The idea of riding a bike is not new by any means. The evolution of production of mountain bikes is growing rapidly among the population. Bicycling has various health benefits to the people especially those who are willing to cut weight, increase strength, increase flexibility, and build stamina. Choice of mountain bikes is rising due to the astonishing array of models that is available on the market nowadays. The choice of a bike for mountain riding involves selecting certain features available in the bike. Different places need different kind of bikes, for example, a mountain bike can be chose on the ability to withstand extreme terrains, others can be chose to withstand long rides through uneven terrain (Davis & Andrews, 2014). A hardtail mountain bike has no rear-wheel suspension but features a front suspension. K2 shadow 9.1 hardtail mountain bike is one of the popular new bikes in the market. The paper will look into the features of the bike and its superiority and a comparison made with others. There are different types of mountain bikes and they have dissimilar pricing rates, and qualities that a person should consider before selecting K2 shadow 9.1 as a mountain bike. When purchasing a mountain bike, a person should think about the riding style, budget, and make a test by riding several bikes to select the best.
K2 shadow 9.1 mountain bike has a wheel size of 29 inches and width of 2.1 inches. The purpose of such a big wheel is to make the bike efficient in mountainous regions. Large wheels ensure that the bike cannot cut through muddy tracks. The tires features small knobs that are raised which ensures the tires grip better. During wet conditions, such wheels are more proficient and can adapt to the tracks comfortable (Davis & Andrews, 2014). The rim is made of an alloy of strong and lightweight combination of materials. The alloy metal gives the rider a better braking surface and a rim that will not rust from daily braking.
The frame of the bike is made from aluminum, which is a lightweight material that ensures a responsive ride. The frame is strong and has an incorporated flex to conduct vibration efficiently. Better conduction of vibration ensures more comfortability during a bumpy riding trail (Garcia & Lovejoy, 2010). The bike lacks rear suspension but has a front wheel suspension system. Lack of rear suspension ensures a proper traction and stability on an uphill climbs by providing a rigid rear wheel. The seat is made from a combination alloy metals and is in the same level as handlebars, which is made also from an alloy metal. The saddle is padded which offers comfortability during long rides.
The braking system of the bike is made of disk. Disk brakes are the latest technology in the braking system of a bike. The disk allows powerful stopping and easy control with minimal transfers of heat to the rims (Milson, 2011). The brakes also allows for better braking in muddy and wet conditions. The front wheels employ a quick release system that makes it easy in changing the wheels. The shifting system determines how gears can be changed while riding. The bike employs a trigger shifting mechanism, which is attached to the handlebars. The controls are operated by moving a cable that attaches the shifter to the gear system making it possible to change from one gear to another. According to Garcia & Lovejoy, a good shifter changes flawlessly and it is with this reason that Shifter gears are one of the most upgraded components in a bike (2010).
In comparison to other mountain bikes, K2 shadow 9.1 hardball is relatively superior in the design. The disadvantage of the bike is that it is costly compared to the other popular models. The bike does not feature a full suspension mechanism, which makes it less efficient in absorbing most of the impacts that arises from riding in a rough terrain. A full suspension bike offers much better protection from such impacts and makes it more preferable than K2 shadow in rough terrains (Milson, 2011). The big size of the tires of K2 shadow makes it slow compared to models with thin tires. Aluminum frame, which is light and stronger, makes it have an edge over other bikes, which use steel. Steel bike frames is heavy and have trouble in maneuvering over obstacles or rough areas.
K2 shadow 9.1-hardtail mountain bike offers a great riding experience in mountainous regions. The weight of the bike makes it more suitable in mountain terrains and during wet conditions. The alloy materials also used in the construction of the bike offers great durability and strength for the bike and this feature makes it more durable and easy to maintain. The feature of the bike does not mean that the bike can withstand all conditions or all terrain (Davis & Andrews, 2014). Other terrains are rougher and high quality bikes would be needed in such areas. With more technological advancement, more features can be added to the bike and others improved with time. Materials can be made lighter and stronger, suspension system made more comfortable and the gear mechanism simpler.
References
Garcia, L., & Lovejoy, J. (2010). Knack cycling for everyone: A guide to road, mountain, and commuter biking.
Milson, F. (2011). Complete bike maintenance: For road, mountain, and commuter bicycles. Minneapolis, Minn: MVP Books.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/
Davis, M., & Andrews, G. (2014). Pocket mountain bike maintenance. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
