No truly great lineup of high-performance frames is complete without a World Cup caliber XC frame, and the Iron Horse Azure Team dual-suspension mountain bike is no exception. The bike was conceived after Iron Horse spent two years testing and refining its Hollowpoint series of XC frames. Starting from scratch and drawing from rider feedback, the company engineered the Azure Team from the ground up to represent the pinnacle of XC racing technology. The bike's 90mm dw-link rear suspension delivers never-before-seen pedaling efficiency, while its custom-developed, triple-butted tube set makes the frame one of the lightest full-suspension XC race frames ever made. Specifications:
- Frame: 3.5-inch travel dw-link XC frame
- Rear shock: Progressive 5th Element Air, 6.5 x 1.5 inches
- Fork: Rock Shox SID Race, 80mm travel
- Handlebar: Easton Monkey Lite XC, carbon lowrise, 31.8mm clamp
- Stem: Easton EA70, 31.8mm clamp
- Headset: FSA Orbit Z, No. 9 alloy, Zero Stack threadless
- BB: FSA Mega-Exo
- Crank: FSA K-Force Mega-Exo carbon
- Rings: 44/32/22 alloy
- Pedals: Crank Bros Eggbeaters SL clipless
- Chain: Shimano HG-73
- Saddle: Fizik Aliante with TI rails
- Seat post: Thomson Elite
- Front hub: Crossmax SL UST
- Rear hub: Crossmax SL UST
- Front derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
- Rear derailleur: SRAM X.0
- Shifter: SRAM X.9 trigger
- Cassette: SRAM PG-990, 11/32T, 9 speed
- Brakes: Hayes El Camino XC with 6-inch mud-cutter rotors
- Brake lever: Hayes El Camino-XC
- Rim: Crossmax SL UST
- Spokes: Crossmax SL UST
- Tires: Hutchinson Python New Generation UST Light 2.0
- Size: 15, 17, 19, and 21 inches
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike: The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories: - Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
- Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
- Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability. - Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
- Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
- High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips: - Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
- Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
- Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons: - Helmet (this is a must!)
- Seat pack
- Lock
- Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
- Spare tubes
- Portable bike pump
- Gloves
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