MOUNTAIN BIKING

Are You New To Mountain Biking? ... Read This

Mountain biking is a unique sport that combines exercise and adventure in the outdoors. Some of you may be new to mountain biking so here is a quick explanation of Mountain Biking and Mountain Bike. Mountain Biking is sport that has grown increasing popular in the last ten years. Mountain bikes evolved from the rugged old bicycles ridden by many of off-road riders on steep, rocky hillsides back in the 1970’s. The craze has spread yearly.

Sometimes known as all-terrain bikes, or ATBs, mountain bikes have toughened frames with high ground clearance and wide tires with knobby tread. They also have wide, flat handlebars, powerful brakes (cantilever or disc style), and a wide range of gears (typically between 21 and 27). The first mass-produced mountain bikes appeared in the United States in 1981.

A mountain bike is technically different from a road bike and a BMX. Mountain biking tires are usually fat tires with knobbies which makes it easier for them to go up mountains and traverse rough roads. The knobbies virtually grip the loose rock and rough roads to go faster compared to a road bike’s smooth tires. A road bike’s tires are specifically designed to run faster on a smooth road.

A mountain bike is a specifically designed bicycle to maneuver over rough terrain and off road areas. It also has several specific parts that are usually used for mountain bikes only.

The frame or body of the mountain bike is also larger and sometimes heavier than a road bike. This is due mainly to all the pressure it gets from the rider who exerts effort to go faster on a rough road. Mountain biking parts are not as light weight as the road bike parts although some frames and components have gotten lighter over the years.

There are many varieties of mountain bikes available. Some are astoundingly expensive while others are purely functional. The average price of a professional mountain biker’s bike could be approximately $2,000 - $3,000. This is a very modest estimate of the price. Some after market parts cost around that range too.

Mountain bikes usually have shock absorbers or suspension for the rough terrain. The shocks are usually found in the front end of the bike while there are other shocks which are located near or just below base of the seat post. The preference of the rider dictates whether there will be rear or front suspension on his bike.