Bicycles and Biking – Page 14

There has never been a better time to get the right bike. A confession: I love Trek bikes because they're crazy fast and lightweight. On the other hand, my mom prefers the CannonDale bike. Trust me, she doesn't joke with it. So throughout this article, I'll compare Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized bikes to help you make buying decisions. First, bike essentials we recommend. Essential Bike Kits and Recommended Products Baleaf Men's Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded BALEAF Men's Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded Check the Current Price of Baleaf Men's Cycling Underwear 3D Shorts MSDADA Comfortable Bike Seat-Padded Soft Bike Seat Cushion Memory Foam Waterproof Wide Bike Saddle with Dual Shock Absorbing Rubber Balls Universal Fit for Indoor/Outdoor Bikes Check the Current Price of MSDADA Padded Bike Seats MSDADA Comfortable Bike Seat Basecamp Adult Helmet BASE CAMP Adult Bike Helmet with Rear Light for Urban Commuter Check the Current Price of Base Camp Adult Helmet with Rear Lights Vont 'Scope' Bike Light, Comes with Free Tail Light, Bicycle Light Installs in Seconds Without Tools, Powerful Bike Headlight Check the Current Price of Vont Scope Tail Bike lights Vont Scope Bike Lights BB Bicycle Strap On Saddle Bag BV Bicycle Y-Series Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag/Bicycle Seat Pack Bag, Cycling Wedge with Multi-Size Options Check the Current Price of BV Bicycle Strap-on Bike Saddle Bag Beroy Women's Bike Shorts with 3D Gel Padded, Cycling Women's Shorts Check the Current Price of beroy Women's Bike Shorts Beroy Women's Bike Shorts What's the difference between Trek and Cannondale bikes? The difference is Cannondale bikes are designed with curved chainstays to absorb more of road shock, while Trek bikes are ideal for people with a short torso, and have 9 Tour de France wins so far. But most women also will enjoy Cannondale with its left fork that sits sideways to the front wheel more than Trek. Each bike manufacturer uses different materials for mountain bikes. The cheaper specialized bikes are made of aluminum, while the expensive bikes are built with carbon frames, just like Trek and Cannondale. In this in-depth review, I want to share my best thoughts on Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized Bikes. In the end, you'll have to make a decision yourself. These 3 brands: Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized bikes seem to be loved by most families especially when commuting is their main goal. Depending on your reason for choosing to get either of these bikes, you'll get the best out of your money. We review each below, highlighting the features and how they can benefit you. Born in California in the '70s, this sports bike has taken over our cities and countryside. The beginnings of mountain biking have been synonymous with adventure — a troop of enthusiasts was having fun down the mountain's timing. Overheating and tinkering were at the rendezvous! Today, we are far from the first models. Mountain biking is a huge hit all over the world and has become the best-selling bike. Manufacturers are redoubling their creativity and ingenuity to offer ever more innovative frames and offer incredible sensations to mountain bikers. Many people use it every day to go to work. As for those who are looking for pure adrenaline, they turn to more pointed models, ultra-worked suspensions: no bump resists them! There are several types of ATVs for every use: allrounder, semi-rigid, enduro, cross-country, small or big wheels. Are you a little lost? Whether you are a novice or a confirmed mountain biker, we guide you through the mountain bike jungle so that you find the bike that fits your style and budget (maybe). Top 3 Bike Manufacturers You Can Trust 1. Cannondale Cannondale Water Bottle Cage Cannondale Speed-C Nylon Bicycle Water Bottle Cage (Gloss Black) Check the Current Price Water Bottle Cage Cannondale is an American manufacturer of travel bikes, mountain bikes, trekking bikes, road bikes, and urban sport bikes. As a leading American brand, Cannondale has been synonymous with quality and innovation since its creation in 1971. Long rooted in the sporting world of cycling, Cannondale has been around often surprising creations that have since remained in use by many manufacturers. Cannondale, an American brand First child trailer (1971), the first aluminum frame really worked (it was a trekking bike, in 1983, and it is still possible to cross this bike, even if it is rare, all over the world, proof of the viability of a good aluminum frame), the first suspension fork integrated into the head socket (HeadShok), etc. The work done by Cannondale on its trekking bikes is full of experience and technical feedback, which is one of the reasons that explain the durability of their bikes, to which is added the lifetime warranty of their executives. Cannondale Urban bikes: Three models stand out in urban cycling at Cannondale: The Bad Boy is the urban response to unpretentious and fast transportation. It benefits from Cannondale's experience in manufacturing high-quality aluminum bikes. The black matte accouterments suit him well. Behind this discreet and inaccessible look hides a bike that has character. His playground: the city center. From large avenues to narrow streets, this bike is made to travel quickly through the city, with the strength of the calves, a messenger bag stowed on the back. Fast. Agile. Lightweight. Distinguished. No doubt, this bike is for those who know what kind of bike they want to ride, and what they want to do. The Cannondale Bad Boy is not a bike with which we will appreciate the Sunday ride smoothly, it is really him who drops you off to work in the shortest and quickest way. Cannondale Bad Boy Urban Sport Bike Recommended Pedal: Imrider Bike Pedals Imrider Lightweight Polyamide Bike Pedals for BMX Road MTB Bicycle Check the Current Price Imrider Bike Pedals Like the Cannondale Bad Boy, the Cannondale Contro 3 is a high-end aluminum bike that emphasizes efficiency to be on time at work no matter what. Moreover, it adopts the full range of urban equipment (mudguards, luggage racks ...). A refined and refined Cannondale look with stylish elements like the rigid Lefty fly. Built-in design luggage rack, minimalist aluminum fender. Bike Cannondale Contro 3 Classic. Sophisticated. Stylish: Cannondale's Vintage Bike Collection offers the rider a smart combination of functionality performance, all wrapped in an attractive look and nonchalant elegance. Vintage Cannondale Bike Saddle Brooks Recommended saddle: DAWAY Bike Seat DAWAY Comfortable Men Women Bike Seat - C99 Memory Foam Padded Leather Wide Bicycle Saddle Cushion with Taillight, Waterproof, Dual Spring Suspension, Soft, Breathable, Universal Fit Check the Current Price of Daway Bike Seat The Hooligan is a small, lightweight urban bike that makes getting around town easy. You can easily mount it in your apartment or store it easily in a garage, a cellar — very simple to handle, it can also be the alternative to a folding bike for small inter-modal journeys, it will easily catch on a train. Equipped with a Shimano Nexus 3 integrated gear hub, its development range is sufficient for small city center journeys. Designed with noble materials and assembled with rigor, the Cannondale Hooligan, under its tunes of toys brings real solutions to commuters. The Best of Urban Sport Bikes Recommended product: Velotaf or bike hike? It's up to you, but with only one bike. The Tesoro range comes in several models: Tesoro 0: Fully equipped, nervous, lightweight performance ... and ergonomic thanks to its Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub. Tesoro 1: An enjoyable bike: the perfect synthesis between a nervous, sporty, aggressive bike, and complete equipment for everyday use and hiking. Tesoro 2 (the replacement of the famous Tesoro light): The light version of the Cannondale Tesoro, is always equipped with the essential equipment for daily use as well as hiking with some additional equipment. Cannondale bike Tesoro hub Rohloff For those who want to go further, it will rather turn to: Tesoro Traveler classic: Designed for (very) long treks on paved roads or dirt tracks. It is particularly aimed at cyclists who practice road cycling and who want to start traveling. Tesoro Traveler ultra: Particularly suitable for very long hikes on tracks and hard terrain. It is particularly aimed at mountain bikers who wish to start traveling. Cannondale bike Tesoro traveler classic. 1. The electric bike by Cannondale Cannondale has chosen to join its know-how with that of Bosch in order to create an electric bike that meets the design criteria that have always been theirs: design, reliability, and durability. It's like a custom at Cannondale, a bike must meet practical obligations, but also favor the dynamic side. For example, Cannondale has created electric bikes for the city such as electric mountain bikes; Cyclable no longer offers a Cannondale bike and chose to work with the brand's Focus and Kalkhoff. 2. Trek Bike Trek Bicycle - Rail 9.9XTR The Trek Bicycle Corporation is a major manufacturer of bicycles and components of American bicycles. It markets its products under the Trek, Gary Fisher, Bontrager, Klein, and (until recently) LeMond Racing Cycles brands, through a network of more than 1,700 independent bike dealers in the United States and Canada, as well as Europe and Asia. Trek is based in Waterloo, Wisconsin. In the United States, bicycle assembly takes place in Whitewater, while most of the components and frames are manufactured in Taiwan and China. The name Trek comes from the Afrikaans word "journey". History of Trek Bike 1975-1979: The First Years In December 1975, Richard Burke and Biseau Hogg created "Trek Bicycle" and made it a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, a bicycle dealer based in Milwaukee. In early 1976, Trek began manufacturing steel frames in Waterloo and targeted the middle and upscale market, which at the time was dominated by the Japanese and Italians. Trek builds nearly 900 custom frames this first year, each costing just under $ 200. At the end of 1976, Trek became an independent company. In 1977, the company opened its first distribution store, Penn Cycle, in Bloomington. In three years, sales of the brand bring in nearly $ 2 million 1980-1984: Trek Scaled the Market However, without a large-scale manufacturing plant, sales peaked in the late 1970s. In just a few years, Trek had exceeded the production capacity of the "red barn", a former carpet manufacturing plant. In 1980, in response to the need for expansion, Trek relocated its premises and set up its new 2,400 m 2 head office in the suburbs of Waterloo. Company co-founder Dick Burke later said that "Trek has truly become a company with the creation of these premises." With a larger factory, Trek is expanding its manufacturing activities to offer complete bikes. In 1982, Trek entered the market for steel road bikes and launched the 750 and 950 models. In 1983, Trek built its first mountain bike (MTB), the 850. In 1984, Trek launched the market for bicycle spare parts and accessories and opened a new department, the Trek Components Group (TCG). 1985-1991 In 1985, using advances in the space industry, Trek launched its first aluminum frame, in the year 2000. The introduction of aluminum into the Trek production line proved to be very problematic for a company that had built on the model of hand-made steel frames. The company's technological advances are stagnating, as Trek's time to understand how to build aluminum bikes in its production environment. A year later, Trek continues the success story of 2000 with a carbon fiber model, 2500. This marks the beginning of Trek's carbon fiber frame design. That same year, in order to deal with sales that have never been so important, Trek is building another 7,000 m 2 plant, still in Waterloo. In 1988, Trek introduced "Trek Wear", marking the company's entry into the cycling apparel market. A year later Trek launched into foreign markets with the opening of offices in the United Kingdom and Germany. That same year Trek introduced its "Jazz" collection, entry-level and children's bicycles designed by Trek, but made in Taiwan. The Jazz collection was abandoned in 1993. 1989 was a pivotal year for Trek. This year, the company unveiled its first carbon fiber molded chassis, the Trek 5000. The 5000 frame set (monocoque carbon frame) had an advertised weight of 1.5 kg. Designed by Trek, but built by a third-party manufacturer, the 5000 suffered from quality issues and was therefore discontinued after just one year of marketing. Nevertheless, the lessons learned from manufacturing the 5000 would prove useful in Trek's own manufacture of carbon frames in the years to come. In 1990, Trek developed a new bike category that combines the comfort features of a mountain bike with the speed of a road bike: the MultiTracks, the first line of hybrid bikes, were born. That same year Trek also launches its first line of children's bicycles. In 1991, Trek opened its first store network in the Madison, Wisconsin area. In addition to presenting a complete line of Trek products, the Trek Shop served as a training center for Trek headquarters employees who lacked sales experience. The store was also a draft for Trek to test merchandising and marketing ideas for the brand and its resellers. 1992-1996: Expansion In the early 1990s, Trek's technology director, Bob Read, attended a demonstration of the aerospace industry in Salt Lake City, with the idea of meeting the leaders of a company called Radius Engineering. This visit convinced Read that Trek's future success depended on the design of carbon fiber frames, a material the company could use to create the lightest and strongest frame ever made. After the failed introduction of the 5000, Trek invested heavily in the manufacture of homemade carbon fiber. In 1992, Trek unveils its first all-carbon adult range, the 5500 and 5200, featuring OCLV carbon frames. OCLV stands for "Optimum Compaction, Low Void" and refers to Trek's exclusive capabilities to create carbon frames that exceed aerospace standards. Weighing only 1.11 kg, the 5500 frame was the lightest road frame in the world at its release. To make room for its new OCLV manufacturing facility, Trek is expanding its Waterloo headquarters, bringing the total floor area to 13,000 m 2. The year 1992 marks another first for Trek: its first full-suspension mountain bike, the 9000-series, which used for the first time the new T3C Trek suspension range ("Travel is three times compression"). In the wake of the success of the 5200 and 5500, Trek launched 1993 its first OCLV carbon bike, the 9900, which weighed 1.29 kg, making it the lightest ATV frame in the world. In 1993, Trek bought Gary Fisher Bicycles, named after one of the MTB inventors and one of the most popular names in mountain biking. In 1994, Trek began home fitness and launched the Trek Fitness Exercycles exercise bike. In 1995, Trek acquired the prestigious Klein brand known for its high-performance executives and the innovative nature of its productions. In 1996, Trek interrupts this range and divides its fitness division into a new independent company called Vision Fitness. In 1995, Trek shakes the bicycle world by introducing its full suspension bike "Y", which is a radical change in the traditional design of bikes. Although not a very good model, the "Y" sold well and even won an "Outstanding Design and Engineering Award" from the magazine Popular Mechanics. That same year, Trek sought to diversify its product offering, acquiring Klein Bicycles, a manufacturer of high-end aluminum frames, and Bontrager Cycles, a manufacturer of bicycle and steel frame components made hands. Trek also signs a long-term licensing agreement with Greg LeMond, the triple winner of the Tour de France and the first American to win the Tour, to design, manufacture and distribute LeMond Racing bikes. 1997-2005: The Armstrong years In 1997, Trek aided the former world champion of road cycling (1993) Lance Armstrong, who returns from convalescence after getting treatment for cancer of the testicles, to join the team United States Postal Service. Armstrong won his first Tour de France in 1999 on a Trek 5500, becoming the first American to win the Tour in an American team equipped with an American bike brand. Armstrong has won each of his seven tours on a Trek bike. In 1998, Trek creates the Advanced Components Group (ACG), made up of engineers and technicians dedicated to the technological development of the brand's bicycles. They are looking to improve the design and engineering of Trek bikes. ACG is perhaps best known for being the origin of a number of products introduced and used by Lance Armstrong during his "septennat", notably the Madone (2003) (named after the Col de la Madone ), and the TTX, a time trial bike (2005). That same year, Trek opened its first manufacturing facility in Europe to assemble frames and wheels in Carlow, Ireland. The Carlow plant remained open until the end of 2004, in Hartmannsdorf, Germany. In 2000, Trek introduces a specific line of bikes and accessories for women (WSD). In October 2001, Trek introduced a custom bike program called Project One, which gives customers the ability to customize their Trek bikes by selecting paint, accessories, and more. In an effort to expand into a new market, Trek launched Trek Travel in December 2002, a luxury bicycle vacation provider in Europe and North America. Trek Travel operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trek Bicycle until January 2007, when Trek sold its interest in the company. Despite the division, Trek and Trek Travel have close working relationships and pursue several partnerships. In 2003, Trek acquires Villiger, a Swiss bicycle manufacturer, and Diamant, the oldest bicycle company in Germany. The acquisition gives Trek the opportunity to interfere in the bicycle market, a fairly large market in Europe. With the acquisition, Trek becomes the owner of the Villiger-Diamant production plant in Hartmannsdorf. The global expansion of Trek continued until 2005, with the opening of two stores in Beijing and the signing of distribution agreements with 20 Chinese distributors. For the third time in its history, Trek expands to new global headquarters in Waterloo, in 2005, creating 4,000 m 2 of additional space, used mainly for engineering booming, R&D, and marketing. A museum was also set up on the company's premises, where a number of bicycles that have marked the history of Trek, including one of Gary Fisher's first ATVs, and seven bikes used by Lance Armstrong were displayed — ts seven Tours de France (one for each year from 1999 to 2005). 2006 Till Date The year 2007 dedicates the efforts to the democratization Trek bike. After years of support for the US Cycling League and the Bikes Belong Coalition, Trek launches its "1 World 2 Wheels" campaign at its annual World Congress in Madison, Wisconsin. The "Go By Bike" campaign is at the center of the "1 World 2 Wheels" program, as it encourages Americans to ride a bike instead of driving for less than 3 km. Trek also committed $ 1 million in funding for the Bicycle Friendly Community program of the League of American Cyclists. In April 2008, after years of growing tensions with Greg LeMond, Trek files an application in Federal Court to break the contract with the former rider, citing multiple breaches of contract. On March 20 of the same year, LeMond presented his arguments against Trek. The dispute is pending in the Minnesota District Court. 3. Specialized Bike Specialized Bicycle - Turbo Creo SL Specialized Bicycle Components is a major manufacturer of bicycles and cycle equipment, based in Morgan Hill, California. Brief History of Specialized Bikes Specialized was founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard, a cycling enthusiast who set out to tour Europe by bike, and after which he started importing Italian components ( Campagnolo, Cinelli ) that were difficult to find in the United States. The company started producing its own components in 1976, with the introduction of a tire for touring bikes. The first bikes of the brand come to the catalog in 1979: the race bike Go and the Sequoia touring bike. In 1981, the manufacturer marks a change in the world of cycling by launching the first mountain bike for the general public: the Stumpjumper. This model is a hybrid form between the robust touring bikes that Mike Sinyard used for his tour of Europe, and the road bikes of the time. Produced at 500 units in the first year, it flows very quickly, prompting the company to anticipate the next vintage 1. This bike equipped with impressive tires and 15 speeds is so striking that an original model is present in a museum of the Smithsonian Institute. Faced with this rapid growth, the brand leaves its premises located in a warehouse in San Jose in 1982 for a much larger space in Morgan Hill, still in the suburbs of San Francisco. This new foot on the ground surrounded by large spaces suitable for cycling is ideal for the company. Specialized continues its progress by creating the first professional MTB team: Team Stumpjumper in 1983. The initiative is successful, with the team winning many competitions in the colors of the brand, and testing the products at the same time for possible future commercialization. Since then, the company has continued to play this card: technologically advanced products, tested and proven by professional cyclists at the highest level of international competition 1. Mike Sinyard's contribution to mountain biking was highlighted in 1988 with his entry into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. This year is also important for Specialized, which releases the first carbon fiber MTB, the Stumpjumper Epic 3, consisting of 8 carbon fiber tubes glued together. The Body Geometry ergonomic saddle is making its appearance and is the very first saddle whose design has been specially designed for male morphology. It follows the studies of Dr. Irwin Goldstein on the correlation between the practice of cycling and the increased risk of male infertility and limits this risk by removing pressure on the perineal area when the cyclist is seated 1. In collaboration with the company Duralcan specialized in the design of aluminum alloys, Specialized in the first model of bike rim designed Metal Matrix (metal matrix composite), and produced 5,000 copies. This complex realization required the involvement of many stakeholders in the different aspects of production and was highlighted by competitors like Huffy [archive] who confessed to having worked on the use of metal matrix composite, but who gave up research after failing to develop a large-scale production process. The early 1990s marked a revival in the world of cycling, with the arrival of many competitors offering their own ranges of bicycles while the market does not follow this pace of expansion. Added to this are management and production problems that put the brand in difficulty. While many competitors complete their ranges with low-cost models sold in supermarkets, Specialized decided to exploit this potential in 1995, by launching a specialized sub-brand for the entry-level called Full Force. This announcement was poorly perceived by dealers loyal to the brand, who perceived this approach as a strategic error 1. In 1996, Specialized reversed its decision and stopped the Full Force concept. Mike Sinyard writes on this occasion a formal letter of apology to all the dealers of the brand. Unique characteristics of Trek Bike 1). TSI Design Technology: The TSI ( Total Suspension Integration ) is a design technique developed by Specialized, and used in more and more bikes of the brand. Specific to the use of mountain biking, it is based on the observation that it is impossible to obtain a bike with optimal behavior based on these components whose design is separate. Unlike almost all brands of ATVs that use the shocks and forks of third-party manufacturers like Fox Racing Shox or Rockshox, Specialized decided to develop its own components at the same time as the frame. This research has resulted in the production of the AFR shock absorbers and the FutureShock forks, the models of which are specific to the bikes they come with: Enduro SL, Stumpjumper FSR, and Epic. 2). Shock Absorber AFR: The AFR ( Active Functional Response ) damper made its appearance in the Specialized range in 2007. The AFR damper design has been integrated into the Specialized Frame Development Program to provide optimal operation with FSR geometry. Therefore, each shock is equipped with a hydraulic spring specific to the kinematics of each model. The AFR shock absorber appeared in 2007 on the Enduro SL, Stumpjumper FSR, and Epic models. On the latter, it is also accompanied by an inertia valve under the name of Brain. 3). Fork FutureShock: In parallel with the development of the AFR fender, Specialized also focused on developing forks in conjunction with the frame. They, therefore, have, according to the models and the uses of specific functionalities, such as the spike valve which makes it possible to offer a variable compression curve depending on the intensity of the shocks, or the inertia valve which modulates the operation of the fork. depending on the terrain, regardless of the pedaling movements of the driver. The FutureShock appeared in 2007 on the Enduro SL model under the name future shock E150, offering 150mm of travel. It is followed in 2008 by the FutureShock S120 designed to equip the Stumpjumper FSR with 120mm of travel. Finally, the FutureShock E100 100mm travel made its appearance in 2009 to equip the Epic on the occasion of its renewal. In 2010, the FutureShock S120 is replaced by the FutureShock S140TA which offers a 140mm travel more in line with the new geometry of the frame. The same goes for the FutureShock E160 that comes in place of the FutureShock E150. Products Today, the manufacturer produces a wide variety of clothing dedicated to cycling, including helmets, shoes, and gloves, to add to the list of more than 25 series of bikes. The bike range ranges from affordable models such as the Rockhopper to the S-Works for the road and the ATV or the Demo for the Freeride. Road bike Many riders have used Specialized Bikes in recent years for North American and European races. Currently, in 2017, the cycling teams Bora-Hansgrohe and Quick-Step Floors ride on the Tarmac and the Venge (all-carbon racing bicycles one more for the mountain tarmac and the other stiffer for the riders, the sprinters). How to Choose Your Mountain Bike The all-terrain vehicle (ATV) You Need to Begin Beginner or jack-of-all? No need to choose your side! Technique and quality are not reserved for the pros, far from it. Even beginners can afford, at a lower cost, a nice machine that will allow them to enjoy beautiful hikes and ride on any type of path. Entry-level mountain bikes also have good ride quality and at least a sturdy fork and a stable aluminum frame - this is often all you need to get started. As for the driving position, it is generally less stretched and therefore more comfortable. What is Mountain Bike Used For? This type of mountain bike is very suitable for hiking in the wilderness, but also for daily commutes in the city. They are versatile and offer a very pleasant ride, whether downhill or uphill, on the road or on country roads. With Which Equipment? Typically, all-terrain vehicle equipment is rather minimalist. Mudguards, lights, and crutch considered not useful on this type of bike, are not part of the table. However, many all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for beginners have threaded grommets that can be used to mount accessories on the frame. In terms of basic equipment, it is essential that your ATV is equipped with powerful brakes and a good transmission (Shimano and Sram are references in the matter), and that you circulate in town or in the countryside. ATVs whose price does not exceed €500 are often equipped with V-Brake brakes. Lightweight and easy to maintain, they have nothing to envy to disc brakes when the road is dry. But when the weather is rainy, mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic brakes take advantage. Follow the maintenance tips = get off to a good start Making simple repairs on your bike is within everyone's reach. No need for an engineering degree. But for them to be effective and you can keep your bike in good condition, it is better to have some tools and essential maintenance products. For example, regularly oiling the chain of your bike will allow you to enjoy a longer driving comfort! There are also many guides that provide basic tips for ATV repair and maintenance. XC Race And Marathon All-Terrian Vehicle ATV XC Race And Marathon ATV These mountain bikes are fast on the climbs and efficient on the downhill. Nothing resists them: whether you are a fan of technical trails or large uneven, you will be served. Stability, lightness, and rigidity are their greatest assets. To you long hikes and runs at full speed! What Use? Do you want to unwind after a long day of work or beat your friends in a marathon descent? The XC Race and Marathon mountain bikes are the answer to your adrenaline cravings. Suspended just right, they make descents pleasant by softening the roughness of the road but do not go so far as to give you the impression of rolling on air cushions. The sensations first! The Essential Equipment Used XC Race and Marathon ATV equipment XC Race and Marathon ATV equipment are quite spartan. A journey of 100 to 120 mm is de rigueur, and there is often the possibility to block the suspensions of your bike if you are preparing to climb a long climb. Most of the time, derailleurs in this category are 2x10 or 1x11. Their frames are increasing carbon, manufacturers are constantly looking for lightness. But a good aluminum frame will do the trick: it will cost less and its weight will not be an inconvenience. Some ATVs are equipped with ultra-light wheels and tires. In the XC category, the weight of the bike makes all the difference! All-Mountain And Enduro ATVs High mountains and very steep slopes: the field of use of these mountain bikes is quite small. All-mountain bikes are for experienced riders. Whether you want to tackle the Alps or test your agility in highly technical circuits, this is the mountain bike you need. Enduro bikes are more downhill-oriented. If they do not let themselves fall in the mountains, they run down the slopes with an ease that leaves no voice! This is their strong point. What are they Used For? These ultra sports bikes have been designed for all those who place the challenge and the sensations at the heart of their practice. The rough coasts do not scare you? Opt for an all-mountain mountain bike with large suspensions, up to 160 mm of travel. If, on the contrary, you are a true downhill fan and are willing to sacrifice some efficiency on the climb to be able to hit aggressive slopes on your machine, you have the Enduro profile. Turn to an all-mountain bike, with a travel of up to 170 mm and a narrow-angle. With this fearsome machine, you get the extreme Offroad or Enduro sessions at the Bikepark. The Equipment You Need The latest models are usually equipped with 27.5-inch wheels with tires and wide rims. To take advantage of the confirmed driver's area, 180mm disc brakes and high-quality adjustable suspensions (such as those from RockShox or Fox) are more than recommended. Just as important: the handlebars must be wide - not less than 740 mm. From € 2000, your bike will necessarily have an adjustable seat post. But even if your ATV is cheaper, do not hesitate to equip this type of Seatpost, very valuable for this type of sport. Women’s ATV More and more women are mountain biking: a new challenge for manufacturers! But should women necessarily turn to bikes specifically designed for them? Yes and no. Women can ride a "normal" ATV as long as the size of the frame suits them. Some manufacturers offer mountain bikes specifically designed for women. And their arguments are good! A Specific Position Some experienced bikers have no problem riding a men's ATV. But for other women, the driving position is too "sporty": the upper tube is a bit too long, the handlebars too wide and the handles too big. The saddle of mountain bikes for men is not more comfortable either! Beginning women will feel much better on a light and maneuverable bike than on a very responsive ATV with big suspensions. The Primary Advantages All these differences are therefore taken into account by the manufacturers, who offer MTB more adapted to women: shorter frame, saddle for woman, softer suspensions, handlebar and handles finer and narrower. As for the choice of model, it's like for men: it depends on your use, your desires, and your budget. If we were still recommending a bike for beginners, it would be a semi-rigid mountain bike, relatively light. Do It Yourself Just a little bit of elbow grease to make small changes (but that can change everything!) On your ATV. You can fit a saddle for women like the Lady Sport-Comp RCP saddle, perfectly adapted to the female anatomy, without compromising on the sporty look. Side handlebar grips, the ESI Racer's Ege will be perfect for smaller hands — and come in many colors. Wheel Size: a Matter of Inches A few years ago, all ATVs were equipped with 26-inch wheels. We could not imagine anything else! For about thirty years, only this diameter was used. Until a bike designer wonders if we could not see things in a big way. The 29-inch wheel was born! The principle is simple: a larger wheel passes without wobbling on small obstacles like roots or pebbles and the bike is more stable. However, their large size makes them heavier and not suitable for smaller cyclists. An intermediate diameter has therefore appeared: 27.5 inches. The ideal compromise! 26 inches A classic! This diameter guarantees flawless agility and good stability. But in disciplines such as cross-country or hiking, these wheels are less and less used. They are nevertheless perfect for the Enduro. If you like to pedal in winding ways, you must go to them. Their price has also dropped a lot! 27.5 inches The new darling of manufacturers is likely to dethrone the 26-inch version. It combines the agility of a 26-inch wheel and the much more comfortable ride of its big sister, the 29-inch. The winning combo for bikers who likes bikes is a bit more aggressive. 29 inches The 29-inch version gave a new impetus to cycling, literally. On hilly terrain, you can clearly feel the difference: it provides traction power and unparalleled comfort. It's perfect for those who want to go straight without worrying about obstacles. These wheels are a very good choice for mountain bikes. Even athletes under 1m70, cross-country enthusiasts, and long trips can be tempted without a bad surprise. The obstacles will disappear under your wheels.