The Diversity of Mountain Biking

As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split into nine different categories. These categories are very diverse in what they offer. The descriptions below are very brief in nature but they do provide examples of the diversity of mountain biking. The different types include:

1. BMX BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels. These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.

2. Cross Country This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it's the least extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.

3. Cyclo Cross This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.

4. Dirt Jumping Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.

5. Downhill Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.

6. Freeride Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express yourself. These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see fit.

7. Single Speed No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that's done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical problems and a lighter bike.

8. Street and Urban This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man-made obstacles. Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.

9. Trails Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

Regardless of which type or types of mountain biking appeals to you, to can get additional information or buy a mountain bike at http://www.bobsbargainbicycles.com where you can buy new and used bicycles of all types at discount prices.

Since the site is affiliated with eBay, if you pay using PayPal your purchase is protected and you will be refunded the full purchase price, plus shipping charges if the bike is defective or not at described. by Robert Meyer

2006 Giant Anthem 2 Mountain Bike Review

Close to the end of summer 2008 I bought a used bicycle. The bike I choose was a 2006 Giant Anthem 2 and I rode it as often as I could before it started to snow. Now that spring is coming I thought it would be a good time to review the Giant Anthem 2 for anyone out there that might be in the market for a really good used mountain bike.

Now for a little background on why I was in the market for a new bike. After riding my cheap, heavy hard tail mountain bike with my friends I realized I had to get a better bike just to keep up with them. I also had plans on going mountain biking but didn't want to use the old bike because I was concerned about breaking some of the cheap components on the bike.

I had been keeping an eye on Craigslist (check out my post on Buying a used bike on Craigslist) for a better Mountain bike and one day I noticed someone was selling their 2006 Giant Anthem 2. Before I even called the seller I did some research. Both online and at the local bike shops. In 2006 the Anthem 2 Mountain Bike was the second from the top of the line Mountain Bike for Giant and in 2009 the Anthem Frame is still used as Giant's top of the line Mountain Bike. The bike was in perfect condition and looked like it had barely been used. In 2006 the MSRP was around $2,300 because of the bikes high end components. And that is also why it is so much lighter than my other bike and it weights around 26 pounds (which is pretty light for a Mountain bike). This bike is lighter than many of my friend's hard tails. I guess it's true - you get what you pay for.

The only thing I have changed on the bike is the seat. The bike came with a cheap pair of pedals (higher end bicycles typically do not come with pedals) so I added a pair of clipless pedals. I also put on a Specialized Elite Cycling computer on. And when the sun goes down I attach lights so I can see where I'm going and other people can see me.

I have to tell you I absolutely love this bike and I have been very pleased with this bike with the bikes performance. I would also highly recommend this bike to anyone who is serious about mountain biking. The bike is light and performs very well on paved trails and off road mountain bike trails. And the suspension soaks up the bumps extremely well and the suspension is adjustable both front and rear and they even have lockouts.

The frame on this bike is aluminum, not carbon fiber. It doesn't seem to affect the performance of this bike but I have never ridden a carbon fiber mountain bike. I should also let you know I am not a professional Mountain Biker so I don't have anything else to compare this bike to other than my cheap hard tail. But I have been biking seriously since 2007 so I'm not a novice. I don't feel that the aluminum frame is a drawback for this bike but I thought it should be pointed out just in case you have your heart set on a carbon fiber bike.

I plan on using this bike for at least one mountain bike race this summer. Plus there are many mountain bike trails in my area so check back for more updates on this bike and the mountain bike trails in the Twin Cities area.

Here are the specs on the bike:

Sizes 16?, 18?, 20?, 22? (Size Tested 18?)

Frame 6013 Aluxx SL Fluid Formed 3.5? travel

Rear Shock Manitou S Type SRL Lock Out

Fork Manitou R7 Elite 80mm, lock out

Headset FSA integrated

Chainset RaceFace Evolve X Type

Front Mech Shimano LX

Rear Mech Shimano XT

Shifters Shimano XT 27 speed

Rims Mavic XC717

Hubs DT Cerit Cassette SRAM PG970

Tires Hutchinson Python Airlight folding 2.0?

Brakes Hayes HFX-9 XC

Brake Levers Hayes

Handle Bar Easton EA 50

Stem Easton EA 50

Saddle WTB Shadow V Team Seat Pin Easton EA 50

Pedals N/A. by Dennis Gertgen