Trying To Move On

Mountain bike shoes are specialized footwear. They are customized for the kind of cycling you plan to do, the model of your cycle, the terrain you are going to cover and finally your personalized needs. However, the basic criterion that makes a cycling shoe is determined by the pedal of the bike.

Originally, biking shoes were made of hard leather soles made firmer with a metal or plastic shoe plate or cleat nailed to it. The cleat had a slot that fitted into the pedal of the cycle, while the toe clip and strap worked to keep the bikers grip on the pedals.

When the clipless pedal became the norm, the features of the cycling shoes had to be modernized accordingly. Hence, the shoes featured cavities or clefts to smoothly accommodate cleats for clipless pedal machines for instance in Shimano's SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) and LOOK.

Special features of modern cycling shoes

Mountain cycling shoes have features that make it safe and ideal for this fun-filled yet highly challenging activity. They are:

1. Sole is very smooth, tough and inflexible

2. Sole is slightly curved at the ball of the foot that works to transfer force and pressure to the toe while cycling

3. Adaptable while in use

4. Features either velcro straps or even more complex straps instead of laces

5. Unhooks easily

Types of cycling shoes soles

The stuff the sole is made of and degree of tread it ensures determines the weight of the shoe, which is vital to this special footwear. There are generally three kinds of soles available:

1. Economical brands feature an injection-molded plastic sole. However, they are heavier and prone to flexing.

2. Moderately priced brands have a combination sole, either made of plastic and carbon fibre, plastic and fibreglass, or completely carbon fibre.

3. Premium brands manufactured post-2002 use carbon fibre soles.

How do the cleats of mountain cycling shoes differ from others?

The kind of pedals your cycle features determines the cleat. A clipless type pedals requires some specific cleats. Mountain biking shoes generally come with a sunken cleat and studs lining the sole. This helps negotiate the tough terrains. These mountain specific cleats are smaller than those designed for road shoes (that generally have protruding cleats and are attached with three bolts) and are fixed to the shoe with two bolts.

Quality of the shoe

For knowing the quality of the shoe you plan to buy, check the following:

1. The firmness and grip of the sole: A stiff sole ensures better pedaling

2. What is it made of? Premium brands come with carbon soles

3. Breathability: It should ensure good air circulation and coolness

4. The total weight of the shoe: The lighter the better

5. Durability: Its a must to endure the tough terrain

6. Comfort: Your feet must be at ease while you ride

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And read more about bicycles at http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Mountain-Bikes.html

Dear Margo - DEAR MARGO: I'm a 20-something female. At my gym I made the mistake of politely saying hello to a stranger, a 50-ish male, because he said hi to me.

Before setting out on your camping expedition check and then double check your camping gear for the most relevant items you will need on the trip. It is important not to over load your back pack with unnecessary items you do not actually need. These items only add to the weight of the backpack and tire you out. So, check for the basic necessities and do away with the oddities.

Irrespective of the duration of your trip, you should ensure that your camping gear has the following items packed away and easily accessible during the trip.

1. A few geographical maps stored in a waterproof container.

2. A magnetic compass if not a GPS gadget.

3. Adequate clothing.

4. Adequate food.

5. Proper water container.

6. A well equipped medical kit.

7. Emergency battery operated flashlight.

8. Fire lighting equipment such as a lighter.

9. Compact stove.

10. A multi-knife set.

11. Camping tent and associated equipment such as rope and pegs.

12. Sleeping bag.

13. Chlorine tablets for water purification.

Carrying your maps and compass in water proof containers is very essential while on a camping trip. Most camping trips are best enjoyed in places that have never been visited before by you. However, even in familiar areas you could just as easily get lost and you never know the quality of the printing on the maps, so do not risk getting the maps washed or smudged by rain or moisture. Carry a good deal of clothing too you never know when the weather may change. Some extra food and water is just as important so stock up before you leave and replenish your stock at every point of civilization. Make sure that you have a good first aid kit too. Snake bites are not a rarity on camping trips, neither are falls and bruises. Also make sure you undertake a first-aid course when you have the time before setting out on your camping adventure.

Water purification tablets are a must on any camping trips. It is alright to think that the water from a spring or stream is ok to drink, there is nothing wrong with taking some precautions. A tiny pill mixed in a container of water filed from one of these natural sources will only prevent disease and a whole lot of suffering.

If you are planning a camping trip where wild animals such as bears are known to visit places seeking food, it is advisable to keep your food in a proper storage container where the smell of food is trapped inside. Also keep a whistle or other alarming device with you, this can help you raise an alarm someone at a distant place can hear in case you are trapped or lost. Apart from these simple gadgets such as whistles and fragrance proof containers for food there are many items you might want to check out at the local sports store or general market. However, select them wisely and take what you really need and not something for its novelty value. Keep your back pack as light as possible and enjoy your trip.

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Reuters - Think you're feeling pain at the gas pump? Consider the residents of Lime Village, Alaska, an isolated Denaina Athabascan Indian community where gasoline prices have hit $8.55 a gallon.