Check out our article on the health benefits of mountain biking...
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-health-reasons-jump-your-mountain-bike-edward-aguilar
Friday, September 2, 2016
Friday, August 12, 2016
4 Health Benefits of Mountain Biking!
4 Health Benefits of Mountain Biking
https://www.blueskycycling.com
Many people prefer mountain biking over other sporting and
recreation activities such as running or going to the gym because mountain
biking can be more exciting and still has the health benefits. In fact, a lot
of people have become more healthy by mountain biking even when their main focus
was to have fun! As a means of
recreation, mountain biking is so engaging and thrilling that it lets you have
fun while sweating, shaping up your body and building up your muscles. It also
has the capabilities of keeping you physically, mentally, emotionally and
socially fit. Not so many sporting activities have such a capacity as mountain
biking! Let’s check out the health benefits of mountain biking. Whenever
you go out mountain biking, every tough section you encounter such as the
lung-crushing and cholesterol burning climbs are almost instantly and
generously rewarded by the breezy and refreshing descents you were
anticipating. You also get to enjoy the beautiful view of nature as you ride
along. Apart from the fun derived from this activity, you also get to build,
strengthen and tone your muscles. There
are also the benefits of relief from stress and maybe even depression. Mountain biking can even help maintain
healthy joints and build up healthy
heart.
Building, Strengthening and Toning Your Muscles
Mountain biking is a good way of building, toning, and
strengthening your muscles. You get the maximum health benefits out of your
workout when you ride regularly. Although your whole body benefits from the
exercise, mountain biking focuses more on strengthening the muscles on your
legs, thighs, and buttocks. A good way
of improving your stamina is taking the bike out on rough terrain or in the
hills. In addition, you will improve your body coordination because there can
be unexpected bumps and other terrain you have to react to.
Relieving Stress
Natural scenery such as green spaces and untamed
environments are known to possess the power to change your mood and the general
state of emotion. You can try and compare cycling within or around the city and
cycling in open and natural areas and feel the difference. As you encounter the
bustles and hustles of the city, you most often feel overwhelmed by stress. As
you go about your daily activities which may include mentally demanding tasks
such as studying, research and doing repetitive tasks, you will always get
stressed. This is the time when you need
to take a break and hit the mountain trails. The pressure in you deflates hence
relieving you of stress and improves your overall state of emotion.
Taking Care of Your Joints
Hitting the pavements hard while running or jogging can have
a negative impact on your joints; especially your knees, ankles and hips. But
you still need to work out and keep fit. Well, mountain biking presents you
with an option of working out and keeping fit while being gentle on your joints.
Especially if you are experiencing problems with your knees and other joints.
As opposed to other recreational and sporting activities such as running,
mountain biking is very gentle on your body especially when you have the
correct mountain bike. A bike that is the right size for you, and suits your
riding style, riding discipline and the kind of terrain you ride.
Building and Maintaining a Healthy Heart
Like all other exercises and sports, mountain biking gets
your heart pumping hard. Whenever you take on steep climbing, you exercise your
cardiovascular system making it strong over time. This makes your heart
stronger and much healthier. Since mountain biking gives you the much needed
breezy recovery periods, it becomes fun and easier to do it again and again.
This way you are able to work out more while enjoying yourself. Whether you take
mountain biking as a hobby, a sport or a recreational activity, it will take
care of your health. It will build up, strengthen and tone your muscles,
decrease your stress, be easy on your joints and help you build and maintain a
healthy heart. When building your muscles, a perfect way of increasing your
stamina is by riding on tough rough terrains. The beautiful scenery and natural
environment where you ride your bike have the magic to ease the pressure built
up in you as a result of hard work. Unlike running and jogging, mountain biking
is very gentle on your joints especially if you have problematic knees and other
joints. Finally, mountain biking is that kind of activity that encourages you
to exercises more and harder hence building and maintaining a healthy heart. For further reading check out another great article on the health benefits of mountain biking. We hope this article encourages you to hit
the trail and get that heart pumping! If
you have any questions please feel free too leave us a comment and don’t forget
to give us the Facebook and Google like!
Here's a great video on the benefits of mountain biking..
| Blue Sky Cycling |
| 2530 Randolph St. |
| Huntington Park, Ca 90255 |
| (323) 585-3934 |
| https://www.blueskycycling.com |
| info@blueskycycling.com |
Article Sources:
http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/understanding-heart-disease-could-save-your-life
https://www.bikejames.com/strength/is-mountain-biking-good-for-your-bones/
http://www.mdhealthdisparities.org/?p=56
http://mountainbikegeezer.com/mountain-bikings-sweet-spot-for-seniors-high-impact-bone-density-low-impact-joints/
Friday, July 22, 2016
Weekend Sale! New Low Prices! Shop Now..
http://bit.ly/weekendsale16
Shimano SLX M675 Disc Brake Set MSRP 280.00 Sale $139.98Shimano MT66 Wheelset MSRP 650.00 On Sale $199.98
 |
| Mountain Bike Parts Sale |
Monday, July 18, 2016
The Basics of Mountain Bike Brakes
https://www.blueskycycling.com
There are many different brands and models of mountain bike
brakes from a range of manufacturers. The varieties of brakes available in the
market today is so overwhelming that unless you know exactly what you are
looking for, you might bypass the perfect set of brakes for your mountain bike.
You may end up buying brakes that do not fit onto your bike at all. Or maybe
you might find one that fits your mountain bike but is not as effective as you
want it to be. Braking, when calibrated
just right can be a beautiful feeling. I
remember purchasing a mountain bike with standard equipment, riding down a
steep hill and having brakes that just couldn’t stop me fast enough. Not the best feeling in the world. So lets take a look at some of the basics in
braking to try to better understand what we can do to slow down a bit
faster.
Mountain bike manufacturers such as Avid, Shimano and Sram
produce high-quality brakes. Despite the quality, you need to know some more
about mountain bike brakes if you are to get the perfect upgrade for your bike. The most popular type of mountain bike braking system used
today is the disc brake. Disc brakes can either be the mechanical type or the
hydraulic type. When shopping for a disc brake, you need to consider the
rotors, the brake pads, and the brake modulation. If you are having a hard time
choosing disc brakes for your mountain bike, the information in this article
will make the task a piece of cake.
Types of Mountain Bike Brakes
Basically, there are two kinds of mountain bike braking
systems. Although we are concentrating on the disc brakes in this article, it
is useful to go get an overview of rim brakes. Since mountain bike frames are
made to accommodate disc brakes and rim brakes, it is important, to find out
the type of mount you have before you choose any type of brakes. Rim brakes come in different varieties such as the “V –
brakes” and “Y – Brakes”. In the rim braking system, there are two pads fitted
on both sides of the wheel. They grab the wheel when the levers are depressed,
hence slowing down the bike. Rim brakes have a limited stopping power which
gets even worse in wet and muddy conditions. This is why the popularity of rim
brakes has reduced significantly over the years. On the other hand, disc brakes have gained its popularity
because of its effectiveness and efficiency. They provide a shorter braking
distance and are not affected by the weather conditions.
Hydraulic vs. Mechanical Disc Brakes
Great video on Hydraulic vs. Mechanical Disc Brakes for road bikes and mountain bikes.
Disc brakes are made in two flavors. Hydraulic brakes are
the ones that use a piston-cylinder system that is filled with a special kind
of fluid. It is similar to the brakes being used on vehicles and motorcycles.
On the other hand, mechanical brakes use a steel cable which converts the pull
on the lever to a pull on the brake caliper on the disc. Although hydraulic brakes provide more stopping power and an
improved modulation, they are quite expensive to buy and maintain. They also
require a lot of skill to service and perform operations such as bleeding. Mechanical brakes are cheaper to buy and maintain. They are
also easy to service and maintain compared to hydraulic brakes.
Considering the Brake Rotors
In a disc brake system, the disc itself is also called the
rotor. It is the circular disc that is mounted on the wheel, which when grabbed
by the pads, slow down the bike. It functions very well in dissipating heat
from the friction during braking. The diameter of the rotor will determine the amount of heat
transferred. Therefore, gravity-oriented mountain bikes should use larger
rotors than cross-country mountain bikes. The size of the rotor can also be
dictated by the position on which the caliper is mounted on the frame of the
bike. For this reason, many manufacturers have adopted and now include an
adapter that fit various rotors.
Disc Brake Pads
Here's a great video on how to change your own disc brake pads on your mountain bike. Some people take their mountain bikes in for this but the process is pretty simple. You can do it at home if you follow the steps in the video...
The basic brake pads available for disc brakes include the
semi-metallic pads, sintered pads, and organic brake pads. Most out of box
bikes will come fitted with some kind of semi-metallic pads. They are famous
for providing stronger stopping power and do not wear out quickly compared to
organic brake pads. Sintered pads, also known as metallic pads, are suitable for
heavy gravity riders because of their elevated friction values. As a matter of
fact, metallic brake pads produce more friction in high temperatures as opposed
to low temperatures. As a result, they perform well in extreme conditions.
Resin brake pads, which are the organic pads, provide an
improved modulation. It generates less noise but wears and tears quicker than
the semi-metallic pads. They also do not cope very well with wet conditions.
Now that you understand some more about the types of
mountain bike brakes, the difference between the mechanical and hydraulic
brakes, the brake rotors and the different types of brake pads, you are in a
position to select the perfect brakes for your mountain bike. All you need to
do is keep in mind that manufacturers make the different types of mountain bike
brakes depending on the riding style the bike is meant for. The hydraulic and
mechanical brakes are the two flavors available for the disc braking systems.
The size of the brake rotor contributes significantly to its power, and
brake pads also come in three flavors: the metallic, semi-metallic, and the
organic brake pads. You can get more information on bike mountain bike braking system on the wiki page. Also, remember that heavy riders should go for a braking
system that has more stopping power. If you have any questions please feel free to email us or leave a comment! We thank you for reading!
| Blue Sky Cycling |
| 2530 Randolph St. |
| Huntington Park, Ca 90255 |
| (323) 585-3934 |
| https://www.blueskycycling.com |
| info@blueskycycling.com |
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Shimano Mountain Bike Groupsets
Shimano Mountain Bike Groupsets
www.blueskycycling.com
The drivetrain of your mountain bike is a fairly small
section of your bike, yet it is made up of the most hardworking components on
your bike. For example, when you are climbing long rocky hills with your
mountain bike, you are forced to keep shifting from gear to gear trying to keep
a constant cadence. You grind over the long sections of grit, mud and sand, or
on the snow, wheezing down the rock gardens towards your finish line, hoping
and jumping over abrupt logs and roots on your cross country trail. All these
translate to pressure and stresses on your bike which in turn leads to wear and
tear. The components of the drivetrain are the ones that you will most likely
replace more often.
Since there are several different types of groupsets
available for your mountain bike, it can be very difficult to choose the
correct set to use when replacing or upgrading your mountain bike. This article
takes a closer look at the lineup of Shimano’s drivetrain group sets starting
with the Deore groupset, the Shimano SLX groupset, the Shimano Deore XT
groupset, the Shimano Zee groupset, the Shimano Saint groupset, the Shimano XT
Di2 groupset, and the Shimano XTR groupset, with the aim of helping you
identify the correct set for your mountain bike and your riding style.
Shimano
Deore groupset
Although the Shimano Deore groupset may seem to be
obsolete, it is still one of the best groupsets offered by Shimano. It may be
perceived as an unsung icon in the mountain biking componentry. Nevertheless,
the fact is that it mixes the right balance in performance and reliability.
What you may not know is that over the years, Shimano has been tweaking and
refining the Deore groupset until now it boasts of many of the features found
in Shimano’s top models. In general, the Deore groupset is still the ideal
choice for an entry level mountain bike trail riding.
Shimano
SLX groupset
The Shimano SLX groupset is a relatively new addition to
the Shimano’s set of family. It is a universal group of components that you can
easily tailor to your own riding style and preferences. The Shimano SLX
groupset shifts smoothly and is long lasting. It is composed of Shimano’s
high-quality components featuring the Shimano Shadow+ rear derailleur, the
Shimano RapidFire plus shifter, and the Shimano Ice Technology disc brakes. All
these accrue to the exceptional performance witnessed in this group set, not
forgetting that all these come at a wallet-friendly price
Shimano
Deore XT groupset
A whole new level of performance and reliability comes
with the Shimano Deore XT groupset. Its components are lighter in weight and
have high performances. The Shimano XT derives its features from a trickle of
features from high-end models. Regardless of whether you are a cross-country
cyclist, a trail rider, or you mix different riding styles, the Shimano Deore
XT excels in providing you with crispier shifting, transfer, general
refinement, and increased power.
Shimano Zee groupset
One of the latest groupsets by Shimano is the Shimano Zee
groupset which is carefully engineered to meet the need of gravity riders who
are usually on the lookout for the next big jump, and drop off. The components
of this groupset have been meticulously tried, tested and designed to meet the
riding needs of mostly the freeride and downhill riding styles. It is a mix of
high technology, reliability, top value, and a fair price.
Shimano
Saint groupset
The Shimano Saint groupset is manufactured in such a way
that it is able to take that extra harsh treatment, and abuse. Surprisingly, it
is still light enough. The Shimano Saint groupset is manufactured with the top end downhill
professional in mind. The rider can easily forget all about gentleness to the
bike and concentrate on the technical aspects of the ride.
Shimano
XT Di2 groupset
The cross-country and enduro riders have also not been
forgotten. The Shimano XTDi groupset is specially designed and manufactured for
them. This groupset blends high performance with seamless shifting and brings
them to a new level. Their price is affordable and accessible.
Shimano
XTR groupset
Top of the list is the Shimano’s XTR groupset which is a
collection of Shimano’s top cream components. Using this groupset, numerous
high-speed racers and have won uncountable races and championships. It is light in weight, yet strong and adorn
with the latest technology which makes it crisp, efficient, and reliable.
Although the latest and the greatest mountain bike
products and components catch the attention and stimulate conversations and
debates about them, this need not mean that the earlier versions of the same
products and components are rendered useless. We have taken a look at the major
groupsets offered by Shimano such as the Deore groupset, the Shimano SLX
groupset, the Shimano Deore XT groupset, the Shimano Zee groupset, the Shimano
Saint groupset, the Shimano XT Di2 groupset, the Shimano XTR groupset. The
Deore may not be celebrated much, but it is still a great way of starting
mountain biking. While the SLX can easily be tailored to match your riding
style and preferences, the Deore XT features characteristics of other high-end
models. The Zee and the Saint are crafted to meet the needs of freeride
cyclists and withstand harsh treatment respectively. The Shimano XT Di2 is best
suited for high-speed cross-country cyclist, and the XTR groupset being a
careful collection of the best of Shimano’s components.
| Blue Sky Cycling |
| 2530 Randolph St. |
| Huntington Park, Ca 90255 |
| (323) 585-3934 |
| https://www.blueskycycling.com |
| info@blueskycycling.com |
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Top Gadgets to Help You Get the Most Out Of Your Cycling Workout
Top Gadgets to Help You Get the Most Out Of Your Cycling
Workout
TOP Gadgets to Help You Get the Most Out Of Your Cycling Workout by Edward Aguilar
Apart from winning races and championships, the other
reason why we pick up our mountain bikes is to exercise. During your workout we have found that tracking your time, and overall performance is crucial. Using on-board cycling computers make it exciting because there is so much information they can give you. For example, if you are looking to cut weight, having a bike computer to track your heart rate will get you in the correct heart rate zone to accomplish your goal. Monitoring your heart rate will gets you the correct information to either speed up or slow down your peddle speed to get in the correct heart rate zone. The Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer shown below can help you with that. Below are 4 great cycling computers with information on each.
Cycling computers, cadence monitors, and heart rate
monitors are helpful gadgets that can help you get the most out of your cycling
workout. These are gadgets you can hardly do without, especially if you are
seriously concerned about the progress in your workout. The Cannondale IQ100 11 Function Cycling
Computer, the Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer, the Cateye Strada Triple Wireless
Computer CC-RD430DW and the CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50 are some of
the top gadgets you can use to keep track of your speed, distance, and time.
Cannondale IQ100 11 Function Cycling Computer
 |
Cannondale IQ100 11 |
This is a low-profile shaped, wired cycling computer that
easily mounts on the handlebars or stem of your mountain bike. It has the basic
functions and features a couple of extra luxury features. On its display, you
are able to read your speed as the current speed, average speed and your
maximum speed. You can also view the clock in 12 or 24-hour modes, and the
odometer will show you the distance you have travelled. With this gadget, you
can also keep track of your calorie consumption. Its power lasts longer when
you use its auto On/OFF functions and the two power saving modes. This gadget
only weighs 19 grammes and you can get it at a discounted price here:
https://www.blueskycycling.com/product7603_3_-Cannondale-IQ100-11-Function-Cycling-Computer.htm
Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer
 |
| Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer by www.blueskycycling.com |
The power of information is at your fingertips when you
use the Giant's AXACT 11 wired computer. It shows the basics such as the
maximum speed, the average speed and the current speed. It also shows the time
and distance. In addition, it features a pacer which helps you know your
progress in relation to your average speed. Its large display is easy to read
and has only one button for you to perform these simple operations. Unlike many
cycling computers, the Giant's AXACT 11 is enveloped in a waterproof casing with
sports backlights.
Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW
 |
| Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer for Cycling |
This is a comfortable to wear wireless cycling computer
that features three sensors in one gadget. All cycling functionality of the
Strada Wireless is combined within this gadget. It also has a digital heart
rate and cadence measurements. Believe it now or later, this cycling computer
is fitted with the latest digital wireless speed technology at 2.4GHz, a
cadence sensor (ISC-10) and a heart rate (HR-10). In addition, the Cateye
Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW features automatic sensor
recognition, enabling you to track any ride you want even when you change
bikes. Talking of comfort, unlike the traditional chest straps, this gadget has
a new detachable fabric heart rate sensor that is designed for more comfort. It
also has a low battery alarm for the computer head and the sensors. To crown it
all the Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW is virtually
interference free. The display of the Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer
CC-RD430DW is large enough to show multiple information. Using the mode button,
you can view the elapsed time, heart rate trip distance 1, trip distance 2,
average speed, maximum speed, total distance, and the clock.
CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50
https://www.blueskycycling.com/product/7820/3/CatEye_Stealth_50_GPS_Computer_CC_GL50.htm
 |
CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Cycling Computer |
The CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50 is a fully
functional cycling computer that features latest technologies such as the ANT+
capabilities, a USB interface, and GPS technology. With this gadget, you get
all you need to get the most out of your cycling workout. With ANT+
capabilities, you can work with CatEye or a third party ANT+ gadgets to record
and display the heart rate, speed and cadence. On the other hand, the built-in
GPS constantly tracks your ride, and you can use the USB port to upload your
data to your computer and training websites. The CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer
CC GL50 also has great features such as a customizable odometer, recharging via
the USB port, automatic start and stop, backlight. To top it off, you can use
it continuously even when you change your bike. And amazingly, it is waterproof
and only weighs 50 grammes.
These are just a few of the numerous gadgets you can use
to get the most out of your cycling workout. They differ in sizes,
functionality, and technology, and this gives you a wide variety from which to
choose according to your preferences. You may choose to use the Cannondale
IQ100 11 Function Cycling Computer, Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer, the Cateye
Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW and the CatEye Stealth 50 GPS
Computer CC GL50 or go for any other that suits you best. The Cannondale IQ100
11 Function Cycling Computer is only 19 grammes and has a low profiled shape.
The Giant AXACT 11 Wired Computer has the all the basic functionalities and
features a pacer. The Cateye Strada Triple Wireless Computer CC-RD430DW is
comfortable to wear, wireless, and features some of the latest technologies.
Finally, the CatEye Stealth 50 GPS Computer CC GL50 has all the basic
functionalities and features unique functionalities such as the GPS, and the
USB port.
If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment or give us a call. We ship all throughout the entire USA!
| Blue Sky Cycling |
| 2530 Randolph St. |
| Huntington Park, Ca 90255 |
| (323) 585-3934 |
| https://www.blueskycycling.com |
| info@blueskycycling.com |
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Can you name all the parts on a mountain bike?
Blue Sky Cycling
Mountain Bike Parts and Accessories at Super Competitive Prices.
www.blueskycycling.com
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