Downhill mountain biking is one of the most extreme styles of mountain biking. Downhill biking, as its name implies is all about riding down steep slopes while getting over obstacles, drops and sharp turn in maximum speed. Over the years, many downhill mountain biking events and competitions have been established all over the world. Downhill competitions are held on courses situated on steep slopes and mountains such as the Alps and the Rocky mountains. The objective of a downhill cycling competition is to reach the bottom in the fastest time. Nonetheless, there are many mountain bikers who ride downhill trails just for the fun of it. In my opinion, mountain biking is a successful combination of the chance to feel a rush of adrenaline, reach remote places, see wonderful scenery and attempt to control and maneuver a mountain bike riding a high speed, through rough terrain.
Most of the main bike trails and bike parks which are geared towards downhill mountain bikers are equipped with attractions and are geared to their special needs. Many downhill mountain biking sites are equipped with chair lifts, which take bikers and their bikes to the top of the descent with no need to climb up. Many downhill mountain biking sites operate as ski sites in the winter and downhill mountain biking centers in the summer. Throughout Europe there are a few parks which are geared to downhill mountain bikers. One can find these sorts of parks in France, Austria, Italy and more. Downhill mountain biking parks offer specially made obstacles and drops, aside of the trails in their parameter.
As much as downhill biking is enjoyable and exciting, it’s one of the more hazardous mountain biking styles. In any case of downhill mountain biking, no matter if you’re an expert or a beginner, be sure do ride with full safety gear and after you have made sure that the trail you’re beginning fits your level of riding.
You are a biking champ - ruler of the vast mountain trails. But your fame will become dull if you don’t understand the various parts of your mean machine. So to become a complete champ it is necessary to enhance your knowledge about different mountain bike parts.
The Basic Parts Of A Mountain Bike
The Frame
The frame of a mountain bike is smaller than that of a road bike. But the angle is very relaxing for the rider so that he can maneuver the bike with skillful agility over different grounds. Mountain bike manufacturers build bikes, which are gender specific. So while you buy a bike be sure to get the right sizing.
The Handlebars
The handlebars of a mountain bike are flat, usually as wide as the rider’s shoulders. However, depending on the rider’s preference it could be narrower or wider. Riser bars are fast becoming popular as it looks attractive and gives the riders a more upright position. You can add bar ends to the handlebars, which will allow more hand positions and give more comfort to the rider.
Bike Crank And Derailleur
A crank is connected to the bottom bracket of the frame with pedals attached to the tip of each crank. Crank has chainrings attached to it. The gear and chainrings are outfitted with derailleurs. The derailleurs, using the shifters that are placed at the handlebars, derail one gear to the other and the chain from one chainring to the other. The finer the quality of the derailleur the more exact the shifting will be.
Shifters
Shifters activate the front and rear derailleurs setting off the motion of the chain from one gear to the other.
Three basic types of shifters are:
1. Thumb Shifter: These are the most basic shifters that are fastened on top of handlebars and are operated by a push and pull of the thumb and the index finger respectively.
2. Rapid Fire Shifters: Rapid-fire shifters are generally fixed at the bottom of the handlebar and are activated by a two push buttons. For newer models a push and pull lever is used.
3. Grip Shifters: A grip shifter acts like a motorcycle throttle. To shift up to a lighter gear you have to turn the grip shift for the rear derailleur inwards. And to shift down to a heavier gear turn the grip shift outward.
Gear
Mountain bikes are meant to stomp on Steep Mountain trails and are usually equipped with outstanding gear ratios. The most popular one is the 36x34, which the mountain biker christens as “granny” gear. With this gear, you can trudge steep hills at a high tempo.
Brakes
Today’s mountain bikes have passed the stage of coaster brakes. Today the “V” brakes or the linear pull-type brakes are regular in mountain bikes. You can have Disk Brakes for high-end mountain bikes. Disk Brakes are highly proficient, as its feat does not get clogged by water or mud. You must keep your timing intact for a good braking performance.
Pedals
The mountain bike riders use two types of pedals. One is the toe clip, which can be made up of metal or plastic and is compatible with any kind of rubber shoe. The second type is the clipless pedal for which the biker has to wear a special kind of shoe. Clipless pedals raise the transfer of power from the rider to the bike.
Saddle
A saddle is necessary for your comfort while you chomp your way through a rugged ride. Make your seat comfortable with a perfect saddle for you.
Wheels and Tires
There are plenty of wheel sets in the market, which will ensure high performance. Mostly these wheels are durable and light but before buying a wheel keep in mind the safety factor.
Tires are the most important parts of the mountain bike. They should have a good grip for a smooth experience. A bad tire can sour up your whole journey ending it up in some gutter.
Suspension System
Today the suspension system has become essential for a mountain bike and with improved technology, suspensions are now cheaper and simpler to handle. This is evident in fork suspension system of hardtail mountain bikes.
Knowing about the components of a mountain bike will make your bike live long and healthy always ready for a rousing journey.
There is a lot of history and information out there in regards to the history and origins of mountain biking, with some being recognized and some that depends on who has the best firm of public relations.
Some say that mountain biking began with the Buffalo Soldiers, which was a turn of the century infantry who customized bikes to carry gear over the rough and tough terrain. They began in August of 1896, over the course of 800 miles. Their mission was simple - to test bikes for military use in the toughest of terrain.
Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France that started mountain biking. The club was comprised of 20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that resembles present day mountain biking.
It could have also been John Finley Scott, who was the first mountain biker in the U.S. In 1953 he constructed what he called a 'Woodsie Bike', using a diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars, and cantilever brakes. He was more than 20 years ahead of his time. Even though he remained an off road enthusiast, there were many at that time who didn't share that same passion.
Today, we believe that the history of the mountain bike is most apparent in Northern California. There are a few areas that claim to be the first community for mountain biking, although each and every history book will tell you Marin County.
The sport of mountain biking has taken many twists and turns over the last several hundred years. Even though there are many that say different things about the history and the beginning, we know one thing for sure - one thing has led to another and the sport of mountain biking was born.
Types Of Mountain Biking
As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split into 9 different categories. These categories are very versed in what they offer. They are:
1.BMX
BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels.
These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.
2.Cross country
This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it's the least extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.
3.Cyclo cross
This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.
4.Dirt jumping
Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.
5.Downhill
Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.
6.Freeride
Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express yourself. These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see fit.
7.Single speed
No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that's done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical problems and a lighter bike.
8.Street and urban
This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles. Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.
9.Trails
Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.
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A mountain bike is particularly designed for riding on uneven and bumpy areas. Most mountain bikes have fat knobby tires, which ensure extra traction and appropriate shock absorption. A full front and rear suspension is becoming more common in the recent models of bikes meant to run on mountainous surfaces.
Modern bikers are less fond of handlebars and extensions though some bicycles under this particular variety are provided with end bars on the handlebars. Wheels of mountain bikes range from 26 to 29 inches. The larger wheels have better rolling capabilities and helps in rotational weight thereby making slower acceleration aptly possible.
The Best Varieties Of Mountain Bicycles
Enduro Mountain Bikes
The weight of Enduros vary between 30 to 35 pounds. These bikes feature greater suspension travel, say about 150mm of front and rear travel. They have been perfectly designed so as to ride the rough terrains with ease and satisfaction on the part of the rider.
Downhill Mountain Bikes
These bikes provide 8 or more inches of suspension traveling. The bodies of these bikes weigh less, which make them more apt for racing. Downhill mountain bicycles have tough construction and as they have provisions like large, high gears, they are aptly suited for riding down out-and-out downhill trails and racecourses. Most downhill riding requires high-speed movement for which these bikes are provided with one chain ring, a large bush guard and a chain guide. In fact, Downhill Mountain biking is the most popular form of competition biking.
Dirt Jumping Bike
Dirt jumping bikes come in two types, Urban and Street Mountain bikes. These bikes are variable combinations of trial bikes like, BMX bike and freeride bike. This specific bike variety is extremely strong and possesses 0 to 4 inches of front suspension. They are mostly without any rear suspension along with fast-rolling, slick and semi-slick tires
Some other significant bike forms include Cross-Country Mountain Bikes, Freeride Mountain Bikes, Trials Mountain Bikes, Single-Speed Mountain Bikes and North Shore Mountain Bikes.
Mountain Bikes – Monarchs Of The Mountains
Depending on suspension, mountain bikes can be largely classified into four different varieties:
1. Soft Tail Bikes – These are bikes with negligible rear suspension. These bikes are made active by the flex of the frames rather than the pivots
2. Fully rigid bikes – Such bikes are provided with hardtail along with firm fork system
3. Bikes having dual or full suspension – These machines on road come with front suspension fork and rear suspension along with rear shock and linkage. Such mechanisms enable the rear wheel move smoothly on pivots
Hardtail Bikes – These bike varieties have frames without any rear suspension. More often, such bikes are provided with front suspension forks
The contemporary bikes for mountains are provided with stronger and lighter frame types in addition to pioneering form and design. The built of these bicycles give way to forceful riding over rocks, logs, wooden bridges and fabricated ramps.
Some of the most notable and advanced companies who have come forward to introduce the up-grading models of bikes include Manitou, Rock Shox and Fox together with other notable makers. When you ride a bike, you are likely to make mistakes and the fault may not always be yours. Accidents and disasters can happen due to equipment malfunctioning or a wrong judgment as far as the rider is concerned. To put an end to such absurdities a number of companies have appeared on the scene with protective gears also known as armors.
Such equipments have been designed in a way so as to keep you absolutely safe from physical damages. The most significant upper body protectors for expert riders include full-face helmets, spine protector and backpack hydration system. Before unleashing the beasts on the craggy lanes, the makers of mountain bikes have indeed kept in mind the present trends and demands.
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