| My family likes to spend a lot of time | | | | your shed, mountain bikes can go just about |
| outdoors. Some of the most memorable and fun | | | | anywhere. My kids have fun making their own |
| times as a family have been spent mountain | | | | paths when we are out on a bike trail and I |
| bike riding. Unlike regular street bikes | | | | have fun trying to keep up! |
| which are only good on a smooth surface, | | | | |
| Mountain bikes are bikes that are designed to | | | | If get or staying in shape is on your agenda, |
| go anywhere. There are lots of different | | | | mountain bike riding is a great choice of |
| types of bikes to choose from but they | | | | exercise. Not only will you be burning up |
| generally have wider tires with a knobby | | | | calories, you'll be taking in lots of fresh |
| tread and some type of suspension system. | | | | air and I'll bet you'll even get to enjoy |
| | | | some great sites. Whether you go out for a |
| In order to choose the right bike, you must | | | | short ride with the kids or a day long trek, |
| consider what kind of riding you plan on | | | | your body will repay you with improved |
| doing and what kind of budget you intend to | | | | strength and muscle tone. |
| spend. Prices range about $150 to many | | | | |
| hundreds of dollars. The lower priced ones | | | | Going through the daily stresses of life can |
| are generally the type of quality you would | | | | certainly take its toll out on body and mind. |
| expect to get at a chain discount store and | | | | Grabbing your bike and hitting the trails is |
| are suitable for a beginner. Expect to find | | | | a wonderful way to get rid of the every day |
| lots of colors and models on display as well | | | | stress. The more you pedal the more you will |
| as professional and beginner quality to | | | | feel the stress leaving your body. I guess |
| choose from. | | | | that why bike clubs are becoming so popular. |
| | | | Check your local classifieds to see if there |
| You may have to do a lot shopping to find the | | | | is a group in your area or maybe you can ask |
| bike that best fits you. There are lots of | | | | co workers if they would like to form a |
| different models to choose from, make sure | | | | mountain bike group. |
| you try them out to find the one that feels | | | | |
| best to YOU. Many people are drawn to the | | | | So now that you're ready to try mountain |
| colors of certain model bikes and that can be | | | | biking, where do you go to buy a bike? You |
| a mistake. Unfortunately not all bikes are | | | | can start in department stores but you'll |
| available in the same colors so the color you | | | | quickly see that the quality is fitting with |
| love may be the wrong length bike for your | | | | the prices of these bikes. Sporting goods |
| body or riding style. Every rider is | | | | stores will usually be a grade above |
| different and one bike size or style is not | | | | department store but for the Mecca of bike |
| intended to fit all riders, so try them out | | | | shoppers, check out your area bike specialty |
| before buying. | | | | store. These stores have salespeople that are |
| | | | riders and will do a fantastic job of helping |
| If you're thinking, "oh I don't know bike | | | | you pick out the right bike for your needs. |
| riding doesn't sound like all that much | | | | Wherever you decide to buy one don't let it |
| fun"...Mountain biking will change your mind | | | | just sit in your garage. You can't have fun |
| really quick. Unlike the street bike that you | | | | mountain bike riding if you don't get out |
| had as a kid or your old ten speed locked in | | | | there and use it! |