Bike Mtb
Help Buying A Hardtail Mountain Bike
There are different types of mountain bikes on the market that suit various types of riding styles. Full suspension bikes are equipped with a front shock and rear shock integrated into the frame. Hardtail bikes do not have a rear shock however the majority of bikes nowadays come with a front shock in the fork. The decision to buy a full suspension or hardtail bikes depends on your type of riding terrain. Some riders suggest that the more technical the trail the more a hardtail mountain bike is desired.
Trail riding and racing is the perfect match for a hardtail mountain bike. Hardtail mountain bikes are lighter, cheaper and require less maintenance because there are no pivots when compared to a full suspension bike.
Researching which hardtail bike to purchase can be daunting for a first time buyer. Not knowing each brands product line and not knowing the difference in quality of components can be frustrating. To help with this process keep the following suggestions and questions in mind when deciding which hardtail mountain bike to purchase.
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Shop for your hardtail mountain bike at a reputable bike store. Do not buy your bike at Walmart or Target because odds are you will not find the service and quality that you desire. Bike shops have good selections of mountain bikes for sale and bike parts. At a bike shop one will be able to find quality products and expertise that one can count on.
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Determine where you are going to ride and how you are going to use the bike. As an example will you be riding on the local trails in the woods as a recreational rider or are you going to be traveling and racing? Be honest with yourself.
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Determine your budget and stick to it. Mountain bikes can be very expensive and you want to make sure that you buy the best bike within your budget. You might feel very excited when you see all of the bikes for sale at the store so keep your goals in perspective.
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Purchase a bike that has a quality frame made out of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber or titanium.
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Determine if you want a drive train that has 21 or 27 speeds. Many riders prefer a 27 speed for the extra gears. Upgrading from a 21 speed to a 27 speed in the future could be a hassle and more costly then paying for it up front.
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Learn some of the basics about front suspension forks. A suspension fork will help improve the comfort and control of your mountain bike on the trail. There are several manufactures that have proven quality products so research them before you buy your bike.
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Try to buy a bike with brand name components. These components do not have to be top of the line however just make sure they are a familiar brand. Some brands are not interchangeable; meaning brand Y derailleur does not work with brand X shifters. If you buy a bike with a no name component and it breaks it could be hard to find the needed replacement part.
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Make sure the tires are appropriate for the terrain that you want to ride on. As an example if you are buying a cross country bike then make sure that it has a good cross country tire.
Talk to your friends and read online forums. Also make sure you test ride as many bikes as you can. Shop around and have fun.
See you on the trail.
About the Author
Experience with full suspension and hardtail mountain bikes, bike parts and organizing race events for mountain biking.
bikes for sale
mountain bike classifieds
Virtuous – New HD Mountain Bike Film
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***MENS SHIMANO SPD SH-MT22 MOUNTAIN BIKE CYCLING SHOES SZ.45/10.5 US $19.95 |
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Life is Crap Mountain Bike Trail Funny Adult T-Shirt by The Mountain $16.80 |
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Life is Crap Mountain Bike Trail Funny Adult T-Shirt by The Mountain $16.80 |
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Life is Crap Mountain Bike Trail Funny Adult T-Shirt by The Mountain $16.80 |
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Life is Crap Mountain Bike Trail Funny Adult T-Shirt by The Mountain $16.80 |
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Trek MT 200 Kids Mountain Bike $76.00 |
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Black Fashionable New Fibre Bicycle Cycling Mountain Bike Road Race Saddle Seat $9.97 |
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Bluegrass Intox Full Face DH MTB Bike Helmet, Race Red 7-56-58 cm, Race Red $134.34 |
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Endura Road Bike MTB Multi Tube Blue Shield Neck Warmer $13.58 |
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Mountain Bike Bicycles Carved Black Brake Pads 4 Pcs $5.22 |
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Orbea Alma Carbon 29er 29 Mountain Bike Hardtail Fox Reynolds FSA Carbon Watch $0.99 |
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2006 ORBEA OIZ TEAM Lg Mtb SRAM X.0 Mountain Bike Full Suspension USED DEMO $1,999.97 |
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MOUNTAIN CYCLE ZEN II XL Mountain Bike Frame Single Pivot Suspension Alloy NEW $799.97 |
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Sealskinz Outdoor Waterproof Gloves BLACK Large MTB AM Cycle Road Bike $35.55 |
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Endura Road Bike MTB Thermolite Leg Warmers M/L Road XC S/M $34.52 |
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Endura Road Bike MTB Thermolite Arm Warmers Road XC L/XL $22.51 |
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Cannondale Grind Mountain Bike Grips Black MTB Road XC AM $11.84 |
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Bontrager Rhythm Mountain Bike Cycling Glove Mens XS $9.99 |
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DeFeet Bike XC Speede Cycling MTB Socks Black Mens M $14.51 |
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Endura Road Bike MTB Hummvee Womens SS Jersey Black SMALL New $54.04 |
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Giro Code White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Trek MT 220 Kids Mountain Bike $110.51 |
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Shimano SH-MT33L Mountain Touring MTB Bike Shoes – 42 $79.95 |
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GT LTS-2 MOUNTAIN BIKE Sensor Marathon Expert Avalanche Tour-2 Team LTS Watch $0.99 |
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Full Suspension Mountain Bike Frame $265.00 |
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Giro Code Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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STANS ARCH 29ER DISC MOUNTAIN BIKE WHEELSET SHIMANO XT $399.99 |
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661 Bike Downhill AM MTB Bomber Under Shorts Padded Armour Small $71.12 |
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STANS CREST 26ER DISC MOUNTAIN BIKE WHEELSET SHIMANO XT $399.99 |
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DeFeet Bike XC Speede Cycling MTB Socks White Mens XL $14.19 |
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Easton EA90 White Aluminum 0 degree stem Road or Mountain bike 90mm x 31.8mm New $70.00 |
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Bontrager Rhythm Mountain Bike Cycling Glove Mens XS $9.99 |
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Easton EA90 White Aluminum 0 degree stem Road or Mountain bike 100mm x31.8mm New $70.00 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Giro Code Magnesium Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $209.99 |
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Shimano SH-MT33L Mountain Touring Casual MTB Bike Shoes – 44 (US 9.7) $79.95 |
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Easton EA90 White Aluminum 0 deg stem Road or Mountain bike 110mm x 31.8mm New $70.00 |
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Bellwether Escape Mountain Bike Shorts Medium Black $22.99 |
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Bellwether Escape Mountain Bike Shorts XXL Black $22.99 |
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Bellwether Escape Mountain Bike Shorts Large Black $22.99 |
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Syncros Bulk Mountain Bike Handlebar 31.8 x 690mm $26.99 |
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Oury Mountain Bike Grips Clear New $10.34 |
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Bellwether Escape Mountain Bike Shorts XL Black $20.69 |
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’11 FOX RACING F32 FIT FLOAT QR 15 26″ Suspension Fork 150mm Mountain Bike NEW $399.97 |
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Oury Mountain Bike Grips Red New $10.34 |
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Mountain Bike Frame Pannier Front Tube Bag Yellow New $12.16 |
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FUNN Full On Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar 31.8 OS White 7mm Rise 810mm Width $15.50 |
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Giant XTC AC 1 Full Suspension Mountain Bike Medium TCR 0 Full Dura Ace Watch $0.99 |
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1998 Mountain Bike Barbie with Accessories $9.99 |
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Bontrager Rhythm WSD Mountain Bike Cycling Glove X-Small $9.99 |
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Charge Bike XC AM Knife MTB Seat Saddle Titanium Rails White $94.83 |
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NEW ODI MOUNTAIN BIKE LOCK ON RUFFIAN GRIPS 130MM AQUA BONUS PACK $22.77 |
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Shimano SH-MT33L Mountain Touring Casual MTB Bike Bicycle Shoes – 47 (US 11.8) $79.95 |
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Giro Mountain Bike Cycling Gloves XENA White Large $41.79 |
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JAMIS DAKAR XC MOUNTAIN BIKE DAKOTA D29 TEAM Ventura Race Commuter 4 D29 Watch $0.99 |
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Shimano SH-MT33L Mountain Touring MTB Bike Shoes – 48 $79.95 |
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MAVIC 823 DISC / HOPE PRO 2 EVO MOUNTAIN BIKE WHEELSET $719.99 |
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Front Rear Mountain Bike Bicycle Mud Guard Mudguard Red $9.99 |
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New American USA Flag Ringer Bike Bicycle Design Mountain Bike Small Bell ala $0.99 |
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SILVER 32MM ALLOY MOUNTAIN BIKE SEAT RELEASE CLAMP -NEW $1.90 |
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Specialized full suspension mountain bike $2,000.00 |
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Bontrager Rhythm WSD Mountain Bike Cycling Glove Small $9.99 |
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FUJI OutLand RC (M) Mountain Bike Full XTR NEVADA 3.0 D6 Comp Triathlon Watch $0.99 |
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MOUNTAIN BIKE SHATTERPROOF RACE SUNGLASSES GOGGLES BC $15.79 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Giro Privateer White Black Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes Dirt New $149.99 |
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Fox Racing Attack MTB XC Cycling Bike Cycle Shorts Grey Camo 38 rrp £84.99 $94.83 |
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Rubber Pads Mountain Bike Bicycle Steel V Brake Set $11.92 |
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NEW 2012 INTENSE CARBINE FULL SUSPENSION MOUNTAIN BIKE MEDIUM $4,999.99 |
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Giro Privateer Black Gum Mountain Bike Cycling Dirt Shoes New $149.99 |
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Train Right Mountain Biking [VHS] $1.29 Dean Golich reveals the secrets and techniques he uses with some of the top mountain bikers in the world, including the Trek-VW professional mountain bike team. These workouts have been designed to maximize your training time and your athletic potential. In only a 60-minute workout, you will develop your VO2 system and improve your ability to handle the physiological demands of mountain bike rac… |
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Transcontinental Headliners 2 (mountain bike) [VHS] $14.95 … |
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Chainsmoke (Mountain Bike) [VHS] $9.95 Shot entirely on 16mm film, Chainsmoke is packed with racing, freeriding, interviews, crashes, and an awesome soundtrack. Featuring shaun Palmer, Tinker Juarez, Alison Sydor, Myles Rockwell, Missy Giove, and many others! This film will make you want to ride! … |
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Racor PBS-2R Two-Bike Floor Bike Stand $23.99 This stand lets you quickly store 2 bikes with ease. The bikes can be stored in the same or alternate directions. It’s easy for children to use, and has a solid steel tubular construction with a lifetime warranty and a durable epoxy finish…. |
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Gerber 22-41578 Gorge Folding Shovel $9.56 Designed with an easy push-button slide mechanism, the Gerber 22-41578 Gorge Folding Shovel is a must-have for outdoor excursions and around-the-house chores. Versatile, powerful, and easy-to-use, the Gorge includes a nylon drawstring bag and features a telescoping joint on the handle for folding down to a perfectly portable and compact size.22-41578 Gorge Folding ShovelAt a Glance:Compact, portab… |
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Racor B-1R Solo Vertical Bike Rack $12.50 Hang and store one bike vertically with this wall-mount bike rack from Racor. Molded rubber hook guards protect the rim from scratching and gouging. The rack is equipped with an exclusive security loop that accepts cable locks for optimal theft-deterrence indoors and out. Solid steel construction means optimal durability and support. And, an epoxy finish ensures corrosion resistance for years of r… |
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Bike-O-Vision Cycling DVD #4 California Coast $15.95 Trainer DVDs transport users to some of the United States’ most amazing locations during training.Tour beautiful roads with a bike’s eye viewNo commentaries, graphics, or riders on screen to distract from the viewsItem SpecificationsGenreTraining/Instructional… |
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The Collective $21.50 The Collective mountain bike DVD portrays cutting edge images of the freeride progression while exploring the thoughts and personalities of the riders leading that progression…. |
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Ride the Divide $14.94 This exhilarating documentary follows a trio of bikers on a mission to complete the world’s longest race, which spans over 2,700 miles along the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. Watch as these intrepid athletes–a 40-year-old father, a five-time competitor, and the first female to try–struggle to overcome an array of physical, mental, and emotional challenges in hopes of crossing the finish… |
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POC Joint VPD Knee Protector $100.00 POC offers a panoply of armor to suit your hard-riding needs. And the POC Joint VPD Knee Pada are but one critical component. They’re a superior choice for your gear bag because they use VPD visco-elastic polymer dough for protection, in comparison to many other “soft armor” designs on the market that simply rely on foam padding. VPD is modified polyurethane foam that is soft and pliable, so it mo… |