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the Freeride mountain bike is difficult to maneuver
when angled up hill or when traveling at slower speeds.
In contrast, the Freeride is very efficient
at riding downhill. Downhill riding provides more maneuverability
over and around small objects for this
bike.
Downhill (DH): Downhill mountain
bikes are built strong and light, usually below 40
pounds. Generally, downhill bikes are ideal only for
riding down downhill trails and race courses. They are especially used in downhill racing.
Downhill races are timed trial races where riders
ride on downhill courses separately while racing against
the clock. To get more traction to move faster over
bumpy trails, Downhill bikes have the most sage of
all mountain bikes.
Trials: Trial mountain bikes are
specifically designed for the purpose of bicycle trial
competitions. Trial mountain bikes typically have
no suspension at all. They are a lot
lighter than almost all other mountain bikes. They
range from 15 to 25 pounds. Their light weight makes
them easily maneuverable. Trial mountain bikes are
used in racing competitions and
usually have no seat at all because the rider usually
spends most of their time out of the saddle.
Urban/Dirt Jumping/Street: The urban
mountain bike is a cross between the trial, BMX and
Freeride mountain bikes. Urban mountain bikes are
generally very strong, with good front suspension
and rarely any rear suspension.
Urban mountain bikes can have as many as nine gears
or as few as only one gear. These types of bikes usually
have 24 to 26 inch tires, with low seat posts and
oversized handlebars. Some urban mountain bikes also
have special gyros that allow the rider to spin the
handle bars without tangling the brake cables.
Single-speed: the single speed mountain
bike has one set gear ratio. The gear ratio usually
depends on the type of terrain in which the bike is
being ridden as well as the strength and skill of
the rider. Single-speed mountain bikes are typically
fully-rigid, steel framed bikes and are ridden on mild to moderate cross country
terrain.
Mountain Cross/4-Cross Racing (4X): The
Mountain Cross style mountain bike is specifically
designed for racing downhill on a prepared, BMX like
track. The aim of this type of riding is to get down
hill first. Mountain Cross mountain bikes are also
used in the sport of Dual Slalom (DS) racing.
This is the same as 4X racing, only with two riders
riding in two different lanes. These types of bikes
are usually full suspension with strong frames. They
are especially good at cornering and acceleration.
Riding a mountain bike is a great way to get exercise
or to explore your surroundings in ways you cannot
with a regular bike. When you decide to purchase a
mountain bike, you should take a look at the different
aspects of the different types of bikes and pick one
that suits your personal goals.
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