Spring Tune Up Tips

If you don't ride in the winter, you've probably spent the winter months on the couch eating chips and watching television. Before you know it, spring will be here and a new season of mountain biking will begin. Even though your body may not be in shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.

Before you take your bike out, check the wear and tear on your components and adjust them if its necessary. Start off with your chain. If you haven't replaced it in a year or more, it's time to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the chain will get worn out, increasing its effective length.

As this happens, the chain is no longer able to conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring, so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of the chain. If you can replace the chain before it stretches too much you'll save yourself from having to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these should turn without a problem with no play in the system. Before checking the bottom bracket, make sure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.

Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel for any free play or binding. If you feel play or binding, you need to make an adjustment. To check the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted wheels back on the bike.

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the handle bars back and forth. There shouldn't be any play. If you lift the front end off the ground, the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels rough, it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.

While your looking, check the condition of your cables and housing. The cables should be rust free and the housing shouldn't be cracked or kinked. If you see any of this you should replace the offending device, as if you don't your shifting and braking will be sluggish.

Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you know when they need to be replaced. Brake pads that are worn out will comprimise both safety and braking efficiency.

Once you've got the tune ups out of the way, it's time to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!

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Mini 8 Folding Bike

Proving that great things come in small packages, the Kent Mini 8 folding bike is an ideal space-saving choice for people with small homes yet big expectations. The Mini 8 is outfitted with such standard bike features as a strong aluminum alloy frame, a one-speed dual chain drive, front and rear linear pull brakes, and alloy wheels. However, the bike distinguishes itself from the crowd through its folding frame and adjustable-height seat and handlebars.

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Kent Compact 16 Aluminum Folding Bike

Never has it been a better time to consider a folding bicycle. Rising gas prices are making it harder and harder to have a car these days. Folding bike to the rescue! These have long been an answer for campers and travelers of all kinds and our Compact 16 Aluminum Folding Bike is the newest solution in the space equation making it perfect for apartment dwellers, college students or anyone looking for a great bike with little space!

A simple and easy 6 speed drivetrain is perfect for this handy compact bike. Safe braking is provided for with sure stopping linear pull brakes front and rear. Lightweight but strong alloy wheels in a terrain-taming 16-inch size provide a smooth and comfortable ride.

This package is tough to beat, especially at this price. Now you can affordably take your fitness and transportation WITH you.

folding bicycle

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Areaware STRiDA 5.0 Folding Bicycle

The first completely new bicycle geometry in 95 years. Inside a triangular frame of lightweight aluminum, this single speed bike transfers power to the rear wheel via a silent clean Kevlar belt. Handlebars are mounted horizontally so the rider can sit comfortably upright with an excellent view of the road. The genius of the triangular frame is that it can quickly fold. In five seconds, you have a light, compact form that you can easily wheel, stow in a closet, load in your car or take on the train.

Areaware STRiDA 5.0 Folding Bicycle

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Strida 5.0 Folding Bike Silver

Strida! Strida! Strida! Woo, alright! Right off of the bat, let us say this. You're not going to take the Strida on 100 mile long commutes. If your commute is shorter, however, or if you're looking for something to have fun with around the block or in the park, the Strida is AWESOME. The Strida is comfortable to ride (offering a relaxed, upright posture), easy to fold and transport, and easy to store. Folding in just 6 seconds and weighing in at 20 lbs, the Strida is one of the lightest, fastest-folding bicycles on the market.

The Strida is also impeccably clean. With rust-proof components and a kevlar belt driving the bike in place of a chain, you don't have to worry about dirty grease, lubrication, or adjustments. In addition, the kevlar belt never needs to be adjusted or cleaned the way a chain would, so you can ride with a clear mind. And trust us, these belts are durable (it's the same system that a Harley motorcycle uses.) Strida bicycles are known for their hand-built quality. Given that they are single-speed, there is even less maintenance to worry about. With smaller wheels, the Strida offers a lot of acceleration and handling. You'll take off quickly and effortlessly, and you'll stop and turn on a dime. Needless to say, the Strida is a lot of fun to ride. The Strida is easy to fold, and easy to transport when folded. Given the belt driven system and the alignment of the wheels when folded, you can easily roll the Strida on its wheels when in its folded form.

This Folding Bike is certainly a welcome addition to the folding bike world, and you'll find that you'll be making use of this nifty feature all of the time. In all honesty, you'll marvel at the Strida's design. English designer and engineer Mark Sanders spent sixteen years refining the design. It's simple and elegant, like a piece of art.

Strida 5.0 Folding Bike Silver

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Dahon Mariner D7 Folding Bicycle

This Folding Bicycle Designed specifically for boaters, the Mariner D7 makes your in-shore adventures a lot more fun and convenient. It stashes easily into even the tiniest of boat holds. But when you arrive at a port of call it unfolds in seconds to help you explore or shop for supplies. The perfect accessory for your boat.

*Note for Folding Bicycle: While rust resistant, the Mariner is not rust proof. Proper maintenance is required to minimize corrosion. It folds in less than 15 seconds so you can take it anywhere. It's light enough to carry on public transport. Perfect for taking on a bus or train on your commute or stashing in your apartment. Folding Bicycle have equipped with a Dahon Neos rear derailleur that features crisp, fast shifting and a low profile design that is protected from damage. 7005 aluminum frame with custom-drawn Sonus tubing and six patented technologies.

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