Whelen Lights

Light Car Bike

Mountain Bikes - Beginners Information

Sometimes, it can be difficult to fully understand the key elements that make a mountain bike what it is - but actually, understanding what makes mountain bikes what they are is actually quite simple.

To begin with, it makes sense to look at the key differences between road bikes and mountain bikes. The main differences will of course be perfectly obvious, but worth mentioning because they are integral to the performance of the mountain bike - this is of course in reference to the mountain bike frame which is one of the most noticeable differences between mountain bikes and the need to ensure their stability, rigidity and strength.

To do this the frame must be made out of super strong and firm materials, the most common being steel based frames (the cheapest), aluminium based frames (one of the lightest) and carbon fibre frames (light strong and expensive). On top of this is the extremely expensive and yet corrosive resistant titanium frames.

Next, are mountain bikes' suspension. Road bikes don't really need much in the way of suspension because they are designed for use on good quality tarmac, even if sometimes there will be a requirement during a race to take slightly less desirable routes. Mountain bikes on the other hand are designed to be ridden across trails, tough terrain and muddy land, which of course can make for a less than comfortable ride. In order to give the mountain bike rider a more comfortable ride, and in turn allow him or her to control the mountain bike more easily, full-suspension mountain bikes and hard-tail suspension mountain bikes (front suspension only) have been designed to allow for this.

Finally, the tyres are the final cog in the machine. Thicker tyres with deeper tread enables mountain bikes to traverse with greater control across all kinds of terrain especially when muddy, or icy. Without these kinds of tyres, then mountain biking would be much more difficult and less enjoyable as a result. Mountain bikes with road bike tyres just wouldn't be able to take the rider into the exciting places that they want to go. Road bikes need thin tyres because they are primarily concerned with speed, and the less friction with the ground helps them to achieve this.

About the Author

For expert advice about
mountain bikes
, contact All Terrain Cycles, who will be able to provide experience and knowledge for your mountain biking activity.

Ultra Light Bike Mirror $24.99 Ultra Light Bike Mirror. This Ultra Light Bike Mirror is designed for commuting, touring or just about anytime you need to increase your line of vision.

Planet Bike Superflash Tail Light $29.99 Planet Bike Superflash Tail Light. Set the night on fire with this blazingly bright Planet Bike tail light.

2011 Focus Corrente Fitness Bike $999 2011 Focus Corrente Fitness Bike. If you like your fitness sessions light, fast and lively, you'll love the Focus Corrente, because that's exactly how this fitness bike rides. With a responsive aluminum frame, easy shifting Shimano Tiagra 27-speed drivetrain, and lightweight Concept aluminum wheels, the Focus Corrente fitness bike makes getting fit fun.

Fort Mountain Bike Light Presta Tube 26 x 1.95-2.25" $6.99 Fort Mountain Bike Light Presta Tube 26 x 1.95-2.25. Keep your rotating weight to a minimum with lightweight butyl Presta mountain tubes!

2011 Dahon Curve D3 3-Speed Folding Bike $579.99 2011 Dahon Curve D3 3-Speed Folding Bike. It's no wonder the Curve D3 folding bike is one of Dahon's most popular models. It's lightweight, sturdy and folds to an impressively compact size, making it perfect for commuting or stashing in a car for emergency transportation and weekend getaways.

2011 Fuji Absolute 2.0 Road Bike $599 2011 Fuji Absolute 2.0 Road Bike. Like to pound out the miles, but prefer a more upright riding position than a traditional drop handlebar road bike offers? The Fuji Absolute 2.0 road bike is the perfect solution. Combining the performance and handling you want on the road with the all-day comfort of a hybrid bike, it's light and responsive enough for long-distance rides and rugged enough for daily commuting.

GORE BIKE WEAR Path Jacket $199.99 GORE BIKE WEAR Path Jacket. Neon. It's guaranteed to standout while riding. And it's the color of this best-selling, high-visibility cycling jacket. Packable design is perfect for daily commutes in low light conditions. Nearly weightless shell provides windproof, waterproof and extremely breathable protection. Relaxed cut gives you a comfortable fit.

Scattante CFR Race Road Bike $2299 Scattante CFR Race Road Bike. With its feathery-light 3K-weave carbon frame, full-carbon fork, reliable Shimano Ultegra 6700 components and TRP brakes, the Scattante CFR Race road bike is fully equipped to live up to its name. But you don't have to race it to fully appreciate it. The frame has a BB30 shell to lighten the weight and add stiffness for enhanced pedaling efficiency, whether you're driving through a corner in a crit or sizing up the scenery on a leisurely backroads spin. The layups of the oversized, asymmetric tapered carbon tubes are tuned to optimize the balance of stiffness, strength, weight and resilience, making any ride -- at any speed -- more comfortable, more controlled and more responsive. From pavement pacing to podium chasing, you can count on the CFR Race to deliver top performance and one of cycling's best high-end road bike values.

Pearl Izumi Women's Race Mountain Bike Shoes $139.99 Pearl Izumi Women's Race Mountain Bike Shoes. Pearl Izumi Race Mountain Bike women's cycling shoes deliver benchmark off-road performance and comfort in a light and affordable package with top-of-the-line features like 1:1 Power Plate and 1:1 Anatomic Buckle Closure System.

Pearl Izumi Race Mountain Bike Shoes $134.99 Pearl Izumi Race Mountain Bike Shoes. The Race Mountain Bike shoes deliver benchmark off-road performance and comfort in a light and affordable package with top-of-the-line features like Pearl Izumi's 1:1 Power Plate and 1:1 Anatomic Buckle Closure System.

Bell Delirium Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $49 Bell Delirium Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Amazingly light with extremely large vents for great airflow, this Bell Bicycle Helmet is more than just head protection -- it's a fashion statement!

2011 GT Traffic 2.0 Commuter Bike $449 2011 GT Traffic 2.0 Commuter Bike. Be honest. Didn't you promise you'd give bike commuting a shot the next time gas prices started spiking again? Well, the next time is here. And the GT Traffic 2.0 is the perfect commuter bike for honoring that promise. The Triple Triangle design 7000 series aluminum frame is light enough for fast cruising and rugged enough to stand up to life on the streets. The 27-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain is equally rugged, and makes it easy to tackle any hills you encounter along your commute route. The Schwalbe Roadcruiser tires roll quietly and offer plenty of traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

Diadora Protrail 2 Mountain Bike Shoes $439.99 Diadora Protrail 2 Mountain Bike Shoes. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/qifrnh4shL0?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/divbr /br / 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.

GORE BIKE WEAR Alp-X SO Pants $159.99 GORE BIKE WEAR Alp-X SO Pants. We believe GORE BIKE WEAR has created the perfect cycling pants for wet and windy riding conditions. Windproof and water-resistant fabric breathes well and doesn't feel clammy against your skin. Slim silhouette won't get caught up in your chain or flap in the wind. Reflective elements keep you visible in low light. Packable design takes up minimal space in your backpack or panniers. Perfection? We think so.

2010 GT Marathon Carbon Pro Mountain Bike $2999 2010 GT Marathon Carbon Pro Mountain Bike. Think full suspension and full-out XC performance are as incompatible as ice cream and ketchup? The folks who bring you the GT Marathon Carbon Pro beg to differ. Light, responsive, and incredibly well-mannered at speed, it's a full-on XC race bike to its core--but with a trail-taming demeanor that no hardtail can match.

GORE BIKE WEAR Alp-X GT Pants $199.99 GORE BIKE WEAR Alp-X GT Pants. Cloud juice is just part of life. And it's only a matter of time until you get caught in a downpour. So the next time the weather looks iffy, pack these compact and light, weatherproof cycling pants and ride-on in confidence, knowing you're prepared.

Performance Boys Downforce 20" Coaster Brake Kid's Bike $159.99 Performance Boys Downforce 20 Coaster Brake Kid's Bike. Got a future stock car speedster with his engines in the red? Get him cruising through the neighborhood on a coaster-brake bike built tough. With double the stopping power, thanks to the rear linear-pull caliper, he'll not only be safer, but also develop skill with brake levers, so his transition to an adult bike will be all the more easy. Until then, he'll have the best of both worlds. br This bicycle is part of our bKid's Bike Growth Program. bra href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/09_GrowthGuarantee_handout_Chart.pdf target=newView our Kid's Bike Age and Sizing Chart/a/b to help you decide which bike is best for your child.

Mavic 26" Crossride UB Mountain Bike Wheelset $199.99 Mavic 26 Crossride UB Mountain Bike Wheelset. Experience the quality, efficiency, reliability and value that have made Mavic wheels a top choice of pro and recreational riders worldwide. The Crossride UB Mountain Bike wheelset delivers performance, light weight and great aesthetics a very affordable price.

2011 GT Traffic 3.0 Commuter Bike $544 2011 GT Traffic 3.0 Commuter Bike. Want a commuter bike with the cajones to stand up to the toughest challenges? Check out the Traffic 3.0. Drawing on their long heritage of designing super-strong BMX and mountain bikes, GT engineered the Traffic to tackle anything the city throws at it. From its 7000 Series aluminum frame and robust rigid fork, eyelets for fenders or racks and integrated saddle light, to its smooth-shifting 24-speed drivetrain with Shimano shifters and derailleurs, the Traffic goes the extra mile when it comes to features and performance.

2011 GT Traffic 3.0 Women's Commuter Bike $544 2011 GT Traffic 3.0 Women's Commuter Bike. Want a women's-specific commuter bike strong enough to stand up to the toughest urban challenges? Check out the Traffic 3.0. Drawing on their long heritage of designing super-rugged BMX and mountain bikes, GT engineered the Traffic to tackle anything the city throws at it. From its 7000 Series aluminum frame and robust rigid fork, eyelets for fenders or racks and integrated saddle light, to its smooth-shifting 24-speed drivetrain with Shimano shifters and derailleurs, the Traffic goes the extra mile when it comes to features and performance.

Reynolds 29er XC Carbon Mountain Bike Wheelset $1949.99 Reynolds 29er XC Carbon Mountain Bike Wheelset. Reynolds engineers started with a blank sheet of paper when they sat down to design the new 29er XC Carbon Mountain Bike wheelset. That allowed them to optimize functional characteristics and create a 29 wheelset with an ideal combination of strength, stiffness, durability and light weight. With a 21mm internal rim width, these wheels are designed to put the perfect contact patch beneath the rider at all times, enhancing performance, comfort and control. Front wheel is set up for 15mmx100mm/rear wheel is set up for 12mmx142mm and converts to 135mm with QR axle caps and skewers included.

2010 TransIt Cameron Commuter Bike $599 2010 TransIt Cameron Commuter Bike. Turning to local inspiration once again, we dubbed this worthy commuter the Cameron in honor of the heavily traveled avenue that bisects the UNC campus in Chapel Hill. On any given day, at any given hour, you're likely to see a bevy of bikes along busy Cameron Avenue. But none is more likely to turn admiring heads than this well-acquitted rig. Sporting a strong and light chromoly frame, 9-speed internally-geared rear hub, functional fenders and plush comfort saddle, the Cameron hides the soul of a red-hot, high-performance commuter under its mild-mannered cream-colored exterior. But, no worries. The Tektro disc brakes are fully capable of reigning things back in if you decide to explore the Cameron's wild side. And while you're exploring, check out the price tags on some of the other high-end commuter bikes out there and you'll appreciate what a red-hot value the Cameron represents, too.

2011 GT Transeo 3.0 V-Brake Women's Comfort Bike $399 2011 GT Transeo 3.0 V-Brake Women's Comfort Bike. What are you looking for in a bike? Chances are the Transeo 3.0 comfort bike from GT fits the bill. Comfort? You'll enjoy the upright geometry, ergonomic fit, anatomical saddle and soft grips. Speed? The 24-speed Shimano drivetrain and 700c wheels will keep you on the move. And if you're looking for light weight, the 6061 series aluminum frame with hydroformed top tube won't weigh you down.

2012 GT Transeo 3.0 Comfort Bike -- U.S. Exclusive $629.99 2012 GT Transeo 3.0 Comfort Bike -- U.S. Exclusive. What are you looking for in a bike? Chances are the Transeo 3.0 comfort bike from GT fits the bill. Comfort? You'll enjoy the upright geometry, ergonomic fit, anatomical saddle and soft grips. Speed? The 24-speed Shimano drivetrain and 700c wheels will keep you on the move. And if you're looking for light weight, the 6061 series aluminum frame with hydroformed top tube won't weigh you down.

Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance Mountain Bike Tire $48.99 Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance Mountain Bike Tire. Schwalbe calls the Nobby Nic their allgrounder tire. That's because it's light, fast, and offers incredible grip over a variety of trail conditions--from loose to hardpack, to loose over hardpack. If all mountain is how you ride, Nobby nic is all the tire you're likely to need.

2010 GT Zaskar Carbon Team Mountain Bike $3499 2010 GT Zaskar Carbon Team Mountain Bike. You got your first speeding ticket before you turned 16. It's never light enough or fast enough to you. You barrel down mountainsides and rip through corners at speeds that would scare your mother. Prepare to be grounded. The all-new GT Zaskar Carbon Team is the ultimate hardtail race bike. A gorgeous Fox 32 RL fork, Ritchey WCS carbon components, and Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels are pinned to GT's superlight full monocoque force optimized carbon frame with Shimano's coveted XTR drivetrain. The fast rolling Team is dipped head to toe in technology and innovation. Press on, the Zaskar Carbon Team can take whatever punishment you can stomach.

2012 Scattante CFR Comp Carbon Road Bike $1499.99 2012 Scattante CFR Comp Carbon Road Bike. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZOUscnLfH6k?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/divbr /br / Just because you get it right the first time doesn't mean you can't get it even righter the next. That's exactly what we did with the new Scattante CFR Comp carbon road bike. When we introduced it in 2007, the Shimano 105-equipped CFR Comp immediately earned praised for its light weight, responsiveness and comfort. But not content to leave a good thing be, we've refined the shape of the CFR Comp's carbon tubing, tweaked its geometry and optimized its stiffness and flex characteristics to yield an even more refined riding experience with extraordinarily precise handling. For example, the new PowerArch seatstays and flared chainstays offer an ideal balance of lateral stiffness and vertical compliance for optimum energy transfer, and the internal cable routing enhances aerodynamics and gives the CFR Comp a clean, uncluttered look. The one thing we didn't fiddle with was how much performance this bike offers you for the money. Priced hundreds less than similarly equipped bikes, the CFR Comp is miles ahead of the competition when it comes to value.

2012 GT Transeo 3.0 Women's Comfort Bike -- U.S. Exclusive $629.99 2012 GT Transeo 3.0 Women's Comfort Bike -- U.S. Exclusive. Looking for a lightweight bike that's comfortable and fast? The Transeo 3.0 comfort bike from GT fits the bill. When it comes to light weight, the 6061 series aluminum frame with hydroformed top tube won't weigh you down. Comfort? You'll enjoy the upright geometry, ergonomic fit, bump-absorbing suspension fork, anatomical saddle and soft grips. Speed? The 24-speed Shimano drivetrain and easy rolling 700c wheels will get you where you want to go, fast.

Easton EA70XC 29" Mountain Bike Rear Wheel -- CLOSEOUT $189.99 Easton EA70XC 29 Mountain Bike Rear Wheel -- CLOSEOUT. It's light. It's durable. It's priced right. And best of all, it's Easton. The EA70 XC 29 rear wheel has it all. With 24 straight-pull, straight-gauge spokes laced 3-cross, wide profile and sealed cartridge bearings, it's a great high-performance mountain bike wheel and a super value, too.

Easton EA70XC 29" Mountain Bike Front Wheel -- CLOSEOUT $126.99 Easton EA70XC 29 Mountain Bike Front Wheel -- CLOSEOUT. It's light. It's durable. It's priced right. And best of all, it's Easton. The EA70 XC 29 front wheel has it all. With 24 straight-pull, straight-gauge spokes laced 3-cross, wide profile and sealed cartridge bearings, it's a great high-performance mountain bike wheel and a super value, too.

2011 Devinci Dexter RC Mountain Bike $3199 2011 Devinci Dexter RC Mountain Bike. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/7v15GWulWOI?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/div br /br / The explosive acceleration of a super-light XC racer. The bump-taming plushness of a mid-travel trail bike. You get the best of both worlds in the 110mm travel Devinci Dexter. Handmade in Canada from a special blend of 6066-T6 aluminum alloy, the Dexter's frame is hydroformed, triple-butted and features a tapered CNC-machined headtube for a near-fanatical degree of front-end stiffness and steering precision. The Dexter's rear-end duties are handled by the Split Pivot designed by Dave Weagle, creator of the famed dw-link. The Split Pivot design totally isolates pedaling and braking forces, allowing you to accelerate efficiently without bobbing, and to brake efficiently without sacrificing a whit of small-bump suppleness. If you love tearing it up on the flats, railing the berms on descents and out-of-the-saddle climbs that don't make you feel like you're pedaling on a pogo stick, you're gonna love Dexter. The Dexter RC features a Fox F-32 RL FIT fork, SRAM X9/X7 drivetrain and strong and lightweight Fulcrum Red Metal 3 wheelset.

2011 Devinci Dexter XP Mountain Bike $2299 2011 Devinci Dexter XP Mountain Bike. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/7v15GWulWOI?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/div br /br / The explosive acceleration of a super-light XC racer. The bump-taming plushness of a mid-travel trail bike. You get the best of both worlds in the 110mm travel Devinci Dexter. Handmade in Canada from a special blend of 6066-T6 aluminum alloy, the Dexter's frame is hydroformed, triple-butted and features a tapered CNC-machined headtube for a near-fanatical degree of front-end stiffness and steering precision. The Dexter's rear-end duties are handled by the Split Pivot designed by Dave Weagle, creator of the famed dw-link. The Split Pivot design totally isolates pedaling and braking forces, allowing you to accelerate efficiently without bobbing, and to brake efficiently without sacrificing a whit of small-bump suppleness. If you love tearing it up on the flats, railing the berms on descents and out-of-the-saddle climbs that don't make you feel like you're pedaling on a pogo stick, you're gonna love Dexter. The Dexter XP features a RockShox Reba RL fork, Shimano Deore/SLX drivetrain and durable SunRingl Equalizer/Formula wheelset.

2011 Devinci Dexter SL Mountain Bike $5999 2011 Devinci Dexter SL Mountain Bike. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/7v15GWulWOI?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/div br /br / The explosive acceleration of a super-light XC racer. The bump-taming plushness of a mid-travel trail bike. You get the best of both worlds in the 110mm travel Devinci Dexter. Handmade in Canada from a special blend of 6066-T6 aluminum alloy, the Dexter's frame is hydroformed, triple-butted and features a tapered CNC-machined headtube for a near-fanatical degree of front-end stiffness and steering precision. The Dexter's rear-end duties are handled by the Split Pivot designed by Dave Weagle, creator of the famed dw-link. The Split Pivot design totally isolates pedaling and braking forces, allowing you to accelerate efficiently without bobbing, and to brake efficiently without sacrificing a whit of small-bump suppleness. If you love tearing it up on the flats, railing the berms on descents and out-of-the-saddle climbs that don't make you feel like you're pedaling on a pogo stick, you're gonna love Dexter. The top-of-the-line Dexter SL features a Fox F-32 RLC FIT fork, SRAM X0 drivetrain and incredibly lightweight and durable Easton Haven carbon wheels.

Easton XC Two 29" Mountain Bike Front Wheel -- CLOSEOUT $149.99 Easton XC Two 29 Mountain Bike Front Wheel -- CLOSEOUT. A good wheel can make a world of difference in how well your bike responds on the trail. Even more so when you're rocking a 29er, with its greater rotating mass and larger contact patch. Easton's XC Two 29 front wheel is light enough to accelerate fast and respond instantly to rider input, yet it's built to be strong, stiff and sturdy, for mile after mile of reliable, high-performance service no matter how hard you push it.

2012 GT Zaskar Carbon 9R Elite Mountain Bike -- Performance Exclusive $2509.99 2012 GT Zaskar Carbon 9R Elite Mountain Bike -- Performance Exclusive. Lightweight, fast and smooth-handling -- that's what the GT Zaskar Carbon 9R Elite hardtail mountain bike is all about. GT started with a 29 carbon iteration of their legendary Triple Triangle design, spec'd it with race-worthy kit from Rock Shox, SRAM, Shimano, Syncros, Crankbrothers and others, and anchored it with light and responsive 29 Alex wheels wearing fast-rolling, yet grippy, Maxxis Aspen tires. Whether you roll it out on race day or rail it on the trail every day, you'll appreciate the Zaskar Carbon 9R Elite's uncanny ability to make you a better rider.

Kenda Small Block 8 29" Mountain Bike Tire $44.99 Kenda Small Block 8 29 Mountain Bike Tire. Frankly, this tire bites. But in a really good way. One of the fastest-rolling tires in the Kenda Premium line, the Small Block 8 has eight rows of miniaturized, Nevegal-shaped knobs spanning its profile. This profusion of protusions grip hardpack like nobody's business, yet offer remarkably little rolling resistance. With a claimed weight of 575g, this is a mighty light 29 Mountain Bike tire. It boasts a supple and durable 120TPI casing, foldable bead, dual tread compound for long life and enhanced grip, and the admirable ability to tackle off-road exploits and urban commutes with equal finesse.

2010 GT Transeo 3.0 V-Brake Women's Comfort Bike - U.S. Exclusive $379 2010 GT Transeo 3.0 V-Brake Women's Comfort Bike - U.S. Exclusive. What are you looking for in a bike? Chances are the Transeo 3.0 comfort bike fits the bill. Comfort? You'll enjoy the upright geometry, ergonomic fit, anatomical saddle and soft grips. Speed? The 700c wheels will keep you on the move. And if you're looking for light weight, the 6061 series aluminum frame with hydroformed top tube won't weigh you down.

Crank Brothers 26" Iodine 2 Mountain Bike Wheelset $584.99 Crank Brothers 26 Iodine 2 Mountain Bike Wheelset. We don't know how they did it, but the good folks at Crank Brothers have made the popular Iodine wheelset even more affordable. Same beefy 21mm rims, same tubeless compatibility, same all mountain, all the time stiffness and strength. And they're still light enough for some serious climbing. Way to go, Bros!

Mavic 26" Crosstrail Center Lock Disc Mountain Bike Wheelset $419.99 Mavic 26 Crosstrail Center Lock Disc Mountain Bike Wheelset. Lighter, stiffer and more responsive than ever, the Mavic Crosstrail Center Lock Disc Wheelset delivers high performance without high cost. They're strong enough for tackling tough trails, light enough for racing and ride like wheels costing much more. Plus, they're compatible with both UST and standard tires and tubes.

Contour Car Charger $19.99 Contour Car Charger. Juice up your Contour camera on the go with the Car Charger. Keep recording while your camera is recharging or power down to recharge even faster.