Beginner’s Guide to Buy a Mountain Bike for the First Time

Are you already swooned by the latest collection of mountain bikes in the nearby cycling stores? Mountain bikes are surely something every road biker looks forward to while going on long distant expeditions. Biking is something that can be really exciting and thrilling for the riders. The idea of riding the bike in a different location altogether that has breathtaking views and scenery is something every rider enjoys the most. In fact, it is one of the most exciting things for the people who love exploring new places and locations on bikes. If you are planning a trip to a mountainous place then surely mountain bike is something that you must plan on buying. 

South Africa has one of the most beautiful locations if you are trying to find a perfect trail for bike riding. Ranging from tough to moderate trails the country has a lot to choose from. Along with buying mountain bikes, you can also buy mountain bike accessories in South Africa to upgrade your biking experience. This will help you in getting the best results from your mountain bike. If you are planning to buy a mountain bike for the first time then read this article as we describe essential things to consider for the first time buyers.

• Pick the Right Size

One of the most important things to consider while picking up a mountain bike is to choose the right frame size. There is basically no standardized idea of the size but make sure to check first and then pick the right one. The main idea to pick the mountain bike should be the right fit.

• Choose a Wheel Size

According to the diameters, you can make a choice between 27.5in or 29in. But according to the recent trend people are going wide rimmed plus sizes and 29in downhill wheels that are being chosen by almost every bike rider. Plus sizes can be really beneficial on the hardtails. The only drawback is that they are quite sensitive towards the tire pressure.

• Hardtail or Full Suss

Hardtails are good at bearings, rear shock, extra manufacturing, and linkage. At the same time, there are chances you would get better parts specifications on hardtails than a full-suss bike at the same price. On the other hand, the full-suss bike has got more advanced, so the advantages can still be considered over disadvantages. It is not compulsory to learn on a hardtail before buying a big bike basically it is all about preferences.

• Try to go for a Test Ride

If you are going to pay a lot of money on a mountain bike then it is logical to take a test ride before buying it. A test drive can tell you whether the bike really feels good to ride and is actually what you are looking for in a bike. Many bike stores have demo fleets, so you can take the possible bike for a proper ride. Also, it is better to take test rides on different bikes to feel the difference only then you can make the right decision.

• Keep Some Budget for the Accessories

If you are planning to buy a mountain bike to go on expeditions then buying a trail helmet that has better coverage, a decent peak, and stronger construction is always a good option. You may also like to buy a backpack and some good set of glasses. Then there are mountain bike specific shoes, sticky shoes for flat pedals, clipless pedals and cleats. These accessories can enhance your mountain biking experience to a whole new level. You can buy your favorite set of mountain bike accessories in South Africa from the bike stores.

HOW TO PACK A BICYCLE BEFORE MOVING?

Genuine bike enthusiasts treasure their bikes and for them, bikes are more than a mean of transportation. Bikes bring a sense of satisfaction, present a solid feeling of freedom and may even give another significant meaning to their lives.  Moving to another city is always tough. If you’re going for a short trip or moving locally, then its easy to move your bike in your car.  If you are moving for a long distance then you may have to transport your bicycle.

The following guide will help you disassembling and packing your bike for a safe move to its new place.  All you require is some economical pressing material, essential apparatuses and an hour of time. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be a specialist packer in a matter of time.

You will need these tools to disassemble and re-assemble your bike:

• Buy online bicycle transport bag
• Bubble wrap
• Foam tubing
• Zip ties
• Pedal. Hex wrenches and torque.
• Fork protector
• Zip ties
• Derailleur guards.

You will have to disassemble your bike before packing. These are the following methods for disassembling your bike before moving.

1. Clean your bike properly with a neat cloth.
2. With the help of a pedal wrench, unscrew both pedals. Wrap and place both pedals in a small box. 
3. Remove the seat.
4. Remove mirror, bell or any other accessories your bike is equipped with. Wrap each accessory independently and put in original packages. Just in case you don’t have the original package, put it in the assigned box.
5. Remove and wrap the entire braking unit safely with a bubble wrap. Also remove brake cables so that you can readjust the brake later on.
6. Remove the handlebar and wrap it safely with the bubble wrap.
7. Unscrew the front wheel and put the fork into fork protector to protect the fork from any damage. 
8. Deflate tires so that you can easily pack them in a box. 
9. Take extra care of the back derailleur. Being extremely fragile, it can easily get damaged. 
10. Use foam tubes around the metal to protect from scratches.  
11. Lay the bike and position the front wheel on the non-chain side. Place the wheel above the wrapped left pedal and slowly bring it down so that the pedal is between the wheel spokes without contacting them. Use some zip ties to secure the wheel to the frame. 
12. Secure the handlebars using bubble wrap and zip ties. Make sure that no cable is twisted. 
13. Precisely put your bike in the bicycle transport box. In case you don’t have any, you can buy bicycle transport bag online.

Bicycle Disc Brake: 5 Major Mistakes to Avoid

Isn’t it always good to learn from your mistakes, but even better than that is to avoid any kind of possible mistakes? When it comes to bicycle disc brakes there are few mistakes that pop up every now and then. Bicycle disc brakes are exclusively found on mountain bikes and are available in all types and at different prices. Disc brake provides an amazing stopping power, great speed regulation and all-weather performance than conventional rim brakes. But these brakes at times can be very difficult to maintain. 

But don’t let that halt you from purchasing one for yourself as it is a great investment for your mountain trips and rides. Here are some major mistakes that you must avoid if you have a disc brake or in case you are going to purchase it soon.

• Avoid Touching The Rotor Brake Surface

After continuous ride rotors tend to get very hot so touching one can be distressing and uncomfortable. Also, the oils from your fingers can tarnish the rotors and make the brake less effective and noisy. This must be avoided in case you want a smooth and swift bicycle ride.

• Wrong Brake Fluid

Nowadays there are mostly two types of fluid that are used in mountain bikes- DOT fluid and mineral oil. Do not experiment with these fluids. Use the fluid that was basically designed for your disc brake to shun any kind of inconvenience.

• Remember To Check The Thickness of Brake Pads

Disc brakes are low maintenance but mostly the pads do tend to wear out with time and frequent ridings. As soon as the brake surface material gets thinner than 2.5 mm, make sure to replace the pads. You can easily buy best quality bicycle disc brake pads online at most affordable prices.

• Avoid Getting The Degreaser, Lube or Brake Fluid on the Rotor or Disc Brake Pads

Most of the brake power issues are caused due to accident spilling of these fluids either on the rotor or on the brake pads. Just in case you accidentally slopped any of these fluids, immediately wash the rotor with isopropyl alcohol with the help of a clean cloth. And in case you got the fluid on the disc brake pads, it is always a good option to replace them. You can save them for the time being by sanding off the top layer but with time the seeped in oil or fluid will start damaging the rotor, ultimately hampering the ability of the brakes.

• Over-filling the Disc Brake System

Over-filling the disc brake system with brake fluid can make replacing the brake pads next to impossible. The extra fluid in the brake system will hamper you from pushing the piston back into the rest position, an important step required to fit the new disc brake pads.

How To Choose The Best Online Mountain Bike Store South Africa

Mountain bikes are one of the specially designed and capable bikes for off-road cycling. However, mountain bikes share some resemblances with other bikes. Incorporate features are the most imperative thing that enhances durability as well as performance in rough territory. Cycling over the rough areas can be challenging hence people like to prefer mountain bikes in order to make sure their safety. There are many certain reasons for using mountain bikes. Just like a mountain bike, bike parts are also the most imperative thing. Sometimes, you may need to buy some mountain bike parts to maintain your bike. Therefore, you should know the reliable sources to buy such items. 

Moreover, you need to choose a perfect place to buy the best mountain bike parts. There are so many manufacturing companies and providers available that can help you to get the best parts for your mountain bike. If we talk about the best place to buy, nothing can beat online sources in terms of convenience and great prices. Looking for the best online mountain bike store South Africa? No worries, we have some tips for you that will help you to search the best online bike store. Sometimes, people face difficulties when they search the best online stores hence we are helping through some tips. Let us explain it to you.

Tips To Choose The Best Online Mountain Bike Store South Africa

• Search Topmost Sources 

The top list can make your decision perfect and beneficial. Most of the reputed and reliable online mountain bike store South Africa comes at the top. Therefore, we are suggesting only topmost sources to buy mountain bike parts and other accessories. It will make your shopping easier.

• Always Check Reviews and Rating

Most of the online mountain bike store South Africa allows people to give their reviews and rating for services and products. Simply you just need to read each review carefully and choose the best and reliable sources to buy such items online.

• Check Cost

When it comes to buying mountain bike parts and accessories, cost matters a lot and you can compromise with it. If you really want to choose the affordable items, you should choose an inexpensive store that fits your budget. However, you can choose an item according to your budget. 

• Check Available Brands

 Brand and manufacturing company also matter when you are buying things for a mountain bike. Always check available brands on the online stores. Most of the online stores provide a list of the available brands.