GoPro HD HERO Camera: Crankworx Whistler - Brian Lopes Air Downhill Run Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Learn about the new GoPro HD HERO® camera at www.gopro.com. Take a ride with Brian Lopes down A-Line for the Air Downhill.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTqh0ju5Z2o&hl=en

Stop "Cardio" Training For Mountain Biking! Friday, December 24, 2010

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Let me ask you a question - Do you want better cardio? Or do you want to be able to ride harder, faster and longer on the trail? Think these two goals are the same thing? Perhaps not...

One of the toughest things I face when bringing new and improved training concepts to the mountain biking world is trying to work around the large amount of confusion that surround certain terms. For example, when you use the terms "aerobic training" and "cardio training" interchangeably then my call to avoid excessive aerobic training seems odd.

Once I explain that aerobic training is just a specific type of cardio training and there are other ways to work on your cardio then my suggestions make more sense.   I've recently realized that it is time for me to take on two new terms that need clarification on their real meaning - cardio training and endurance training. In most people's books these two terms mean the same thing but once you understand the difference between them you'll start to see the impact it has on your training approach.   Cardio training is any exercise that increases your heart rate, gets you breathing heavier and directly increases the strength of your cardiovascular system (heart, lungs, blood vessels). This type of training can consist of a variety of things, from short interval to long base mile workouts. Cardio training focuses specifically on improving your measurable markers of cardio capacity. While an important part of specific endurance training it is only part of the picture, though.  

Endurance training refers specifically to any training that allows you to "endure" longer on the trail. In other words, any type of training that results in you riding harder, faster and longer on your bike is endurance training. Endurance is also very specific to what and how you ride - technical east coast cross country riding requires different specific endurance than bombing some SoCal downhill runs.   As I've mentioned in my presentations of the MTB Performance Wheel, cardio training is only one of eight training components that affect your specific endurance on the trail. I also include Bike & Equipment Set up as a "spoke" on the MTB Performance Wheel but since it is not a true training component I am not including it on this list:  

1. Strength
2. Power
3. Mobility
4. Cardio
5. Nutrition/ Supplements
6. Recovery
7. Mindset
8. Technical Skills  

As you can see, mountain bike endurance training requires a much broader view of training than simply focusing on the cardio component. However, this is not the approach that mountain bikers have been taught. Because of the influence that road riding has had on our sport we have been told that working on cardio IS working on specific endurance and the other 7 training components are deemphasized or forgotten altogether.  

This view that increased VO2Max or other markers of cardio endurance will automatically equal better specific endurance on the trail has had a very heavy influence on how mountain bikers in every discipline have approached training. From the advice given to newbies (if you want to get better then just ride your bike more) to the advice given to world champs (base miles are needed in the off season) it is readily apparent that the cardio training mindset has taken over our sport.   Here is the problem with this approach, though - the fact is that there is much more to mountain bike specific endurance on the trail than cardio capacity. Let me give you two examples to illustrate my point...

First, consider what happened to Lance Armstrong when he ventured off his road bike. Lance is widely considered to be one of the greatest endurance athletes in history, boasting a VO2Max that is among the highest ever recorded. His domination of the Tour de France speaks to his otherworldly cardio capacity, yet when he trained for and ran a marathon he got beaten. He did not get beaten by one or two world class runners, either - he got beaten by a lot of "regular" people. If cardio capacity was the biggest determining factor in sport specific endurance then why didn't he do better?  

Second, consider the opposite story of Mark Weir. Known around the world as one of the premier endurance riders in our sport Mark had his VO2Max tested and found out that it was rather ordinary. In fact, rumor has it he was told by the docs performing the test that based on his results he would never be a great endurance athlete. Instead of accepting it Mark went on with his dream and the rest is history. If cardio capacity is the biggest determining factor for mountain bike endurance then why is Mark able to excel despite his relatively low test results?   The reason that Lance can't dominate every endurance sport he competes in and that Mark can kick the tails of riders with better "cardio" is because much more goes into mountain bike specific endurance than one over emphasized component. Your strength levels, technical skills, nutrition and everything else I listed above goes into it as well. The real trick to consistent returns on your training time is to identify the weakest of those eight training components and focus on it. While counterintuitive at times, the only way to strengthen a chain is to work on the weakest link - anything else will not result in a stronger chain.  

The reason that it is important for us separate these terms is because it will have a major impact on your training paradigm. Remember that you do not want better cardio; you want to be able to ride faster, harder and longer on your bike. These are two different goals and need to be looked at as such. As long as your paradigm is influenced by the notion that unless you are emphasizing cardio training then you aren't working on your mountain bike specific endurance you will struggle to fully understand what it takes to be the best mountain bike rider you can.

The MTB Strength Training System is the world's only strength and conditioning program for the unique demands of mountain biking. Riders from around the world have discovered how they can climb faster, descend harder and have more fun by upgrading the engine that drives their bike - their own body!

Find out more about this unique program and how it can help you enjoy riding more by visiting http://www.mtbstrengthcoach.com While you are there you can find out how to sign up for a free sneak peak at The Ultimate MTB Workout Program, complete with a free workout.

How To Apply Basic BMX Skills : How to Jump a BMX Bike Ramp Thursday, December 23, 2010

Watch this free instructional video clip and learn some tips as an expert bunny hops to a jump on his bike by applying basic BMX bike riding skills. Expert: Garson Fields Bio: Garson Fields is 20 years old. He has been riding BMX and mountain bikes for seven years. Garson is an avid BMX rider. He has taught others various tricks and techniques as well. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pir3_OJRtq0&hl=en

Cannondale Mountain Bikes For Men Saturday, December 18, 2010

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Mountain bikes nowadays have been in widely used. Likewise, it is said to be perfect for exercising the leg and other parts of the body. Moreover, biking is considered also as one of the recreational sports, which enjoyed increasing its popularity in 1990s. It was developed from the rugged old bicycles ridden by a small group of off-road riders on the steep, rocky hillsides. In addition, there are many categories under mountain bikes; each with its own purposes and use. There are also bikes that are used for touring and for daily travel in cities where riders value robustness and maneuverability. Likewise, for men, a Cannondale Bike might be a perfect choice for you. This is long lasting for it was built with lifelong and durable frames.

But, in buying a bike, it is very important to know and identify the credibility of the store that you are planning to make a purchase. But, make it sure that it offers a great warranty and be strict in making your options regarding your purchase. Check every part if it will function well enough and that warranty must be ensured. One great example when we speak about durability is the Cannondale Mountain Bike. Moreover, ensure that the product that is delivered to you is in great quality just as what the stores promised they are. A purchase of Cannondale Bike enables you to get along with your bike for years plus you can have free items and equipments that are needed for your bicycle.

Cannondale Mountain Bike would be a perfect choice too for it is safe to use. Safety is assured even though men would be the one to use it. If you are a good mountaineer you would know that your strength and safety relies on your bicycle. Do not risk your life and directly decide for an ideal purchase.

The Author is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on Mens Mountain Bikes and Cheap Mountain Bikes

Tips For Buying a Mountain Bike Sunday, December 12, 2010

Purchasing a bike can sometimes be quite a daunting experience. With thousands of different types, sizes, frames and uses, it can sometimes be difficult to decipher which one is best for you.

The first bike you purchase will not be a permanent bike, so you need to keep this in mind when looking to buy. Treat the first purchase as a trial to discover which type of cycling you prefer, and then once you have decided while style of riding you prefer, you can select and invest in a more specialized bike. Beginner cyclists tend to opt for the dual use bike, suitable for both on and off-road cycling allowing you to experience both types of terrain.

Mountain bikes generally boast strong, lightweight frames, specialized brakes, robust tires and numerous gears, making them suitable for rougher terrain and mountainous land. Within the mountain bike category, there are several options to choose from. These include; the cross country, jump or slalom, downhill and trial bikes. These all differ from comfort, touring and cruiser bikes due to the fact these are built primarily for recreational use, comfort and not durability.

The majority of mountain bikes have 26" wheels and up to 27 gears, depending on which type you decide upon. The most popular mountain bike would be in the XC or cross-country range. This is due to its versatility on different terrain and their suitability for beginner cyclists who require a multi-purpose bike. Trail and downhill bikes are only really suited to expert cyclists due to their highly specialized components. Trial riding itself can be very difficult and requires well developed skills and precision, therefore only the more experienced riders should attempt this. Jump and slalom bikes can also be good dual purpose due to their strong frame and suspension, allowing for a comfortable ride across tougher terrain.

The most experienced cyclists tend to purchase components rather than a factory built bike as they require specific specifications to suit their personal needs which may not otherwise be catered for. The best advice for a beginner cyclist would be to purchase the best bike you can afford at the time. This is due to the fact that when you progress, you may require higher spec parts which can get costly when purchasing separately.

The cost of a mountain bike can vary enormously due to the vast range of brands, quality of features and specifications. Popular brands include Cannondale due to their exceptional high performance bikes. Cannondale bikes are one of the World's leading specialist in the especially within the high-end market due to their outstanding high quality components and vast range of products. These ranges include Cannondale flash and Cannondale bad boy claimed to be the best carbon-fibre bikes in the industry.

About Primera: We are often described as the leading UK bike specialist on the South coast. Catering to all disciplines of cycling, we offer products both off and online, with our range of Cannondale bikes and equipment being one of the best in the UK market.