| A frame, a seat and a couple of wheels - if that's how | | | | tire diameter, which generally ranges from about 12 to |
| you think of a mountain bike then you've probably | | | | 27 inches, the wheel also must factor in the pressure |
| never heard the name Shimano. Founded in 1921, this | | | | placed on it by the rider. The larger the frame, the |
| Japanese manufacturer of cycling components, | | | | more important strength and craftsmanship of |
| among other things, puts a bit more thought into its | | | | materials are to a wheel and tire's overall performance. |
| product. Perhaps what they are best known for is their | | | | Synchronicity: It's possible to have a decent bike with a |
| diverse selection of Shimano mountain bike wheels. | | | | mediocre frame, but it all starts from the ground up. |
| Of the many different styles that the company keeps | | | | How the wheel works with the rest of the cycle is |
| in its catalog, all bear similarities in attention to detail. | | | | essential to overall performance. The wheel and tire |
| Riding Shimano mountain bike wheels means using a | | | | combination is not unlike the foundation of a house. |
| product that relates how the part works together with | | | | And much like a home, a bike is not always going to |
| the whole in the following areas: | | | | remain in one place. |
| Braking: Wheels are integral to the braking system as | | | | While bikes do produce more movement, those |
| they support the tires in their linkage with disc brakes | | | | sounds you hear as you go to bed at night-commonly |
| and the flow of air from rider to ground. Shimano's | | | | known as "the house settling"-represent movements |
| catalog features products that understand how this | | | | that the foundation is prepared to accommodate. |
| relationship works, and accentuates the proper amount | | | | Poorly lain foundations lead to repairs and the general |
| of power between these two sources. | | | | feeling that your house is falling apart. Cutting corners |
| Handling: Mountain biking is much different from | | | | on the set of wheels you choose for your cycle |
| competitive speed cycling. When you're on the back of | | | | results in a mountain bike that is unprepared for the |
| a mountain bike, you're taking on the elements in all of | | | | terrain. |
| their unpredictable nature. The way your wheel spokes | | | | In the end, the style of wheels that you choose for |
| twine together plays a huge role in your bike's ability to | | | | your mountain bike is dependent on two factors: |
| maneuver at a moment's notice. The more | | | | toughness and maneuverability. Shimano mountain bike |
| unpredictable nature gets, the more you need the | | | | wheels demonstrate this commitment. Before you |
| commitment to quality that distinguished companies | | | | commit to your bike's foundation, make sure it |
| such as Shimano provide. | | | | deserves your confidence. |
| Supporting weight: Aside from keeping together the | | | | |