From the numerous health benefits, to the chance to spend more time with the family. Mountain biking is a fun and exciting activity that can provide hours of enjoyment and is a great way to way off a few extra Christmas calories.
Mountain biking isn’t just limited to one form, there are actually five main types. Downhill, trail riding, all-mountain, cross country, and freeride. The one you opt to participate in will significantly influence the type of bike you will need to purchase and the elements it includes.
Although an exciting and often adrenaline-inducing sport, the nature of the activity does carry risks. It’s highly advised for your safety that time is taken to choose the correct equipment and mountain bike insurance is taken out to keep you covered should an accident happen.
Below is a quick guide to give you a head start on what to look out for when choosing your bike according to the type of mountain biking you will be doing.
Oh and ladies, this is just as much for you as well. For some reason people seem to believe mountain biking is just for the men. Ladies, get on your bikes and start having some fun getting muddy! No matter where you live in the UK, you should be able to find some great trails to have fun on – whether with the family, or on an adventure on your own.
Downhill
As the name suggests, downhill mountain biking involves travelling at high speeds on descending tracks that are often steep with rough and rocky terrain. Trails will sometimes include bumps and obstacles that require the rider to jump, so it is beneficial to have a bike that is equipped to withstand impact.
What to look out for:
- Wider tyres for speed.
- Large and high-set gears for fast pedalling over rocky surfaces.
- Highly durable gears and body frame.
- A chain guard.
- Air or coil shocks.
Trail Riding
Often used as an entry into the mountain biking world, trail riding is a great, alternative way of getting out about and experiencing nature’s scenery. It involves taking your bike off the traditional roads and cycling on bridleways, forest trails and multi-use tracks. For this type of activity, you would want to be looking at either a hardtail (includes front suspension) or a full suspension bike.
What to look out for:
- Front suspension (if opting for hardtail) for comfort.
- Full suspension for comfort and increased handling on rougher terrains.
- Wide-set handlebars for increased handling leverage.
All-Mountain
All-mountain biking involves travelling to a summit via alternative means such as a chair lift and riding back down. An all-mountain bike will often have similar features to a trail bike but with a heavier, more sturdy frame to absorb the impact of more technical terrains.
What to look out for:
- Sturdy frame.
- Higher level of suspension (full suspension) – between 140-160mm.
- Heavier (indicative of the sturdier frame).
- Wider tyres for extra grip (between 2.25” – 2.4”).
Cross Country
Cross country is usually defined by the track terrain; often smoother, less-technical surfaces such as double/single tracks, forest paths and paving connecting different trails. Cross country bikes have the opposite features to trail bikes in that they are built to be slower on a descent and faster when going uphill.
What to look out for
- A narrower handlebar – easier for the rider to feel what the front wheel is doing and for quicker steering.
- Shorter suspension travel.
- Elimination of rear suspension for increased speed and peddle efficiency.
- Smoother tires for increased speed.
Freeride
This form of mountain biking, which has become increasingly popular, combines dirt jumping with downhill, focusing on technical terrains and performing stylistic tricks during jumps. The ideal bike will contain similar features to one for downhill but with a smaller, more lightweight frame for increased agility.
What to look out for:
- Single-crown front forks for narrower steering.
- An aluminium-based frame – lighter and smaller.
- Gearing (different from other bikes) – geared for single speed, short range and long range.
- Rear suspension.
Mountain biking offers a world of excitement and adventure but can be dangerous and costly without the correct bike. A good mountain bike isn’t cheap, so consult a specialist to get the most out of your investment if you’re unsure.
Once you’re out there, make sure you know your and your bike’s limits to keep safe. But most importantly, make sure you do have fun riding around on your new bike. Being at one with nature can be a great way of unwinding and allowing the day’s stress to wash off you – to be replaced with mud!
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