Friday, August 12, 2016

4 Health Benefits of Mountain Biking!

4 Health Benefits of Mountain Biking

https://www.blueskycycling.com



     Many people prefer mountain biking over other sporting and recreation activities such as running or going to the gym because mountain biking can be more exciting and still has the health benefits. In fact, a lot of people have become more healthy by mountain biking even when their main focus was to have fun!  As a means of recreation, mountain biking is so engaging and thrilling that it lets you have fun while sweating, shaping up your body and building up your muscles. It also has the capabilities of keeping you physically, mentally, emotionally and socially fit. Not so many sporting activities have such a capacity as mountain biking!  Let’s check out the health benefits of mountain biking. Whenever you go out mountain biking, every tough section you encounter such as the lung-crushing and cholesterol burning climbs are almost instantly and generously rewarded by the breezy and refreshing descents you were anticipating. You also get to enjoy the beautiful view of nature as you ride along. Apart from the fun derived from this activity, you also get to build, strengthen and tone your muscles.  There are also the benefits of relief from stress and maybe even depression.  Mountain biking can even help maintain healthy  joints and build up healthy heart. 

Building, Strengthening and Toning Your Muscles

Mountain biking is a good way of building, toning, and strengthening your muscles. You get the maximum health benefits out of your workout when you ride regularly.  Although your whole body benefits from the exercise, mountain biking focuses more on strengthening the muscles on your legs, thighs, and buttocks.  A good way of improving your stamina is taking the bike out on rough terrain or in the hills. In addition, you will improve your body coordination because there can be unexpected bumps and other terrain you have to react to. 


Relieving Stress

Natural scenery such as green spaces and untamed environments are known to possess the power to change your mood and the general state of emotion. You can try and compare cycling within or around the city and cycling in open and natural areas and feel the difference. As you encounter the bustles and hustles of the city, you most often feel overwhelmed by stress. As you go about your daily activities which may include mentally demanding tasks such as studying, research and doing repetitive tasks, you will always get stressed.  This is the time when you need to take a break and hit the mountain trails. The pressure in you deflates hence relieving you of stress and improves your overall state of emotion.

Taking Care of Your Joints


   Hitting the pavements hard while running or jogging can have a negative impact on your joints; especially your knees, ankles and hips. But you still need to work out and keep fit. Well, mountain biking presents you with an option of working out and keeping fit while being gentle on your joints. Especially if you are experiencing problems with your knees and other joints. As opposed to other recreational and sporting activities such as running, mountain biking is very gentle on your body especially when you have the correct mountain bike. A bike that is the right size for you, and suits your riding style, riding discipline and the kind of terrain you ride.

Building and Maintaining a Healthy Heart



Like all other exercises and sports, mountain biking gets your heart pumping hard. Whenever you take on steep climbing, you exercise your cardiovascular system making it strong over time. This makes your heart stronger and much healthier. Since mountain biking gives you the much needed breezy recovery periods, it becomes fun and easier to do it again and again. This way you are able to work out more while enjoying yourself.  Whether you take mountain biking as a hobby, a sport or a recreational activity, it will take care of your health. It will build up, strengthen and tone your muscles, decrease your stress, be easy on your joints and help you build and maintain a healthy heart. When building your muscles, a perfect way of increasing your stamina is by riding on tough rough terrains. The beautiful scenery and natural environment where you ride your bike have the magic to ease the pressure built up in you as a result of hard work. Unlike running and jogging, mountain biking is very gentle on your joints especially if you have problematic knees and other joints. Finally, mountain biking is that kind of activity that encourages you to exercises more and harder hence building and maintaining a healthy heart.  For further reading check out another great article on the health benefits of mountain biking. We hope this article encourages you to hit the trail and get that heart pumping!  If you have any questions please feel free too leave us a comment and don’t forget to give us the Facebook and Google like!    

Here's a great video on the benefits of mountain biking..




Blue Sky Cycling
2530 Randolph St. 
Huntington Park, Ca 90255
(323) 585-3934
https://www.blueskycycling.com
info@blueskycycling.com


Article Sources:
http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/understanding-heart-disease-could-save-your-life
https://www.bikejames.com/strength/is-mountain-biking-good-for-your-bones/
http://www.mdhealthdisparities.org/?p=56
http://mountainbikegeezer.com/mountain-bikings-sweet-spot-for-seniors-high-impact-bone-density-low-impact-joints/






Friday, July 22, 2016



Weekend Sale! New Low Prices! Shop Now..

http://bit.ly/weekendsale16

Shimano SLX M675 Disc Brake Set MSRP 280.00 Sale $139.98Shimano MT66 Wheelset MSRP 650.00 On Sale $199.98


Mountain Bike Parts Sale 

Monday, July 18, 2016


The Basics of Mountain Bike Brakes  

https://www.blueskycycling.com


Shimano Deore XT RT76 Disc Brake Rotor 6-Bolt


   There are many different brands and models of mountain bike brakes from a range of manufacturers. The varieties of brakes available in the market today is so overwhelming that unless you know exactly what you are looking for, you might bypass the perfect set of brakes for your mountain bike. You may end up buying brakes that do not fit onto your bike at all. Or maybe you might find one that fits your mountain bike but is not as effective as you want it to be.  Braking, when calibrated just right can be a beautiful feeling.  I remember purchasing a mountain bike with standard equipment, riding down a steep hill and having brakes that just couldn’t stop me fast enough.  Not the best feeling in the world.  So lets take a look at some of the basics in braking to try to better understand what we can do to slow down a bit faster.  
     Mountain bike manufacturers such as Avid, Shimano and Sram produce high-quality brakes. Despite the quality, you need to know some more about mountain bike brakes if you are to get the perfect upgrade for your bike.  The most popular type of mountain bike braking system used today is the disc brake. Disc brakes can either be the mechanical type or the hydraulic type. When shopping for a disc brake, you need to consider the rotors, the brake pads, and the brake modulation. If you are having a hard time choosing disc brakes for your mountain bike, the information in this article will make the task a piece of cake.  

Types of Mountain Bike Brakes

Basically, there are two kinds of mountain bike braking systems. Although we are concentrating on the disc brakes in this article, it is useful to go get an overview of rim brakes. Since mountain bike frames are made to accommodate disc brakes and rim brakes, it is important, to find out the type of mount you have before you choose any type of brakes.  Rim brakes come in different varieties such as the “V – brakes” and “Y – Brakes”. In the rim braking system, there are two pads fitted on both sides of the wheel. They grab the wheel when the levers are depressed, hence slowing down the bike. Rim brakes have a limited stopping power which gets even worse in wet and muddy conditions. This is why the popularity of rim brakes has reduced significantly over the years.  On the other hand, disc brakes have gained its popularity because of its effectiveness and efficiency. They provide a shorter braking distance and are not affected by the weather conditions.  

Hydraulic vs. Mechanical Disc Brakes

Great video on Hydraulic vs. Mechanical Disc Brakes for road bikes and mountain bikes.  


Disc brakes are made in two flavors. Hydraulic brakes are the ones that use a piston-cylinder system that is filled with a special kind of fluid. It is similar to the brakes being used on vehicles and motorcycles. On the other hand, mechanical brakes use a steel cable which converts the pull on the lever to a pull on the brake caliper on the disc.   Although hydraulic brakes provide more stopping power and an improved modulation, they are quite expensive to buy and maintain. They also require a lot of skill to service and perform operations such as bleeding. Mechanical brakes are cheaper to buy and maintain. They are also easy to service and maintain compared to hydraulic brakes.

Considering the Brake Rotors



In a disc brake system, the disc itself is also called the rotor. It is the circular disc that is mounted on the wheel, which when grabbed by the pads, slow down the bike. It functions very well in dissipating heat from the friction during braking.  The diameter of the rotor will determine the amount of heat transferred. Therefore, gravity-oriented mountain bikes should use larger rotors than cross-country mountain bikes. The size of the rotor can also be dictated by the position on which the caliper is mounted on the frame of the bike. For this reason, many manufacturers have adopted and now include an adapter that fit various rotors.

Disc Brake Pads

Here's a great video on how to change your own disc brake pads on your mountain bike.  Some people take their mountain bikes in for this but the process is pretty simple.  You can do it at home if you follow the steps in the video...



The basic brake pads available for disc brakes include the semi-metallic pads, sintered pads, and organic brake pads. Most out of box bikes will come fitted with some kind of semi-metallic pads. They are famous for providing stronger stopping power and do not wear out quickly compared to organic brake pads.  Sintered pads, also known as metallic pads, are suitable for heavy gravity riders because of their elevated friction values. As a matter of fact, metallic brake pads produce more friction in high temperatures as opposed to low temperatures. As a result, they perform well in extreme conditions.
Resin brake pads, which are the organic pads, provide an improved modulation. It generates less noise but wears and tears quicker than the semi-metallic pads. They also do not cope very well with wet conditions.  

   Now that you understand some more about the types of mountain bike brakes, the difference between the mechanical and hydraulic brakes, the brake rotors and the different types of brake pads, you are in a position to select the perfect brakes for your mountain bike. All you need to do is keep in mind that manufacturers make the different types of mountain bike brakes depending on the riding style the bike is meant for. The hydraulic and mechanical brakes are the two flavors available for the disc braking systems. The size of the brake rotor contributes significantly to its power, and brake pads also come in three flavors: the metallic, semi-metallic, and the organic brake pads. You can get more information on bike mountain bike braking system on the wiki page.  Also, remember that heavy riders should go for a braking system that has more stopping power.  If you have any questions please feel free to email us or leave a comment!  We thank you for reading!   



Blue Sky Cycling
2530 Randolph St. 
Huntington Park, Ca 90255
(323) 585-3934
https://www.blueskycycling.com
info@blueskycycling.com


















Sunday, July 10, 2016

Shimano Mountain Bike Groupsets


Shimano Mountain Bike Groupsets

www.blueskycycling.com


   The drivetrain of your mountain bike is a fairly small section of your bike, yet it is made up of the most hardworking components on your bike. For example, when you are climbing long rocky hills with your mountain bike, you are forced to keep shifting from gear to gear trying to keep a constant cadence. You grind over the long sections of grit, mud and sand, or on the snow, wheezing down the rock gardens towards your finish line, hoping and jumping over abrupt logs and roots on your cross country trail. All these translate to pressure and stresses on your bike which in turn leads to wear and tear. The components of the drivetrain are the ones that you will most likely replace more often.
Since there are several different types of groupsets available for your mountain bike, it can be very difficult to choose the correct set to use when replacing or upgrading your mountain bike. This article takes a closer look at the lineup of Shimano’s drivetrain group sets starting with the Deore groupset, the Shimano SLX groupset, the Shimano Deore XT groupset, the Shimano Zee groupset, the Shimano Saint groupset, the Shimano XT Di2 groupset, and the Shimano XTR groupset, with the aim of helping you identify the correct set for your mountain bike and your riding style.

Shimano Deore groupset

Although the Shimano Deore groupset may seem to be obsolete, it is still one of the best groupsets offered by Shimano. It may be perceived as an unsung icon in the mountain biking componentry. Nevertheless, the fact is that it mixes the right balance in performance and reliability. What you may not know is that over the years, Shimano has been tweaking and refining the Deore groupset until now it boasts of many of the features found in Shimano’s top models. In general, the Deore groupset is still the ideal choice for an entry level mountain bike trail riding.  


Shimano SLX groupset


The Shimano SLX groupset is a relatively new addition to the Shimano’s set of family. It is a universal group of components that you can easily tailor to your own riding style and preferences. The Shimano SLX groupset shifts smoothly and is long lasting. It is composed of Shimano’s high-quality components featuring the Shimano Shadow+ rear derailleur, the Shimano RapidFire plus shifter, and the Shimano Ice Technology disc brakes. All these accrue to the exceptional performance witnessed in this group set, not forgetting that all these come at a wallet-friendly price


Shimano Deore XT groupset

A whole new level of performance and reliability comes with the Shimano Deore XT groupset. Its components are lighter in weight and have high performances. The Shimano XT derives its features from a trickle of features from high-end models. Regardless of whether you are a cross-country cyclist, a trail rider, or you mix different riding styles, the Shimano Deore XT excels in providing you with crispier shifting, transfer, general refinement, and increased power.



Shimano Zee groupset

One of the latest groupsets by Shimano is the Shimano Zee groupset which is carefully engineered to meet the need of gravity riders who are usually on the lookout for the next big jump, and drop off. The components of this groupset have been meticulously tried, tested and designed to meet the riding needs of mostly the freeride and downhill riding styles. It is a mix of high technology, reliability, top value, and a fair price.


Shimano Saint groupset



The Shimano Saint groupset is manufactured in such a way that it is able to take that extra harsh treatment, and abuse. Surprisingly, it is still light enough. The Shimano Saint groupset  is manufactured with the top end downhill professional in mind. The rider can easily forget all about gentleness to the bike and concentrate on the technical aspects of the ride.


Shimano XT Di2 groupset



The cross-country and enduro riders have also not been forgotten. The Shimano XTDi groupset is specially designed and manufactured for them. This groupset blends high performance with seamless shifting and brings them to a new level. Their price is affordable and accessible.


Shimano XTR groupset



     Top of the list is the Shimano’s XTR groupset which is a collection of Shimano’s top cream components. Using this groupset, numerous high-speed racers and have won uncountable races and championships.  It is light in weight, yet strong and adorn with the latest technology which makes it crisp, efficient, and reliable.

Although the latest and the greatest mountain bike products and components catch the attention and stimulate conversations and debates about them, this need not mean that the earlier versions of the same products and components are rendered useless. We have taken a look at the major groupsets offered by Shimano such as the Deore groupset, the Shimano SLX groupset, the Shimano Deore XT groupset, the Shimano Zee groupset, the Shimano Saint groupset, the Shimano XT Di2 groupset, the Shimano XTR groupset. The Deore may not be celebrated much, but it is still a great way of starting mountain biking. While the SLX can easily be tailored to match your riding style and preferences, the Deore XT features characteristics of other high-end models. The Zee and the Saint are crafted to meet the needs of freeride cyclists and withstand harsh treatment respectively. The Shimano XT Di2 is best suited for high-speed cross-country cyclist, and the XTR groupset being a careful collection of the best of Shimano’s components. 


Blue Sky Cycling
2530 Randolph St. 
Huntington Park, Ca 90255
(323) 585-3934
https://www.blueskycycling.com
info@blueskycycling.com











Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Top Gadgets to Help You Get the Most Out Of Your Cycling Workout

Top Gadgets to Help You Get the Most Out Of Your Cycling Workout

TOP Gadgets to Help You  Get the Most Out Of Your Cycling Workout by Edward Aguilar 



Apart from winning races and championships, the other reason why we pick up our mountain bikes is to exercise.  During your workout we have found that tracking your time, and overall performance is crucial.  Using on-board cycling computers make it exciting because there is so much information they can give you.  For example, if you are looking to cut weight, having a bike computer to track your heart rate will get you in the correct heart rate zone to accomplish your goal.  Monitoring your heart rate will gets you the correct information to either speed up or slow down your peddle speed to get in the correct heart rate zone.  The Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer shown below can help you with that.  Below are 4 great cycling computers with information on each. 
Cycling computers, cadence monitors, and heart rate monitors are helpful gadgets that can help you get the most out of your cycling workout. These are gadgets you can hardly do without, especially if you are seriously concerned about the progress in your workout.  The Cannondale IQ100 11 Function Cycling Computer, the Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer, the Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW and the CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50 are some of the top gadgets you can use to keep track of your speed, distance, and time.

Cannondale IQ100 11 Function Cycling Computer

            Cannondale IQ100 11


     This is a low-profile shaped, wired cycling computer that easily mounts on the handlebars or stem of your mountain bike. It has the basic functions and features a couple of extra luxury features. On its display, you are able to read your speed as the current speed, average speed and your maximum speed. You can also view the clock in 12 or 24-hour modes, and the odometer will show you the distance you have travelled. With this gadget, you can also keep track of your calorie consumption. Its power lasts longer when you use its auto On/OFF functions and the two power saving modes. This gadget only weighs 19 grammes and you can get it at a discounted price here: https://www.blueskycycling.com/product7603_3_-Cannondale-IQ100-11-Function-Cycling-Computer.htm


Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer

Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer by www.blueskycycling.com

     The power of information is at your fingertips when you use the Giant's AXACT 11 wired computer. It shows the basics such as the maximum speed, the average speed and the current speed. It also shows the time and distance. In addition, it features a pacer which helps you know your progress in relation to your average speed. Its large display is easy to read and has only one button for you to perform these simple operations. Unlike many cycling computers, the Giant's AXACT 11 is enveloped in a waterproof casing with sports backlights.

 Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW

Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer for Cycling

    This is a comfortable to wear wireless cycling computer that features three sensors in one gadget. All cycling functionality of the Strada Wireless is combined within this gadget. It also has a digital heart rate and cadence measurements. Believe it now or later, this cycling computer is fitted with the latest digital wireless speed technology at 2.4GHz, a cadence sensor (ISC-10) and a heart rate (HR-10). In addition, the Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW features automatic sensor recognition, enabling you to track any ride you want even when you change bikes. Talking of comfort, unlike the traditional chest straps, this gadget has a new detachable fabric heart rate sensor that is designed for more comfort. It also has a low battery alarm for the computer head and the sensors. To crown it all the Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW is virtually interference free. The display of the Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW is large enough to show multiple information. Using the mode button, you can view the elapsed time, heart rate trip distance 1, trip distance 2, average speed, maximum speed, total distance, and the clock.

CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50

https://www.blueskycycling.com/product/7820/3/CatEye_Stealth_50_GPS_Computer_CC_GL50.htm

 CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Cycling Computer 

The CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50 is a fully functional cycling computer that features latest technologies such as the ANT+ capabilities, a USB interface, and GPS technology. With this gadget, you get all you need to get the most out of your cycling workout. With ANT+ capabilities, you can work with CatEye or a third party ANT+ gadgets to record and display the heart rate, speed and cadence. On the other hand, the built-in GPS constantly tracks your ride, and you can use the USB port to upload your data to your computer and training websites. The CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50 also has great features such as a customizable odometer, recharging via the USB port, automatic start and stop, backlight. To top it off,  you can use it continuously even when you change your bike. And amazingly, it is waterproof and only weighs 50 grammes.  
      These are just a few of the numerous gadgets you can use to get the most out of your cycling workout. They differ in sizes, functionality, and technology, and this gives you a wide variety from which to choose according to your preferences. You may choose to use the Cannondale IQ100 11 Function Cycling Computer, Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer, the Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW and the CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50 or go for any other that suits you best. The Cannondale IQ100 11 Function Cycling Computer is only 19 grammes and has a low profiled shape. The Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer has the all the basic functionalities and features a pacer. The Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW is comfortable to wear, wireless, and features some of the latest technologies. Finally, the CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50 has all the basic functionalities and features unique functionalities such as the GPS, and the USB port.

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment or give us a call.  We ship all throughout the entire USA!  


Blue Sky Cycling
2530 Randolph St. 
Huntington Park, Ca 90255
(323) 585-3934
https://www.blueskycycling.com
info@blueskycycling.com











Wednesday, April 27, 2016



Can you name all the parts on a mountain bike? 




    Blue Sky Cycling

Mountain Bike Parts and Accessories at Super Competitive Prices. 

www.blueskycycling.com