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Questions tagged [mountain-bike]

Mountain bike (MTB) can mean almost any kind of off-road bicycle. Wide knobby tires, flat handlebars, maybe shocks, probably a sturdy frame...

67 votes
3 answers
203k views

What's the difference between All-Mountain, Cross Country, Freeride, Downhill bikes?

I'm somewhat new to the world of mountain bikes and I'm seeing various terms to describe different bikes. What is the difference between all-mountain, cross country, freeride, and downhill? Are they ...
MrBoJangles's user avatar
  • 1,211
57 votes
13 answers
39k views

What type of tires can prevent goatheads?

We have a lot of goatheads1 in our area, and they have a tendency to do something like this to bike tires: Unfortunately, I ride a road bike (specifically a Kona Dew), so I have much smaller, thinner ...
Jared Harley's user avatar
  • 2,141
54 votes
13 answers
77k views

Are mountain bikes good for urban riding?

I'm planning to buy a bike - mostly using it in the city on a daily basis - sometimes long roads - But I want a cool bike and I think mountain bikes look very cool. I would like to know how mountain ...
Angela 's user avatar
  • 543
52 votes
10 answers
192k views

Which way do I orient my bike tire's tread direction? and why?

I have a mountain bike tire that has stamped on the side something like: <----------front rear-------------> Which seems like a pretty clear indication that the tire should be oriented in one ...
Sk606's user avatar
  • 1,982
50 votes
11 answers
116k views

Can I use a Presta tube in a Schrader rim?

I keep losing pressure in my tires, and among other things, I'm looking at the valves in the tubes. It's an old mountain bike with 26 inch tires. Can I use Presta tubes on rims drilled for Schrader ...
Brock Boland's user avatar
  • 1,119
45 votes
7 answers
184k views

Pros and cons of single-sided forks (Cannondale Lefty)?

Looks like they save some weight, but how do they have a better strength/weight ratio than a traditional two legged fork? With the single-legged fork the fork and axle must resist huge bending all ...
Jerryno's user avatar
  • 2,134
43 votes
8 answers
11k views

What do I get by paying more for a bicycle?

I am not experienced with bicycles, although I have been using them for years to get to work, as well as to go out in the countryside (dirt trails) to take nature photos. I have used affordable B'...
Clueless's user avatar
  • 591
36 votes
4 answers
260k views

What is the "preload" setting on the front fork suspension?

I've made a photo of the actual "thing" as I find it very difficult to explain otherwise: I'm wondering what this "thing" sets and how it actually works. So, what is "preload" and what happens when I ...
Frantisek's user avatar
  • 1,139
35 votes
5 answers
10k views

How to choose a bike for a very tall and heavy person?

So I have wanted to ride a bike for a long time, I do strongman training, I am 6'6 (200cm) tall and kinda fluctuate between 440 - 480 pounds (200-220 kg) depending on what training I am on. We are ...
Phil's user avatar
  • 423
34 votes
13 answers
6k views

New to bicycle riding. Questions about adjustments and upgrades

I just got my very first bicycle. At 30years old, I never ever rode a bicycle. I walked into a Walmart, bought the nicest looking mountain bike I could find, a 26" Havoc Men's Mountain Bike. My first ...
Seye Kuyinu's user avatar
34 votes
11 answers
11k views

What are the differences (and their practical implications) between a 29" mountain bike and a cyclocross bicycle?

I am considering the purchase of a bicycle for riding off road, and have heard a lot of buzz about 29" mountain bikes. However, I am not particularly interested in technical riding - although I would ...
David LeBauer's user avatar
34 votes
2 answers
19k views

Why does pedalling backwards not move my bike backwards?

On the Mountain bike I have, pedalling backwards moves the chain but doesn't drive the wheels of the bike backwards like you would expect it to. Why is this?
Ambo100's user avatar
  • 2,574
33 votes
11 answers
54k views

Front suspension or full suspension mountain bike

I'm considering buying a mountain bike and have narrowed it down to two models (make and model aren't important for this question). One model is a full suspension bike (front and back), the other is ...
user507371's user avatar
30 votes
8 answers
100k views

What pressure should I run my Mountain Bike tires at?

Should I run my mountain bike at the suggested PSI/Bar on the tire/rim? Or should I run it a bit lower? Or is it more about conditions? Should I run lower if I am running on softer terrain?
Dan McClain's user avatar
30 votes
3 answers
6k views

It it impolite to "informally" join or draft a group of cyclists?

On a recent Sunday ride on a country road, I was slowly overtaken by a group of (5) guys on road bikes. They were "proper" road cyclists, if you know what I mean. When they passed me, I just slipped ...
BSO rider's user avatar
  • 5,735

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