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

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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

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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.

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A few months ago one of my friends called to tell me he was going to be late to the trail because he had a part on his bike that was being recalled. He wanted to stop at the bike shop and have his part replaced before our regularly scheduled ride. I too thought it was a good idea to get the part replaced before our ride so I told him that I will see him when he is finished at the store.

When I met up with my friend later in the day I asked him how he found out about his recalled part. He told me that his wife signed up for email alerts on product recalls. She subscribes to these email notification to be aware of toy issue for their children and it just so happened that a mountain bike part was on the email.

Just like other consumer products, mountain bike products occasionally get recalled for various reasons. I do not want to speculate so I am not going to give examples. It is important to be aware and not to ignore these recalls because your safety could be in jeopardy.

So in an effort to keep riders aware of product recalls the links below will direct you to the Consumer Affairs and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission websites. These sites will allow you to search their database for product recalls that might pertain to your bike, gear or both.

The two sites listed below are not meant to be the all encompassing sources of information. It is to help you get started in you product recall search. If you come across more sites with mountain bike recall information let us know and we will add it to the list.

Check out the websites below.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

- www.cpsc.gov/

Consumer Affairs

- www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/recalls.htm

You can find new or near new parts on Bike Servant is a mountain bike classifieds website which lists mountain bikes for sale, bike parts and race events.

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So you purchased a mountain bike and you have been riding for awhile. You are getting faster and more courageous on your mountain bike but you are getting bored riding on the same trails. You and your friends have realized that you need new trail excitement in your life.

So you have talked to your friends and people at the local bike shop for more information about trails in the area. Most of them pointed you back to the trails that you are familiar with but some have introduced you to a new trail or two.

To add to you trail information many of us in the mountain bike community suggest you try a very handy directory. This is a Google directory that lists sites which contain trail information. Once you browse the directory you will be surprised at all of the trails that riders have documented. I have found that no one site has all of the trail information so you have to browse through the directory.

The web address below will help you find the local mountain bike trails in your region. The link is a Google directory of mountain bike websites that list trail information. Most of the trails listed contain directions to the trail head so you know where you are going. So check it out it is pretty helpful.

Mountain Bike Trails

You can find new or near new parts on Bike Servant which lists mountain bikes for sale, bike parts and race events. See you on the trail.

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One of the most important components on your mountain bike is your tires. They grip the ground and provide the traction you need on different surfaces. Most mountain bike riders look for light weight, strength and traction in a tire and many advanced riders even have multiple sets of tires for different riding conditions.

So what tire is right for your mountain bike and riding style? With so many different manufactures and models to choose from which one is right for you? These are not easy questions to answer so hopefully we can provide some insight to get you moving in the right direction. Mountain bike parts are not cheap and you want to make the right decision.

Tire Construction:

Consider a Kevlar bead or folding tire – A Kevlar tire weighs an estimated 60-80 grams less then a conventional none folding tire. It does not sound like much of a weight savings but multiple that number by two and then consider the rotating weight. For an extra couple of dollar, in my opinion, it is worth spending the extra money.

Terrain and Tread patterns:

Determine where you are going to ride and how you are going to use the bike. As an example will you be riding on the local trails that are hard packed dirt or on slick rock?

For hard packed terrain consider a narrower and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is 1.8 to 2.0 wide.

For hard packed terrain with a good mix of rocks you might want to consider a wider and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is wider then 2.0.

For loosely packed terrain consider a knobby tire. Choose a tire with a really aggressive pattern as this will help you gain maximum traction in the dirt. You might also want to consider tires that are designed for the front and rear of the bike.

For muddy terrain consider a narrow tire. Narrow tires will reach the bottom of the mud and create less resistance when turning making it easier for you to move forward.

For all terrain tires there are so many choices to consider. Many of the major tire manufacturers make very good tires that are great for all conditions.

Riders Body Size:

Consider your body size. If you are heavier you might want to consider a wider tire.

Where to buy:

You can buy your tires at a bike store, order them from an online website or from an individual sell tires posted on a mountain bike classifieds website.

The information above is a rough guide on what to consider when buying new mountain bike tires. Many bikes stores that have bikes for sale and bike parts can also give you their opinion. Talk to your friends and read online forums to see what other riders like and don’t like. The more information you have the better.

See you on the trail.

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I’d like to get a new bike, soon. I live in a very urban area, so initially I thought a road bike would suit me best, but I will need to use it when I go camping and stuff. If I am going to need a bike for both pavement and rugged terrain, would a mountain bike be my best choice?

I know about hybrids, but I have been told by many people that they are pointless and are not really great for anything, just ok for both roads and off-road.

Nick, most cycle fanatics end up with multiple rides. most folks I know have at least 3, road bike, MTB, town beater. if you own a bike currently, maybe that one is destined to be your beater. slap some slicks on it, and clean up the drivetrain. as to your next ride, if you want to ride single-track, than your friends are right, get a mid-range MTB hardtail. if you don’t have a bike that can work as your town beater, look into getting a cheep wheel set, and put slicks on that. if you can only afford a second set of tires, and not the wheelset, thats ok, it’s just easier to work the quick release, rather than swap a tire..

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What’s the resale value for a Gary Fisher Mountain bike – ‘Kaitai’ model, alum – approx 14 yrs old maintained?

It was bought new in ’95. Shimano STX components. Extended handles. Presto valves. Weinmann BCX Town & Country tires (26×1.90/C139/47-559). No clips. Saddle is a little worn. Re tuneups. No accidents.

Its really hard to set a price on a used bike regardless of its condition. No matter how expensive a bike was new, a few years down the road (in your case almost 15) many of the components that could have been state of the art then… aren’t now.

Mountain bike technology has changed since it was made and many buyers are looking for some of those changes even when they buy used. There’s an old adage that says its worth exactly what someone will give you for it regardless of what you might think its worth.

My suggestion would be to go online to some of the used bike websites like www.roadbikereview.com and check out some of the listings. You may even find another just like yours listing the asking price. Even if you don’t, listings for similarly equipped 90s model bikes can be a good starting point for your initial asking price. Be realistic when it comes to your selling price and be prepared to bargain with prospective buyers.

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I only ride on old railroad trails for long distance, exercise and enjoyment. My mountain bike has some nice features of being light weight and durable….I have not been able to find reviews for comfort bikes so I could find a bike that would be nice to ride.

Well you gave no clue as to your budget. Check your local bike shops. Shop around listen to what they all say, become informed and make a purchase.

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