There are times when even the most die-hard mountain biker takes to the road. As a matter of fact, many mountain bikers also like to commute to work on a bike simply because being on a bike is better.
*If you want to bike to work, you don’t necessarily have to buy a second bike. Instead, buy a second set of thinner road tires for your mountain bike.
Can you talk the talk? As with any specialty, learning the lingo is a big part of immersing yourself in the culture. Here are a few mountain bike terms to get you started:
• Chute- a steep, difficult, narrow section of trail
• Epic- is a long, hard ride with great views
• Clean- when you don’t put your foot down during a tough climb or descent
Do you know what your bike is made to do? Don’t take on just any mountain with your mountain bike without first knowing what your bike is capable of.
A mountain bike is any bicycle designed for off-road riding on dirt trails or other unpaved areas. They usually have a sturdy frame with fat tires. There are different categories of mountain bike:
• XC racing- lightweight so they can handle the mountain from the bottom up
• XC trail- what most people think of as a mountain bike (with an active suspension and knobby tires)
• All-mountain- have even bigger tires, and powerful brakes for tough terrain
• Freeride- the most extreme (made to run over roots, rocks, and just about anything else)
Like most any other sport, mountain biking has its own set of official rules that you should get familiar with if you plan on getting into the sport. Developed by the International Mountain bicycling Association or IMBA, the rules are meant to minimize human impact on the environment, promote safety, and to encourage good relations between all trail users.
While mountain biking encourages the rough and ready in its enthusiasts, there are some conditions (like wet, muddy trails) that might stop even the die-hard enthusiast. Safety isn’t always the main concern, however, many are out to preserve the trail.
Mountain biking on a wet trail can be very damaging to the trail, leading to erosion and trail closure. So, it has become over time, an unwritten rule that it’s un-cool to damage trails—better to wait until the trail dries out.
It’s hard to buy a cycling shoe without first trying them on—many brands run wider than others. Sizing and shoe shapes fluctuate, and the size that fits best in one brand, may not in another brand.
*If you’re buying shoes from a catalog or online, don’t save your purchase for the last minute, when if you need to make an exchange, you won’t have enough time and uncomfortable shoes will make you miserable.
Quit suffering! If your expensive cycling shoes still give you “hot foot” and fatigue, it could be caused by the insoles (especially if you have low arches).
Sometimes, even the most expensive shoes can have inexpensive insoles in them. Try replacing the insoles, and you may find the greater cushioning will realign your foot to your ankle, relieving your suffering.
If the shoe fits, make it last! Cycling shoes, when well maintained, will last a surprisingly long time – often much longer that regular sneakers or other types of sports shoes. To get the most out of your investment try these tips:
• Wear cycling socks so the shoes don’t get stretched out and ruin the fit
• Try to walk as infrequently as possible in your cycling shoes
• Keep your bicycle shoes dry by taking out the liners and putting in newspaper to absorb any moisture
• To make them smell a bit better, try putting a scented dryer sheet in each one
When feet are cold, it’s very difficult to perform to the best of your ability. For cold-weather riding, consider a heavier off-road pair of shoes (even if you have to change your road bike pedals to off-bike ones), wearing thicker socks, wearing insulated shoe covers, or wearing Neoprene toe covers.
*Sliding plastic bags over your feet before putting your shoes on is an effective, inexpensive way to keep your feet dry.
*A good cycling shoe will increase performance, decrease fatigue, and could save your tendons and ligaments from injury.
There are many great companies on the market selling quality shoes for whatever type of cycling you’re into. Shimano cycling shoes, Sidi, and Adidas all make quality cycling shoes that are water repellent, easy to clean, rot-proof and more. The technology behind these shoes are impressively complex in design and materials, and are well worth the cost.