| The designs for mountain bikes can be classified in | | | | staying safe. The second most important step is that |
| three categories based on suspension: | | | | you should always ride in control of your mountain |
| 1. Hardtail - A frame with no rear suspension, often | | | | bike. |
| containing a front suspension fork. | | | | By riding in control you'll not only prevent crashes, but |
| 2. Fully rigid - This is a sub type of hardtail, with a | | | | keep others on the trail safe as well. When riding out |
| rigid fork. | | | | of control you loose the ability to adjust to the |
| 3. Dual or full suspension - These bikes offer a front | | | | terrain as you ride over it. This can and usually does |
| suspension fork and a rear suspension that are | | | | result in serious injury to yourself and others. |
| integrated into the frame. | | | | Follow these helpful guidelines and you'll remain safe |
| 4. Soft tail - Offers a frame with a small amount of | | | | when riding your mountain bike. |
| rear suspension, normally less than a full suspension | | | | Gear |
| frame. | | | | Always make sure that you wear a helmet and other |
| The different designs of bikes in mountain biking will | | | | necessary safety gear for the conditions that you |
| offer you what you need for your unique style of | | | | plan to ride in. |
| riding. You'll want a different bike for different terrain, | | | | Never ride beyond your control |
| such as cross country or downhill. As the terrain | | | | There is never any shame in walking the areas of |
| changes, you'll want to make sure you have the right | | | | the trail that you don't feel comfortable in riding and |
| bike for the job. | | | | you should never let anyone else tell you that there |
| Mountain biking is different than any other sport, | | | | is. |
| offering you plenty of excitement and thrills. If you | | | | Keep your speed under control |
| are new to mountain biking, you'll find the different | | | | Always make sure you keep your speed at a level |
| designs to be very enticing yet very challenging at | | | | where you can quickly adjust to any obstacles or |
| the same time. Each design serves a purpose with | | | | change in the trail. |
| mountain biking, even some that excel on the trails. | | | | Knowing your trail |
| There are also several other designs which reflect on | | | | You should never push the limits on trails that you |
| the manny challenging disciplines in the sport of | | | | aren't familiar with. You should take trails you aren't |
| mountain biking. No matter what type of mountain | | | | familiar with at slow speeds until you learn them |
| biking you like to do, there are bikes for that specific | | | | better. |
| discipline. | | | | Slow down around blind corners |
| If you are new to mountain biking, you'll want to | | | | If you can't see past a corner you should always |
| check out the many designs and types of biking | | | | slow down, as you never know who or what is |
| before you purchase a bike. Mountain biking can be a | | | | around it. |
| lot of fun and excitement, although it can also be | | | | Start small then go big |
| very dangerous if you don't have the right bike for | | | | Work your way up to stunts or obstacles. Practice in |
| the terrain. Before you decide to buy a bike and hit | | | | less difficult or dangerous situations before you move |
| the trails, make sure you have the right design of | | | | up to something more dangerous. |
| mountain bike for the riding you are planning on doing. | | | | Playing it smart |
| Mountain Biking Safety Tips | | | | If you start to question what your doing, you |
| There are numerous ways that you can improve | | | | probably shouldn't be doing. Always think about what |
| your mountain bike safety. Many riders will tell you | | | | you are doing and go with your instincts. |
| that wearing a helmet is the most important step to | | | | |