Downhill Mountain Biking Pedals
If you know about bicycles i need your assistance?
I need a bike to go around town. I have no clue about bikes so, can you help me?
1) I live in Caracas Venezuela, which means a lot of uphill and downhill biking. Some have told me “Buy a mountain bike” but there are like eight gazillion different mountain bikes. Suspension, no suspension, 10 speed, 21 speed….
2) There aren’t really bikeways here so i need good, safe brake systems. I know some bikes have brakes in the front and others have it in the pedals…..what’s better? What’s cheaper on the long run?
3) I’m not using it for leisure only, so how can i manage to get some modest amount of “cargo” space? (say, a laptop….)
4) What’s the difference between 20 and 26 inches rin? are they just for different sizes of person or is it something else? I’m 1,80m tall (5.9 feet)
5) Any other pointers you deem important
All opinions will be thanked!
1) You may have been aimed at mountain bikes because those people believe they are more versatile and comfortable, which is partly true. They have wider tires and usually let you sit up a little straighter. This can be quite nice for a new rider. The down side is they come with wide usually knobby tires and are very slow on paved surfaces. This will make you work harder then you have to.
Avoid suspension systems. They will cost you more money and give you nothing in return for the riding you want to do.
If there are lots of hills you will be happy with more gears regardless of the style of the bike. Look for something with three chainrings in front and whatever in the back. A small ring up front will help you get up steep hills without swearing.
If you plan on riding on paved surfaces and you are somewhat flexible you will probably be happier on a road bike with slightly wider tires. If you would like to sit up straighter and wish to ride on stones, gravel and rough unpaved roads I would also recommend a mountain bike. It will cause you less grief in the long run.
2) Safe brakes are the most important part of a quality bicycle. What good is going if you can’t stop? Find a bicycle with good rim brakes. Those come in many styles but have visible brake pads that squeeze the rim to slow you down. The other style you’re talking about is called a coaster brake and works by rolling the pedals backwards to stop. This is OK on flat road but no good for rough surfaces or steep hills. Why? Because you can lock the back wheel and skid but not stop as fast as a strong front brake will. Like cars 90% of the braking is done on the front wheel. Find a bike with good front rim brakes. Disc brakes are available but are generally more expensive and require more maintenance. Rim brakes are what you want.
3) If you want cargo space get a rear rack and some panniers, other wise known as cargo bags that hang on the rear rack. This is the simplest and cheapest way to carry stuff around with you. Make sure they are secure on the rack so they don’t bounce off and you lose your laptop. it happens.
4) Rims sizes usually change with the size of the bike. There are exceptions, but they only prove the rule. 26″ rims come on standard mountain bikes. 700C wheels are typical for road bikes. 27″ wheels are common on road bikes from the early eighties and earlier. 20″ wheels are usually foundon BMX and folding bicycles.
It’s easier to buy tires for common sized rims so find something ordinary like 700c or 27″ if you buy a road bike or 26″ if you buy a mountain bike.
The width depends on three things: A) Are you fat or skinny? Wider for fat people, thinner for skinny people. B) Are you riding on rough roads? If you are wide tires protect you by offering a softer ride and protect the rim by keeping it from bottoming out and getting bent on a rock.
C) What tire fits through the frame. Every frame is a little different. If the tire is too big it will rub on the frame. This is bad. Avoid it.
5) My suggestions:
a) Ride a few bikes before you decide.
b) BUY YOUR BIKE FROM A BICYCLE SHOP. Do not expect to get a decent bike at a department store or big box store. They are heavy and cheaply made and while they are cheaper your will shortly regret the savings.
c) A quality used bike is a better buy than a new cheap bike.
d) If you are going to ride often you’ll want a helmet, a lock and cable, and lights. Front and rear lights. You also may want fenders to keep from getting covered in goo on muddy roads or on rainy days.
e) If you get a mountain bike I would suggest you get smooth tires for it unless you are going to ride it only on dirt trails up and down mountains. Knobby tires are sluggish and can be unsafe on flat roads.
– Enjoy your ride! Cycling is a lot of fun, it’s good for the earth, and it’s good for you. Ride defensively, look out for cars, and have fun. Good luck with your new bike.
Downhill Mountain Biking Basics : How to Choose Pedals for Downhill Mountain Biking
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LOOK Cycles Quartz Mountain Cleat $29.95 Throw the Look USA Quartz Mountain Bike Cleat on your Look USA pedals and get back on the mountain. These steel cleats sport a very high friction coefficient coating, three-degree float, and release at a 15- or 20-degree angle.Product FeaturesMaterial: SteelFloat: 3 DegreesEntry / Release: FixedWeight: 1.7oz (48g)Recommended Use: MTB Manufacturer Warranty: … |
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Topeak Alien II 26-Function Bicycle Tool $24.00 Often copied but never duplicated, the award-winning Alien II multifunction bicycle tool is still the best. The Alien II–which is designed for cyclists who need a high-quality tool while on the road–is housed in a clever break-apart body that makes it a breeze to find the right gadget. And with 26 high-quality, hardened-steel tools at your fingertips, you’ll rarely find yourself without exactly … |
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Shimano PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Pedal $99.95 The Shimano PD-A530 SPD Road Dual Platform Bike Pedal makes the ideal choice for your around-town bike that sees both long rides to work and short trips to the store. An SPD cleat on one side lets you clip in when you leave the house for your 40-minute morning bike commute, and the platform side lets you hop on with your regular shoes for a quick coffee run.Product FeaturesMaterial: Aluminum, stee… |
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Shimano PD-M520L MTB Sport Pedals with Cleats $32.50 Part of Shimano’s line of lightweight XC bicycle pedals, this pair of sport pedals with cleats is suitable for either road biking or mountain biking. Distinctive features including an open binding mechanism that’s better designed to shed mud, along with a low-maintenance, sealed-bearing cartridge axle. Manufacturer’s Warranty Shimano warrants to the original retail purchaser that this product is … |
