and trails. Unlike many European countries, bicycle helmets are widely used and highly encouraged in the US.


6. Bologna, Italy


Whether you’re visiting Bologna or are a permanent resident, riding a bike is the easiest and fastest way to get around. Bologna has a network of cycle paths throughout the city. The city also has various routes that have less motorized traffic creating a safe place for bikers.


7. Munich, German


Even though Munich is a large metropolis, drivers and bikers seem to coexist very well along the busy lanes and streets of this city. Munich has over 124 miles of bike paths and marked off sides to protect bikers. Just remember, bike theft is common here, so be sure to keep you bike locked.


8. Salzburg, Austria


Salzburg is a great bike-commuting city; with beautiful green landscapes and Baroque architecture, Salzburg is designed with over 105 miles of bike paths and 23 scenic bike routes. Salzburg also has self-service stations throughout the city with free tools, bike stands, lubricating oil and compressed air. There are also 5,500 parking spaces designated just for bikes.


9. Bogota, Colombia


Bogota is Latin America’s fastest growing bike-centered city. Bogota has its own bike path networks strategically connecting all regions of the city. This system consists of main, secondary and complimentary networks. These efforts are in place to offer residents a cheaper, healthier and more sustainable way of life that seems to be embraced well.


10. Portland, Oregon


People of Portland have always prized themselves on their consistent use of bicycles to get around. With the natural beauty and the overall tree-hugger culture, it is no surprise so many chose to bike. With separate bike lanes, bike racks and a community that thoroughly supports biking, Portland is a great city to get around on two wheels.

If you’re interested in a cheaper, healthier commuting alternative that will help your community, you should grab a cruiser or road bike and start cruising!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Mountain bikes are designed to endure tougher terrain and to let the rider cruise over uneven and bumpy patches. Before you go buy your mountain bike, you need to consider what type of terrain you will be riding on. Based on the terrain, there are several types of bikes to choose from.

Mountain biking is a popular outdoor sport that combines healthy exercise with an element of fun. Most people go cycling in groups to have fun while enjoying the splendours of nature. Due to its popularity, the number of mountain biking options has gone up. You can choose the mountain bike that suits the type of biking you want to do. Before you go out and buy that bike, you need to know about the different types that are available.

Cross Country Mountain Cycles

Cross country bikes are very popular among the first-time riders. These bikes are extremely lightweight and easy to ride. The advantage of this is that the rider finds it very easy to ride over steep hills and rough terrain. Newer models of bikes such as the Scott Scale 29 have lightweight carbon frames and powerful shock dampening systems that make the bumps seem like they’re not even there. Some people even commute to work and back on their cross country bikes. Some of these bikes are full suspension while the others are hardtails like the Scott Scale 29. A point to note would be that a full suspension bike gives a greater ride quality over a rough terrain that a hardtail would.

Downhill Mountain Cycles

Downhill mountain biking has a thrill of its own. Most experienced mountain bikers prefer to ride down a hillside. Due to the nature of the terrain, downhill bikes are heavily built with powerful front and rear suspensions. These bikes also sport disc brakes. Downhill bikes are often customized to suit the rider’s requirements. Downhill bikes also come with a very strong frame that lends the bike some stability. It is advised that this kind of biking be attempted by the expert bikers with all possible protection on.

Professional Mountain Cycles

For the most skilled of riders, there are professional grade mountain bikes. These are used by riders at biking competitions. The bikes boast of the highest quality and are made from very light materials. A lot of engineering work goes in to ensuring that the bikes can endure the terrain and the demands put on it. These are strong and need the skill that professional riders possess to get the best performance out of them. Bikes like the Scott Scale 20 and Scott Spark 60 are perfect for riders who prefer lightweight bikes that can make riding rough terrains easy.

Personal Mountain Cycles

And finally, there are a huge variety of recreational mountain bikes that are not as high tech as the professional or the cross country models. These ones are primarily for recreational use and are a good bike to start with. These bikes are full suspension that boast of great riding comfort and quality. These bikes are perfect for going cycling with the whole family.

There are mountain bikes for all terrains and at varying budgets. Before you go buy your mountain bike, understand your needs and choose a bike accordingly.

This article was brought to you by Shaun Connolly, owner and developer of Review Saver http://reviewsaver.co.uk

If you are interested in cycling and would like to view all the latest Mens Mountain Bikes, including the Scott Scale 20, Scott Spark 60 and the Scott Genius 30 http://reviewsaver.co.uk/review/Scott-Genius-30-2011-Mountain-Bike-1306516193, you can do so by following any of the relevant links.

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Mountain bikes are designed to endure tougher terrain and to let the rider cruise over uneven and bumpy patches. Before you go buy your mountain bike, you need to consider what type of terrain you will be riding on. Based on the terrain, there are several types of bikes to choose from.

Mountain biking is a popular outdoor sport that combines healthy exercise with an element of fun. Most people go cycling in groups to have fun while enjoying the splendours of nature. Due to its popularity, the number of mountain biking options has gone up. You can choose the mountain bike that suits the type of biking you want to do. Before you go out and buy that bike, you need to know about the different types that are available.

Cross Country Mountain Cycles

Cross country bikes are very popular among the first-time riders. These bikes are extremely lightweight and easy to ride. The advantage of this is that the rider finds it very easy to ride over steep hills and rough terrain. Newer models of bikes such as the Scott Scale 29 have lightweight carbon frames and powerful shock dampening systems that make the bumps seem like they’re not even there. Some people even commute to work and back on their cross country bikes. Some of these bikes are full suspension while the others are hardtails like the Scott Scale 29. A point to note would be that a full suspension bike gives a greater ride quality over a rough terrain that a hardtail would.

Downhill Mountain Cycles

Downhill mountain biking has a thrill of its own. Most experienced mountain bikers prefer to ride down a hillside. Due to the nature of the terrain, downhill bikes are heavily built with powerful front and rear suspensions. These bikes also sport disc brakes. Downhill bikes are often customized to suit the rider’s requirements. Downhill bikes also come with a very strong frame that lends the bike some stability. It is advised that this kind of biking be attempted by the expert bikers with all possible protection on.

Professional Mountain Cycles

For the most skilled of riders, there are professional grade mountain bikes. These are used by riders at biking competitions. The bikes boast of the highest quality and are made from very light materials. A lot of engineering work goes in to ensuring that the bikes can endure the terrain and the demands put on it. These are strong and need the skill that professional riders possess to get the best performance out of them. Bikes like the Scott Scale 20 and Scott Spark 60 are perfect for riders who prefer lightweight bikes that can make riding rough terrains easy.

Personal Mountain Cycles

And finally, there are a huge variety of recreational mountain bikes that are not as high tech as the professional or the cross country models. These ones are primarily for recreational use and are a good bike to start with. These bikes are full suspension that boast of great riding comfort and quality. These bikes are perfect for going cycling with the whole family.

There are mountain bikes for all terrains and at varying budgets. Before you go buy your mountain bike, understand your needs and choose a bike accordingly.

This article was brought to you by Shaun Connolly, owner and developer of Review Saver http://reviewsaver.co.uk

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Article Source: EzineArticles.com