Cross-Country Mountain Bikes vs Trail Mountain Bikes

Cross-Country Mountain Bikes vs Trail Mountain Bikes

  Differences between Cross-Country Mountain Bikes and Trail Mountain Bikes

           

    A lot of people usually find it hard to identify the correct mountain bike for them. Although choosing a bike may all depend on your riding style, the terrain you will be riding on and who you will be riding with, getting the right bike that fits your style is tricky. The trail mountain bike and the cross-country mounting bike are quite identical and can easily be confused at first glance.  There are several areas where you can find a significant difference between the two bikes. Physical features of the bikes such as the length of the stems, the width of the handlebars, the braking system, the suspension travel, and tires are normally taken into consideration when identifying these types of mountain bikes.  You can find all your mountain bike parts and accessories below on the Blue Sky Cycling website.  

The Handlebars - The cross country mountain bike has a narrow handlebar.  Since the cross country bikes are built for maximum speed and agility, a narrow handlebar enables the rider to get a feel of what the front wheel is doing. It is also quick to steer around corners. A wide handlebar on trail bikes gives the rider enough leverage to maneuver technical terrain. It helps the rider not to be thrown around when going through rock gardens. 

The Stem length - The cross country mountain bike features a longer stem length of approximately 90mm - 100mm. The long stem positions the rider in a posture that pushes the rider's body further forward for enhanced grip on flat terrain, and maximum acceleration. On the other hand, the trail bike has a shorter stem length of approximately 40mm -80mm. A short stem keeps the rider's posture laid more backward for better stability during steep downhill riding.

The Suspension Travel - A cross country mountain bike has a shorter travel of suspension than the trail bike. A shorter travel of suspension enhances a quick uphill sprint. For real fast cross-country mountain bikes, the comfort of the rear suspension has been eliminated to boost pedaling efficiency.  A longer suspension travel provides comfort and easy crawling capabilities over obstacles. 

The Head angle - Due to a longer suspension travel in the front, trail bikes also have a wider head angle which is good for down hill riding. It positions the front wheel far much ahead of the rider making the bike stable even on steep downhill maneuvers. On the other hand, the short suspension travel on a cross-country bike forces it to have a narrower head angle which makes a cross country bike more twitchy when riding on steep down hills.

The Brake Rotor - A trail bike has a relatively large brake rotor compared to the cross country bike. A large brake rotor of about 140mm - 160mm is key to a more powerful braking system, which is essential when down hilling at a fast speed. Due to its wide surface area, a large brake rotor is less likely to overheat and cause brake failure than smaller brake rotors. Since cross-country mountain bikes are quite twitchy on the downhill ride, a powerful braking system will only make things worse. Therefore, its brake rotor is much smaller and less powerful.

Tires - A Cross-country bike has smoother tires to enhance faster rolling for maximum speed while the trail bikes feature wide and heavily threaded tires for better grip and stability on unstable grounds.

     Apart from the physical features of theses mountain bikes, they can also be identified by their capabilities, or what they can do better than the other. For example, cross country mountain bikes are slower on the descent and faster on climbs and flat surfaces. Trail mountain bikes are slower on climbs and fast and fun to ride on down hills. Considering the overall speed, the cross country bikes are far much faster than trails bikes. While the trail bikes can take a corner quite aggressively with more grip, the cross country is able to maneuver sharper corners with more agility. The trail bikes do break faster and more precisely. The cross country bike is lighter and quicker in acceleration and steering while the trail bikes are heavier and optimized for descends. Today's mountain bikes have become extremely specialized in terms of their intended use. On one extreme you will find the cross-country racing mountain bikes. On the other extreme, you will find the downhill racing mountain bikes. The trail mountain bike sits in between the two types of bikes and tries to serve the purposes of both ends but to a limited extent.  How to set up your mountain bike is important.  Click to check out how to set up a mountain bike.  Or you can watch a quick video below that will show you the steps...

     You can tell the difference between them by having a closer look at the handlebars, the stem length, the suspension travel, the brake rotor, the tires, and the head angle. The handle bars vary in length with the shorter ones for cross country bikes and the longer ones for trail bikes. Long stem length creates the appropriate body posture for cross country bikers while short stem lengths pull the cyclist backward for safer down hill riding on the trail. A long suspension travel is fit for trail bikes while cross country bikes feature a shorter travel on the suspension. Trail bikes have a large brake rotor for a more powerful breaking experience while cross-country bikes have smaller brake rotors. The tires on a cross country mountain bike are thinner relatively smoother for maximum speed compared to trail mountain bikes which have rougher and wider tires for better grip on technical terrains. With all these features in mind, you can easily tell the two types of mountain bikes apart.  If you have any questions please feel free to leave us a comment.  Thank you! 

Blue Sky Cycling "Mountain Bike Parts Specialist"

2530 Randolph St.

Huntington Park, Ca 90255

(323) 585-3934

www.blueskycycling.com

5 Advantages of Hydraulic Disk Brakes on Mountain Bikes

5 Advantages of Hydraulic Disk Brakes on Mountain 

              Hydraulic Disk Braking System Advantages for Mountain Bike Riders                         by Eddie Aguilar

   

Hydraulic Braking System for Mountain Bikes

     Disc brakes for mountain bikes have been used for years and have proven to have the upper hand over conventional pad braking systems. Today, disc brakes are used on mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes.  They consist of a metal disc which is attached to the wheel hub at the center of the wheel in such a way that they become part of the wheel and rotates with the wheel. Disc brakes function by squeezing the pads together causing the wheel to slow down and eventually stop. Compared to the more traditional rim brakes, disc brakes are quite superior. They produce a greater braking power while being rim friendly and they are consistent in their power regardless of the weather conditions.  Not to mention, they can quickly and easily be configured for different wheel types and sizes, and have an improved mechanical functionality. Although they may be quite expensive, disc brakes are highly effective, reliable, and durable. They are worth using especially in serious mountain biking events like racing where you might need brakes to avoid a crash.  

Strength, Braking Power and Improved Modulation of Braking Power - Disk brakes are made of metal rather than rubber making them stronger and more durable than rim brakes. They are attached to the wheels, rather than being in tandem with the wheels making them even stronger. The disc braking system features an extended travel in the braking leverage system. This presents the rider with a wide range modulation of braking power. It also uses less finger pressure on the levers to produce powerful braking.

All Weather and Multi Terrain Capabilities - Mountain bikes are made to be used on all kinds of terrains and in all kinds of climatic conditions. Disc brakes are fixed at the center of the wheel; closer to the hub than the ground, therefore they are less affected by mud, water snow or ice. You can ride them on slippery wet trails, muddy roads, snow and all kinds of terrains. Water does not act as a lubricant to metal as much as it does do rubber. Therefore, disc brakes; which are made of metal, are seldom affected when it comes to contact with water hence, they maintain their excellent efficiency and braking power regardless of the terrain and the weather conditions. 

Disc Brakes are Rim Friendly - Since disc brakes are fixed at the center of the wheels; as part of the wheels, they do not come into contact with the rim at any moment or in any way. Therefore, the friction produced while braking does not affect the rim in any way. Moreover, they do not pile up particles and debris such as sand, sticks and twigs on the rim; which usually scrape the rim, wearing it out and weakening it in the braking process.

No tire overheating – When riding in an extremely hot weather, a prolonged use of brakes in the traditional rim braking system overheats the rim, weakening the rubber on the tires. This can cause the tires to burst or wear out quickly. This is not the case with disc brakes. Disk brakes aren't connected with the rim or the tires. So when excessive braking is done in hot weather, it is the disc itself that gets heated. Since these discs have holes drilled on them, they dissipate heat faster than a rim would do. The heat dissipation mechanism of the disc brake also allows it to maintain its efficiency and braking power.

Multiple Wheel Configurations - off-road riding in different types of climatic conditions and different types of terrains require different sets of wheels. For example, icy roads require a totally different set of wheels from muddy and sandy terrains in terms of the wheel size in thickness and grip patterns. This will prompt you to keep changing or switching between wheels to suit the terrains.  With disc brakes, you do not have to reconfigure your braking system to suit the new set of tires. Moreover, changing between wheels is very quick and easy. All you need to do is to change the wheels then reattach the disc brake back to its position and you are good to go.

Shimano Ice Technology for Hydraulic Braking Systems 

    The disc brakes catapult the mountain bike riding into a higher degree of mountain biking experience. With its strength, power, improved modulation of braking power, and its ability to resist overheating, preserve the rim, and be used in all weather and terrains, the disc brakes make the mountain bike a more capable off-road bike. They are strong and durable since they are made of metal. They get their extra power by taking advantage of their position on the wheels.  At the center of the wheel, they are far away from impurities such as water, mud, snow and sand. This makes them retain their braking power regardless of weather and terrain. They do not come into contact with the rim, hence preserving the rim and avoiding overheating. And when you need to change your tires to suit a new terrain and weather condition, you simply mount your disc brake back on the wheel and off you go. You can find more reading on disk brakes on www.bicycling.com If you have any questions on hydraulic braking systems for mountain bikes please leave a comment below or give us a call.  Happy Trails!  

Blue Sky Cycling

2530 Randolph St.

Huntington Park, Ca 90255

(323) 585-3934

www.blueskycycling.com

info@blueskycycling.com

Downhill Mountain Biking

Downhill Mountain Biking

    There are two similar genres of mountain biking that are always confused. By the way, Blue Sky Cycling offers online mountain bike sales for all types of mountain biking including downhill racing.  Check it out after you read this article!  There are all types of downhill mountain biking parts if you decide to enjoy downhill biking.  They are quite tricky to tell apart. The Freeride Mountain biking and the downhill mountain biking. Both of them are done on steep and in very rough terrains. These terrains feature steep drops, jumps, fire roads, rock gardens and other naturally occurring obstacles such as roots. Both freeride and downhill mountain bikers use similar types of mountain bikes. A downhill mountain bike can easily and comfortably be used for freeriding and vice versa. In this particular case, we are going to take a deeper look into downhill mountain biking.

Some Downhill Mountain Biking Eye Candy Video....

Downhill Mountain Bikes

Due to the very unique, rough, and tough to ride terrains involved in downhill mountain biking, this genre of mountain biking require very special types of mountain bikes. The bikes must first of all ensure the safety of the rider. One biggest achievement in down hilling is for the rider and the bike to remain in one piece at the end of the race. They should also include features that makes it easy to drop, dirt jump, and roll over obstacles easily. Unlike other mountain bikes, the downhill mountain bikes are heavy and strong. Their front suspension should have at least 8 inches of travel to be able to cope with all the rough and tough trails. Such kind of a suspension glides smoothly over roots and rocks.

Downhill Mountain Biking Trails and Venues

Proper down hilling trails should be built on naturally occurring hills and mountains. These trails need to be as natural as possible. However, manmade structures are usually added sparingly to achieve desired effects on the trails. The natural trails are usually modified too, especially when avoiding very dangerous lines. When choosing and building downhill mountain bike trails, experienced riders and judges must always be involved since they always know better.

It is always difficult if not impossible to ride or walk up the hill to the starting point. Moreover, downhill mountain bikes are never designed with uphill riding in mind. So how do the riders and their bikes get up the mountain to the starting point? Thanks to the electronic winch and motor technology. The riders and their bikes can either ride on trams, chair lifts or gondolas to the top of the mountain. Alternatively, shuttling which uses motorized vehicles can be used. Other down hilling venues are designed in such a way that a road can wind up to the top of the hill. When creating a downhill trail is not an easy task. The designers have to consider critical factors such as safety, the spectators view, difficulty, variety, fun, just mentioning a few. 

The Trail Placement

Considering that down hilling trails are one way trails for single-use, and are technically designed to suit no other sport or activity apart from Downhill Mountain biking, No other users should share or interfere with the trails. The trails should be placed is such a way as to avoid any conflict with any other activity. To separate and avoid conflict between downhill rides of different abilities and skills, at least two trails should be created.  

The Ideal Downhill Mountain Biking Trail

An ideal downhill trail should include features such as:

Vertical Drops - A variety of vertical drops or approximately 1000 feet and above; the more the drops, the better. These drops can go to a height of more than 2000 feet.

Jumps and Drop Offs - These are normally the funnest part of the ride. They should be clearly visible and marked to enable the rider to make a split second decision on whether to ride them or bypass them. Clearly marked alternative bypasses should also be included. It is over these jumps, drops and drop-offs that riders like to show off their skills and tricks such as the 360s, back and forward flips, no handlers and many more.

Open and Flowing Sections- These allows the rider to make a split second choice from the available variety of lines. This section should be wide and rough, the perfect section to test the rider's skills and abilities when it comes to stability in technical high speed riding. Since downhill bikes are not good at pedaling, the open and flowing section should come after a very steep downhill ride.

Tight and Technical Sections- This is meant to be a slower section challenging the rider's abilities to make quick turns, overcome obstacles such as logs, and glide through difficult terrains.

The Downhill Mountain Bike Competition

What makes a huge clear cut distinction between freeride mountain biking and downhill mountain biking is the competition. Unlike freeride mountain bike competition whereby the winner is determined by how much tricks in terms of difficulty and creativity you can show off, the downhill mountain bike competition is focused on the speed. The riders are provided with a particular trail and they have to work out how to get to the finish line within the shortest time possible. It is up to the rider to decide and take a line that will give him/her the most advantage depending on his or her riding styles and abilities. For example, while a jump may be the shortest way to use, but the alternative line beside it can be ridden at a very high speed. Therefore the rider will make the decision within the split of a second depending on his/her approaching momentum, abilities, and instincts. The riders are normally given one or two attempts to ride from the start to the finish and the best time between the two is recorded as the final score.  

     To sum up, downhill mountain biking is reserved for expert mountain bike riders.  It requires a lot of skill and time on a mountain bike.  The speed is much faster therefore you have to make decisions quicker.  Always make sure you have the correct mountain biking gear to ensure you will not hurt your bike or more importantly your self.  If you spend a lot of time on downhill trails sign up for a competition and give it hell!  We hope you enjoyed this article.  If you have any questions regarding down hill mountain bike riding please feel free to leave a comment below.  

Blue Sky Cycling "mountain bike parts online superstore"

2530 Randolph St.

Huntington Park, Ca 90255

(323) 585-3934

www.blueskycycling.com

info@blueskycycling.com

Hard Tail Mountain Bikes

Hard Tail Mountain Bikes

Scouting for a great hard tail mountain bike

    

     Last week we had someone shopping for a hard tail mountain bike at our Huntington Park location.  He had heard that they are for beginners so that's what he had in mind.  Hard tails are not only for beginners which is why I decided to write this article.  Many mountain bikers prefer the hard tailed mountain bikes because of their simplicity. They are the perfect choice for beginner mountain bikers. They are easy to handle on technical trails. They are also easily maintained making them the best mountain bikes for learning. Some mountain bikers may despise the hard tail mountain bike for its simplicity.  They go to more high tech bikes with suspensions. Surprisingly, if the hard tail mountain bike falls into the hands of an experienced mountain biker, you will realize its unmatched qualities; its toughness, its agility, its pedaling efficiency, just mentioning a few. No wonder most experienced mountain bike racers prefer the hard tail mountain bike to other types of mountain bikes. The hard tail is the most versatile type of mountain bike today. It serves even cyclists who have no interest in single-tracking and off-roading such as urban cyclists. Whether you are an urban cyclist, a beginning mountain biker or an expert mountain biker, the hard tail will suit your need and style. So how do you choose a perfect hard tail for yourself?

     

    When you are up to buying a hard tail mountain bike, it is worth scouting around and make sure you get the right bike that suits your needs. Your budget, your riding style, your physical features and your passion. Buying the perfect bike for you is worth the time and hassle. It is also worth the money spent because you do not want to worry about upgrading or reselling your bike too soon.

The Shop Attendant

   To begin with, it is a good idea to have an extensive chat with your nearest bike shop attendant. They always know a lot about what they are selling and can point you to the right direction. Sometimes it may look like they are trying to fleece you; but in most cases, they are guiding you away from a bad decision. It is also helpful to engage in an extensive chat with an experienced mountain bike cyclist. The shop attendant can get you in touch with one or two who can share their experiences in mountain biking.

The Wheels on your mountain bike

    Hardtails come with three different sizes of wheels to choose from. The 26”, the 27.5”, and the 29”. The 26" hard tail has enjoyed popularity for a very long time. However it is slowly being overtaken by the new 29” hard tail which is more stable in maintaining momentum and rolls over obstacles more easily. On the other hand, the 27.5” hard tail is a nimble and fast accelerating bike. Your ultimate choice should be dependent on the type and condition of your local trail, and the purpose of the bike.

The Mountain Bike Frame

    When choosing the kind of frame on your hard tail, your budget will play a huge role in determining the frame that you will finally settle for. An alloy frame with good specs such as the drivetrain, forks and wheels can be a good choice as opposed to carbon frames with cheap components that will force you to upgrade or resell your bike.

A high quality hard tail frame directly translates to a better ride. Considering that a hard tail frame is what receives all the shakes and bumps at the rear end, a quality alloy frame will offer a much more comfortable ride than a cheap carbon frame.

The Front Suspension on your mountain bike

   

 The ability of a mountain bike to cope with trail riding is heavily dependent on the front forks. A good hard tail’s front suspension will feature external adjustments like an air spring and a tapered steerer. Hardtails with thin stanchions and little or no adjustments are of low quality and may flex on rough riding.

The Purpose; Racing or Trailing on a mountain bike

    If you are out for racing, then a light-weight carbon hard tail will suit you best. However, for the sake of comfort, a bike with a relaxed geometry would be appropriate for both racing and trailing cyclists. Since a hard tail is a versatile bike that suits any type of biking, you can simply opt for a decent trail hard tail.

The Drivetrain and Brakes on a mountain bike

    The drivetrain and the brakes are very important components of a mountain bike. They should never be overlooked. However, making a good choice of these components depends on the choice you have made for the frame and your overall budget. The drivetrain and the brakes mostly mirrors the choice of your frame which we have already talked about. If your budget is very tight, you might end up with components that are designed for recreational riding. More expensive hard tail frames comes with durable and reliable components that can be used for single track trails and even racing. Therefore, to get the right drivetrain and brakes, it is imperative that you match your budget with the purpose and style of your riding.  If you are looking for reviews on hard tail mountain bikes check out this review on hard tail mountain bikes vs. full suspension mountain bikes. 

Your Local Trails and Your Abilities

   In conclusion, the hard tail mountain bike performs differently in the hands of an expert and the hands of a beginner. Therefore, before buying a hard tail, you must know your mountain biking skills and abilities compared to your local trails. You should consider charting with your local mountain bike dealer about the local trails you intend to ride on and you mountain biking skills and abilities. You can find a lot more information on hard tail mountain bikes on the about website. This way you will be able to make a better choice of the bike that will serve you best.  If you have any questions on hard tail mountain bikes give Blue Sky Cycling a call.  The mountain bike professionals will answer all your tough questions.  

Blue Sky Cycling - Mountain Bike Parts Specialist 2530 Randolph St.

Huntington Park, CA 90255

(323) 585-3934 info@blueskycycling.com

Mountain Bike Parts Information For First Time Buyers

Mountain Bike Parts Information For First Time Buyers

Information On Mountain Bike Parts For First Time Buyers

 
 Bicycles were invented in the 19th century. Since then, bicycles have become popular and have been adopted for various purposes in our lifestyles. The invention of bicycles has made an enormous impact in our society today. Bicycles have played a role in shaping our culture, our economic state and our industrial methods.  In many urban, sub urban and rural areas today, the bicycle is being used as the principal means of transport. We have adopted bicycles into our recreational activities, fitness programs, courier services, and many more activities. The bicycle is useful in a wide variety of activities. Each activity demands special shapes, sizes and functionality of the bicycle. With the advent of computer aided design and manufacture, different types, shapes, sizes and functionality of bicycles have been developed to suit specific needs.  You can also find information on mountain bikes on Wikipedia.


    A good example is the mountain bicycle, famously known as the mountain bike (MTB). This is a bicycle designed specifically for off-roading. You can think of it as a 4 wheel drive (4X4) SUV version of the bicycle. They are specifically designed to be literally ridden on unpaved terrains such as single tracks, mountain trails, logging roads and fire roads. These kinds of unpaved terrains feature steep inclining and declining grades, roots, loose sand and gravel, ruts and rocks. The special design of mountain bikes equips them with the ability to handle theses terrains with common obstacles like drop offs and logs.

The major noticeable differences between a mountain bike and a regular bicycle include the Mountain Bike Parts such as:

• The Suspension – Most mountain bikes are fitted with suspension. Depending on the terrain and activity the bike is made for, some mountain bikes may not have any suspension, some may have only the front suspension, while others have both the front and rear suspension.

• The tires – The tires on a mountain bike are very large and thick. They are made of more durable materials than a regular bike’s tires. The heavy duty tires are the appropriate tires for off road biking.

• Brakes – The braking system on a mountain bike is made in such a way that the cyclist can make a powerful sharp brake using very small amount of pressure on the brake levers.

• The gears – To cater for climbing steep grades, riding on poor traction terrains like mud and sand, getting high speeds in favorable conditions, mountain bikes are fitted with a combination of high gears and very low gears.

    Mountain bikes are specially designed and manufactured to suit off road cycling activities. They can be used for fitness programs, fun and recreational activities, racing and many more. All these done in unpaved or off road terrains. There are a wide range of activities and terrains out there. Therefore, mountain bikes have been refined and redesigned into different types to suit more specific activities and terrains. Let us have a deeper insight on the types of mountain bikes available today.

Based on the suspension, we can classify mountain bikes into four types.

1. The Rigid Mountain Bike: This is a mountain bike with no suspension. It has a rigid fork and a rear that is fixed on the frame. If you need an MTB and you are in a really tight budget, this one is perfect for you. It is cheap and easy to maintain.

2. The Hard Tail Mountain Bike: This one has got only the front suspension. It is called a hard tail because its rear is stiff compared to its front, due to lack of suspension.

3. A Soft Tail Mountain Bike: Like the hard tail, the soft tail has got a front suspension. It also has a small feel of suspension in the rear. Its rear suspension is made possible by a flex of the frame rather than pivots.

4. The full Suspension Mountain Bike: This one has both the front and the rear suspensions. It also features a rear shock absorber that allows the rear wheel to move on pivots.
Apart from classification based on the suspension, MTBs can also be classified according to the type of ride they are made for.

Cross-Country Mountain Bikes

    These bikes are designed for long distant cycling on walking trails with minimum or no obstacles. They are also good for climbing and riding small down hills. Of all the types of MTBs they have the most efficient pedaling systems. They are able to handle small jumps and light drops though not very comfortably. Most cross country mountain bikes are hard tails or soft tails.  All-Mountain Bikes
An All-Mountain bike is made to suit custom built trails and trail centers. They are designed for cyclists who need to climb uphill easily and then come down hard on the downhill. Most of these bikes fall in the category of full suspension mountain bikes. The rare suspension enables the cyclist to take hard jumps and drops without compromising on the speed.

Downhill Mountain Bikes

    Downhill bikes are designed for the roughest downhill terrains. It is all about staying in one piece while riding hard on the roughest terrains. They are able to handle big drops and can make jumps as high as 20 feet look and feel very easy. They are full suspension mountain bikes with very huge rear suspension. To achieve the downhill ability, the uphill pedaling capability has been compromised and can be very difficult compared to the other types of mountain bikes. Nevertheless, they offer a smooth, silky, gliding experience, comfort and confidence on the downhill ride.

   There are many different types of mountain bikes that will fit your level of skill and style of riding.  We always recommend you research as much as possible to determine which type of mountain bike fits your style of riding.  Some bike shops will let you test ride mountain bikes to make sure you are comfortable with the bike.  This is highly recommended.  If you have any questions make sure to locate a bike shop in your area and speak with a mountain bike professional who can help you make the right choice. You can also check reviews on bike shops to determine which shops might have better service too.  If you are in the southern california area of Los Angeles you can stop by Blue Sky Cycling for help.  They have a vast amount of knowledge on mountain bikes and will answer all your questions with respect to mountain bike suspension, brakes, gears, tires, pedals, and seats.  They have a nice size bicycle shop.   We hope you enjoyed our article on the different types of mountain bike parts for first time buyers.

BLUE SKY CYCLING
www.blueskycycling.com
2530 Randolph St.Huntington Park, CA 90255

Toll Free: 1-800-585-4137Tel: 323-585-3934Fax: 323-585-3405info@blueskycycling.com

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