Team Tamarack Mountain Bike Racing World Resouces

Basic Biking Guide: From Purchasing To Safety

These days, riding a bicycle sure can be very beneficial. It’s economical as it doesn’t require gas to work. It’s time saving because you can easily pass through even the heaviest of traffics. It’s a form of sport, from recreational to extreme types. And it’s great alternative to keep fit other than hitting a crowded gym.

Knowing all the conveniences biking offers, there are certain things you need to consider before buying one. It’s important to know what you’ll be using it for, as each one is designed for a different purpose. Do you want inexpensive generic ones for recreational reasons? Do you want branded ones like diamondback bikes for sporting?

Try to do some researching first prior to hitting your local bike shop. You can use the internet to look for information about all sorts of bicycle types and functions. Write down your requirements, including the style, price, size, brand and the like. Make the dealer aware of these requirements to help you find what you are looking for specifically.

It’s also important to test ride the bicycle you are eyeing to check if you’re comfortable with it. For example, when buying mountain bike, of course the salesperson won’t allow testing it off-road or through dirt trails. You should simply find out the vehicle’s maneuverability, riding comfort, and the like. Ask about its specifications to see if you’re getting the right one for your needs.

Buying some protective gears along with the vehicle is but inevitable. Without these gears, as well as proper biking skills, tragic results may surface. It’s good to invest in high-quality elbow and knee pads. A black helmet will go well with any gender or bicycle type. The protective gears you need to buy and use will depend on what you will use the bicycle for.

You may also purchase accessories that contribute to your safety. At night, having a headlight or tail light is very important. A horn is essential to make your presence known to drivers. If a small child will be riding with you at times, it’s a good move to install spoke guards. Having a basic and portable toolkit is important should your vehicle need some minor tuning up at some point.

Finally, before taking your bicycle to the road, it’s important to be aware of certain road rules. For example, riding against traffic isn’t only illegal, but poses you to a lot of dangers. No matter what you use the vehicle for – sports, leisure, exercising, etc. – always see to it that your safety comes first.

CycraGuard MTB Twin Pack – White Unboxing [chainreactioncycles.com]

SKS X-Tra-Dry Fender – Rear Sure you can strap on a set of heavy, full-wrap fenders to your favorite machineas long as it rains all the time or you don’t mind lugging them around on bluebird afternoons. The SKS X-Tra-Dry Rear Fender is the minimalists solution to staying dry without the bulk. The X-Tra-Dry Fender attaches securely and easily to any seatpost, whether you are rolling a mountain bike, cruiser or carbon machine,…

SKS Beavertail Bicycle Fender Set (26 and 28-Inch Bikes) $15.48 The Beavertail is especially for all Mountainbikes with extra fat tires.Optimized dirt protectionRobust steel brackets for safe and easy mountingFits 26″ and 28″ bikesItem SpecificationsColorBlackUnit of SaleSetFits Wheel Size26″-28″…

SKS Adventure Bicycle Fender Set (26 and 28-Inch Bikes) $11.99 The Adventure fender is V-brake compatible and was designed for trekking and mountainbiking.Universal clip-on fender setIncludes universal fastening & frame clip for tubes from 28-35mmDesigned for trekking and mountain bikingItem SpecificationsColorBlackUnit of SaleSetWidth70mmFits Wheel SizeAll 26″ & 700c x 35…

Bell Bike Mud Guards $10.99 Protect your 24-26″ bike and yourself from water and dirt with these front and rear mud guards that feature a lightweight design and are easy to install….

Sidi Giau Mountain Bike Shoes $99.99 Sidi Giau Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect for Mountain Bike club riders, amateurs or casual racers, these mud-shedding, mountain bike shoes go the distance in training and racing. Molded heel cup, padded tongue with fit relievers and three Velcro straps for a power-enhancing fit.

Sidi Sierra Mountain Bike Shoes $99.99 Sidi Sierra Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect for cruisin’ down the trail or pedaling around town, the Sierra Mountain Bike shoes are a favorite of mountain bike enthusiasts. Three Velcro straps, shaped heel cup and higher volume last give you a great fit. Fiberglass-reinforced sole with mud shedding tread provides excellent traction on or off the bike.

Shimano XTR PD-M980 SPD Mountain Bike Pedals $199.99 Shimano XTR PD-M980 SPD Mountain Bike Pedals. Shimano’s done it again. They’ve taken their game-changing XTR mountain bike pedal and pushed the envelope into the ozone by giving the new XTR PD-M980 SPD Mountain Bike pedal a slimmer profile, reducing its weight, and making it an even more efficient mud-shedder.

Sidi Women’s Giau Mountain Bike Shoes $169.99 Sidi Women’s Giau Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect for Mountain Bike club riders, amateurs or casual racers, these mud-shedding, women’s mountain bike shoes go the distance in training and racing. Molded heel cup, padded tongue with fit relievers and three Velcro straps for a power-enhancing fit.

Louis Garneau Bromont Mountain Bike Shoes $69.99 Louis Garneau Bromont Mountain Bike Shoes. Designed for the mountain bike enthusiast, these practical and affordable Mountain Bike shoes are equipped with two single straps, a unique heel retention system, and rigid outsoles that shed mud AND provide excellent grip for walking.

Sidi Giau Mega Mountain Bike Shoes $169.99 Sidi Giau Mega Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect for Mountain Bike club riders, amateurs or casual racers, these mud-shedding, mountain bike shoes for bwider feet/b go the distance in training and racing. Molded heel cup, padded tongue with fit relievers and three Velcro straps for a power-enhancing fit.

Giro Gauge Mountain Bike Shoes $224.99 Giro Gauge Mountain Bike Shoes. Want to drop some dirt? Want to tame the trail? So does the Gauge mountain shoes. Giro’s new standard in mud-shedding performance. Traction-hungry lugs repel mud, dirt and debris with ease and efficiency. Easton EC70 carbon composite outsole delivers a powerful pedal stroke, scuff-guards keep everything looking like new and ratchet/strap closure system provides a comfortable fit. You can even add toe spikes for winter riding and cyclocross.

Shimano PD-M530 Mountain Bike Pedals $54.99 Shimano PD-M530 Mountain Bike Pedals. Want to improve your control, stability and pedaling efficiency on the trail? The Shimano PD-M530 Mountain Bike pedal is just the ticket. This dual-sided pedal has an ample (but not too big) platform, an open, mud-shedding design and adjustable retention, so you can click in and click out with confidence.

2010 Mavic Women’s Scorpio Mountain Bike Shoes $109.99 2010 Mavic Women’s Scorpio Mountain Bike Shoes. Mavic teamed up with women cross-country riders to develop women’s Mountain Bike shoes that shed mud like a pro, effectively transfer power, increase ventilation and conform to the female foot – need we say more?

Louis Garneau T-Flex-300 Mountain Bike Shoes $199.99 Louis Garneau T-Flex-300 Mountain Bike Shoes. With a perfectly tailored fit, optimized stiffness, excellent ventilation and a mud-shedding design that works great on or off the bike, the T-Flex-300 Mountain Bike shoes have it all. Heat-moldable uppers adapt to your feet for a custom fit. Attach the carbon outsole to maximize pedal power or remove it for enhanced airflow. Dual-density tread with flexible forefoot quickly evacuates dirt, mud and provides excellent grip while pedaling or walking.

Performance CM401 Mountain Bike Shoes $69.99 Performance CM401 Mountain Bike Shoes. The power and efficiency of the CM401 cycling shoes will turn every mountain into a hill of beans. Fiberglass-reinforced sole transfers all your energy directly to pedals, making those steep ascents easier than you thought. Aggressive lugs shed dirt and mud with ease, molded heel cup enhances stability and ratchet/strap closure system secures the fit.

Shimano SH-M162 Mountain Bike Shoes $149.99 Shimano SH-M162 Mountain Bike Shoes. These high-end, off-road bike shoes are engineered for the serious cyclist who wants SPD compatibility, reinforced construction and a power enhancing fit. Carbon-reinforced shank plate rests beneath a grip-worthy outsole for exceptional energy transmission and mud shedding performance. Resilient synthetic upper and Armor at the sides protect against abrasion and shape loss. EVA insole absorbs shock and provides cushioning over rough terrain. Micro-adjust buckle with dual offset straps gives you an uncompromising fit.

Giro Code Mountain Bike Shoes $279.99 Giro Code Mountain Bike Shoes. The secret to a raw power lies within the Code mountain shoes. Easton EC90 unidirectional carbon outsole delivers pro-level stiffness for the most efficient power transfer available. Its traction-hungry lugs provide excellent mud-shedding and adherence to the pedals, making it a favorite among hardcore trail riders and XC racers. SuperNatural Fit Kit with adjustable arch support enhances comfort, scuff-guards boost durability and streamlined upper with ratchet/strap closure seals the deal with a sleek, secure fit.

WTB Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike Tire $59.99 WTB Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike Tire. Just like its namesake, the tough-guy actor, Charles Bronson, WTB’s Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike tire is tough, rugged, and can handle itself in any situation. With burly, square lugs that grip in the corners, roll easily over hardpack and shed mud by the fistful, the Bronson is an all mountain and freeride action hero you can count on when the going gets rough.

Kool Stop Salmon Mountain Bike Brake Pads $12.99 Kool Stop Salmon Mountain Bike Brake Pads. Specifically designed to excel in the types of conditions that mountain biking throws at you — dust, mud, dirt and slop — Kool Stop Salmon Mountain Bike brake pads give your V-brakes the power you need to push your limits without pressing your luck. The unique design incorporates a patented angled tip that literally plows mud and moisture off the rim, and deep V-shaped grooves that further channel grit, grunge and grime away from the braking surface for optimum braking power. Thanks to a longer, double curved design, Kool Stop Mountain Bike brake pads conform more closely to the rim profile, increasing the contact area for even better braking.

Geax Saguaro 29er Mountain Bike Tire $45.99 Geax Saguaro 29er Mountain Bike Tire. There are many gifts that Mother Nature has left for you on the trail – rocks, roots, mud, sand and gravel…just to name a few. And when you encounter these natural surprises, you’re going to need a tire that can respond without missing a beat. That’s where the Geax Saguaro 29er Mountain Bike Tire comes in.

Continental Explorer 2.1 Mountain Bike Tire $34.99 Continental Explorer 2.1 Mountain Bike Tire. One of Continental’s most successful all-around Mountain Bike tires. The Explorer 2.1 rolls easily with its spiky, Endless Edge tread design that hooks onto loose surfaces at all angles of lean. Its sharp lugs clear mud efficiently, yet its relative light weight makes it a good choice for a variety of terrain.

Michelin WildGrip’R Advanced Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire $66.99 Michelin WildGrip’R Advanced Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire. The new Michelin WildGrip’R Advanced Tubeless Mountain Bike tire is designed for experienced and aggressive riding on mixed terrain. Tubeless technology allows lower tire pressure, translating into ultimate traction without the fear of pinch flats. Square center knobs roll fast yet shed mud, while special side-knob shapes provide progressive cornering on almost any surface. It’s off-road performance at its very best.

Shimano XT PD-M780 Mountain Bike Pedals $109.99 Shimano XT PD-M780 Mountain Bike Pedals. Shimano’s new PD-M780 clipless mountain bike pedals have an incredible 5 times more surface contact area than the PD-M770 pedals, providing a large and stable platform for increased pedaling efficiency and better control. Riders who find themselves in sloppy conditions will appreciate the generous clearance the offset binding affords, making the PD-M780 Shimano’s mud-sheddingest pedals yet.

WTB Bronson TCS Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire $69.99 WTB Bronson TCS Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire. Just like its namesake, the tough-guy actor, Charles Bronson, WTB’s Bronson TCS tubeless Mountain Bike tire is tough, rugged, and can handle itself in any situation. With burly, square lugs that grip in the corners, roll easily over hardpack and shed mud by the fistful, the Bronson is an all-around action hero you can count on when the going gets rough.

WTB Bronson 2.1 Race Mountain Bike Tire $59.99 WTB Bronson 2.1 Race Mountain Bike Tire. Just like its namesake, the tough-guy actor, Charles Bronson, WTB’s Bronson 2.1 Race Mountain Bike tire is tough, rugged, and can handle itself in any situation. With burly, square lugs that grip in the corners, roll easily over hardpack and shed mud by the fistful, the Bronson is an all-around action hero you can count on when the going gets rough.

Performance Women’s CM401L Mountain Bike Shoes $69.99 Performance Women’s CM401L Mountain Bike Shoes. The power and efficiency of the CM401 women’s cycling shoes will turn every mountain into a hill of beans. Fiberglass-reinforced sole transfers all your energy directly to pedals, making those steep ascents easier than you thought. Aggressive lugs shed dirt and mud with ease, molded heel cup enhances stability and ratchet/strap closure system secures the fit.

Giro Women’s Sica Mountain Bike Shoes $199.99 Giro Women’s Sica Mountain Bike Shoes. Named after an ancient fighting sword, the Sica women’s mountain shoes do to the dirt what the sword did to the enemy — it puts an end to it. Traction-hungry lugs shed mud, dirt and debris with ease and efficiency. Easton EC70 carbon composite outsole delivers a powerful pedal stroke, scuff-guards keep everything looking like new and ratchet/strap closure system provides a comfortable fit. You can even add toe spikes for winter riding and cyclocross.

Diadora Protrail 2 Mountain Bike Shoes $439.99 Diadora Protrail 2 Mountain Bike Shoes. The Protrail 2 mountain bike shoes are destined for the podium. Extra-thin carbon sole is extremely light, stiff and transfers every ounce of power directly to your pedals. Mud shedding, Duratech rubber tread provides excellent off-bike-bike traction and exclusive Multiped system maximizes stability. Hi-Vent arch support and the all-new Suprell-Tech microfiber upper with D-Skin technology keeps the cool air flowing. Ergonomic heel cup puts you in perfect position for a trophy win. Multfit Adjust closure system with Micro CL buckle and Quick Adjustment strap allow for complete customization of the shoe/foot interface.

Speedplay Frog Ti Mountain Bike Pedals $249.99 Speedplay Frog Ti Mountain Bike Pedals. Not just a great off-road pedal system, Speedplay Frog bicycle pedals are ideal for road riders who prefer a recessed, walkable cleat. Like their amphibious namesake, Frog pedals are equally at home in dry or muddy terrain. Their unique cleats are virtually immune to clogging with mud or dirt, because debris is pushed out whenever you engage the pedal. This simple mechanism also puts an end to those infuriating falls caused by gunked-up pedals that won’t release. You get out when you want to, and never when you don’t. So whether you ride a mountain bike, road bike, tandem or ‘cross bike, the Speedplay Frog can do it all.

Speedplay Frog Stainless Steel Mountain Bike Pedals $134.99 Speedplay Frog Stainless Steel Mountain Bike Pedals. Not just a great off-road pedal system, Speedplay Frog bicycle pedals are ideal for road riders who prefer a recessed, walkable cleat. Like their amphibious namesake, Frog pedals are equally at home in dry or muddy terrain. Their unique cleats are virtually immune to clogging with mud or dirt, because debris is pushed out whenever you engage the pedal. This simple mechanism also puts an end to those infuriating falls caused by gunked-up pedals that won’t release. You get out when you want to, and never when you don’t. So whether you ride a mountain bike, road bike, tandem or ‘cross bike, the Speedplay Frog can do it all.

Speedplay Frog Chrome Mountain Bike Pedals $104.99 Speedplay Frog Chrome Mountain Bike Pedals. Not just a great off-road pedal system, Speedplay Frog bicycle pedals are ideal for road riders who prefer a recessed, walkable cleat. Like their amphibious namesake, Frog pedals are equally at home in dry or muddy terrain. Their unique cleats are virtually immune to clogging with mud or dirt, because debris is pushed out whenever you engage the pedal. This simple mechanism also puts an end to those infuriating falls caused by gunked-up pedals that won’t release. You get out when you want to, and never when you don’t. So whether you ride a mountain bike, road bike, tandem or ‘cross bike, the Speedplay Frog can do it all.

Mavic Trail H2O Shoe Covers $54.99 Mavic Trail H2O Shoe Covers. Unexpected deluges can happen on any trail ride. So be prepared with these off-road cycling shoe covers. Tech Dry + and taped seams provide waterproof protection without compromising breathability. Trail Grip System fits around the lugs of your Mountain Bike shoes to shed mud and improve walking comfort. Scuff Guard + reinforcement in high-wear areas keep these cycling shoe covers looking like new.

Nashbar Elevator Tread Guard Mountain Bike Tire $24.99 Nashbar Elevator Tread Guard Mountain Bike Tire. The elevator mountain bike tire is a great choice for any off-road terrain–it does it all.

Keen Springwater Mountain Bike Shoes $99.99 Keen Springwater Mountain Bike Shoes. Get comfortable performance ON and OFF the bike in these Mountain Bike shoes from Keen.

Adidas Berm Mountain Bike Shoes $29.99 Adidas Berm Mountain Bike Shoes. These Mountain Bike shoes offer flat pedal performance and style.

Ritchey Comp Mountain Bike Seatpost $49.99 Ritchey Comp Mountain Bike Seatpost. This mountain bike seatpost is lightweight and extremely functional!

Fort Traverse Mountain Bike Shoes $39.99 Fort Traverse Mountain Bike Shoes. Urban style meets rugged good looks in these Mountain Bike shoes built for road, trail or indoor cycling.

Shimano SH-MT31 Mountain Bike Shoes $29.99 Shimano SH-MT31 Mountain Bike Shoes. These mountain bike shoes are designed for a wide range of riding styles such as commuting, touring or casual off-road cycling.

Shimano SH-M086L Mountain Bike Shoes $89.99 Shimano SH-M086L Mountain Bike Shoes. Whatever your off-road cycling pleasure, these Shimano Mountain Bike shoes will keep you comfortable through and through.