For this entry in Weekend Wrenching, we are going to talk about tools. Every job can be made harder without the correct tools to do the job. Bicycle maintenance requires several specialized tools that will make your life much easier on and off the trail.

If you know how to ride a bicycle, then you can join in on the exciting experience of mountain biking: conquering steep hills, jumping cliffs and scratching up your skin. Mountain biking is a little more risky than regular bike riding.

Wheels are one of the most important components on a mountain bike. When deciding on which wheelset to purchase for your mountain bike, you need to choose your hub set very carefully. Not all hubs are created equal and at different price points, there are a different features.

An often discouraging topic associated with any extreme sport is injuries. However, they do not have to be discouraging but little lessons that we can use to better ourselves and educate others wanting to conquer the mountains as well.

That’s right! The time has come. Mountain Biking by 198 is giving away a Mountain Cycle Fury 5.5″ travel frame in the winner’s size! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to win a $1,000 frame just for doing what you love to already…talk about your favorite trail!

A reoccurring theme throughout this series has been that “practice makes perfect”, so logically…getting a lot of miles under your belt is essential to honing in your mountain biking skills. So now it is time to start racking up the mile count!

Bikes are clumsy to work on. You have to remove wheels and components that the bike requires to stand upright. You will also have specialized tools and stands that take up some room. With a dedicated area to work on bikes, you will be much more successful in your attempts to work on your bike correctly.

While mountain biking in frosty temperatures can be exhilarating, it can also be dangerous for someone who does not take the proper precautions. Regardless if you are going out for a casual or extreme ride, the rush is there, and it can often overpower your safety, health and well-being.

Now that installation is complete and the first of many rides are done…it is time for an update on the Avid Elixir CR hydraulic disc brakes. I installed the 185mm rotors for the Avid Elixir CR’s on my Ventana El Terremoto 6.0.