FitSugar

Five Mountain Bikes For Women Under $2,000

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I'm looking to get a new mountain bike, so I've been doing a little research. I already have one I spent only a couple hundred bucks on, and after trying out the more expensive ones, I can really feel the difference. So I'm ready to splurge since a bike is something I'll have for a while. If you're in the market for a new mountain bike, here are five women-specific bikes on my list.

Trek 8000 WSD ($1,979.99): I just love the way this bike looks and feels. It has a sturdy aluminum frame, is lightweight enough to schlep around if I need to, and comes in four sizes to get the right fit.
Specialized Myka FSR ($1,450): Made with an alloy frame, this bike is women specific and uniquely designed to give a smooth ride. It's meant to handle rocky descents or cruise on even surfaces.

To see some more affordable bikes read more.

Giant Arête ($1200): Also made with a durable aluminum frame, this bike is ergonomically designed so it's great when racing fast or casually rolling. I love the color - Metallic Eggplant.
Scott Contessa 20 ($1034.99): This bike has a thick alloy frame that's decorated with delicate artwork, and a comfy seat that matches. It offers great control on all surfaces and comes in five sizes so you can get the most ideal fit.
Cannondale F7 Féminine ($579): The frame is strong yet lightweight because it's made of aluminum, and the saddle is women specific so it's very comfy. This bike also comes in pink if you're into that.

Fit's Tip: While price and specifications are important, the most essential thing is to find a bike that fits your size and riding needs perfectly. When you ride it, the bike should feel like an extension of your body. So test drive a bunch - that's the fun part.

What Type of Bike is Right For You?

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Are you looking to get a new bike this summer? It can be pretty overwhelming to choose the right one once you see them all lined up at the store.

The best way to find a bike that is right for you is to ask yourself "What kind of rider am I?" Are you planning on riding on rocky terrain or do you plan on sticking to paved roads and bike paths? Are you a racer looking for a speedy, lightweight bike? Or do you plan on using your new bike to casually commute or enjoy a light Sunday ride?

Here are a few different types of bikes and what they are used for:

Mountain Bike: This bike has wide, knobby tires, so you can ride on almost any surface including dirt roads, mountain trails, and paved streets. This bike has a gear system, which is helpful when you're trucking up hills. It also has a sturdy frame and suspensions, which are helpful when you're on rugged terrain. It's a popular bike (it's what I have) since it's durable, fast and versatile, so you're not limited to certain types of roads.

Want to learn about the other types of bikes? Then read more

Road Bike: This bike is built for speed, so it can be used for racing, but also just for riding around. It has a lightweight frame and strong yet thin tires that are less than an inch wide. If you're planning on sticking to paved bike paths and streets, this could be the bike for you.

Hybrid Bike: This is a bike designed for use on roads and bike paths. It is influenced from both the road bike and the mountain bike, hence the name hybrid. The bike aims to retain the features of mountain bikes, which have made them accessible and popular, but are designed to be more suitable for urban use. Ultimately the manufacturer determines if the hybrid leans more to the mountain or road bike side.

Track Racing Bike: This bike is for serious racing. It's extremely lightweight and has no brakes, since brakes would add extra weight. It also has one fixed gear, so the rider can go as fast as possible. The handlebars are low, enabling the rider to lean down and increase his speed. If you are planning on racing, this is the kind of bike you should look at.

Street Bike (City Bike/Granny Bike): These bikes are made more for casually strolling the streets and/or commuting than for serious riding. The tires are like those you would find on a road bike but the bike itself is more elongated than your average bike. The city bike is very popular in urban areas right now, but they're especially popular in Holland.

Fit's Tips: I definitely recommend going to a trusty bike shop and riding a bunch of bikes to see what feels best to you. Also be sure to pick up a helmet when you buy that shiny new bike - You've got to protect that fabulous brain of yours.

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Get in Gear: Cannondale Mountain Bike

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

For some women, going for a hike isn't done by feet alone. Mountain biking is fun and hard, and great if you love the challenge of getting up a mountain, but hate how your knees hurt when you're running back down. If you're in the market for a new mountain bike, check out the Rush Féminine from Cannondale.

Despite the name, there's nothing girly about this tough, ride-wherever-you-want bike. It's great for off-roading because it's lightweight (the frame only weighs 5 lbs) yet easy to control.

It's able to get up steep climbs, has precise steering capabilities so you can maneuver around tricky terrain, and it can break confidently (which it extremely necessary). Plus it has superior suspension, so when you're on a bumpy trail, it absorbs the bounce.

I love that it doesn't look like it's for women either, because this bike is tough. Just because we're women, doesn't mean we ride like girls (although I used to do endos into piles of leaves when I was girl...but you get my point).

Fit's Tips: If you're not sure how a bike is supposed to fit, check out this post.

Reasons to Try Mountain Biking

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:47:34 -0700

Road biking was my first taste of exercising on wheels. I loved the smooth terrain, how fast I could speed along, and how much distance I could cover, which made for great sightseeing. I never gave much thought to trying mountain biking, until my hubby persuaded me to go with him. I tell you, it's a completely different feeling riding on a woodsy trail than it is riding on the road. Here are some reasons you should give it a try.

It's the perfect time of year - the air is chilly so you won't overheat, there are no bugs, the ground is less muddy, and the foliage is gorgeous. It's a great way to celebrate Fall.
It's a major calorie burner. An hour of mountain biking burns over 500 calories.
You can forget about doing endless squats and lunges because mountain biking will effectively tone your thighs and booty. Since you have to pedal hard up steep hills, you really feel the burn in your lower body.
Once you purchase a mountain bike, cycling shoes, and a helmet, the trails are usually free, so it's a great way to stay fit during a time when we're all pinching pennies. Visit a bike shop and purchase an old model that stores are trying to get rid of, or check out Craigslist if you're on a budget.

To see why else you should start mountain biking read more.

It's a great alternative for people who say that running hurts their knees or back.
Since you're biking through narrow trails, over roots and rocks, dodging tree limbs and holes, you really tune your sense of balance. It also requires more awareness and quick thinking, so boredom just isn't an issue.
It's a great form of exercise you can do with a friend or whole group. Not only is there safety in numbers, but your pals can suggest new places to ride.
It's hardcore. I feel so tough after a ride in the woods because mountain biking is so challenging. I come home with scratches from branches, bruises from falling (since I'm a beginner), and mud on my legs. Aside from strengthening my body, my inner self feels stronger.

Tell me, have you ever tried mountain biking?

Mountain Biking with Gary Fisher

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Anyone who mountain bikes should know what a Gary Fisher bike is. I know it particularly well because my husband's Gary Fisher bike was stolen when he was in college, and he has never fully recovered from the loss.

Gary Fisher, named "The Founding Father of Mountain Bikes" by Smithsonian Magazine, will guide mountain bike enthusiasts on a 363-mile ride September 3-10, 2007 through historic villages in and around Portugal's mountains. This is an amazing opportunity to bike one of the most scenic bike rides with one of the most famous bike makers -- Fisher is credited with inventing the mountain bike in 1975 and has a line of bikes appropriately named Gary Fisher.

This advanced-level ride takes bicyclists 363 miles over eight days, with two guides along the way. The shortest day will include 32 miles of riding, while the longest day will be 66 miles. All meals, including 7 dinners, are provided. Riders stay in two- or three-star inns. Transfers and a "chase" vehicle are provided, all for 1,150 Euros (about $1,567) per person. Without lodging or food, the price is 650 Euros ($887). Sign up today at A2Z Adventures.

FYI: This trip is not for the beginner mountain biker, 66 miles in one day is a long ride.

Tips For Beginner Mountain Biking

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you love hiking and biking, then why not combine the two? Mountain biking is really challenging, and not only does it work your thighs (it's tough going up rocky hills), but all those windy and narrow trails challenge your sense of balance and trust in yourself. Once you get the hang of it, a power inside takes over and you'll find yourself going faster and taking more risks. It's really exhilarating since it makes you feel strong, confident, and tough. If you're thinking about trying it out, here are some tips.

Make sure your bike has wide, knobby tires and a sturdy frame. The seat should be set at a height so that your legs reach almost full extension when your pedal is in its lowest position. The handlebars should be positioned slightly lower than your seat so that your back is at a 45° angle. You may want to consider purchasing a bike with suspension so that the bumps are easier on your joints.
A helmet is a must. You're bound to fall off your bike, and you want to make sure your head is protected.
The terrain may be very bumpy so keep some softness in your knees and elbows to absorb shock and prevent joint injury.

To find out what else you'll need to know for mountain biking read more.

Mountain bikes will have either platform pedals, toe clips, or clipless pedals. Platform pedals are flat and you can wear any type of sneaker with them. Pedals that have little baskets on the front to slide your shoe into are called toe clips. Some mountain bikes have clipless pedals that you wear special shoes with that click into them, which makes it easier to pedal with force. Practice clicking in and out of these pedals so if you start to lose you balance and fall over, you can remove your shoe from the pedal and use your foot to catch your fall. It's best for beginners to use platform pedals or toe clips.
Learn how and when to shift your gears. Higher gears are harder to pedal (good for soaring downhill), and lower gears are easier to pedal (good for tackling uphills). Practice biking up and down hills so you can figure out when to use which gears.
Learn how to pedal while standing. This enable you to use the strength of your legs to go up hills and over rocky terrain.
Learn how to go downhill. It's important to lift your bum off the seat and shift your weight slightly towards the back of the bike. This will give you more control and will also prevent saddle soreness the next day.

Outdoor Activities, Just a Few Ideas

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:30:00 -0700

So you've decided now that it's autumn, you're going to start being more active outdoors. Problem is, what's there to do? To a novice outdoorsy woman the idea of hanging out, well, outside seems daunting but there are tons of things you can do to get moving, you just have to open up to ideas.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to burn a few extra calories outside this fall:

Hiking
Mountain biking
Raking leaves
Walking your dog
Walking shelter dogs
Flying a kite
Walking
Running/Jogging
Eco-running
Geocaching
Doing Community service (Habitat for Humanity, etc.)
Apple Picking

Those are just a few of the many ways to get active outside this fall. What's your favorite fall activity? Share it in the comments section below.

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Alternative Activities for Spring

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Spring has sprung which means we are able to spend a little more time outside these days and getting a good workout is not only reserved for the confines of your gym walls. You may love the gym, but there are other things you can do outdoors this spring to supplement your workout. For a list of alternative activities for your aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (weight lifting) workouts, read more

Alternative Aerobic Activities:	Alternative Anaerobic Activities:
Mountain biking	Gardening
Skating (Rollerblading or Rollerskating)	Fishing
Walking	Golf
Dancing at a concert in the park	Horseback riding
Hiking	Rock climbing
Water sports	Softball
Kayaking (though could be anaerobic as well)	Spring Cleaning
Ultimate Frisbee	Frisbee Golf
Swimming	Playing tag with your kids outside
Taking the dog for a walk/run	Volleyball Game
Singles tennis	Doubles tennis

Fit's Tip: Keeping up with your regular cardio and weight training program is important. You know your level of fitness. For example, if your body is used to running 30 minutes on the treadmill three times a week, walking your dog for 30 minutes three times a week will not give you the same results. However, adding any number of these alternative workouts never hurts.

Learn to Love: Clipless Pedals

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:30:40 -0700

I had been cycling for years before I learned to love riding with my feet clipped onto my pedals. It seemed too scary, I thought I would fall over at every stoplight. I have turned the corner though and have learned to love being "clipped in" and it looks like Orlando Bloom, aka Mr. Mountain Bike Man, does too. First let's review the pedal terminology, because it's a bit confusing. First there were basic pedals (like many of us had on our bikes when we were kids), then came pedals with toe clips (or toe baskets) to help the foot stay put on the pedal, now there are "clipless pedals" - a cleat on the bottom of the shoe clips into the pedal.

I love cycling with my feet attached to the pedals because it makes me feel one with my bike. Pedaling this way means you can use all the muscles of your legs to power your bike instead of just your quads. Pulling up on the pedal works your hamstrings like nobody's business. When you pedal with your entire leg, your legs fatigue much more slowly since the work is distributed and this means you can ride for longer more comfortably. If you stand on your pedals to climb hills (or to give your booty a little break), when you're clipped in you are much more secure. Your feet won't slip off the pedals.

Learn how to start riding with clipless pedals.

RealRyder - Mountain Bike Without Leaving Home

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I'm big into road biking for exercise and for getting from place to place, but I also love mountain biking because the steep hills and windy trails make riding more exciting and challenging. I realize that not everyone has access to safe places to ride, so stationary bikes are a great option. The only negative thing is that they hardly mimic what it's really like to ride a bike outside. They also only work your lower body so if you want to target your core and upper body more check out the RealRyder ($2,395). I know it seems pricey to buy for your home gym, so maybe your gym has one you can use.

What makes the RealRyder different than a conventional stationery bike? To find out read more.

The RealRyder allows you to steer and move from side to side, just as if you were riding and turning on a road or trail. This bike offers a more realistic riding experience, and you end up improving your sense of balance, working your heart, and strengthening your core, upper arms, and back better than you would on a regular stationary bike. Plus, doesn't this bike look more fun than one that just stands straight up? If it's more fun, then you'll be motivated to hop on more often and ride longer.