Mountain Bike Buying Guide

Buying a mountain bike is a great way to get close to nature, test your biking skills, and excitingly enhance them. But with so many different options on the market, it can be very challenging to identify what kind of mountain bike you should buy. With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks to help you buy a great mountain bike.

What type of mountain bike is the right one for you?

Rigid mountain bikes are suitable for trails and roads, front suspension units are very good if you go on the rougher trails. Then we have full-suspension mountain bikes that are great since they protect your body from the constant vibrations on the road. Hardtail bikes vibrations come with a suspension fork at the front and it’s more suitable for climbing, not to mention they are quite easy to maintain as well.

The mountain bike frame

Generally, based on your budget, you will go either for an aluminum frame or a carbon frame. Carbon bikes are usually the most expensive options, but they are lighter. Most people go for carbon frames since they are great for enduro or cross-country rides, but an aluminum frame is just as good if you have a lower budget.

You also have to think about torsional stiffness. This is the amount of flex that’s allowed when you are stomping the pedals. Carbon frames tend to be stiffer when compared to aluminum, and they are also snappier. In case you want more aggressive riding and rougher terrain, aluminum frames are preferred. In case your focus is on comfort, carbon frames are great since they absorb some of the vibration. When it comes to strength, both options are similar, so you can go either way. It all comes down to the types of mountain bikes you like.

Gear types

There are different types of gears you can choose from. Of course, if you choose an electric mountain bike that’s not an issue. But if you go for a regular bike, things are a bit different. The entry-level bikes are coming with a triple cassette, so you will have 3 cogs on the chainset. Hardtails have 2 cogs at the front and a 10-speed cassette at the back. Newer models have just a single ring in the front. That approach is more suitable for downhill.

Disc or rim brakes?

A good idea here is to go for disc brakes. They are usually more reliable especially if you are dealing with bad weather. They are also surviving grime and dirt much more than usual, which is something to keep in mind. Rim brakes are easy to maintain, lighter, and also a lot more affordable. The fact that these cost less is also something to keep in mind.

Wheel size

Wheel size does matter for a mountain bike, and that’s why you want to know which one is ideal based on the style of biking you want and the mountain bikes you choose. Generally, 26” wheels are great for dirt jump bikes, however, the fact they are small makes them less appealing for most people. 27.5” are bigger and they have very good acceleration, but the larger size also makes them better at going over obstacles. If you want, you can go with the 29” models, these can go over obstacles without a problem, while also holding their speed too. Granted, the larger size also means they are heavier, so narrow trails can be a challenge.

Full Suspension

Travel time

If you want to use the mountain bike a lot, you should notice that more travel equals more shock that needs to be absorbed. In general, bikes that are suitable for long travel are great for downhill situations. However, if you do mixed-terrain riding, less travel is better. Suspensions under 120 mm are seen as less travel, whereas anything over that is a long-travel suspension. You can also find adjustable travel models too.

Shock type

Air shocks or coil shocks are the ones you need to choose from. Coil shocks are great for downhill mountain bikes mainly because they offer more consistency. Air shocks on the other hand are lighter and setting up or adjusting them is a lot easier. Plus, in case the weight is changing, you can adjust the sag via a shock pump. These can however be very vulnerable to altitude, humidity, or heat.

Conclusion

Picking the best mountain bike does take a bit of trial and error. With the help of Cool Mountainbikes, a website that present mountain bikes from various aspects, you can take all these things into consideration while avoiding any rush and making sure that you pick a good mountain bike according to your needs. It’s important to do a test ride if possible, as that will help you narrow down the right option!

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Alberta’s Sports Betting Industry

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Alberta’s Sports Betting Industry

Published on February 21, 2025

Todayville Content Team

The limited nature of sports betting opportunities in Alberta makes it difficult to judge just how successful a full launch will be, with only single-game sports betting allowed since Bill C-218 was passed in 2021.

However, projected legislative changes that look set to take place in 2025 should provide the regulatory framework required for a more comprehensive betting market, with a focus on online operations.

To get a better idea of betting in Alberta, we asked Lewis Mitchell who explained that offshore betting sites have been able to cater to the needs of consumers. The convenience offered by online sports betting is something that the retail industry can’t compete with, and the wide range of betting markets, enticing bonuses, and selection of payment methods make it a popular option.

At present, the only online sports betting operator licensed to run in Alberta is PlayAlberta, a government-run operator that is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

The new regulatory framework was set to be implemented at the end of 2024, but the project was delayed. The popularity of Ontario’s online sports betting market, which has seen significant growth, has encouraged other provinces to look at ways they can enjoy the revenue it would create and the improved protections they could offer their citizens.

Albertans have Canada’s highest spending on gaming per capita, and this statistic has led experts to believe that it would welcome a more open online sports betting industry.

The province is home to one of Canada’s youngest adult populations, and a legal betting age of 18 would be conducive to a successful online sports betting market. Another benefit for the 4.9 million inhabitants of Alberta is that Canadians don’t pay tax on winnings.

The wide selection of pro-sports teams in Alberta would also help with a launch, with the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Wranglers, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Elks, Calgary Roughnecks, and Calvary FC just some of the options for local sports fans to get behind.

Alberta is in pole position to become the second province to allow commercial online betting operations and will benefit from insights available from Ontario, helping to avoid potential pitfalls. The industry would provide a welcome boost to provincial finances via tax revenue and improved employment.

The opportunity to allow other sports book operations will alert existing live-betting operations including Enoch’s River Cree Resort and Casino and Eagle River Resort, as well as the Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino in Morley, Starlight Casino in Edmonton, Calgary’s The Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, and the Casino Lethbridge.

The province will likely follow the lead of other regions that allow online betting markets by implementing application and license fees, with license fees requiring annual updates.

The limited nature of the existing sports betting market in Alberta leaves significant room for growth. The wide variety of sports and betting markets available for locals to explore will provide great competition for potential new betting apps.

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From coins to wagers: The expanding crypto gambling market

Published on February 14, 2025

Todayville Content Team

The world of gambling is changing fast with the rise of crypto. More people are turning to it as their preference for online betting as it is safe and offers new options. You can now use digital coins like BTC to place bets in a whole new market.

Many online casinos are beginning to accept crypto, making it easier for players to join in. With an increasing number of people interested in digital money, the crypto market is expanding rapidly. Learn more about crypto gambling here.

Benefits of crypto gambling

Crypto gambling offers many benefits that make it appealing to players. With the use of digital currencies, Bitcoin gambling is faster, safer, and more private.

The following benefits can help you see why using crypto in a casino is popular:

Transparency

One of the best things about crypto gambling is transparency. Blockchain technology records every game and transaction, making it easy to see what happened. This gives you peace of mind that the games are fair and the outcomes are legitimate.

Anonymity

You don’t need to share personal data when using crypto, which means you can enjoy games without worrying about your privacy being exposed.

Faster transactions

Speed is a major advantage of using crypto for gambling, as transactions happen quickly. You can deposit and withdraw your money almost instantly, rather than waiting days for banks to process payments.

International access

Crypto gambling allows players worldwide the world to join in. Traditional gambling sites may limit access based on location, and while crypto also has that, it is often accessible. This opens up chances for everyone, no matter where they are.

Lower fees

Using crypto often means lower fees for players. Traditional banking methods can charge high fees for transactions, but crypto usually has much smaller costs. This means more money can stay with the player, leading to bigger winnings.

Rise of crypto casinos: The new era

Many players are excited about using crypto to bet and play games. This shift marks the start of a new era in online gambling.

Increased interest

There has been a notable increase in interest in Bitcoin casinos. More people are searching for places to gamble using Bitcoin than ever before, showing that more players are curious about using digital currencies for betting.

Market growth

The global online gambling market is expected to grow rapidly. Experts predict that more players will choose crypto casinos, leading to larger markets. With the rising use of crypto, the future of online gambling looks bright.

Rising betting activity

The percentage of gambling done through crypto is on the rise, which means more players are getting involved. This trend shows that crypto gambling is becoming a preferred choice for many.

Demographics

Players interested in crypto casinos tend to be young and tech-savvy, between the ages of 18 and 34. This age group is familiar with technology and enjoys exploring new forms of gambling, making crypto casinos an exciting option.

Trends to watch

The future of crypto casinos seems promising as new digital assets may emerge, giving more options for players. Innovations in payment systems and game offerings are expected to grow as more users enter the market. Keeping an eye on these trends can help players stay ahead in the ever-evolving online gambling world.

Challenges facing crypto gambling

While crypto gambling offers many benefits, it also faces some challenges. Here are two major concerns about why it is not easy to operate a casino:

Regulatory uncertainty

Countries have diverse laws about crypto, which can confuse some players. This can make it hard for online casinos to follow the rules and for players to know what is allowed in their region.

Volatility

Their values can change quickly and suddenly, which can create financial uncertainty for players, making it hard to decide how much to spend or bet.

Security risks

Although crypto casinos boast good security, some risks still exist as hackers may try to steal digital currencies or personal data. This may make you hesitant to fully trust these online platforms, even with strong security measures in place.

Factors driving crypto casino growth: Engines of evolution

Several key factors are helping the growth of crypto casinos. These factors make online gambling with crypto more appealing to players. Knowing these reasons can explain why more people still choose crypto casinos.

Security

Security is a major factor that helps crypto casinos grow. Blockchain protects transactions by securely recording them, so trust your money and data to be safe. With strong security measures, you feel more at ease placing your bets.

Enhanced privacy

Enhanced privacy is another vital reason for the rise of crypto casinos. You do not need to share a lot of personal details when using crypto, allowing you to enjoy gambling without worrying about your identity being exposed. Keeping personal data private makes the experience feel safer and more fun.

Global usage

Global usage is key to the success of crypto casinos. Crypto can be used by anyone, anywhere in the world, making it accessible. Players from various countries can easily join in, making the market much larger and more diverse. This worldwide access means more people can connect and play together.

Saving with speed

Transactions happen quickly with crypto, which makes them popular. Deposits and withdrawals can take only a few minutes compared to traditional banking methods which can take days. This speed allows you to enjoy your winnings right away. Quick transactions make it easier for players to keep the fun going without long waits.

Innovative gaming options

Crypto casinos are bringing fun and new ideas to online games as many operators are creating unique games that use the special features of blockchain technology. For example, some games allow you to earn tokens that can be traded or used in various ways.

Others might offer exciting themes or new ways to win, making each game feel fresh and different. This variety keeps you interested and makes crypto casinos a more exciting choice for gambling.

Social engagement

Crypto casinos often focus on building a strong community. Many platforms feature chat rooms and forums for players to interact, share tips, and enjoy a social gaming experience. This sense of community adds to the thrill and keeps you coming back for more.

A bright horizon for crypto gambling

The future of crypto gambling looks bright as more players are starting to use crypto like Bitcoin for their bets, helping the market grow. Online casinos are offering more games and better rewards for those who use digital money. With new technology and more interest from players, crypto gambling is becoming a big part of online gaming.

You can expect a safer and more fun gambling experience as the benefits of Bitcoin gambling include faster transactions and better privacy. As more people learn about these good things, crypto casinos will likely become more popular, showing there is a bright future for crypto gambling.