Mountain Biking and Styles of Mountain Bikes
August 29, 2008 by James Brown
Filed under Featured, Mountain Biking
1. Cross country
Almost all mountain bikes will fit into this category. Cross country mountain bikes are light weight, making them easy to ride over most terrains, even up and down hills. This is the most common mountain bike and it can be used with ease for riding on the path or even commuting.
2. Downhill
These types of bikes are for serious bikers who crave the ultimate adventure. Downhill bikes have front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc brakes. Rarely available off the shelf, most riders like to custom build their own.
3. Trail Bikes
Trail mountain biking involves a great degree of skill and is classified as the precision riding of the sport. Similar to downhill bikes, trail riders will often build their own bikes rather than purchase one off a shelf. Generally very light and very strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline.
4. Jump and slalom
Slalom and jump bikes are very strong and designed for jumping, street racing, and slalom. They offer a front suspension and use very strong components dedicated to what they do. These bikes are very popular with the sport of mountain biking.
Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport can be a lot of fun. There are several bikes to choose from, all of which depend on your style. If you are still looking for the best style for you, all you have to do is try out several bikes and see which one suites you the best.
Categories Of Mountain Biking
very versed in what they offer. They are:
1. BMX
BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels. These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.
2. Cross Country
This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it’s the least extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.
3. Cyclo Cross
This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.
4. Dirt jumping
Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.
5. Downhill
Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.
6. Free Riding
Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express yourself. These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see fit.
7. Single speed
No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that’s done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical problems and a lighter bike.
8. Street and urban
This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles. Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.
9. Trails
Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.
Whichever bike or style you choose I guarantee you will have a lot of fun and a healthy life!
Mountain Biking Tips
February 15, 2008 by James Brown
Filed under Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Tips
Mountain biking is an ever increasingly popular sport. For many it is the ultimate combination of outdoor activity, physical exercise and adventure.
One of the attractions of the sport is the ability to match the challenge to your abilities.
Nature has provided small hills for the cautious beginner and large mountains for the tearaway adventurer. This guy is the adventurer!
Whenever starting a new sport, always make sure to check with your physician to ensure that you are physically ready for the challenge. If you are not physically ready for the demands of mountain biking, you can always begin by riding around your own neighborhood and getting yourself in shape for the sport.
Mountain Biking Tips On Equipment
The most important piece of equipment that you will purchase is a helmet. Make sure to go to an area store that has people that can assist with making sure that you are getting the proper helmet. A helmet can save your life, and make sure that you purchase one that is appropriate.
As far as mountain biking tips go, getting the proper equipment is the first step. Some additional equipment that should be considered includes sunglasses, gloves and some type of water bottle. Some other things to consider include mountain biking shorts for comfort and mountain biking shoes. These accessories allow for a more comfortable ride, and nothing can detract from a days fun like discomfort.
Another mountain biking tip is to make sure you get a bike that is comfortable for you. It may be a good idea to rent a bike first if you are unsure of what you want. There are many locations that have bike rentals and you can try it out for a day to see how it feels.
Local biking stores can also supply you with lots of information about the differences in bikes and let you see how the different bikes work.
Mountain Biking Tips On The Trail
Always be aware of trail rules and regulations. Different areas have rules in regards to the many issues that come up on the trail. Be a courteous rider and make sure that anyone you come up on is aware you are behind them.
Being a careful and considerate mountain biker is an important element of mountain biking. Trails are for everyone to enjoy and respect is a key element of being in the outdoors.
Mountain biking is a sport that can easily become a passion. It has elements of excitement, adventure, relaxation, physical fitness, companionship, and solitude. You get to control the mix. Become a participant and not a spectator, and take up mountain biking!
