Wheel Truing

Wheel truing is actually something that is very easy to do.  Even if you have no experience with mountain biking or truing a wheel, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to accomplish it.

The first thing to do is make sure that none of your spokes are loose.  To check, grab each spoke in turn and try to shake it back and forth.  If the spoke wobbles, or makes pinging and grating noises, it's

loose.  If it's loose, add tension to the spoke by turning the spokey anti-clockwise with your finger and thumb pressure.

Keep turning and shaking until the noise is gone and the spoke doesn't wobble or move.  Move on to the next spoke until you've gone all the way around the wheel and checked them all.

Now, it's time to see just how true the wheel actually is.  Turn your bike upside down then spin the wheel to see where it comes closest to rubbing on the brake.  

You may need to rotate the wheel backwards then forwards to locate the middle of the bulge on the wheel.  Tighten the spokes which run on to the other side of the rim.  If those spokes are already tight, you'll need to loosen a few of the spokes which run to the bulge side of the hub.  

Truing a wheel is easier than you may think, although it can be a little tough with some wheels.  If you need to loosen spokes, be very careful that you don't break them.  They can be very toughto loosen on older mountain bikes.

Types Of Mountain Biking

As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split into 9 different categories.  These categories are very versed in what they offer.  They are:

1.  BMX

BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels. These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps.  Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.

2.  Cross country

This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills.  Although it's the least extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.  

3.  Cyclo cross

This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.

4.  Dirt jumping

Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while theyare in the air.  These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.

5.  Downhill

Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible.  This type of riding is very intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.

6.  Freeride

Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express yourself.  These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see fit.

7.  Single speed

No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that's done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components.  The idea with single speed is simplicity.  The straight chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical problems and a lighter bike.

8.  Street and urban

This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles.   Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.

9.  Trails 

Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes.  They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames.  Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

Things To Take With You

When you decide to go mountain biking on a long days ride, there are several things that you should take with you.  Below, you'll find the essentials that you should have with you.

1.  Back pack - a camelback or mule is a good idea here.

2.  Waterproof - the type that packs down very small is the best to have.

3.  Water - you need at least 2 liters for a long ride.

4.  Food - sandwiches and energy bars are the best to have with you to eat.

5.  Pump - take a good one with you, as the small mini pumps are a waste of time and money.

6.  Tire levers if you need them.

7.  Two small inner tubes.

8.  A piece of medium emery paper about 3 inches long and an inch wide.

9.  A cut up tube of Crest for pinch punctures or to use as a tire boot.

10.  A carpet needle.

11.  A card of linen thread to repair torn tires.

12.  A good chain splitter

13.  At least two black pins.  You should tape these to the inside lid of your puncture repair kit.

14.  A set of allen wrenches.  The penknife style is the best to get.

15.  A small screwdriver.

16.  A first aid kit that includes an elastic bandage.

17.  A Spokey spoke key.

18.  A felt tip pen that will show on inner tubes.

19.  Some lunch and phone money.

If you take the above with you, you should have no problems with long mountain bike rides. Everything on the above list will serve a purpose, all you have to do is give them a chance.  If you've ever been mountain biking and ran into problems in the past, you should know first hand just how important the proper supplies can actually be.

The History Of Mountain Biking

There is a lot of history and information out there in regards to the history and origins of mountain biking, with some being recognized and some that depends on who has the best firm of public relations.

Some say that mountain biking began with the Buffalo Soldiers, which was a turn of the century infantry who customized bikes to carry gear over the rough and tough terrain.  They began in August of 1896, over the course of 800 miles.  Their mission was simple - to test bikes for military use in the toughest of terrain.

Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France that started mountain biking.  The club was comprised of 20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that resembles present day mountain biking.  

It could have also been John Finley Scott, who was the first mountain biker in the U.S.  In 1953 he constructed what he called a "Woodsie Bike", using a diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars, and cantilever brakes.  He was more than 20 years ahead of his time.  Even though he remained an off

road enthusiast, there were many at that time who didn't share that same passion.

Today, we believe that the history of the mountain bike is most apparent in Northern California.  There are a few areas that claim to be the first community for mountain biking, although each and every history book will tell you Marin County.

The sport of mountain biking has taken many twists and turns over the last several hundred years.  Even though there are many that say different things about the history and the beginning, we know one thing for sure - one thing has led to another and the sport of mountain biking was born.

The Bunny Hop

In mountain biking and even BMX riding, the bunny hop is a bike trick that involved the rider lifting the bike up and over an obstacle while remaining in motion on the bike.  Experienced bikers can lift their bikes in excess of a meter or one and a half feet.  The world record for the bunny hop stands at 4 feet.

The bunny hop is executed by approaching an obstacle with speed, lifting the front of the bike then leveling the pedals.  If the bike has full or front suspension, pre-load the shocks by pressing down on the bike just before you reach the obstacle.

Once the shocks have been pre-loaded, the rider will spring upwards, pulling up with the hands and feet at the same time.  Toe straps or clipless  pedals help with this, although if plain platform pedals are used, it's still possible.  As the biker lifts, the hands will roll through twisting the throttle.  After the object is cleared, push down on the bike then absorb the impact with the arms and the legs.

It's often times a misconception that a bunny hop without toe clips is achieved by rotating forward on the handlebars.  Lifting up on a mountain bike while standing next to it is quite difficult to hold on to the handle bars.  

The bunny hop is very popular with mountain biking, as experienced riders can make it look a lot easier than it actually is.  New mountain bikers should practice a lot before they actually attempt the hop, as doing it on a bigger obstacle can easily be quite dangerous.

With proper practice, the bunny hop can be achieved, even for beginners.  All you have to do is give it some time and effort, and you'll be pulling off the bunny hop just like the pro's do it.

Technical Down Hill Mountain Biking

The key to down hilling is relaxing your upper body. The steeper and rockier the hill is, the more tightly the rider tends to put a death grip on the handle bars.  Most riders tend to slow down as they approach obstacles such as rocks, then apply both brakes.  

If you don't apply your brakes, the rock will stop your wheel.  This isn't good, as the rock can throw you off balance and completely kill any type of momentum you have. 

Relaxed riders won't slow down as much.  The combination of extra momentum, no front braking at crucial moments will allow the wheel to bump over the rock and continue onward with little effort.

If you are going slow, it's essential to release your brakes as much as possible when you approach an obstacle.  This may entail going a bit faster, although the result is much less painful.  On steep hills, going really slow will always make things much more difficult.

One exception to this is a very tight turn.  If a hop is out of the question, you'll need to slow down to allow the smallest radius of turning circle. This kind of thing takes practice, although track standing isa great way to improve on your balance.

Although down hilling is one of the most extreme methods of mountain biking, it can also be one of the most dangerous.  If you're new to mountain biking you shouldn't start out with down hilling, as it takes a lot of practice.

With a bit of practice and knowing the right techniques, technical down hilling is something you'll find fun.  It can provide quite a rush and a lot of excitement for those who seek adventure.

Spring Tune Up Tips

If you don't ride in the winter, you've probably spent the winter months on the couch eating chips and watching television.  Before you know it, spring will be here and a new season of mountain biking will begin.  Even though your body may not be in shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.

Before you take your bike out, check the wear and tear on your components and adjust them if its necessary.  Start off with your chain.  If you haven't replaced it in a year or more, it's time to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the chain will get worn out, increasing its effective length.

As this happens, the chain is no longer able to conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring, so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of the chain.  If you can replace the chain before it stretches too much you'll save yourself from having to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces.  These include your bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset.  Each of these should turn without a problem with no play in the system.  Before checking the bottom bracket, make sure each cranking arm is snugged tight.  Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it back and forth.  If you hear any clicking or if the crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.

Do the exact same thing with your hubs.  Take the wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel for any free play or binding.  If you feel play or binding, you need to make an adjustment.  To check the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted wheels back on the bike.  

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the handle bars back and forth.  There shouldn't be any play.  If you lift the front end off the ground, the fork should turn very smoothly.  If it feels rough, it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.

While your looking, check the condition of your cables and housing.  The cables should be rust free and the housing shouldn't be cracked or kinked.  If you see any of this you should replace the offending device, as if you don't your shifting and braking will be sluggish.

Last, you should inspect your brake pads.  Most pads will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you know when they need to be replaced.  Brake pads that are worn out will comprimise both safety and braking efficiency.  

Once you've got the tune ups out of the way, it's time to go for a ride.  With your mountain bike running better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!