I live in Northeast Georgia where the horizon is hidden from view by Billions of trees, and impressive mountains in all directions. We pay in loss of sight distance for cooler summers than the remaining sections of the state.

This is where the trip to the mail box becomes healthy. My mailbox is approximately 1.2 Miles from my house, and three times weekly I ride my mountain bike on gravel roads out to the black top where our mailboxes are located.

I park my bike, open my mail box, then retrieve mail  which I stuff into a black pouch which I wear around my waist for this purpose. Then I make the return ride which includes a fairly long steep climb which ends just before reaching my driveway.  As I dismount I am high as a kite, and thank the Lord for my good fortune for first of all; being a Southern born American, and second Living in the mountains.

WallyGater

Weather Wrap Bicycle Covers Protect your ride with a heavy-duty, form-fitting Weather Wrap(R) bicycle cover. This durable cover preserves your bike from harsh summer sun, bitter winter cold, ice, snow, rain, dirt and debris. Not just an off-season storage solution, use these easy bicycle covers all year long to keep your bikes clean and dry. Made from tear- and puncture-resistant PVC fabric, our bicycle cover lets you leave …

SpareHand Triple Bike Parking Stand $36.94 This unique space saving device is suitable for indoor or outdoor storage. Great for kids! Now everyone can park their own bike at the proper place. You may assemble all the pieces together and use as triple bike storage, or use can use it as storage for 1 and 2 bikes for those tight spaces. It measures 48″ wide. 14″ wide and 14″ tall. Chrome plated. Assembly required….

EZ Bike Stand As a rider, you know how hard it is to find a way to balance your bike. You don’t want to store it by leaning it against cars, walls, or rough surfaces. And attempting to hold your bike stationary while changing a wheel, pumping up a tire, lubing a chain, or cleaning your bike can be frustrating and awkward. That’s why we invented the EZ Bike Stand. The EZ Bike Stand makes your bike stand on its…

NWD 6 Unchained Biking DVD $10.00 Freeride Entertainment keepin it real with badass riding by the best in the biz. Special double dvd featuring over 2 hours of riding and extras. Once again, our cinees have scoured the earth hitting all the crucial destinations and competitions worldwide: Monsterpark, Bolivia, Utah, Crankworx, BC Canada, Adidas Slopestyle, and Mexico….

Mountain Hardwear Juggernaut 115 Roller Bag – 7000cu in Black, Reg $324.95 If you’ve ever tried to drag 100lbs of gear through the airport, then you know why Mountain Hardwear made the Juggernaut 115 a rolling gear bag instead of a duffel. When you load up all 7000cu inches of cargo space, you’re definitely not going to want to carry this bag. Of course, it has to get to where you’re going, so Mountain Hardwear gave it wheels and an extendable handle for easy strolling t…

Libor Karas World Tour Libor Karas shot a video that displays his talent in many cities including, New York, Miami, and Prague….

New World Disorder 3 Freewheel Burning (Mountain Bike) [VHS] $1.99 …

Chainsmoke (Mountain Bike) [VHS] $9.95 Shot entirely on 16mm film, Chainsmoke is packed with racing, freeriding, interviews, crashes, and an awesome soundtrack. Featuring shaun Palmer, Tinker Juarez, Alison Sydor, Myles Rockwell, Missy Giove, and many others! This film will make you want to ride! …

NiteIze SpokeLit $11.00 Nite Ize SpokeLit is a secure spoke light that remains in position even during off road use. Features: L.E.D. light in glow or flash mode. Water resistant and shock proof. Batteries included. Easy on, easy off mount that fits most spoked wheels…

NiteIze SpotLit $9.00 Nite Ize SpotLit. Clip-on LED with secure stainless steel small carabiner clips to zipper pulls, dog collars, keychains and more. Features: LED carabiner lights with glow and flash mode. Water resistant…

Kawasaki 26-inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike $226.99 Kawasaki Bicycles aluminum full-suspension frame Bike has front and rear suspension Shimano TZ 21-speed drive-train

Mitsuba 20-inch Mountain Bike $174.99 Enjoy the outdoors with this Mitsuba mountain bikeY-type suspension makes for a smooth ride on any terrain12-speed bike features a durable hi-ten steel frame

Titan Fusion Mountain Bike $243.49 Exercise in style with this rugged all-terrain dual suspension mountain bikeBicycle features 18-inch unisex frame styleIncludes front disc brakes

Titan Trailblazer Women’s 21-speed Mountain Bike $217.99 All-terrain mountain bike26-inch women’s bike designed with front suspension fork21-speed friction gear systemTwist shifting systemV-style braking system28-38-48 tooth chain wheel

Lombardo Shavano 24U Mountain Bike $389.99 The Lombardo Shavano 24U mountain bike features a lowered alloy frame that allows shorter riders to ride comfortably. Shimano derailleurs and a suspension fork help ease strain on the body during more challenging rides.

Titan Punisher All-terrain Bike $210.99 Titan 18-inch deluxe unisex mountain bike provides years of quality riding21-speed Shimano gearing system lets you ride on any terrain or conditionsDual suspension frame provides maximum comfort and support

Polaris Ranger Boy’s 24- inch Bicycle $177.99 Boy’s Polaris Ranger bicycle is perfect for the mountain or around townBike has a steel dual suspension frameBicycle has a Shimano 21-speed drive train

Lombardo Wheelerpeak 200 Bicycle $532.99 The light alloy frame combined with the Shimano drivetrain, mountain bike style headset, and suspension fork make this Lombardo Wheelerpeak bike ready to attack any trail, while the hybrid tires and suspension seat keep it riding fast and smooth.

Titan Trailblazer 18-speed Mountain Bike $195.99 Titan 18-speed all-terrain bike features twist shifting systemTrailblazer features suspension coil shock on forkSports & fitness or pure recreation, this bicycle does it all

High-Tech Cycling $18.49 Thirteen international specialists contribute 11 chapters on the latest knowledge in cycling science, training, equipment, and physiology. Coverage includes equipment selection in road cycling, mountain bike suspensions, proper body positioning, optim…

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I’m fairly new to the mountain biking sport.  I’ve been working out on my bike for six years now due to knee’s wearing out from running heavily during my military career and afterward. I now take triple strength Glucosamine + Chondroitin to maintain cushion in my joints, which is very effective. That said I must pass on the up-hill-stall I experienced this morning while climbing a steep graveled road in the north Georgia mountains.

The weather is extremely beautiful this morning; a cloudless, crystal clear sky and sunshine bright with the temperature in the upper sixties. During my revelation of a wonderful, but taxing, ride before me I began to climb at least a 30 degree hill on one of our graveled roads, I was standing on my pedals for power, not paying much attention to where any loose gravel was accumulating when I spun out due to stones being torn from the compacted road eliminating any friction with the drive tire causing an instantaneous loss of forward momentum.

I braked quickly and lowered my left foot to the ground.  I dismounted to check on the spot on the road that bore the scars of the spin.  I noticed there had been a cluster of rocks three to four inches square just under the surface of the run that were obviously not compacted enough to hold together while being forced down hill by the torque of the drive wheel.  I made a mental note to always pay attention to the surface conditions at all times.

WallyGater

Tension Mounted Aluminum Bicycle Rack (Classic Black) (7′ – 11′) $115.99 Keep your bicycles off the floor and out of the way. This sleek and slender bike stand stores up to 2 bikes as is – or add on the extra bike kit accessory to hold one additional bike. No-holes tension adjustment secures the bike rack without hardware or damage to walls or ceiling. Ideal for apartments, condos, garages, homes and anywhere space is limited or permanent markings are prohibited. Adjus…

Extra Bike Kit Only – pole sold separately (Black) (Holds 1 extra bike) $15.95 Keep your bicycles off the floor and out of the way. This sleek and slender bike stand stores up to 2 bikes as is – or add on the extra bike kit accessory to hold one additional bike. No-holes tension adjustment secures the bike rack without hardware or damage to walls or ceiling. Ideal for apartments, condos, garages, homes and anywhere space is limited or permanent markings are prohibited. Adjus…

75 Watt MR16 Halogen Light Bulb (EYC) / 36 Degree Beam Spread (MR16 Flood) / 12 Volt / GX5.3 Base / Cover Glass / Long Life (EYC) MR16 $3.96 Sold individually Lights 50 watts and above require a high output lighting stator Will work with the Trail Tech Anti-Vibration lights…

Mud, Sweat & Gears: 1996 UCI World Mountain Bike Championships in Cairns, Australia $24.79 …

Garmin nüvi Vehicle Power Cable $11.48 Charge your GPS as you drive with this 12-volt adapter cable. Perfect for 2nd vehicle use. Power your GPS in your automobile with this replacement 12-volt adapter cable…

NiteIze SpokeLit $11.00 Nite Ize SpokeLit is a secure spoke light that remains in position even during off road use. Features: L.E.D. light in glow or flash mode. Water resistant and shock proof. Batteries included. Easy on, easy off mount that fits most spoked wheels…

McNett Tenacious Tape $4.50 Tenacious Tape uses real tent fabric to provide nearly invisible, permanent repairs. Clean Adhesive Technology allows Tenacious Tape to be removed without leaving duct tape’s ugly glue mess behind. Ideal for repairs on tents, tarps, mosquito netting, rain gear, backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, seat cushions, soft coolers, boat covers and more!…

Princeton Tec Apex 3 watt LED Headlamp $84.99 If you need a headlamp that can handle your hardcore adventures, look no further than the Princeton Tec Apex Pro Headlamp. The Apex represents the pinnacle of Princeton Tech’s waterproof LED headlamps and is ideal for alpine climbers, midnight mountain bikers, and cold-weather campers. It can put out up to 130 lumens of light, and boasts four light levels, a safety flash mode, and an impact-resist…

Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor and Stopwatch $119.95 If running is what you do to stay in shape, the RS100 will give you valuable feedback that can help improve your fitness or lose those last few pounds. It combines all the heart rate features you need with the stopwatch you’re used to. Track your average heart rate and time for each lap, so you can integrate heart rate easily into your fitness running program….

Polar Flowlink $54.95 Polar FlowLink is an accessory used to transfer data between a Polar product and polarpersonaltrainer.com. It’s easy to transfer data between the training computer and polarpersonaltrainer.com. Simply connect it to a PC with its USB connection….

Titan Trailblazer 18-speed Adult Mountain Bike with Stabilizer Wheel Kit $389.99 Find great balance and stability with this mountain bike for all ages. This mountain bike features 18 speeds to easy up hills or cruise down. All terrain tires ensure riding on streets or hills will be fun.

Titan Pathfinder Womens All-Terrain Mountain Bike $177.02 High performance all-terrain mountain bike17-inch bike designed with hi-tensile frame and fork18-speed friction gear system28-38-48 tooth chain wheelV-style braking system

Titan Trailblazer Women’s 21-speed Mountain Bike $217.99 All-terrain mountain bike26-inch women’s bike designed with front suspension fork21-speed friction gear systemTwist shifting systemV-style braking system28-38-48 tooth chain wheel

Platinum 2-wheel Wall Mount Storage Rack $26.99 The Platinum 2-Wheel Storage rack is designed to store two spare bike wheel/tire sets. Keep your spare wheels up and out of harms way.

Lombardo Men’s Visoke 270 Mountain Bike $384.99 The light weight alloy frame of this Lombardo Visoke 270 men’s bike is matched with Shimano derailleurs to make pedaling a breeze. This bike comes equipped with a rear carrying rack, fenders, and an enclosed chain guard.

BIKE USA Bicycle Stabilizer Wheels $199.99 Kit designed to balance your bike and let you rideMounts to any bike with a 24 to 27-inch tireFits bikes with multiple gearsUses 16-inch tires and tubes

Mighty Rack Four-bike Bumper Mount Rack $139.99 Conveniently carry your bicycles to the mountains or anywhere on the Mighty Rack 4-bike bumber mount rackCycling accessory made of solid steel constructionBicycle rack carries up to four bikes

Mighty Rack 2-bike Bumper Mount $57.84 Conveniently carry your bikes to the mountains or anywhere on the Mighty Rack 2-bike bumper mountCycling accessory is made of solid steel constructionBicycle rack carries up to two bikes

Lombardo Men’s Luxor 2000 Mountain Bike $1187.99 Built for serious commuting, the Luxor 2000 men’s bike will take you far. This bike comes with specialized components including an enclosed chain guard, Dynamos battery-free lights, a rear carrying rack and front and back fenders.

Standard Roof Rack Fork Mount (Pair) $50.99 Take your bike wherever you go with a standard roof rackCycling accessory is best for square or OEM bars9mm skewer attaches to the front fork of your bicycle once the front wheel is removed

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Choosing a Shimano Mountain Bike Component

Mountain bike components are designed to withstand more abuse and extreme riding conditions. These components are heavier, sometime larger and more durable then road bike components. Sometime you are riding on dirt, rock, or in water, etc and the components need to be durable enough so they can withstand abusive treatment.

It just so happened that my rear derailleur broke on my full suspension mountain bike. I was riding a down hill trail and lost control of my bike. The rear of the bike ended up hitting the face of a rock and I was left with a mangled rear derailleur. So I looked at the positive side of the accident and said to myself now is the time to upgrade.

I could find new or near new parts on Bike Servant which is a mountain bike classifieds website and lists mountain bikes for sale, bike parts and race events but I was in the car with my bike so I decided to go to the store.

On the way home from the trail I stopped at my local bike store to buy a new derailleur so I can resume riding as quickly as possible. I told the bike shop guy my situation and she asked me which aftermarket Shimano derailleur I wanted to buy. Not knowing anything about the different categories in the Shimano product line I asked for help and this is what she relayed to me.

Shimano Deore is their entry level category. These products are inexpensive and meant for the occasional or enthusiast rider. These components are stocked on entry level mountain bikes.

Shimano Deore LX is their next level in higher quality. This category level consists of a more durable product. The main difference that I noticed is that Deore LX is lighter then Deore. My derailleur was a Deore LX and it has shown me proven quality and reliability for many years.

Shimano Deore XT was referred to as their heavy duty category. This product category is not considered race quality performance but they are light weight and more durable then the LX category. The price difference between the LX category and the XT category was noticeable.

Shimano XTR is considered their high performance category. Again these parts are lighter then the XT category. As a consumer I took notice to the price increase from XT to XTR. It appeared to me that this category appeals to the racers that demand light weight and high performance.

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of Shimano’s product line. It is the list that my bike store carried.

So in my quest to buy a new derailleur I decided to purchase the Shimano Deore XT because of its light weight, durability and price. I had the bike shop install it for me and I was back on the trail in no time.

Posted by Bike Servant: Experience with full suspension and hardtail mountain bikes, bike parts and organizing race events for mountain biking.

Mongoose Status 3.0 26 Mountain Bike with Full Suspension Mongoose – Bikes – Mongoose bikes don’t just push the limits; they set new ones and they have been doing so since 1974. Mongoose builds for riders, which is why their BMX designers aren’t wasting any time. They get themselves out there testing new designs at the park, on the track and on the hill to make your ride more comfortable. Mongoose takes pride in making superior merchandise, having outsta…

Chainsmoke (Mountain Bike) [VHS] $9.95 Shot entirely on 16mm film, Chainsmoke is packed with racing, freeriding, interviews, crashes, and an awesome soundtrack. Featuring shaun Palmer, Tinker Juarez, Alison Sydor, Myles Rockwell, Missy Giove, and many others! This film will make you want to ride! …

Full Medal Status – The Shockingly True Story of Mountain Biking’s Rise to Gold Medal Status $48.50 In the shadows of Mt. tam, mountain biking’s founders realized that following the path less traveled did wonders for the adrenaline system and a sport was born. Since then, tens of thousands of others have ardently agreed. And now, less than two decades later, mountain biking proudly accepts its inauguration as an official Olympic sport with full medal honors. Full Medal Status serves up awesome r…

Bike Garage $19.95 Bike Garage is the best way to teach yourself basic bike repair and maintenance. Learn how to tune your bike like the pros. Fully interactive menus allowing you to watch itemized repairs. Tons of tips and tricks, emergency repairs, parts diagrams, and much more! Saup to date gear, mountain or road this film has it all. Start saving money today and fix your own bike….

Klunkerz – A Film about the Development and Birth of Mountain Bikes $89.97 Brand new, in the shrinkwrapper never been opened or played this Klunzerz. A VD about the birth and growth of mountain bikes. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s a handful of hippie cyclists literally reinvented the wheel. These early pioneers scavenged frames from dumpsters and junkyards and lifted parts from road bikes and motorcycles to build a better way down the mountain. Little did they real…

ContourHD 1080p Full HD Helmet Camera $329.00 A water-resistant camera for all seasons, its light (4.3 ounces/123 grams) anodized aluminum body withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow. It is also shock, vibration and impact resistant….

GoPro HD Helmet Hero Video/Still Digital Camera & Waterproof Housing with (2) Batteries + Case + Accessory Kit $299.95 Kit includes: ♦ 1) GoPro HD Helmet Hero Video/Still Digital Camera & Waterproof Housing ♦ 2) GoPro HD Hero Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery ♦ 3) Additional GoPro HD Hero Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery ♦ 4) Sunpak Platinum Plus Digital Camera/Camcorder Case ♦ 5) Precision Design 5-Piece Lens Cleaning Kit ♦ 6) Precision Design Mini Microfiber Lens Cloth with Neoprene Po…

GoPro HD Helmet Hero Video/Still Digital Camera & Waterproof Housing with 16GB SD Card + Battery + Case + Accessory Kit $304.95 Kit includes: ♦ 1) GoPro HD Helmet Hero Video/Still Digital Camera & Waterproof Housing ♦ 2) GoPro HD Hero Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery ♦ 3) Transcend 16GB High-Capacity SecureDigital (SDHC) Card ♦ 4) Sunpak Platinum Plus Digital Camera/Camcorder Case ♦ 5) Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet ♦ 6) Cameta Microfiber Cleaning Cloth The GoPro HD Helmet HERO…

Pacific Chromium Boy’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (24-Inch Wheels) $106.95 This colorful 24″ Chromium is fully equipped for your kid’s adventures ride. The bike features full suspension and 18-Speed Torque Drive. Extra wide tires roll smoothly over pavement or grass….

Pacific Chromium Girls’ Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (24-Inch Wheels) $106.95 This colorful 24″ Chromium is fully equipped for your kid’s adventures ride. The bike features full suspension and 18-Speed Torque Drive. Extra wide tires roll smoothly over pavement or grass….

Lombardo Men’s Visoke 270 Mountain Bike $384.99 The light weight alloy frame of this Lombardo Visoke 270 men’s bike is matched with Shimano derailleurs to make pedaling a breeze. This bike comes equipped with a rear carrying rack, fenders, and an enclosed chain guard.

Lombardo Shavano 24U Mountain Bike $389.99 The Lombardo Shavano 24U mountain bike features a lowered alloy frame that allows shorter riders to ride comfortably. Shimano derailleurs and a suspension fork help ease strain on the body during more challenging rides.

Lombardo Alverstone 300 Green Mountain Bike $419.99 The Lombardo Alverstone 300 makes daily trail riding and commuting a pleasure for the average rider. This dependable bike features a light alloy frame, front shocks, aggressive tires, and Shimano derailleurs.

Lombardo Alverstone 300 Mountain Bike $431.99 The Lombardo Alverstone 300 makes daily trail riding and commuting a pleasure for the average rider. This dependable bike features a light alloy frame, front shocks, aggressive tires, and Shimano derailleurs.

Lombardo Women’s Kalahoo 24 Mountain Bike $299.99 The Hi-Ten frame of this Lombardo Kalahoo 24 women’s bike is sturdier and lasts longer, and the bike’s low frame set and high handlebars keep riders sitting upright. The Shimano derailleurs insure that this bike will be shifting smooth for a long time.

Derailleur $10.9 When Cheryl joins an American mountain bike team, she and Will face smugglers, hit men, and rabid environmentalists — as well as a more engaging distraction: their attraction to each other.

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