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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Along with giving you a better selection and expert advice, bike shop personnel can you help you get fitted to the right size bike. You can get the bike either too big or too small, which will cause your enjoyment to suffer. Follow the tips below, and you’ll have the perfect fit for your mountain bike.

Standover height
When you check the fitting yourself, the first thing you want to check is the inseam clearance, or the standover height. You want to have plenty of room between yourself and the top tube when you come to a stop. There should be around four to six inches of clearance from the top of your inseam to the top of the top tube.

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Riding your mountain bike with the appropriate amount of tire pressure can make a huge difference in how much control you have over your bike.

Setting your tire pressure too high will make for poor contact with the ground and also make your bike less controllable. Setting your tire pressure too low will make your tires unpredictable and also make them susceptible to pinch flats.

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Taking a mountain biking vacation is an excellent way to unwind and explore America. There are several companies that offer mountain biking tours that go through scenic routes, and they often arrange any accomodations for travelers as well. For athletic couples, these types of vacations offer the perfect way to relax and enjoy some exercise together.

Each and every region in the United States has some truly awesome mountain biking trails. It’s not just the major mountain ranges that offer these trails, as any hilly, scenic, rough trail can provide riders with the adventure they seek. Some of the best areas to mountain bike ride in the United States are the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast states such as North Carolina.

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