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Mountain Biking Gear
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Eye Protection
The "look" in mountain biking gear for eye protection is the bug like wraparound
frames, a little strange and rarely flattering. Some are
more extreme than others are. The shape is part fashion
and part function. The wrap around effect helps to keep
wind, dirt, and bugs out of your eyes. Whatever style
you choose, they should provide UV protection and be made
with a non-shattering material.
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Bolle
Web site: www.bolle.com
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Oakley
Web site: www.oakley.com
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Revo
Web site: www.revo.com
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Smith
Web site: www.smithsport.com
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Gloves
Bike gloves are basic mountain biking gear that protect your hands from chaffing and blisters
caused by constant contact with the handlebars. They are
usually lightweight nylon or spandex with a thicker padding
for the palm. They're available at most bike shops.
Helmet
To get the right fit, you'll need to try them on. They
should fit firmly and stay in place. If your helmet doesn't
fit right, it will bounce around while riding and won't
protect you in a fall. Some of the fancier models come
in aerodynamic shapes. They do look cool and will reduce
the level of wind resistance or "drag", especially for
those with big heads. Joke! Most helmets also come with
small openings for vents. These help to keep your head
cool. If you're riding in the winter and need to keep
your head warm, helmet liners are available.
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Giro, Tel. 1-800-294-6098
Web site: www.giro.com
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Specialized
Web site: www.specialized.com
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Shoes
Once you try the clip-less pedals, you will never go
back. You need to make sure your cycling shoes are compatible
with the clip-less pedal system you're using. One of the
features that you should look for in a cycling shoe is
a hard toe. This will protect your feet from any branches
or rocks you might hit.
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Shimano, Tel. 1-800-353-3817
Web site: www.shimano.com
(Shimano also makes a great snowboarding boot and binding
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Seats
A recent development in mountain biking equipment are bike seats designed for women.
They offer better support, which helps your posture and
your back. They come highly recommended. Also available
is "gel" padding instead of foam. Because gel is denser
than foam, it absorbs shocks and bumps better.
Avocet, Tel. 1-800-227-8346, in California, USA.
InMotion, Tel. 1-800-552-2976, in Montana, USA.
San Marco, Tel. 1-970-282-1880, in Colorado, USA.
Terry-Precision Cycling for Women, Tel. 1-800-289-8379,
in New York, USA.
Web site: www.terrybicycles.com
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Clothing
Padded bike shorts are a good thing. They really make
the difference on a long ride. That may be the last place
you think needs padding, but they're worth it. When riding
during the cooler months, it's important to wear clothing
that wicks away perspiration. Cotton is not advisable
since it traps moisture close to your skin. Look for materials
like Capilene, CoolMax, Lycra, nylon, silk blends, Thermastat,
and Versatech.
Dirt Designs, Tel. 1-800-269-6641 in Boulder,
Colorado, USA.
Pearl Izumi, Tel. 1-800-877-7080.
Web site:
www.pearlizumi.com
Sportobin, Tel. 1-800-424-3843 in Hull, Massachusetts,
USA.
Sugoi, Tel. 1-888-239-2851.
Web site: www.sugoi.ca
Terry - Precision Cycling for Women, Tel. 1-800-289-8379.
Web site:
www.terrybicycles.com
Bikes
The high-end models are a real pocket-punch. So for
a first time bike purchase, look around for a slightly
used mountain bike, a low-end model or last year's models
on sale.
As mentioned earlier, biking has taken on many forms.
Even mountain biking has many forms and styles. Biking
styles range from off-road, to cross-country, and downhilling.
Off-road is generally considered riding on dirt paths
with limited vertical climbs and descents. Cross-country
is both steep climbs and bumpy descents. Downhilling is
long, fast difficult descents.
Downhilling is relatively new and being offered during
the summer at ski resorts. A chair-lift type service takes
you up to the top of the mountain and you take the long
wild ride down. Weight is less a factor in descending
as it is in climbing. The downhilling bike is beefed up
with the best suspension systems, disc braking system,
an indestructible frame, and only 8 speeds.
Cross-country bikes are the most popular. An intermediate
level bike will be lightweight, with 24 speeds and a front
shock. The more advanced equipment includes a rear suspension
and v-brakes, which offer more stopping power. It's important
to equip your bike with a quick gear shifting system.
If the shifting system holds up even a little, you'll
loose valuable momentum on an assent.
More and more manufacturers
are starting to design women's bikes. They offer different
proportions for women. Because men carry more weight in
their upper bodies, men only need to lean forward to keep
the front tire on the ground during an assent. This is
more difficult for a woman with a lower center of gravity.
Before you buy a bike, look into demo'ing the women's
models, testing them on assents and descents.
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Mountain Bike Manufacturers
These manufacturers have some of the best mountain bikes
designed for women.
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Battle Mountain Bikes,
in Wyoming, USA.
Tel. 1-307-327-5952 |
Cannondale
Web site: www.cannondale.com
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Fat City Cycles
P.O. Box 876
Stowe, Vermont 05672 USA
Tel. 1-802-253-6998.
They specialize in women's bike designs and provide some
of the best.
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Giant, Tel. 1-800-779-BIKE.
Web site: www.giant-bicycle.com
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Independent Fabrications
P.O. Box 98
Somerville, MA 02143 USA
Tel. 1-617-666-3609
Web site: www.ifbikes.com
Women's bike frames. |
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Scott, in Colorado,
USA.
Tel. 1-800-292-5875 |
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Softride, Tel. 1-800-557-6387
Web site: www.softride.com
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Specialized
Web site: www.specialized.com
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TREK, Tel. 1-800-369-TREK.
Web site: www.trekbikes.com
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Please send your suggestions and
comments to gearadvice@shegear.com.
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