Finally!  Here we are at the verge of spring.  Now is the time to get yourself and your bike ready for the riding season ahead.  At The Bicycle Wheel, we can get your ride ready for spring and summer with various levels of tuneups. Bring your bike in now befrore the mad rush in April.

 

This month we continue our two-part series on mountain biking.  Last month we covered equipment.  This month's article covers technique.

 

We now offer used bikes!  After listening to our customers, we have implemented a trade-in plan and consignment service.  Details are at the end of this e-mail for this highly-requested offering.

 

Finally, during the week of March 15th - March 20th we are having a spring sale.  Stop in for great savings!

 

Welcome to spring,

 

The Staff of The Bicycle Wheel

Basic Mountain Biking Part 2:  Technique
This month, we continue our series on mountain biking.  Last month we covered the equipment needed to get started in the sport.  This article focuses on the proper techniques necessary to be a good mountain bike rider.
 
First things first - you need someplace to ride...
 
Find Some Trails
Unless you already ride regularly, it may not be apparent where the best trails are.  Check out our March 2009 Newsletter for everything you need to know about Big Creek Park, which is the closest trail to the Johns Creek / Alpharetta area.  For other trails around the metro area (there are many), check out the website for Southern Off Road Bicycle Association (SORBA).  This is a great resource with links to various chapters that maintain area trails.

 

Most mountain bike parks like Big Creek have a combination of beginner trails, intermediate trails and advanced trails.  Start on the easy stuff.  Better to start out too easy than on something too technical and steep.  As your skill level increases, explore more technical areas of the park.

Keep Your Weight Back
The biggest trick to cruising the downhills is to keep your weight back on your bike (see picture at left). Moving your body behind the seat on the downhills will keep you riding smooth, fast and confident.  Most mountain bikes have very powerful brakes - so powerful that they can lock up a wheel almost instantly.

By shifting your weight back, you keep your center of gravity more in the middle of the bike and are less likely to take a trip over the bars.  Moving your weight around on the bike helps make the unrideable, rideable.  Keep your weight back on the downhills and move forward on the steep uphills.  It's all about balance.

Look Past the Obstacles
Try to avoid looking at, or just in front of, your front tire.  Don't worry about hitting rocks and roots - your big tires will roll over most obstacles, especially if your bike has front and rear suspension. Basically, if you stare at a rock, tree or bush, that is probably where you are going to end up.  You have to look past the obstacle and navigate around it.

Improve Your Bike Inexpensively
If you feel like your bike could ride better, a simple and zero-cost upgrade is lowering the pressure in your tires.  Softer tires make a world of difference in your confidence and your bike's ability.  Low pressure also increases the comfort, smoothness and traction of your wheels.  You'll want to run the lowest pressure you can without risking flatting. Start at around 40 psi (pounds of pressure). With the additional traction, you'll be able to climb loose sections easier and corner with more control.

Another inexpensive upgrade that will greatly improve your traction is using front and rear specific tires on your bike.  A bigger front tire with lower air pressure than the rear gives a bike great steering in dirt.  Combine the larger front tire with a smaller knobby tire on the rear for low-rolling resistance.