The Mountain Biking Experience
Are you’re looking for a new way to connect with nature and see the beautiful scenery?. Then mountain biking is for you.
Since the start of the pandemic, we have found ourselves with a lot of free time to either create a new hobby or recommit ourselves and reinvest our time into old Hobbies.
One of the most rewarding pastimes I would like to recommend is mountain biking. Mountain biking gives you the opportunity to not only discover hidden beautiful places in your local area.
It also offers you a peace of mind that I would recommend over anything else.
Mountain bikes when compared to road bikes have a few noticeably different characteristics that will be seen immediately
- Rugged threads and fatter tires for a more stable and durable off-road terrain experience.
- A suspension system to absorb shock and to give you a more comfortable view.
- Seating that keeps your back in an upright cycling position and provides a better view of the scenery.
The most enjoyable Parts about mountain biking if you don’t even need mountains to do it. The terrain varies from Pleasant rides on loan flowing back roads to some really Technical singletrack and high endurance high tracks that would be considered very challenging.
If this sounds like it’s for you, then I’m going to give you a few of the basics before you head out onto your first ride. Including different types of mountain bikes, types of mountain biking Terrain, and some of the gear that will improve your mountain biking experience.
So hold on to those handlebars and grip On Tight cuz you’re in for one hell of a ride.
Dad pun couldn’t help it i know forgive me.
Terrains & Topography
With Trails usually marked, beginner, intermediate, expert, and double expert. It is typically easy to find a trail that fits your skill preference and are easy-to-navigate. While you might start using trails that are fairly smooth and flat, as you gain skill your ability to maneuver over and around obstacles will develop. This will add a more enriching fun element to the sport.
Single Track:
This term used to refer to a trail that has a width that is either a little wider than your shoulders, or just big enough for two bikes to pass on a trail. These are your most common type of Trail. They usually are open for one-way travel, and whines through some of the best trained, and Landscape that can be offered.
Double Track:
This term is referred to as a track that is usually double the width of single tracks and is typically a big enough space for two bikes to ride side-by-side.
These trails will offer some of the most beautiful scenery. Taking you down old fire roads, abandoned logging roads,& Powerline roads. Where you basically just riding on old tire tracks. These are usually a gentler grade than single tracks and have less technical features.
Terrain Parks:
Terrain Parks have been popping up throughout cities, and counties. Often referred to as jump and pump tracks. These may be located under many urban overpasses. Some ski resorts offer their lift services. Bikers have access to the Trails located near their resorts. Where you can expect.
- Beautiful scenery
- Half pipes
- Elevated Bridges
- Jumps of various sizes
- Banked Corners Burns
and some
- Hairy downhill switchbacks
Different Styles Of Mountain Bikes
They’re different categories manufacturers classify their mountain bike styles under. To help you decide what mountain bike type is best suited for you.
Trail:
This is the most common of the mountain bike styles because it’s not really grounded in racing. This bike is more casual. Best suited for meeting up with friends and riding a mixture of climbs and descents on your local trailhead.
These bikes also put more emphasis on efficiency overall weight and fun.
Cross Country:
Cross-country bikes are usually built with an emphasis on their ability to climb steep hills fast. These are usually used in competitive bikes. Where distances can range from anywhere from a few miles to 30 plus miles. These bikes are made to be efficient, and lightweight. Which could make for a fast pace ride at some of your local Trails.
“If that’s what you’re into”
Enduro:
This is also referred to as all Mountain and could be considered the “All American”, “who’s who” of mountain biking. If you’re looking for,
- Steeper ascents
- more White Knuckle descents
- Big leg-burning climbs
and
- More technical features
“Both natural and man-made”.
All Mountain Enduro bikes are what you’re looking for. These bikes are made to perform well on steep descent . while also being swift enough to Pedal fast uphill. All while still being lightweight.
The phrase Enduro actually comes from the racing world. It is used to describe a competition that has stages that are timed and untimed phases. The racer with the overall fastest combined downhill time wins.
Enduro racing has become increasingly more popular and the term. Enduros is now synonymous with all Mountain racing
Downhill & Park Riding:
During the warmer months, ski resorts offered what is commonly referred to as Lift service parks. Where you’re provided with big tough bikes and While you have to wear a full face mask and body armor. To protect you against the elements. These bikes will have high endurance components, with fewer gears. Along with suspension that creates more travel.
Travel:
The measurable amount of movement in your suspension.
All of this combined will help you propel yourself over rock Gardens.
Glide over Berms. As well as concur jumps
and wooden ladders. As your momentum increases steadily you will descend into some of the most beautiful scenery. you will get a workout as you maneuver around obstacles in this fast-paced form of biking.
Types of tires:26, 27.5, & 29er’s
As you become more involved in mountain biking tires or something that you will notice early on that will become important.
In downhill Park mountain biking Fat Tire is commonly used. Fat tire bikes can cover most obstacles you will run across. These tires can range anywhere from 3.7 in. wide up to 5 in. wide on more. Fat tires offer excellent traction in Sand & Snow but are not limited to these conditions. These tires have been proven to be ideal in all settings, seasons, and situations. Fat tires are also a great recommendation for beginning mountain bikers. They offer a bit more cushion on some of the more harsh Terrain.
26 in.
At one point all mountain bikes were equipped with 26-inch wheels. In the categories of responsiveness and maneuverability, they still ranked pretty high. To This Day 26-inch wheels remain very popular.
The most common size of wheels are :
- 26-inch wheels
- 27.5-inch wheels
&
- 29 inch wheels.
27.5 in
Consider the 27.5-inch wheel to be a middle ground between your 26in wheels and your 29ers. These bikes easily roll over Terrain. Unlike the 26s. Yet offer slightly more maneuverability than the 29s. And this option wheel size can be found on an either hardtail or full-suspension rigs.
29er’s
29-inch wheels can also be found in both hardtail and full-suspension rigs. These wheels are heavier and accelerate slower. But once momentum is gained you’re able to cover-more Terrain then you would be able to on your standard 26-inch Wheels. These wheels usually provide better grip and a higher attack angle. Which means your wheels will be able to roll over obstacles much easier. That is why 29-inch wheels have become increasingly more popular for the cross country mountain bikers.
24in.
These wheels are usually made for children with shorter legs. They are usually found on miniature less expensive versions of adult bikes. These tires are usually suited for 10 to 13 year old kids. This can also vary and depends on the child size and weight.
Rigid or Hardtail:
When it comes to suspension types “at least for now” we have three options
Ridgid/ Hardtail/Full suspension
Hardtail:
Hardtail suspension is designed with forks in the front that helps to minimize the impact on your front wheel. The rear of the bike has no suspension at all. These bikes usually are less expensive than full-suspension bikes. They have fewer moving parts,
“which overtime translates into less money spent on maintenance” .
Hardtail suspension usually comes with the option to lock the front forks for the times when a more rigid biking experience is wanted
Rigid:
Rigid suspension mountain bikes cannot be considered the most common type of mountain bike. These bikes usually don’t feature any suspension. Which also makes them less expensive and easier to maintain. Many mountain bikers “including myself” prefer mountain bikes with better suspension and bigger tires when off-roading. The combination of wide tires and low tire pressure will provide all the shock I’m resorption that’s needed on some of your bumpier trails.
Full Suspension:
When looking into full suspension mountain bikes you’ll have many options to choose from. To put it simply full suspension mountain bikes provide front and rear suspension. This combined front and rear suspension give you a more smooth, enjoyable, and forgiving ride. While still providing the most traction and maneuverability. You might lose traction when climbing hills. Full suspension bikes also give you the option to lock out the rear suspension. This will give you more power and maneuverability as you climb.
Having a mountain bike repair kit with you will save you a lot of heartaches, and Hassell. Remember to have a field bag, with a hand pump, and a spare tube, plus whatever tools you’re comfortable carrying.