They feature full suspension setups with 7–9 inches of travel to glide over gnarly rocks and tree roots, along with fewer gears for added clearance. The goal here is blazing speed, and you’ll need lots of it when committing to steep descents, massive gaps and huge jumps.ĭownhill bikes are built burly with chunkier tyres for extra grip and control. Unlike cross country trails that involve winding paths, downhill trails are designed to plummet riders straight down the mountain as fast as possible.
Riders will walk or drive up a trail or catch a ride to the top on a lift system. In downhill mountain biking, gravity reigns supreme. When going all mountain, extra armour is advised, including a more protective helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. We also recommend a lightweight frame, sturdy wheels and puncture-proof tyres to roll over any hurdle that comes your way. A hardtail with a generous amount of travel (at least 6 inches) is a safe bet. AM trails get the adrenaline pumping with big jumps, daring drops and other challenges you’d expect from a mountain.Īnd that means you’ll need a bike that can handle mountain-sized demands. ALL MOUNTAIN (AM)ġ00% pure mountain riding – this discipline entails overcoming extreme natural obstacles. If you have to choose, full suspension provides more comfort, but a hardtail will be more efficient at climbing. Ultra responsive breaks and wider handlebars give you control at short notice. When hitting the ol’ dusty trail, expect a challenging mix of climbing, descending and technical features.Īs for the ride, these bikes sport strong wheels and tyres to take extra punishment. Like cross country, trail riding covers a range of terrain, but it can present bigger obstacles. Although the two mountain biking disciplines are similar, this style focuses on rugged singletracks. Trail riding is XC’s more aggressive cousin. For starters, you may want to pick up a hardtail and then progress to a full suspension bike. At these levels, swift riding and smooth handling are crucial, so XC bikes are the lightest, nimblest bikes on the trail. Cross country racing is the only form of mountain biking in the Olympics. The discipline is more challenging when it gets competitive. But wherever XC takes you, you’ll need the endurance to survive extended sessions in the saddle. In the same run, you can move from open fields and paved parks to rough forest roads and snaking singletracks. Trails incorporate long climbs and flowing descents, and sometimes you’ll come across more technical features like rock gardens. It’s the most common form of mountain biking, involving off-roading through a variety of terrain. CROSS COUNTRY (XC)įor those who like a mix of thrill and adventure, cross country is where you’ll find it. It can seem complicated at first, but don’t fret – this handy guide breaks down what each version is all about. Mountain biking has evolved into many different disciplines, each using its own kit, design and terrain.
0 kommentar(er)
