All Mountain Bike
Monday, February 14th, 2011All Mountain Bike
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US $339.00
How Mountain Bike Gears Work
The gears in mountain bikes just keep getting more and more intricate. The bikes of today have as many as 27 gear ratios. A mountain bike will use a combination of three different sized sprockets in front and nine in the back to produce gear ratios.
The idea behind all these gears is to allow the rider to crank the pedals at a constant pace no matter what kind of slope the bike is on. You can understand this better by picturing a bike with just a single gear. Each time you rotate the pedals one turn, the rear wheel would rotate one turn as well (1:1 gear ratio).
If the rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then with 1:1 gearing, one full twist on the pedals would result in the wheel covering 81.6 inches of ground. If you are pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM, this means that the bike can cover over 340 feet of ground per minute. This is only 3.8 MPH, which is the equivalence of walking speed. This is ideal for climbing a steep hill, although bad for ground or going downhill.
To go faster you'll need a different ratio. To ride downhill at 25 MPH with a 50 RPM cadence at the pedals, you'll need a 5.6:1 gear ratio. A bike with a lot of gears will give you a large number of increments between a 1:1 gear ratio and a 6.5:1 gear ratio so that you can always pedal at 50 RPM, no matter how fast you are actually going.
On a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the gear ratios are so close to each other that you can't notice any difference between them.
With actual use, bike riders tend to choose a front sprocket suitable for the slope they are riding on and stick with it, although the front sprocket can be difficult to shift under heavy load. It's much easier to shit between the gears on the rear.
If you are cranking up a hill, it's best to choose the smallest sprocket on the front then shift between the nine gears available on the rear. The more speeds you have on the back sprocket, the bigger advantage you'll have.
All in all, gears are very important to mountain bikes as they dictate your overall speed. Without gears you wouldn't be able to build speed nor would you be able to pound pedals. The gears will move the pedals and help you build up speed.
There are all types of gears available in mountain bikes, all of which will help you build up a lot of momentum if you use them the right way.
About the Author
Webmaster of http://www.mtbshop.us/
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Fort CM220 Mountain Bike Shoes $39.99 Fort CM220 Mountain Bike Shoes. Lightweight, traction-hungry and ready for the trail. These dual-strap CM220 mountain bike shoes are equipped with all the high-end features you need without the high-end price tag. |
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Continental Mountain King Mountain Bike Tire $44.99 Continental Mountain King Mountain Bike Tire. Ready for cross-country races, marathons, tours and mountainous trail weekends, the all-around Continental Mountain King Mountain Bike Tire is the perfect pick for your next extreme ride! |
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2010 Mavic Pulse Mountain Bike Shoes $69.99 2010 Mavic Pulse Mountain Bike Shoes. Is your finger on the pulse of all the local mountain bike races? Then these race-ready Mountain Bike shoes are exactly what you need to get started. |
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2012 Diamondback Response Mountain Bike $399.99 2012 Diamondback Response Mountain Bike. Trail-riding newbies and seasoned single trackers alike will appreciate that the Diamondback Response mountain bike offers uncompromised performance without compromising the old bank account. At the heart of each Response is a rugged Strongbox frame design, providing strength and style with clean lines. The Suntour 100mm suspension fork, efficient Shimano drivetrain and lightweight cockpit components provide more proof of Diamondback's commitment to providing you with the best all mountain hardtail bike your money can buy. When you ask for a solid and reliable all-purpose mountain bike, you deserve a Response. |
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2011 Diamondback Response Mountain Bike $299.99 2011 Diamondback Response Mountain Bike. Whether you are new to the trails or a seasoned single track rider, the Diamondback Response mountain bike series offers uncompromised performance without compromising your bank account. At the heart of each Response is a rugged Strongbox frame design, providing strength and style with clean lines. The components provide more proof of Diamondback's commitment to providing you with the best all mountain hardtail bike your money can buy. When you ask for a solid and reliable all-purpose mountain bike, you deserve a Response. |
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Pearl Izumi Women's All-Road Mountain Bike Shoes $79.99 Pearl Izumi Women's All-Road Mountain Bike Shoes. The All-Road women's Mountain Bike shoes bridge the gap between price and performance. Low-profile outsole, Pearl Izumi's 1:1 Power Plate and Anatomic Closure System achieve optimized pedaling efficiency, fit, support and comfort for endurance riding. |
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Fort Trail 31.8 Mountain Bike Stem $24.99 Fort Trail 31.8 Mountain Bike Stem. Strong, lightweight, durable and pleasing to behold--what more could you ask for in a mountain bike stem? A great price, you say? The Fort Trail Mountain Bike stem delivers on all counts. |
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Keen Austin Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes $119.99 Keen Austin Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes. From bike to office, the Austin Pedal Mountain Bike shoes do it all. Classic Keen upper, recessed SPD mounting plate and non-marking outsole make these shoes comfortable for all day wear. |
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Keen Women's Presidio Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes $119.99 Keen Women's Presidio Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes. From bike to office, the Presidio Pedal women's Mountain Bike shoes do it all. Classic Keen upper, recessed SPD mounting plate and non-marking outsole makes these shoes comfortable for all day wear. |
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Mavic Pulse Mountain Bike Shoes $99.95 Mavic Pulse Mountain Bike Shoes. Is your finger on the pulse of all the local trail races? Then these performance-ready Mountain Bike shoes are exactly what you need to get started. Energy Grip outsole with Contagrip lugs dishes out the dirt without breaking the bank. Durable upper breathes when the heat is on and Ergo Fit insole eliminates sweat to enhance comfort. Comfort straps seal the deal with a pressure-free fit. |
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2010 Mavic Alpine Mountain Bike Shoes $59.99 2010 Mavic Alpine Mountain Bike Shoes. The Mavic Alpine Mountain Bike shoes are the perfect balance of rugged support, breathability, abrasion resistance and comfort. Equipped for all-mountain use, the high-traction Shock Grip outsole with EVA cushioning and Contagrip rubber soaks up the rough stuff while maintaining pedaling efficiency. |
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Shimano SH-MT33 Mountain Bike Shoes $59.99 Shimano SH-MT33 Mountain Bike Shoes. All-around comfort and casual good looks come together in the SH-MT33 bike shoes. Stiff, yet flexible outsole is perfect for road, off-road, touring, commuting and recreational riding, plus it's compliant enough for walking. Cleat-positioner cap makes clipping-in easy for first-time SPD users. Volume + last gives you more room, fits more foot shapes and increases overall comfort. Shoelace keeper loop prevents laces from getting tangled in the drivetrain. |
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2012 Diamondback Recoil Mountain Bike $649.99 2012 Diamondback Recoil Mountain Bike. A great value in a highly capable, full-suspension mountain bike, the Diamondback Recoil is equipped with everything you need to enjoy all of the fun and excitement trail riding has to offer. It's got an aluminum frame with four inches of rear travel, 100mm-travel SR Suntour XCT suspension fork with external preload adjustment, easy-shifting, Shimano 24-speed drivetrain, powerful disc brakes and rugged aluminum wheels with beefy Kenda Klaw tires. Whether you push it to the limits or dial back and enjoy a more leisurely and comfortable time on the trail, the Recoil won't let you down. |
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Fort Pisgah Mountain Bike Tire 26x2.1 $14.99 Fort Pisgah Mountain Bike Tire 26x2.1. The Forte Pisgah mountain bike tire delivers everything you need for hard-charging performance on the trail--responsive, all-conditions traction, long-haul durability and low rolling resistance. And remarkably, it manages to combine all of those attributes at a very attractive price. |
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Performance CM401 Mountain Bike Shoes $69.99 Performance CM401 Mountain Bike Shoes. The power and efficiency of the CM401 cycling shoes will turn every mountain into a hill of beans. Fiberglass-reinforced sole transfers all your energy directly to pedals, making those steep ascents easier than you thought. Aggressive lugs shed dirt and mud with ease, molded heel cup enhances stability and ratchet/strap closure system secures the fit. |
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Diadora X-Country Mountain Bike Shoes $64.99 Diadora X-Country Mountain Bike Shoes. Hungry for the trail, these Mountain Bike shoes use a fiberglass-reinforced sole, larger toe box and grip-worthy tread to achieve the perfect balance of rigidity, flexible strength and aggressive traction for all-day comfort and efficiency. |
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Focus Whistler Mountain Bike-U.S. Exclusive $499 Focus Whistler Mountain Bike-U.S. Exclusive. You may never make it to B.C.'s fabled Whistler Mountain Bike Park, but thanks to Focus you can own a capably-equipped, German-enginered mountain bike named in its honor. The Focus Whistler hardtail mountain bike is as rugged as its namesake, but it handles about as easily as Whistler's Mother. You get a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, Suntour suspension fork with 100mm travel, proven Shimano Alivio drivetrain components, and dependable disc brakes, all in an affordable, fun-to-ride package. |
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2012 GT Laguna Women's Mountain Bike $359.99 2012 GT Laguna Women's Mountain Bike. Chances are, if you try mountain biking you could very well end up hooked on the sport. That's why it pays to make your first mountain bike one that will last you for a good long while. For no more than what you'd pay at a discount store for a cheaply made bike, you can own a quality GT Laguna mountain bike that's specifically made to fit a woman. This lightweight aluminum bike may not cost a lot, but GT has packed it with features that even experienced mountain bikers would appreciate. Like a Suntour suspension fork with 63mm travel, 21-speed drivetrain, Shimano Rapid Fire shifters, and a comfortable, women's-specific saddle with waterproof cover. It's all you need to get started (besides a Bicycle Helmet and maybe gloves, of course) so get ready to find out for yourself why mountain biking is so popular. |
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Northwave Sparta Mountain Bike Shoes $109.99 Northwave Sparta Mountain Bike Shoes. These sporty cycling shoes combine style with functionality for everyday riding comfort. Natural rubber outsole with carbon provides excellent grip, even on the descents. Airflow System supplies constant and enhanced ventilation all around the foot within the upper. Omega Heel maximizes power output and three Velcro straps give you a secure fit. |
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WTB Weirwolf Race 2.1 Mountain Bike Tire $59.99 WTB Weirwolf Race 2.1 Mountain Bike Tire. The WTB WeirWolf Race 2.1 Mountain Bike tire offers more consistent traction at all lean angles, and increases rolling speed thanks to a tight center knobs design. Racer and Mountain Bike tire designer, Mark Weir added terraced knobs to provide even more working edges around turns. The more you lean, the more tread will bite into the trail. Mount the WTB WeirWolf for big mountain cross county rides, Super D races or DH adventures. |
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2010 GT Sensor 2.0 Mountain Bike $1499 2010 GT Sensor 2.0 Mountain Bike. New for 2010, the GT Sensor 2.0 is a 120mm travel bike that's ready to handle anything you point it at. If your yen for speed doesn't diminish when the trail goes all gnarly, nasty or scary steep, the Sensor 2.0 full-suspension mountain bike deserves your serious consideration. |
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2010 GT Sensor 1.0 Mountain Bike $1799 2010 GT Sensor 1.0 Mountain Bike. New for 2010, the GT Sensor 1.0 is a top-end, 120mm travel bike that's ready to handle anything you point it at. If your yen for speed doesn't diminish when the trail goes all gnarly, nasty or scary steep, the Sensor 1.0 deserves serious consideration. |
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WTB Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike Tire $59.99 WTB Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike Tire. Just like its namesake, the tough-guy actor, Charles Bronson, WTB's Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike tire is tough, rugged, and can handle itself in any situation. With burly, square lugs that grip in the corners, roll easily over hardpack and shed mud by the fistful, the Bronson is an all mountain and freeride action hero you can count on when the going gets rough. |
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2011 GT Force 2.0 Mountain Bike $1999 2011 GT Force 2.0 Mountain Bike. GT's hit one out of the park again. They've taken the popular Force 2.0 mountain bike and made it even better for 2011 by equipping it with a SRAM X7 2x10 drivetrain, RockShox Sektor TK Solo Air fork and Avid Elixir 5 disc brakes. The lighter, faster and more responsive all-mountain Force 2.0 is equipped to take you up, down and all around the mountain with confidence-inspiring control that will help you go farther and faster than you've ever gone before. |
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