History of Mountain Biking

花样年华

Marin County, California is regarded by many as the birthplace of mountain biking. In the 70's those daredevil downhill riders couldn't have imagined what affect their "clunkers", on balloon tyres, would have on the cycle industry.</P>
Mountain bikes (MTBs) were first produced commercially in the early eighties and it's probably fair to say it brought about an explosion in sales and use of the bike.</P>
The reason for this could be that the MTB can certainly be referred to as an "all rounder". Dependent upon tyre choice, an MTB can be equally at home on the road, or relaxing cycle paths or climbing the highest mountain. Most MTBs use 26" wheels and when off road big is best when it comes to tyre selection.</P>
Today all mountain bikes have derailleur gearing and nothing primitive. Almost all are indexed and come in quantities up to 24 (unless of course they've now developed the 27). This makes changing gear to maintain your cadence very easily, no more the "3 up and 2 down" to get the gear you want.</P>
Braking also has improved dramatically and now bikes can be stopped literally on a sixpence (or 20p piece). As for comfort, well, they're for going downhill fast really, but how about a full suspension mountain bike.</P>
A short note about sizing yourself for an MTB, our suggestion is 3-5 inches between the top tube of the frame and your essential parts. This distance can reduce the possibility of a painful coming together. </P>

花样年华

<B>Mountain Bike Clothing</B><>You can ride MTBs in whatever feels comfortable, but eventually you'll probably agree that cycle specific clothing is best.</P><>Clothing should meet certain criteria, then it's usually down to personal taste. Clothing must be fairly tight fitting without pinching, yet sufficiently "flexible" to allow freedom of movement. It must also absorb and wick away perspiration and should be free from bulky seams.</P><>Riding off road requires slightly stronger materials as one has a tendency of hitting the ground more frequently; so do not skimp on your clothing.</P><P>On the subject of "clothing", mitts or gloves are almost essential to take some of the sting out of the trail bumps you'll be hitting all the time.</P>

aaron

thank you! where did you find such a good article?