Selecting the Right Mountain Bike Lights for Trail Riding

How Bright Should your Mountain Bike Lights Be?

Mountain bike lights are now available that can provide 2600 lumens of brightness, meaning that visibility for night trail riding has never been so good. This in turn allows you to ride faster round trails than ever before. However, remember that cycling in the dark, even with this level of brightness provided by your lights, will never be the same as cycling during the day, as it still isn't possible to pick out the same level of detail. This is down to the fact that with a helmet and front light you are only able to provide two sources of light, unlike the all round light provided during the day, so picking out information about say surface texture will still remain tricky. However, in situations where you are cycling in damp wooded areas or if it is misty or foggy, you will benefit from mountain bike lights that are not so bright, as these bounce back less glare than higher powered lights.

Lighting Components - What to Look For

Mountain bike lights for trail riding now commonly use LEDs, as these provide greater light for less power and are fairly robust. The prices are dropping the whole time, so are now available much more reasonably than they initially were. A range of different LEDs are available, which are suited to different types of biking, so choose the one that best meets your needs. The lights contain an optics system - a lens and reflector - which controls the spread and depth of the light beam and its consistency. "Spot" beams are best when long range vision is required at high speeds or for use on a helmet. "Flood" beams provide you with a broader spread of light for more detail of the surroundings, albeit at the loss of depth.

The Practicalities for Using Mountain Bike Lights

Batteries are essential to power your lights, with rechargeable batteries being more popular since prices have come down. Always make sure your batteries are fully charged before a long trail, so that they don't fail part way round. However, many mountain bike lights now come with spare batteries, so you can take those to have on standby. Switches for your lights need to be easy to operate, even when wearing gloves. Many switches now have a dual use telling you the remaining run time available. Although trail mountain bike lights are available in single units, many still consist of a helmet light connected to a battery by a lead, in which case you need to check for secure connections and a lead long enough for your bike.

Stay safe and bright when mountain biking.

Tips for Mountain Bike Training in Winter Months

It's January and you're browsing through old copies of your best mountain biking magazine thinking of early spring, mud and getting back outside on your trusty mountain bike. It's true that when you're trapped inside, winter months can appear to drag on endlessly. As the walls begin to close in on you, you ask yourself, if only there were some good solution to train for mountain biking in winter months. Well there is! The following are four fantastic ways to continue to be fit and prepared for mountain biking even while the snow is flying.
1 ) Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing, or Nordic Skiing, requires light-weight skis and bindings that release at the heel. Cross country skiing is an effective aerobic exercise routine and utilizes the identical muscle groups used in mountain biking. Skiing can get you out on the trail, working your core for stability, it will keep your vision razor-sharp for reading variations in the trail and it works all your major muscle groups.
Since the motion is comparable to walking, cross country skiing is simple to learn and is an economical hobby to get started with..
2 ) Winter Hiking
Winter hiking makes for easy exploration of the backcountry through snowy winter months. When there is a well-known trail system nearby and the conditions are right it's possible to hike in high-quality insulated hiking boots on well packed trails. In slippery situations, you may need to pick-up some trekkers or crampons to improve your traction.
3 ) Snowshoeing
Want to blaze your own trail? Think about leasing or purchasing some snowshoes and hit the woods, golf courses or national parks where you live. Similar to cross country skiing, snowshoeing is easy to learn, inexpensive and a terrific cardio workout.
4 ) Ice Skating
Ice skating works your lower body and helps to keep quads, hamstrings and calf muscles in good shape for spring mountain biking. Ice skating might be a little bit more difficult to learn compared to cross country skiing and snowshoeing however it's still just as much fun. Ice skating is a superb substitute for skiing and snowshoeing whenever it's cold out but there isn't adequate snow.
Summary:
Remaining in decent shape through the winter time doesn't mean you need to remain stranded inside jogging on a tread-mill. There are so many fun ways to train during the winter which take you outside, help you stay in-shape and get you prepared for mountain biking during the spring thaw.

Taking The Family On A Biking Excursion

Unless you've been living in a particularly remote cave for the last couple of months, you can't have failed to notice that two-wheeled transport seems to be all the rage at the moment. Bradley Wiggins' triumph in the Tour de France and the successes of Britain's cycling teams in the Olympic and Paralympic Games put what is usually a minority sport on the front pages for the first time in years. But while road and track cycling appears to be in fashion at present, there's also plenty to recommend mountain biking. Getting on your bike and exploring the rugged terrain of the countryside can be a rewarding way to spend a weekend. But before you pack up your tent and head for the hills, here are a few things you should remember.

According to eHow.com, one thing you should think about before you head off in search of some top-quality mountain bike is precisely which trail would be best suited to your particular level of ability. If you're planning on taking your family with you, you'll also need to consider whether there are trails which are suitable for the younger or less experienced members of your group. However seasoned a mountain biker you are personally, you don't want to push the rest of the family too hard. For one thing, doing so might result in some sort of accident - and it seems unlikely that your family would be too keen on going mountain biking with you again after that.

Make sure you think carefully about the trail you intend to take - if the trail doesn't loop back to its starting point, it may be a good idea to arrange to be picked up once you get to the end. Some trails are rocky and challenging, while others are wider and easier for the whole family to ride on. Changes in elevation also have a major bearing on the overall difficulty of the trail, so that's something else you'll need to ponder. Some trails also allow riders to take their dogs with them, but others don't. Of course, the scenery is a major draw of mountain biking, so make sure you choose somewhere that offers some truly spectacular sights.

An article at Wanderlust.co.uk, meanwhile, points out that mountain biking is a pursuit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages - although it helps, of course, to be in good physical condition before you set out. The author also recommends familiarising yourself with basic bike repair techniques first, so that you're able to patch your bike up should you suffer a puncture, for example. In addition, you should also think carefully about whether your own abilities are up to the challenge of the trail you've chosen - you need to be careful not to inadvertently overdo things.

Another piece from the American Adventure Cycling Association recommends checking to ensure that your bike's suspension and frame are sufficiently robust to withstand the pressures they're likely to have to endure when you're out and about. Of course, if you feel the need to upgrade your bike or you have any nagging concerns you're not quite sure about, you can find the equipment you need, whether a a 6-man tent or a foot pump - along with expert advice - at bike shops.

Benefits of Mountain Biking - Why You Should Visit the Great Outdoors More Often

Mountain biking is a sport loved by many. From preschool aged children to the mature adult, mountain riding has been a favorite interest and activity for years. Many would be surprised at the growing number of people who have stepped out of their comfort zone to hop on a bike and hit the dirt. There are a number of reasons why hitting the biking trails is so popular. For one, you don't need much other than a bike, a helmet, and an area with off-roading potential. Unlike the expenses required for other sports like golf and horseback riding, mountain biking is practically a free sport if you are a bike owner, which is very appealing to those on a budget. There are several misconceptions associated with the dangers of mountain biking. If you really think about it there are few sports that are actually risk-free and if proper safety measures are taken, mountain biking can actually be a safe activity. Another misconception regarding mountain biking is the assumption that it is a sport that appeals to only thrill-seekers and risk-takers; however there are little activities these days that actually offer zero risk. In the end, when you weigh the benefits and risks of biking, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that proves the benefits far exceed the risk. The benefits obtained from mountain biking are quite interesting and there are many that will come to a surprise to those new to the sport. Mountain biking benefits include social, physical, mental, and even emotional. The fact that this sport also takes place outdoors is another great benefit of mountain biking. Research studies show that being outside improves one's quality of life, which is all the more reason to pursue an activity or sport that takes place outside. Did you know mountain biking can even decrease your chances of developing certain cancers, heart disease, and even strokes? There are so many more reasons why mountain biking is good for the body and soul.
The number one reason why people choose to mountain bike is no secret, they love the adventurous thrill of the ride which believe it or not, is actually an emotional benefit. How so? Well, the thrilling feeling that is obtained by biking is actually the body's chemical release of endorphins which causes that euphoric high that you hear so much about. When the body experiences the release of endorphins, it improves the rider's mood by warding off anxiety and depression that we are seeing more and more of these days. So, mountain trekking can actually help treat both depression and anxiety. It has also been found that engaging in outdoor activities decreases stress and improves confidence and self-esteem. The competitive nature of the sport is also another healthy emotional benefit directly related to mountain biking and being in the great outdoors. biking also offers the rider the benefit of taking a "mental break." bikers typically find that while riding they are distracted by everyday realities that contribute to stress and anxiety. There is no better way to clear the mind than by hopping on a bike and hitting the trails.
Physical benefits of mountain biking may seem obvious; however there are some benefits that may be of interest to those new to mountain biking. A majority of sports are physically demanding on the body and over time, injuries are likely to occur and this is not only a physical setback, but can also be a financial setback as well, especially if such injuries require surgery and rehabilitation. Activities like running, place strain and stress on the knees and joints and many runners are often faced with the reality of finding a new sport once their bodies are no longer capable of running. As a matter of fact, our former president George W. Bush, took a hiatus from running and switched his sights to hill biking in light of his injuries from running. It has also been noted that women who bike at least 30 minutes daily have a decreased chance of developing breast cancer. There are physical benefits for youth as well. Youth bikers have almost a 50% decreased chance of becoming obese. Obesity in children and adults has become a growing concern and it is very important that children participate in a sport and spend some time outdoors. biking is also a great way to bond with children and gain a closer relationship while keeping them entertained and challenged. Children who are involved in sports are more likely to excel academically and are less likely to engage in drug use. For adults, it is suggested by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that they have 2.5 hours a week of moderate/intense activity. Hitting the biking trails once or twice a week is a great way to get that 2.5 hours of activity in while having fun!
Mountain biking creates an opportunity to meet new people with similar interests which is a great social benefit. Having a social outlet provides an avenue for trying new things and getting out of the house. Social benefits found with summit biking include improved mood by socially interacting with others. Joining a biking club or signing up for local biking races are some options for those seeking friendship or even just finding someone to ride with.
Mountain biking provides a plethora of benefits and options for those looking for a new sport to try. Benefits associated with mountain biking range from physical to emotional and have all been found to improve one's quality of life. There are so many who spend a majority of their days indoors at work and it is so important for them to find the time to get outdoors and biking is the perfect activity to encourage that. Being outdoors has just as many benefits as mountain biking and provides the body with things that it desperately needs, such as Vitamin D. While mountain biking may seem difficult or intimidating, everyone starts out as a beginner and learns the skills needed to advance. Mountain biking is a fantastic way to get in shape, improve their mood, and make new friends.