วันจันทร์ที่ 9 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

History of Mountain Bike

According to the magazine, Bicycling, the invention of the mountain bike is the work of four Marin County, California, natives: Gary Fisher, Charlie Kelly, Tom Ritchey and Joe Breeze. The idea originated when the four of them were competing in the West Coast Open cyclocross race in early December 1974. This form of off-road racing was done with bikes consisting of the same skinny tires used for road racing. In the midst of all of the skinny-tired bikes, the four men noticed three other unique competitors riding bikes called ballooners. Although the balloon-tire bikes were great for going down hill, they were only one speed, unlike the cyclocross bikes that had as many as 21 speeds, therefore lacking the necessities for uphill climbing.

According to Breeze, there was something special about the ballooners; “they were outfitted with thumbshift-operated derailleurs and drum brakes operated by motorcycle brake levers.” It was then that Fisher, Kelly, Ritchey and Breeze realized that they had just seen, “the prototype for what would evolve into the mountain bike you ride today.” From that point on, multiple-speed balloon-tire bikes made the climb uphill almost as fun as the downhill descent. In 1977, Breeze came out with the first multiple produced mountain bike called the Breezer, which sold for $750

FRAMES
Mountain bike technology has come a long way since the first derailleur was placed on a ballooner. For instance, the frame of the mountain bike comes in many different materials. The most readily used materials are steel, chromoly, aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium. According to Darin Schultz of Budget Bicycle Center in Madison, “Frame quality is the most important part in bike design.” He said that even when you put great components on a cheap frame, “the bike would perform better, but it would still feel like you’re riding a cheap bike.” In other words, a smooth ride is one of the most important considerations when riding because it permits longer rides without fatigue, and it allows for better handling in rough terrain, which in turn makes the rider faster and more agile.

Steel frames are most readily used in department store bikes and lower end mountain bikes. Steel is extremely strong and allows for a rigid frame, but can be considered too heavy for most riders. Some riders who prefer the strength of steel, but prefer a lighter bike usually ride a chromoly frame because it is a steel composite used on many dirt bikes that are known for their ability to endure large amounts of physical abuse.

Aluminum is next in line after steel and is the most common material used in bike frames. Its lightweight and efficient frame transfers power straight from the rider to the ground. Most aluminum frames weigh a mere 3 to 4 pounds and can take a pretty good beating from the amateur to expert rider. The cost of just the aluminum frame can range in price from $300 to more than $1,000.

The last two bike frame materials, carbon fiber and titanium, are for those riders who want to shave every last gram of excess weight off their bikes while still having the benefits of a stiff and rigid frame. Only the more experienced riders can appreciate the light, yet strong design that comes along with the extra cost. With technological advancements in carbon fiber, bike manufacturers such as Cannondale, have moved from thermoset carbon fiber to thermoplastic carbon fiber, allowing the frame to weigh as much as a half a pound less than the previous models.