What Is Freeride Mountain Biking?

Freeride mountain biking is a different kind of mountain biking that has no set goals or course and riders can do anything they want. Stunts are acceptable in freeride mountain biking. It includes many man made obstacle courses and jumps that can be comparable to BMX riding, only on a bigger and more unpredictable scale.

The Start Of Freeride Mountain Biking

This type of mountain biking started out with aspects of dirt jumping and stunt riding by some downhill mountain bike riders who wanted to do something different. Modifications were made to the downhill bikes to enable them to go faster uphill and downhill. The mountain bikes used in freeride mountain biking are equipped with shorter travel front suspension and are lighter bikes compared to downhill bikes. The head tube angles of the freeride bikes are also steeper, compared to ordinary bikes and they have shorter wheel bases. These features give them the capability to maneuver very well over the technical courses or trails.

The concept of freeride mountain biking is similar to BMX riding,where stunts and all other forms of cycling are used to express oneself. Riding on a narrow wooden plank is one of the featured courses of this kind of cycling. Some courses include only a small section of the wooden plank,while others have entire sections made of planks held aloft. Raised platforms where bikers jump from or even very steep cliffs, can be included in freeride mountain biking.

Tricks and other stunts are also featured. These may sometimes seem a bit dangerous, especially stunts that concern flying off a raised platform some thirty feet off the ground and landing onto another platform. Not all freeride mountain bikers wear the protective gear that all downhill bikers wear. The helmet is of course a given,when riding freeride.

Some freeride mountain biking trails are made specifically for this sport and have been sponsored by many bike parts and accessories manufacturers. Many spectators also like to watch the danger and excitement that goes with this riding style.

Freeride mountain biking has gained a lot of popularity and has many followers and supporters. The danger ratio is slightly higher than that of downhill mountain biking, but the thrill and adrenaline are somewhat similar, depending on the individual. Safety is an important point that should be highlighted to freeride bikers.