Extreme Sports

Choosing the perfect skateboard can be an exciting experience. But before you jump right in and buy one, you need to make sure that you do your research. There are some very impressive skateboards on the market today that feature amazing graphics, and some have even been designed by professional skateboarders themselves. It is important to do your homework and decide exactly what features you want before making a final purchase.

Realizing your own unique skating style will help you decide which type of skateboard is right for you. Some skaters prefer longer boards, while others swear by wider boards. You also need to keep in mind that your size also plays a part in what size of skateboard you will need. In general, the more the skater weighs, the heavier the deck of the skateboard needs to be. Another good tip to follow is that beginners usually start with wider boards.

You can compare skateboards and accessories at several places online, or browse through skateboard specialty shops to find the perfect board for you. If you are just beginning in the sport, you may not want to start out with the most expensive board to practice with. Not everyone decides to continue with the sport once they have tried it, so you do not want to be out too much money if you decide to quit skateboarding.

Reading online reviews about different types of skateboards is also a good idea. Quality is so important with skateboards. You want to make sure that the manufacturer’s claims are true. It is important to get the best quality skateboard you can afford. Even with daily use, a good quality skateboard should last between six months to a year. Skateboards can become expensive, so you do not want to replace boards any more than you have to.  Read more...

It’s easy to be a little awed by all the variety of designs that are out there when you start shopping for a skateboard. The graphics can be incredible and so can the skateboards that were created by some of your favorite professional skateboarders. Don’t let the appearance of the skateboard fool you though, there is more to a skateboard than how it looks. You want a skateboard that will stand the test of time, not just one that will look good for a few months then fall apart.

The way you skate should influence the kind of skateboard you buy – think about your style and what you like to do with the skateboard. Do you need a skateboard that is longer or one that is wider instead? Your physical size is also something to consider. People who are lighter can use a smaller deck while those who are heavier need to think about getting a more solid deck on their skateboard.

Do some research on the internet before you start shopping – see what others have to say about the different types of skateboards. Also, visit local skate shops and talk to some of the employees to see what they would recommend. Generally, if you are new to skating, you want to look for a board with a wider deck than more experienced skaters might have. If you are just starting out with skateboarding, buy a less expensive board until you get a feel for skating and see if you really like the sport and want to keep it up. If you decide skating isn’t for you, then you won’t have wasted too much money.  Read more...

Taking care of your full suspension or hardtail mountain bike can be very simple and it will also help increase its mechanical life. Below is a maintenance guide that should be considered after every ride in order to help you keep your mountain bike mechanically sound. Once you perform this maintenance plan and become familiar with the process it should take you no more then 20 minutes to complete. Let’s get started:

Steps:

Remove all of the accessories (lights, bells, etc) on the top of the handlebars.

Turn the bike upside down so you can remove the wheels and inspect the drive train.

Carefully remove the front and rear wheels to give you more room to work on the bike.

Clean the drive train (derailleurs, chain, and crank) with a brush and soapy water. Also use a wet soapy rag on the chain and rear derailleur. Try to do your best to clean all moving parts.

After you clean your bike parts make sure you dry them thoroughly with a towel so they do not rust.

Wash the underside, frame and front fork, of the bike and make sure all moving parts are free of debris.

Wash your front and rear wheels by cleaning the rim, spokes and cassette. Then put the wheels back on the bike.

After you put each wheel back on the bike spin them to make sure the wheels are true and also that they do not rub on the brake components. If the wheels are not true and or rubbing on the brake components make the necessary adjustments.

After your chain is back in place turn the pedals to check the drive train. Make sure the bike pedals smooth. If you hear any strange noises coming from your wheel bearings investigate further.

• ISBN13: 9780875963006
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
Expert tips on conquering curves, corners, dips, descents, hills, water hazards and other all-terrain challenges.

Hit the dirt!

From breaking to bunny hopping, speed jumping to switchbacks– here are the skills you need to catch big air and experience the best of off-road riding.

* Selecting the right rig for you and your budget.
* Step-by-step drills for clearing obstacles, popping wheelies and more.
* How to hammer it and ride faster th… More >>

Mountain Bike Magazine’s Complete Guide To Mountain Biking Skills: Expert Tips On Conquering Curves, Corners, Dips, Descents, Hills, Water Hazards, And Other All-Terrain Challenges

Every year bicycle manufacturers make better, lighter and cheaper mountain bikes which make them more attractive to consumers. Do you want to buy a full suspension mountain bike? If you do below is a list of items that you might want to considered before buying a new mountain bike.

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is what type of terrain will you be riding on? If you are going to be riding cross country maybe a full suspension mountain bike is not warranted and a hardtail will better suit your needs. However if you are going to be riding downhill or on rough terrain a full suspension bike might be right up your alley.

Determine your budget and stick to it. Consider buying the best bike you can afford within your budget. Many riders suggest that if you have less then $700 to spend on a bike you might want to consider a hardtail because full suspension bikes are more costly. However you could consider buying a used full suspension bike at a good price on a mountain bike classifieds site.

If you determine that a full suspension mountain bike is what you need and want then consider the different frame designs. Single-pivot, sweet-spot and horst-link are a few popular designs and each has their advantages and disadvantages. The best way to truly understand the difference is to go to a few bike stores and test ride the different designs. The bike store guy will be more then happy to explain and point out the pros and cons of each design.

Remember that full suspension bikes are heavier then hardtail bikes. Full suspension frames are a little heavier and they carry more parts then hardtails so be prepared to pedal around a little more weight on the trail.  Read more...