Mountain Bikes

At its basic level, mountain biking is a form of cycling conducted off-road or on unpaved surfaces such as mountain trails. Mountain biking became popular in the 1970s and has increased in popularity ever since. With the advent of mass-produced equipment and widely televised competitions, mountain biking is now a popular sport practiced by millions of people around the world.

Because this sport is very physically demanding, riders require sturdy equipment specifically designed for bumps, jumps and uneven surfaces. A quality mountain bike is a must for anyone who enjoys the sport.

Understanding

MountainBike Lingo

For the novice, mountain biking seems to have its own dictionary. The following are a few common terms to get you started:

• attack position: the position you ride in when approaching rough terrain
• chain suck: the dragging of your chain that occurs in sloppy conditions
• clean: a perfect ride through a difficult section of trail
• dab: act of putting your foot down while riding so you don''t fall over
• gnarl: extreme technical section
• gonzo: treacherous or extreme
• gravity check: a fall
• LBS: an acronym for local bike shop
• line: a plan or strategy for a challenging trail section
• mo: momentum
• vegetable tunnel: a track that''s dense with foliage
• washboard: small, regular bumps on the trail surface that make the ride bumpy
• whoop-de-doos: a series of larger bumps that are suitable for jumping
• wild pigs: brake pads that squeal when you use them
• wonky: not working properly.

What Makes Mountain Bikes Unique

Unlike standard bicycles that have evolved into lightweight, airy vehicles with hard, thin tires, mountain bikes are built for sturdiness. They have a smaller and stronger frame and wider, higher profile tires that are mounted on a rim stronger than that of a standard bicycle. Additionally, mountain bikes have a larger range of gears for climbing up steep hills and over obstacles, and most have some form of suspension system. Mountain bikes also have a wider or upwardly rising handlebar that allows an upright riding position.

Mountain bikes tend to be very comfortable road bikes. In fact, mountain bikes now hold an estimated 80-percent market share, although only 10 percent to 20 percent of them are actually ridden off-road.

Types of Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are generally classified into five general categories, with each type designed to tackle different kinds of terrain and obstacles. The first step in choosing the right mountain bike is to know what kind of riding you''re going to do. After that, your choice is a matter of preference and style.

Here''s a list of the five common types of mountain bikes:

• cross country: Also called an XC bike, the cross-country bicycle is the most popular type of mountain bike. It''s designed for off-road trails with minimal to moderate obstacles and can also be used for climbs and descents. Cross-country bikes are usually lightweight, weighing between 20 and 30 pounds, in order to go as fast as possible in all conditions. These bikes are divided into hard tail and full-suspension subcategories, which differ in the amount of suspension provided. Cross-country suspensions are usually more rigid than those of other mountain bikes.
• dirt jump: Often called oversized BMX bikes that have a front suspension, dirt jump bikes are used for jumping as well as street riding and slalom races. They''re typically made of very strong materials to absorb the impact of jumps, and their suspension systems are slightly softer than a cross-country bike.
• downhill: As the name suggests, downhill bikes are designed for downhill courses with steep drops. The difference between downhill and cross-country bikes is that downhill bikes are focused exclusively on one-way riding, with transportation to the top often provided by motor vehicle. Downhill-specific bikes are typically equipped with front and rear suspension and large brakes, and they''re larger and heavier than other mountain bikes. These modifications are necessary for the bike to withstand high stresses and to be able to stop at high speeds.
• freeride: Freeride biking is a "do anything" discipline. The bikes look like and weigh almost as much as downhill mountain bikes but are designed to be easier to pedal, with gears more like an XC. It is up to the rider to lean the bike more toward one or the other genre. The drawback of this combo bike is that it does not perform as efficiently as a single-focus bike.
• trail: These are essentially cross-country mountain bikes with softer suspension systems to handle harder and more technical obstacles. Trail bikes can be used off road or in an urban environment, with emphasis placed on style, originality and technique. Trail bikes use 20-, 24- or 26-inch wheels and have very small, low frames, some without a saddle. The only downside to this type of bike is that pedaling may require more effort from the rider because of the increased suspension.

Making The Decision

When it comes time to actually make a purchase, an important factor to consider s what you want to do with the bike. A mountain bike with multiple uses may be appropriate as a first bike if you''re not yet sure what type of trail and performance requirements you''ll prefer.

If you''re attracted by the thrills of downhill biking, jumping or steep climbs, then purchasing a bike specifically designed for the specialty you have in mind is bound to guarantee you a great ride.

Resource

ABC of Mountain Biking (n.d.). Downhill Mountain Bikes, Freeride, Hardtail, Cross Country Bike. Retrieved April 18, 2008, from the ABC of Mountain Biking Web site.