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Are you in the market for a new mountain bike? Have you grown tired of navigating through all the products and promises offered by mountain bike manufacturers? Then this guide will make your selection easier.

 

Introduction

With an overwhelming number of choices to consider, purchasing a mountain bike can seem like a daunting process. Hardtails, cross-country bikes, fatties; some with full suspension, some without, different braking systems, and then factor in all those different disciplines. The variety of options seems to have no bounds!

This is where we come in, we have narrowed down the basics to give you a clear view of the features to focus on. With this guide, you will be able to find the perfect answer to the question: “what mountain bike should I buy?”

 

Essential Features to Consider when Buying a Mountain Bike

 

Types of Mountain Bikes

The first thing you should decide on is the type of mountain bike you’ll purchase. The main types are highlighted below:

Trail Bikes– these bikes have between 120 to 140mm of suspension travel and a head-tube angle of 67 to 69 degrees. They are some of the most popular bikes as their construction is not grounded on any particular type of sport. So if you want to ride a mixture of climbs and descents, a trail bike is the best option. According to Adventure Gears Lab the best mountain bike are made by Merax, a famous manufacturer of trails bikes. Start there, or do some research to find the best mountain bikes under $500 that fit your needs.

Cross-country bikes– these bikes are designed for fast rides and they emphasize on climbing prowess. Manufacturers of these bikes focus on their efficiency and lightweight designs. The specs of a cross-country bike include 80 to 100mm of suspension travel with a head-tube angle of 70 to 71 degrees.

Fat bikes– the most distinct feature of these bikes are their oversize tires. The bigger wheel size provides superb traction, especially if you’re riding on snow or sand. Fat bikes are the best fit for beginners.

Suspension

There are key differences between the suspension forks and shocks depending on their prices. Overall, the suspension on an entry-level bike is harsh and heavy, but as the price increases, the suspension becomes plush and lightweight. You will also need to account for suspension adjustments.

Rebound Damping Adjustment

Put simply; this refers to how fast the suspension system recovers once you ride on a bump. If it recovers too slowly, then it might not be able to respond in time for the next hit.

However, if it recovers too quickly, it might throw off balance like a bouncing ball.

 

Brakes

There are two main types of mountain bike brakes that you have to choose from: disc and rim brakes. Each option has its fair share of merits and drawbacks.

For instance, disc brakes offer a more consistent braking and a top performance in wet and steep terrains. It’s also easier to replace their worn rotors rather than replacing the entire wheel. On the flipside, it’s not easy to notice the pad on these brakes wearing out.

Rim brakes also offer several benefits. They are economical and it’s easy to notice brake pad wear. Unfortunately, these brakes have less stopping power and perform poorly in wet and muddy conditions.

 

Wheel Size

26-inch wheels– this is the wheel size of most traditional mountain bikes. These wheels are fairly strong, agile and easy to accelerate. The only drawback is that they are considerably slower when rolling over bumpy terrain. Presently, 26-inch wheels are reserved for bikes meant for smaller riders.

27.5-inch wheels– this is the most common wheel size for mountain bikes, and for good reason. They strike the perfect balance between rolling performance and agility.

29-inch wheels– these wheels accelerate very slowly. But once you get your momentum, you can conquer more terrain far more easily than when riding a bike with 26-inch wheels. 29-inch wheels are suitable for long rides and can be found in rigid, hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes.

Fat bikes– they have ultra-wide tires (about 4 inches wider). They were initially developed for snow riding but they work perfectly on normal trails too.

Plus sized wheels– 27.5+ and 29+ wheels featuring wider 3” tires. These wheels bridge the gap between conventional mountain bikes and fat bikes. Usually, manufacturers of such bikes use extra rubber, which increases the diameter of the wheels making them suitable for faster rolling on rough landscapes.

 

 

The Bottom Line

Different mountain bikes are designed for different terrains and riding styles. As such, you will have to look for specific features and assess your riding skills to find the ideal bike for your needs. We hope that by focusing on the features highlighted above, you will find the answer to the question- “what mountain bike should I buy?”

 

Is riding a motorcycle like riding a bike? Question like this is common for bike riders who want to ride a motorcycle for the first time. There are lots of similarities and differences between motorcycle and bike. When you understand this, it will be easier to know whether riding the two things means the same thing.

Motorcycle and bike have several things in common. They have two wheels and they run on their wheels. When you are riding any of them, momentum is important to stay balanced.

 

Furthermore, both the turning and the leaning principles are the same for the two items. Though leaning and turning are on the same principle, motorcycle is faster because it uses an engine unlike a bike, which does not use an engine. These are the things motorcycle and bikes have in common.

 

There are many differences between the two. The major difference between the two is the engine. Bike for instance does not have an engine. Motorcycles on the other hands use a motor or engine.

 

This is why motorcycle runs faster. Because it uses an engine, the way you power the bike is by pedaling, but you do not need to pedal motorcycle before it gathers momentum. Once you start the engine, it begins to fire and run. Bike depends on human energy to power it while motorcycle depends on gas, fuel, or electricity to power it.

 

Another thing that differentiates the two is weight. Motorcycles are heavier than most bikes and the engine is one of the things that make it heavier than bike. Weight makes a great difference in terms of control and stability. Because motorcycle is heavier, it makes it more stable when it runs than the bike, which is lighter.

 

Moreover, speed attainable is another thing that makes motorcycle riding different from riding a bike. Both bikes and motorcycles are equipped with gears and the gears are necessary for speed changes. Gearing and speed system in bike is driven by human power or manpower, while that of a motorcycle is driven by a gas powered engine. The gearing system for motorcycles ranges from 4 to 6 gears, while that of bikes range from 1 to 21 gears.

 

To ride a bike, you must stay upright and the same thing is applicable to motorcycles. You must stay upright as well. Before you can ride a motorcycle, you must first learn how to ride a bike.

 

You must first learn how to control the machine with your legs before you advance higher to control the machine with an engine. It appears that the common denominator between these two products includes the power to the rear wheel.

If you want to ride a motorcycle, you must have regard for traffic laws and this is not always the case for bike riders, as many of them tend to disregard the traffic laws.

 

Riding a motorcycle is like riding a bike in different ways. Whether you are riding a bike or motorcycle, cornering involves the same principle. The slight difference between the two here is that you ride a bike on a sidewalk and this is not the same with motorcycle riders.

 

You cannot ride on the sidewalk. Because of that, bike riders are not exposed to the same type of danger motorcycle riders are exposed to. Motorcycle riders are exposed to other vehicles and they have to suffer the consequences associated with that.

 

These two have many things in common and speeding actually makes the difference between the two. They share the same technique. Whether you are riding a bike or a motorcycle, you must look ahead to where you ride. Turning for bike and motorcycle riders is the same thing. If you want to turn the motorcycle or the bike, you must use the handlebar. You can press it or grip in the direction you want to move to.

 

It is already shown that both the bikes and motorcycles have gears and they both use braking system, which works on the same principle.

 

Before you ride a motorcycle you must first start with a bike and before you start motorcycle riding, attend a motorcycle training class and master road rules and safety issues first. You can always transit from bike to motorcycle and it is not difficult once you can ride with confidence

Is all you can think of right now that tantalizing ham you had last summer or those delicious smoked ribs you had at your neighbor’s barbeque party?

Well worry not, regardless of the season you can still have them sweet and tasty as summer they are in the summer time. Electric smokers have been invented that has made smoking of meat way easy.

They leave the meat with a very fine taste and they are fast and convenient. You do not have to spend half of the day monitoring the meat since these machines are digital half of your  work load is cut. Some can lose heat during winter and occupy a huge space in the room but the taste of the meat chops will make it worthwhile.

Below is a list of top ten electric smokers that are less than 200$ and when it comes to delivering quality and durability they are top notch.

 

01. Landman USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker

As the name suggests you get the mountain smoked meat experience with this amazing machine. It has a 26″ viewing window making it easy for you to see your meat turn. Like all things there is the good and the bad side;

Pros:

• It has a tray that has three partitions to allow for water pan, grease tray and wood chip box that has a lid.
• There are side handles made of wrought iron that ease the transportation.
• Not only is the door double walled but it has a viewing window.
• It is easy to control the temperature you want your meat to smoke at since it has an independent plug in temperature controller.
• If you want to place it outside on an uneven ground then there are four adjustable feet for that.

Cons:

• The highest temperature it can reach is 2600c.
• It occupies a large space with no doubt this machine has made smoking meat way easier.
  

02. Master built 20071117 30″ digital smokers

lt is digital, it is ideal for home use and it is a peculiar machine. Master built in 20071117 30″ digital smokers is one of a kind. It has amazing features like.

 

Pros: 

• It has four racks that are chrome coated.
• It has a digital panel that has the switches and controls time and
  temperature.
• Allows for wood to be added without opening the smoking chamber.
• The body is fully insulated. there is a thermostat control that allows for consistent smoking

 

Cons:

• Has no view door.
• no adjustable feet hence built for even surfaces onlyln all its goodness it allows for you to eat your smoked meat regardless of the season. What better equipment would one seek for.

 

03. Southern country smoker

This is a 2 in 1 electric smoker that can be converted into lock and go grill.

Pros:

• It has 251 inches of cooking space.
• There are two grids that are chrome plated.
• There is a temperature gauge that is built in.
• it is designed in a chimney way to allow for new smoke to keep flowing in.
• Having 5.5 quart water pan it slows the cooking process making the food tender and juicy.
• The handles and gird are made of heat resistant wood

Cons:

• You have to keep opening the smoking chamber to add water and wood.
• Its cooking process is slow

We are all seeking for something that can serve more than one purpose all so well. This equipment is the epitome of such
other machines.

 

04. Master built 20073716 portable electric smokers

lf you are going on a road trip or camping or just tailgating let nothing stop you from enjoying your delicious smoked ram or ribs. There is a smoker suited for that need.

Not only is it portable but has the following advantage and disadvantages.

Pros:  

• Has simple controls with the low the medium and high temperature setting.
• A temperature gauge on the door that is easy to read.
• Removable water pan and wood chip.
• Foldable legs.
• Two chrome coated chambers.
• 1400 watt heating chamber.

Cons

• Uses high voltage of power.
• Has no view door.
• So when you are out doors carry your smoker and enjoy every bite of tasty meat while out there.

 

05.Master built 20070910 electric smokers

Looking for a smoker that has passed all the tests for all conditions? This is it. It has a zillion advantages.

Pros:

• It has four racks that are chrome coated.
• There is 730sq of cooking space.
• The timer and temperature controls are digital. Has a thermostat temperature control that reaches a maximum of 275 and a minimum of 100 degrees.
• Uses low voltage of 800 watts

Cons:

• Occupies a large space.
• There is no viewing of the meat till it is ready ln the idealness of smokers we give this smoker a medal.
• Its goodness and effectiveness suits the twenty first century.

06. Smoke hollow30162EW

Electric smokers have evolved and this is the icing on the cake. Covered all the features that missed in others and incorporated the good features from the others. Below is the list.

Pros

• Has a door that has a window and a latch.
• The cabinets are double walled to help maintain the right smoking temperature.
• The cooking grids are three.
• The wood chip box is painted and can stand high temp.
• The water pan is porcelain coated.

Cons.

• Uses high voltage power.
• It is huge What an invention in smokers!

 

07. Master built 20078616 electric bullet smokers

This smoker has so many conveniences; from size to the quality to the ease of using it. Below is a list of its amazing features.

Pros:

• Has a porcelain tray for placing wood chips.
• The temperature gauge on the lid is easy to read.
• Removable water and drip pan.
• Heating up to 400 degrees. Cooking space is 395 sq. inches.
• Two porcelain coated racks

 

Cons:

• Consumes a high voltage of electricity.
• The temperature controls are not digital
• For a small yet effective smoker master built 20078616 is the best

08.Smoke hollow26142e

This 26″ kitchen equipment with an adjustable temperature control is among the best electrical smokers. Here is its good and it’s bad.

Pros:

• Has two adjustable chrome plated girds.
• Has a full range indicator of the heat.
• Poceline coated water pan and chip tray.
• The door and side handles are springed with a latch system.
• 1500 watt capacity

 

Cons:

• Not easily portable to be used in lawns.
• lts features make it among the best top ten smokers there is.

 

09. Master built 200702101

Is magnificence is just seen by its appearance. Not being just a beauty but it also has several amazing features.

Pros

• Its insulation is dual wall.
• Has 3 racks that are chrome plaited.
• The cooking space is 548 sq. inches.
• The heating element is 1500 watt.
• Has a thermostat heating control with a minimum of 100 and maximum of 275
  degrees

Cons.

• Its control is analoglt is such a great invention in the smokers.

 

10. Smokehollow3016dews

This smoker stands out from the rest in its own little ways.

Pros

• The material that makes it is different among other features below.
• Viewing glass window.
• Chrome plated grids that are adjustable.
• Large capacity.
• Digital electronic controls

 

Cons:

• The meat probe is not included
• Though the last it is by no means the least.
• It is quiet an invention with many benefits too.
• Well above is a list of the top ten electric smokers that cost less than200$.

From the tremendous advantages they have we can say they are worth all the cost. Even if they will occupy a large portion of the room or consume power the satisfaction they give in making those tasty smoked meat is worth it all.

 

Want to find out the easiest way to make charcoal at home? In this article, we are going to show you how to make charcoal using two drums.

Making charcoal is simpler than most people think. It basically involves cooking wood in a container. The process eliminates volatile gases and other substances to leave behind charcoal. However, you will need enough space to perform this activity. Here are 8 simple steps on how to make charcoal using two drums for outdoor camping charcoal grill.

 

1. Buy 2 drums (a small one and a larger one)

The larger drum should be able to accommodate the small one and leave sufficient space. For the purpose of this article, we are going to use a 30 gal (113.6L) drum and a 55 gal (208.2L) drum.

 

2. Incorporate a fuel hold into the larger drum

Using a metal jigsaw blade, cut a square hole in the base of the 55 gallon drum. The cut should be roughly 20 inches (50.8 cm) by 12 inches (30.5 cm). It will come in handy for feeding fuel into the drum.

 

3. Drill several holes at the bottom of the 30 gallon drum

The holes are meant to allow heat into the drum, burning the wood inside. The holes should be about 5 to 6 1/2 inch wide.

4. Add cured wood into the small drum

Good options include hickory wood, oak wood, and cherry wood chopped into 4″ pieces. Fill up the drum completely and then cover it with a lid. NB: the lid should be cracked to allow moisture out of the drum.

 

5. Prepare a stand in the bigger drum

Place 2 bricks at the bottom of the 55 gallon drum, on opposite sides. Place one brick over each of the flat bricks, with the new additions standing on their long edges. The standing bricks allow you to add more fuel into the drum by separating the smaller drum from the bigger drum.

 

6. Position the smaller drum over the stand

Lower the smaller drum into the larger drum. If it does not fit well, use stones or smaller bricks to create a smaller stand. Cover the larger drum with a cracked lid (for air flow).

 

7. Build a fire within the larger drum and keep it burning for 7 to 8 hours

To make the fire, use kindling and wood. Feed the materials through the hole at the base of the drum. When the fire grows bigger, add larger pieces of wood. Keep adding dense wood to make the fire as hot as possible.

 

8. Leave the fire to burn out

The 7 to 8 hours of burning will displace gases, moisture, and impurities from the wood, leaving you with pure charcoal. Let the whole contraption cool off completely before emptying the charcoal into a separate container. Store for later use.

 

Making charcoal at home is oddly satisfying. The process of loading scrap wood in a drum, applying fire, and then removing pure charcoal makes you feel like the alchemist of old.

Hopefully you will also have fun learning how to make charcoal using the two drum technique.

If you are looking for a good and affordable place for your vacation, you can consider the Caribbean. The region offers lots for tourists ranging from affordable to the most exclusive and expensive posh accommodations.

You will discover wonderful places in Trinidad & Tobago, St Maarten, Martinique, Havana, Barbados, as well as the US Virgin Islands and Guadeloupe.

These are not the only wonderful places to spend your vacation in this region, these places are selected because they have the most fascinating places to visit, and you get everything you want.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a wonderful country. It offers the most interesting and affordable destination.

Although more than ninety percent of the population reside in Trinidad, more than half of the destinations are located in Tobago. Hotel accommodation here is affordable, and they offer first class services. When you visit, you will have value for your money.

 

St. Maarten

This territory is unique; half of the country is French speaking while the other half is Dutch speaking. Getting to this country is not difficult and the flight here is considered the most affordable in the region.

Various kinds of hotels are available and you are sure of getting what you want. These hotels are affordable, and they provide first class services.

 

Martinique

Martinique may not compare with others in terms of resorts availability, but it remains the most popular destination for French speakers in Europe and Canada.

The population is relatively large, and they offer the best in terms of cuisine. Though hotels are not scattered as you have in other Caribbean, you can get affordable accommodation here. You will enjoy your stay in any of the low budget hotels casa particular.

Havana

Havana is the capital of Cuba and it is perhaps the biggest city in the Caribbean. The city is famous for budget friendly destinations. Because the city is big, it offers plenty of choices for visitors. You can get different kinds of accommodation ranging from the affordable to the most expensive ones.

Even if you stay in any of the friendly hotels, you will have value for your money. Many of these accommodations are situated close to attraction sites. This means that you have interesting things to do and see in casa particular old Havana Cuba.

Havana is a fantastic place to visit and the city is synonymous with mojitos, Che Guevara, casa particular Cuba Havana, as well as American classic cars.

You can get everything you want in Havana without emptying your bank account. The city is the most favorite place to visit by tourists coming to this part of the world.

Barbados

Barbados is farther away than most of the popular destinations in the Caribbean. However, getting to the place will not be difficult, because you can get a cheap flight from the US. You will have value for your money, because they have good quality three star beach resorts and these are highly affordable. You can get pricey and posh resorts as well. The choice to make is yours.

U.S. Virgin Islands

US Virgin Islands is great for its travel destinations. Tourists prefer to visit St Croix and St. Thomas. These are great places and they have a lot to offer these tourists. There are various kinds of accommodation in this area and the cost of these hotels varies. You can get plenty of deals here and they have interesting sightseeing destinations.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a great place for French and other European tourists. To visit here, it is cheaper to move from Paris. This is understandable as it is considered part of France. Various kinds of hotel accommodation are available, one thing is certain, and that is you will get budget friendly destinations.

Conclusion

Caribbean remains the most popular and affordable region to visit. Many Europeans make it here in the winter season; because this is the period, they enjoy the place most. Several tourists’ destinations are scattered in various parts of the Caribbean. You have plenty to enjoy and nothing to lose. They offered the best for travelers.