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Types Of Mountain Bikes
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Published: September 26, 2006
When it comes to mountain bikes, there are 5 basic types. Each one is designed to handle certain terrain or environments, with different abilities and suspension. Cross Country bikes are meant for off-road biking on trails with small to moderate obstacles, while Trail Mountain Bikes are designed to handle slightly harder or technical terrain.
Downhill Mountain Bikes are meant for taking on steep trails and racing courses. Then there are Free Ride bikes, which are a compromise between Cross Country and Downhill, and Dirt Jump which are meant for hitting jumps or street riding.
Cross Country Mountain Bikes, also known as XC bikes, are good for mountain biking beginners. They are composed of lightweight materials, weighing 20-30 pounds, and meant to take on climbs and descents in natural conditions. Cross Country bikes break down into two different categories based on their suspension.
Hardtail bikes are designed and created without a rear suspension built into the frame; however this can be modified in order to make the ride more comfortable. This design allows for saving energy during sprints and cuts down on any bouncing feeling that might occur when peddling while off saddle. It also weighs 2-3 pounds less than a Full Suspension mountain bike and requires less maintenance.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes are built with suspension in both the front and back of the frame. These bikes weigh more, but give more comfort than a Hardtail. Although the Full Suspension cannot perform as well during sprints or off the saddle riding, they can be equipped with lockout, which makes the rear of the bike similar to that of a Hardtail.
Trail Mountain Bikes are similar to Cross Country bikes; however they have softer suspension systems which allow for handling tougher obstacles. While this type of suspension is meant to take on harder terrain, it requires more peddling as well.
Downhill Mountain Bikes are designed to ride on steep trails or downhill races. They are heavier than other mountain bikes, but are still built as light as possible for better race performance. Being designed for downhill runs, downhill bikes are not recommended for uphill climbing and often have hydraulic disc brakes, designed for stopping at high speeds.
Freeride Mountain Bikes are similar to downhill mountain bikes. They weigh almost as much but are easier to pedal. They are somewhat a cross between Cross Country and Downhill Mountain Bikes, which allows them to function as both but not perform as well in either category.
Dirt Jump Mountain Bikes are sometimes referred to as over sized BMX bikes with front suspension. They are meant to take on jumps, as well as slalom races and street riding. To survive the impact of big jumps, these bikes are made of stronger materials and have slightly lighter suspension than Cross Country Mountain Bikes.
The Cross Country Hardtail is the best way to go for a beginner, but the preferred type of riding should always be considered. Each type of mountain bike is designed for different riding styles, so it is important to decide which is right for you.
Pasion, Lean John. Mountain Bike- Types. ABC-of-Mountain Biking. 2006. Maxlifesyle.net. 22 September 2006. http://www.abc-of-mountainbiking.com/mountain-bike /mountain-bike-types.asp
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Cross Country Mountain Bikes, also known as XC bikes, are good for mountain biking beginners. They are composed of lightweight materials, weighing 20-30 pounds, and meant to take on climbs and descents in natural conditions. Cross Country bikes break down into two different categories based on their suspension.
Hardtail bikes are designed and created without a rear suspension built into the frame; however this can be modified in order to make the ride more comfortable. This design allows for saving energy during sprints and cuts down on any bouncing feeling that might occur when peddling while off saddle. It also weighs 2-3 pounds less than a Full Suspension mountain bike and requires less maintenance.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes are built with suspension in both the front and back of the frame. These bikes weigh more, but give more comfort than a Hardtail. Although the Full Suspension cannot perform as well during sprints or off the saddle riding, they can be equipped with lockout, which makes the rear of the bike similar to that of a Hardtail.
Trail Mountain Bikes are similar to Cross Country bikes; however they have softer suspension systems which allow for handling tougher obstacles. While this type of suspension is meant to take on harder terrain, it requires more peddling as well.
Downhill Mountain Bikes are designed to ride on steep trails or downhill races. They are heavier than other mountain bikes, but are still built as light as possible for better race performance. Being designed for downhill runs, downhill bikes are not recommended for uphill climbing and often have hydraulic disc brakes, designed for stopping at high speeds.
Freeride Mountain Bikes are similar to downhill mountain bikes. They weigh almost as much but are easier to pedal. They are somewhat a cross between Cross Country and Downhill Mountain Bikes, which allows them to function as both but not perform as well in either category.
Dirt Jump Mountain Bikes are sometimes referred to as over sized BMX bikes with front suspension. They are meant to take on jumps, as well as slalom races and street riding. To survive the impact of big jumps, these bikes are made of stronger materials and have slightly lighter suspension than Cross Country Mountain Bikes.
The Cross Country Hardtail is the best way to go for a beginner, but the preferred type of riding should always be considered. Each type of mountain bike is designed for different riding styles, so it is important to decide which is right for you.
Pasion, Lean John. Mountain Bike- Types. ABC-of-Mountain Biking. 2006. Maxlifesyle.net. 22 September 2006. http://www.abc-of-mountainbiking.com/mountain-bike /mountain-bike-types.asp
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