Mountain Bike Tires
Selecting mountain bike tires that are suited to your needs is an important process, because tire manufacturers produce a varying range of tire types, which differ according to the rider’s specific requirements.
For instance, it is important to match the tire to your terrain. Slick tires, which are similar to the tires used on roads, might be employed if you are mountain biking on a solid surface like sandstone. Otherwise, if you are in an area that has mud and loose dirt, then it is important to choose mountain bike tires that are knobby, because the knobs in the tires create extra grip in loose earth, and hence increase traction.
Of course, the range is much more extensive than just slick and knobby tires. A range of brands have been generated to suit different weather and different terrain. To give one example, some tires have a smooth surface in the middle but are knobby on the edges so as to increase traction on corners but reduce friction on straights.
There are other factors to consider, such as tire width and air pressure. The width of mountain bike tires is an important consideration, because a wider tire will allow for increased traction. Also, air pressure is a significant factor, because more pressure will allow for greater speed, but will decrease the tire’s grip and increase the chances of bursting the tire.
When you purchase a pair of mountain bike tires, it is important that you distinguish between the front and the rear tire. Usually the front wheel will have a lighter tire, whereas the rear tire will be wider and heavier. This is because the rear tire takes most of the weight and needs to be sturdier. Be careful that you don’t put the tire on the wrong wheel.
There are a wide range of popular brand names to choose from, each with a variety of tire types to suit the needs of any mountain bike enthusiast. The most popular brand is probably Wilderness Trail Bikes, but other popular brand names include Panaracer, Tioga, Continental, Hutchinson, Kenda, Maxxis, Schwalbe, Nokian and Michelin.
Once you’ve bought your mountain bike tires and taken them for a spin, it’s important to take good care of them by cleaning them and checking for damage. This will ensure a longer life and will make your next ride hassle free.
Sit On Top Kayak
Most traditional ocean kayaks tend to be small boats, which have at least one cockpit and a covered deck, where the paddler sits within the vessel at a point which is below sea level to allow for increased stability. However, a more contemporary and increasingly popular style of sea kayak, which seems to be a hybrid of the regular sea kayak and a surfboard, is the sit on top kayak.
As the name implies, the primary point of difference with the sit on top kayak is that the paddler sits, exposed, on the top of the vessel, rather than within it. They were primarily built for wave riding, as the paddler can more easily evacuate the vessel. However, they are also very popular among fishermen and scuba divers, because occupants of the kayak can easily enter and exit the water and change their seating position.
These kayaks come in a wide range of makes and models for you to choose from.
You might choose a recreational sit on top kayak. Most are very wide, leading to increased stability, and hence they are perfect for kayakers of all skill levels. For instance, a Riot Escape Kayak will be relatively slow, but is stable and maneuverable.
You could also go with a sit on top touring kayak. These are vessels designed specifically for longer journeys. For example, the Cobra Explorer Kayak has a polyethylene hull which is light, stable and has minimal drag, which is perfect for extended periods of paddling. The storage compartment at the rear is also much larger than many other models.
Racing sit on top kayaks are also available. These tend to be lighter and not as wide, having been built specifically for speed. They also tend to have excellent tracking. To give one example, the Ocean Kayak Sprinter Racing Kayak is a sit on top model which is definitely not for beginners – but if you want to win this is perhaps one of the fastest models on the market.
If you wish to paddle with a friend, then a double sit on top kayak will suit your needs. Tandem kayaks tend to be larger, with enough storage space for two people. You could paddle in a tandem DAG Tribal Kayak or an Exo Shark II Double Kayak.
Trek Mountain Bike
If you are after quality when it comes to mountain bikes, and if you want to ride with a reputable brand name that is renowned for its safety features and sleek design, then it might be in your interest to look into getting a Trek mountain bike.
There is, of course, a range of brand names to choose from, and you can’t go wrong if you ride anything from Kona, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, Rocky Mountain, Gary Fisher and any number of other reputable brand names. However, Trek Bikes are amongst the leaders in the field and a Trek mountain bike is sure to service your mountain biking needs, whatever they may be.
When you are buying a mountain bike produced by Trek, you’ll find the range is phenomenal. They make specific models for men and women, young and old, and everything in between. Their vast assortment of models cater to all body shapes and skill levels, and they also meet the needs of a variety of terrains and weather conditions.
The list of Trek mountain bike models includes the Elite Series, the Top Fuel Series, the Fuel EX Series, the Remedy Series, the Scratch Series and the Session Series, which are all full-suspension models. They also have hardtail mountain bike models, including the 9 Series, the 8 Series, the 6 Series, 4 Series, 3 Series and Skye Series. Their prices range from a few hundred US dollars to several thousand.
Each model has its own unique specifications. The hardtail models differ significantly in their design. The Skye models have smaller frames built specifically for women. The 3 Series like the 3900 are built for beginners that are not riding overly rugged tracks. At the other end of the spectrum, the 9 Series have highly engineered frames for the more experienced rider.
Different full-suspension models also vary significantly in their individual specifications. The Top Fuel models are created specifically for cross-country mountain bike racing. The Session models are designed explicitly for downhill mountain bike racing. The Scratch series are designed for freeriding, which means they are suitable for downhill and cross-country.
Also, in 2010, the company has started to manufacture environmentally friendly mountain bikes. They have begun to generate new bikes with steel, because this material is much easier to obtain and can be recycled.
Without a doubt, a Trek mountain bike will suit the needs of any mountain biking enthusiast.
White Water Rafting
If you’re keen for an extreme sport that is sure to get your heart racing, then white water rafting is for you. This hair raising activity is an amazing outdoor experience which will allow you to explore nature while having an absolute ball of a time.
White water rafting involves riding an inflatable raft down a river. But you do not just ride down a calm river. The excitement comes from the ‘white water’ part of it. White water is turbulent water that is known more commonly as rapids. The idea of white water rafting is to get the inflatable raft from one point on the river to another, with several rapids in between.
This is both a recreational and professional sport. It is extremely popular worldwide as a leisure activity that is designed specifically to excite and thrill. However, it is also a timed sport, and is even practiced at the Olympic Games.
The white water raft will usually be an inflatable vessel that has been made out of extremely durable material such as certain rubbers or vinyl fabrics, and these are usually multi-layered. These small inflatable boats will usually be propelled by paddles and will hold between four and twelve people.
Because this can be a very dangerous sport, the different types of rapids or white water have been classified or graded so that people do not travel on rapids that are too extreme for their experience level. Grade one rapids require a very basic skill level and are generally very safe. This goes up to grade six, which is considered almost impossible. Very experienced white water rafters often travel on grade five rapids, but if someone survives going down grade six rapids, then it is considered extremely lucky if they survive, regardless of their skill level.
White water rafting is very dangerous. Passengers can be flung out of the boat at any time, or the boat could capsize or get caught on a submerged rock. Therefore, while it is important to have fun, it is also very important to constantly be considerate of your own safety when you go white water rafting. If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you go rafting with an experienced tour company who can show you the ropes, explain proper techniques and safety measures, and who will be able to maximize your experience.
Womens Mountain Bike
There is a specific mountain bike for every individual, and it is important to consider aspects such as body shape, age, weight and gender when selecting the correct mountain bike to suit your requirements. If you are a female, it might be appropriate to get a womens mountain bike.
Female specific bike designs cater to the average body shape of most women. The average body shape of a woman differs from the average body shape of a man in that most women are shorter in size, lighter in body mass, and have a significantly smaller torso and shorter arms.
Most mountain bikes cater to the average male body shape, and hence female specific designs are necessary. Of course, a womens mountain bike may not be suitable for all women, and each individual person should always test which design suits their specific body shape the best.
For most women, the deciding factor in selecting a womens mountain bike is the size of the bike itself, because the larger male-specific frames can be too heavy and cumbersome, and can be difficult for smaller-sized women to maneuver.
Several reputable companies offer small and extra small frames. Some brand names which cater to the needs of female mountain bike riders are Trek Bikes, Gary Fisher Bikes, Titus Cycles, K2 and Specialized.
The T:Nine, created by K2, is a perfect example of a womens mountain bike. It is smaller and lighter, has shorter handlebars, has a shorter reach to the brake levers and even comes in three different sizes for women, which are medium, small and extra small.
Another significant factor which is incorporated into the T:Nine and other female specific mountain bikes is the seat. These seats are generally wider and have more padding to protect the female pelvic region and accommodate the broader hip structure that is common in most women.
Women’s mountain bikes do not cost any more or less than regular mountain bikes. You can purchase a working second hand mountain bike for $US150 or even less, but if you want top quality and a range of add-ons, you might spend as much as $US8,000 on a new bike. However, it is usually not necessary to spend so much, and a quality mountain bike suitable for women can always be found for under $US1,000.
Mountain biking can be enjoyable for everyone. Just be sure to choose a suitable mountain bike.
